HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Citizen of the Year 2020____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: 03/02/2020
Disposition: Resolution 14766
Agenda Item No: 4.b
Meeting Date: March 2, 2020
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager
Prepared by: Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2020
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RECIPIENT OF THE RICHARD P.
O’BRIEN AND MARY FERRARIO O’BRIEN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD -
2020
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution of Appreciation
BACKGROUND: In March 2001, J. Michael Mahoney established an endowment in honor of
former Planning Commissioner Richard O’Brien and his wife, Mary Ferrario O’Brien. The
endowment funds an annual “Citizen of the Year” award. The purpose of this award is to
recognize an individual in the San Rafael community who has made exceptional contributions
to the City, making it a better place to live or work. In addition to public recognition, the
endowment provides a cash award to the recipient.
In September 2001, the City Council adopted procedures for the “Citizen of the Year” award
program and process. The procedures include the appointment of a Section Committee to review
nominations from the public and recommend an award recipient to the City Council. The
Selection Committee includes two City Council members, two Planning Commissioners, a
member of the O’Brien family, a representative from the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce,
and neighborhood community representatives (e.g., Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods).
The call for nominations was initiated in November 2019. Once the current year nominations
have been submitted, they are reviewed along with the nominations submitted over the past
three years (in this case 2017, 2018 and 2019). Last year’s Citizen of the Year recipient (Jeff
Craemer – 2019) was eliminated from the pool of eligible candidates.
This year, a total of 19 candidates were considered. Of this total, 16 nominations were submitted
for five nominees this year and 14 were carried over from the past three years. On January 30,
2020, the Selection Committee met to review and consider the nominations. The Committee
selected the Dominican Sisters as the twentieth recipient of the award.
SAN RAFAEL
THE CITY WITH A MISSION
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
As summarized in the attached Resolution and nomination materials, The Dominican Sisters
were selected as Citizen of the Year due to their impact on the community in the areas of
education, social justice and health care. For many years in San Rafael they, and the college
that they started and fostered, have been an unparalleled asset for our growing City. They have
provided a beautiful campus atmosphere centered in a residential area, attracting students from
around the world. They have shared their campus and resources with the public at large. Their
involvement in social justice issues from immigration to affordable housing to advocating on
behalf of the most vulnerable in our community has been a beacon of inspiration and hope for
all. The Sisters spent nearly two years pursuing the Yellow Hallway at Lourdes Convent project,
attending all City meetings and meeting with neighbors, spending their own funds to remodel
and bring the Convent wing into compliance with Code requirements, in order to welcome two
previously homeless families under their Dominican roof. The Sisters’ collective
accomplishments and their quiet determination has bettered not only our community but also
everyone they have touched, which has earned them the receipt of the City of San Rafael’s
Citizen of the Year Award for 2020.
If approved by the City Council, the Dominican Sisters will be recognized at this year’s State of
the City Dinner, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2020.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: The call for nominations for Citizen of the Year was advertised in
Snapshot (the City Manager’s e-newsletter), the City website, NextDoor social media, and with
neighborhood associations.
FISCAL IMPACT: As the Citizen of the Year Award program is privately funded, there is no
financial impact to the City of San Rafael. However, the recipient of this award receives a check
in the amount of $2,500 from the Richard P. O’Brien and Mary Ferrario O’Brien Citizen of the
Year Fund, which is administered by the Marin Community Foundation.
OPTIONS:
1. Adopt the Resolution of Appreciation conferring the Citizen of the Year Award to the
Dominican Sisters
2. Return the recommendation to the Selection Committee for reconsideration.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution of Appreciation.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution of Appreciation
2. Nomination materials for the Dominican Sisters
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
,:&
1"~ \.vfrH P. -I-
City of San Rafael
Richard P. O'Brien and Mary Ferrario O'Brien
Citizen of the Year Award
Presented to
The Dominican Sisters
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have had an unparalleled impact on the
community in the areas of education, social justice and health care. For more than 100
years, the Sisters have provided uncompromising leadership in the community through
their extensive education mission at Dominican University, The Garden School, San
Domenico School, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for individuals over 50
years of age, providing an educational world with a variety of courses to meet the
inquiring minds of many of our community members; and
The Sisters' dedication to the local community and the world at large is unsurpassed.
For many years in San Rafael they, and the college that they started and fostered, have
been an unparalleled asset for our growing City. They have provided a beautiful
campus atmosphere centered in a residential area, attracting students from around the
world. They have shared their campus and resources with the public at large. Angelica
Hall provides a wonderful venue for guest speakers and authors to talk to hundreds of
local residents. The Santa Sabina Center is a unique sanctuary in Marin where people
of all beliefs and cultural backgrounds can find sacred space and contemplative quiet.
The Sisters share this space with others for retreats, musical programs, conferences,
private study and reflection, etc.; and
their involvement in social justice issues from immigration to affordable housing to
advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable in our community has been a beacon of
inspiration and hope for all; and
in an age where incivility permeates all levels of our society, the Sisters have shown us
what it means to be thoughtful, patient and understanding. This was the case when the
Sisters pursued the Yellow Hallway at Lourdes Convent project, opening their home to
house two single mothers and their small children. The Sisters spent nearly two years
in the process, attending all City meetings and meeting with neighbors, spending their
own funds to remodel and bring the Convent wing into compliance with Code
requirements, in order to welcome two previously homeless families under their
Dominican roof. These women and their children are experiencing living in a safe,
loving home environment, benefitting from the support and companionship of the
Dominican Sisters. There aren't many who would voluntarily open their home to house
the homeless. The Sisters did it voluntarily and not without spending countless hours,
dollars and even their own elbow grease (the Sisters painted the wing themselves) to
see their dream of sharing their home with the less fortunate become a reality; and
The Sisters collective accomplishments of their quiet determination has bettered not
only our community but also everyone they have touched. They are silent warriors who
continue to persevere, selflessly pursuing their vision statement: "We reverence and
affirm the inherent dignity of each person. We will work for transformation of attitudes
and systems that deprive any person of dignity." All this for others and without any
expectation of acknowledgement. Remarkable, unsung, influential and visionary
leaders, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. The Sisters walk the walk and talk the
talk, working tirelessly to advance positive change in our San Rafael community and
the world.
NOW, THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council expresses its appreciation to The
Dominican Sisters efforts on behalf of their community and hereby awards them the Richard O'Brien and the Mary
Ferrario O'Brien Citizen of the Year Award.
From:Forms Admin
To:Lindsay Lara
Subject:New submission from Citizen of the Year
Date:Friday, January 04, 2019 2:52:57 PM
Date
01/01/2019
Nominee for Citizen of the Year
Dominican Sisters of San Rafael San Rafael
Nominee's Home Address
1520 Grand Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
United States
Map It
Does this nominee live within San Rafael City Limits?
Yes
Nominee's Phone
(415) 453-8303
Nominee's Email
Your Name
Diane Henderson
Your Address
United States
Map It
Your Phone
Your Email
What contributions has this individual made to the community that are beyond the scope of normal
civic responsibilities?
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have had an unparalleled impact on the community in the areas of
education, social justice and health care. For more than 100 years, the Sisters have provided
uncompromising leadership in the community through their extensive education mission at Dominican
University, The Garden School, San Domenico School (started in San Rafael and relocated to San
Anselmo), and the Osher Living Learning Institute for individuals over 50 years of age, providing an
educational world with a variety of courses to meet the inquiring minds of many of our citizens. Their
involvement in social justice issues from immigration to affordable housing to advocating on behalf of the
•
most vulnerable in our community has been a beacon of inspiration and hope for all. The Sisters have
joined other congregations in operating Dignity Health, a not-for-profit public corporation, operating
hospitals and ancillary care facilities in three states.
The Sisters’ dedication to the local community and the world at large is unsurpassed. For many years in
San Rafael they, and the college that they started and fostered, have been an unparalleled asset for our
growing City. They have provided a beautiful campus atmosphere centered in a residential area,
attracting students from around the world. They have shared their campus and resources with the public
at large. Angelica Hall provides a wonderful venue for guest speakers and authors to talk to hundreds of
local residents. The Santa Sabina Center is a unique sanctuary in Marin where people of all beliefs and
cultural backgrounds can find sacred space and contemplative quiet. The Sisters share this space with
others for retreats, musical programs, conferences, private study and reflection, etc.
Additionally, they also provide financial support in the form of Vision Grants for both local and
international causes, to support critically valuable ministries in areas where they don’t have Sisters living
or in ways that they are not qualified to provide. Most recently, the Sisters were Vision Partners with a
therapeutic equestrian program at St. Vincent’s School for Boys and a hygiene, health and literacy
program for YienDak women in southern Laos. And it doesn’t stop there. A classic example of an
innovative way that the Sisters support one of many causes, is their support of the Alzheimer’s
Association. The Sisters have long supported the Alzheimer’s Association, and since many of their own
Sisters are unable to travel to a city where one of the fundraising Walks to End Alzheimer’s takes place,
for many years they have instead sponsored their own walk on the Path of Hope at Lourdes Convent and
subsequently sent a generous donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Sisters' contributions to education, social justice and ministry to the community are well known and
priceless; far exceeding the scope of normal civic responsibility.
