Of Glory, Of Praise

              From the beginning, the College was known for its academic excellence. Difficult entrance requirements, unbending rules of appropriate behavior and stringent curriculum formed the underpinnings of the institution. Unlike the curriculum offerings of the 1990s, the program of study offered little flexibility since each student, while pursuing a major in languages, mathematics, science, music or history, was also required to take courses in philosophy, religion and either scripture or church history Undaunted by the challenging regimen, the nineteen "frosh" delved into their studies with enthusiasm and dedication, and the secure knowledge that a devoted faculty was ever present to help them when needed. Indeed, this sense of caring remains one of the hallmarks of the Saint Rose experience.
In those early days, St. Rose Hall was the central location for just about all that transpired on the tiny Saint Rose campus. Social events generally were held in the "long parlor," first floor front, while classes convened in the rear assembly room. Until 1923 when St. Joseph Hall, the Colleges first permanent building, was constructed, meals were served in the east parlor or the assembly room. Library facilities were on the second floor while the former Keeler garage housed a science lab where chemistry classes were held.
Curriculum expansion and collegiate activities became a significant feature of the institution. By the time the young women in the first class became upperclassmen, the original course offerings were joined by German and Italian studies, as well as astronomy, biology and education. A chorus was formed and, as early as 1921, Canary Trills, a student newspaper, was being published. According to the official history written by Sr. M. Rosaleen Gilroy, CSJ, a member of the Class of 1924 and later a highly respected history professor on the Saint Rose faculty, the newspaper was named for a canary who consistently chirped and trilled near a classroom window in St. Rose Hall. This delightful music accompanied recitations and lectures, amusing the students who decided to honor their minuscule mascot by naming their publication in its honor.
Academic and extracurricular growth soon became the springboard for seeking additional faculty who, in turn, offered new scholarly studies which enticed more students to attend Saint Rose. More students called for still more faculty. A happy growth cycle was emerging. This healthy academic atmosphere, seeded in those early years, set the tone for a college that would continue to march that path in the future. Early on, Saint Rose understood that progress is a willingness to adapt and even change, something which could occur without sacrificing values, traditional concepts and commitments to the original vision.
With growth, physical as well as academic and curricular expansion became necessary. The Saint Rose family understood that increased registration meant that well-equipped and appropriate space would have to be made available to its students or the initial dream would simply fade away. Therefore, property adjacent to St. Rose Hall (Moran Hall) at 979 Madison Avenue was purchased and made ready just in time to receive the incoming freshman class in September 1921. Used as a dorm for the Class of 1925, St. Edmund Hall (Gibbons Hall) also provided additional classroom space. The following year, the College purchased a two-story house on Western Avenue. Named St. Cecilia Hall, it became another dormitory housing the members of the Class of 1926. The Class of 1927 also found a home on Western in St. Margaret Hall, a three-story building presented as a gift to Saint Rose on Christmas Eve 1922. St. Margarets later became the Music House as well as the home of the College's first resident chaplain, Fr. Alexander Roseman. (Both buildings were razed to make way for the new library built in the early '50s.)
The first Chapel, located on the second floor oj St. Rose Hall.