The History Club hosted a presentation titled “Once Upon a Time: Stories from Saint Francis University” on April 3.
Presented by alumnus Randall Frye, the program included stories dating back to 1850, when the Saint Francis Academy for Boys first opened.
“Dr. (Denise) Damico and the History Club invited me to speak over the years, but this is the first time that I was lucky enough to meet the current club,” said Frye. “The hope always is to make SFU history available to as many students as possible.”
Frye was voted SFU’s Mr. Frankie in 2018. He is the son of Randy Frye, Dean of the Shields School of Business. Randall said he has been linked to the University since his birth – an announcement of his birth was included in this publication.
Over the years, he has become well-versed in the institution’s long and colorful history.
“I love SFU history because it is the story that, in both big and small ways, contributed to the Saint Francis University that we love today,” said Frye, who teaches as an adjunct instructor in the school’s Core Curriculum Program. “Having grown up with SFU in the family, it doubles as family history for me.”
“Randall is the expert on SFU history,” said Professor of History Denise Damico. “I knew he would be a great presenter and ambassador for the importance of our University’s history, so I suggested to the club that we invite him to present.”
Frye believe events that focus on retelling the history of the institution are important.
“It gives perspective, as well as a sense of belonging to the students,” said Frye. “We are all part of the wider story of SFU and we each have a role to play in shaping the future.”
Damico agrees.
“It’s important, and even comforting, to understand that we are not alone in our experiences,” she said. “We are walking a path that others have walked before us.”
