A familiar face in the halls and front office at Bishop Garrigan is Sister Janet Goetz PBVM. Sister Janet was in the first graduating class, 1960. As a student at Bishop Garrigan, Sister Janet was mostly influenced by the late Sister Mary Redempta, who encouraged her to ‘consider teaching for the Lord.’ Once she graduated, she furthered her education at Clark University, University of Dubuque, and UNI.
In 1982, Sister Janet decided to return to Bishop Garrigan. She became the registrar. She helped out in many ways including office work, student records, academic banquet, graduation, and daily details. Sister Janet has partially retired but continues to be the secretary to the school board, proofreader, presenter for Kiwanis student of the month, delivers the daily mail, Friday adoration in the chapel, and attends many school events. As an employee she tried to be positive, helpful and show a Christ-like example.
When we asked Sister Janet what her best memory of BGHS is, she said, “Every day is the ‘best’ day because of the spirit and energy here.” She said she is most proud of “the legacy of family and how Garrigan is family.” A truth emphasized by Father Friedmann. She is also proud of “Conference and State Championships and leaders in fine arts and sporting events, and how graduates have done great things in their lives.”
In her free time Sister Janet loves to stargaze. She calls the stars by name. She started this when she was a teacher. Sister Janet would like to leave advice for current students. “I would encourage students to take a variety of courses and participate in extracurricular activities. These experiences will provide a rich background for life skills as well as life-long friendships to treasure.”
At this time Sister Janet is the only Dubuque Presentation Sister in the Sioux City Diocese.
Bishop Garrigan is very thankful for everything Sister Janet has done for our school and students, and we will miss having her around.