[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to one 
of the finest institutions of higher learning in the United States. 
Saint Mary's College is a Catholic women's college located in my 
hometown of South Bend, IN. This year, the entire Saint Mary's 
community commemorates and celebrates the college's 150th birthday. As 
we do, we remember the distinct history, tradition and calling of Saint 
Mary's, and it's educational mission.
  In 1844, four newly-initiated Holy Cross Sisters from LeMans, France, 
made their way to Southern Michigan where they joined a group of Holy 
Cross Brothers nearby who had, 2 years earlier, traveled the same path. 
The Brothers founded what we know today as the University of Notre 
Dame.
  Upon their arrival on the shores of the Saint Joseph River, the young 
women also founded a school, Saint Mary's, where they taught the 
children of area settlers and local Potowatomi Indians, and cared for 
orphans. Eleven years later, in 1855, the school was moved to its 
present site adjacent to Notre Dame and there it has remained and 
flourished.
  From the beginning, Saint Mary's has been committed to the education 
of young women. In the early days, indeed until very recently, the 
concept of educating women beyond home economics was considered 
unnecessary, even reckless. But the sisters at Saint Mary's remained 
steadfast, teaching their young wards philosophy, theology, 
mathematics, literature and the sciences. This tradition of excellence 
in education has resulted in generation after generation of women 
sending their daughters to Saint Mary's.
  Although a premier liberal arts college, Saint Mary's is--first and 
foremost--a Catholic college, devoted to developing young women as 
strong in spirit as they are in mind and body. Perhaps there are those 
who believe that spirituality has no place in education. As the product 
of a Catholic education myself, I must disagree.
  Speaking at the Saint Mary's Center for Spirituality in 1985, noted 
theologian Monica Helwig addressed the importance of ``Christian women 
in a troubled world.'' She pointed out the unique position and approach 
of the educated Christian woman, and her ability to change situations 
for the better. Saint Mary's helps create women very much aware of this 
calling, women capable of incorporating tradition while stirring 
meaningful change.
  A perfect example of this synthesis came in the form of Sister 
Madeleva, noted poet and past president of the college. In 1972, when 
educators nationwide questioned the need for women's colleges, Sister 
Madeleva contemplated an offer to merge with the University of Notre 
Dame. In the 11 hour, she refused the offer, convinced that the unique 
identity of Saint Mary's would be lost if a merger took place. Notre 
Dame went co-ed without Saint Mary's, and many blamed Sister Madeleva 
for the impending death of the small college. Instead, Sister Madeleva 
guided Saint Mary's through a period of modernization and growth, and 
no one doubts the wisdom of her decision today. Rather, we all thank 
this incredible woman for having the faith and foresight to preserve 
and strengthen Saint Mary's College for future generations.
  On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I must confess my great affection 
and respect for Saint Mary's. More than a few Roemers have passed 
through the doors of LeMans Hall, including my grandmother, Carmel 
Luther Roemer, who attended Saint Mary's in the 1920's. And today, my 
great aunt, Sister Cecile Marie, C.S.C., is living her retirement at 
the beautiful Saint Mary's convent. It is, indeed, a special place.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing just let me say that this year, U.S. News and 
World Report ranked Saint Mary's as the No. 1 liberal arts college in 
the Midwest. Although the recognition is welcome, it only serves to 
tell the rest of the Nation what we in the Saint Mary's community 
already know: Saint Mary's is a special place of community, faith and 
excellence in education. I am proud to represent this exceptional 
college, and to recall my own ties to this extraordinary community.

                          ____________________