Skip to Main Content

Sister Mary Ellen Rufft (2001)

Sister Mary Ellen Rufft-photoSister Mary Ellen Rufft entered the Congregation from Carrick, a Pittsburgh neighborhood, in 1957. Her life of scholarship in literature and psychology was nurtured as she pursued Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in English from Duquesne University and Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned a PhD. In Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1981.

Sister Mary Ellen’s association with La Roche College began in 1972, when she served as a Lecturer in English and American Literature until 1976. Since that time, she has held a variety of positions there including: Counseling Psychologist, member of the Board of Trustees for 15 years, member of the Board of Governors of Pacem in Terris, Chair of the Committee on Trustees, Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees from 1993, and President of the Members of La Roche College.

Sister Mary Ellen is in private practice as a Licensed Counseling Psychologist in downtown Pittsburgh. Her work includes individual and marital therapy. She is a much sought after speaker on topics related to applied psychology, women, and leadership. Her leadership skills have been evidenced on numerous boards and committees including Divine Providence Foundation, Women of Providence in Collaboration, Divine Providence Hospital, Mercy Hospital, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and the Tri-Diocesan Leadership Conference.

From 1985 to the present, Sister Mary Ellen has held elected leadership positions in the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence. She served on term as a Provincial Council member and two terms as the Provincial Director. During her administration, there has been a renewed spirit of collaboration between La Roche College and the Sisters of Divine Providence. Due to her leadership and initiative, the College purchased the West Campus from the Congregation, significant contributions have been made to the College’s endowment fund, and the College’s financial debt to the Congregation as forgiven during the Year of Jubilee. Most importantly, during her administration, the Congregation regained reserved powers related to the College so that a continuing sponsorship relationship between La Roche and the Sisters of Divine Providence is assured for the future.

Sister Mary Ellens’ life has been one of leadership and service. Her dedication is rooted in a deep and vibrant relationship with a Provident God. Sister Mary Ellen Rufft is a Woman of Providence whom La Roche University is proud to honor.