Celebrate and hear Rosemary’s story at IWD2017!

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Professional highlights:

• Graduated from Harvard Divinity School and Harvard University – PhD in History of Religions/Medieval History (1991)
• Taught at Concordia University, Montreal, and served as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (1991-2000)
• Served as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Brock University (2000-2010)
• Served as Director of the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Brock University; teaching full time in the program, known as MARS (2010-2014)
• Author of Understanding Christianity:  Origins, Beliefs, Practices, Holy Texts, Sacred Places published by Duncan Baird, London (3^rd edition)

Community service highlights:

• Recipient of the Key to the City of St. Catharines for Contributions to Brock University and the City of St. Catharines in June, 2010
• Volunteer, Hospice Niagara, Day Hospice and Bereavement Programs (2015-current)
• Member, City of St. Catharines Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (2016-current, 2001-2003)
• Member, City of St. Catharines Art Awards Sub-Committee (2016-current)
• Chair, Foster Festival Board of Directors (2016-current)
• Recipient, Patron of Innovation Award from Innovate Niagara (2015)
• Recipient, City of St. Catharines Patron of the Arts Award (2011)
• Chorus Niagara Board of Directors, Chair of Fundraising and Development (2010-2013)
• Board of Directors for the neXt Theatre Company (2009-2012)
• Member 1812 Legacy Council Task Force (2007-2010)
• Recipient of Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International (February, 2013)
• Co-chaired the Niagara Regional Culture Committee (2005-2010)
• Founding member of the 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council and President (2007-2010)
• Member, Downtown Revitalization Committee, St. Catharines (2008-2010)
• Member, Board of Directors, Rodman Hall (2001-2003)
• Chair, Advisory Board, Rodman Hall Art Gallery (2007-2010)
• Recipient of the Laura Sabia Award for Contribution to the Arts (2010)
• Recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Arts and Community (2009)
• Founding Incorporation Member and member Board of Directors, nGen (2008-2010)
• Vice-President, Canadian Federation of University Women, St. Catharines Chapter (2009)
• Board of Directors, Niagara Symphony (2004-2007)

In Rosemary’s Words

After retiring from teaching and administration at Brock University, I have turned my attention to other passions.  These include continued work in arts advocacy, volunteer work at Hospice Niagara and my own writing.

Perhaps one of the most soul-satisfying aspects of my retirement is the volunteer time at Hospice Niagara, for the Day Hospice and for the bereavement programs.  Utterly rewarding.

And, I continue to write, best described as historical fiction.  I am currently working on a novel, called God’s Tokens, a story that takes place in Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany in 1348, a time of plagues and famine throughout Europe.

Most importantly, I remain a dedicated arts advocate; I am a true believer in the success of St. Catharines and Niagara.  My partner, Nance Sigafoos, and I moved downtown, into a century home with a real history, to be up close and personal with all the extraordinary changes happening downtown.  Great neighbourhood; great neighbours. We enjoy our proximity to the market, to a wonderful array of cafes and restaurants, bookstores and shops, and most especially to the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre.  Our family includes Harper, our amazing 18-year old daughter who is about to head off to university. Then there are the furry members of the family.  Two dogs – Pixie, a Norwich terrier and Tiger Lily, an adorable Pug, and two rescued elder cats with wondrous purrs – Whiskers and Cricket.