{"id":2099,"date":"2022-05-24T08:14:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-24T08:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/?p=2099"},"modified":"2026-01-12T21:34:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T21:34:01","slug":"con-cur-at-mundelein-a-communitys-journey-in-radical-educational-reform","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/2022\/05\/24\/con-cur-at-mundelein-a-communitys-journey-in-radical-educational-reform\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Con-Cur\u2019 at Mundelein: A Community\u2019s Journey in Radical Educational Reform"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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This post is part of the WLA blog\u2019s 2022 series written by guest writers. These writers are graduate students in the Public History program at Loyola University Chicago. Each visited the archives during Fall 2021, delved into the collections, and wrote about a topic not yet explored here. We are excited to share their research and perspectives!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 1: Con-Cur Flyer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

During the tumultuous 1960s, Mundelein embarked on a curriculum reform experiment that the Chicago Sun-Times<\/em> called both \u201cperilous and courageous\u201d [1]. Through the Conference on Curriculum, or \u2018Con-Cur,\u2019 the students issued a series of proposals to radically alter their education with input from the \u201cTOTAL Mundelein College Community\u201d [2]. Led by the determined co-chairwomen Sister Kathleen O\u2019Brien and Sister Cathleen Stieber, students made their voices heard, successfully securing lasting change [3]. On the whole, this momentous event in the college\u2019s history brought together the entire Mundelein community to ensure each student could \u201crealize her potential as a human being\u201d through an education rooted in \u201copenness, creativity, and the freedom to inquire\u201d [4].   <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

In 1969, students\u2019 long dissatisfaction with Mundelein\u2019s \u201cgeneral education program\u201d bubbled over [5]. Culminating in the creation of the Curriculum Committee, students proposed that \u201cthe college community meet together for a three-day conference [\u2026] to discuss and explore the components of the kind of integrated and open education\u201d they deemed essential [6]. The conference required an immense amount of planning; as a result, a Steering Committee comprised of students, faculty, and administrators was created to ensure the conference\u2019s success [7]. Overall, they set out to \u201cnot only expose their dissatisfactions, complaints, and frustrations, but also to concretely <\/em>determine the directions Mundelein will follow\u201d [8]. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 2: Kathleen O’Brien, BVM, left, and Cathleen Stieber, co-chairwomen of Con-Cur <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

To come up with specific proposals, task forces were established. The main goal was the discontinuation of the Basic Studies program, to be replaced by a \u201cgeneral education component which would be offered, but not required,\u201d leading students to \u201cassume responsibility for their own education and determine their own goals\u201d [9]. Additionally, students desired a new program \u201cin Black studies taught by Black instructors,\u201d and new non-departmental majors [10,11]. Students also desired an overhaul of the advising system, faculty load and course offerings, a new academic calendar, a descriptive course bulletin, and an experimental college [12-16]. Likewise, the Creditation of Academically Relevant Experience (CARE) task force proposed granting students credit for independent study and \u201cprevious learning, experience, or productivity\u201d [17].  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 3: Coffee breaks and more discussion between student and faculty: L-R, Student Trish Riordan; and faculty members Gerald Honigsblum, Albert H. Miller, Dr. Ann Matasar, and Miss Silvia Hatjek<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Con-Cur finally took place January 15t<\/sup>h<\/sup>, 16th<\/sup>, and 17th<\/sup> in 1970. With over 300 members of the Mundelein community in attendance, including 251 students, 76 faculty, and 17 administrators, the conference was a success [18]. During the conference itself, keynote speakers addressed the conference and break-out groups took place to decide upon each proposal [19]. The shorthand for the conference itself, \u2018Con-Cur,\u2019 was chosen deliberately to \u201cinvoke the idea that all parties must concur on what needs to be done\u201d [20]. Importantly, all recommendations were accompanied by implementation deadlines to make them become reality [21]. Consequently, a committee was formed consisting of deans, faculty, and students \u201cto coordinate and implement the work of the Con-Cur task forces\u201d [22]. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Figure 4: Front Cover of Mundelein Today Vol 12. No 3, 1970<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As the conference concluded, students recognized that their job was far from over. In a letter to the administration, co-chairwomen O\u2019Brien and Strieber declared that the \u201congoing operations of Con-Cur\u201d must continue and that Mundelein had the duty to see these changes through [23]. In response, at the Faculty Senate Executive Council meeting in February, it was announced that college president Sister Ann Ida Gannon had \u201capproved all the recommendations of Con-Cur\u201d [24]. That spring, the consensus of the Curriculum Committee was that \u201cthe recommendations were being implemented and there was no need for the committee \u2013 so it was dissolved\u201d [25]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The community\u2019s response to Con-Cur was positive, with faculty, administrators, and students taking pride in Mundelein\u2019s commitment to listening to its members. Among the faculty, English professor Sister Jean Kellogg praised how students now possessed \u201cfreedom and self-determination to a far greater extent than is common at most colleges today\u201d [26]. Sister Marianne Littau happily proclaimed \u201cMy immediate response to Con-Cur is \u2018Hurray\u2019!