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New President Appointed at Marian Catholic


Sr. Judine Hilbing

Sr. Judine Hilbing, O.P. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Sr. Judine Hilbing to begin work July 1

Chicago Heights, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Sr. Rose Marie Riley, O.P., Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, along with fellow members of the executive leadership team, recently announced that Sr. Judine Hilbing, O.P. will succeed longtime president Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, as President of Marian Catholic High School. The appointment, effective July, 1, 2008, is part of the congregation’s commitment to provide high quality leadership at their schools so students can seek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their individual talents and demonstrate Christian service and leadership.

“Sr. Judine has more than 20 years experience in elementary school administration, with 17 in the Chicago Archdiocese,” Sr. Rose Marie said.“ Her experience in planning, her collaborative leadership style, her focus on communication, and her organizational skills will be strong assets for Marian Catholic. She will provide a depth of expertise and professionalism that will allow teachers and students to achieve their academic and spiritual goals."

Marian Catholic has such a wonderful reputation for excellence that I am truly excited about the opportunity to become a part of this outstanding high school,” Sr. Judine explained. “As a life-time educator, I continue to find joy in witnessing the success and development of our youth.

“Recruitment efforts have been very successful in attracting high quality students. I believe that sustained efforts in this regard will ensure that Marian Catholic High School will continue to project itself as an educational environment that fosters excellence in the academic advancement, spiritual growth, and extra-curricular activities of its students.

Committed to Catholic education, Sr. Judine holds a Master of Arts degree in elementary education with a concentration in administration from the University of Illinois in Champaign , as well as of Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from St. Ambrose University in Davenport , Iowa . Currently, Sister Judine serves as Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Immaculate Conception School in Chicago .Her former positions include Principal at St. Michael School in Chicago , 1996-2007; Principal at St. Christina School in Chicago , 1990-1996; and Principal at St. John Neumann School in Maryville, Ill., 1984-1990.

“I feel this is a great opportunity to serve a community need and work in an educational environment that is strong and vibrant,” Sr. Judine said.“ I will put all my efforts into continuing the strong educational programs and services already in place and work to further the mission of Marian Catholic.”

As President of Marian Catholic High School, Sr. Judine will:

  • Serve as the Chief Executive Officer for the school, responsible to Sister Rose Marie Riley and the Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.
  • Work in conjunction with the Vice President of Instructional and Student Services (Principal) to ensure excellent compliance with Illinois and Catholic school requirements and standards.
  • Ensure the mission effectiveness and faith leadership by keeping with the Roman Catholic Church tradition.
  • Monitor proper fiscal and facilities management of the institution.
  • Promote the school and its programs as spokesperson for Marian Catholic High School .

“Sr. Judine is a gracious and perceptive woman who will bring her own warmth and intelligence to bear on the mission of Marian Catholic,” said Sister M. Paul McCaughey who will, at the end of this academic year, become Superintendent of Chicago’s Catholic Schools. “ The Marian Catholic community will find Sr. Judine an able listener, a fine conciliator and imaginative leader.”

Sister Judine’s appointment will begin on July 1, 2008 and she arrives at a very exciting time for Marian Catholic, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2008-09 school year. Marian is also in process of winding up its Courage to Lead Capital Campaign, which hopes to succeed $6 million used toward a new state-of-the-art Leadership Center, artificial turf for Spartan Stadium, broadcast enhancements and Endowment.

“The capital campaign, the new Leadership Center , and plans for the 50th anniversary are initiatives that have been highly successful and are nearing the final stages of development,” Sr. Judine said. “I think it is important for the new president to become well acquainted with these efforts and to give support and encouragement to the persons who have worked so hard with Sr. Mary Paul to achieve this success to date.”


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