What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How has this person made a
difference?
The activities of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have impacted countless lives in our local
community and around the world. Perhaps the most obvious impact of the Dominican Sisters' presence
in San Rafael is their creation of the beautiful campus of Dominican University of California and the lovely
Santa Sabina Center.
The Sisters' efforts have supported an educational facility which has trained many of the teachers in our
City and County for over 94 years. Under the leadership of Sister Samuel Conlan, a model Development
Center for children with special needs was created on the Dominican Campus, followed by development
of a Special Education Teacher Training Program that has earned statewide recognition for excellence.
The Dominican Sisters also founded Dominican College’s nursing program which received accreditation
from the National League for Nursing in 1990.
Thousands have been educated by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael at all levels from pre-school
through graduate school. In addition, 120 Dominican Sisters have ministered at St. Raphael’s Parish and
School since 1890. Homeless have been housed. Hungry have been fed. Funds have been raised and
donated to local causes.
The Sisters' contributions to education, social justice and ministry to the community are well known and
priceless. Particularly true in today’s important areas of immigration, affordable housing and advocacy for
those who are in most need of social services and who are least able to take care of themselves. The
Sister walk the walk and talk the talk, working tirelessly to advance positive change in our San Rafael
community and the world.
The Sisters have made a tremendous difference in the lives of two young mothers and their small
children, taking them into their home. The Sisters spent months at City hearings and ultimately gained
approval to remodel (at their own expense) the Yellow Hallway of Lourdes Convent in 2017 to welcome
these formerly homeless families under their roof to live with them in a safe, loving home environment.
These women and children can attest to the huge difference the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have
made in their lives.
Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects or efforts.
The collective time and energy that the Sisters have provided to our San Rafael community over the past
125+ years is immeasurable. Since 1890 the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been a hidden jewel
to the City of San Rafael and its history. They have provided uncompromising leadership in the
community through their extensive education mission at Dominican University, Osher Living Learning
Institute, San Domenico School (now located in San Anselmo), and the Garden School, educating
thousands of students from preschool through graduate school. Their combined efforts have supported
an educational facility which has trained many of the teachers in our City and County for more than 94
years. Their superb nursing program, graduating students in varying medical disciplines, provides nurses
to our hospitals and medical facilities.
There is no limit to the time and energy that the Dominican Sisters have dedicated to our community and
other efforts. Over 120 Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have ministered at St. Raphael’s Parish and
School since 1890. In 2017, Sister Joan Hanna retired after 60 years as a Dominican Sister, the last 13
as Director of St. Raphael’s Pre School. Sister Adele Rowland, an artist who studied under Ansel Adams
and pioneered color photo montage images long before the advent of Photoshop, used Marin images in
her works which are treasured around the world. Sister Carla Kovack has for several years taken local
Dominican students to Uganda, delivering water filtration systems, mosquito bedding nets, school
supplies, play equipment for the children and funds to help complete a maternity wing at the local health
center. Sister Adele Gerlach at age 80+ was leading groups including San Rafael residents on 100-mile
walking pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago, in Spain. Sister Marion Irvine is approaching her 90th
year, but continues to be committed to serving others by raising social consciousness, primarily through
teaching, administration and example. She holds the title “Promoter of Peace, Justice and the Care of
Creation” and works tirelessly with others to address issues relating to human trafficking and has worked
to create safe houses, protect the environment, provide affordable housing, improve education and to
further other social justice issues. Sister Marion began running at forty-eight years old, ran competitively
for fifteen years and was the oldest woman ever to qualify for the Olympic trials in long-distance running
in 1983. Clearly there is no limit to the time and energy that the Dominican Sisters dedicate to our
community and to the future of our community.
In 1946 Sister Patricia Lyons founded and became Principal of The Garden School, a preschool and
kindergarten located on the Dominican Campus, educating generations of San Rafael children. On the
50th anniversary of The Garden School in 1996, then Governor of California, Pete Wilson, sent a
congratulatory letter to Sister Patricia, saying in part: ‘You have touched the lives of three generations of
Californians, providing each with a strong foundation with which they can meet the challenges of the
future. You have inspired love and loyalty from your friends, colleagues and numerous students, and you
have bequeathed to Marin County, and all California Schools, a legacy of academic excellence.”
Since the 1890s, the influence of the Dominican Sisters has been widely experienced primarily in the
areas of education and social justice, though health care is another strong dimension in the Sisters’
mission as they have joined other congregations in operating Dignity Health. The Sisters collective
accomplishments of being good, contributing and active citizens in their San Rafael community and the
world while maintaining the educational and social commitment they made some 128 years ago
continues to this day.
Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
Founded by the Dominican Sisters in 1890, Dominican College was long associated with women’s
education. It was the first Catholic college in California to grant a bachelor’s degree to women. It was a
daring move in the 1970s, when, under the leadership of the Dominican Sisters, the College was
transformed from an all-women’s college into a coeducational institution. Seeing the need for the College
to be an integral part of the local community, the Sisters expanded the Board of Trustees to include
laypersons, non-Catholics and men, to reflect the members of the business and professional community.
In 2000, Dominican College of San Rafael became Dominican University of California. The new name
recognizes Dominican’s status as a university with graduate degree programs, a diverse student body
and a global perspective, a significant transformation over more than 100 years from the all-women’s
college started by the Dominican Sisters.
In an age where incivility permeates all levels of our society, the Sisters have shown us what it means to
be thoughtful, patient and understanding. This was the case when the Sisters pursued the Yellow
Hallway at Lourdes Convent project, opening their home to house two single mothers and their small
children. The Sisters spent nearly two years in the process, attending all City meetings and meeting with
neighbors, spending their own funds to remodel and bring the Convent wing into compliance with Code
requirements, in order to welcome two previously homeless families under their Dominican roof. These
women and their children are experiencing living in a safe, loving home environment, benefitting from the
support and companionship of the Dominican Sisters. There aren’t many who would voluntarily open their
home to house the homeless. The Sisters did it voluntarily and not without spending countless hours,
dollars and even their own elbow grease (the Sisters painted the wing themselves) to see their dream of
sharing their home with the less fortunate become a reality.
To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the community?
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are unsung heroes, quietly working to fulfill their commitment to
raise social consciousness primarily through teaching, administration and example. The Sisters present a
steady, balanced and peaceful presence at community meetings, creating an atmosphere of respect and
trust. This was most evident at the recent hearings to allow the Sisters to convert the Yellow Hallway at
Lourdes Convent to housing for two women and their young children, previously without permanent
housing. This program allowed the Sisters to open their home to two formerly homeless families, allowing
them to live with the Sisters for two years, as the women transition to fully independent living. In their
words, the Sisters were “thrilled” to open their home to others, allowing the Sisters to fulfill a dream that
began in 2015, with nothing in it for them but the joy of helping others, opening their hearts and home to
the less fortunate.
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are an unparalleled source of “good” for our entire community.
Every project they have undertaken has fostered a greater sense of justice, fairness and humbleness for
all involved. The Sisters, and the school they started and fostered have been a unique and unsurpassed
asset for our growing City. While administration has been transferred to lay people in recent years, the
guiding principles the Sisters established at the time of the founding of Dominican College remain intact
and the Sisters remain very involved with its operation, among other things as instructors and as
members of the governing Board of Dominican University of California.
The Sisters collective accomplishments of their quiet determination has bettered not only our community
but also everyone they have touched. They are silent warriors who continue to persevere, selflessly
pursuing their vision statement: “We reverence and affirm the inherent dignity of each person. We will
work for transformation of attitudes and systems that deprive any person of dignity.” All this for others and
without any expectation of acknowledgement. Remarkable, unsung, influential and visionary leaders, the
Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.
GARY T. RAGGHIANTI
. January 3, 2019
City of San Rafael
t~
Ragghian ti IF rei tas LLP
Citizen of the Year Selection Committee
Dear "Citizen of the Year" Selection Committee:
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
1101 FIFTH °AVENUE, SUITE 100
SAN RAFAEl,-CA 94901-2903
TELEPHONE 415.453.9433
FACSIMILE 415.453.8269
WWW.RFLAWLLP.COM
I write to nominate the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael to be named City of San Rafael
Citizen of the year.
I have been a resident of Marin County for 70 years and of San Rafael for nearly 40.
Since the 1850's the Sisters of Dominican have been an important presence in the City . At
Dominican College which they founded and now as members of the governing Board of
Dominican University of California. ·
Their contributions to education, social justice and ministry to the community are well known
and priceless. Particularly is this true in today's important area$ of immigration, affordable
housing and advocacy for those who are in most need of social services and who are least
able to take care of themselves.
