Advance good works until they are almost finished; and then, whenever possible, let them be completed by someone else who will receive the honor. – Maxim 85

When Sister Jeanette Bussen planted the seed 36 years ago for Sports Friendship Day at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, she had no inkling that her “good works” would endure and grow into a spring tradition at the college.

“I was delighted and amazed to know that Sports Friendship Day continues, and that this day of connections and inclusion of people with special needs became a part of the life at St. Vincent’s,” said Sister Jeanette, who was a special guest at this year’s spring event. The annual event typically draws more than 100 guests with special needs, intellectual disabilities or physical limitations who engage in various activities on campus with current students.

“It was a great joy to be invited back,” recalled Sister Jeanette who was recognized at opening ceremonies for helping to design Sports Friendship Day from concept to creation. In her role with the Diocese of Greensburg from 1985 to 1992, Sister Jeanette reached out to include persons with special needs to offer both spiritual and social support.

“It was truly a very blessed time for me and brought great joy,” she says. At that time, she met with Sister Roberta Campbell, a Benedictine sister who was Director of Campus at St. Vincent. The Sisters brainstormed with a group of students about how they might connect with individuals with special needs.