 Dean's Welcome
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share some information about myself and why I am committed to the Aberdeen Catholic School System the Roncalli Schools.
I began my teaching career at Roncalli High School in 1970. From that time until the present, I have continued my affiliation with the Aberdeen Catholic School System in a variety of roles. I have served as Dean of ACSS since July 2001.
Our children are both Roncalli graduates, whose ACSS education served them well. Our daughter went on to graduate from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and currently produces the news for the top ranked television news in Providence, RI. Our son graduated from Yale University and is the Deputy Chief of Staff for SD Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin. My husband, Mike, is mayor of Aberdeen. My hobbies include traveling, especially to see our grandchildren, reading and walking.
I want to share with you some memories of the pilgrimage to Rome I made with 33 other people, in the summer of 2003, all of whom had some connection with the Roncalli schools. Many were graduates; many had children or grandchildren attending Roncalli. During the ten day pilgrimage, the group saw Pope John Paul II, celebrated the Eucharist at ten different altars in five different cities, in churches that were magnificent basilicas and in churches that report of humble parishes. We met wonderful people, viewed majestic Renaissance art, ate great food, and toured beautiful countryside.
Yet, the time I treasured most, was, without a doubt being present at the altar of Blessed John Roncalli, our Pope John XXIII. The body of Pope John lies in state, glass enclosed at an altar in St. Peter’s. The entire group was overcome with a feeling of wonder and awe, to be standing before the altar of this blessed man, who has played such a significant role in the lives of thousands of Roncalli graduates and their families, for the past 40 years.
In 1964, the name selection committee for our schools felt that the new high school, Roncalli, should be dedicated to the same objectives as that of Pope John XXIII, to assist the Catholic students of Aberdeen to meet the challenges of modern times and to also promote truth, unity and peace. Blessed John promoted social justice and belief in the dignity of all. We continue to strive to follow in his path, in diverse and yet equally important ways. Our one-on-one student laptop initiative is an attempt to prepare our students to meet the challenges of modern times. We are committed to making a Catholic education affordable for all who want to attend, following the social justice path Blessed John promoted. And, our mission statement embodies the importance of truth, unity and peace—Catholic values which were so important to Blessed John.
The faithful and generous parents and our Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s parishes make it possible for us to continue to follow the teachings of our Church and of Blessed John. I think I have the most wonderful work imaginable and am blessed to lead this wonderful learning community!
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Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401