It was my distinct privilege to represent the Sisters in their successful application to the City
to house two mothers and their children in an unused hallway of the Lourdes convent on
Locust Avenue. Those families are there now and have. been since the issuance of a permit
from the City in 2017 . It was heartening to see the outpouring of support from the community
and from so many organizations for the proposal made by the Sisters. I consider my ·
representation of the Sisters in this endeavor to be one of the most satisfying of my
professional career.
Representing the Sisters provided me with a unique insight into their congregation. I was able
to work with and watch these incredible women hon_or their religious mission and strive to
help those in need. The women I worked with are intelligent, articulate, more.than well .
educated, caring, and selfless ambassadors of all that is good in the human spirit.
t~
Ragghiantil Freitas LLP
PAGE20F2
We all benefit from having them in our midst. I urge that they be recognized and honored
with this award. They richly deserve it.
Very tr, ly yo~ur:.
__ a d~J---
ry T. Ragg ianti
GTR/jlp
January 3, 2019
San Rafac➔I Citizen of the Year Selection Committee
"1400 I:ifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
Dear San Hafael C itizen of the Year Selection Committee:
It is with utmost admiration that I write this letter highlighting the following achievements of this wonderful group
of women.
Th is community has been graced and blessed by their presence for decades.
o With their perseverance, they continued to work with the San Rafael Planning Commission, despite
the appeals by 2 neighbors to get the "Lourdes" house approved to help 2 women and their children get
a new start by providing transitional housing. This will help the women get established and find
permanent housing.
This is part of the Sister's Mission, which has long included Social Justice.
o They are very attuned to the changes in society and culture and have responded diligently with
expanding commitments to caring for the environment and preaching care for the planet.
o The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have expressed their solidarity with the migrants from Honduras,
Guatemala and El Salvador, who are fleeing violence and extreme poverty. They seek protection,
opportunity for right livelihood and peach in which to live and raise their families.
• The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael had arrived to establish schools and hospitals. Today they ·can
also be found in parishes, social service agencies, day programs for those without homes and prisons.
Vision Statement
• "We reverence and affirm the inherent dignity of each person. We will work for transformation of
attitudes and systems that deprive any person of dignity."
With those achievements listed, I could not more highly recommend the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael be
awarded the honor of San Rafael Citizen(s) of the year.
Si erel Y('J.M~u/
a1°'
Providing keys to ending homelessness: training, housing, and hope
HG?m .eward
nlou11d
O F MAR I N
December 21 , 2018
Dear "Citizen of the Year" Selection Committee :
It is w ith wholehearted enthusiasm that I join others in nominating the remarkable, unsung,
influential and visionary leaders, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael!
Si nce the mid to late 18SO's the influence of the Dominican Sisters has been widely experienced
primarily in the areas of education and social justice (though health care is another strong
dimension in the Sisters' mission as they have joined other congregations in operating Dignity
Health).
The Sisters have provided uncompromising leadership in the community through their
extensive education miss ion at Dominican University and San Domenico School, now located in
San Anselmo . Their involvement i n social justice issues from immigration to affordable housing
to advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable in our community has been a beacon of
inspiration and hope for all.
Their steady, balanced, and peaceful presence at community meetings creates an atmosphere
of respect and trust .
In addition, the Sisters commit resources and funds to worthy projects such as the Yellow
Hallway Pr oject-converti ng part oftheir convent to be used for 2 homeless families with
children. The Sisters paid for all required renovations and welcomed the families into their
home.
The Sisters are mentors to us all in subtle yet powerful ways as they live their mission in the
Miss ion City, San Rafael! They are si mply awesome!
Sincerely,
¾ tl') ~~~~~-
Mary Kay Sweeney, Ph .D.
Executive Director
13 85 N f-ia milto n Pa rkway, Novato, CA 94949
415-382-3363 • Fax 415-382-6010
www.h bofm.org
Selection Committee for SR Citizen of the Year
San Rafael City Hall
1400 Fifth Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901
Dear Members of the Committee:
I wish to support the nomination of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael as a group for
the Citizen(s) of the Year Award .
In the fifty-five years I have called San Rafael home , I have found that the Sisters have
been an unparalleled source of "good" for our entire community. Every project they have
undertaken has fostered a greater sense of justice, fairness and, yes, humbleness for
all involved.
In an age where incivility permeates all levels of our society, the Sisters have shown us
what it means to be thoughtful, patient and understanding even when their projects
have been assailed by intemperance and shortsightedness.
For all their many years in San Rafael, they, and the school they started and fostered ,
have been a unique and unsurpassed asset for our growing city. Their quiet
determination has bettered not only our community but also everyone they have
touched .
Surely there is no better time or place to honor these unsung women than now by
naming them the Citizens of the Year for San Rafael.
Thank you for considering my request.
Ja~
Former SR City Councilman
Past Foreman, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury
To: Selection Committee
San Rafael Citizen of the Year Award 2019
I am writing in support of the nomination of the Dominican Sisters as Citizen(s) of the Year.
Reading the criteria li sted below, it is my opinion that they meet every one of them:
• Housing two single mothers with children certainly qualifies as significant. These women and
their children experienced li ving in a safe, loving home environment plus benefited from the
companionship and support of the Dominican Sisters.
• The benefits to the community are not only immediate, but will continue as the mothers move
on after receiving this extraordinary assistance, plus their children w i ll always remember this
time and will always know the importance of supporting and helping others.
• The Sisters spent months dealing with the permit process, including attending al l city meetings
as well as significant time with the physical changes needed to house the families.
• The challenge, although from just a few people, turned what shou ld have been a simple permit
process into a months-long undertaking that the Sisters deftly handled.
• They surely qualify as unsung heroes.
Please consider the Dominican Sisters for this award. They truly deserve recognition.
Thank you,
Mary Lou Ragghianti
1. Selection of the award winner shall be based on the following criteria:
o The significance of the individual 's accomplishments, whether past or
present;
o The quality , scale and duration of the benefits to the community resulting
from the individual's accomplishments;
o The amount of time and energy devoted to the community beyond the
scope of normal citizen responsibilities ;
o The nature of the challenges faced and overcome by the individual ; and
o The extent of previous recognition received by the individual (e .g ., the
extent to which the nominee is an "unsung hero").
December 31, 2018
Mayor Gary Phillips
Citizen of the Year Committee
1400 Fifth Avenue Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
Dear Citizens Committee,
We would enthusiastically support the nomination of the Sisters of Dominican University
of California to become San Rafael's Citizen of the Year . Since 1890 they have been a
hidden jewel to the City of San Rafael and its history. Their combined efforts have
supported an educational facility which has trained many of the teachers in our County
for over 94 years. They provide a superb nursing program, graduating student in
varying medical disciplines. The Osher Living Learning Institute for individuals over 50
years of age, providing an educational world with a variety of courses to meet the
inquiring minds of many of our citizens. Angelica Hall provides a wonderful venue for
guest speakers and authors to talk to hundreds of local residents. The Sister have
maintained a beautiful campus atmosphere centered in a residential area, attracting
student from many corners of the world to witness and participate in a different
environment.
While administration has been transferred to lay people in recent years the guiding
principles the Sisters established at the time of the University founding remain intact.
The Sisters collective accomplishments of being good, contributing and active citizens in
their Marin community and the world while maintaining the educational commitment
they made some 128 years ago continue to this day.
They are most deserving of the recognition by the City of San Rafael. They have been
fabulous Citizens in our community.
Sincerely,
Lou and Marge Bartolini
DOMINICAN
SISTERS
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I 1..no-.v from tall..i ng to rcoplc .uul w;1h:hi n1,: 1hr. nr.,\1·s, that 1111mr
.m• hcing 1..011!.1 ,k•cf ,mt! Ii fwd up h}' their 11ci)!hhn~-\Ve h:1v(~ $f.'1'm
lhis with lhc hu11i CillH.'S. in lC-"<.\!i, 1:10,id:i . ;md l't.tcrto Rko, in !he
,,f1f'roulh l'Jl tl\n :-lmol ing 1,agcrlr in L,,s Vl•g,,s, ;i nd n1o>l 1L1<:<:ntly
wi1h the wil cliir<:s in lh C' n.,unl ir:5. o f So1mm,1, Na1,,1, Mendocino
,llld Lnkc, 1u~1 m >r lh oi us. I J...now tha1 not ;ill uouhlcs ~m: 1('b tt;'ll
10 natu,.11 di1>.a!tlNs; pcopl<• lllill \'(Ju ,mrl I kno ... v ;m d <.:,He-aboul ,m•
i.:iri ng challt•nges lo ll wir he,,lth, th eir fi nand.,f scturily, ,,r their
;J bility lo mm,1i11 i rl (lUr tount1\'. l'l.·opf<: w,:: dn 001 Ln o vv, hut who
,,1t• txu h1 otlwr.s and >IS IC't>, f.1n• m1my oth<:'r t hilllcngt>s, jusl a~
dire~. In 1hc mid~! n f ii .i ll. I rc:11 1(.>mhr, lwo thing>: Ctuf i:,. wit h 11~.
