Paula Dawning ’71

Paula Dawning's SMC experience opened doors for her to become a successful businesswoman, an educator, and a servant leader--and it was a journey that began, from her earliest days, in South Bend.

The fifth of 13 children, Paula said her Christian upbringing made Saint Mary's an easy choice, but she hadn't traveled much at all when she began her academic career. Then, during her time at Saint Mary’s, Paula studied abroad in Angers, France and Mexico City.

"My world grew exponentially, and I was changed," Paula said. "My world and my place in it were being formed and my fear of the unknown was being erased."

After graduating, Paula earned a master's degree from Boston University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. She spent the majority of her professional life with AT&T, working for 23 years in several departments including the international division, and retired as the sales vice president working with mergers and acquisitions.

After considerable time in prayer and meditation and spurred by her family's and Saint Mary's shared value of serving others, Paula became superintendent of schools in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where she spent the final five years of her professional career.

Paula has been celebrated with many honors in her life. Highlights include serving on the Saint Mary's Board of Trustees for nine years, three of which were spent as an officer; and being named the Michigan Regional and State Superintendent of the Year.