Trustee Profile: Sr. Patty Chappell, SND
Sr. Patty Chappell, SND
Hometown: New Haven, CT.
Alma Mater: St. Joseph’s College, West Hartford, CT.
Major: Sociology.
Graduate Study: MSW, The Catholic University of America, Washington DC.
Employment: Coordinator, Sisters of Notre Dame Anti-Racism Team (USA).
Accomplishment of which you are most proud:In 2000, I was serving as president of the National Black Sisters’ Conference and under my leadership, NBSC sponsored the first National Gathering for Black Catholic Women in Charlotte, NC.
Most memorable Trinity moment: Being invited to be part of the first-year student orientation. My colleague and I did a presentation entitled, “How to Create an Anti-Racist Multicultural Learning Environment at Trinity.”
Last book read: Witnessing Whiteness by Shelly Turlock.
My idea of a perfect vacation: Being with people who like to have a good time. I enjoy being in a place with water, sun and much entertainment.
If I were stranded on a deserted island I would have to have: At least another person to talk with, music and, of course, my eyeglasses!
The three people I would most like to have dinner with: Former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Mary the mother of Jesus and my maternal grandmother, Mrs. Stella Elizabeth Ellis.
Why I am a Trinity trustee: As a Sister of Notre Dame, it is an honor to serve as a trustee in one of our educational institutions. Since SNDs have a long history of “educating for life,” as an African-American woman I know what skills are needed, particularly for students of color, as they prepare to assume leadership positions in society. The emphasis on global education is also a hallmark of the Sisters of Notre Dame.