Neumann College student Jaffir Rice interned with the congregation’s Office of Corporate Social Responsibility during the summer of 2006. Read about his experience–as told by him and Sister Nora Nash, the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility.
 |
|
I've been listening to living history. |
Looking across the great lawn from Neumann College, Our Lady of Angels Convent of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia looks like nothing more than a gray stone castle with a red dome peaked by a golden cross. However, once you step inside, you realize that the very essence of who the sisters are is translated into the many offices, services, and projects they work on daily. Not only is the convent an office complex; it also provides housing for several dozen sisters, houses the Franciscan Spiritual Center, contains its own dining facilities, and is surrounded by carefully, meticulously maintained natural lands.
I was fortunate enough to become a member of the Franciscan family as I completed my internship in the Office of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As a student, I learned that this office monitors the investment portfolio of the congregation, participates in shareholder advocacy, and administers community development loans and social justice grants. I was given many opportunities to use my talents and skills in support of the mission to “speak out for justice and share resources.” I completed a major research project and helped Sister Nora Nash, CSR Director; Tom McCaney, CSR Associate Director; and Sister Albertus Dougherty, CSR Secretary, with tasks that would have otherwise taken longer. It became clear over time that the office staff appreciated my information technology and computer skills.
With the help of Sister Nora, I was employed in the convent dining room several times a week. This allowed me another opportunity to be engaged with the sisters and staff on a different level. I came across many people during my stay and always felt welcomed. Every face I came across had a smile on it. People were eager to know who I was and if I was a student at Neumann. I then realized that Neumann College was the end result of many years of work by the sisters. I found it fascinating to sit down during lunch and hear stories of the human chain to stock the Neumann College Library or how much of the convent had to be relocated during the repairs to fix the broken pipes on the ground floor. I also heardstories of the famous tunnel that connected the college and convent. Ihave been listening to living history. These strong, determined women literally built the school that now enrolls approximately 3,000 students and impacts lives the world over.
For me to sit and try to name all the people who have impacted my life this summer would be unfair because I would forget someone. Instead, I will say that I am grateful and thankful to have met my coworkers in Dining Services, the friendly receptionists that buzzed me in every morning, the sisters whom I met in the halls or on the elevator, those I’ve had lunch with, the people who tend to Red Hill Farm, the groundskeepers, Josie in Human Resources, all the wonderful people who staff congregational services, the computer guys who are always available, congregational leadership, and most importantly, Sister Nora, Tom, Sister Albertus, Sister Anita Cattafesta (former Director of Sponsorship), and Sister Marijane Hresko (current Director of Sponsorship). They made my experience here worthwhile.
The moments and memories I have created here will not beforgotten. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and Our Lady of Angels Convent have another advocate at Neumann College. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity!
Jaffir Rice
Neumann College
Class of 2006
Neumann Interns and Volunteers: A Valuable Experience
What does it mean to have a student from Neumann College come to work in the“Castle?” Students work in various capacities--in the kitchen-dining area, in Assisi House (the congregation’s retirement residence), in the Franciscan Spiritual Center, and in the Corporate ResponsibilityOffice. During the past five years, many students from Neumann have shared their wisdom with us in the Office of Corporate Social Responsibility. Each student who comes as intern or volunteer brings different gifts and always leaves with a greater desire to work for change in some small corner of their world.
Jaffir Rice had a remarkable opportunity to be on campus for an entire summer and breathe in our Franciscan spirit from the college to the kitchen to the dining room and to the many, many ways we address our call to be truly present to our global community. As indicated in his reflection, his experience not only helped him to appreciate his wonderful education at Neumann College, but also enabled him to enter the journey of its founding. He truly enjoyed the many ways that the sisters and employees at the Glen welcomed him and I am most grateful to all those who enriched his experience.
His presence in my office made for tight quarters but the amount of work that was accomplished and the many moments of fun and sharing will not be forgotten. His expertise with various computer programs will enable us to access data more efficiently and his research on various companies gave us a head start on the new season of shareholder advocacy. Above and beyond that, we were blessed to have a student with a deep desire to deepen his religious faith as well as his understanding of Franciscan religious life. Jaffir took time to look at the window of his own life and in doing so, enabled us to name patterns and panes in our lives. I believe that after his summer with us, the “Castle” was no longer imaged as a grey stone building but as one of life, mission, vision, and a dream that will reach far and wide.
Sister Nora Nash
Director
Corporate Social Responsibility
For information about a Corporate Social Responsibility
internship, contact us at CorpSocResp@osfphila.org.
