Sister Marilyn Bergt entered the community from Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Harper Woods, MI. Sister Marilyn was a member of the first graduating class of La Roche College in 1965, graduating with a B.S. in biology. She completed her M.S. in biology at St. Mary’s College at Winona, MN. In her ministry at La Roche (1973-1982) she served as assistant professor of biology, assistant to the academic dean, and registrar. Since 2000, Sister Marilyn ministers as coordinator of community service, Campus Ministry.
From 1982 to 1988, Sister Marilyn was director of the Newman Catholic Center at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. During this time she also began her ministry with and to persons with AIDS. Subsequently, Sister Marilyn was one of the founding members of the AIDS Interfaith Network of Michigan and served as executive director from 1986-1996. For 13 years she was also chaplain for Dignity Detroit. Through her generous and compassionate service during these years, she touched the lives of thousands of people.
As a woman of Providence, Sister Marilyn has had a great influence on those with whom and for whom she has ministered, whether they were students, faculty, patients or community members. She exemplifies the spirit of Providence to others. In the past five years, Sister Marilyn has led the students, and she, herself, has participated in hundreds of different community service activities. From cooking meals for the women at Myriam’s Shelter to construction work in Appalachia, from projects that benefit the poor in Rwanda and other parts of the world to victims of the recent tsunami in Asia and to flood victims in our local area, Sister Marilyn is always contributing her time and efforts to improve the lives of others.
Like Marie de la Roche, she exemplifies simplicity, fidelity and prayerfulness. Truly a Woman of Providence, she is dedicated to the Sisters of Divine Providence, to La Roche University and, above all, to her God.