Noteworthy Administrators, Professors, and Support Staff
Noteworthy Administrators, Professors, and Support Staff highlights the lives and contributions of the Sisters at Seton Hill College. From the laundry room and the science labs to the President's office, the guiding spirit and influence of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill remained a mainstay on campus throughout the 20th century.
Sister Rose Irene Boggs
Sister Rose Irene Boggs, born in 1904 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, was one of six children to James and Mary Bryson Boggs. Before entering the Sisters of Charity in 1931, she earned her B.A. in Latin from Seton Hill in 1925. She received an M.A. in Latin from the University of Pittsburgh in 1940. She began her Latin teaching career in 1939. From 1948 until 1971, Sr. Rose Irene worked as the Registrar of the College. She was only the second Registrar in Seton Hill’s history.
Many students and faculty were intimidated by Sister Rose Irene’s insistence on punctuality. As Registrar, she requested final grades from the faculty 24 hours after examinations. If they could not meet that deadline, they would slide the grades under her door after hours; they feared the steely gaze of Sr. Rose Irene!
She later worked as the Director of Admissions and the Coordinator of the Tutorial Program. After her retirement in 1979, Sister volunteered in the Alumnae Office. She endeared herself to the Alumni. Sister Rose Irene knew every person by name and showed genuine interest in their lives and families.
In 1993, two of Sr. Rose Irene’s sisters established a scholarship in here honor for students who exhibited academic promise and financial need.
Through all her years, Sr. Rose Irene loved ice cream so much that she earned the nickname “Rose Ice Cream.” She died in the year 2000.
Sister Mary Zoe Dorsa (former)
Eileen Mary Dorsa grew up in New York City. Born in 1917 to Daniel and Margaret Kinney Dorsa, she decided to enter the community of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in 1939 after she had earned a degree in English. She went on to receive an M.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1942 and an M.A. in Drama and Theatre from the University of Denver.
Sister Zoe Dorsa was, perhaps, most known for founding the Speech and Theatre Departments at Seton Hill College. These later became simply known as the Theatre Department. She also served as Dean of Students in the 1970s.
Mary Zoe left the community of the Sisters of Charity and retired from the College in 1987. She lived her remaining years in California before she passed away in 2000.
Sister Muriel Flamman
The oldest of five children to George Louis and Frances E. McCabe, Frances Irene Flamman was born in 1907 and lived in the Crafton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh. She attended St. Joseph Academy and was the Valedictorian of the Class of 1924. She entered the Sisters of Charity immediately after graduation.
After earning her degree in Biology in 1930, Sr. Muriel attended the University of Pittsburgh for Botany, receiving her Master’s in 1934 and her PhD in 1944.
After teaching Botany at the College for a number of years, she was appointed Academic Dean in 1952. By 1968, she was working as the Dean of Administration.
Upon her death in 1982, the Junior Class of Seton Hill College dedicated a flowering plum tree to her memory. During her life, Sister Muriel became the face of Seton Hill and exuded the true essence of hospitality.
Sister de Chantal Leis
Gertrude Eleanor Leis was the oldest of six children to Anthony Leis, a mechanical engineer, and his wife, Elizabeth Clara Bittner. She was born in 1902 and grew up on the North Side of Pittsburgh. Gertrude attended Seton Hill College as a Classics Major and eventually entered the community of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in 1925. She continued her studies in Classics with a Master’s Degree in 1929 and a PhD in 1934, respectively.
Sr. de Chantal taught Latin classes and served as the Department Chair for 15 years. Additionally, she was the Dean of Women from 1939 until 1964. “When Claudia Glenn, Dean of Woman, was elected Mother Superior, she named Sister de Chantal to fill the Dean’s post. Mother Claudia tried to dispel Sister de Chantal’s objections by telling her she was the unanimous choice of the sisters on the faculty” (Reflection).
In 1964, she became the Director of Alumnae Relations until 1977.
Nicknamed “Dish,” by her students and friends, Sister believed firmly in the quote, “Educate a Woman, and You Educate Generations.” In 1970, she received the Mother Seton Medal from the Seton Hill College Alumnae Association.
There is a Seton Hill College scholarship in Sister de Chantal’s honor and many may recognize her name on DeChantal Hall. She died in 1985.
Sister Jacinta Mann (former)
The daughter of Bernard Mann and Magdalen Rose Ruppert was born in 1925 in Illinois and given the baptismal name Mary Agnes. Mary Agnes earned a B.A. in Science Education – Mathematics in 1946 from Southern Illinois University and an M.S. in Education – Educational Statistics from the University of Wisconsin in 1947.
Before entering the community in 1950, Mary Agnes worked as a secretary, statistical clerk, and manager of the Office of Statistics and Research at the University of Wisconsin. She assumed the name Sister Jacinta and received her doctorate in Measurement and Statistics from the University of Wisconsin in 1958.
Sister taught mathematics, sociology, communication, and statistics. She also worked as the Director of Admissions, Academic Dean, and Assistant to the President. Sister Jacinta founded the undergraduate Management Degree Program.
In addition to being a “Jane-of-all-trades,” she considered herself a feminist. Jacinta served on Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh’s Commission for Women, became a delegate to the 1975 International Women’s Year Conference in Mexico City, and attended the National Women’s Conference of 1978 as a representative of Pennsylvania. She was quoted as saying, “Keep Christ in the feminist movement.”
