The Conference is pleased to announce that this year’s recipient of the Mary Emil Penet, IHM Award is Sister Ellen Dauwer, SC, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey.
The Mary Emil Penet, IHM Award recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to formation ministry. It honors someone who demonstrates a substantial commitment to and investment of energy and insight into the formative journey of religious sisters and brothers.
Sister Ellen served two terms (seven years) as the executive director of RFC (2014-2022). In that role she oversaw the development of the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate (ICCN) and the Together program, a collaboration with Catholic Theological Union. In the July 2022 news release announcing her departure, the board co-chairs offered these reflections on Ellen's contributions to formation ministry and the mission of RFC:
"Sister Ellen’s two terms at the helm of the Conference have been exemplary. As executive director she worked with Board and staff to create strategic plans that have guided the Conference on an ongoing basis. Additionally, she’s been instrumental in cultivating new programs such as Together and the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate (ICCN)... From serving on Catholic Theological Union’s Formation Council to presenting at InterCommunity Novitiates, Ellen’s dedication to collaborating with those accompanying newer members in religious life today is admirable."
Currently, Sister Ellen ministers full time in various governance and sponsorship roles, serving on the boards of CommonSpirit Health (a national healthcare system), St. Joseph Health in Paterson, New Jersey, and Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She is also engaged in sponsorship formation at the Catholic Health Association, and will be joining the board of SOAR! (Support Our Aging Religious) this summer. Rounding out these responsibilities, she gives presentations and writes on various topics dealing with religious life, charism, sponsorship, and other areas.
Sister Nancy Gerth, SCN, former RFC Board member and co-director of the InterCongregational Collaborative Novitiate, had this to say:
"For as long as I have known Sister Ellen, she has loved being a woman religious and has had an unwavering interest in the unfolding of religious life. In her role as the executive director of RFC, Ellen advanced the Conference's distinction as a leader in providing key resources for initial and ongoing formation and as a catalyst for creating groundbreaking programs. Many of us have reaped the benefits of Sister Ellen’s hard work and faith-filled service. No doubt we, and those who will join us in the future, will continue to do so for many years to come."
Sister Ellen served two terms in leadership for her congregation. During this time, she was on a number of boards and committees of sponsored works in both healthcare and education, including Bon Secours Charity Health System in New York and Bon Secours St. Francis in Charleston, South Carolina. In 2008, she was elected Secretary of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and was a member of the LCWR Board and Executive Committee from 2008-2011. She later served as an LCWR Regional Chairperson from 2013-2015 as well as on the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Board.
"Sister Ellen is a multi-talented woman, and she shares those talents generously," said Sister Cecilia McManus, SC, assistant general superior for the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. "Ellen is currently active in moving forward a robust ongoing formation program for our congregation. She has authored several thought-provoking articles that explore the history of religious life and the evolving reality of religious life today... Her dedication, scholarship, and pastoral sensitivity continue to inspire."
Sister Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree in education and mathematics from the College of Saint Elizabeth, and a master’s degree in measurement and evaluation and a PhD in management of computer resources from New York University. She spent many years in educational ministry: as a high school math and computer science teacher, as a college professor in computer information systems and educational technology (undergraduate and graduate), and as a college administrator at both the College of Saint Elizabeth and Fordham University. For 20 years she served as an adjunct professor at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey (a college for adult learners) and served as president of its Academic Council for two terms. She has particular interests in adult learning and online learning and has presented professionally in these areas.