Teresan News Summer 2012 - Alumnae Association of the College ...

MUSIC, DANCE AND THEATRE
THE ARTS AT SAINT TERESA
AND SISTER CAMILLE - AN ORIGINAL ANGEL
“She was probably the most gifted and remarkable woman I have ever known,” said Sister Camille’s nephew,
former Minnesota Supreme Justice Robert Sheran. “She was one of the most remarkable people in the history of
the state...she was an ordinary person with extraordinary talents.”
She was born in Waseca, Minnesota in 1903 and became a Franciscan, professing her final vows in 1923. Sister
Camille received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Teresa and taught in parochial schools in Minnesota
and Illinois. From 1935 to 1989, she was on the college faculty as professor of French, head of Department
of Modern Languages, Executive Vice President and President of the College. Meanwhile Sister Camille
received her doctoral and post doctoral degree from the Sorbonne University of Paris and the College de France.
During her tenure as President, Loretto and Maria halls and a new library were built, Roger Bacon opened and
the College grew from enrollment of 523 students to 1,350.
The arts were always a recipient of Sister Camille’s enthusiastic support. She was instrumental in bringing guest
artists to the College stage, including actor Charles Laughton, noted cellist Dimitry Markevitch, Prima Ballerina
Dame Alicia Markova, and so many other noted artists that they will not all fit on this page. Her tenacity as
college president and lover of the arts helped CST acquire the first rights in the nation to do an amateur production
of My Fair Lady.
In 1965, Sister Camille brought another dream to realization with the establishment of the Winona Summer
Theatre which became the Winona Community Theatre in 1969. Sister Camille felt the tremendous need for
community involvement, and endeavored to obtain constant community support.
Upon her presidential retirement, the Sister M. Camille Bowe Educational Endowment was established in her
honor. After retirement, she continued to be active in the life of the college and the lives of the students. On September
13, 1994, heavenly messengers whispered to “Our Angel” and she left us for the ages. Sister Camille
was 91.
Due to Sister Camille’s vision, the arts were a huge success at the College of Saint Teresa which led to lasting
appreciation in the performers, musicians, dancers and all artists that continued with their dream after leaving
the College of Saint Teresa.
Reprinted with permission from Sharon Erickson Ropes ‘76
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