Seton College, a new two-year postsecondary institution designed for low-income and first-generation students, celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 27 on the campus of the University of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale.
The inaugural cohort of 85 students were already sitting in class during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured words from Dr. Susan Burns, the university president; Donna Dodge, president of Sisters of Charity of New York, which originally founded the university and contributed the funds to make Seton College possible; and Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of New York.
The new college is “a dream come to life,” said Burns, who hosted alumni, staff and elected officials in a brand-new, light-filled gathering space for Seton students.
Seton College was designed in partnership with the Come to Believe Network, which serves as a sort of matchmaker for the school-within-a-school concept — all with the mission of showing diverse students, including those with low incomes and C grade point averages, that with proper support, they can succeed in higher education.
Burns called the opening day a “significant milestone” for educational inclusivity, adding that Seton is one-of-a-kind in the entire northeast region. She said nearly all students will graduate debt-free and prepared to enter the workforce or a four-year college — with many simply absorbing into the campus they are already on.
In an era where more and more Americans question the value of a degree, Seton offers not just a credential but a “supportive environment that fosters curiosity and a pursuit of excellence,” Burns said.
Walking past the new classrooms, seeing students seated and already learning, “How promising this is,” said the Archbishop as he led a prayer to bless the new institution. Dolan said the Seton students will be right at home within the “sense of welcoming, brightness and hospitality this campus exudes.”
Sen. Gustavo Rivera — who has been a professor at Pace University and Hunter College — told the Bronx Times he loved seeing more opportunities for young people in his district.
The fifth floor of Founders Hall, which now houses Seton College, used to be a decades-old storage area, Rivera said. Now, it has a small cafeteria, new classrooms and a high-ceilinged, wood-beamed lounge that feels like a cozy ski lodge.
“I’m in awe,” said Rivera.
All that underused storage space was “just waiting for this moment,” Burns told the Bronx Times.
Seton’s inaugural class has 85 students — just shy of the goal of 100 — but considering the delays caused by nationwide glitches with the redesigned federal financial aid application (FAFSA), Burns said she was thrilled with that number.
The students already completed some summer coursework and orientation meetings, so they are “warmed up to the experience” on day one of classes, said Burns. Seton students will complete the same core curriculum with the same level of rigor as the University of Mount Saint Vincent students, so the hope is that many will matriculate into the larger university after two years, she said.
But until then, Burns said she hopes Seton students will enjoy the “beautiful space that is just for them.”
“I can’t stop smiling,” she said.
Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
