Pat Muth
While my mother enjoyed all of her experiences at the old Villa Julie , there is one story she has often told to me since my own childhood . In 1951 or 1952 , my mother , who admired the voice and career of the famed operatic soprano Rosa Ponselle , had an idea . With several of her classmates , they went across the street and rang the doorbell of her beautiful Italianate home , Villa Pace . While Ms . Ponselle was not at home , her butler gave them a tour of the home and the beautiful furnishings . He even served them tea . She always considered this adventure to be a high point of her time at Villa Julie . ( As told by her son .)
Class of 1952
Stevenson University is saddened to report the passing of Frances Patricia ( Herbert ) Muth ’ 52 . A devoted alumna and supporter of Villa Julie and Stevenson , Frances passed away on August 9 , 2023 .
I
attended VJC for two years , from September 1967 until June 1969 , and made lifelong friends and many great memories . It was special because of its small size , an allgirls college , and the relationships that existed between faculty and students . We were treated like young women and with such respect . We were as close to some faculty as we were to each other . Although I ’ m not on campus much , I can still see that same closeness that was there before . Everyone is polite and friendly and students say “ hi ” to me as I walk by for a meeting . I don ’ t think that exists on most campuses , even small ones . I went to an all-girls high school but didn ’ t feel the respect and camaraderie that was always present at VJC . The faculty , which was small , knew most of the students and enjoyed mingling with us occasionally . Even the few Sisters that taught there were very open and friendly , sometimes going shopping with us !
Diane Wit
Class of 1969
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