Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Announces Dedication of College Archives in Honor of Sister Mary George O’Toole, RSM

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is proud to announce the official dedication of the College Archives in honor of Sister Mary George O’Toole, RSM. In recognition of her extraordinary 71 years of service as a Sister of Mercy and her decades of devotion to the institution, the facility will hereafter be known as the Sister Mary George O’Toole College Archives.

This dedication marks a milestone in the College’s history, celebrating a woman who has served as the institution’s “living bridge” between its past and future.

A Lifetime of Mercy and Leadership

Sister Mary George began her lifelong journey with the Sisters of Mercy in 1955. After graduating from Saint Joseph’s College, she earned her master’s and doctorate in sociology from the Catholic University of America. Her professional tenure at the College has been unparalleled in its breadth, spanning roles as a sociology professor, Director of Admissions, Associate Dean, and Vice President for Sponsorship and Mission Integration.

Beyond the Standish campus, Sister Mary George’s leadership has guided the Sisters of Mercy at the highest levels, having served as General Councilor and Superior General of the order.

Preserving the Mercy Legacy

In 1999, Sister Mary George recognized a vital need to preserve the institution’s heritage. In 2010, she transitioned into the role of College Archivist, and she continues to volunteer today even after retirement. Her work in the archives is a labor of love, meticulously documenting the truth of the College’s journey and reviving the memories of those who built it.

Sister Mary George has spent decades keeping our community accountable—ensuring that every leadership decision aligns with our Core Values at Saint Joseph’s College. By naming the archives in her honor, we are ensuring that her legacy of institutional wisdom and her sharp, faithful stewardship of our history remain as permanent as the records she preserves.

The Importance of the Sisters of Mercy

The dedication also serves as a profound reminder of the enduring importance of the Sisters of Mercy at Saint Joseph’s College. Since the College’s founding by the Sisters in 1912, the order’s commitment to social justice, hospitality, and education has remained the bedrock of the campus culture. Sister Mary George embodies these values, tempering high standards with genuine kindness, a legendary dry wit, and a deep generosity of spirit.

The Sister Mary George O’Toole College Archives will continue to serve as the definitive repository for the College’s history, protected by the same meticulous care and “sharp eye” that Sister Mary George has famously provided for over seven decades.

About Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is the state’s only Catholic liberal arts college. Located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish, Maine, the college offers a diverse, inclusive community committed to providing a transformative educational experience rooted in compassion, service, and social justice. The college’s 382-acre campus includes 2,500 feet of waterfront and is committed to sustainability.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers more than 40 undergraduate programs and 22 Division III athletic teams for approximately 800 on-campus students, along with certificates, undergraduate, and graduate degrees to over 2,000 working adults online, both in the U.S. and internationally. Learn more at www.sjcme.edu.