When Sister Grace Okon arrived on the campus of NDMU in January, 2020 to begin her graduate study in School of Education, the newly–formed Province of Africa was only nine years old. An educator and school administrator in Africa, she recently mused, “I wish I had known then what I know now!”
Sister Grace became a postulant in SSND in Nigeria in 1990. She had just received her diploma from a local Teacher Training College program. One of the SSND Sisters she met was Sister Gabriel Roeder. Grace was strongly influenced by Gabriel’s way of life and her commitment to her students. She soon asked for her family’s blessing to become an SSND.
Her father was initially hesitant. The first-born of his 10 children was very dear to him, and he had many questions for “Sister Gabe.” She and other SSNDs whom he met answered all his questions and put his mind at ease; he supported her decision. Her mother had been taught by native Catholic Sisters in Nigeria, and she was immediately in favor of Grace’s choice.
The congregational leaders in the US had made a decision in 1983 to accept African postulants. The following year, Sister Miriam Jansen met with a Formation Committee to begin the long process of designing an African formation program. The first postulants were admitted in 1989. Grace Okon was a member of the second group to enter SSND.
The formation program was adapted to the African culture. For one example, the process of receiving a new name was completely omitted. All African Sisters keep their given names, or baptismal name. After one year in the Postulate, Grace lived in the Novitiate in Ghana for two years, six months of which she spent in mission in Cape Coast, Ghana. There the Principal of Our Lady Queen of Peace elementary school, Sister Mary Ann Matachinskas, suggested that Grace get a driver’s license to assist and share the driving chores, which delighted her.
After her profession in 1993, Sister Grace was a teacher in St. Murumba boys’ college in Jos, Notre Dame Girls Secondary School in Urua Edet Obo, and later Principal of the SSND-owned school in Mkar, all in Nigeria. She had a two-year program in Religious Formation and became part of the Formation Team. She served as Co-Novice Director in the Sunyani Novitiate in Ghana. She was chosen to participate in the General Chapter in 2002 as a criteria delegate to add to the diversity of its members. She was elected as a Provincial Councilor and served for eight years, 2011-2019.
After this service to the Province, Grace, inspired by Sister Sharon Dei, asked to continue her education. Sister Charmaine Krohe met Grace at an SSND meeting in Wilton, CT., and connected her to Sister Sharon Slear. Grace received a scholarship to NDMU.
On her arrival at the Charles St. campus, Sister Grace joined the small SSND community who lived in Theresa Hall. In her first few weeks there, she learned the people, the campus, and the computer system. Everyone was very helpful, especially her mentors, Sisters Mary Fitzgerald and Sharon Slear. Her goal was initially to achieve a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership for Changing Populations. But she was so successful in her studies that she was given recommendations to move right into the doctoral program when her first goal was achieved.
Presently, Sister Grace, having completed her comprehensive exams, is beginning the dissertation seminar for her Ph.D. During her almost-three years here, she has learned much more than teachers and textbooks could offer. She secured an internship for the School of Education in which she worked with Dr. Kathryn Doherty, Chair of the School of Education, as an Assistant, volunteered in the Registrar’s office, and engaged in academic advising.
Recently, Sister Grace and her small community at NDMU have moved to Villa Assumpta, where Grace has met a wider world of School Sisters. Recently, Sister Eti-ini Udom from Nigeria joined Sister Grace at the Villa. She is beginning her undergraduate study in Psychology at NDMU.
