Retires after 12 years at St. Francis and 24 at Bishop Ford

On Wednesday, June 29 faculty, staff and administrators gathered for a warm farewell at the retirement party for Sister Colleen Colbert, O.P., who served as Assistant Director of St. Francis College Campus Ministry since 1999. President Brendan J. Dugan ’68 honored Sister Colleen with the St. Clare Medal of Service in recognition for her hardworking service to the community and her years of cheerfully encouraging so many in their spiritual development.

“Her warm, welcoming presence, her generous listening and sage counsel have inspired colleagues, staff, faculty, students and young alumni alike,” said Brother Thomas Grady, O.S.F., Director of Campus Ministry. “Sister Colleen has made outstanding contributions to the entire St. Francis community.”

Through Campus Ministry, Sister Colleen organized and prepared Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers for Liturgy. She also worked with the Peer Ministry and helped prepare students in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program (RCIA) which aids students interested in Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation.

Sister Colleen also provided individual counseling, helped organized one-to-one peer sessions with trained students, coordinated Community Service programs, sponsored Days and Evenings of Recollection, and implemented Chapel Services, Mass, daily prayer, Holy Hour, and Reconciliation services each semester at St. Francis

Prior to joining the college, she served as Guidance Counselor at Bishop Ford High School for 24 years. Sister Colleen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Theology from St. John’s University. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Fordham University.

When presented with the St. Clare Medal, Sister Colleen offered a short thank you, “I am so happy and I love you all.”

“She will be missed,” said Vice President for Government and Community Relations Linda Werbel. “It was a pleasure to see her and her warm smile every day in the hallways.”

By Richard Loutfi

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City’s five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu