2008 Woodie Awards
Sister Palliser leaves SHU after 15 years
Christina Piazza
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: News
A monumental figure in the development of Sacred Heart's mission statement, Sister Margaret Palliser, OP, S.T.D. Assistant Vice President for Mission, had her final day on Jan. 31 after spending 15 years with the University.
She is a woman of many talents; she has a Bachelor's degree in Math and Science from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY and a Master's degree in Music from Boston University.
She went on to receive a license and Doctorate degree in Theology from the Pontifical University in Rome, where she also spent seven years working for the International House of Studies for Women in liturgy and music.
She then came to Sacred Heart University in 1993, seeking a role in music and liturgy, matching her interests.
However, she became director of Campus Ministry and a few years later, the Assistant Vice President for Mission.
"I came here and fell in love with the place," said Sister Palliser.
She worked to fulfill three integral roles during her time here.
"My job was to help embrace Catholic identity, create a vibrant liturgical life, and spiritual formation of the SHU community," she said.
Within these areas, she accomplished numerous tasks, such as, created the music for the Alma Mater, worked on the Mass of the Holy Spirit, and helped to create the tradition of the Commencement Mass.
Perhaps, her most notable and enjoyable experience was working on the University's Prayer Book, in which she typed every word.
"It was an educational piece; it put something in students hands. Students were able to realize this is prayer. And say, 'wow, I can do this'," said Sister Palliser.
Her contributions towards developing the spiritual life of the Sacred Heart community will not be forgotten.
"My joy was embracing the mission and connecting the University," said Sister Palliser.
She had a significant impact on the students.
"She truly cared about the students. She always greeted you in the hallway with a caring smile. I will miss her and I know that many others will too," said senior Sarah Novotny.
She is a woman of many talents; she has a Bachelor's degree in Math and Science from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY and a Master's degree in Music from Boston University.
She went on to receive a license and Doctorate degree in Theology from the Pontifical University in Rome, where she also spent seven years working for the International House of Studies for Women in liturgy and music.
She then came to Sacred Heart University in 1993, seeking a role in music and liturgy, matching her interests.
However, she became director of Campus Ministry and a few years later, the Assistant Vice President for Mission.
"I came here and fell in love with the place," said Sister Palliser.
She worked to fulfill three integral roles during her time here.
"My job was to help embrace Catholic identity, create a vibrant liturgical life, and spiritual formation of the SHU community," she said.
Within these areas, she accomplished numerous tasks, such as, created the music for the Alma Mater, worked on the Mass of the Holy Spirit, and helped to create the tradition of the Commencement Mass.
Perhaps, her most notable and enjoyable experience was working on the University's Prayer Book, in which she typed every word.
"It was an educational piece; it put something in students hands. Students were able to realize this is prayer. And say, 'wow, I can do this'," said Sister Palliser.
Her contributions towards developing the spiritual life of the Sacred Heart community will not be forgotten.
"My joy was embracing the mission and connecting the University," said Sister Palliser.
She had a significant impact on the students.
"She truly cared about the students. She always greeted you in the hallway with a caring smile. I will miss her and I know that many others will too," said senior Sarah Novotny.
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