Sister Tarcisia turns 95
More than 130 guests gathered in April to celebrate Sister Tarcisia Roths, ASC, on her 95th birthday in the Newman alumni center named in her honor. The come and-go event celebrated both her milestone birthday and her lasting legacy at Newman.
“She’s such a pivotal point for the entire institution and has been for so long,” said Mark Mannette, professor of theater and chair of arts and humanities. “She lights up a room with a smile and is a great combination of being dynamic and compassionate. I love that she frequently attends theatrical events and supports the arts.”
Known affectionately as “Sister T,” Roths is more than an alumna, educator and former university president; she’s a constant presence, and one who regularly cheers on Newman athletics and connects with former students.
Two of those graduates are Jim Bunck ’73 and Mike Pool ’80, who took Roths’ history classes.
“She didn’t just teach us. She inspired us,” Pool said. “She’s the most wonderful person.”
Bunck added, “She always promoted the school and had our best interests at heart.” Former Board of Trustees chair Larry Steckline reflected on the pivotal role Roths played in keeping Newman alive during financially difficult times. He also referred to her as “one of the best friends I’ve had in my life.”
“Newman could have gone under at one point,” he said. “But Sister Tarcisia, Sister Louise Herrman and Bishop (Eugene J.) Gerber became a team that turned things around. She was so good in all aspects, including shaking hands for dollars. Things picked up, and it was saved.”
Roths’ nieces, nephews and great-nieces refer to her as their “matriarch.”
“She’s the last of her generation,” said David Konecny ’79, nephew of Roths. “Of the 10 siblings, Tarcisia is the fourth youngest. She’s what’s held the family together. We still have reunions every three years because of the foundation she and her siblings built.”
Despite standing less than 5 feet tall, Roths will always be remembered for her giant impact on the university. Konecny summed her up best: “Great things come in small packages.”