Sister Celesta Rudolph is currently a member of the University community as archivist and professor emeritus. She is a Pittsburgh native and is, as well, a citizen of the world. Sister Celesta received a B.A. from Duquesne University and an M.A. in religious education from Nazareth College in Kentucky. After doing some graduate work in German at Duquesne University, she matriculated at the University of Frieburg/Breisgau, Germany where she receive her Ph.D. in modern German literature. Her dissertation is a comparative literary study of the writings of Annette von Droste-Hulshoff and Emily Bronte.
After completing her work at Frieburg in 1967, Sister Celesta returned to take a faculty position in the Humanities Division at La Roche College, then only in its fourth year as a fledgling institution. She gradually rose to the rank of professor and, during her teaching career, received any number of awards and accolades. In 1971, Sister Celesta was nominated for and received an award as one of the Outstanding Educators of America. In 1975, Sister Celesta received a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant to study German Literary Existentialism at the University of Minnesota. In 1982, she received a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Congressman Doug Walgren for her work with Network on behalf of social justice issues and for “support of human rights at home and abroad.” Corporations, university members and the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence have lauded her for her ongoing work in both translation and tutorial endeavors on behalf of individuals and groups.
Perhaps the most important part of Sister Celesta’s ministry, though, has been her constant positive presence and her wonderful influence on the lives of faculty, staff and her many students. Like Mother Marie, she is a humble person whose quiet presence brings providence to life for those with whom she come in contact. For the past 36 years, La Roche College has been the fortunate beneficiary of the life of this dedicated Woman of Providence whom the University honors today.