About Sister Kathleen Angel
Sister Kathleen Angel, CDP, Ph.D., was Professor of Biology at La Roche College from 1971-1989, and at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND from 1989-2011. She has maintained a lifelong love of biology, and has said it is "awesome to see and understand in some way the beauty of life. I know that each of us is a special miracle."
Highly respected as a woman of faith and educator, Sister Kathleen was recognized with the 2010 Outstanding Teacher of the Year for Post-Secondary Education by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce. Her peers at Mt. Mary, who nominated her, wrote: "She is years ahead of the curve on scientific knowledge and the application thereof." Another wrote: "Her colleagues are in awe of the remarkable dedication she shows her students."
During her tenure as Professor of Biology at La Roche, Sister Kathleen also led the development of programs geared to non-traditional age learners: the nurse anesthesia program at the certificate and bachelor's levels, a B.S.N. degree completion program for registered nurses, and a B.A. degree completion in radiography. These initial programs have expanded into Associate and graduate nursing programs, radiologic technology, and a B.A. in health science offerings today.
Sister Kathleen earned a B.S. in biology from La Roche University, an M.S. in biology from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D.in biology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is presently director of seniors at St. Clare's Villa, near St. Louis, MO, and also a member of the La Roche University Board of Trustees. She was the 2011 recipient of the La Roche College Woman of Providence Award.
The Sister Kathleen Angel Award for Distinguished Career Service
Thousands of La Roche alumni have earned degrees in biology and in health professional programs, and unbeknownst to almost all of them, these graduates completed majors whose roots can be traced to the groundbreaking leadership of Sister Kathleen Angel. In addition to distinguished professional careers in life science or medical research and practice, many of these alumni have also distinguished themselves in leadership positions with professional societies, and with other areas of public service.
In 2016, La Roche College has established the Sister Kathleen Angel Award for Distinguished Career Service in the Life Science and Medical Professions. This award will be presented annually at Alumni Homecoming Weekend to La Roche alumni of either biology or health professional programs who are nominated by alumni peers as individuals who have led a distinguished professional career of leadership and public service - a life in the mold of Sister Kathleen herself.