Bishop and Parish Give Tribute to FSEs for 24 Years of Service

May 19, 2001. Cloquet, Minnesota

Most Reverend Dennis Schnurr, Bishop of Duluth, joined parishoners of Queen of Peace Parish, Cloquet, Minnesota, in a festive tribute to Sister Colleen Kimbro, FSE and Sister Therese Gutting, FSE for their 24 years of service to Queen of Peace School. The celebration began with Mass at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19, followed by a reception, dinner and program.

Sister Colleen Kimbro, FSE has served as Principal of Queen of Peace School since 1977. She announced her resignation in early March due to reasons of health. Sister has served on many diocescan education committees and has been an active advocate for Catholic education in the diocese. Sister Colleen has a Master of Arts in Educational Administration degree from the University of Portland and has successfully led programs of educational innovation in Blackfoot, Idaho; Bozeman, Montana; Salem, Oregon; and Vancouver, BC prior to coming to the Cloquet school. Her leadership and creativity in education have been acknowledged through the years. In 1990-91 she was selected for the Bush Principals' Leadership Program from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. She was chosen as 1999 Principal of the Year of the Duluth Diocese Catholic Schools. Through her leadership and encouragement, student teams have participated in regional, state and world competition in Destination Imagination programs.

Sister Therese Gutting, FSE has taught first grade students at Queen of Peace and has served as primary coordinator for the past 24 years. Several former students were on hand to pay tribute to the positive influence Sister has had on their lives. Sister Therese received a Master of Education degree from University of Minnesota - Duluth and a Doctor of Education degree from Kennedy-Western University, specializing in the integration of technology in elementary curriculum development. Sister Therese has taught in schools in Wisconsin and British Columbia prior to her years in Cloquet. She is also the foundress and director of the Northwoods Computer Center and is a professor of computer science and business at Fond du Lac Tribal Community College.

Bishop Schnurr, Reverend Kenton Sailstad, pastor of Queen of Peace, parishoners and students lauded the Sisters for being exemplary "instruments of peace." Mother Shaun Vergauwen, FSE, Vicar General, attended the event as a surprise to the Sisters. Mother Shaun spoke of the Sisters' dedication to the educational mission of the Franciscan order and read a letter from Mother Rosemae Pender, FSE, Mother General, commending them on their years of service to the people of Minnesota.