Sister Dorothea graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1954. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Marycrest College, and master’s degrees in dietetics and health administration from St. Louis University. She currently serves as president of St. Dominic Health Services and is chairperson of the board of St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Miss.
In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Sister Dorothea has been active in both professional and community affairs in Mississippi. She served as chairperson of the Capital Fund Campaign for the Mississippi Blood Services, reaching the goal of $5 million dollars for the relocation of the Blood Services. She has served on the boards of directors of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Healthcare System and Public Education Forum, working to increase job opportunities and fostering active civic involvement in the social and economic development of Jackson. She has served as chairperson of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the United Way of the Capital Area. She currently serves on the United Way Board and is president for Rotary Club of Jackson. In 2000 Sister Dorothea was named the Business Woman of the Year and was recognized as one of the Goodwill Volunteers of the Year. In 2006 Sister was inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame.
A 1977 graduate of Griffin High School, Farmer received an associate degree from Springfield College in 1979 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1981.
As a professional photographer, Farmer has used his artistic expertise to help generate funds for area not-for-profit organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Henson Robinson Zoo, Southwind Park and Operation Smile. In 2007 Farmer was recognized as the largest donor to the cause and chosen to photograph Operation Smile surgical work in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. His work has benefited the Children’s Miracle Network at St. John’s Hospital and Brother James Court. In 2008 alone, 50 different organizations benefited from Farmer’s generosity. For three summers, he has accompanied SHG students on missionary trips to upper Appalachia to assist low-income residents with home repair and maintenance. He organized “SHG Works” to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sacred Heart-Griffin High school. On a single weekend with the help of 200 students, faculty members and parents, they transformed 20 houses on the east side of Springfield.
The SHG Hall of Fame was established in 1995. Nominees must be graduates of Sacred Heart Academy, Cathedral Boys School or Griffin High School a minimum of 25 years ago. Nominees should reflect efforts above and beyond the duties required of his or her chosen vocation.
For more information about SHG’s Hall of Fame, contact the Advancement Office at (217) 787-9732.