Sister Samuel was a dedicated and exemplary educator, and a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic. She received her Ph.D. in English Literature from Stanford University, and joined the faculty of Dominican college in 1957, serving as President of the College from 1968-80. She continued to teach English, and under her leadership the college was transformed from an all women’s college into a coeducational institution. She spearheaded the placement of a model Development Center for children with special needs on campus, and supported the development of a Special Education Teacher Training Program that earned statewide recognition for excellence. Seeing the need for the college to be an integral part of the community, she expanded the Board of Trustees to include members of the business and professional community.
Through her work in the field of education for over forty years, Sister Samuel influenced the lives of scores of students. She taught by example that you can address the world with confidence, serve with courage, principle, elegance, compassion and grace. In 1980, she received the Dominican College Distinguished Service Award, and School Master of the Year in 1981. Golden Gate University awarded her an honorary degree in 1980.