Honoring Colleagues As they Retire

This week we enjoyed a festive luncheon to honor seven colleagues who are retiring this year.  In the photo above, they include Mr. Andres Marin (Facilities), Dr. Gladys Williams (Educational Administration), Sr. Ann Howard (Campus Ministry), Sr. Camilla Burns (Religious Studies), Sr. Mary Hayes (History and Archives), Dr. Dennis Farley (Economics) and Dr. Lynda Jackson (Business Administration).  See all of the slides with their photos here:  Retirement Slideshow

We deeply appreciate the many years of service of our colleagues, and we miss them already!  Below are the citations for each:

Sr. Mary Hayes, SNDdeN, Professor of History and Trinity Archivist

A young woman from Montclair, New Jersey, arrived on Trinity’s campus in Fall 1953 to begin her Trinity career with the Class of 1957.  Little did she or Trinity realize then that her career would span the next 72 years as a student, a Sister of Notre Dame, a member of the History Faculty, and as Trinity’s Archivist.  So much can be said about Sr. Mary Hayes that we have had a real challenge editing this citation to be sure we can finish before sunset!  But we will tell our Mary Hayes’ stories over and over again, with few repetitions and all shaping our collective portrait of this marvelous teacher, colleague, SND and friend.

After her graduation in 1957, Mary chose to join the SNDs and she spent her early years in religious formation.  She returned to Trinity in 1967 as the youngest member of the History faculty, joining a formidable group of scholars that included the legendary Sr. Mary Lawlor, Dr. Jean Willke and Dr. Joan Kinnaird.  Generations of Trinity alumnae recall with fondness – and some occasional trepidation — the powerful influence of these women.

Over the years, Mary was also a wonderful colleague for all faculty, serving on numerous committees, always attentive to governance and the integrity of the liberal arts tradition at Trinity.  She was also deeply engaged with the affairs of the Sisters of Notre Dame and especially the Base Communities.

Always deeply devoted to Trinity’s history and traditions, Sr. Mary began to take on responsibilities for Trinity’s archives as the great Sr. Columba Mullaly (Class of 1925) moved into retirement.  After retiring from teaching in 2015, Sr. Mary continued as our full-time archivist, a large responsibility that has included working with numerous scholars outside of Trinity working on research into Catholic colleges, women’s colleges, religious orders and related topics.  Mary’s own writing includes significant contributions to the scholarship about Trinity’s founding and history as well as SNDs and religious life.

We all owe Mary a huge debt of gratitude for her seven decades of devotion to Trinity.  As she moves into her next life stage, she goes with our fondest wishes for continuing good health, much grace, and the opportunity to enjoy some rest and peace.

Sr. Camilla Burns, SNDdeN, Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies

While unable to join us for the luncheon, we are so happy to salute Sr. Camilla Burns for her many years of service to Trinity in Religious Studies, and even before that, as a member of our Board of Trustees and a graduate of Trinity’s Class of 1960 with a Physics major.  Before coming to Trinity Sr. Camilla served two terms as General Moderator of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame worldwide, a huge leadership position that also had significant meaning for Trinity.  Whatever her role and schedule, Sr. Camilla always took the time to find out what was going on at Trinity and how she could help.  A renowned theologian and specialist in pastoral ministry, Sr. Camilla traveled extensively to give talks and share her scholarship.  Immediately before joining Trinity’s faculty in 2012, Sr. Camilla was on the faculty at Liverpool Hope University in England.  At Trinity, among many accomplishments, she founded and organized programming for the Billiart Center for Social Justice, and across the years many students and faculty enjoyed her talks during “Soup with the Sisters,” an occasional event designed to share the mission and charism of the SNDs with today’s Trinity community.

Sr. Ann Howard, SNDdeN, Campus Minister

In the too-often frenzied whirl of campus life, Campus Ministry provides the calm, reflective, spirit-filled place where students and staff alike can find comfort and inspiration.  For the last eight years, Sr. Ann Howard has been at the center of this place of life and spiritual growth, tireless in her quest to be present and to serve the Trinity community.  Arriving at Trinity from her native Connecticut in 2017, where she had extensive experience in both healthcare ministry as well as campus ministry, Sr. Ann quickly established Campus Ministry as one of the most essential Trinity co-curricular learning activities.

With a particular emphasis on environmental awareness consistent with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, she engaged students in tending the gardens at the Franciscan Monastery while also establishing a relationship with Casey Trees that has resulted in planting nearly 200 new trees on campus in recent years.  She welcomed Mr. Cromwell who reinvigorated Trinity’s Gospel Choir, and she worked with the Paulist Fathers to ensure our weekly liturgy.  From planning major liturgies to organizing the Cunneen Fellows Program to meeting with students in great need of spiritual and personal direction, Sr. Ann was always present to each of us with grace and good humor.  We wish her every success in her next endeavor.

