Many Sisters have had a significant impact on Dominican University.
When Dominican Junior College (now Dominican University New York) first opened, the President of the University was also the Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt.
Mother Geraldine Forkel – The Sister who was the leader of the Congregation and first president of Dominican University, Mother Geraldine was born in 1894. She petitioned NY State to establish Dominican Junior College for sisters and saw its expansion to a four year college for women in 1959. Forkel Hall is named for Mother Geraldine.
Sr. Natalie Casey – Born in 1916, Sr. Natalie Casey was an excellent teacher. She taught at several levels before teaching General Science at Dominican College. She served as President of the University from 1966 to 1978. Casey Hall, one of the main classroom buildings, is named for Sr. Natalie Casey.
Sr. Anne Hertel – Born in 1938, Sr. Anne Hertel was the Director of Student Development and Instructor of Social Sciences at Dominican University. After a term in leadership, she came back as the Director of Teacher Education and as an instructor in the Criminal Justice program. Hertel Hall, a residence hall, is named for Sr. Anne Hertel.
Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien – The longest serving President of Dominican College, then Dominican University, Sr. Mary Eileen served as President for 35 years. She oversaw significant growth in academic programs, facilities, and student diversity. The turf field, used by lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey, is named for Sr. Mary Eileen.
Sr. Kathleen Sullivan – Sr. Kathleen Sullivan served in many roles at Dominican College, now University, during her 56-year tenure. Beginning as a French instructor, she also served as Director of Admissions, Academic Dean, President, and Chancellor of External Affairs. The library is named for Sr. Kathleen Sullivan.
Mother Mary Ann – The Founder of the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, Mother Mary Ann arrived in 1878 to found an orphanage.