.,nrt Guel ha!t given us (\Ill! ,motlw,.
'Tht• sh(:C'1 numhr.r:-11nd IIK• m..tc:nt ui pl•op lr's sufiering c.rn lx-
ovr1wlw ln1ing. unl(•si. we-rely on Gud 's !ilwnglh co guitfr. u s.. E.ich
of u s 1:--,1hk• 10 do wh,ll is our~ 10 cto. S(\m(: aw n 1llctl to 1r~p111Hf
on a larr,c sr.:1h•; sonl(• ()i O$ supp o•i !h(iit rMwls w ith om lin1<> or
OlJI 1t(•,1stJrC . Sonw oi us pr:iycrfully continue wilh nuf cf.lily livr..s
.md ~la y ,"I IP11 to (1pporlunitics 10 r.ll.tcm l lt;wi 11g hands and hc;-uls.
,\s .W 17 <Ira ... -..~ to a dow. wr: p1,1y ior 1hr: gr,u.:t.• fO rrul y bl'ii(•,·(:
that ~All thing~ work tOf!f'tlll'J fo,-f;uod im those who lovr Ctl(f. H
i,:of)~'\ft'-1):W. Wt• hope )'OU will (•1 1joy lhi!, cfohu l i'-Sll(' \~fo r i~niU:1
1'>ur rt••n,lnw d nf/\ ... :;lf'lll•t th;,t wmind.5 us oi our pa ssio1\ ,ls
p1N1thet~ of lrnlh, l<m• ,,ntf ju ~tke. \V<• ha'l-<! indutfl•d n<!w:,. ,11\d
pholos ni w h m we ,ut• doing,. lo<.-.1 1ly ,111 (1 ~~l ,,h,,11}:. th.11 c:x p1C1:;:-
our mi!.~io n to prod;1im God'!. \\lord in our wo rl d .
While I ,lh\l:'\\•S s,1y how much it mt•;1m Ill us 10 ht1ve }1m oH, ran
of our Doniinirnn fom il }:. tln d lo hr.ar from you. pk•.isc know lh ,ll
in 1hr,st1 tim es, I ft.'(•I it £.>\.t•n m 1')1c> cffieply. Pll',\sc s.1,,r in 101.1c;h,
and ho ~<.uwd of nur th oushts .md pr,,yl•rs.
(ir.11ciu lh•,
).:.,ftv I}/,.,..,,_ ///< o~•Hfi• <9.f,
·sislt:I f\,UUt(:t•n ,\1<:lnCfll(!\'., o.r.V /
Pri~i1(•~s G(•,wr:tl ·
l11e Yellow H al I way Adventure
H.wing ,cccived a ll of lhe n c<.:t:!S!.,u y .ip pa.l\'.i ls , the ,enov.ilion oi ,l
h.111 of ,ooms .11 Our Lad)' of lou1dcs Co nv~nt , cuirenll)' unoccupied by
<lll)' !.istc,s, heg .. m i11 e.1 1nesl in June .
In August len o r om sis lr,1 s c:;;:une b y fo , .1 one d.ly •. l.lin1i11g pt11lyl
Sec-11 .::.Love, fiom left, Sisle1s Sue t\llbiillon, M,11 g.u e 1 Die11e1,
Ra),., H,l!llon, Jo.ln H.lm1a, r\nne Dol,111, 81 igicl Noon,m, Rodolfo Cubillo
who is lhc i:;orwe nt's 111,1i111t..'n..1 11ce tecl,, l o11ai11e Amodeo, r\hb y Newlon.
Kit H.imiho n, Patr icia Dougherty, joine d l ow des Convent nlOc:k-1 .1101,
Sistc1 P,111ici.i Simpson. Six l,cd1ooms:, o ne ior each mothc 1 anJ one io,
e.i ch child, we,e c.uefully d e,111 ed and fresh l)' p ainled. Wh.11 h .is laken
J li11l e mo1c time has been convc,ting a
wincfow on the front po1ch into ,1 scp,,ratc
enl1c1n cc, ll11ni 11g two 100111s into a small
kitchen and dining are,1, crc,1ling ., s n1.ill
li\'ing 100111 .111d .i pl,,y/s ludy room 101 the
chilrhen, ;md c1e.-s1 i11g a doo, to lead out
10 ,.1 sma ll deck and fcn cerl lawn ;:11e.l.
\,Ve h,we ,1l so t.lken g1e.11 c.11e lo be sure
that we mcc l .1II oi lhc 1\D1\ building
1f"quirements as well as foe safel)' codes.
Two wom~n, formcilv wilhout
p e11nanent housing, and 1heir childr e1 1
unde1 eight )'t!',llS old, will li ve wilh us ior
two )'e.us, wilh support services fr om 11ol-fo1-profi1 Homew.ird Bound,
to t1,1 nsi1io11 to fu ll y independen t living. \Ne ,ire th rill ed . ,\s 0 111 faithfu l
rc,1dc1 s know, 1his d 1ea111 i,egJn in 2 01 S, lhe Year of Mercy.
!Mi.(,w·cm S1awmtm
tr,f),., 1fi1.:Q}(imi,,i~·a11 Sister.,
i>fS,111,J/.,tfiu(,
(Ollllllil illlfJ:e{c..i:.5
w rlit mi.t.1im1 v_f,Do111i11ic:
w 111odl1im g<J:('·H1t>nf
,'11 OU/"1~\lrftl
o ,rr,,r,,,,r,.,apfusftip
tfiru111Jli mrr mws t'!/
J'ltrt\!ltJ, d;a .. ,·tity t1mf ofx•ali:11t'I!,
tl'i f()ffow Jl!.(IL'i
,1,amiitt/J w
11ic rf)(,mi,rica11 lfJJt1Slofic (1ft;
uv pr,,_,~ stutfy. cdi6nue
u11ar.·«0111 0·aa:,·•1«inr
i11 community.
·~1-Ytfi t111r fit't!s ttiru <t'nhm:tf
inJJicUmf,
'fi.\': ,q,c:(10 rJ;Jnufifis mi'isi()II
l!ft1111fi dllllftn\!
itl Oflr'lltilli.Slt),
6ti11t)(ll0 Ilic f/V.f/Nf to 6t;IY
witfi fftptfi ,11u(,·(111111,1.••sfrm
(Ill tfit aiu(,1( i'iSllts
'?f,,urtim~
We: ,cverence (Incl aft111n
lh c i11l1e1c11I dignity
o( ,~.td1 pe1s.un.
\-Vewill wurk
rm tr,msfo1m.11ion
of :.1t1iludes ,md S)'S lems
lh.11 dep,ivc ,l11y
JH.'ISOll ur dignity.
Visiull Sl:t l(•flll-?lll
Blessed Be
the Long ing
In Augusl we ga tht.!n~d to wck:ome ou,· l.1fe.o;t c.1nrli rfate.
lheres;t Cu simano, into the Domin ican fa mily an d our
rnngccga!ion. She \\'.lS horn in Buffal o , New York a nd raised
in Bethlehem, Pc.nnS)'l\r.inl,l . l h~r'{'Sil !i!Udi<>rl hu<i in ~s nS .1 n
uml e rgr;i1 h1,11e, o bta ined ;i mr1 s1cr's fn high~r educ.-u inn a nd ,l
b .w degre e. Shr. p ut!SLif'd a c;ueP.r in h igher cd uc,1linn, ,1 nll h;,s
"a p assi on fo r jm tiet~," ,1-. ~P.e.11 in he r 11111 11;1 11 rig hts r1elvucr.cy.
1hr.n?sn hcH;m to cxp!o!'c her catling to rn liginus life wll h
the Si.Sie rs of SI. )O$t•ph in Phil :ulrl phia who taughl hL•r fro m
firs t gr.1 dc lhrough high sc hool. At a Co111e & Ser. ~vent, sh<?
,vas encouraged to t.i kc the onllnc vocation m;i1d1 survey
on voc;itionclwork.org, a w ebsilt.! 1>1ovide<l by the Natio nal
Rcligio\JS Vocation ConfcrC'nCc>. That led her to us. Mier
convcrs,itions wi th ourVoc,1t ion f1ircctor, Sisler Ca,b Kovac k,
TI 11;!re!ia app li ed to w ntirille li t'r \'uc.i ti o11 juurnf!y wi th us .
In September, The resa 0ew lo Fl 1.1ridJ fu r <I pre-arr;mgecl
speaking eng.1ge ment, sn was cnin ci dcn1all )• 01, ha nd to hdp
her p :i rcnts, Marth.:i ;1 nd J,imes. JJ rep.i1e fo r Hu rricil ne ln11 a.
Th ilnkfu ll )•, 1hcir nL'ighllurhuud \\'.il5 rda!ively u 11touched .