\u201d [27]. Assistant History Professor David Orr also was impressed, stating that Con-Cur highlighted \u201cMundelein faculty\u2019s commitment to continuous reevaluation\u201d and was \u201ca good experiment. I think it worked with most students\u201d [28]. Student Cathy McLeod recalled that she felt prideful to be \u201ca fair arbiter of what should happen, to be an equal participant in what was happening\u201d [29]. Likewise, student Wandria Harris felt Con-Cur taught them \u201cabout compromising for the common good while still keeping their individuality\u201d [30].  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Con-Cur\u2019 was an important moment in Mundelein\u2019s history, a time when the community came together to decide upon the direction the school would take in the future. Through the hard work and dedication of students, faculty, administrators, and alumnae, the Mundelein community succeeded in bringing reforms to their curriculum and educational mission. This example of collaboration and listening to student\u2019s wishes has important meaning for current students. With Black Lives Matter protests, the push for fossil fuel divestment, and new ideas for curriculum, students today are also looking to better their institutions, and Con-Cur represents a shining example of how to communally effect lasting change.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Willow <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am a graduate student currently enrolled in Loyola University Chicago\u2019s Masters in Public History Program. My scholarly interests include 19th<\/sup> and 20th<\/sup> century America and the history of the modern Middle East. I aim to pursue a career where I work to engage the general public with history each and every day, hopefully at a museum, historic site, or through archival work and research. Outside of my passion for history, I am a stained-glass artist who designs windows and lampshades.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Endnotes<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[1] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. \u201cMundelein sets out to revamp its curriculum\u201d by Larry Weintraub, Chicago Sun Times. Jan. 21, 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[2] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Faculty Senate Meeting, Nov. 20 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[3] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Faculty Senate Executive Council Meeting. Feb. 17, 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[4] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. \u201cThe Curricularizing of Governance: A Treatise Inquiring into the We Came, We Saw, and We Conquered Phenomenon\u201d by Sr. Cathleen Stieber. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[5] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Con-Cur Flyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[6] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Faculty Senate Meeting, Nov. 20 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[7] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Letter from Sr. Kathleen O\u2019Brien to Sr. Ann Ida Gannon. Nov. 27, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[8] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Con-Cur Flyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[9] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. \tBox 238. Folder 14. Task Force on General Education. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[10] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Black Studies Program Proposal. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[11] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Non-Departmental Majors. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[12] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Proposal for Advising Program. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[13] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Course Offerings and Faculty Load. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[14] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. \tBox 238. Folder 14.  Calendar Task Force. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[15] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Descriptive Course Bulletin. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[16] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Experimental College. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[17] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force Concerned with the Creditation of Academically Relevant Experience and Independent Study (CARE). 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[18] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Attendance Sheet.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[19] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Con-Cur Flyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[20] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. \u201cMundelein sets out to revamp its curriculum\u201d by Larry Weintraub, Chicago Sun Times. Jan. 21, 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[21] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. \u201cMundelein sets out to revamp its curriculum\u201d by Larry Weintraub, Chicago Sun Times. Jan. 21, 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[22] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Implementation. 1970.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[23] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Letter from Sr. Kathleen O\u2019Brien and Sr. Cathleen Stieber to Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students, Trustees. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[24] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Faculty Senate Executive Council Meeting. Feb. 17, 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[25] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Implementation. 1970.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[26] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[27] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[28] Fraterrigo, Elizabeth. Interview with David Orr. Mundelein College History Project<\/em>. Voices from Mundelein: Media Portal. Nov. 18, 1998.