LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sister Joanne Callahan for her many
years of service and dedication to Catholic education on Long Island

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals and organizations which
distinguish themselves through their unremitting commitment and service
to humanity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sister
Joanne Callahan for her many years of service and dedication to Catholic
education on Long Island; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joanne Callahan first entered the Sisters of the Ursu-
line Order of Tildonk in 1967, and professed her final vows as an Ursu-
line Sister in 1972; and
WHEREAS, After completing her Master's degree in School Counseling at
St. John's University, Sister Joanne Callahan received a Professional
Diploma from Boston College in Advanced Educational Studies in Catholic
School Administration; in addition, she holds a Permanent New York State
Certification as School Administrator/Supervisor and School District
Administrator; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joanne Callahan began her illustrious career in educa-
tion as a classroom teacher at St. William the Abbot School in Seaford,
New York, and later served as a guidance counselor at St. Mary's High
School in Greenwich, Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, Sister Joanne Callahan returned to St. William the
Abbot School as Principal; her superior administrative skills were
recognized by the Diocese of Rockville Centre, leading to her appoint-
ment as Director for Teacher Personnel and Director of Regional School
Planning; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman was named Superintendent of Schools by
the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 1993; in this capacity, she worked
tirelessly to ensure those attending Catholic schools in the diocese
were provided the best possible education, inspiring and challenging
students in a Christ-centered environment; and
WHEREAS, In her official acts, Sister Joanne Callahan served with
loyalty, honor, and distinction; she spearheaded studies which resulted
in the establishment of the Elementary Education Commission, which
strives to promote effective and efficient school management; and the
Tomorrow's Hope Foundation, which has provided scholarship and program
funding for students and schools since 2005; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joanne Callahan continues to provide invaluable
service to Catholic education in the Diocese of Rockville Centre in her
new role as Secretary of Education; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joanne Callahan has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Sister Joanne Callahan has served on
the boards of directors of such worthy causes as the Cleary School for
the Deaf, Nassau BOCES, the St. John's University Catholic Institute
Board, as well as on various committees on the diocesan, state, and
national levels; and
WHEREAS, Sister Joanne Callahan has been the recipient of numerous
awards for her outstanding service, including the 2001 Administrator of
the Year Award from the Nassau BOCES School Library System, the 2005

Leaders in Education Award from St. John's University School of Educa-
tion, and the 2014 Lighting the Fire Award for Catholic Education from
CSAANYS; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sister Joanne Callahan for her many years of service and dedi-
cation to Catholic education on Long Island; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Joanne Callahan.