Jacinta left the community in 1981, but continued her teaching career at the University of Wisconsin, Harvard, and John Carroll University, as well as Seton Hill. In 1991, she was chosen as the Continuing Education Association of Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Educator of the Year.
Her mentor, Dr. Julian Stanley, created a scholarship in her honor for the female business major with the highest G.P.A. in her junior year.
Jacinta lived out her final years in the home of the Sisters of Charity at Caritas Christi and died there on February 12, 2017. She is buried beside her Sister friends at the Seton Hill Cemetery.
Sister Mary Thecla Schmidt
Sister Mary Thecla Schmidt was born Mary Jeannette in 1911 in Pittsburgh. She was the child of Henry Schmidt, a professor of piano at Carnegie Institute and former chairman of the Music Department at Seton Hill, and Mabel Green.
After earning her degree from Seton Hill in 1932 and an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh in 1934, Mary entered the Sisters of Charity. Later, she would receive a PhD from Yale University in English Language and Literature.
From 1936 until 1957, Sister Mary Thecla worked as a professor in the English department. Her book, Thomas More’s Supplication of Souls, was published by the Newman Press in 1950. A gifted writer, Sister wrote the words for the cantata “Look to the Skies,” a choral suite in five parts commemorating the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton.
From 1957 until 1970, she was the Executive Vice President of the College. Beginning in 1970, Sister became the interim President before serving as the President from 1971 to 1977. She followed up her tenure as President by serving as the Director of the Alumnae Association for 14 years.
Saint Vincent College bestowed Sister Mary Thecla Schmidt with an honorary degree for her work as President of Seton Hill.
After her death in 1993, Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey honored Sister Mary Schmidt in his Commencement Address speech: “Sister Mary Schmidt was a quiet witness to the old and beautiful…that we make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
Sister Mary Leon Bettwy
Sister Mary Leon Betty was born in 1928 in Altoona, PA to Leo and Mildred Long Bettwy. She was given the name Phyllis Theresa. At the age of 18, Sr. Mary Leon entered the community in 1946. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Math and Chemistry from Seton Hill College in 1956, her M.S. in 1958, and her PhD from Notre Dame University in Inorganic Chemistry in 1959.
After earning degrees, Sister taught Chemistry and served as a member of the Board. In 1975, she worked as Director of Student Personnel Services and Dean of Students. Before becoming a First Councilor in the community and procurator for the mission in Korea, Sister Mary Leon was the campus coordinator with Saint Vincent College and treasurer of the Alumnae Association.
Unfortunately, Sister Mary Leon died in 1982 at the young age of 53. A scholarship was founded in her honor for a junior Chemistry major based on outstanding performance.
Sister Regina Clare Breig
Mary Margaret Breig, the eldest of five children of George and Clara McKenzie Breig was born in 1899 in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. Her father was an electrician and owned an appliance and home furnishing store. Prior to her entrance in religious community, Ms. Breig worked for her father and as a secretary for a high school principal. She attended Seton Hill College from 1919 to 1920 and worked in Sr. Francesca Brownlee’s office. She “decided not to return to Seton Hill since college grads ended up as teachers, and I did not wish to be a teacher” (from her autobiography). Afterward, Mary Margaret went to work for Dr. McCague at Mercy Hospital as a secretary.
Finally, at the relatively late age of 29, Sister Regina Clare entered the community of the Sisters of Charity. She eventually finished her degree in English Literature and Composition in 1940. In 1941, Mother Claudia Glenn appointed Sister as principal of Elizabeth Seton High School in Brookline, Pittsburgh. During that time, she earned her M.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. From 1947 through 1972, Sister Regina Clare worked as a professor in the English Department of the College. She also advised The Setonian.
Sister Regina Clare was remembered as a competent teacher and a true force to be reckoned with! “We remember her quick yet heavy stride, the crisp metallic sound of rosary, medals, and chain, her hearty laugh, her firm, solid convictions” (Reflection).
Sister Helen Cecelia Dwyer
Sister Helen Cecelia Dwyer was given the name Louise by her parents Philip Dwyer and Louisa Mante when she was born in Pittsburgh in 1902. After Helen attended St. Joseph Academy, she entered the novitiate in 1919. Shortly thereafter she began her studies at Seton Hill College, receiving her B.M. in Music in 1925. She later attended New York University for her Master’s Degree in Music Supervision and Education in 1938. Sr. Helen Cecelia taught piano and music at the college from 1926 until 1950.
She died in 1990 at the age of 88.
Sister Josefa Filkosky (former)
Patricia Marie Filkosky was born in Westmoreland City, Pennsylvania in 1933 to Edward Filkosky and Martha Yanizeski. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Seton Hill College in 1955 and working for a brief period as an art instructor at the College, Patricia entered the Sisters of Charity. While working as a professor and, eventually, Chair of the Art Department, Sr. Josefa earned her B.F.A. from Carnegie Institute in sculpture, ceramics, and metal-smithing in 1963. In addition, she attended Cranbrook Academy of Art for her Master’s in metal-smithing and sculpture. The design, fabrication, and completion of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Jeannette District Memorial Hospital served as her Master’s thesis.
An award-winning artist, Sr. Josefa’s work was commissioned for Armco. Steel Corporation headquarters, by the Three Rivers Arts Festival for Gateway Center in Pittsburgh, and numerous private, corporate, and public collections. Sr. Josefa left the community in 1974 after nearly 20 years in religious life. However, she continued to teach at Seton Hill. Known for her vigorous art courses, she won Professor of the Year at Seton Hill College in 1993. In addition, Josefa’s work garnered her the Lawrence University Purchase Award and the Mellon Award through the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh.
