BVM Centenarian Inducted into Irish American Hall of Fame

Ann Ida Gannon, BVM, Ph.D., is one of the 2018 inductees into the Irish American Hall of Fame (IAHF), chosen in the category of education. The Hall of Fame was created to pay tribute to exemplary Americans of Irish heritage who have shaped the Irish American identity in the United States and to preserve their stories.

BVMs Margaret (Peggy) Geraghty (St. Cabrini) and Diane O’Donnell (Joanella) will attend the Annual Awards Gala on April 28 at the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago. Peggy will accept the award for Ann Ida, who turned 103 on April 2, and resides at the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa.

Ann Ida Gannon, BVM was born on April 2, 1915. Her grandparents on both sides of the family were Irish immigrants who came to America in the mid-19th century. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clarke University in Dubuque, a Master of Arts degree from Loyola University Chicago, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from St. Louis University. She served as president at Mundelein College from 1957–75. Mundelein College graduate Gabrielle Buckley nominated Ann Ida for induction into the Irish American Hall of Fame.

After Mundelein College became affiliated with Loyola University, Loyola established the Gannon Center for Women, a Center of Excellence within the university, which prepares women to lead in every sector of society by promoting innovation and interdisciplinary research to shape leadership for the 21st century.

Ann Ida was a champion of the great social movements in America in the second half of the 20th century, a scholar in the fields of education and philosophy, and a renowned leader who has received numerous awards and appointments. To read more about her accomplishments, visit: http://www.iahof.org/