If there is anyone whose entire adult life stands as an example of service and ministry to others, it is Peg Dolan, R.S.H.M., ’58, ’74. To honor her, Loyola Marymount University announced in April that the campus ministry center will be renamed the Sister Margaret “Peg” Dolan Campus Ministry Center.
Sister Peg’s work and impact has been recognized both on campus and in the Los Angeles community. In 1997, she received the Barbara Bonney Staff Award. In 2001, she was named honoree of the year by Catholic Charities of Los Angeles for her work linking parishes, schools and social services, and for her dedication on behalf of the poor. In 2006, Sister Peg was presented with the Madonna Della Strada Award by the Los Angeles Regional Council of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. That honor pays tribute to an individual whose life reflects the Ignatian values of direct service to the poor and of working and educating for a more just society.
Sister Peg earned a bachelor’s degree at Marymount College, and she then received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from LMU and a master’s degree in applied spirituality from the University of San Francisco. For three decades, she has been a director of Ignatian retreats. From 1974–85, she was campus minister at LMU and director of Campus Ministry. For 36 years, she served as resident chaplain. Today she is both moderator of Gryphon Circle and alumni chaplain. Prior to her arrival at LMU in 1974, she was a teacher and principal at Marymount High School in Santa Barbara, Calif.
“Sister Peg is an icon of Loyola Marymount University. She has shaped the lives of so many of our students through the years as chaplain of the Gryphons, resident chaplain and as a spiritual advisor to so many students and alumni,” said Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Lane Bove ’69, ’72. “She has been instrumental in caring for students in their darkest moments and in celebrating their gifts, talents and successes. Sister Peg understands that LMU can provide a transformative education that develops compassionate minds and intelligent hearts.”
The “new” ministry center will be dedicated during Alumni Reunion Weekend, on Saturday, Sept. 27.