45th Reunion Info
| Updated Bio for Susan M. Klein, OP When I finished my second year of Spanish at West High I found myself asking, “Will I ever use this?” I felt an inclination towards a “yes” answer, but had no idea of how. After I entered the convent in September of 1961 practically my whole life as a Sister has been working with, and learning from, the Hispanic/Latino people from all over! For the first 22 years I was a member of the Sisters of St. Casimir in Chicago, and after receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education I served as a grade school teacher, and then a missionary in Mexico and Argentina. I transferred to the Racine Dominicans in 1983 where I have served in these ways: as a director of family religious education programs in parishes; as a translator of religion textbooks for Brown Roa-Harcourt Brace Co; I created a theological library for the diocese of Brownsville, Texas; I lived and learned at an ecological center in Texas; I trained religion teachers in both English and Spanish for their certification; and I served as a Hispanic Consultant for the Glenmary Home Missionaries here in the States. I thoroughly enjoyed my work. I received my Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. My studies led me to focus in more on the concept of “culture” itself, and the power of culture to both help us and limit us! Together with theology I learned much more about world history. The highlight of my next years was my participation in an ecumenical theology program for 8 summers called the Hispanic Summer Program. This took place at college and university seminaries across the US and also in Puerto Rico. I was 2 credits short to enter a Doctor of Ministry program, but I decided to stop for health reasons. With all of that behind me I am slowing down now and teaching Spanish, praying more, doing some gardening, and helping my parents 1 week a month who still live alone and are 90 and 91. I live at our Dominican motherhouse called Siena Center here in Racine, WI. My lifetime work will continue as I try to become a “bridge” between people of different cultures and languages! |