Sister Elizabeth Dawn Gear- 50th Jubilee

Written on: April 19, 2015

Sister Elizabeth Dawn GearSister Elizabeth Dawn Gear met the Grey Nuns at Mother of Divine Providence School, King of Prussia, PA when she was a very young lay teacher. Their good example and love of St. Marguerite d’Youville inspired her to follow in their footsteps. Education has been her passion. For forty-five of her fifty years as a Grey Nun, she has been part of an education system either as an elementary or secondary teacher or as principal.  While teaching at St. Pius X High School in Atlanta, Georgia, she also served as Assistant Dean of Studies and Students. Sister Dawn was the founding principal of 3 Catholic schools in the Atlanta Archdiocese: St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School, Archbishop Donnellan Elementary School and Our Lady of Mercy High School.  In 2001, she became Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Camden.  Dawn presently is serving her second term as a member of the Leadership Council of the Grey Nun.

St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School in Lilburn, Georgia, has a special place in my heart.  I was the founding Principal and had the opportunity to build and create this wonderful school. These were hard times but very exciting times as we were always creating new things. Our hard work was rewarded by the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. when they named our school a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. I also received the National Distinguished Principal award granted by the U.S. Department of Education.  I feel blessed to have reached this milestone of fifty years and look forward to this celebration. There have been many people who have touched my life, especially Sister Rita Raffaele, GNSH, whom I consider the “Model Teacher” and a very good friend.  My sister and three brothers along with their spouses and children nurture me with love and respect. Thank you, Lord, for my family and all Grey Nuns for this wonderful opportunity to serve.  Amen!

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6 thoughts on “Sister Elizabeth Dawn Gear- 50th Jubilee”

  1. Carl Rohsenberger says:
    June 14, 2023 at 3:08 pm

    Hi Sister Dawn. Though normally on time, I’m eight years late to congratulate you on your 50th Jubilee. Austin and Arin are doing well and reminisce on their time with you at St. John Neumann. I’m now at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, TN. Wonderful school! On the funny side…chicken fingers, fries, and pizza are still the top choice, but some if the students have been eating salads…salads…amazing. Thanks for the positive influence you had in lives. God bless you abundantly.

    Reply
  2. Joseph Howard says:
    August 31, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    Sister Dawn,
    I have alarming news. After many years of trial and tribulations, most of which started at St. Pius X Catholic High School, I have decided to convert to Catholicism and have just finished my 3rd RCIA. Obviously, this probably is not the right place to post this, but since I haven’t seen you in , ohh, 33 years, give or take, and I didn’t want to invade your privacy anymore then I already had by googling you, figured this would have to do. Anyways, if all goes well, I should be a full blooded Catholic by Easter of next year, and my ascension to the Papal Throne will have begun.

    Warmest Regards,
    Joseph ‘Kip’ Howard

    Reply
    1. Maryellen Glackin says:
      September 1, 2016 at 9:29 am

      We are happy to hear of your “conversion” and Sr. Dawn’s influence on your life. We will continue to pray for you and many blessings as you enter into full communion with the Church.

      Reply
  3. Maria Morera Johnson says:
    June 4, 2015 at 2:43 am

    Congratulations Sister Dawn. Thought you’d be amused to know every time I want to give a student a love tap, I think of you. I am aware of your influence (and so many of your sisters’) daily in my teaching vocation.

    God bless you! ~Maria

    Reply
  4. Adriana B. Guerra says:
    May 2, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    Sister Dawn,
    You do not know how happy it has made me to see you in this photo. You look wonderful! You have that same beautiful face I remember as a young girl in Christ the King.
    You helped form who I have become today and I thank you for all you have contributed throughout your life as a Grey Nun and educator. You put me in my place several times and showed me discipline. I remember in class as you walked around with the wooden paddle in which you would slam on the desk whenever you wanted us to get your attention. All of it was good! I definitely paid attention and I have loved you always!…..Thank you. Adriana

    Reply
  5. Ron McDaniel says:
    April 20, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    Sister, I will be there to celebrate with you. You have been my mentor, confidante and harshest crtitic, which I needed. To say Thank you is an understatement. Never forget the Altar Wine stunt at CKS, then I walk into Freshman Old Testament and you were there. We made our peace and our relationship blossomed . I also enjoyed doing the Magazine drive for you. In Pius and College. My Love Always! Ron

    Reply

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