Sister Anne Francis Campbell
History

1980 Distinguished Teaching Award

Sister Anne Francis Campbell of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy was appointed assistant professor of history in 1967, promoted to associate professor in 1971, and to professor in 1976. She earned her baccalaureate degree in history at Fordham University in 1954, her master’s degree in social studies at the College of the City of New York in 1957, and her doctorate in American history, modern European history, and Latin American history at St. Louis University in 1968.

Sister Anne taught a wide variety of courses that included American intellectual history, nineteenth-century Europe, modern France, Latin America, honors Western Civilization, and the freshman survey of modern Europe (1300 to the recent past). She was a dedicated and conscientious teacher. Her intense interest in her discipline and her concern about the intellectual development of her students were universally recognized, while her balanced views and lively style established a wonderful rapport with her classes. For thirteen years of effective work with her students, she received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1980.

Sister Anne was equally conscientious in her service to her colleagues. In the early 1970s when the College was growing rapidly and important work needed to be done, she served on the curriculum committee for three years, two of them as chairperson. Whether as a member of the steering committee for the institutional self-study (1974) or as chairperson of the faculty grievance committee (1975-76), she was a welcome addition because of her tact, serenity and fair-mindedness. During her term as chairperson of the department (1975-78), she continued to use these qualities to lead rather than to push.

When, in 1980, the Sisters of the Order elected her as Mother Superior, she felt that she must give her full time to her new responsibilities.