Sister Betty Ann McNeil, D.C., will join DePaul University as its second Vincentian Scholar in Residence in the school’s Office of Mission and Values. The Vincentian Scholar-in-Residence program seeks to support the research of notable Vincentian Scholars in support of DePaul’s identity as the premier international resource for Vincentian Studies.

Sister McNeil entered the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Emmitsburg Province, in 1964. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social welfare from Saint Joseph College, Emmitsburg, Md., in 1969 and a master’s of social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1975.

A leading expert on the history of Vincentian tradition, especially Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and the early history of the Sisters of Charity in the United States, Sister McNeil has been a member of the Vincentian Studies Institute since 1988 and currently serves on its editorial board. Her publications include “The Vincentian Family Tree,” a survey of all communities related to Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Louise de Marillac and the Vincentian Family, published by the Vincentian Studies Institute in 1996.

She also has written or edited numerous volumes on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and histories of the Daughters of Charity in the United States, including their service as nurses in the Civil War. She has given numerous presentations nationally and internationally on these same topics. Sister McNeil is currently the archivist on the Emmitsburg campus of the Daughters of Charity, Province of Saint Louise. She will join the Rev. John Rybolt, C.M., DePaul’s first Vincentian Scholar-in-Residence.

“We look forward to supporting the Vincentian research and publication agenda of Sister McNeil, and we look forward to her contributions to mission and heritage enhancement programs at DePaul,” said the Rev. Edward R. Udovic, C.M., senior executive for University Mission at DePaul.

Founded in 1979 and sponsored by DePaul since 2007, the Vincentian Studies Institute is the premier international organization promoting a living interest in the history and spirituality of the Vincentian family founded by Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) and Saint Louise de Marillac (1591-1660). The institute supports a wide variety of research, publication and continuing education efforts, particularly making use of the latest technology advances provided by the World Wide Web.

Saint Vincent de Paul was a 17th century French priest who was known as the “Apostle of Charity” for his commitment to the poor and marginalized. His community service and advocacy of respect for the individual were the hallmarks of his philosophy and ministry. He worked closely with Saint Louise de Marillac to found the Daughters of Charity in 1633 to minister to the spiritual and material needs of poor persons. In 1625, he founded the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians), who are the sponsors of DePaul University.

About DePaul

With more than 25,000 students, DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States and the largest private nonprofit university in the Midwest. The university offers approximately 275 graduate and undergraduate programs of study on three Chicago and three suburban campuses. Founded in 1898, DePaul remains committed to providing a quality education through personal attention to students from a wide range of backgrounds.