Cu rrently she sen•es .1s hecutive Assis ta nt to the lt'<Hfe rship
te,i m , ,1nd .lllt>n ds d,1sst:'S at lhe Graduate School of Theology
in Berkeley. Plea5e joi n your pr.iycrs wi th ours ui ~r.11i1urle
anrl support.
A W alk fo r Hope
hy Sister Pdtrida Simpson
HOPE! Wh;i t a wonderfu l gift: rhe ,1hili1 y to ho pe.
Wt.• art' hoping for sn much in our world today that It is
rlitiicull to name everythi ng .
He1e ar llur La dy nf Lour des Convent , one o( o ur
hn11e.s i5 ror an end to Alzheimer's. A5. we watch snm c o{
our Sis ter~, nur fam il y mcmb['fS a nd frl~nch e ndure th is
dcvastaling dise,1 se, we wonder w hal wo c.:m d o lo hel p .
Each yc,1 r the Alzheimer's Assoc iation's c:,1mp.1 ign , Wa lk to
End Alz he iml!r's, hns th e goal lo "r,,isc aw;u cness an d fu nds
ior lh c care, 1·e,~.uc h ,mt! support" o f lhose affert~cl hy 1he
disease. Si n ce we ,11 Lomdes Convt~nl arc n'I able lo lr,wcl to
one oi 1lw w,dks in the va rio us ci ties. where du~)' <Jke pl ,u :r.,
whal lieller w a}' 1h;:m In have o u r very own W.llk ;unun<l
our outdoor p,1thWJ}'· We. cJll ii lhc Pa th of Ho pe. For five
)'l'J tS 110w we h::M: sponsored a w3lk right here .ii Lourdes
Convcru, ~rn d e,1ch )'C:Jr \\'(' h;wc bl'i..!n .lb lc to send ;:,
ge nerous donation lo the ,\I zheimcr's 1\ssociatinn to iurthl'r
their 1e5e¥ch <1nd contribute to care . This year wi:: showed
up on Sa tu rday, October 7.
Th e Si5lt'rs: livi ng ,H Lourdes Conve nt walk b)' them-
Se lves If lhey a re a b !l! or they use thdr w;:1lkers . Our c.1 regivers
hclµ 1huse fn 1h eir wheelch.1irs navig.:i te the p .it h tuo; uul'
Sisters fr om lhe nei~hh uring crnwcnts jo in in as do fr i~nds
irnm :irnund th e Oom in ic ,l n 11e lgh ho1 h11od . The \.\'On derfu l
s?ud~nl s fr nm Dom in ic .in U ni vers i1 y of Ca li forn i,, come
~nd hel p organize. ,v.1 lk to su pport all those who come
to iu rther th l! c.i.usc of Alz heimer's rese;i ,ch . Who kn ows!
Maybe-one rfay all of our efforts will hrin g wha t we hopt•
a nd pr,'t)' for: an e nd lo Al zheimer's.
In M;1)' the wr:mdw1i1l f)<.'Of)lt:! a( SI. Rapha1d f'arish
All .1gd, ,1/1 .1b//i!.in
Jwnr:d in Onol.x.·r
('II ,;,.,.. {'J//) .-,f Nt,p(:
Jround Ow lJr~· vf
Lm;ir/ci Con1,:•nt ro
m.1~1>.1tliffn(•M(•
in th!'.' ~{{011 /o end
:\f1!11·imc:·1 1l<::11K!flli.1
lfi,11 11011· ,1fiL'f.lS 5.j
mil/f()lt rl.meric,1111.
l1m1crl ,1 special Uibltlt.• W the Dominican Si,tf!rS with a
bl!iWliful ,\,J,155 ancl ccft'br;11ort wpper. Th~)' t1cknowlcdgt"d
I 21) Si,;ti•rS who had mini5tcf(>d In ,,-,,.. r,ari(h .inrl /ls school
dnn• 1889 Siste r Joan Hdnn~ 5 ,titiri•mr,nt ,1' Oimctar of
tfie Pu!.>chool ID, thittccn ,·c~1 r5 ,·olnrid~d with tilt~ tiv1mf; <li she s,,y.s, 5/it•
i( -,he obnosc"' in the lon.c. llne. or Sl5fP1 .~ lri w,vc al Sr. Rapl,ad'.s . The
hisrmie~ of Ifie p;uiJh and lhe nmgreg,,tu)n h.iv-P. bPen woven toge ther ior
I W )'i'Rts: our cl~ep r~lation slups h\•e on.
0
Our Vision Partners
We :ife ple.'lsed to shMe with our reitders .ihnut two of the Vision Grants
th,1t we i\Witrclerl this year. The Visiun fund gives us 1he abili1y to support
cril il:.illr valu,,ble ministries in pl,Kc.s where we do nol have Sisters living.
or in ways that we Me not qualified to provkle.
Sister Susannah Malarkey
sponsored 1he ;lpp1ic.11ion
from Calholic Charities
in !he Sa n Fr.1ncisco
Ardullocese to support
a therapeutic equestrian
program at SI. Vincent's
"' School for Boys in San
Rafael. For more th.in
160 yc;i rs, this school has
providl'd help ,md hopf!
for severely abused, ncglc:..:tcJ and aU.imloned boys , i\ !rained equestr ian
clin ical prJdili1.1ner, working iull time, helps the boys uverc.:ume anli-socic1\
and aggressive behavi or, ,md prumu1es their self-esteem. More than 60
boys a re ahle In participalc In this prugram, and the eighteen hmses .:ire
re<.:e ivir\~ ,H\11lht:, oppnrtunily to he of service.
Sister Maria Foraboschi
spunsured lhe applir,llion
of .:i p.1s1oral program in
lhe Dioce.e of P.,kse
in southern Laos. The
hygiene, he.allh and
literacy program for
lhc YicnOak women Is
improving th~ he,,llh of ,1
thousand household~ in
,1 rural village. \'Valer Is
piped f1orn ,1n npr.n slream a bout !-even mih:s from the v illage. Th1t h,1~ir:s
nf h)'gicnc were unknow,, 10 lhe vlllagerSi rt~i.e;u ch shows lhal when the
women le;)rn, cvc1yone l>enellts. In addition . literJcy i11 lhe I.Jo l;:mguagc
among women has Lct!n v1::ry low, as in te n pc1 thousand. A one-on-one
mcnloring program has bct•n set up. This has prOVi.!ll to hi.· an cifoc:ti\'C
model in other developing coun1rics.
Works of Love in Afri ca
For nine year s our rL•aders have IJ ecn following
the slOI)' of Sister Carla Kovack's mi nistry in Uganda,
the result oi her <k~p listening to ;) long-limn }'earning
to servl'.! God's peopln in AiricJ . In 2000 Sim•r Carla
tr-avde<l to the small nnal village of Kiganda, li ved
with Lhc Sisters uf 1h1:: lr1m,a culate Heart, and
vnlunteered in the primary st:h ool.
Since th en, she h,1s rclu rned St've,al times, ei'.lch
time with fresh ideas ,,nd suppnrl ior improving the
quality of li fe for th t' people sw.:h as waler filtration
syslt'ms, mmquito hedding nets. school supplies,
a.ml play equi111ne111 fo r thf:' chi ldren.
In June, for the 1hird time, Sisters Carla ,mrl
Pruiessor leeAnn Bartolini escorted a gruup uf
Dominican Univeri;ily uf California studcnls to th e
village to experience liic in a developing coun11y
Hrs! h;inrl . "Each day we met wifh our small group of
primary srhool :,,1udenrs. At fir!>!, the young5tcrs were
s h}• and uncertain abou t lhcsc A111eric,1n women.
Uy lhe th i,d cl-'}', 1hr. c:hilrlren were full)' e ngaged in
1he ir convcrsallon les~ons usi ng !hf! wondcn-ul hook.-.
p1ov iclt~cl by recenl Dominican gradu.ite, Jennlfer
Doering,. 8y lhe enrf of our Slil}', st udents were
showering Stephanie Hern;mde:t: (pic:turt:d bP.lnw)
with iood: ,woc.Hlos, roai ze ;md sugar cane, tokens
o i thl•ir gratitude. •fol' languagt' of lh;m ks is th e
SJllll' ;1 11 over the world," Sisler Carl.:i sh.Ht'd.
Other exciting news 1his )•car is the c:omp!etion
oi a maternily wing at the St M;:itia Mulumba Parish
Health Center. Thanks lo grants from Dignity Healtl1
Jnd a Vis ion Gran1 from the congregation, a f1t'W
furnished and ~qu ip ped sµ.Ke, dedicated to prei;nant
women ,md newborns. will provide se-n•ices fro m
prc-na1.1 I d;1sses nnd mo niloring through delivery
w ilh the ca ring supervision .ind Jssis l,mce of lhe
Cenler's mirhvife.
