May 5, 2017
Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, social justice advocate, to receive honorary doctorate from Catholic Theological Union
CHICAGO – Catholic Theological Union (CTU) will present an honorary doctorate in ministry to Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, at the school’s 49th annual commencement ceremony on May 11. Honorary degrees are conferred annually by the faculty and Board of Trustees upon individuals whose contributions to the fields of scholarship and service reflect the values to which Catholic Theological Union is committed.
Campbell serves as Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice in Washington, D.C. She authored the famous “nuns’ letter” supporting healthcare reform — an action often cited as significant in passing the Affordable Care Act in 2010. She also organized the first of the “Nuns on the Bus” tours with the goal of “mending the vast economic and social divides” in the United States.
From her early days as a practicing attorney, Campbell has ministered to those on the margins of society. She lobbies on issues of peace-building, immigration reform, healthcare and economic justice; she is a noted speaker and educator on these public policy issues.
Campbell is a member of the Sisters of Social Service. She received her BA degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles and her JD degree from the University of California at Davis. She is the recipient of numerous awards, among the most notable the Parliamentarians for Global Action “Defender of Democracy Award” in 2012 and the Faith in Action Award from Sojourners in 2016.
At the commencement ceremony, CTU will also present an honorary doctorate in theology to the Rev. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI. Rolheiser is a distinguished author, community-builder, lecturer, retreat director, and educator. He currently serves as President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, a position he has held since 2005.
The commencement ceremony will take place May 11, 2017, at 3 p.m., at K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Congregation in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. More than 80 graduates representing 21 countries will receive certificates or master’s level degrees in the areas of Intercultural Studies and Ministry; Justice Ministry; Liturgical Ministry; Pastoral Studies; and Theology. CTU also confers Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees.
