News & Updates
Campaigns and Initiatives
Track & Field Complex Capital Campaign
Hilbert has announced plans for a $6 million capital campaign that will provide funding for a NCAA Division III-compliant track and field complex with an artificial turf field.
Learn More & Give
Alumni Office
Office of Institutional Advancement
President's Office
Kathleen Christy
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Call: (716) 926-8960
Email Kathleen
LeeAnn Petronsky
Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Engagement
Call: (716) 926-8963
Email LeeAnn
Meet Our Alumni Board
Campus News
Prayer Vigil Continues as it Marks One Year
Jan 20, 2004
HAMBURG, N.Y. – With frequent attacks by insurgents against the U.S.-led occupation force in Iraq and persistent unrest in the Middle East, Hilbert College will continue a prayer vigil it started nearly one year ago.
Since last February, the Hilbert Franciscan pilgrims have devoted more than 160 hours total to the Prayer for World Peace vigil. A dozen pilgrims have committed to the vigil one hour each weekday during the fall and spring semesters, along with their time dedicated during the summer months.
"The world is not at peace," said Hilbert President Sister Edmunette Paczesny, Ph.D. "Our troops are still in combat in Iraq and being attacked by resistance groups. Iraqi civilians are being killed and wounded. It’s apparent we must continue to pray for the safe return of our troops and for the safety of the Iraqi people."
The vigil had it roots early last year when a war in Iraq looked imminent, explained Sister Jacqueline Benbenek, who organized the vigil. Originally, the intention was to pray for a peaceful resolution to the Iraq conflict and other unrest in the world. With the start of the war, the focus then evolved into a quick end to the war and a safe return for U.S. troops, as well as for the safety of Iraqi civilians.
"At the beginning of the fall semester, the pilgrims discussed how it was best to proceed with the vigil," said Sister Jackie. "After seeing the situation in Iraq escalate and many other international crises go unresolved, the group decided to carry on the vigil as a way to contribute to universal peace."
Beyond this, the vigil’s focus is to pray for personal peace. "Individual peace is an important foundation," said Sister Edmunette. "We live in a very stressful world but with the vigil we’re given the opportunity for quiet reflection, helping us become more peaceful as individuals."
The Hilbert community is being encouraged to participate in the vigil, which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, by praying with the pilgrims in the college chapel.
Hilbert Magazine
Learn about our Hilbert initiatives, goals, alumni successes, and celebrations through our Alumni magazine. Our magazines are available through Issuu - allowing for the magnification of our content and the enlargement of text for easier reading.
View Latest Edition Visit the Archives
Share Your News
Started on a new adventure in life? Let us know! We love to spread the good news to about our Alumni.
Spread the News
Alumni Board
View our listing of current alumni board members.
View Now