In 1924, the Sisters of St. Joseph founded a women’s college in Chestnut Hill. Renamed Chestnut Hill College in 1938, CHC has been marking its centennial since late last year, finishing with a 100th anniversary Mass in the chapel of the campus’s Mother House convent. 

On June 1, Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Perez led the annual Alumni Weekend Mass.  The Archbishop skipped the podium (and the microphone) to deliver his sermon while strolling through the congregation. He praised the history of the college, noting its commitment to education, whether or not the students are religious. He also noted the passing of Pope Francis, and the challenges facing education. He said to the assembled, “As you begin the next hundred years, a better question to ask is how do we get Christ better known to these young people that come here.” 

Another speaker was Chestnut Hill College Interim President Dr. Brian McCloskey, who congratulated the faculty and the Sisters of St. Joseph, reminding the alumni that “a liberal arts education has never been more invaluable or more necessary.” McCloskey has been interim president since May 2024. Closing remarks were from Sister Eileen Marnien, SSJ, Congregational President, who thanked everyone for their support. 

Chestnut Hill College has a connection to other local schools as well: Mt. St. Joseph Academy, founded in 1858, was originally located where CHC is now. Norwood-Fontbonne Academy was also founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Our Mother of Consolation Parish School has been housed on CHC’s campus while reconstruction continues on their building. 

Founded as a women’s school, the now coed college has an average enrollment of 2,000 for undergraduate degrees and over 10,000 alumni.