The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest

Sister María Elena González, RSM

Dedicated nun, constant teacher, diocesan chancellor and now president of a vibrant multicultural center, you have championed inclusion and social justice in all that you have done.

Born into a "semi-migrant" farm family in the Panhandle of Texas - one of nine children - you grew up picking cotton for two months into every school year and then catching up with your studies. Like your parents, you are committed to education, especially learning that builds up a person's self esteem. You entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1959, taught in parochial grade schools in this state and Missouri, and later directed child development centers for migrant children.

After a six year stint as a missionary in Guatemala, you returned to this country in 1986 to direct several programs of the Catholic Diocese of Lubbock while serving as diocesan chancellor, moderator of the curia, personnel director and head of the office of evangelization. Your work since 1993 as President and "Re-founder" of the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio is distinguished by an abiding passion to serve and empower the poor to claim their own natural talents, as well as the revitalization of the center, revision of its curriculum and the transformation of the lives of many, including our seminarians.

Much like our Lady of Guadalupe, you are both strong and gentle, offering unconditional love through Juan Diego to all of us. We rejoice in awarding you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

May 21, 2002 Austin, Texas