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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING SISTER MICHELLE GERMANSON ON HER RETIREMENT FROM TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle Germanson will be celebrating her retirement from Trinity High School in River Forest on Wednesday, May 29th, at the high school’s Sister Michelle Germanson Athletic Center; and
WHEREAS, Trinity High School, an all-girl college preparatory high school was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, and Sister Michelle Germanson has been a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister for 54 years; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle Germanson has ministered through education and leadership roles in Colorado and Illinois, serving as the Dean of Students at Dominican University (formerly Rosary College) before being recruited by Trinity High School; and
WHEREAS, upon assuming her role as president, Sister Michelle Germanson recognized that the challenges facing Trinity were existential to the school-with declining enrollment, flailing finances, and Fenwick High School’s decision to go co-ed, which further drew from Trinity’s population; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle was undaunted by these and other challenges. She touted the school’s all-female identity as a strength and implemented block scheduling to allow for more collaborative learning, rightfully believing that her students would thrive in this environment; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle also reached out to alumnae, the community, and benefactors to build strong relationships; and
WHEREAS, under Sister Michelle’s leadership, Trinity instituted the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. Trinity was only the second school in Illinois and the first Catholic school to implement the program. In 2017, Newsweek featured Trinity High School as one of the best International Baccalaureate programs in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle, in striving to ensure a well-rounded student body, also undertook projects, such as the construction of a technology center, an athletic facility, and a state-of-the-art health and fitness center; and
WHEREAS, thanks to Sister Michelle’s determination and leadership, Trinity seniors enjoy one-hundred percent college acceptance, and many begin college as sophomores; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle says that although she is moving on, she will continue to be one of Trinity’s biggest cheerleaders and avid supporters, and absolutely no one doubts this.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby congratulate Sister Michelle Germanson on her retirement from Trinity High School; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Sister Michelle as a token of our appreciation for her lifelong commitment to the Trinity community.
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