[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S15152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SISTER ELIZABETH CANDON

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise today in honor of an extraordinary Vermont woman, Sister Elizabeth 
Candon. On January 1, 2000, Sister Elizabeth will retire from her post 
as Professor of English at Trinity College, and from a long career in 
public service. Whether in the role of teacher, college President, or 
public official, Sister Elizabeth has been a steadfast leader for women 
and a true advocate for those in need. She is and will remain a 
stunning example of how one person can positively affect so many.
  In 1939, Sister Elizabeth Candon began her life of public service 
when she became a Religious Sister of Mercy. Educated at Trinity 
College and Fordham University, Sister Elizabeth started her career in 
1954, when she returned to her alma mater as an Associate Professor of 
English and Director of Admissions. In 1966, she became a full 
Professor of English and Trinity College's President, a post she would 
hold until 1976.
  In 1977, Sister Elizabeth left the world of academia to try her hand 
at state government. At the request of Vermont's Governor, Richard 
Snelling, Sister Elizabeth took the helm of Vermont's largest agency as 
Secretary of Human Services. As the first woman in Vermont history to 
serve as Secretary and the only woman in the Governor's cabinet, Sister 
Elizabeth quickly became a role model for Vermont women. Her tenure as 
Secretary also provided her with an opportunity to effect change and 
help those in need. Under her leadership, community based programs were 
developed and as a result, the Windsor State Prison and Vergennes' 
Week's School were both closed. This restructuring allowed the 
beneficial programs administered at these sites to be relocated 
throughout the state.
  Sister Elizabeth was and continues to be tireless in her efforts to 
institute programs on behalf of those in need of mental health and 
developmental disabilities services. To this day she is remembered for 
her motto, ``anything is possible if it matters not who gets the 
credit.'' Consequently, this legacy has woven its way into the mission 
of the Agency of Human Services.
  Since returning to teaching at Trinity as Professor of English in 
1983, Sister Elizabeth has continued to bring the beauty and 
inspiration of Shakespeare and Chaucer to her students. During this 
time, her steadfast leadership in community and public service has 
continued.
  I should also acknowledge that throughout her career, Sister 
Elizabeth has served on many boards and Councils, further extending her 
influence on the issues important to her and to Vermonters. She sat on 
the Vermont Council on the Humanities and Public Issues, the Board of 
Directors for the United Community Service of Chittenden County, and 
the Board of Directors of Howard Mental Health Services. She also 
served as Trustee of Middlebury College and as Chairperson of the State 
Task Force on Funding for Special Education. She remains a trustee at 
the Richard A. Snelling Center for Government and a Director of the 
Vermont Ethics Network.
  As we celebrate Sister Elizabeth's 46 year career of service to the 
people of Vermont, I know she will continue to contribute in the years 
to come. As a Sister of Mercy, she brings honor to her religious 
community and touches the lives of those around her. While she is 
retiring at the end of this millennium, her legacy will live on well 
into the next.

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