In Memoriam: Janice Anne Joel Read, 1925-2017

Sister Joel Read, who served for 35 years as president of Alverno College in Milwaukee, died on May 25. She was 91 years old. Reed joined the faculty at Alverno College in 1955 and was president of the women’s college from 1968 to 2003.

Andrea Lee, the current president of Alverno College, stated that “Sister Joel was a courageous and pioneering leader who not only strengthened but embodied Alverno’s mission to educate strong women. Through her tireless work and countless achievements at Alverno, in the Milwaukee community, and elsewhere, her impact knows no bounds. The Alverno community deeply mourns her passing, but we vow to carry on the incredible legacy she leaves behind.”

The Sister Joel Read Conference Center on the Alverno College campus is named in her honor.

Reed was a graduate of Alverno College, where she majored in education. She earned a master’s degree in history at Fordham University in The Bronx, New York.