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[29] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Hong, Regina. Interview  with Cathy McLeod. Share Your Story: Student Life at Mundelein Oral History Project<\/em> 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[30] Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Wandria Harris. \u201cIs the Spirit a\u2019 Moving,\u201d Take Issue<\/em> Vol. 4, June, 1970 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Images<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 1:<\/em> Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College  Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Con-Cur Flyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 2: <\/em>Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College  Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Mundelein Today<\/em> Vol. 12 No. 3. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 3:<\/em> Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College  Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Mundelein Today<\/em> Vol. 12 No. 3. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 4:<\/em> Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College  Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Mundelein Today<\/em> Vol. 12 No. 3. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bibliography <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aguirre, Robert. Ann Ida Gannon, BVM: A Lifetime of Leadership<\/em>. Chicago: Ann Ida Gannon, BVM, Center for Woman and Leadership, 2014.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraterrigo, Elizabeth. Interview with David Orr. Mundelein College History Project<\/em>. Voices from Mundelein: Media Portal. Nov. 18, 1998.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harrington, Ann M. and Moylan, Prudence. Mundelein Voices: The Women\u2019s College Experience, 1930-1991<\/em>. Chicago: LoyolaPress. 2001. Lacy, Tim. \u201cUnderstanding \u2018Strategies for Learning:\u2019 Pedagogy, Feminism, and Academic Culture at Mundelein College, 1957-1991.\u201d\u202fAmerican Catholic Studies<\/em>\u202f116, no. 2 (2005): 39\u201366. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Faculty Senate Meeting, Nov. 20 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Letter from Sr. Kathleen O\u2019Brien to Sr. Ann Ida Gannon. Nov. 27, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Steering Committee Meeting. Dec. 13, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. \u201cThe Church-Related College in American Society\u201d by Charles McCoy. Dec 9, 1969.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Letter from Sr. Kathleen O\u2019Brien to Sr. Cathleen Stieber. Jan. 12, 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Con-Cur Flyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Letter from David Orr to Sr. Ann Ida Gannon. Dec. 1, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. \u201cMundelein sets out to revamp its curriculum\u201d by Larry Weintraub, Chicago Sun Times. Jan. 21, 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Letter from Sr. Kathleen O\u2019Brien and Sr. Cathleen Stieber to Administrators, Faculty, Staff, Students, Trustees. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on General Education. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Non-Departmental Majors. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Course Offerings and Faculty Load. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Black Studies Program Proposal. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force Concerned with the Creditation of Academically Relevant Experience and Independent Study (CARE). 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14.  Calendar Task Force. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Experimental College. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Descriptive Course Bulletin. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Proposal for Advising Program. 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Task Force on Evaluation. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box \t238. Folder 14. Task Force on Implementation. 1970.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box  238. Folder 14. Con-Cur Recommendations. 1970.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. \u201cThe Curricularizing of Governance: A Treatise Inquiring into the We Came, We Saw, and We Conquered Phenomenon\u201d by Sr. Cathleen Stieber. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Faculty Senate Executive Council Meeting. Feb. 17, 1970. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14. Cecilia Bodman, BVM. \u201cThe Rationale of Course Selections.\u201d Mar. 4, 1974.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box \t238. Folder 14. Interview with Sr. Ann Ida Gannon, Take Issue<\/em> Vol. 4, June, 1971.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein College Records. Box \t238. Folder 14. Wandria Harris. \u201cIs the Spirit a\u2019 Moving,\u201d Take Issue<\/em> Vol. 4, June, 1971. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Hong, Regina. Interview with  Cathy McLeod. Share Your Story: Student Life at Mundelein Oral History Project<\/em>. 2020. Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Mundelein Today<\/em> Vol. 12 No. 3. 1970. Mundelein College Records. Box 238. Folder 14.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\nLoyola University Chicago’s Women and Leadership Archives Blog is designed to provide a positive environment for the Loyola community to discuss important issues and ideas. Differences of opinion are encouraged. We invite comments in response to posts and ask that you write in a civil and respectful manner. All comments will be screened for tone and content and must include the first and last name of the author and a valid email address. The appearance of comments on the blog does not imply the University’s endorsement or acceptance of views expressed. Questions? Please contact the WLA at wlarchives@LUC.edu<\/a>. <\/em><\/span> \n\n
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This post is part of the WLA blog\u2019s 2022 series written by guest writers. These writers are graduate students in the Public History program at Loyola University Chicago. Each visited the archives during Fall 2021, delved into the collections, and … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2099"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2099"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2099\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2463,"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2099\/revisions\/2463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libblogs.luc.edu\/wla\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}