Celebrating St. Catherine University

On June 1, 2009, a bright, sun-splashed morning, St. Catherine University became a reality. Andrea Lee, IHM, the tenth and last president of the College of St. Catherine assumed the presidential leadership of St. Catherine University. This transformative event was celebrated by a jubilant procession from Gate 1, up the hill to the chapel, led by President Andrea Lee, Professor Emerita Mary Virginia Micka, CSJ. '43, and Former College President Catherine T. McNamee, CSJ, (1979-1984), along with musicians. The Sisters of St. Joseph present were invited to be the next with the rest of the St. Catherine community following these incredible women -- the school's historic and inspiring staff. models, and patrons.

The procession filed into Our Lady of Victory Chapel to pray in gratitude for our founders and our legacy and to ask for wisdom, strength, and blessings on the future. In a moving service, President Lee asked that we could continue to be that light shining on the hill. After music, readings, and prayers, the community sang the "Hymn to St. Catherine" with a new verse added:

The Gathering

Here are some photographic highlights of the momentous day's celebration. The evening will be marked by a President's Forum event to recognize donors for their support and loyalty. It begins with a service in Our Lady of Victory Chapel with Archbishop Emeritus Harry J. Flynn presiding. The service will feature a symbolic re-inauguration of Andrea J. Lee, IHM as President of St. Catherine University. A reception and dinner will follow in Coeur de Catherine's Rauenhorst Hall.

During the dinner address, President Lee will unveil "2020 Vision," the strategic directions and priorities taking St. Catherine University to the year 2020. For more ...






The New University









The Prayer and Musical Bridge


The Reception









Elizabeth Delmore '43 and Mary Harron '50, both CSJs, help celebrate the event.

Many alumnae will remember Sister Elizabeth as the St. Catherine Librarian who in October 1960 oversaw, with Sister Eleanor Lincoln, the transfer of the books from the library in the basement of Our Lady of Victory Chapel and the library reserve in the little building (later the bookstore and now the security building) east of Derham Hall over to the new Library. Starting at 9 a.m. with the song "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from "Oklahoma" blasting, the students moved the books in crates from Schmidt Brewery. So smooth was the operation that all the books were in place on their new shelves by noon, in time for a lunch. This event was a favorite memory for many alumnae of the time, noted in their reunion reminisces.