Celebrating
Thirty Years
in Tijuana
by Sister Gene McNilll)'
I minislered in education for twenty-seven years,
1r.,1ching in Cnlholic high schools th"-1 our congregation
hn<l fouml1xl .rmVor Sl.tfiecl. During thal lime, I took
s1udents on service trips to Tiju,111,, ,lllrl did some
volunteeling mysel f. In Scpteml>er 1986 I began
wo,king in Tiju-an,, fu ll lhrn~, wilh !he support of th e
c:ongrcgnlion and friends. The v,,-.t majorily of lhe
people living in thi s arid Glll}'On area lacked !he
funds to meel thei r fomilics' basic needs.
Colonia EspNanza is a labor oi lovl', not only
from those who h,1vc supported it, !Jul also irorn
the people who live hl'rc. We h,we huilt Our Lady
of Hope Chapel where we gather as .i t:ommunlty
tu pray. We have tstal>lished the Clinic San Rafael,
open three days a week, where a d vcto, sees patients
iur just 35 pesos per visit, and is ahlc to providt!
some mcdidnt! fllr fret'. \•Vt: h.ive the Domingo
Guzman Youth Center with d.JSS!::'S in English, ,,
t:nmpurer l.1h with a teacher, a pla)1gruund a nd a
haskt'tlMII cowl.
Out that 's nu! all. All of the horoes ,md husinP.s,;es
we h:we he lrert build hy payi ng loca l wo1ke rs, as johs
arc sc,ircc. We ha\'t' also hecn ahle tn provide mml of
the funding for lweh:c univcrsily gr.,du:ltes, O.'i W'?ll as
clc111cnury school nnrl high school s1uden1s.
I couldn'l ha ve done it wilhout my "lovely
l,1dies," ,1 group of lny women living In the .trc,, who
asslsl me wilh ,unnins 1he p1ogr.1ms , aclivilics and
se,vices here. They rciusc to .icc ept s.tlaties, s.1ying
lht?y n1e "doing It for God,'' so I do wh;it I c,m to
express rny ill}J>reda.tion .
I couldn't have done it wiLhout faith In God, lhe
gcnerosit)' of lhe Dominican Si!-lc rs of San Rafael,
Jnd the ki ndness of so many others. h is a gre.11
comfmt to me 011 thost! difficult days ... Thank you
all so muc h.
Don<ttions fo support Sister Gene~ ministry c,m
/J c sent u, the Develnpmcnt Office with a nule
that they be directed to Colonid faperdnza .
Back to School Tlie Ole\V school rea,
began in ,\ugusl .u D0111i niCAn Uoiversity of Ca li fo rn ia!
The faculty, staff ilnd studcnls .11e our neighbors, and
we look io, every way to mulu,1lly supporl .,ml intei.lCI
wilh one .rno1her.
E.ich yea, we look fo1w.1 1d lo welcoming the new
students and in 11oduci11g omsclves! TI1e fost evem is nu:~
Amazing Race, a c1ea1ive: scavenger hun l fo1 infom1 atio11
thal helps the students find their W.l)' around cam pus.
lhe second event is S1 noothies with lhe Slslers, a n
invil.i li on to p.iuse in the midst of ,l b ui)' cfay to si p ,1
refr("shing lrc:-,1t ,ind get lo know one another.
Treasured Memories in Our Archives
Oui co11g1cg.itio11;1J .11d1ivis1, Sis ler r,Hricfa Corr , oitcu comes ,1c1oss
fo sci 11,11i11g exam ples of limes when om hi sto1y i11te1!.ected w ith th,1t of
om s l,1fc m ,egio n. Re cenll y she s h,1 1cd w ilh us the s 101 y of F1.in ces,
Geo,gii.l, ,md Eli 1,.i, d .mghle1s of Geo1ge a11ril,unse11 Donne1. The tluee
c.hild1e11 su rvi\'cd lh c Donne., P,ul y Expedition Jnd we1c ,csc:ucd in 18,1]
when lhey we1e just 6, 4 ilnrl J )'Cil1S old. In 185 1. wheo F1,:mc es was 17,
Gcorgi,1 15, ,md Eliz J. 14, they we1e emoll cd in SI. Cath eri1u~'s Acade1ny
in Benicia . It w,u lhe decision of the husband of 1hcil half-siste,, ElilhJ .
Rcnj ,m1in \Vilde1 \\'JS taking ad,•.:in1 .1gc of 1he Sis1e1s ' offer "that when
mo1e lh,111 lwo of ,1 family become pupils the same tem,, the 1hi1d 011e
sh .ill bi! 1eceive>d fn~c oi ch:ugc (except incide11t.:ils1.•
Eliu p11lilished he, book in 1911. In chilpler 34, we 1e,1d he,
ch.:irming memor)• oi .,,riving ,1 1 St. Cathe, ine's, ,, month ditc1 he, sisle1s,
,ind mee 1i11g Mo 1her Mi'ry Got'llli\Nl".
Molher M,,ry. wi1h open walch in hand, stood bdo1c me, s,,ying..
"Yow sister Georgi,, c1 icd twice ,1S long as expected when she
c.unc; still, I will allow )'OU lhe regu lar five rninules ."
"I don't wish lo c 1y/ w.1s ITI)' ti mid 1esponse.
"Ou t," she insisted, "you must shed a icw enlr.lnce le,1rs to--"
Defo1e she finished h~1 sentence , and without thinking it would
be ove11eaching a stranger's privilege, I impulsively threw Ill)'
,11ms ,,round he r neck, laid mr check ag,,ins t ln~.1 s, .:rnd whispered.
"Ple,uc du11'1 make me cry."
She cf,ew nw closer lo her, .1ncl he1 lips h>uched mr io1chc,1d, .md
she said, ~No, ch ild, )UU 11ced nol."' Then 1.hL~ hilcJe me go wllh Ill)'
.s i!.lt.•t:. ,111cl bN:011,c .K411i1i1lfl'<f wilh m~• 11ew !.u 11 oundings~
A Dominican Experience of Studying Abroad
by Sisfer Patrid,1 Dvugluuty, Professor fmt'rila a l Domi11icau Uui versil y of C.-tlifomi,1
We're going again al lhe end or
May 20 1 o. Ir you o r aoyone you
know is interesled In lea n1ing
mo re, go 10 http://www.dom.
edu/academics/s1t1dyabroad/
fan jea11 x-frJ1 11ce.
For tweot)1-<>11 e ye,11s I h,we happily heen involved with 1he
F;rnjeaux Se minar. II \\'JS 1hc inspir.11ion oi Siste 1 Vivian Jennings, J
C.1ldwell Do111i11ic,m . n,e goal is lo ensuic lh,1 1 J 11ue unde,staoding
,,nri ,1 ppr edi1 tion o( SI. Dominic, .ind lhe ch,11ism o( the 0 1de1 he
fou11rled, conlinue among 1h e laity in Do 111inic,1n im,lilu lions of higher
eciuc,11ion . T11 e seventeen-da)• semina, uniquely inhoduces A1ne1ic:Jn
stucfonls, fo c11l1y membe,s and staff lo medieval times ,ind 1he
heiit.,ge of St Domin ic.
Siste, Samuel Conl.in fi rs t !old 111e about the concept, and I
i11uned ia1e ly voluntel'rcd to help in any w.,y since I would be in fr.a ncc
on s ahba1ical 1hat spring. My conlribulion w,u accepted, and I have
wo1ked wilh lhe program ever si nce. At !his s l,1ge, I he lp coordinale and
gel everyone lo whe,e they should be. I <1lso trouble-shoot and {ill in with
,, vaiie1y or ,1c1 ivilies. H has been liie--giving to me bec.1 ustt ii grounds me.
I ha\'C met so 01-'fl)' wonderiul people who wo,k ,11 diiferenl Oominic,m
colleges und u n iver s ities. \Ve s hare o ur own schools' succ.r.ss es ancl
ch<1lle>nges ,md le,,rn fro m each other.
In 20 17, we hosted thi1ty-s i>. p articipanlS from t'le\'t'll instilulions.
