Sister Elise Unplugged

Did you know Sister Elise likes country music? Bubble gum ice cream? Science fiction books?

What is one of your favorite childhood memories? Visiting and staying overnight at my grandparents’ house. I could take what I wanted for snacks from the family grocery store and stay up to watch TV.

What was your favorite game as a child? Monopoly.

What is your most memorable birthday? The surprise party here at USF on my 50th birthday. I’m not easily surprised!

What do you prefer—a book, a movie, a concert or a play? I enjoy all these venues, but I do like to keep up on the latest movies and go to see one when I can. I appreciate how a movie can bring a book, or story, alive.

Do you have a favorite among these? My favorite books are “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. I always enjoy fantasy and science fiction.

What is your favorite sport to play or watch? I like to swim and golf, but do not do either very often. I enjoy watching USF football or TinCaps baseball.

When you have an hour of free time, how are you most likely to fill it? In the summer, that would be gardening or taking a long walk. In the winter, reading a book.

What would be a perfect day for you? A nice sunny day at the lake with friends and family.

What is your favorite kind of ice cream? My favorite would be sugar cream, but I enjoy trying all the various flavors there are, like bubble gum, cotton candy, etc.

What’s your favorite song and why? There are many songs and artists I like from the 1960s when I was growing up. Today, I am interested in country music and a favorite is Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind.”

What is your favorite season of the year and why? Spring, when the first shoots of green appear after a long winter. It also makes me think of getting into the garden.

Do you have a favorite location for putting your mind at ease? Any place where nature is involved—a lake, a path in the woods, a beautiful sunset or sunrise.

What is your favorite hobby? That, again, would be gardening, swimming or reading. I also do Swedish Weaving as a craft but have not done it lately. I also like to decorate the tables at home, or Brookside for Christmas.

Where did you learn your strong work ethic? From my mom and dad, being I am the oldest of six children in my family I had many responsibilities. I also worked in my grandparents’ grocery store while I was growing up.

In this Q&A, Sister Elise gives us a glimpse into her personality and a few of her favorite things.

What is a question people often ask you? Right now, the question is, “What will you do after you are no longer president at USF?”

Who was or is a personal hero of yours? I would have to say that my parents are my personal heroes.

What is your favorite Bible verse? There are many inspiring Bible verses for me. Here are a couple: “On that day you will know that I am in the Father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20) and “It was not you who chose me, it was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.” (John 15:16).

What do you enjoy most about Fort Wayne? I enjoy all the city has to offer in the arts, festivals and sports venues, as well as many nice restaurants. Fort Wayne also has a great park system, including the Botanical Garden, to enjoy.

If you could meet three people from history, who would you choose? I would like to talk to some of the early founding fathers of our country like George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. As a member of the DAR, I read what I can about the early development of our country. From another period of history, that would be John Kennedy. It would also be fun to meet and talk with the current Queen Elizabeth.

What is your favorite spot on campus? The sun room of my house which looks out on the lake, or any other view of the lake from other places on campus.

What’s on your bucket list? I don’t really have a bucket list per se because I have had many opportunities as president at USF to travel, meet people and see the beauty of the world. Rather, I have a heavenly “to do” list when time and space are no longer limiting, like spending time with the Lord and exploring the universe!

For what in life do you feel most grateful? I am grateful for my family and for the personal and professional opportunities I have had while serving as president of the University of Saint Francis.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? The gift from God of my vocation as a Sister of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.

What is one of your favorite memories at USF? Being present when three of our teams won NAIA national championships—men’s and women’s basketball and football two times.

If you had to describe yourself in a few words, what would they be? A visionary leader who is relational, positive, determined and creative.