Helen Elsbernd, FSPA ’65 faced a difficult decision in 1976. Then a chemistry professor at Viterbo, she loved teaching. That year however, she was asked to become the academic dean of the college. It was a promotion to be sure, but one that would take her out of the classroom.

“I didn’t want to change my ministry role, but eventually I realized I could help the students more by helping the faculty, so I accepted the position,” Sr. Elsbernd said. “The first couple years were difficult, but ultimately it was the right choice. I thank God I had the grace to say yes.”

It would turn out she excelled at, and even enjoyed, administrative work. The move would also change her career trajectory and would result in many great ministry opportunities during her professional life.

Sr. Elsbernd, who had earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry degree from Viterbo, a master’s degree and PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Illinois, and had completed a program in educational management at Harvard University, enjoyed a stellar career as academic dean. She served in the post until 1989, when “it was time for someone new to take over.”

Among her notable achievements was the establishment of the extremely successful Master of Arts in Education degree program. Upon her “retirement” from Viterbo, she was honored with the creation of the namesake Sr. Helen Elsbernd Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her outstanding service. It is presented to a deserving employee who has served the university for more than 20 years and in more than one capacity at the annual Rose Awards ceremony each May.

“Viterbo has come a long way and I’m so pleased and grateful that it has,” Sr. Elsbernd said.

Sr. Elsbernd’s next five years were spent working as the vice president for academic affairs at Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, which became Teikyo Marycrest University.

“I had never interviewed for a job in my life,” she laughed. “But I started applying at Catholic colleges. My time at Marycrest was a terrific experience. It was purchased by a Japanese school, Teikyo University, two years after I started. I went to Japan three times, attended a conference in the Netherlands for all the schools associated with Teikyo University, and earned a four-week Fulbright Scholarship to study in Germany.”

Upon being elected to congregational leadership, Sr. Elsbernd returned to La Crosse in 1994 and served eight years as vice president of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She would again put her administrative skills to use, playing a key role in the merger of Franciscan Health System with Mayo Clinic Health System. Posts as the director of Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa and another term as the vice president of the FSPA would follow, as would a sabbatical in Santa Fe, N.M. and two summer volunteer experiences in Prague, Czech Republic. She also spent a year in Chicago living with FSPA novices.

“This Iowa farm girl learned to navigate big cities and get where I wanted to go,” she laughed.

Now 83 years old and in her 63rd year of religious life, Sr. Elsbernd lives in La Crosse and has no plans to stop serving others. She is involved in the FSPA’s anti-racism work and serves on the boards of Viterbo University, Mayo Clinic, the St. Anthony Foundation, and on several FSPA committees. In her leisure time she enjoys volunteering, gardening, spending time with her family and friends, sewing, reading, book club, and her card group. Their game of choice is 500.

“I have been very blessed in my life,” Sr. Elsbernd said. “My health is fine, I have served at great places and with many wonderful people, I’ve traveled extensively, and I’ve been able to do many interesting and challenging things I never expected.”

Sr. Elsbernd shared some key pieces of advice when asked about the things she has learned throughout her life.

“Number one, be flexible and listen to the Spirit working within yourself,” she said. “I’ve always felt a strong sense of calling. Listen to God and enjoy life. If you don’t like what you’re doing, do something else. Secondly, help others. Help them to realize their gifts and talents and to find their abilities of which they may not be aware. And sometimes, step out of the way and let other people do things.”