Sister Dorothy grew up among 12 siblings in the open fields of Howells, Nebraska. She has devoted her life to education, faith, and community.
Sister Dorothy entered the community in 1947 after meeting the School Sisters of St. Francis as the teachers in her elementary school. She graduated from Alverno College in 1954, the first class to graduate from its current campus location on 43rd Street.
Her ministry began in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where she taught third and fourth grade at a challenging time in a deeply segregated region. Sister Dorothy and he other sisters ministering there committed themselves to treating every child equally, regardless of race. It was also where she first had to adapt religious lessons for a classroom of children who were mostly not Catholic. She did this with creativity and respect.
Sister Dorothy’s next assignment was to teach high school math, which she did for more than two decades. She had a gift and ability to help her students believe in themselves. Many students would seek her out, convinced that they could not “do math,” but by the time they left her class, they had newfound confidence.
In 1981, Sister Dorothy began teaching math in Alverno’s Instructional Services Department, and she continued in this role for more than 30 years, until her retirement in 2013. Sister Dorothy was deeply respected for her thoughtfulness, thoroughness, high standards, and ability to make difficult material feel approachable. Throughout her career, she was a trusted colleague and beloved mentor.
Outside the classroom, Sister Dorothy’s kindness has always left a lasting impression on her students, colleagues, and friends. She goes out of her way to stay in touch and remembers birthdays with cards or calls. She enjoys keeping up with her former students and their families, as well as supporting Alverno's extracurricular activities, such as participating for many years in the college’s 10,000 steps-a-day fundraising challenge.
In retirement, Sister Dorothy has enjoyed singing in the Sisters’ Schola and ensuring that technology runs smoothly for community gatherings. Now living at Sacred Heart, she continues to be known for her love of music, weekend games, and enjoying tasty desserts. Sister Dorothy gives everything of herself in all aspects of her life.
We are grateful to celebrate Sister Dorothy’s 75 years of joyful service, prayer, and life-giving ministry!