Colleen Dullea Gillen

is honored with a Brick from Dennis, Cara, Austin, Leigh, and Kate Gillen.

Colleen (Dullea) Gillen was born on June 4, 1948, to Dennis Jr. and Jane Dullea. The third oldest of eight children, she showed her desire to be involved in her community at an early age. She attended Sacred Heart Academy where she was active on Student Council. She then went on to Sacred Heart College (now Newman University) where she was a cheerleader and where she majored in Psychology and Sociology.

After graduation, she married Dennis Gillen and began teaching. She ended her teaching career when she had her first child, though she remained active in many aspects of the Wichita community. She has served as president of the Wichita Junior League and the Wichita Bar Association Auxiliary. She is a graduate of Leadership 2000. She is active on the Guadalupe Clinic board. She is currently employed at Newman University as the Alumni Director. Under this title, she must plan and organize reunions for graduates every summer, and handle the food and ticket sales at the annual Renaissance Faire.

But if you were to ask Colleen, her most important role is that of mother. Her oldest, Cara, 23, is recently married and is working as an investment banker in Wichita. Her second, Austin, 21, is going into his junior year at Notre Dame University. Leigh, her third, 17, is going into her senior year at Kapaun-Mt. Carmel. Kate, the youngest, will be a freshman at KMC. All four children feel extremely blessed to have a mom who has set such a great example by showing that a woman can balance being a wonderful, loving parent, having a successful career, and still make a difference in her community.

September 12, 1998