Sister Cecilia Ann Kelly ’49

On my very first day of classes at Saint Mary's, Sister Kelly had us gather up paper, drawing boards, and pencils and head down to the nature trail to draw. I clearly remember being so intimidated and frightened that my drawing was not going to be college-level work. Later,

that morning, we all met back in the classroom and posted our drawings on the wall. I waited with a sick feeling in my stomach as Sister Kelly prepared to discuss the work hanging in front of her. She carefully critiqued each piece, emphasizing all the strong points of every students’ drawing.  Immediately, my fears disappeared and Drawing 101 was my new heaven on earth! Forty-six years later I still have the drawing that I nervously drew at 8:00 am, on my very first day of the four wonderful years I spent at Saint Mary's College. Sister Kelly loved art and her enthusiasm was infectious. Her calm, positive method of teaching encouraged all students to excel and perform at their highest level. I will be forever grateful to Sister Kelly for building my confidence and I will never forget her. I have just completed my 37th year of teaching art and I hope that I may have touched a few students in the way that Sister Kelly did all of us.