Josefa's Pipe Dream sculpture now resides as the base of Seton Hill's driveway.
She died in 1999. A posthumous exhibited entitled “Josefa Filkosky: Collected Works” was hosted at the Harlan Gallery in 2001.
Sister Rose de Lima Henry
In 1899, Edith Josephine Henry was born to Elias Henry and Caroline Eberly in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Young Edith attended St. Joseph Academy and joined the Sisters of Charity. Two of her sisters, including her fraternal twin, Sister Columba, joined Sister Rose de Lima in religious life.
She went on to earn a degree in English and Math at Seton Hill College in 1925, her Master’s in Latin from the University of Pittsburgh in 1933, and a PhD in Greek and Latin from the Catholic University of America in 1943.
Serving as the Chair of the Classics Department from 1949 until 1970, Sr. Rose de Lima focused her time on teaching Greek and Latin. Her skill in language prompted Thomas Merton to personally ask her to translate The Christmas Sermons of Blessed Guerric.
In 1971, Sr. Rose de Lima accompanied a group of language students on a memorable summer tour of Greece. She died in 1974.
Sister Mary Estelle Hensler
Sister Mary Estelle Hensler, the daughter of Charles Hensler and Margaret Klein, was born in Carrick, Pennsylvania in 1900 and given the name Clara Elizabeth. She was one of seven children. Introduced to the Sisters of Charity through St. Joseph Academy, Clara entered the religious community in 1918.
Sister earned her degree in History and Art from Seton Hill in 1939 and her M.A. in Art from New York University in 1940. Thereafter, she served as an Art Professor from 1943-1977 and Chair of the Art Department until 1967.
Alongside Sr. Mary Francis Irvin, Sister Estelle was instrumental in establishing Art as a major and a department at Seton Hill College.
Beloved by faculty and students alike, she was honored with the Seton Hill College Distinguished Alumna Leadership Award. Sister Estelle was also the very first woman to teach at neighboring Saint Vincent College.
In addition to her work as a teacher, she helped establish the Doran Hall Retreat and Renewal Center.
Sr. Mary Estelle Hensler died in 1998.
Sister Mary Francis Irvin
Lucy LaVene Irvin was born in Canton, Ohio on October 3, 1914. The daughter of Francis Irvin, who died in the flu epidemic of 1918, and Mary Flynn, Lucy applied for admission to the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in 1933. She came from Saint James Parish in Wilkinsburg.
After entering community, Sister Mary Francis earned her B.F.A. in Painting and Design from the Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1953, she received her M.F.A. in Painting from the Cranbrook Academy of Art.
From 1945 into the 1970s, Sister Mary Francis taught in the Art Department at Seton Hill College. The Art Department was formed and carefully fashioned by the dynamic duo, Sister Mary Francis Irvin and Sister Mary Estelle Hensler. In the 1970s, she also served in the Development Office. She helped raise funds for the Lynch Hall for Science.
In later years, Sister was a member of the Board of Trustees of Seton Hill College.
Besides teaching, Sister Mary Francis focused on her artwork. She created the stained glass windows for Assumption Hall, now installed in Caritas Christi. She developed the emblem, ring, and coat of arms of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. She also helped to found a charismatic prayer group on campus. It was called the Family of God.
After her death in 2011, a former Seton Hill Art major recalled, “I loved the serenity, the emphasis on beauty, even the critiques after each session. We would all tack our assignments to the wall and the surgery would begin. She would survey the work quietly for a while with her index finger to her lips and then the incisions would commence. She found something to compliment in each effort. Then came that word: BUT. She taught us humility very, very quickly.”
Sister Mary Francis Irvin and Sister Mary Estelle Hensler’s dreams of a dedicated Visual Arts building have been fully realized – a great monument to their vision now stands for all to see in downtown Greensburg.
Sister Teresa Clare Kernan
In 1903, Margaret Anne was born to John J. Kernan and Julianne Ginnan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sister Teresa Clare entered the community of the Sisters of Charity in 1923. She earned her B.S., M.A., and PhD in Education and English from the University of Pittsburgh.
Sister worked as Supervisor of Grounds at Seton Hill and was a member of the English Department from 1937 to 1957. She was especially known for her classes on Children’s Literature, Principles of Education, and Methods of Teaching.
Sr. Teresa Clare became the College and congregational Archivist for some time and was a charter member of the Board of Trustees of Seton Hill College.
She bestowed the nickname “Chubby” on herself.
Sister Teresa Clare Kernan died in 1989.
Sister Ann Agnes Kilkeary
Joseph Kilkeary and Sarah Keenan welcomed Alice Marie Kilkeary and her twin brother Jack, into the world in 1910 in Brookline, Pennsylvania. Alice Marie entered the Sisters of Charity in 1931. Her younger sister, Sister Mary Coleman Kilkeary, would also enter the community. Sister Ann Agnes went on to earn a B.A. in Music from Seton Hill in 1945. She also attended summer sessions of the Eastman and Juilliard Schools of Music.
She taught piano at St. Joseph Academy before teaching in the Music Department at the College. She is said to have recognized and inspired many pianists and other successful musicians throughout her teaching years.
An avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Steelers, Sister Ann Agnes rarely missed a game. She died in 2001.
Sister Maria Serafina Mazza
Maria Serafina Mazza was born in 1900 in Sersale (Catanzaro), Italy to Giuseppe and Rose Talarico Mazza. They family had eleven children and immigrated to America in July of 1900, shortly after the birth of Maria. Guiseppe worked as a carpenter and eventually built his own lumber mill in Homer City, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Maria Serafina went to the Indiana State Normal School from 1917-1919 and taught in several schools in Allegheny County before she entered religious life in 1923. At the time, she was the only Italian-American member of a predominantly Irish-German congregation.
In 1930, Sister Maria Serafina earned her B.A. in Spanish Literature and Language from Seton Hill. She continued her education at McGill University where she earned an M.A. in French Language and Literature. In addition, she received a PhD in Italian Language and Literature from Columbia in 1947. A highly respected and well-published scholar, Sister Serafina was extremely gifted in the languages.
She was a faculty member of the College from 1934 until 1976. She eventually earned the AMITA Award for American women of Italian heritage and was the first Catholic Sister to do so.
At her funeral, Father Gaston said, “Like Dante, she has emerged from the darkness and pain of the abyss and climbed upward. Her life of love in the service of Christ is the pure White Rose of Paradise.” Father Gaston worked with Sister Serafina on the study of the Italian version of Dante’s The Divine Comedy, a favorite of Sr. Serafina.
Sister Mary Thaddeus McManama
Sister Mary Thaddeus McManama was born the 16th of June 1905. The New Jersey native was given the name Lucy Genevieve McManama. She entered religious life on March 25, 1930.
Sr. Mary Thaddeus had six siblings, three of whom entered the Sisters of Charity. Before entering, Sister worked in clerical and secretarial fields. After entering, she pursued a degree in Math and Social Studies in 1937 at Seton Hill College. After getting her degree, she taught Math at the college for nine years before going back to school to continue her education. She attended the University of Pittsburgh, Columbia University, and the University of Wisconsin. During those times, she would continue to work at Seton Hill College.
In 1964, she began her career as the Director of Public Information at Seton Hill. Sister Mary Thaddeus was adored by many in the Seton Hill and local community when she worked in public relations. When she decided to resign from this position, many felt as though no one could do her job better. The Managing Editor of the Tribune Review had even reached out to her, upset about her decision to resign, because he believed she was “the best of the best.” Sister Mary Thaddeus McManama began her next adventure when she changed her career again and spent five years as the College Archivist beginning in 1970.
Later on, she worked as a part time treasurer for Emmanuel Hall before retiring to Assumption Hall in 1995.
Unfortunately, Sister Mary Thaddeus had been suffering from Diabetes and Peripheral Vascular Disease, which ended her life on June 18, 1997.
Sister Marie Gertrude McNeil
Ruth McNeil was born January 3rd of 1893 in Dansville, New York and was baptized that same month. She came from Saint Patrick’s parish. On August 15, 1919, her name was changed to Sister Marie Gertrude McNeil when she entered the Sisters of Charity.
After entering, Sister Marie Gertrude began her education with a focus in Mathematics. She graduated with a B.A. in 1922 from Seton Hill College. From 1921-22, she taught at St. Joseph Academy. Five years later, she earned her Master’s in Math and Astronomy from the University of Notre Dame. She also took some classes at the University of Pittsburgh, Columbia University, and Catholic University of America.
Sister taught at Seton Hill College from 1922 until 1965. While teaching math and science classes during WWII, Sister Marie Gertrude also offered “Defense Courses” in math and aeronautics. She offered these classes tuition-free to the public.
Sister Marie Gertrude's humility was evident in all her work. In fact, Seton Hill College hoped to award Sister with an honorary degree for her service, but Sister declined the honor. She thought her work was evidence enough of her dedication.
In the Seton Hill Alumnae Newsletter of Winter 1966, Monsignor Ryan wrote a tribute to Sister Marie Gertrude McNeil. He wrote, "Sister Marie Gertrude was indeed a fine teacher. She had a keen analytical mind, as I suppose is typical of mathematicians. Furthermore she was a progressive and forward looking person. This was notable particularly in the work of curricular planning, where she was always alert to possibilities that had not yet been explored. This made her work valuable to the faculty as was as to the students." She died of brain cancer in 1966.
Sister Hildeburt Mudler
Francis Michael Mudler, a church janitor, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth Mudler from England became the parents to eight children. Their fourth child was born July 24, 1902 in Hazelwood, Pennsylvania. Her name was Mary Louise. In 1920, she entered into the Sisters of Charity.
Her education came after her entrance. She received her B.A. in Chemistry from Seton Hill College in 1930. That same year she earned a Masters in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry from Duquesne University. She also attended Chicago University for Biochemistry courses. She then became a Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry teacher at the college for many years until her retirement in 1964.
Sister Hildebert was a well-decorated woman and often received praise for being a intelligent person. She started the Chemistry Department at Altoona Catholic High School and often volunteered at Lutheran Social Services of Western PA. She was often celebrated in the media for her scientific breakthroughs.
She died at Assumption Hall on March 30, 1992 and was buried in the Sisters’ Cemetery at Seton Hill.
Sister Helen Muha
May 30th 1932 marked the birth of Sister Helen Muha, daughter of Joseph Muha, a carpenter, and Rose Toman Muha, a German immigrant, in West Newton, Pennsylvania. She was baptized in the Church of the Holy Family. Her parents were married August 28, 1929. Helen had four siblings.
