Congratulations to our CEO!
Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen (UP class of ’81, MA ‘87) received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Service from her alma mater, the University of Portland. The University cited Sister Adele Marie’s significant contributions to the Catholic Church and to the people of the Pacific Northwest for bestowing this honor on her.
Sister Adele Marie earned her undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Spanish at the University of Portland, earning maxima cum laude honors. Later, after joining the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1982, she earned two masters’ degrees in Teaching and Educational Administration. Sister ministered as an educator and administrator in Spokane, Astoria, Stayton and Beaverton.
While a student at UP, Sister Adele Marie starred on the Pilot women’s basketball team, following the path of her father, Bob Altenhofen ’56, a member of the UP Athletics Hall of Fame.
Sister Adele Marie was humbled to receive the honorary doctorate from her alma mater.
“The University of Portland is a special place and the school means a lot to me,” Sr. Adele Marie said. “I am humbled to be recognized by UP and to be included with such a wonderful group of honorees for my dedication and service to the Catholic Church, my SSMO Community and to people across the Pacific Northwest.”
Currently, Sister Adele Marie serves as president of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation. As president, she oversees all management, fiscal, programmatic, and planning activities of the corporation and its affiliated SSMO-sponsored ministries — Valley Catholic School, Maryville, and the SSMO Foundation.
Under her leadership and strategic vision, Sister Adele Marie ensures that 583 employees carry out the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s mission, Charism and Core Values by providing:
In true SSMO fashion, Sister Adele Marie’s Sisters celebrated her accomplishment in style. They got together to create a bulletin board in the Motherhouse recognizing her doctorate and celebrated with creative flower arrangements and festive snacks that were almost too cute to eat!
