[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SISTER M. SAMUEL CONLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister M. Samuel 
Conlan, who died July 11, 2004, at the age of 77. Sister Samuel served 
Dominican University of California in San Rafael in many capacities, 
including president, for many years. Her association with the school 
dates back to 1944 when she enrolled as a freshman.
  Sister Samuel was born Patricia Conlan in 1927 and took the name of 
her father, Samuel Leo Conlan Jr., when she entered the religious life 
with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael in 1949. She taught for five 
years while earning a master's degree in English literature from 
Catholic University of America, then joined the faculty as an English 
professor. In 1963, she earned her doctorate from Stanford University.
  From 1968 to 1980 she served Dominican University as dean of 
students, academic dean, and eventually president. She is remembered 
for admitting male undergraduates to the all-girls college during her 
tenure, but to all who knew her, her contributions were so much 
greater. She inspired by bringing out the best in people, teaching by 
her example of faith and service. Her community work, which earned her 
an induction into the Marin County Women's Hall of Fame in 1995, 
included championing the needs of children in special education.
  Retired from teaching in 1997, Sister Samuel continued to serve 
Dominican University in various capacities until her death, including 
fundraising for a new chapel to be built on the campus.
  Mr. Speaker, Sister Samuel was a mentor and role model to generations 
of students and friends. Her guiding light will be missed in our 
community even as we know her spirit lives on in so many around the 
world.

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