Celebrating 25 Years of the Presentation Associate Partnership

During 2025, the Associate Partnership Office celebrates 25 years of the associate program with the Dubuque Presentation community. When the Presentation program first began, Sister Mary Lou Specha was asked to assume leadership of this new position. A group of three sisters and three lay women comprised the first Associate Process Advisory Committee. This group worked with Sister Mary Lou to brainstorm, research and design what the Dubuque Presentation Associate Process would look like. Out of this hard work came the decision to create an orientation manual for those interested in the program. Several sisters were asked to create “lessons“ on topics such as heritage, charism, mission, prayer, community and discernment. Once the manual was created, an invitation was extended to those who might desire such a relationship with the sisters, such as family members, former students and former community members. In 2007, the program was renamed the Presentation Associate Partnership.

The associate program can trace its humble beginnings back to an invitation in October of 1992 to consider “neighboring.” Sisters, friends, relatives and acquaintances of the Sisters of the Presentation were invited to give serious thought to a deeper and more committed way of sharing the vision, spirituality and mission. The first associates, consisted of both men and women, committed to the program in June of 2000.

Over the years, groups were established in Algona, Cedar Falls, Charles City, Dubuque, Forest City and Mason City, all in Iowa; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Kansas City, Kansas; and Chicago, llinois. With COVID-19 came the utilization of Zoom as people began working from home, creating an opportunity for associates from different locations to meet via Zoom. Thus began the Zoom associate group in 2021.

For over 25 years, many sisters and associates have generously given their time, talent and energy to the associate program, the Associate Advisory Committee, their personal associate groups and community committees focusing on radical hospitality, social justice, non-violence and sustainability, to name a few.

The Presentation community is especially grateful to those who served as co-directors of the Associate Partnership: Sister Mary Lou Specha, Char McCoy, Billie Greenwood, Karla Berns, Sister Lynn Mary Wagner, Carol Witry, Sister Joan Brincks, Cindy Pfiffner and Colleen Venter, and current co-directors Radie Roberts and Sister Rita Waters, RSM.

As we celebrate 25 years of the Presentation Associate Partnership, we honor those who helped shape its beginnings and give thanks for the spirit that continues to tend its light today. The tie blanket project, born from collaboration and shared purpose, is more than a moment of service – it is a symbol of what’s possible when area congregations come together in faith, creativity and love. Rooted in a rich history and inspired by new possibilities, the Presentation Associate Partnership moves forward with hope, compassion and a deep commitment to walk with others in the spirit of Nano.