Sister Achievements
Marian Harty, OP, was recognized for her years of service at Edgewood College by having a mathematics learning center named and dedicated in her honor. The Sister Marian Harty Mathematics Education Lab in Dominican Hall was dedicated on April 24 to recognize and honor all the ways that she has exercised leadership, teaching, and service within and for the college. Cecilia Carey, OP, presented Marian with a plaque that includes her sculpted portrait for her more than 40 years of dedication to the college. The Sister Marian Harty Scholarship Fund was also established by alums, friends, faculty, and students, which will make it possible for students studying in the math department to receive financial assistance. “She has worked selflessly for the college, always thinking of the needs of the students and college as paramount,” said a colleague.
Mary Ellen Winston, OP, was featured on the front page of the June 9 Chicago Tribune in the article titled, “The reprise of a 19th Century classic.” In 2001, the Sinsinawa Dominicans gave Steinway piano restorer Joel Lidstrom a battered, old Steinway piano in trade for restoration work on two other Steinway pianos at Sinsinawa Mound. “It seemed impossible that he could do anything with it but take it apart and use it for spare parts,” said Mary Ellen. When Joel started working on the piano at his home in Minnesota, he realized it was an 1883 Steinway that was originally used on stage in New York. After conducting about 1,200 hours and $200,000 worth of repair on the piano, Joel now lends it out for special occasions. Recently, it has been played at Chicago’s Ravinia; Minneapolis’ Orchestra Hall; and St. Paul’s Macalester College, and prominent artists have sung its praises.
Mary Nona McGreal, OP, is included in a colorful mural that surrounds the food service area wall at Edgewood College. The mural was dedicated on April 24. Joining Nona in the mural are St. Dominic, Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, and St. Catherine of Siena.
Charlotte Gould, OP, and Lynn Welsh, OP, were presented with an award for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa from Bishop Frank Dewane on behalf of the African Caribbean American Ministry (AFCAAM) during an appreciation luncheon for donors, tutors, and friends of AFCAAM. The award presentation recognized and honored the commitment and support given by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa to the people of the Dunbar and Fort Myers, FL, area.
Maureen McDonnell, OP, Margaret O’Brien, OP, and Associate Tim Andrews were recognized at the Edgewood College Faculty Staff Honors Convocation this spring. Maureen was honored for her 20 years at Edgewood College serving in campus ministry. Margaret was honored for serving 20 years in the school of education at Edgewood College. Tim was honored for 10 years of service at Edgewood College as arborist and grounds worker.
Marcella Hermesdorf, OP, received the Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Award April 27 at the annual Honors Convocation for Dominican University (DU), River Forest, IL. Colleagues selected Marcella for the biennial award given to a faculty member of the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences. The honor consists of a certificate and a $1,000 award.
Diane Kennedy, OP, was interviewed on television’s FOX Chicago Sunday on June 8. As Dominican University’s vice president of mission and ministry, she responded to questions regarding a controversy at St. Sabina, Chicago, where a priest was asked to take a leave of absence by the archdiocese after mocking a presidential candidate from the pulpit. “[The Church is] comfortable with ministers and priests who are committed to justice and concerned for the poor,” said Sr. Diane after being asked if the church is comfortable with having clergy take prominent roles in political affairs.
Mary Rathert, OP, was featured in an article titled, “Women’s Hearth to hold art show Friday” in the April 29 Spokesman Review newspaper. As director of Women’s Hearth in Spokane, WA, Mary explained the art is a way to show the women something concrete they can do after living with crisis. “[The show] was a big success,” she said.
Isabel Rafferty, OP, was awarded first place for an interactive multimedia installation titled, “Sacred Space” by the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA. Her project was selected to receive the top honor by a jury of industry professionals and artists which included the co-founder of Wired magazine.