Sister Judith Nell Riney, OSU, poses with Cameron Robinson, Brescia University’s Alumni Association president. Sister Judith Nell was given the Outstanding Alumna award from the Alumni Association during Brescia’s Laurel Awards on April 26. She served as the librarian at Brescia for 45 years. COURTESY OF MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH
‘Thank you for all being the very best’ – Sister Judith Nell Riney retires from Brescia
BY MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH STAFF, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
The last days of April 2025 could have been called “Sister Judith Nell Riney Week” at Brescia University, as the longtime librarian was honored twice for her service to the Catholic college.
On April 26, Sister Judith Nell, OSU, was awarded the Outstanding Alumna award from the Alumni Association during Brescia’s Laurel Awards. She received her award for “Outstanding service to the Alumni Association and/or Brescia University.” Sister Judith Nell is a 1971 graduate of Brescia, and has served as the director of Library Services at the Father Leonard Alvey Library for 45 years.
Sister Judith Nell has served longer in the same ministry than any current Ursuline Sister. With the conclusion of this school year, Sister Judith Nell is retiring from Brescia, which led to a celebration for her on April 29. Sister Helena Fischer, the registrar at Brescia for the past 35 years, will now hold the title of longest serving Sister.
Sarah Cox, who has served as manager of Public Services in the Brescia Library, will take over as director. It will mark the first time in the 75 years since Brescia opened its doors that someone other than an Ursuline Sister will lead the library.
During a reception at 11 a.m. April 29 in the library, Amanda Morris, vice president of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, thanked Sister Judith Nell for all she has done for Brescia.
Fr. Larry Hostetter, who recently stepped down as president after 18 years, said during his tenure, “It was nice to have someone you never had to worry about, who you knew was always going to do the right thing. That was Sister Judy.”
Sister Vivian Bowles, OSU, who served at Brescia for more than 30 years, including 12 as president, praised Sister Judith Nell for always studying the latest needs for a college library.
Sister Judith Nell, known for her sense of humor and her efforts and pulling pranks, urged her coworkers to “keep on being crazy.”
“Thank you for all being the very best,” she said. “I can’t imagine not coming here every morning to unlock this library.”
