Sister Mary honored at St. Ambrose University Graduation
The Presentation Sisters founded Presentation College in 1951 to fulfill its mission of rural health care and service through nursing education, later expanding to include academic programs in Health and Natural Sciences, Social Science and Humanities to support its mission of development of the whole person, in the Catholic tradition.
In January 2023, the decision was made to close the doors of Presentation College, but the words of Matthew 7:7 brought us comfort: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” A new door opened and, with the guiding light of Nano’s lantern, a partnership between Presentation College and St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA, formed the Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing.
As we finished the first full year of partnership with St. Ambrose University (SAU), God was present in more ways than we imagined when we began this conversation for collaboration. Almost 70% of students enrolled in the Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing through SAU were the first in their families to attend college. This is life changing and provides the students a pathway to “earn while they learn,” helping make this dream a reality. The school continues to see growth in enrollment, with the top three states of students coming from South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota.
As the ‘23 – ‘24 school year came to a close, Sister Mary Thomas had the privilege of giving the May 18th commencement address. SAU’s partnership with the Presentation Sisters and Sister Mary’s leadership were also celebrated that day as they bestowed upon her an honorary doctorate. Several sisters were able to join her in the celebration.
“I was totally surprised when I received the call about the doctorate. I questioned if I was worthy of such an honor. Finally, I heard it as a call and in accepting this call, I was actually honoring the many people who have engendered life in me from my birth to today. It is this crowd of witnesses that I want to lift up,” stated Sister Mary Thomas.
Sister Mary and Dr. Amy Novak, SAU
“We are grateful to carry on the legacy of the Presentation Sisters through the Nano Nagle Online School of Nursing,” said Dr. Amy Novak, St. Ambrose University President. “We are excited by the way this program opens pathways for learners who may be place-bound across rural America or who are simply not able to attend college in the traditional way. The Sisters’ vision is leaving an indelible mark on healthcare across rural America, both in South Dakota and beyond.”