Sister Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame

From left, Joe Tower, Sisters Anne Mary Donovan and Kathleen Gallivan, SNDdeN and Tricia Tower. Photo by Emmanuel student Carlos Campos.

Sister Anne Mary Donovan, SNDdeN was recently inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at her alma mater, Boston’s Emmanuel College.

A lifelong sports fan, Sister Anne Mary played basketball at Emmanuel from 1958–61 but she is best known for helping transform the school’s athletic program as the vice president of finance, a role she held until retiring two years ago. Her contributions include leading the development of a modern recreation center and a $4 million renovation of the athletic facilities.

Modestly, Sister Anne Mary says, “I wouldn’t dignify it by calling it a vision. I just listened to what people needed and asked, ‘How can we make this happen?’” Emmanuel President Beth Ross calls her “legendary,” and says Sister Anne Mary’s ingenuity and commitment have made the Division III athletic program what it is today.

—With thanks to Beth Rowen at Emmanuel College for her assistance with this article.

This story appears in the Winter 2025 edition of  Sowing Goodness, and you can read all of our past issues here.

Also read: “Sister Anne Donovan’s Lasting Legacy at Emmanuel”