A Celebration of Faith & Friendship
In celebration of our shared values and Catholic heritage with Loyola University Chicago, Clarke University is proud to share a special video event, A Celebration of Faith & Friendship.
The 25-minute recording features a discussion between Sisters Catherine Dunn and Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, two women who are instrumental to the histories of their respective institutions and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sister Catherine is the President Emerita for Clarke University, while Sister Jean served at the BVM-founded Mundelein College and has been a fixture of Loyola University Chicago since it acquired Mundelein in 1991.
The conversation is moderated by Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM, a Mundelein College graduate who has served on the Board of Trustees of both universities. Together, their conversation delves into how Sisters Jean and Catherine live the BVM Core Values of Charity, Education, Justice, and Freedom to enrich higher education. In turn, they shared these values with the community through volunteerism, service, and the good works of their thousands of alumni.
It seemed fitting to speak with Sister Jean and Sister Catherine during the month of March, which is designated as Women’s History Month. Both women are leaders in their respective Catholic Universities. Their leadership transcends any official title, is sourced in the quality of women they are, and extends to all the ways they interact with others in genuine care and compassion. I am glad this video allows us to share their insights with a wider audience.
The discussion highlights past accomplishments as well as a look into the future, with neither sister intending to retire from service. Sister Catherine, who celebrated her 90th birthday on March 26, continues to serve in Clarke’s Institutional Advancement Office and meets regularly with students and alumni.
Sister Jean remains the Official Chaplain of the Loyola University Chicago Men’s Basketball team and continues to meet with students every day. Even at age 104, she proudly travels with the team and has become a beloved hallmark of the NCAA Tournament, garnering national attention during the Ramblers’ 2018 Cinderella run.
A Celebration of Faith & Friendship can be found on Clarke University’s YouTube channel, along with many other videos on our campus community.