Bicentennial Kick-off a Success!

The Mount’s Bicentennial Kick-Off was a huge success and we are looking forward to the 14-month celebration!

The week began with the Bicentennial Convocation and Mass held on Aug. 22. Some highlights of the week included the Waldron Family Stadium dedication and the premiere of the historic documentary, The Spirit Continues, which were held on Aug. 23.  The Bicentennial Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin Rhoades, the Founder’s Plaza dedication and a spectacular fireworks display were all held on Aug. 24. 

The Mount awarded 23 bicentennial medals and hosted more than 1,000 people over the three-day bicentennial celebrations.

Convocation, Wednesday, August 22
Opening Convocation included incoming students making an academic pledge to the university. Some priests wore new Bicentennial vestments while others wore historical vesments. Chalices from the Mount's archive collection were also used to celebrate the Eucharist. Bicentennial Medals were awarded to Rev. Dr. David W. Shaum, C'42, S'46, Rev. Paul V. Redmond, Rev. Mr. Stanley L. Dailey, S'08, Kelly-Jo Kibler, C'08, Cmdr. John W. Williams, Jr., USN (Retired), C'65, and Dr. John J. Dillon III, C'68

Waldron Family Stadium Dedication,
Thursday, August 23
The dedication was held at the Waldron Family Stadium and Lawrence E. Horning Field. Bicentennial Medals were given to Eugene M. Waldron, Jr. C'64, and Carol Horning Woehrle.

Bicentennial Movie Premiere,
Thursday, August 23
"The Spirit Continues" premiered at the Gateway Theater in Gettysburg with a reception before at the Wyndham Hotel. "The Spirit Continues is more than a story about one university,” says Mount President Thomas H. Powell. “It’s about how history shapes all of us—how what happened here in Maryland was a reflection of what was going on in the broader world. I think viewers will be surprised at what they learn about the Mount, for example, there’s a Civil War reenactment in the film, Babe Ruth was “discovered” on our Echo Field and saints have walked these grounds.” Produced by Virginia Wolf Productions and MVI Post, the film took almost three years to finish and will air on public broadcast television later this year.

Mass, Friday, August 24
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Rhoades, Diocese of Harrisburg, former rector of Mount St. Mary's Seminary.

Timeline Ribbon-cutting,
Friday, August 24
The ribbon was cut by Ryan Audy, C'08 and member of the Bicentennial Commission; and Caprice Gray, C'11

Unveiling of John DuBois statue in Founder's Plaza,
Friday, August 24
The bronze statue of John DuBois by artist Bill Hopen was unveiled Friday at the Founder's Plaza. The statue was blessed by Bishop Rhoades. Bicentennial Medals were awarded to Bil Hopen, Dick Ridgway, C'58, and John Walsh, C'58