WISHING A VERY HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO MARTHA CURRY, RSCJ

June 30, 2016 ~  Today a very treasured friend, mentor, former English professor and fellow alumna of Barat College celebrates her 90th birthday.  Yes, it is true Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ is celebrating her 90th birthday! This past Sunday many friends and family members gathered to kick off this milestone celebration with Martha and her fellow RSCJ community in Hyde Park.  What an enjoyable afternoon we all had as we reminiscent and paid tribute to her.  

For those who still wish to purchase a copy of Sr. Curry's book, BARAT COLLGE: A Legacy, A Spirit and A Name - click here for more info.

Blessing of the Cupola: Dedication Ceremony Woodlands Academy and Barat College Campus Reunited

Barat College Cupola

Blessing of the Cupola

Almighty and everlasting God, may this cupola be a reminder to all that you gave us this land to expand our academy and build a college that carried the name of our foundress, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat. May this cupola be a place of peace and repose, and may it remind us of the many who have served and studied on these sacred grounds. 

Pictured above l-r: Nancy Kehoe, RSCJ, Cindy Cox, Meg Steele,
Irma Patricia Reiss, RSCJ, Heidi Kuharich, Scott Eisenstein, Barbara Wood-Prince,
Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ and Meg's mother, Tammy Mullen Steele, MC'65

The early morning thunderstorms and the threat of more rain did not seem to dampen the spirits of the attendees who traveled near and far to Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart for a dedication ceremony and open house on Friday, September 18, 2015.  Yes, I did say far, as some attendees traveled from Boston, Indianapolis, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C. just to attend this event.  The following Religious of the Sacred Heart were also in attendance: Susanne Cooke, RSCJ, Director of the Sacred Heart Conference; Martha Curry, RSCJ, Barat alumna and author of the book Barat College: A Legacy, A Spirit and A Name; Woodlands Trustees; Margaret McDonnell, RSCJ and Nancy Kehoe, RSCJ; and Irma Patricia Reiss, RSCJ, Barat alumna aka "Sr. Patsy", Religious of the Sacred Heart in Residence.

Ms. Meg Steele, who began her tenure as Head of School on July 1, 2015 greeted the seated guests outside the former Sr. Madeleine Sophie Cooney Library.  The former Cooney library designed by Dirk Lohan was the last building built in the late 1990's on the campus of Barat College. The college closed in 2005 and all buildings on the original 43 acre site were eventually razed with the exception of the Library. Ironically, I attended the Sister Madeleine Sophie Cooney Library dedication ceremony 18 years prior on September 18, 1997. The 20,000 sq ft. building has been beautifully repurposed and renamed the Gloria Dei Center. The Center will serve both the Woodlands and Lake Forest communities.

The Dedication Ceremony was spilt into two parts -  Part I: Lessons and Prayers and Part II: Blessing of the New, Expanded Campus.  The following were invited to the podium by Head of School, Meg Steele to give either a prayer or lesson:  Mrs. Amy Perlick, Director of the Woodlands Academy Global Education Center; Ms. Madonna Edmunds, Principal; Mrs. Barbara Wood-Prince, Chair, Board of Trustees; Mrs. Mary Gramins, Campus Minister; and Sister Irma Patricia Reiss, RSCJ, Religious of the Sacred Heart in Residence.  Sister Suzanne Cooke, RSCJ, Director of the Sacred Heart Conference gave a celebratory reflection and final blessing of the cupola.  The cupola along with many other (internal and external) parts of the campus were salvaged during the demolition  of the Barat College campus. The restored cupola will rest in a prominent space on the front lawn and be surrounded by a garden.

It was a lovely day despite the cloudy skies and the threat of more rain. It was also a hopeful beginning to bringing this site that in the 19th century, the Fifth Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart, Mabel Digby, RSCJ envisioned would impart a Sacred Heart education to all who stepped foot on this campus in beautiful Lake Forest, Illinois to now be reunited in gratitude, generosity and grace.

