RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing Sister Rosemary Connelly for 50 years of service with Misericordia
Body
WHEREAS, Misericordia was originally founded in 1921 as a maternity hospital. In 1954, Misericordia recognized the absence of facilities to provide care for young children with developmental and physical disabilities and decided to make serving this community its mission; and
WHEREAS, in August of 1969, Sister Rosemary Connelly was appointed as the Administrator of Misericordia. With no experience in the fields of special education or administration, she was driven by her love for the residents of Misericordia and by her desire to provide the children with a more dynamic life experience; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly developed programs for the children which highlighted their special talents and abilities, rather than focusing on their disabilities. In addition to providing a range of therapy options, she orchestrated the inclusion of programs such as yoga, dance classes, job training programs, and fitness programs. Sister Rosemary Connelly also oversaw the expansion of Misericordia, accepting and transforming an abandoned orphanage which was donated by the archdiocese; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly also established a protocol by which children were no longer removed from the facility at the age of six and placed in the custody of the State of Illinois. Under her insistence, the children were permitted to remain under the care of Misericordia without interference from the State; and
WHEREAS, today Misericordia is home to 600 children and adults from diverse backgrounds with varying degrees of support needs. The residential program is located on 31 acres in Rogers Park. Additionally, the Outreach Program serves more than 140 families. Misericordia has an established record of creating a strong sense of community, which builds character and creates an excellent quality of life for all that are privileged to be a part of the Misericordia family; and
WHEREAS, Sister Rosemary Connelly is a Sister of Mercy. She earned a Master of Arts Degree of Sociology from St. Louis University in 1966 and a master’s degree of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 1969. She has received honorary degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, Lewis University, Marquette University, Dominican University, and Saint Xavier University; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby recognize Sister Rosemary Connelly for her 50 years of service with Misericordia; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Sister Rosemary Connelly.
Dated: September 19, 2019