Two years ago this past spring, only months away from graduating, the Class of 2020 had their lives put on hold-including their graduation ceremony. Though they had earned their credits to graduate, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented gathering together to mark that important milestone.
This fall, the Class of 2020 will finally celebrate together during a special Celebration Ceremony on Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. during Homecoming weekend. For the ceremony's speaker, it is fitting that President Emerita Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, (Hon. '21) will deliver remarks to the Class of 2020.
Class of 2020 Celebration
2020 graduates from the Fall and Spring semesters will gather for mass, brunch, ceremony, and reception.
Sister Joan served as president of ±¬ÁϹ«Éç for 14 years (2007-2021) and as of her retirement last year, had spent nearly 50 years in higher education. She helmed more than a decade of growth at SAU that included new campus buildings, an increase in endowed scholarships, and adding several new majors and programs.
She started her journey in higher education by teaching English and English Literature while earning her master's and doctoral degrees from the College of St. Rose, Albany, NY, and Brown University, respectively. It was at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo., that Sister Joan first branched into administration when she was appointed Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. Two years later, Fontbonne University in St. Louis named Sister Joan its Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean and in 1998, her first presidency began at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana.
Over the years, Sister Joan held positions on several higher education governing boards including the Higher Learning Commission, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
In the Quad Cities, Sister Joan was recognized twice for her exemplary leadership: the American Association of University Women, Rock Island-Moline Chapter bestowed the Women of Excellence Award and Athena International, Quad Cities Chapter awarded the Athena Leadership Award.
After two very difficult years, we are blessed that the Class of 2020 and Sister Joan can celebrate together in-person this year.
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