Donor Profiles: Lifelong Commitments and Chance Encounters
Susan Sylvan (l.); and Vicky and Virgil Gehling
Donor Profile: Vicky and Virgil Gehling, A Lifelong Commitment to the BVMs
by Kari Litscher
“We have always been impressed by the social progressiveness of the BVMs. They are truly committed to the welfare of all, and we like being a very small part of hat.”—Virgil Gehling
Vicky and Virgil Gehling’s connection to the Sisters of Charity, BVM spans over five decades, rooted in their shared commitment to education, faith, and social justice. Their story is one of deep appreciation for the BVMs and a lasting relationship that continues to this day.
Deepening Ties
Vicky’s journey with the BVMs began at The Immaculata High School in Chicago, where she graduated in 1965. During her years there, Vicky was influenced by many BVMs, but some stand out in her memory. “I fondly remember many BVM sisters from those years: Pat (Frederick Mary) Nolan, Irene Marie (Aurelius) Brennan, Josepha Carton, and Emmanuel Fitzpatrick,” Vicky recalls. “Of course, there were many others.” These women shaped Vicky’s early years, not only as educators but as role models of faith and service.
A Family Legacy
After high school, Vicky continued her studies at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, where she met Virgil, a student at Loras College. Their connection to the BVM community only deepened during their time in Dubuque. “Sister Marguerite (Christine) Neumann was an important influence on me at Clarke,” Vicky remembers. “And Sister Sara (Philip Mary) McAlpin was my freshman counselor in Mary Fran Hall. She was such a wonderful support.” Vicky graduated in 1969, and Virgil, who graduated from Loras, stood by her side throughout her academic journey. Education and faith remained central to their family’s values. “Clarke has had quite an impact on our family,” Virgil says with pride. “Our son Joel graduated from Clarke, and his wife and her siblings are all Clarke grads. We’ve had generations come through!”
Continued Tradition
The Gehlings regularly visited Clarke over the years. One of the highlights was always time spent with Marguerite. “Sister Marguerite loved showing our children around the science building when we visited,” Vicky recalls.
BVM Inspiration
The Gehlings have been deeply inspired by the BVMs’ commitment to social issues. “We have always been impressed by the social progressiveness of the BVMs,” Virgil says. “They are truly committed to the welfare of all, and we like being a very small part of that.” Their admiration for the sisters’ work, both locally and globally, has motivated their ongoing support of the BVM mission.
Coming Full Circle
Recently, they made the move into the Terrace Apartments at Mount Carmel Bluffs, which felt like a natural step in their ongoing connection with the BVMs. “After attending the May benefactor event and taking a campus tour, we knew it was time to move,” Vicky explains. “It felt like coming full circle, and we’re so happy to be part of the BVM community again.”
Mission Minded
Living in the heart of the BVM mission has allowed Vicky and Virgil to witness firsthand the continuing commitment of the BVMs to their communities and the world. “We have been donors to the BVMs for more than 30 years,” Virgil says. “It’s an honor to support their efforts wherever it’s needed. They depend on the generosity of their benefactors to continue their work, and we’re grateful to be able to contribute.”
Donor Profile: Susan Sylvan, A Brief Encounter, A Lasting Impact
by Kari Litscher
For Susan Sylvan, her connection with the Sisters of Charity, BVM began at a pivotal time in her life—when she needed stability and support the most. Susan’s life was upended when she suddenly moved away from her mother and brother to Chicago to live with her father’s Catholic sisters after an unexpected family loss.
In 1954, her aunts, devout Irish Catholics, enrolled Susan at The Immaculata High School, a Catholic girls school founded by the BVMs in 1921. Susan ponders if her quick acceptance to the school was credited to her cousin, Peggy Butler, being an Immaculata student leader and athlete. Susan quickly realized that the BVMs provided her with more than just an education—they gave her a sense of security and care that she needed at the time.
A Moment in Time
“I was one of two non-Catholics in the school. The other non-Catholic was the only Black student,” Susan remembers. “It was NOT a good time in my life. Going to a school with uniforms and prayers at the door of the classrooms was a very new, strange experience for me. But the sisters were smart and good teachers. They were kind to me.”
Though Susan’s time at Immaculata lasted only a semester, the impact the BVMs had on her was lasting. “They made very different choices in life,” Susan reflects. “I admired them for that. They were impressive women who set an example for me.”
After her semester at Immaculata, Susan returned to live with her mother. She went on to earn degrees in science and history, and then, inspired by her own desire to make a difference, joined the Peace Corps. She taught English in Kazakhstan in Central Asia and later taught social studies, history, and English in Pakistan.
A Chance Meeting
It wasn’t until two decades ago that Susan’s connection with the BVMs was rekindled. A chance encounter with a woman who had also been educated by the BVMs caused her to reflect on her time at Immaculata. “By talking with her, fond memories resurfaced. I thought, ‘I should support these women,’” Susan says. “You share what you have.”
A Lasting Commitment
Since that moment, Susan has been a dedicated donor, grateful for the stability, intellectual engagement, and kindness the BVMs had shown her at a crucial time in her life. “I admire the work they do,” she says simply. “The BVMs are smart women doing good things.” She is particularly inspired by the sisters’ advocacy for causes like land justice and their work to combat human trafficking—efforts that resonate with her own commitment to social justice.
Now living on the Upper East Side of New York, Susan continues to give back to her community in her own way. Always carrying $20 bills in her pocket, she is ready to help those struggling with homelessness. She is also deeply involved in her faith, regularly attending Bible study in her community. Reflecting on her time at Immaculata, Susan remembers the small details that made a lasting impact: “I can still remember the veils the sisters wore, and the dress I wore to Mass,” she says. Her dress, a wool garment with a white collar and cuffs, remains vivid in her memory. While her Catholic aunts had hoped she would eventually embrace the faith, Susan’s connection to the BVMs transcended religious boundaries. “I never became Catholic,” she says, “but I admire the BVMs for their intellect, their dedication, and their commitment to making the world a better place.”
These stories were featured in:
Winter 2025: Celebrating 50 Years of Salt
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