Sister Helen attended Seton Hill and earned her B.A. in Music in 1954. After she received her music degree, she worked as a music teacher at the Limestone Joint School for two years. Then she entered the Sisters of Charity as a postulant. Later, she received her M.M.Ed in Music from Duquesne University. In 1971 she received a M.Mus. Voice degree from DePaul University and then her Masters in Theology - Pastoral Ministry in 1991.
In between the gaps of her continued education, Muha taught at Seton Hill College where she developed the liturgical music component of the Institute of Ministries. In 1982, she left Seton Hill to work as the Liturgy Director and Pastoral Minister at St. Paul Parish and at St. John Evangelist Parish. She had to stop teaching when she suffered from an aortic aneurism. She died in 1997. She indicated in her will that she wanted her death to be a celebration and, in fact, it was. People remembered Helen Muha as a person who “never just did something.’” They knew that when it came to her, “nothing was half-hearted.”
Sister Miriam Joseph Murphy
Johanna “Anna” May Murphy was born in 1906 in Homestead to Irish immigrant parents, Michael and Nora Murphy. She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1926. Her sister, Sister Mary Peter, was also in the community. Sr. Miriam Joseph received a B.A. in English and History from Duquesne University in 1934, an M.A. in English from the University of Pittsburgh in 1941, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Wisconsin in 1953.
Known as “Mimi Jo” to her students, Sister taught in the English Department from 1939. She particularly loved teaching Shakespeare. She was a mentor to and special friend of Dr. Joanne Boyle.
Sister Miriam Joseph died in 2003. Dr. Joanne Boyle said that Sister Miriam Joseph "had the habit of expressing strong feelings born of experience - and a complete lack of sentimentality in doing so, the quality of subtlety of mind, and the virtue of simplicity." She was a brilliant woman with storng opinions and an unparalleled Irish wit.
The last verse of poetry Sister Miriam Joseph spoke was a quote from William Butler Yeats.
"I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree
And a small cabin build there of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade."
Sister Jude Thaddeus O'Donnell
In December of 1915, Abigail Irene O'Donnell was born to Leo O'Donnell and Margaret Conroy in McKeesport, PA. In 1933, Abigail left her six siblings to join the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in English and Spanish, Sister Jude Thaddeus earned another Bachelor's in Education from Duquesne University in 1947. She went on to study Spanish at Notre Dame University at the graduate level.
Beginning in 1962, Sister Jude Thaddeus taught Spanish classes at the College and eventually chaired the department.
In subsequent years, Sister volunteered her time with Project Forward.
She died in 2006. In her Reflection, a friend noted, "[Sister Jude Thaddeus] lived her vows with humor and humility and had a magnetism that touched generations of elementary, high school, and university students.”
Sister Aloysia O'Keefe
James O’Keefe and Hazel Kirk welcomed Mary Hazel O’Keefe into the world in Pittsburgh, PA in 1925. Before entering the Sisters of Charity, Mary Hazel earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from Mount Mercy College in 1947. In fact, she had actually entered the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh and lived as a postulant for two months before withdrawing. She entered at Seton Hill in 1948.
Later, Sister Aloysia received her M.A. in English from Duquesne University and her PhD from Harvard in 1962.
Sister taught English in high school for four years before moving to teach at the college level. Additionally, she served as the Directress of the Juniorate from 1966-69 and Councilor for the Generalate from 1969-73 before returning to teach at Seton Hill College. She was known for her scholarship on Chaucerian and seventeenth century literature.
Sister Aloyisa O’Keefe retired in 1991 and died in 1996.
Sister Cecelia Clare Ott
Born Jeannette Ott in 1894 in Allentown, PA to Charles Ott and Catherine Myers, Sister Cecelia Clare endured much suffering throughout her early life. She lost her mother, father, stepmother, and brother at a very young age.
She entered religious life in 1914 and pursued music at Bush Conservatory from 1925-29, earning a B.M. in Piano and Theory and an M.M. in Piano and Composition.
Sr. Cecelia Clare taught piano in the Music Department for more than 30 years. She died in 1962 after suffering a heart attack.
Sister Dorothy Marie Quigley
Sister Dorothy Marie Quigley, formerly Dorothy May, was born in 1912 to William Quigley and Florence Flanagan in Erie, Pennsylvania. Her father passed away when she was only 6 years old. She initially entered the religious community in 1938 at the age of 25 but her mother was unfavorable toward the decision, so she left. Dorothy worked as an office clerk until her mother died in 1941 and she reentered the Sisters of Charity.
By 1954, Sister Dorothy earned her B.S. in Home Economics from Seton Hill and went on to receive her M.S. in Home Management and Foods from Cornell University in 1960.
She had joined the faculty of the college in 1954 to teach child care and home management classes in the Home Economics Department.
In 1966, Sister Dorothy Marie received federal funds to start the first HeadStart program, Seton Hill Day Care, Inc. She served as Director of the program for 17 years. During her tenure, she expanded the care service to multiple centers.
Sister helped establish the Pregnant Adolescent Childcare Training Program in Pennsylvania (PACT) in 1983. Furthermore, she worked as an independent consultant on teenage pregnancy. Her work with youth earned her the Public Citizen of the Year Award from the PA Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. In addition, Sister Dorothy Marie received the Distinguished Service Award from the Health and Welfare Council of Westmoreland County in 1982.
