Sister Danat Marie Brysch, minister general of the Felician Sisters, was one of two extraordinary women honored at Felician University’s 61st Commencement Ceremony, held May 22 at The Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ. She traveled from Rome to receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of her lifelong commitment to servant leadership and humanitarian work.
Born in Texas, Sister Danat entered the Felician community in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and began her nursing career after earning an associate degree from Felician College in Lodi in 1975. She later earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Incarnate Word College and the University of New Mexico.
Her career spanned direct care, education, and leadership in various nursing settings across Iowa, Texas, and New Mexico. From 1988 to 2012, she served as provincial coordinator and healthcare supervisor for the Felician Sisters and was a long-time member of the Healthcare Ministry Council.
She held leadership roles in the Assumption of the BVM Province from 1995 to 2009 and was part of the founding leadership team of the Our Lady of Hope Province in 2009. Elected to the congregational leadership team in 2012, she became minister general in 2018 and is currently serving her second term.
The University also honored Dr. Sarita E. Brown, a nationally recognized advocate for educational equity and president of Excelencia in Education. In addition to receiving an honorary degree, Dr. Brown delivered the keynote address, telling graduates, “As you begin your road of intentionality… you will be fueled by the experiences, by your education, by your training, by all that has been your Felician experience.”
Felician University President Dr. Mildred Mihlon reminded graduates, “Learning is not for status, it’s for service,” and encouraged them “to serve with love.” She concluded by affirming, “The University is a compass for your life.”
Sister Veronica Marie Lucero also earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Approximately 560 graduates joined the ranks of Felician University alumnae.
Click here to enjoy a short video capturing the highlights of this special day.
