A Very Special Tribute to a Very Special Woman
July 7, 2017 was no ordinary day at Cabrini of Westchester. Anyone who entered the chapel for daily Mass could sense something special was about to happen. The chapel was more crowded than usual, there was noticeably an abundance of MSCs in attendance and there was a palatable sense of excitement in the air. It was the 71st anniversary of the canonization of Mother Cabrini and a day to honor an MSC who followed closely in her footsteps and served as a visionary, a fearless leader and a devoted servant who accomplished much and touched the lives of many: Sr. Regina Casey, MSC.
Known as a leader in higher education, Sr. Regina was appointed the President of Cabrini College at the age of 38. As one of the youngest college presidents in the nation, her leadership aided Cabrini’s transition from an all-female school to a co-ed institution. During her tenure, she also implemented Cabrini’s Evening Division and its Career Opportunities Program for adult minority students.
Sr. Regina devoted her life to God and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and went on to become the first American ever elected head of the order – General Superior – after being nominated at the international meeting in Rome in July 1972. Sr. Regina later served in the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus New York headquarters where she helped oversee the order’s hospitals and orphanages across North America.
In recognition of her exceptional qualities and many accomplishments, Sr. Arlene Van Dusen, MSC and Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC took to the altar to bestow an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from what is now Cabrini University to Sr. Regina Casey, MSC. Together, Sr. Arlene and Sr. Catherine read the Citation:
“Be it known that Cabrini University lauds and honors the work of Sr. Regina Casey, a fearless leader of faith, a visionary in higher education and a devoted
public servant….For these exceptional qualities and accomplishments, for embodying the values and spirits of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, for leading
Cabrini College, and for your dedicated services to, and leadership of, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cabrini University honors you.”
Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester, placed the hood on Sr. Regina as her fellow MSCs looked on with pride and admiration. Sr. Catherine Garry presented Sr. Regina Casey, President Emerita, the Degree “Doctorate of Humane Letters” along with a beautiful photo of the statue of Mother Cabrini that resides on the University’s campus. Both of which remain proudly on display in Sr. Regina’s room.