Sister died in 1993, but the Quigley Center for Children in Greensburg, PA was named in her honor in 1994.
Sister Sara Louise Reilly
Elizabeth Annette Reilly was born in 1916 to Michael Joseph Reilly and Sarah Caulfield in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the youngest of 7 children to Irish immigrant parents. Her father worked as a police sergeant. Elizabeth entered the Sisters of Charity in 1933 at the age of 17.
Earning her B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Seton Hill College in 1942, Sister Sara Louise continued her study of the sciences when she earned her M.S. in Physiology in 1948 from the University of Rochester.
Sister taught in the science departments of the college from 1945 until 1962. She worked as first assistant Registrar and Director of Continuing Education. Sister Sara Louise also served on the Board of Trustees for Seton Hill and was Archivist of the community from 1981-1995.
Considered the “poet laureate” for the community, Sister Sara Louise was always known to have an engaging and funny rhyme for every occasion. She loved teaching and taught local catechism for many years.
Sister Sara Louise died in 2011.
Sister Mary Janet Ryan
Malachy Alexander Ryan and Josephine Dalton welcome their daughter, Jeannette Ryan, into the world on May 31, 1918. Sadly, Alex Ryan passed away when his daughter was only 15 years old. He left behind ten children. She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1935 from Sacred Heart Parish in Pittsburgh. She assumed the name Sister Mary Janet.
After entering religious life, Sister Mary Janet earned her B.Ed. in Secondary Education from Duquesne University in 1947. In 1953, she received a graduate degree in Geography and History from the University of Pittsburgh. Over the years, Sister also spent some time studying at Georgetown, the University of Hawaii, and Harvard University.
After spending several years teaching at the high school level, Sister Mary Janet was missioned to Seton Hill College in 1965 where she taught until her retirement in 1990. She served as Chair of the History Department during her tenure.
Sister Mary Janet Ryan is considered one of the most beloved professors in Seton Hill history. She was known to engage her students with lively discussion and was quite the character. She loved to don a 1920s Flapper outfit and wig!
After retirement, Sister Mary Janet devoted her time to the Westmoreland County Court Advocacy Program.
In 2004, she received an honorary degree from Seton Hill University.
At the age of 99, Sister Mary Janet passed away.
Sister Maurice McManama
Sister Maurice McManama was born to Robert McManama and Clara Martin on November 13, 1906 in Trenton, New Jersey. She was given the name Helen. Prior to entrance, Helen and her family lived in Alabama before moving to Sheraden, PA. She worked as a stenographer for a jewelry company, a piano company, and for Graham Bolt and Nut Co. after high school.
Three of her biological sisters joined the Sisters of Charity. However, she was the first to enter religious life in 1925. Sister Maurice first earned her degree in English from Seton Hill in 1933. From there, she went on to study Psychology at Catholic University, earning her doctorate in 1936.
Sister Maurice held one of the longest tenures at Seton Hill University. She taught from 1933, specifically in the Psychology Department from 1938 until 1983. She served as Chair of the Department during much of that time. At the time of her death, Sister was also the Director of Child Development at the College.
Sister was a widely-known and well-respected professor. In fact, Catholic University of America sent a request to Mother Claudia Glenn for Sister Maurice to join their prestigious faculty in the Department of Education in 1961, but due to the strong scholarly presence of Sister Maurice on the Seton Hill campus, Mother Claudia declined the request. Sister did, however, teach summer sessions at the University.
Aside from teaching, Sister served on the Board of Directors of the Westmoreland County Mental Health Association and was County Chairman for the Governor’s Conference on Children and Youth. Sister Maurice helped draw plans to implement Pennsylvania’s 1966 Mental Health Act. In 1973, Sister Maurice was sent as a delegate to the White House Conference on Children. She was described as a “dynamo of action, giving tirelessly of her time, talents, training, and wide experience.”
Unfortunately, Sister Maurice suffered a terrible accident on April 20, 1983. She was severely burned when her clothing caught fire in a small kitchen at St. Joseph’s Hall. She died as a result of these wounds. Upon her passing, hundreds of messages poured in from colleagues, former students, and friends. Students recalled “nights long ago when the only thing that broke the silence on Third Maura was the sound of Sister Maurice’s typewriter…” Many considered her their favorite professor and a lifelong influence.
The College established a Memorial Fund in Sister Maurice’s honor.
Sister Florence Marie Scott
On March 15th, 1902, Anna Isabelle Florence was born to John Scott and Mary Burns in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She applied for entrance to the Sisters of Charity community in 1920.
Sister Florence Marie attended Seton Hill College to major in Biology in 1926. The following year, she earned a degree in Zoology from Columbia University. She continued her studies in Zoology (Embryology), eventually receiving her Ph.D. from Columbia. Sister completed the research for her doctorate at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. At the time, Woods Hole was largest marine biological lab in the world. Sister Florence Marie. In the ensuing years, Sister Florence Marie became a member of the Corporation of the Marine Biological Lab and a member of the Boards of Trustees. For many years, Sister conducted scientific research at the lab, even bringing biology students from Seton Hill to assist her and do research of their own.
