Alum Honorees

About the 2023-2024 Alum Honoree
 

Sr. Rosalie Pizzo is proud to be an alumna of Notre Dame San Jose – Class of 1952 – and a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. For more than 70 years, Sr. Rosalie’s work in education, pastoral ministry, social justice and religious leadership has sought to empower the dignity of each person and to build up diverse communities of goodness, faith and learning.

Born the youngest child of Italian immigrants, Sr. Rosalie and her family developed strong ties to the Catholic community of Santa Clara Valley. She attended Catholic elementary schools in San Jose, earned a Bachelor of Arts and teaching credential from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont as well as a Master’s degree in administration from San Jose State University. Inspired by those who taught her, Sr. Rosalie’s essential credential, SNDdeN, identifies her as a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur since 1952.

Sr. Rosalie has served as a teacher, principal and pastoral minister in several California schools and parishes. Locally and overseas, she provided hospitality and advocacy for refugees as well as sabbatical programs for women religious at the headquarters for the Sisters’ congregational leadership in Rome. 

Sr. Rosalie is a revered advisor and administrator. Her ministries in provincial leadership and her roles as Bishop’s Delegate to Religious and NDSJ board member showcase her trusted wisdom in governance and her collaborative leadership with all those who realize Saint Julie’s vision to “teach young women what they need to know for life.”