One of the most esteemed members of DSPT’s community of scholars died on June 5 at her home in Orinda after a long illness. Joan Underwood Anthenien had worked in various administrative capacities during decisive years of the transformation and development of the DSPT’s presence in Berkeley. In 1992 she was awarded the degree of Doctor honoris causa in humane letters from DSPT in recognition of her many and profound contributions to the academic life of the school.
Joan had been a neighbor of St. Albert’s Priory and an active member of the Dominican Laity since she and her husband had moved into the Rockridge neighborhood with their growing family in the mid-1950’s. After St. Albert’s College joined the Graduate Theological Union in 1964 as its first Roman Catholic institution, the administrative responsibilities associated with the studium had increased sharply. The Regent of Studies, who still exercised the duties of the President, was provided with the help of a secretary. Joan assumed these duties as secretary to the Regent in 1971. In 1976 the administrative offices and classrooms were moved from the Oakland campus to Berkeley, and the offices of Regent, Dean, and President were soon distinguished. Joan became the Registrar and later the Dean of Students at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, as it was known from 1978 on.
Joan contributed in vital ways to the establishment and expansion of the Berkeley campus, its increasing involvement in the GTU community, and its growing incorporation of non-Dominican faculty and students. Her unique combination of hard work, amicable service, academic interest, Christian faith and genuine humanity facilitated greatly the success of this transition. During these years Joan also found time to finish the degree at the University of California at Berkeley in English Literature that she had begun prior to the births of her six children. The Doctor honoris causa corresponded to the end of Joan’s active service at DSPT, but she remained connected to the school by many bonds of friendship and by frequent participation in academic events. Her Requiem was celebrated by friars, family, friends and colleagues at St. Albert’s Priory Chapel on June 12.
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Joan Underwood Anthenien’s Commendation for her Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Loving mother, faithful wife, woman of faith, student of life and letters, sterling model of dedication and generosity, helper and guide to students and faculty, loving friend of the Dominican School. The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology at the Graduate Theological Union salutes and thanks you.
Since your first encounter with the Dominicans in 1956 until this very hour you, and indeed your whole family, have been a vital part of the lives of many who wear the habit of St. Dominic. In 1971 you began a lasting relationship with the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, then St. Albert's Collage. First as secretary to the then Regent, Fr. Janko Zagar, your responsibilities grew as the school itself became not only a House of Studies for the Western Dominican Province but also a Center of Studies embracing a wide spectrum of students, both women and men, lay and religious. As Registrar, you rendered invaluable service to the school during its years of growth as a member of the Graduate Theological Union through your efficiency and meticulous attention to detail. Diplomat as well as mother in your work as Dean of Students, your warmth and personal concern for each student made all feel welcome, cared for, listened to, and loved. Your understanding and encouragement, your friendly advice and ready humor have seen many-a-student through their arduous academic work and many-a-teacher and administrator through their sometimes laborious tasks.
Our presence here this evening, and the spiritual presence of so many more who treasure you as one of the bright memories of their years at the school, bear ample witness to our esteem for the counsel you have provided, the dedication you have shown, and the example you have given not only in your work but more profoundly in your life as mother, wife and committed laywoman in and for the Church. In the words of one of our recent graduates, "Joan is a great woman of God!”
So it is this evening, the Dominican School takes pride in recognizing your tireless dedication, your inspiring gifts, and loving example. In gratitude and joy then, in virtue of the authority invested in me by the Board of Trustees of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, I am happy and honored to confer on you, Joan Underwood Anthenien, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
