Hogan Years – “Those were the happiest
years of my teaching career.”
Our dear Sister Agnes Virginia Hamm, 95, died in Ross Hall
Wednesday morning, October 31, 2012, with many Sisters gathered
by her side. Sister Agnes Virginia (Rita Blanch) Hamm was born
on May 30, 1917, in Kansas City, KS, one of three children of
Melvin and Agnes Edmondson Hamm. She graduated from Blessed
Sacrament School and Ward High School, Kansas City, KS. Rita
entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of
Leavenworth on September 1, 1936 and, as Sister Agnes Virginia
Hamm, made her profession of vows on June 28, 1938.
A gifted teacher, Sister Agnes Virginia taught three years in
parochial elementary schools in KS and MT, but the majority of her
teaching was in high schools. Her “seven wonderful but hot” summers at St. Louis University earned her the M.A. in Speech and Drama, and she taught both in almost all of the SCL
high schools, notably in her 17 years teaching at Hogan High. Years later Sister Agnes
Virginia wrote this about her Hogan days: “As I look back, I realize that they were the
happiest years of my teaching career.”
But teaching was not Sister’s only gift. As principal at Hogan for eight years, her leadership shone also. Among her many responsibilities, she pioneered a new program of high
school education – “flexible scheduling.” Hogan was the first Catholic school in the nation
to pioneer this Stanford University program.
Her Hogan days were followed by other leadership positions: Educational Consultant for
all of the SCL High Schools; Community Councilor; Executive Secretary to the President in
SCL Health Services Corporation; and Director of SCL Health Office.
Sister retired to Ross Hall In 2005.
Memories of Sister Agnes Virginia surely should not end without a good story, and those
who knew her well could tell many. This one was told on the occasion of her Golden
Jubilee in 1986. The school is not identified.
“One evening, when the Sisters were safely in their home, the burglar
alarm rang. Sister Agnes Virginia and a companion went to the school
and decided to search the building to see if the burglar was still around.
Armed with a broom handle, Sister Agnes Virginia said, pointing to a
small closet, “You open the door, I’ll hit him over the head.” When he
really was there the two Sisters took off running. Sister Agnes Virginia
tripped over her long skirt, fell, got up, but before resuming her run,
brushed off her clothes, straightened her headgear and then ran.
Without damage to his head, the burglar also ran and escaped the Sisters
and the police.”
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Homecoming 4:00 p.m.
Vigil Service 7:00 p.m.
Ross Chapel
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 a.m.
Ross Chapel