Woman of the Month

Sister Nancy Hynes

In 1956 Sister Nancy Hynes received her calling from God. It was a confusing time for her, but deep in her heart she knew this was her life mission. She ended her engagement with her boyfriend of four years and joined the community at Saint Benedict's monastery.

Sister Nancy Hynes could never have been happier. This monastic way of life was right for her. Through prayer, teaching, companions, and chores she truly loved it all.

After 12 years in the monastic community she and other Sisters faced some hard times. During the 1960’s there was much turmoil in the United States from the women’s right movement to the Vietnam War. Along with many Sisters, Sister Nancy Hynes almost left her calling, but God got her through the crisis.

Sister Nancy Hynes firmly believed in a strong education. She received her PHD at the University of Southern California, where she further learned about political issues and continually fought for women and equal rights. She brought those issues to the CSBSJU community and many people believed she was ahead of her time. She expanded those issues into the curriculum and challenged the faculty and students throughout her whole career at the College of St. Benedict.  

In May 2005 Sister Nancy Hynes was diagnosed with lung cancer. As was typical for her she became engaged in the battle to defeat her cancer. She remained cancer-free until the spring of 2007, until shortly thereafter the cancer spread to her brain. Although S. Nancy Hynes fought as intensly as she always did, she died in December of 2008.

The Institute for Women's Leadership was dedicated in her name, to always remember Sister Nancy and her mission in life.

“God is good; She never lets me down. I love my life of teaching, praying, singing and playing.”
-Sister Nancy Hynes

If you want to nominate a CSB student as Woman Leader of the Month, tell us why you consider her a leader on campus, in the community or in the classroom. Send your nominations to iwl@csbsju.edu by the third Friday of each month, and we will choose the Leader of the Month.