In th e mo rnings, !h e studenlS learn ..1bout lhe histo1 y. philosophy, a1t and
li1er ,1 tme of 1he period. Faculty and sti\ff explore lh e Dominican vision of
high e, eiluc.llio11 emerging from the intcllcctu,,1 l1Jditions of the Order
of P1e,1che1s, p,,11ic ula rl y as they rcl,1te lo theol ogy, socia l justice and
the ,1 1l5.. In the afte1noons, we all go on excursions to visit herilage sites,
including lh e cities of Toulouse and Albi , the m o n;1sle1y of Lagrasse, .ind
th e mounluin of Monsegur and , of course, the v ill age oi Fanjeaux and the
monastc1y of lhe null'!. al Pmuille where Iha order beg.111 ,
lhe 6~;117,~~~:~t;;:r,:.1~:rt~~e:i'b!~~c~~r~h; ~:::-;~~:.e:,'.~:1~~;~1 !t~~~,:r
~~dl~i,t:l!~~i~~:~~ ~:i~~~~~~o;nn:~:,~:,:c~ \J;~k~r;v\~dee;;e;i~~~-sg~~ts
C.1rc.1ssonne w.1s a g1eat site at lhe foot of th e r,,111p.i.1l5. of th e io1tified
city.,\ welcome-su1 prise was le,1rnillg that Dominic celeb1i,ted Mass
,11 the abb,,)'C' in the lov-el)•, twelfth ce111ui y chapel. The si:min.1r .1lways
ends wilh iow nights In P,.uis_ 0
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Creatures Great and Sma ll
by Si~er Maria Fvrabosd1i, OP
'Thanks to lornl bcckccpcrs1 Bonnie and G.uy, J new b lessi ng hr1s
come to Dom inican Conwnl's na 1ur,1 l ;1rca: horn~y bl.'l.'S. These goss;mwr-
wi ng1.·d crealtJH.'5 arc cndlcs.!.ly fascin ilti ng. Not only do thousands live
together in their hune>•combed-
partitioncd hivc-s Uut also thi:::y are
.111. rn he r than ih e drones, ve ry
bus)'· The drones a r~ 1he males
whose only purpose is tu milte
with the queen, .1fter which 1hcy
die. W il h the ..irriv;,I oi winier,
those $t ill liv in g ;ire unccrcmo-
niu us l • shoved nut of the hive
hec~u sc !h ey use luu man)' of
now sc,ucer resources .
The qul'en ls rh e lal'gest bee
,,nrl ind ispensable 10 the hive .
Shi.! lays ::tpprm:i rn.1t e ly 2,000
eggs a day in 1hc com b ! All of hP 1
needs, iood .1nrl grooming, arc
met by wor ke, bt~. ThP. worker
het?.', li ve lheir short lives in IWO
stilges. tn 1he firsl !il:'lgc, lhC)' work inside lhc hive, !Pncling to 1hc hrood,
ma king 11nd storing honey, .1 11d m;:1inti\ining the proper tempt'rature in th e
hive by fanning 1hei r wing-;. In 1he second sta.gC', the workers go outside
th e hive fo1 th e first time and il y all around the h ive ,ue.1, getting their
b earings Uciore return ing to !he h ive. The next day th !.!)' fly off to gather
pollen and nectar wit hin ii th11 .. ·c mile limit. Th<'se little I.i ces have their
uwn built-in CPS and a rc able tu cummunic..:ate th e exact location of
rich nfftar sites in th eir bee dc1 nces ha ck at the hive.
lhe glmd bees take th eir sianct: at 1he hi ve entr,rnce .and will
iJllow o nl )' het:!.s wilh th e correct pheromone 1sce 111 ) 10 e nt e r. it is 1heir
p assword , ,m d c.Jch hi ve h;1s. a oniriue pheromone which ls acq u ired
hy the bees from tending lh e quee1,.
ll1t"Se h eautiful ·selfless» maivels of crt'atiun ilinclin n as iJ community
th;:il \Vorks for lhl! _good of ,l ll , w ilh no "in-ch.1 rgc" individua l d irectinA
1hei, .1crivitie.'i . They enrich u ur li ws by pollinal ing 11lanlc;; which provide
not only l'ood hut ,1lso dessert : honey! When we he lp hees, we help rhc
cnvironmi:nt and, of course, ourselves, a p arable iur our tim es.
Farewell, Dear One
Carol Busl, scrn.!cl lhP 5isfi>r~ .md l hP
miHion for lhirl)'·l\VO )'f;',i r$ ;u; f.u;!nJliL'P.
AssiSfanl in th e ac/mini5{1~11 inn n ff;r~.
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OP {gni-----
Fall 2017 Volume 33, Number 1
OP ignite is the new name of the
bi-annual newsletter published by the
Dominican Sisters of San Rafael since
1985. Its purpose is to share information
about our history, news of o ur cu rr ent
ministries, and our vision of the future
in the context of our mission. We welcome
the opprntunity to communicate with our
friends and colleagues as we ll as
with others who wish to learn more
about our congregation of women
religious and the Order of Preachers.
We invite and appreciate your prayers
and supprnt.
Prioress General
Sister Maureen Mcin erney, OP
Council
Si ster Carla Kovack, OP
Sister Susan Allbritton, OP
Sister Abby Newton, OP
Sister Mary Kieffer, OP
Administration (415) 453-8303
Fax (4 15) 453-8367
Web s ite www.sanrafaelop .org
Editor: Katherine Martin
Development &
Communications Director
kate . marti n @sanrafaelop.org
Design: Munro G raphics
Printing: Inn ovative Print Solutions
Special thanks for their assistance
with this issue to:
Sisters Maureen Mclnerne)~
Emmanuel Cardina le , Carla Kovack ,
Patricia Simpson, Sue Allbritton,
Patricia Doughert)~ Patricia Corr,
Dian e Smith , Margaret Diene1; and
Gene McNally.
@ Prinled on Ret)'cl ed Pap er
Sisters of St. Dominic
Co ngregat ion of the Most Holy Name
1520 Grand Avenue
San Rafael, CA 9490 1-2236
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZAT ION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERM IT #470
SANTA ROSA CA
Be Refreshed in a Sacred Space
We invi te you to treat yourself in 2018 to the many joys of our
ministry at Santa Sabina Center, a place of study, prayer and
community in support of contemplative sp iri t u al exploration.
You will find a wonderful selection of offerings : engaging l eade rs of
residential retreats, musical programs, days of prayer, study/reflection
eve nin gs, private retreat opportunities, and other spec i al programs.
Visit www.santasabinacenter.org to see
what's upcoming in t h e new yea r.
City of San Rafael Citizen of the Year 2019 Nomination
Nominee: Dominican Sisters of San Rafael
Response to Questions
What contributions has this individual made to the community that are beyond the scope of normal
civic responsibilities?
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have had an unparalleled impact on the community in the areas of
education, social justice and health care. For more than 100 years, the Sisters have provided
uncompromising leadership in the community through their extensive education mission at Dominican
University, The Garden School, San Domenico School (started in San Rafael and relocated to San
Anselmo), and the Osher Living Learning Institute for individuals over 50 years of age , providing an
educational world with a variety of courses to meet the inquiring minds of many of our citizens. Their
involvement in social justice issues from immigration to affordable housing to advocating on behalf of
the most vulnerable in our community has been a beacon of inspiration and hope for all. The Sisters
have joined other congregations in operating Dignity Health, a not-for-profit public corporation,
operating hospitals and ancillary care facilities in three states.
The Sisters' dedication to the local community and the world at large is unsurpassed. For many years in
San Rafael they, and the college that they started and fostered, have been an unparalleled asset for our
growing City. They have provided a beautiful campus atmosphere centered in a residential area ,
attracting students from around the world. They have shared their campus and resources with the
public at large. Angelica Hall provides a wonderful venue for guest speakers and authors to talk to
hundreds of local residents. The Santa Sabina Center is a unique sanctuary in Marin where people of all
beliefs and cultural backgrounds can find sacred space and contemplative quiet. The Sisters share this
space with others for retreats, musical programs, conferences, private study and reflection, etc.
Additionally, they also provide financial support in the form of Vision Grants for both loca l and
international causes, to support critically valuable ministries in areas where they don't have Sisters living
or in ways that they are not qualified to provide. Most recently, the Sisters were Vision Partners with a
therapeutic equestrian program at St. Vincent's School for Boys and a hygiene, health and literacy
program for YienDak women in southern Laos. And it doesn't stop there. A classic example of an
innovative way that the Sisters support one of many causes, is their support of the Alzheimer's
Association. The Sisters have long supported the Alzheimer's Association, and since many of the ir own
Sisters are unable to travel to a city where one of the fund raising Walks to End Alzheimer's takes place,
for many years they have instead sponsored their own walk on the Path of Hope at Lourdes Convent and
subsequently sent a generous donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
The Sisters' contributions to education, social justice and ministry to the community are well known and
priceless; far exceeding the scope of normal civic responsibility.
1
What impact on the community did this individual's activities make? How has this person made a
difference?
The activities of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have impacted countless lives in our loca l
community and around the world. Perhaps the most obvious impact of the Dominican Sisters' p re se nce
in San Rafael is their creation of the beautiful campus of Dominican University of California and the
lovely Santa Sabina Center.
The Sisters' efforts have supported an educational facility which ha s trained many of the teachers in our
City and County for over 94 years. Under the leadership of Sister Samuel Conlan, a model Development
Center for children with special needs was created on the Domin ica n Campus, followed by development
of a Special Education Teacher Training Program that has earned statewide recognition for excellence.
The Dominican Sisters also founded Dominican College's nursing program which rece ived accreditation
from the National League for Nursing in 1990.
