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by Radie Roberts and Colleen Venter, Associate Partnership Co-directors
Born in Ireland in 1718, Nano Nagle, foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation, spent most of her life as a lay woman ministering to those in need. During the day, she secretly taught poor children catechism, reading, writing and mathematics as the penal laws barred Catholic children from attending school. The Presentation Sisters carried on Nano’s work in their long history of teaching in Catholic schools, and the lasting connections made are evident by the anecdotes we received from Presentation associates who were taught by Presentation Sisters and later became teachers themselves.
Linda Dolphin
1985-1986 St. Columbkille School faculty photo
“I owe the sisters a debt of gratitude for their commitment and genuine caring. I met the Sisters of the Presentation when my family moved to St. Columbkille Parish. From eighth grade through high school, I received an education that inspired me to be a lifelong learner. The sisters exemplified a dedication and deep joy for teaching which led me to pursue the teaching profession. The Christian principles they embodied and passed onto me guided my philosophy that children of all ability levels had the right to receive a quality education that would enable them to realize their best potential. Thank you Sisters of the Presentation!”
Colleen Vlaisavljevich
“My introduction to the Presentation Sisters happened in 1962 when I was 13 years old. My family moved from Maple Lake to Monticello, Minnesota. The public school I attended had release time for students who were bused to their respective churches during the school day once a week for religion classes. My teacher was Sister Eunice Kane, who also monitored the Catholic Youth Club meetings of which I was a member. For two years I took piano lessons at St. Henry Convent from Sister Marie Barth. They were both instrumental in fostering my vocation and eventual membership in the Presentation community.
A story I loved was told by my father who grew up in Monticello and was part of a young adults group organized by Sister Eunice. On his wedding day, he brought his bride, my mother, from St. Michael Church, where they were married, to Monticello so he could introduce her to Sister Eunice. As my father did, I also thought highly of her, inspired by her dedication to ecumenism and belief in the involvement of young people in the life of the Catholic Church.”
Handwritten report card showing academic progress and growth in desirable habits and attitudes.
Carol Kane
“I was taught by Presentation Sisters from kindergarten through 12th grade. I remember something I learned in each and every grade. In being called to be a Presentation Sister, I also felt called to teach children. With truly wonderful teacher training, I became a teacher for 41 years. I taught with the sisters in Mason City, Iowa; Shoreview, Minnesota; Oak Lawn and South Chicago, both in Illinois. In those years I also taught four or five years in the summer graduate program at Clarke University. I then moved to the Twin Cities and taught middle school in the Minneapolis public schools for 13 years.”
Sister Joan Lickteig puts a bandage on the knee of a student on the playground.
Janet Leonard
“I was a fifth grade teacher for 30 years and then I retired and taught part-time as an elementary literacy teacher and substitute teacher at Maquoketa Valley. I finished my career as a library aide. I was introduced to education by the Presentation Sisters at St. Joseph School in Elkader, Iowa. They taught me from first grade through eighth grade and instilled in me a love for learning and teaching.”
Virgie Luchsinger
“I attended St. Columbkille High School from 1950 to 1953. I was taught piano from fourth grade through high school graduation and voice lessons in high school by Presentation Sisters. My mother attended St. Vincent Academy and took piano lessons in Lawler, Iowa, before she came to Dubuque, so our family connected to the Presentation Sisters long before starting school.”
Becky Searcy
“I had taken piano lessons all through my grade school days at St. Mary Catholic School in Waucoma, Iowa. In high school, I began clarinet and bassoon lessons, and really wanted to continue with my piano lessons. My parents discovered Sister Joellen Price teaching at Mt. Carmel Catholic School in Lawler, just 15 miles away. They signed me up for lessons, and were committed to that commute each week!
I thoroughly enjoyed my piano lessons with Sister Joellen, and grew in my love of music. My dream was to become a music teacher and that dream came true! I continued my lessons and study in college and beyond. I’m grateful to Sister Joellen for helping me to see the gifts God had given me and encouraging me to practice, improving day by day. The practicing continues to this day!”
Sister Lynn Fangman joins students in a moment of laughter and arm wrestling.
Nano dared to dream of a world where all children could be educated. From the Archdiocese of Chicago to Bolivia and many locations in between, the Dubuque Presentation Sisters have carried Nano’s vision to another generation who continue to inspire and educate children to this day.