Aberdeen Sisters Pam Donelan and Lucille Welbig Celebrate 50th Jubilee

Pictured above: Sister Pam Donelan and Sister Lucille Welbig

Sister Pam Donelan 

Sister Pam Donelan was born in Montrose, S.D., and graduated from Montrose Public High School. She earned an associate’s degree in art, a bachelor’s in communication and theatre, and a master’s in creative drama and children’s theatre.

Sister Pam served as the president of the Presentation Sisters for eight years. Prior to being the president, she served on the Presentation Sisters’ Leadership Council. For many years shared her love for education as a high school teacher of speech and drama, and taught communications and theatre at Presentation College. She co-founded the Presentation College Ice Cream Theatre.

Sister Pam was the dean of students at Presentation College and the director of mission at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.  Sister Pam has a legacy of deep commitment to God and the Presentation Sisters. Her fun-loving spirit and friendliness is a hospitable and welcoming presence.

Sister Pam currently serves as the executive director of mission at Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D., where her friendly, Irish enthusiasm brightens the day of both students and staff.

Sister Lucille Welbig

Sister Lucille was born in Chester, S.D., and graduated from Colman High School, Colman, S.D. She received an associate’s medical technology from Presentation College and then a bachelor’s in medical technology from Mount Mary College, Yankton, S.D. She went on to obtain a master’s in pastoral counseling from Loyola University and a master’s in health service administration.

Sister Lucille has a great love for the health care ministry. Her compassion for others, organizational and strong leadership skills allowed her to work for 19 years in hospital settings as medical technologist and director of pastoral care and 18 years as administrator in long-term care settings in Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, S.D.; Glendive, Mont.; Pender, Neb.; Sioux City and George, Iowa. Sister has also served as dean of students and director of admissions at Presentation College, Aberdeen, S.D.

Since 2004, she has been an Avera system member, serving in the governance of Avera. She has served on the Aberdeen Congregational Leadership Team from 2006-2010, and 2014 to present.

In her spare time, Sister Lucille enjoys the outdoors, reading a great mystery novel and watching Notre Dame and Vikings football.