Past Presidents

Sister Neomisia Rutkowska, CSFN, PhD
(Founding President, 1954-1959)

Sister Neomisia Rutkowska was a vigorous and dynamic educator with years of teaching and administrative experience at the high school and collegiate levels, as well as within the Immaculate Conception Province of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. A native Philadelphia, Sister Neomisia was a pioneer in educational leadership. Her decision to establish Holy Family was the landmark decision in her distinguished career. Holy Family’s motto – “I am bound by my responsibilities” – was a hallmark of her life, and a standard she instilled into the Sisters, the faculty, and the staff who worked at the University. Sister Neomisia oversaw the construction of Holy Family Hall in 1954, followed by the construction of Lourdes Hall (currently St. Joseph’s Hall) in 1959.

Sister Aloysius Sabacinska, CSFN, PhD
(President, 1959-1971)

Sister Aloysius Sabacinska was appointed Holy Family’s second President in 1959. A respected leader in education with extensive experience in teacher preparation, Sister Aloysius had served as Holy Family’s first Registrar, as well as business manager and admissions officer, upon its opening in 1954. Her focus on upgrading faculty credentials, facility expansion, and fundraising led to Holy Family’s first accreditation. During her tenure, Holy Family acquired Marian Hall, opened a student residence, added programs in elementary education and nursing, constructed and dedicated the Library, established a Reading Center, and opened its doors to men.

Sister Lillian Budny, CSFN, PhD
(President, 1971-1981)

Sister Lillian Budny, an effective and strong leader in Catholic education, was appointed Holy Family’s third President in 1971. Sister Lillian’s dedication to the mission led her to focus on faith-enriching activities, lifelong learning, technology, partnerships with other institutions, and campus expansion. She oversaw the construction of the Nurse Education Building in 1976, and acquired the Green estate as well as additional property on Stevenson Lane. The offices of Admissions, Institutional Advancement, and Continuing Education were established during her tenure, and the University renewed its accreditation from the Middle States Commission of Higher Education.