Mother Antonia's vision

MARY ANN BRENDEN, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SOCIAL WORK; PROGRAM DIRECTOR, BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK; CSJ CONSOCIATE

As the first president and dean of the College, Mother Antonia McHugh (1863–1944) had an expansive vision for St. Catherine — one that transcended both the mores of the times and realistic expectations for the future. Amidst a culture that dismissed the need to educate women and at a time when our neophyte college enrolled fewer than 400 students, she boldly built a magnificent chapel reflecting both the sweeping grandeur and the rich detail of a medieval French cathedral. Our Lady of Victory continues to be a compelling metaphor for Mother Antonia's unbridled vision of St. Catherine as we move forward into our university stature.

What if Mother Antonia was in Sister Andrea's shoes today? I know she'd have a lot of confidence in Sister Andrea being at the helm, leading us forth. And I believe she wouldn't be thwarted by the complexities of our transition and the concurrent challenges of our times. She would stride forward already envisioning the big picture and the future — St. Catherine University of 2050. At the same time, she would be attentive to the details, knowing their potent capacity to articulate mission and identity and inspire others down through the ages.

She would be very proud of our continued mission to women, our dedication to the liberal arts and the manner in which we are true to our Catholic identity. She would be pleased as punch that we so energetically welcome and graduate diverse students at the associate, bachelor's, masters and doctoral levels and imbue them with social justice values, leadership skills and a global perspective. What would she think about men at St. Catherine? Patience not being one of her many virtues, Mother Antonia would exhort, "The more people who understand the St. Catherine mission and carry it forward, the better!"

With her strong will, driving passion and undaunted confidence, Mother Antonia would know that St. Catherine University is on the brink of yet greater possibilities and new ventures. She'd expect and direct us to go forward envisioning the future with broad parameters, certain that the St. Catherine tradition and vision of excellence will cascade into the future with yet a new flourish.