2008 Woodie Awards
Former nursing instructor dies
College community credits Sister Penka for program's success, longevity
Kori Welch
Issue date: 5/9/02 Section: Campus
It is quite evident why the Penka building was named after Sister Aquinata Penka. She came to Garden City Community College when the nursing program was new and struggling.
Beth Tedrow, dean of student services said Sister Penka came to the college determined to build a strong nursing program.
"We are truly fortunate to have had someone so great start the program," Tedrow said. "It started great and has continued to be great."
Mary Anne Penka was born September 10, 1910. She was the daughter of Emil and Hedwig Heger Penka.
Penka entered the Dominican Sisters' community in 1926. She continued in her religious profession until the day of her death, April 19, 2002, at the Dominican Sister's convent infirmary in Great Bend.
Sister Penka began her ministry as an elementary teacher. She completed her nurse's education and devoted the rest of her ministerial life to health care and the instruction of student nurses.
She was the director of the associate nursing program at GCCC.
Lee Tiberghien, speech instructor said Sister Penka was a person of spiritual, physical and personal stature.
"She was an individual of tireless energy," Tiberghien said. "She effectively promoted her program not only on campus but to our community by speaking to different groups."
Beth Tedrow, dean of student services said Sister Penka came to the college determined to build a strong nursing program.
"We are truly fortunate to have had someone so great start the program," Tedrow said. "It started great and has continued to be great."
Mary Anne Penka was born September 10, 1910. She was the daughter of Emil and Hedwig Heger Penka.
Penka entered the Dominican Sisters' community in 1926. She continued in her religious profession until the day of her death, April 19, 2002, at the Dominican Sister's convent infirmary in Great Bend.
Sister Penka began her ministry as an elementary teacher. She completed her nurse's education and devoted the rest of her ministerial life to health care and the instruction of student nurses.
She was the director of the associate nursing program at GCCC.
Lee Tiberghien, speech instructor said Sister Penka was a person of spiritual, physical and personal stature.
"She was an individual of tireless energy," Tiberghien said. "She effectively promoted her program not only on campus but to our community by speaking to different groups."