President Emerita Sister Grace Ann Geibel, PhD passed away onDecember 24, 2014, at the age of 77.
A graduate of Mount Mercy College (the former name of CarlowUniversity), Sister Grace Ann Geibel’s more than three decades of service to the institution as a faculty member, department chair, academic vice president, and president touched the lives of thousands of students and influenced the direction of Catholic higher education for this region and beyond.
Sister Grace Ann stepped down from Carlow’s presidency in 2005, after serving 17 years in this role. As president, Sister Grace Ann provided leadership during a time of substantial growth for the institution. In addition to being instrumental in obtaining university status for Carlow, she spearheaded the capital campaign for the A.J. Palumbo Hall of Science and Technology to help meet a national need for educating women in these areas. This latter initiative was recognized by the National Institutes of Health(NIH), who honored Sister Grace Ann for her research and commitment to the needs and significance of educating women in the sciences.
During her presidency, Carlow University also became a pioneer in the region for adult education through its accelerated learning program for working adults. Additionally, more than 40 new programs were launched; the institution expanded its reach through satellite campuses in Greensburg and Cranberry; and the Women of Spirit program was introduced to recognize outstanding women, who, as leaders in the community, exemplify the Carlow mission.
In 2004, The Grace Ann Geibel Institute for Justice and Social Responsibility was created to develop a women-centered approach to leadership that seeks to challenge systemic oppression by engaging students, faculty, staff, and community in research, education and service-learning, and outreach. Through her namesake, dozens of life-changing projects have received funding, including Dionne’s Project, the Project to End Human Trafficking, and the Youth Media Advocacy Project (YMAP). This is just a sampling of the many extraordinary initiatives launched under her leadership.
Sister Grace Ann’s legacy will be her deep commitment to her faith, the students and the community. Her leadership has left an indelible mark on thousands of students, Carlow, and the region.
A campus memorial service will take place Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 3pm at the St. Agnes Center of Carlow University. The memorial is open to the public.
Sister Grace Ann Geibel during her time as President of Carlow University