Nick Prokos, Master Potter, Sculptor and former Barat College Professor and Art Dept Chair has Died

Photos taken at Prokos Studio Open House May 1, 2011 ~ Pictured with Nick are:
Mary Schumacher, RSCJ, Martha Curry, RSCJ,  MER and Michael Boruch

The following news of Nick Prokos' death was forwarded to me by a fellow alumna who received word of Nick's passing from his son John.  I promised to post his obit (posted first on his son Michael's Facebook page who is also a potter) and pass this info on so that his former students and faculty members of Barat College would be apprised of Nick's passing on August 24th.  Personally, I will treasure my last visit with Nick on May 1, 2011 and most especially the beautiful vase that I purchased that day.  May Nick and all the former lay faculty and rscj of Barat College who have died rest in peace. 

Teacher and sculptor, Nicholas G. Prokos, of 1698 1st Street, a 55 year resident of Highland Park, passed away peacefully on August 24th, 2015 at Highland Park Hospital. Mr. Prokos was born May 17, 1934 in Escanaba, Michigan. He was the fourth son of Greek immigrants, George and Koula Prokos.

“Prok”, as he was nicknamed, was well known in local and regional art communities as an artist, teacher and professor. His son, John, remarks “Dad couldn’t walk more than a block in Highland Park before being greeted by a former student or friend”. He had a major and lasting impact on many throughout his teaching career. His many former students continued to visit him through the years at his home and studio in Highland Park, some traveling from as far away as Japan to visit their beloved professor and teacher.

Mr. Prokos taught ceramics for over 35 years. He received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and his M.A. from Wayne State University. As a young man, in 1961, he received his Illinois State Teaching Certificate and secured a position with the Highland Park School District, teaching at Highland Park H.S. In 1963 he opened the studio, Ravinia Stoneware Studio, on Roger Williams Ave. In 1964, he purchased the First Street property and at that location, re-opened the ceramics studio with his wife, awarded book illustrator, Jean Cassels. There, they owned and operated a clay company, created and produced their own work, and taught. Prok would occasionally host other notable potters such as Paul Soldner and Peter Volkous.

In 1969 he began teaching at Barat College in Lake Forest where he earned tenured status and served as Chairman of the Art Department. He was a ceramics professor at Barat for 23 years. He also taught at Lake Forest College, The Art Institute of Chicago, Mundelein College, Eastern Michigan University, and St. Cloud State College.

Mr. Prokos’ works were exhibited nationally and internationally and are in the permanent collections of The Art Institute of Chicago, The Illinois State Museum, Kenosha Art Museum, Springfield Art Association, Wayne State University, South Bend Art Association, and the International Minerals & Chemicals Co.

Mr. Prokos put his artistic talent to work by serving his community. In 1985, he received the Community Service Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association for outstanding contributions for the advancement of parks and recreation in the state of Illinois. He also served for many years on the Highland Park Design Review Committee.

Mr. Prokos was passionate about building and flying model airplanes and shared his numerous talents with family, friends, and students. Additionally, he was a talented golfer and a long time member at Sunset Valley Golf Course. He inspired many and will be greatly missed.

Mr. Prokos was preceded in death by his son, George, and is survived by his sons, Michael  (Mindy) and John (Saraswoti), two grandchildren, Nicholas and Chloe, and four brothers, Charles, John, James and Konstantin.

Plans for a memorial service have not been finalized. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to "The Nicholas Prokos Scholarship Fund" at The Art Center - Highland Park.

Donations may be sent to:

The Art Center-Highland Park

1957 Sheridan Road

Highland Park, IL 60035

847-432-1888

Donations can also be made by credit card or paypal online atwww.theartcenterhp.org

###

The following excerpt was taken from page 183 of the book BARAT COLLEGE: A Legacy, a Spirit and a Name.  “Very suddenly, in July 1972, at the age of forty-five, Father Reicher died from a ruptured appendix.  Barat’s faculty, administration, student body, and his many friends attended his memorial Mass celebrated in the Drake Theatre when the fall semester commenced. The next year, the chair of the Art Department, Nicholas Prokos, established Barat’s first permanent art gallery in honor of Father Reicher. The Reicher Gallery provided an important venue for shows by outside artists as well as senior art majors.”    

