Sr. Catherine Walsh, O.P.
Professor of Communication Arts
Chair, Division of Arts and Letters
Biography
Degrees Earned:
BA, Mount Saint Mary College
MA,Fairfield University-Education
MA,Fairfield University-Corporate Communication
EdD, Fordham University
Biography
As you can see from the photo, I have always loved the world of communication. At Mount Saint Mary College I was responsible for developing the Media Studies Major and implementing the Public Relations Major developed under the leadership of Dr. Irene Nunnari. However my experience with Mount Saint Mary College began as a student. I am a graduate of the college with a degree in English and certification in Education. I have served as teacher in the Bishop Dunn and as its Principal. I have also taught in the Division of Education and was the Coordinator of Student Teaching. On my home page you can see the listing of my formal educational training and note that I have spent most of my life studying. If I count grade school, high school, college and all the graduate classes including those not used for a degree(16 credits for certification as an elementary administrator) I studied for 32 years. I'm either very slow or in love with study. Actually I love study and that is why I joined the Dominican Order. We love study and the pursuit of truth.
The letters after my name refer to Order of Preachers,the formal title of the Dominican Order. I entered the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh founders of the college after high school. I lived in Guzman Hall as a young sister and believe me we did not have the same posters on the walls that are there now. I later taught elementary school and junior high school before returning to the Mount to teach at the Bishop Dunn and then at the college. From 1991-1995 I served in leadership for the Newburgh Dominicans. In 1995 I was elected the first Prioress (president, boss) of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, a new Dominican congregation founded by the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, The Dominican Sisters of Fall River, Massachusetts and the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor, Ossining, New York. Do visit the web page of the Dominican Sisters of Hope to learn more about the congregation.
Presently I live in the Town of Newburgh with five other Dominican Sisters and two black labs we rescued from the pound, Chessie (RIP) and Maggie. Actually we live with the dogs. The title of my sitcom will be Two Dogs and Six Nuns or No Better Life Than Being a Dog in a Convent. If you would like to join us for prayers and dinner let me know (walsh@msmc.edu). Our life of community and prayer is very important to us and we love to share it. Also take time each day for prayer and reflection. Visit Sacred Space if you need some help.
To conclude the following are some of my awards and activities:
- Sears Teaching Excellence and Campus Service Award
- Mount Saint Mary College Distinguished Alumni Award
- Board of Directors Dominican Family Health Services(Chair)
- Board of Newburgh Ministry 1995-1999
- Board of Trustees Mount Saint Mary College 1996-1999
- President of the Dominican Leadership Conference
- Leadership Conference of Women Religious National Taskforce on Public Relations
- Board of Project L.I.F.E.,Newburgh
- Advisor Public Relations Club MSMC
- Advisor Class 2004
- Consultant on organizational change for religious congregations