Thousands have been educated by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael at all levels from p re -school
through graduate school. In addition, 120 Dominican Sisters have ministered at St. Raphael 's Parish and
School since 1890. Homeless have been housed. Hungry have been fed. Funds have been raised and
donated to local causes.
Th e Sisters' contributions to education, social justice and ministry to the community are well known and
priceless. Particularly true in today's important areas of immigration, affordable housing and advocacy
for those who are in most need of social services and who are least able to take care of themselves. The
Sister walk the walk and talk the talk, working tirelessly to advance positive change in our San Rafael
community and the world.
The Sisters have made a tremendous difference in the lives of two young mothers and thei r small
children, taking them into their home . The Sisters spent months at City hearings and ultimately gained
approval to remodel (at their own expense) the Yellow Hallway of Lourdes Convent in 2017 to welcome
these formerly homeless families under their roof to live with them in a safe, loving home environment.
These women and children can attest to the huge difference the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have
made in their lives.
Discuss the time and energy this person has devoted to community projects or efforts.
The collective time and e nergy that the Sisters have provided to our San Rafael community over the past
125+ years is immeasurab le. Since 1890 the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael hav e been a hidden jewel
to the City of San Rafael and its history. Th ey have provided uncompromising lead ership i n the
community through their extensive education mission at Dominican University, Osher Living Lea rning
Institute, San Domenico School (now located in San Anselmo), and t he Garden School, educating
thousand s of students from presc hool through graduate school. Their combined efforts have supported
an educational facility which ha s trained many of the teachers in our City and County for more than 94
years. Their superb nursing program, grad uating students in varying medical discip lines, provides nurses
to our hospitals and m edical facilities.
2
There is no limit to the time and energy that the Domi nican Sisters have dedicated to our community
and other efforts. Over 120 Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have ministered at St. Raphael's Parish and
School since 1890. In 2017, Siste r Joan Hanna retired after 60 years as a Dominican Sister, the last 13 as
Director of St. Raphael 's Pre School. Siste r Adele Rowland, an artist who studied under Ansel Adams and
pioneered color photo montage images long before the advent of Photoshop, used Mari n images in her
works which are treasured around the world. Sister Carla Kovack has for several years taken local
Dominican students to Uganda, delivering water filtration systems, mosquito bedding nets, school
supplies, play equipment for the children and funds to help complete a maternity wing at the local
health center. Sister Adele Gerlach at age 80+ was leading groups including San Rafael residents on 100-
mile walking pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago, in Spain. Sister Marion Irvine is approaching her
90th year, but continues to be committed to serving others by raising social consciousness, primarily
through teaching, administration and example. She holds the title "Promoter of Peace, Justice and the
Ca re of Creation" and works tirelessly with others to address issues relating to human trafficking and has
worked to create safe houses, protect the environment, provide affordable housing, improve education
and to further other social justice issues. Sister Marion began running at forty-eight years old, ran
competitively for fifteen years and was the oldest woman ever to qualify for the Olympic trials in long-
distance running in 1983. Clearly there is no limit to the time and energy that the Dominican Sisters
dedicate to our community and to the future of our community.
In 1946 Sister Patricia Lyons found ed and became Principal ofThe Garden School, a preschool and
kindergarten located on the Dominican Campus, educating generations of San Rafael children. On the
50t h anniversary of The Garden School in 1996, then Governor of California, Pete Wilson, sent a
congratulatory letter to Sister Patricia, saying in part: 'You have touched the lives of three generations of
Californians, providing each with a strong foundation with which they can meet the challenges of t he
future. You have inspired love and loyalty from your friends, colleagues and numerous students, and
you have bequeathed to Marin County, and all California Schools, a legacy of academic excellence."
Since the 1890s, the influence of the Dominican Sisters has been widely experienced primarily i n the
areas of education and social justice, though health care is another strong dime nsion in the Sisters'
miss ion as they have joined other congregations in operating Dignity Health. The Sisters coll ective
accomplishments of being good, contributing a nd active citizens in their San Rafael community and the
world while maintaining the educational and social commitment they made some 128 years ago
continues to this day.
Discuss the challenges met and overcome by this individual.
Found ed by the Dominican Sisters in 1890, Dominican College was long associated with women's
education. It was the first Catholic college in California to grant a bachelor's degr~e to women. It was a
daring move in the 1970s, when, under the lea dership of the Dominican Sisters, the College was
transformed from an all-women's college into a coeducational institution. Seeing the need for the
College to b e a n integral part of the local community, the Sisters expanded th e Board of Trustees to
include laypersons, non-Catholics and men, to reflect the members of the busin ess and professional
community. In 2000, Dominican College of San Rafael b eca me Dominican Universit y of California. The
new name recognizes Dominica n's status as a unive r sity with graduate degre e programs, a diverse
3
student body and a global perspective, a significant transformation over more than 100 years from the
all-women's college started by the Dominican Sisters.
In an age where incivility permeates all levels of our society, the Sisters have shown us what it means to
be thoughtful, patient and understanding. This was the case when the Sisters pursued the Yellow
Hallway at Lourdes Convent project, opening their home to house two single mothers and their small
children. The Sisters spent nearly two years in the process, attending all City meetings and meeting with
neighbors, spending their own funds to remodel and bring the Convent wing into compliance with Code
requirements, in order to welcome two previously homeless families under their Dominican roof. These
women and their children are experiencing living in a safe, loving home environment, benefitting from
the support and companionship of the Dominican Sisters. There aren't many who would voluntarily
open their home to house the homeless. The Sisters did it voluntarily and not without spending
countless hours, dollars and even their own elbow grease (the Sisters painted the wing themselves) to
see their dream of sharing their home with the less fortunate become a reality.
To what extent has this individual's efforts been previously recognized by the community?
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are unsung heroes, quietly working to fulfill their commitment to
raise social consciousness primarily through teaching, administration and example. The Sisters prese nt a
steady, balanced and peaceful presence at community meetings, creating an atmosphere of respect and
trust. This was most evident at the recent hearings to allow the Sisters to convert the Yellow Hallway at
Lourdes Convent to housing for two women and their young children, previously without permanent
housing. This program allowed the Sisters to open their home to two formerly homeless fami lies,
allowing them to live with the Sisters for two years, with support services from not-for-profit Homeward
Bound, as the women transition to fully independent living. In their words, the Sisters were "thrilled" to
open their home to others, allowing the Sisters to fulfill a dream that began in 2015, with nothing in it
for them but the joy of helping others, opening their hearts and home to the less fortunate.
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are an unparalleled source of "good" for our entire community.
Every project they have undertaken has fostered a greater sense of justice, fairness and humbleness for
all involved. The Sisters, and the school they started and fostered have been a unique and unsurpassed
asset for our growing City. While administration has been transferred to lay people in recent years, the
guiding principles the Sisters established at the time of the founding of Dominican College r ema in intact
and the Si sters remain very involved with its operation, among other things as instructors and as
members of the governing Board of Dominican University of California .
The Sisters collective acco mpli shme nts of their quiet determination has bettered not only our
community but also everyone t hey have touched. They are silent warriors who continue to persever e,
selflessly pursuing their vision statement: "We reverence and affirm the inherent dignity of each person.
We will work for transforma tion of attitudes and systems that deprive any person of dignity." All this for
others and without any expectation of acknowledgement. Remarkable, unsung, influential and visionary
leaders, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.
4
Office of the President
January 4, 2019
City of San Rafael
Attn: Citizen of the Year Selection Committee
1400 Fifth Avenue, Room 203
San Rafael, CA 94901
Dear Citizen of the Year Selection Committee:
The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are the living embodiment of the city's slogan: a city with a
mission. They were among the first residents of what is now San Rafael, and throughout their
century-plus time in this community, they have never wavered from making it a more
welcoming, healthy, and just home.
Their work, often unheralded, lives in every comer of this community. When Homeward Bound
enlists volunteers or support, they find the Dominican Sister at their door. When the abused or
displaced need nurture and a safe space, they find it among the Sisters. When our community
first became concerned about climate change, the Sisters quietly built a LEED certified, highly
efficient, low impact home. When the community needs a welcome space to gather, the Sisters
open their doors. When there is a concern about injustice in our city, in the region, or nationally,
the Sisters are present to bring a voice of compassion and integrity to the process of
change . They are active in political issues, and equally active in providing personal support and
opportunity. Their commitment to education endures every day at our institution, Dominican
University of California, which the Sisters founded in 1890.
Their commitment to fairness is evident in their support of every branch of our
community. Their dedication to making the world, and our city, stronger is apparent in every
aspect of their lives and work. They helped establish San Rafael, and much of what we value in
our community is the result of their steadfast leadership, their vision, their compassion, and their
integrity, lived every day in ways large and small.
It is my pleasure to support their nomination for San Rafael's Citizen of the Year.
Sincerely,
Mary B. Marcy
President
MBM/jmk
DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA
50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, California 9490 l
p. 415-485-3200 I f. 415 -485-0483 I president@dominican.edu I www.dominican .edu