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Sister Judith Nell Riney honored twice as she retires from Brescia

The last days of April 2025 could have been called “Sister Judith Nell Riney Week” at Brescia University, as the longtime librarian was honored twice for her service to the Catholic college.

On April 26, Sister Judith Nell was awarded the Outstanding Alumna award from the Alumni Association during Brescia’s Laurel Awards. She received her award for “Outstanding service to the Alumni Association and/or Brescia University.” Sister Judith Nell is a 1971 graduate of Brescia, and has served as the director of Library Services at the Father Leonard Alvey Library for 45 years.

Sister Judith Nell has served longer in the same ministry than any current Ursuline Sister. With the conclusion of this school year, Sister Judith Nell is retiring from Brescia, which led to a celebration for her on April 29. Sister Helena Fischer, the registrar at Brescia for the past 35 years, will now hold the title of longest serving Sister.

Sarah Cox, who has served as manager of Public Services in the Brescia Library, will take over as director. It will mark the first time in the 100-year history of Brescia that no Ursuline Sisters are serving in the library.

During a reception at 11 a.m. April 29 in the library, Amanda Morris, vice president of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, thanked Sister Judith Nell for all she has done for Brescia.

Father Larry Hostetter, who recently stepped down as president after 18 years, said during his tenure, “It was nice to have someone you never had to worry about, who you knew was always going to do the right thing. That was Sister Judy.”

Sister Vivian Bowles, who served at Brescia for more than 30 years, including 12 as president, praised Sister Judith Nell for always studying the latest needs for a college library.

Sister Judith Nell, known for her sense of humor and her efforts at pulling pranks, urged her co-workers to “keep on being crazy.”

“Thank you for all being the very best,” she said. “I can’t imagine not coming here every morning to unlock this library.”

Here are photos from the Laurel ceremony and the retirement celebration.

Sister Judith Nell Riney poses with Cameron Robinson, Brescia University’s Alumni Association president. Sister Judith Nell was given the Outstanding Alumna award from the Alumni Association during Brescia’s Laurel Awards on April 26, 2025.
Sister Judith Nell is joined by her longtime friend Sister Julia Head.
Sister Judith Nell is congratulated by Sister Mary Timothy Bland. The two are in the same bonded prayer group together.
Sister Judith Nell, right, is congratulated by Sister Monica Seaton, who is a member of the Leadership Council.
Sister Judith Nell, center, is joined by her brother Frank Riney and her sister Winnie Cohron.
Sister Judith Nell is joined by Sarah Cox, manager of Public Services at the Brescia Library. Cox is taking over as director of Library Services following Sister Judith Nell’s retirement.
Sister Judith Nell speaks after receiving her Outstanding Alumna award.
Many Ursuline Sisters came to the Laurel Awards to support Sister Judith Nell, but they also gave Father Larry Hostetter a prayerful – and comical – send off. Father Larry, who is an Ursuline Associate, stepped down as Brescia’s fifth president this spring.
Amanda Morris, vice president of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Brescia, hugs Sister Judith Nell as she opens the retirement ceremony. To the right is Sister Helena Fischer, the registrar.
Sister Judith Nell, left, talks with Karen and Charlie Austin during her retirement celebration. The two are longtime friends of Sister Judith Nell who attended Brescia.
The accessory of the day was this button of Sister Judith Nell.
Sister Pam Mueller, left, director of Campus Ministry at Brescia, puts on her Sister Judith Nell button, as Sister Vivian Bowles talks with Father Larry Hostetter, who recently resigned as president of Brescia.
Sister Judith Nell, left, shares a laugh with Sister Barbara Jean Head, senior accountant at Brescia.
Sister Judith Nell, left, and Sister Helena Fischer pose with new Brescia President Madison Silvert during the retirement celebration. Sister Helena has been the registrar at Brescia for 35 years.
Sister Judith Nell, right, has the people gathered in the library laughing as she recalls one of her many pranks.

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