Sister Veronique Wiedower, CSC
Sister Veronique Wiedower, CSC
Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579 (desk)

March 15, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Saint Mary's College is pleased to announce that Sister Veronique Wiedower, CSC has been appointed to the position of Vice President for Mission, effective June 1. She will lead the Division for Mission, a division of the College that seeks to integrate Gospel values, the richness of the Catholic tradition and the heritage of the founders, the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Three offices promote the division’s mandate: The Office of Civic and Social Engagement (OCSE), the Center for Spirituality (CFS), and Campus Ministry. The position is a joint appointment of the President of the College and the President of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

“Sister Joan Marie Steadman, CSC, President of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and I have mutually decided that Sister Veronique has the gifts, experience, and wisdom to serve Saint Mary’s in this important role and Sister Veronique has graciously accepted our offer of the position,” said Saint Mary's College President Carol Ann Mooney.

“Sister Veronique brings administrative experience from having served on the Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. As an alumna, former member of the College Board of Trustees, and current member of the Campus Ministry Department, Sister Veronique also brings a steadfast commitment to the mission of Saint Mary’s College. Her breadth of understanding of the Saint Mary’s College community, as well as her creativity and vision, will be invaluable as Saint Mary’s College moves into the future,” Mooney added.

Sister Veronique will be the third vice president to lead the Division for Mission, established in 1994. Sister Mary Louise Gude, CSC, who will retire in June, has held the position since July 2009. Sister Rose Anne Schultz, CSC, held the position from 1994 to 2009 and retired in July 2009.

“I am elated and humbled to receive the appointment of Vice President for Mission at Saint Mary's College. I know I will be building on the firm foundations laid by the two previous vice presidents, and the many women and men who live the mission of the College each day,” Sister Veronique said. “As a Sister of the Holy Cross, an alumna of Saint Mary's and the product of a Holy Cross education from my earliest days, I feel that I have been firmly grounded in the mission of Jesus which underpins that of the College. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, administration, staff, students and the Sisters of the Holy Cross in keeping the mission of Saint Mary's alive and growing, as new generations of women are educated to make a positive difference in the world.”

Sister Veronique graduated from Saint Mary's College in 1970 with a bachelor’s in music (BM). In 1979, she graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a master’s degree in theology (liturgical studies).

In her current capacity in Campus Ministry, Sister Veronique handles music and liturgy, which she has done since the fall of 2009. Since 2006, she has served the Sisters as the Coordinator of Initial Formation- Area of North America. Past positions with the Congregation include Director of Novices-Area of North America from 2006-2009 and 1990-1992; Member of the General Leadership Team from 1994-2004 in the capacities of General Secretary, Liaison to Initial Formation (worldwide), and Liaison to Liturgy Office; and Candidate/Vocation Director from 1986-1990. Sister Veronique has also served in diocesan and parish positions in California as the Director for Women Religious for the Diocese of San Diego (2004-2006) and Pastoral Associate at Saint Brendan Church in San Francisco (1992-1994). She also taught religion and music at Holy Cross high schools in California and Idaho (1970-1981).

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.