Presentation of the 2011 Benedictine College Offeramus Award to Sister Irene Nowell, OSB
Given by S. Anne Shepard
June 4, 2011

Mount St. Scholastica College, which joined with St. Benedict’s College in 1971 to form Benedictine College, established the Offeramus Medal in 1957 for alumnae who had distinguished themselves in their profession, demonstrated outstanding loyalty to the alma mater, and reflected honor on the college through family and social life.

It is fitting tonight that we honor a distinguished alumna who is celebrating her golden jubilee as a graduate of Mount St. Scholastica, now Benedictine College. Sister Irene, AKA Dorothy Virginia Nowell, became acquainted with the community almost at birth since her aunt, Sister Virginia Minton, was a member of our community. Irene graduated from our Benedictine high school, Lillis, and then came to Atchison where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. Shortly after that she was sent to Catholic University of America to earn a master’s degree in German. In 1979 she went to St. John’s in Collegeville, MN to study theology and fell in love with studying scripture. After the completion of her master’s degree, she went to Catholic University to obtain a doctorate in biblical studies.

One could say with certainty that she has distinguished herself in her profession. In the past fifteen years, as a biblical scholar, she has authored or coauthored seven books and published fifty eight articles on biblical, theological or monastic topics. She has taught music, German, English and religious studies not only here at this college, but she has had eighteen adjunct teaching positions. She has also taught Greek and Hebrew. Those of you who have had the privilege of being a student of Irene know that she teaches with passion, clarity and excitement. Her love of scripture is contagious. Moreover, she has translated and edited fourteen works, many of which were award winning endeavors. Irene has been a member of the Catholic Biblical Association since 1979, and she recently served as its president, a very prestigious position.

Outstanding loyalty to the alma mater is easily gauged. She has served as instructor, resident hall assistant and director, a.k.a. prefect in the dorms. That’s what we Mounties used to call it. She was Dean of Students the year the college decided to go coeducational, in 1971. (You forty year anniversary people remember that, don’t you?) She also served in campus ministry, was vice president for academic affairs and was a professor of religious studies. Currently, Irene serves on the Board of Trustees of the college, coming to the meetings eager to listen and contribute, to challenge and affirm.

How do you measure “reflecting honor to the college?” I suggest that in the case of Irene it is measured best by suggesting that she is a loyal, loving and prayerful Benedictine sister. If you were to ask her what is it that you want to accent in an introduction such as this, she would say that it is that she is a faithful member of Mount St. Scholastica. In addition to taking her professional writing and teaching roles seriously, Irene is a cantor and the director of schola. She plays the organ and cello, ministers as a lector, serves on multiple committees within the monastery, is responsible for the formation of junior sisters, works in the garden and does dishes.

Teaching others to delight in the Word of God and showing by her actions the joy that comes from doing so, Irene was a clear choice for this award. On behalf of the President of Benedictine College and with the pride of your community, Irene, I respectively request that you come forward now to receive the 2011 Offeramus Award.

Read Sister Irene's talk.