To read more about the history of Barat College - contact Martha Curry, RSCJ

For the Love of Ireland A Historical Novel by Judy Leslie

Margaret Frances Buchanan Sullivan (1847-1903)
Sacred Heart Alumna ~ Detroit, Michigan
(photo taken from Barat College a Legacy, a Spirit and a Name by Martha Curry
and courtesy of her great grandnephew Peter Buchanan of Berkley, Michigan)  

As Saint Patrick's Day has come to a close and I sit at my desk doing research, I have discovered a book For The Love of Ireland - A Historical Novel by Judy Leslie which I am anxious to read. What I find so fascinating about this book is that Margaret Frances Buchanan (Mrs. Alexander Sullivan) a Sacred Heart alumna is one of the main characters! 

Margaret Sullivan was born in Ireland, she was the youngest child of John and Susan Buchanan who settled in Detroit, Michigan in the 1850's.  Margaret was educated at the Sacred Heart Convent in Detroit.  Her obituary states that "she was a proficient Greek, Latin and French scholar".  She taught in the public schools in Detroit and then traveled to Chicago to begin her career as an editorial writer for the Chicago Chronicle.  When she first came to Chicago as a single woman with no family she lived at the convent of the Sacred Heart on Taylor Street and according to Martha Curry, RSCJ on page 28 of her book, Barat College a Legacy, a Spirit and a Name, Margaret Buchanan "moved into the convent on Taylor Street as a 'parlor boarder', neither a student in the boarding school nor one of the nuns."  

Margaret Buchanan married Alexander Sullivan in 1874 and while living in Chicago became active with fellow Sacred Heart alums. By 1896, she was serving as president of the Chicago Alumnae Association which included mostly alums from either Taylor Street (now located in Lake Forest, IL) or State Street in Chicago (now located on Sheridan Road).

click here for a summary of the book

The following was compiled from official obituary notices posted in various newspapers after her death and taken from the website For The Love of Ireland - A Historical Novel by Judy Leslie.

Margaret’s career as a journalist spanned over 30 years, a remarkable feat for a woman during the Gilded Age. Though publishing without a byline or under an alias to hide her identity as a woman, Margaret Frances Buchanan Sullivan was well known on both sides of the Atlantic as an author and editorial writer during Charles Anderson Dana ‘s lifetime.  She was a frequent contributor to The New York Sun and an editorial writer for Chicago Times in the days of Wilbur F. Storey.  In addition, Margaret was an editorial writer for several Chicago daily newspapers including the Chicago Tribune, and for leading journals of New York and Boston.  In 1895, she held the position of chief editorial writer for the Chicago Times-Herald.  In 1901 she was a writer and art critic for the Chicago Chronicle.

After covering the Charles Stewart Parnell trial in London 1889, Margaret went to the Exposition Universelle (a World's Fair held in Paris, France from  May to  October) as the only official special cable-correspondent representing the Associated Press.  At the opening ceremony, she was the only writer to whom a seat was assigned in line with Jules Simon, the president of France.  Margaret was the only representative of the press invited to assist at the ceremony.  However, this required some finessing on her part.  Upon arriving in Paris, she discovered that she was not permitted to sit with the other press members because of her gender.  When she went to the French Ministry for assistance she was refused.  Margaret quickly sent off two telegrams in the presence of the Minister, one addressed to US Secretary of State, James Blaine and the other to the president of the Associated Press.  Needless to say, the French Minister jumped to accommodate her.

By the turn of the century, her book Ireland of To-Day had sold more than 30,000 copies.

Former Barat College Campus to be Repurposed by Woodlands Academy

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Illinois hosted a community meeting in its Chapel last Thursday to discuss and share plans for the expansion of its campus.  The expansion is made possible by the astounding gift of 23 acres of the neighboring former Barat College Campus donated by an anonymous donor to Woodlands Academy. The land transfer officially took place on December 12, 2012 the anniversary of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat's birthday.  

Referred to as Gloria Dei Project, Ralph Elwart, Member of the Woodlands Board of Trustees gave a comprehensive overview at the Open House last Thursday and afterwards answered questions from Sacred Heart alums and nearby residents. To view a video of the Lake Forest Plan Commission Meeting held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 - click here. 

For more info about the Barat College Campus click on this link to view the Woodlands Project Slides and to read local news - Lake Forester.