She began her tenure at the college in 1927 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. She attained the rank of full-time Professor in 1937 and would chair the Biology Department from 1935 to 1965. Sister Florence Marie also taught Comparative Embryology at Fordham University during the summer sessions of 1941-1954. She became a Fellow of the American Academy for the Advancement of Sciences in 1955. Sister was not only an internationally known biologist, but an influential teacher.
In 1972, Seton Hill College dedicated the Scott Department of Biology in honor of Sister Florence’s great contributions to both the department and scientific research. In 1978, a scholarship was established for outstanding biology students. Finally, in 1990, an endowment was created for the Scott Chair in Developmental Biology at Seton Hill College.
Although Sister Florence Marie Scott died in 1965, her legacy has lived on at the University.
Upon her death, her colleague at Woods Hole, Sister Joseph of Jesus Mary, O.C.D., wrote this about Sister Florence Marie, “Although her great scientific work remains uncompleted, she could truly say that she had finished the work that God gave her to do…that great work of putting on Christ. You couldn’t miss this fact, for it was radiant in her whole being; and it was this which endeared her so deeply to all…She was like a thief, stealing hearts; she stole heart of all Woods Hole…from the unlettered man who mended the fish nets, to the great scientists who were her collaborators; from the most fervent believer to the doubting agnostic.”
Sister Ann Regina Sweeney
Born in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA in 1887 to Stephen Sweeney and Hannah McCue, Mary Ann Sweeney entered the Sisters of Charity in 1911.
Sister Ann Regina, as she became known, earned her B.A. in 1932 and her M.A. in 1939 from New York University. She taught in the Music Department from 1928 until 1965. In addition, she served as the Director of the Sisters’ choir for a period of time.
Sister Ann Regina died in 1966.
Sister Colette Toler
Florence Rita Toler, the daughter of John Toler and Margaret Foley, was born in 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended Elizabeth Seton High School where she was exposed to the Sisters of Charity. Florence entered the community in 1946.
Sister Colette then earned her degree in Music from Seton Hill College in 1957, an M.A. in English from Notre Dame in 1962, and a PhD in English in 1965. Her favorite author was Willa Cather.
Her teaching career began in 1959 with several periods removed from the college for continuing education. Sister Colette was the Academic Dean of Seton Hill from 1971 until 1982 and worked as a visiting scholar at Cambridge University to teach American Literature from 1982-83. She then returned to teaching English at Seton Hill until the year 2000. SHC named Sister Colette Professor of the Year in 1989 and she earned the Distinguished Alumna Leadership Award in 2002. After retirement, she volunteered in Reeves Library. A talented musician, Sister often volunteered to accompany on the piano or organ.
Sister Colette Toler was known for her calm and gentle demeanor. In her Reflection, it is said “her manner and countenance always reflected her gracious and encouraging spirit.” Sister died in 2012.
Sister Leah Wolf
Born Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Wolf, Sister M. Leaf Wolf was the child of Edward and Alice Wolf of Altoona, Pennsylvania. She attended St. Joseph Academy and continued her studies in French, European History, and English at Seton Hill College, earning her degree in 1942.
Sister M. Leah went to Laval University for a degree in French and earned a PhD in French from the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, she studied at the Sorbonne (University of Paris) and the Bibliotheque National.
She had entered the community in 1943.
In 1957, Sister Leah was assigned to teach French classes at Seton Hill College and soon became the Chair of the Department. In 1980, she was named Chair of the Foreign Language Department at St. Vincent College while simultaneously serving as the Chair at Seton Hill.
She retired in 1990 and died in 1997 at the age of 77.
Sister Ruth Cecelia Giseburt
In 1906, Ruth Cecelia Giseburt was born to Arthur Giseburt and Cecelia Newhouse in Greensburg, PA. She was the oldest of five children. Ruth Cecelia worked in a commercial laundry to help provide for her family. After Ruth Cecelia entered in 1933, her sister and first cousin also embraced religious life.
As a postulant, Sister Ruth Cecelia assisted Sister Aloise White in the laundry. Eventually, she was put in charge of the college and community laundry and this mission lasted for 40 years. Afterward, she worked as a receptionist and as sacristan for St. Joseph Chapel. Teaching CCD classes every Sunday was a particular passion of Sr. Ruth Cecelia.
After her death in 1997, Sister Sara Louise Reilly, in her reflection, noted that “without looking to see whose hands were guiding the iron, one could identify the person as Sister Ruth Cecelia, so artistically did she execute her task.” She was affectionately known as “Ruth Darling” by her friends.
Sister Melania Grace
Sister Melania Grace was born in Erie, PA to Michael J. Grace and Mardy Dudenhoefer in 1898. She was given the baptismal name Florence Grace. For six years, Florence worked as a secretary to the Business Manager of the Erie School District. She chose to enter the Sisters of Charity in 1922.
Graduating from Seton Hill College with a B.A. in English in 1929, Sister Melanie continued her education with another B.A. in Library Science from the Carnegie Institute Library School and an M.A. in Library Science from the University of Chicago.
She served as the Librarian of Seton Hill College from 1929 to 1969, a forty-year tenure that saw many changes, including the erection of Reeves Memorial Library. In addition, Sister Melania taught library science at Duquesne University and was appointed to the Board of Trustees of SHC.
Sister Melania Grace died in 1980. In her Reflection, a friend notes, “she was regular and orderly, as definite as the Dewey Decimal System with which she daily worked.”
Sister Deborah Kelly
Kathleen Mathison Kelly was born to Dr. Michael B. Kelly and Kathleen Mathison in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1920. Michael Kelly was a well-known physician and surgeon in Wheeling. Her mother, Kathleen, died when she was only three years old.
