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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
SISTER MICHELLE GERMANSON, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called Sister Michelle Germanson from our midst on October 21, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle Germanson professed her vows as a Sinsinawa Dominican Sister in 1965; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle taught at St. Mark School in Peoria and at St. Cajetan School in Chicago, before becoming principal at Saints Peter and Paul in Wheat Ridge, Colorado; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle returned to Illinois, serving as dean of students at Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle has been credited with saving Trinity High School, which was at the brink of closure in 1992 when she decided to accept the position as president at the River Forest school; and
WHEREAS, upon assuming her role as president, Sister Michelle built strong relationships with alumnae and the community, touted the school’s all-female identity despite market pressures to become co-ed, and implemented block scheduling to allow for more collaborative learning, rightfully believing that her students would thrive in this environment; and
WHEREAS, under Sister Michelle’s leadership, Trinity instituted the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, resulting in being featured in Newsweek in 2017 as one of the best International Baccalaureate programs in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle’s spirit and determination were contagious as reflected in Trinity seniors’ one-hundred percent college acceptance rate; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle’s love of Chicago sports and commitment to having a well-rounded student body propelled her to undertake large projects, such as the construction of an athletic facility, a health and fitness center, and a technology center; and
WHEREAS, in her final days, Sister Michelle was surrounded by many members of the Trinity community as well as her beloved Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters; and
WHEREAS, Sister Michelle’s larger-than-life personality leaves a legacy that will only grow with time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Sister Michelle Germanson and to her Trinity family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to the family of Sister Michelle and to Trinity High School so that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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