The evening ending with alums lingered to view the slides up close and speak to Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ, an alumna of Barat College and author of the recently published book, BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME. For more info on ordering a copy of Sr. Curry's book go to marthacurrybook.info

BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME by Martha Curry, RSCJ

Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ author of BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME was invited by fellow Barat College alumna Virginia Fitzgerald, Director of  Visitor Services at the Chicago History Museum to speak about her recently published book.  The Chicago History Museum was a perfect venue to sit and listen to Sr. Curry share the history of Barat College and read from various chapters of her book.   Afterwards Sr. Curry signed books while we enjoyed a delicious Gouter. Thank you Ginny for hosting us and thank you Sr. Curry for writing such an incredible history of BARAT COLLEGE!

If you wish to host a book signing or to learn more about Sr. Curry's book - click here

Martha Curry, RSCJ Book Signing at Chicago History Museum June 22nd

Sheila McGinn Dorman BC'79 and Martha Curry, RSCJ

Please join Sr. Martha Curry, rscj, in The Guild Room at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL from 2:30-4:30 pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013 to celebrate her book: Barat College: A Legacy, A Spirit, A Name. 

Woodlands Academy Hosted Martha Curry, RSCJ

Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ signs copies of her book at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

On Friday, October 5th, Woodlands Academy held their Sacred Heart Awards ceremony in the Chapel. Awards were based on Goal IV. A hearty congratulations go to the 1st Quarter Sacred Heart Award recipients: Freshman Diana Galarza and Arminda Downey-Mavromatis, sophomores Morgan Kohlmeyer and Laura Bartusiak, juniors Grace Carollo and Sarah Allen and seniors Yimin Zhang and Jeong Lim Kim. The adult award went to Chinese teacher Yu Gao.  

Before being dismissed Head of School, Gerry Grossman invited Sr. Patricia Reiss, RSCJ to the podium to introduced a special guest to the students.  Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ  author of the recently published book, BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME was invited to discuss some historical highlights of her recently published book. Afterwards many Sacred Heart alums and invited guests adjourned to the Haggarty Center for a reception and to have their books personally  signed by Sr. Curry.

Click here for info on how to order your copy of BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME.

Martha Curry, RSCJ Upcoming Book Signing Events Scheduled in the Chicagoland Area

Barat College of the Sacred Heart ~ Lake Forest, IL

Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ author of BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME will be making appearances and signing books at the following locations ...

• Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart. Lake Forest, Illinois. Friday, October 5, 10:00 talk, then book signing. 3:00-6:00 reception and book signing.
• Archives, DePaul University. Thursday October 25, 4:00-6:00, informal talk and book signing.
• Sacred Heart Schools at Chicago, Sheridan Road. Sunday, November 4, 2:00-4:00, reception and book signing
• Lake Forest / Lake Bluff Historical Society. Sunday, November 18, (Sunday before Thanksgiving) 3:00, talk and book signing.

The book will be sold at the events, or you may order it by calling Loyola Press at 1-800-621-1008; provide the book’s title the ISBN number, which is 3734-8. Price is $20, plus shipping. Payment may be made with a Visa, MasterCard, or personal check mailed to Loyola Press, 3441 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, Il 60657.

For further info ~ click here.

BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME (ISBN #3734-8)

Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ

Today is the Feast of Saint Martha and how appropriate that Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ has good news to share with us!  

"BARAT COLLEGE: A LEGACY, A SPIRIT AND A NAME" is now available for purchase!  The book cost is $20.00 plus shipping.  To order your book call Loyola Press at 1-800-621-1008 (M-F 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. CST)  Be sure to order by the title and supply the ISBN #3734-8

About Martha Currry, RSCJ

Martha Curry, a Religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart, is an alumna and former member of the English faculty of Barat College. Sister Curry holds a doctorate in English Literature from Loyola University, Chicago, with an emphasis in American Literature. During her years on Barat’s faculty, she made a specialty of teaching, publishing, and lecturing on Sherwood Anderson, Gertrude Stein, and James Joyce.

Sister Curry’s ministries after she retired from teaching at Barat College included campus ministry at Princeton University and Wayne State University and serving as director of the retirement community of the Society of the Sacred Heart in Albany, New York.

After Barat entered into an alliance with Depaul University in 2001, and DePaul decided to close the college in 2005, Sister Curry determined that Barat’s story had to be told. The legacy and spirit of its namesake, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, founder of the Society of the Sacred Heart, permeated the life of Barat College and permeates Sister Curry’s book.