Dr. Lynda Jackson, Associate Professor of Business Administration

For Dr. Lynda Jackson, inspiring young women of color to see their pathway to great success is not just a career choice for her, it’s a passion that has driven her work at Trinity since she joined the faculty in 2012.  With nearly 30 years of experience in the Air Force, rising to the rank of Colonel — a rare achievement for a Black woman in the military — Dr. Jackson has a broad network of outstanding women leaders who became part of her instructional portfolio at Trinity.  More than one Air Force general graced Trinity’s classrooms at the invitation of Dr. Jackson as she built a Business program focusing on women’s leadership, with an emphasis on leadership for Trinity’s women of color.   Dr. Jackson’s joy in helping her students to build confidence and lifelong skills for business success has been essential for the success of the Business Administration program.  Even as she retires, we will remember her excellent lessons as Trinity continues to foster learning for leadership.  We are grateful to Dr. Jackson for her many contributions to the success of Trinity Women!

Dr. Dennis Farley, Assistant Professor of Economics

“Awesome” is how students rate Professor Dennis Farley, known for his brilliance in teaching economics while also caring about every student in his classes.  Since joining Trinity’s faculty in Economics in 2010, Dr. Farley has taught a wide range of courses and provided significant support to many disciplines.

Dr. Farley came to Trinity after more than 30 years at the Federal Reserve Bank, rising through the ranks of economists to become the Section Chief of the Bureau of Monetary Affairs.  His broad experience at the Fed launched him on a number of international assignments, consulting to nations eager to learn about the functions and structure of the central bank, from Indonesia to Albania to, most recently, Myanmar.   Closer to home, he made sure his students had opportunities to tour and learn from the Federal Reserve Bank and International Trade Commission, among other field trips.

Personally, Dr. Farley has also maintained a high interest in environmental issues, and he has worked with Dr. Patrice Nielson on projects related to Trinity’s trees.  We wish Dr. Farley much continuing success in his retirement.

Mr. Andres Marin, Facilities

Hard-working, dependable, loyal — these are just some of the qualities that Andres Marin showed all of us during our 35+ years of partnership and friendship at Trinity.  No request was ever too much, no job too strenuous for Andres.  Whether keeping our grounds beautiful or polishing our floors so they would shine like mirrors, Andres was always on the lookout for what could make Trinity look great.

He tackled some of the hardest work on this campus with good humor and a sense of real purpose, lifting and hauling, looking out for potential dangers while leading his team to complete every project successfully.  Every time it snowed, we knew we could count on Andres to be here running the plow and shoveling the walkways.   We miss seeing you around, Andres, but we are so glad that you are now able to enjoy time with your family and friends.   Best wishes for much happiness and joy with your beautiful family in your retirement!

Dr. Gladys Williams, Program Director for Educational Administration

While unable to attend the luncheon, Dr. Gladys Williams has been a significant part of Trinity’s School of Education for more than 15 years, organizing and leading our program in Educational Leadership and Administration.  An experienced school leader, herself, she has stated her philosophy that, “I believe that there is no better role in life than that of being a teacher.”  She has exemplified the excellence and dedication to student success that she expects her graduate students to model.  We wish her well in her next endeavors.

At the end of yesterday’s celebration, Trinity Board Chair Amy Freeman offered closing remarks on behalf of the Board of Trustees; her remarks are below:

I’m so happy to be here on behalf of the Trustees to recognize this remarkable group.

Starting with……

Andres Marin

So, you are the one who has kept Trinity safe and beautiful these past 35 years!  Whenever I walk into a Trinity building, whether the Payden Center or the Grand Main Hall, it is shining.  And now I know why.  Andres, the Board of Trustees is so appreciative for your service to Trinity.  Thank you.

Dr. Dennis Farley and Dr. Lynda Jackson

You’ve both had such distinguished careers in the Federal Reserve and the United States Air Force.  And you both generously chose to share your knowledge and experience with our Trinity students.  What a way to bring Economics and Business to life in the classroom!  The Board of Trustees thanks you for your service to our students.

Sr. Ann Howard

Eight years has gone by quickly!  In that time, you showed us that Mission and Values are not just written documents — they are meant to drive action. Like planting trees; or gathering for communal worship or protesting against injustice.  Just recently I saw your picture on the cover of the Network magazine, holding a protest sign on Capitol Hill. How fitting.  Sr. Ann, the Board of Trustees thanks you for calling all of us to live the Mission and Values.

Sr. Mary Hayes

Over 70 years as student, teacher and steward of Trinity’s treasures.  Sr. Mary, your life is tightly woven into the story of Trinity. Your imprint is indelible. The Board of Trustees is ever grateful to you for your scholarship; preservation of Trinity’s history and for enriching the minds of countless young women over the years. Because you are, quite simply, part of the fabric of Trinity, your legacy will never be diminished. Our profound thanks to you and God speed.