Brescia University College celebrates a century of women leading at Centennial Opening Ceremonies
January 24, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London, ON – Brescia University College will celebrate a century of women leading at its Centennial Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, January 27th, 2019. The 100th anniversary kick-off celebration will include a celebratory mass led by Bishop Ronald Fabbro; a Centennial Art Exhibition and the official unveiling of a painting of Brescia’s historic Ursuline Hall by Group of Seven artist, A.J. Casson.
In anticipation of the Opening Ceremonies, Brescia’s Principal, Dr. Susan Mumm, says, “In 1919 the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham, Ontario embarked upon an historic mission to establish a University where women could learn, grow and lead. On January 27th, the Feast of St. Angela Merici, we are thrilled to officially begin our year-long celebration and to pay tribute to our foundresses, while celebrating 100 years of women leading and ushering in our bright second century.”
January 27th also marks a significant day in Brescia’s deeper history as it is Feast Day of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline order in Brescia, Italy, dating back to the 16th century. Brescia’s opening event will include a variety of initiatives designed to encapsulate and reflect the University’s unique past and bold future. Highlights of the event, which is open to the media, will include:
A celebratory mass, led by Bishop Ronald Fabbro of the Diocese of London, which will
feature music by the Brescia Choir and special readings and participation by several
members of the Brescia and London community.
An Art Exhibition showcasing the works by 22 artists from London and region, selected
on the theme of Right Relationship and Peace. This will be the first of a series of
four Centennial Art Exhibitions, which will highlight the spirit of Brescia over the
past 100 years and leading into the next.
The official unveiling of a painting from Group of Seven artist, A.J. Casson. Commissioned
in the late 1920’s by Joe Pigott, of Pigott Construction that built Brescia Hall (now
Ursuline Hall), the painting illustrates Brescia’s historic building in its first
decade. Generously donated to the University by the Pigott Family in celebration of
its Centennial, the painting marks a proud home coming.
Media and members of the London community are invited to attend Brescia’s Centennial
Opening Ceremonies, taking place at Brescia’s St. James Auditorium and Beryl Ivey
Library on Sunday, January 27th, 2019 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Admission and parking
are complimentary. For additional information or to register, please visit: http://brescia.uwo.ca/100/events/st-angela-merici-day/
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Interview & Photo Opportunities
Date: Sunday, January 27, 2019
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Centennial Mass (Auditorium, St. James Building)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Reception (Living Room, St. James Building)
3:00 – 3:20 p.m. Opening Remarks, A.J. Casson Painting Unveiling and Cake Cutting
(Beryl Ivey Library)
3:20 – 4:00 p.m. Centennial Art Exhibition (Beryl Ivey Library)
For more information, please contact:
Colleen Aguilar, Director, Communications & External Relations at 519-432-8353, ext. 28293 or at colleen.aguilar@uwo.ca, or Caitlin Core, Communications, Marketing & External Relations Officer at 519-432-8353, ext. 28280 or at ccore@uwo.ca.
Brescia University College, Canada’s women’s university college, is affiliated with Western University. The 1,500 women registered as either full- or part-time students at Brescia study a wide variety of subjects in the Schools of Behavioural & Social Sciences, Food & Nutritional Sciences, Humanities and Leadership & Social Change in an empowering, compassionate, student-centred and invigorating environment. Degrees are granted by Western. The Catholic University College welcomes students from all backgrounds and values diversity. For more current and archived news, a listing of faculty experts, and photos please visit our Online Media Room, at http://media.bresciauc.ca/ .