M. Kathlenn Regan

is honored with a Brick from Alice M. Criser and Jean McElheny.

On September 24, I was born in Independence, KS. My parents were thrilled to have a girl. Their first born was James Patrick Regan. We were just 22 months apart. My parents, who wanted a big family, had to wait for seven years to again become joyful parents of Sister Patricia Ann Regan.

God has called to Himself my father John Patrick Regan, my mother Irene Marie Ames Regan, and my dear brother James.

We were fortunate to received very good educations in Independence at St. Andrews Elementary and Independence High School.

As all young people do, I began to wonder in my senior year what should I do with my life. I had lots of options, but I felt I had the talents to become a teacher. A Sister Advisor to our young people's group approached me with the idea of becoming a sister and, subsequently, a teacher. I wrestled with the idea and finally, on June 14, I entered Mt. St. Mary's Convent here in Wichita.

My parents had been planning and were moving to California, because my brother was there and we had no need for a large home any more. There would also be more opportunity for my sister to attend a private high school.

On March 19, I became a Sister and was given the name of Sister M. Kathleen, and I was as delighted as my two grandmothers were pleased. My one grandmother came from Ireland and her name was Catherine and, as Kathleen is a derivative of Catherine in Irish, that is the reason I wanted it.

I began my formal training as a teacher the day after I came to the convent. The more I studied, the more I knew this was where I wanted to work for others.

I enjoyed teaching junior high students and worked with them about eight years as a teacher. Very shortly I was appointed to study for my degree in English and then in Administration. I received my first degree in English and studied for my Master's at Creighton University and at Ft. Hays University. My community has spared no expense in giving me a varied background in post-graduate work. We were privileged to introduce the Ungraded Experimental School for both Derby Schools and Blessed Sacrament. here in Wichita. I served as Principal in these and other schools.

My next experience was as Director of Elementary Education at St. Mary of the Plains College. During this time, I also worked for the University of Missouri-Columbia. Following five years of work in the Education Department, I was asked and accepted the position as Assistant to the President on the Wichita campus of St. Joseph's Medical Center. This again was a challenge to teach nurses and X-ray students and write several programs for degrees. The most interesting one was the Perfusion Program.

I also helped in fund-raising activities at the hospital. The hospital gave monies for scholarships for our students and this was a small way to show our appreciation.

Today I work for the poor of Wichita and surrounding areas. My job is to establish and continue an endowment so this very worthwhile work can continue. I feel it is extremely close to what our early Sisters did, and I enjoy helping those who have so much less and need so much love.

I enjoy good music, traveling, and learning new ideas about medical and educational creative programs.

I do not feel I am a heroine but appreciate the friends who have made this possible. I have been a very fortunate person, and because of the goodness of others, I have enjoyed some success in my endeavors. How grateful I am to them and to God.

September 5, 1998