THE DONNELLY COLLEGE STORY has all of the elements of a good book –protagonists, antagonists, passion and transformations. Many good stories begin with one small spark of an idea – one that gradually grows into a bright flame. Donnelly’s story is no exception.
In 1949, protagonists Sister Jerome Keeler and Bishop George J. Donnelly, saw a need to make Christian education available in the urban core of Kansas City, Kan. With the leadership and dedication of the Benedictine Sisters and the support of the Archdiocese, Donnelly Community College was established as part of the diocesan educational system.
Limited budgets and the challenges of serving an urban community acted and continue to act as this story’s antagonists, but the mission of the founders allows the undying Donnelly spirit to continue on.
Donnelly’s rich history is comprised of countless passionate individuals, each helping to bring the College where it is today. undoubtedly, Sister Jerome Keeler and Bishop Donnelly demonstrated tremendous passion when they took “The Road Less
Traveled” and founded an institution unlike any other – an institution that bridged a dark gap in higher education by educating those who might not otherwise be served.
The intense passion of the faculty and staff is also a major component of this story, as well as the passion for learning illustrated by Donnelly students throughout the years.
The Donnelly spirit has successfully continued to transform the lives of students for six decades, bringing us into the College’s 60th anniversary in 2009.
It seems only fitting to begin this historic year the same way they did 60 years ago – with a Mass.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann will be saying the 10:00 a.m. Convocation Day mass on Thursday, Sept. 24, at St. Peter’s Cathedral located just a few blocks from Donnelly’s campus. Immediately following the mass, all attendees are encouraged to come by campus for a luncheon celebration.
1949 -1964 Timeline
Each quarterly Digest will feature a 15-year timeline, the first from 1949-64, the next from 1964-79, then from 1979-94, and finally 1994-2009. Collect all four for a full snapshot of Donnelly's rich history!
1949: College is founded by Sr. Jerome Keeler and Bishop George Donnelly
1950: Bishop Donnelly speaks at graduation Bishop Donnelly passes away
1951: Sr. Jerome Keeler writes article for Catholic Educational Review
1952: College is accredited by the State Department of Education
1955: Student life grows with class trip to Cuba, dances and retreats offered
1957: Bishop Donnelly’s former home becomes sisters’ residence
1958: Board of Advisors is formed
Donnelly accredited by North Central Assoc.
1959: Board expands to 30 members
1960: Fr. Faiola, chaplain, passes away
1961: Funds for new wing are cleared
1962: Construction on new wing begins
1963: New wing is dedicated
1964: Sr. Mary Faith Schuster becomes Dean
Remembering Kansas City in 1949
A proud member of Donnelly’s first graduating class in 1950, Bob Sullivan remembers a time when Minnesota Avenue was alive with places like The Granada, The State, and The Electric theatres. Clark Gable and Cary Grant lit up the silver screen, and the music of Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra shook radio waves.
“Downtown Kansas City was jumpin’,” said Sullivan. “I remember Sister Jerome Keeler and hearing that the Benedictine Sisters were founding a new community college. I was off
to St. Benedict’s (Benedictine College) at that time, and ended up transferring to Donnelly after my freshman year. Sister Jerome was my Spanish instructor.
“Everyone knew Sister Jerome,” said Sullivan. “She was a truly great lady – stern but fair. If you behaved, she recognized.”
1949
President: Harry S. Truman
First-class stamp: $0.03
Average car cost: $1,650
Gasoline: $0.17/gallon
Average annual salary: $3,600
Best Picture: “All the Kings Men”
Other fun facts:
Cable television debuts
First Polaroid camera produced
First VW Beetle sold