A gifted student, Kathleen was offered a scholarship to Seton Hill College, where she participated in basketball, hockey, and archery while earning her degree in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry. Prior to entering, Kathleen worked as an Analytical Chemist for DuPont Corporation in Charleston. She applied for entrance to religious life in 1943.
Sister Deborah, as she became known, went on to earn an M.A. in Math from Catholic University of America in 1955. She also conducted additional studies at the University of Chicago and Notre Dame University.
At Seton Hill, Sister taught Mathematics from 1946-1971 and chaired the department for much of that time. In addition, she worked as the Registrar from 1971-1990 and was an Administrative Assistant to the Academic Dean in the years following.
Sister Deborah died in January of 2017.
Sister Rose Agnes McGowan
In 1909 in Hays, PA, Elizabeth James McGowan was born to Vincent Edward McGowan and Agnes Gilmore. Elizabeth lived a hard childhood with nine siblings and a father who worked as a carpenter. She worked in the local Western Union Office and for 12 years as a graphotype operator for Duquesne Light Company to help make ends meet.
Prior to entering the convent at the age of 31, Elizabeth had been engaged to a young man, but the promise was broken. Sr. Mary Cephas became her sponsor for community life.
For the first ten years as a Sister of Charity, Sister Rose Agnes taught in local schools, but upon the death of Sr. Mary Matthew Connelly, she was made Supervisor of Maintenance at Seton Hill. She eventually became the Director of Housekeeping Services. She was known to be strict, but kind with her staff. Floors were shiny, beds made, and the campus made to look simply sparkling!
However, she missed working with children and travelled to Trauger, PA every Saturday for 20 years to teach Catechism and First Holy Communion classes.
Sister Rose Agnes McGowan died in 1987.
Sister Eucharia O'Hagan
Mary Hortense O’Hagan was born in September of 1886 near Gallitzin, PA. She entered the Sisters of Charity in 1911. She took the religious name Eucharia.
In 1922, she earned her undergraduate degree in Greek, Latin, English, and Physical Sciences. She attended Notre Dame University for graduate school. Much later, Sister Eucharia attended Duquesne University for her M.S. in Library Science in 1957.
Sister taught Greek at Seton Hill College from 1922 until 1949. She also worked as the first Registrar from 1918 to 1948.
Sister Eucharia died in 1967 at the age of 80.
Sister Theophane Geary
Sister Theophane Geary was born in Blairsville, PA to Joseph Geary and Amelia Gaska in 1897. Her parents gave her the name Rita Marie. She applied for entry in to the Sisters of Charity in 1916.
Sister Theophane earned her undergraduate degree in History, English, and Social Studies in 1926. By 1931, Sister had attended the University of Chicago for graduate study in U.S. History. This led to her Ph.D. in History, Politics, and American Church History from Catholic University in 1938. She began teaching History at Seton Hill in 1933 through 1976. During her tenure, Sister Theophane served as head of the History Department and Director of Summer Sessions.
Sister Theophane Geary died at Assumption Hall in 1994. In the Spring 1994 issue of Celebration (Vol 3, No. 1), Sister Mary Theresa Kyne wrote, “To assign the word ‘equanimity’ to Sister Theophane is to enrich a classical virtue with the gentle spirit and balanced world view of this historian, political scientist, and educator.”
Sister Frances Stefano
Frances Maryann Mastrostefano was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 26, 1945. The daughter of Manlio Anthony and Jean Giarrusso Mastrostefano (later changed to Stefano) entered the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in 1963. She took the name Sister M. Therese.
Sister Frances earned her B.A. in English from Seton Hill College, an M.A. in English from the University of Pittsburgh, and attended the M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Theology at the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto, Canada.
She was named to the faculty of the College in 1972. She first taught for two years in the English Department, but later became an Assistant and Associate Professor of Theology.
In 1990, Sister Frances was awarded the Seton Hill College Professor of the Year Award. She also received the Sears-Roebuck Foundation’s Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award.
Sister Frances died from cancer in 1992 at the young age of 46.
Sister Dorothy Jacko wrote this in her Reflection on Sister Frances’ life: “Frances loved deeply, often extravagantly, her family, her many friends, her students, life itself. That love shone through in the exuberance of her teaching, the passion of her theological writings and poetry, the enthusiasm of her deeds, the generosity of her giving…”
In her dissertation, Sister Frances Stefano this final line of poetry:
“The world that’s built on love
comes back to life
and lives with God forever.”
Sister Margaret Burns
Margaret Ann Burns, daughter of Charles and Dorothy Lehner Burns, was born in June of 1949 in Chicora, Pennsylvania. She entered religious life in 1967.
Sister Margaret earned her B.S. in Math and Physics from Seton Hill in 1976. She continued her studies at Duquesne, earning an M.A. in Math in 1983, and at the University of Evansville, earning her degree in Computer Science in 1988.
She began her teaching career at Seton Hill College in 1983, but had taught Physics Lab during a few summer sessions in the 1970s. In addition to her teaching duties, “Peggy” served as the advisor for Alpha Lambda Delta, sang with the choir, and was an advisor for the SHC Classes of 1984-87 and 1992. She was an excellent teacher, a go-getter, and a talented musician.
Sister Peggy died of ovarian cancer on March 3, 1993.