SXU dedicates “49ers Forest”

From left to right SXU President Judith A. Dwyer, Jill Roggeveen (rear), and Joan Guilfoyle ’39.

Chicago (Oct. 9, 2007) – Saint Xavier University dedicated a grove of trees on its Chicago campus as “The 49ers Forest” on Sunday in honor of graduates of the University’s former location at 49th and Cottage Grove.

The dedication also recognized the efforts of Joan Guilfoyle ’39, who founded The 49ers alumnae group. Nearly 25 years ago, Guilfoyle began hosting an annual luncheon for graduates of the 49th and Cottage location. The lunch grew, mainly through word of mouth, from four to the more than 65 attendees this year.

For the 2007 49ers Luncheon, Guilfoyle purchased a sapling for each person in attendance. The trees were symbolic of the grove, which is located just to the north of Mary’s Circle. A marker reads: “In tribute to the women who attended Saint Xavier College at 49th and Cottage Grove Avenue.”

“Mrs. Guilfoyle is a beloved and integral volunteer who helps to build and rebuild the relationships between alumni and the University,” said SXU Vice president for Advancement Steven Murphy. “She is constantly thinking of ways to encourage involvement and participation from her classmates and peers.”

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu