Throwback Thursday: Remembering a Renaissance Faire and a ‘pair-o’-docs’

For approximately 30 years, Sister Rosemary Nudd graced the halls of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) as a professor of English.

Sister Rosemary graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a bachelor’s degree in English. She earned a master’s degree and doctorate in English from Vanderbilt University.

The first photo we have here is of Sister Rosemary receiving assistance in adjusting her Ph.D. robe and hood prior to a SMWC commencement from Sister Mary Joseph Pomeroy (RIP). The photo was taken in 1985 – by Sister Dawn Tomaszewski – after Sister Rosemary had graduated from Vanderbilt.

Sister Rosemary said the photo was shot in Le Fer Hall, and was taken as Sister Mary Joseph was the first Sister of Providence to earn a Ph.D., having done so in 1926 from Catholic University. At the time, Sister Mary Joseph told Sister Dawn she should call the photo “a pair-o’-docs.”

Sister Mary Joseph also ministered as dean of students for a time at the college. She died in 1992 at the age of 92. Sister Mary Joseph entered the Congregation in 1922 and was a Sister of Providence for 70 years.

Incidentally, Sister Mary Joseph’s last name lives on in the spirit of athletics as all sports teams at the SMWC are named “Pomeroys.” During her time at SMWC, Sister Mary Joseph was captain of the basketball team – which defeated Indiana State University.

Sister Rosemary said she received the Pomeroy Award in 1991 for teaching, scholarship and service. The award was established in honor of Sister Mary Joseph.

The second photo we have here was taken in 1989 during the college Renaissance Faire. Sister Rosemary donned the part of Queen Elizabeth and is standing next to then-General Superior Sister Nancy Nolan.

According to the Archives Department, the Renaissance Faire took place for a decade and began under the leadership of Sister Jeanne Knoerle, who died in 2013 at the age of 85. Sister Jeanne entered the Congregation in 1949 and was a Sister of Providence for 64 years.

Currently, Sister Rosemary and Sister Nancy both minister as tour guides at Providence Spirituality & Conference Center.

Sister Rosemary entered the Congregation in 1964 and has been a Sister of Providence for 52 years.

Sister Nancy entered the Congregation in 1955 and has been a Sister of Providence for 61 years.

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