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January 24, 2024, Adrian, Michigan – Adrian Dominican Sister Beth Butler, OP, cherishes two particular vocations: as a Dominican Sister and as a member of the law enforcement family. Noting that being a Sister “comes first,” Sister Beth told Global Sisters Report – a program of The National Catholic Reporter – of the many ways she also lived out her dream to serve in law enforcement after the example of her father, a Detroit police officer. 

Sister Beth Bulter, OP, shown with Siena Heights University President Dr. Douglas Palmer, displays the Honorable Alumni Award she received during the University’s homecoming weekend.
Photo by Laura Harvey, Courtesy of Siena Heights University.
 

Sister Beth’s experiences included heading the Criminal Justice Department at Siena Heights College (University), where she made such an impact that, in 2023, her former students – now representing all aspects of the criminal justice system – nominated her to become an Honorary Alumni of Siena Heights. She also made an impact on the inmates whom she taught at Southern Michigan State Penitentiary. She went on to serve as Chaplain of the Miami Police Department, often accompanying the police in their squad cars. 

Read more about Sister Beth and her ministry in law enforcement in the Global Sisters Report article by Rose Panieri.

Feature photo at top: Sister Beth Butler, OP, wears the uniform of a Chaplain for the Miami Police Department, one of her many roles in law enforcement. Photo from the 
Adrian Dominican Sisters Archive.

January 24, 2024, Adrian, Michigan – In a recent Global Sisters Report – a program of The National Catholic Reporter – Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD, discusses her experiences at the two universities founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Sister Peg ministered from 1983 to 2006 at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, as an Associate Professor of Social Work, counselor, and Executive Vice President. She was named President of Siena Heights University in 2006 and stepped down in July 2023.

In her interview with Theresa Doerfler, Sister Peg discusses her unexpected academic career; some key characteristics of a Dominican education; the importance of the Dominican charism, particularly the search for truth; changes she’s seen in higher education; and her favorite memories from her 40-year career.

Read the profile of Sister Peg.