Sister helped shape C.R. health, education

By Sister James Marie Donahue

Like a pebble dropped into a pool of water, the repercussions of Sister Mary Lawrence Hallagan's example have rippled throughout the Cedar Rapids community.

The city of Cedar Rapids has declared today as an official day of recognition of her and the Sisters of Mercy. This fall, a newly renovated community center will be unveiled in Sister Mary Lawrence's name.

As we celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday this month, it's a good time to reflect on Sister Mary Lawrence's many contributions and long-standing commitment to Cedar Rapids. It also gives each of us an opportunity to consider ways we too, can give back to our community.

Sister Mary Lawrence helped lead and build Mercy Medical Center, but she also reached out to the surrounding community to strengthen its vitality and character, educational resources, outreach to those in need and moral compass. She made a difference, not only in her actions but in her vision and compassion.

She remained loyal to the Sisters of Mercy from 1928, when she entered the convent, until her death in 1999. She also served as Major Superior for the Cedar Rapids Sisters of Mercy from 1953 to 1965.

She established the Mercy Hospital Endowment Foundation (now Mercy Medical Center Foundation) and served as its president 1977-1997.

This remarkable person set an example in her educational achievements. She was among the first graduates in nursing from Marquette University in 1938, received her masters in hospital administration in 1952 from St. Louis University and continued with advanced studies in the Center for Human Relations at University of Detroit and the Graduate School of Business at Indiana University.

She helped shape Mount Mercy College, serving on its board of trustees from 1953 to 1979, including 12 years as chairman.

At Mercy Medical Center, Sister Mary Lawrence's sharp business acumen guided her in making key organizational changes. She also oversaw construction of the new motherhouse Sacred Heart Convent in 1964, a new building for Mercy Medical Center in 1969 and an addition in 1973.

Sister Mary Lawrence led as a woman, as well. She was the first woman to be honored as Boss of the Year by the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1974 and to receive the B'nai B'rith Community Service Award in 1976. She was also one of only two non-physician women to be inducted as an honorary member of the Linn County Medical Society in 1978.

Plans are under way to break ground early this fall to renovate the former Penny Saver building, which will eventually house several local non-profits. This is possible thanks to a $600,000 grant from the Hall-Perrine Foundation. The transformed site will be named, most appropriately, the Sister Mary Lawrence Community Center.

Our community today is better for this person's contributions. Take a moment to consider how you, as an individual, might contribute, whether it's in your neighborhood or beyond. Sister Mary Lawrence proved that one person can make a difference.

Sister James Marie Donahue is chair of the Board of Mercy Foundation in Cedar Rapids.