At Chaminade Julienne, we are proud to honor the legacy of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, a 1949 Julienne High School and Mount Notre Dame graduate whose life continues to inspire our school community. Guided by faith, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice, Sister Dorothy dedicated her life to serving those most in need, particularly the poor and marginalized in the Brazilian Amazon. Her work—and her martyrdom—remind us of the power of living the Gospel with bold compassion. At CJ, we celebrate her as a model of servant leadership and a beacon of hope rooted in our Marianist and Notre Dame traditions.
“You can’t have love of God without love for your fellow human beings.” – Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN
Continuing the Mission of Sister Dorothy Stang
Known around the world as a modern-day martyr, Sister Dorothy was killed in 2005 for defending the rights of the poor and protecting the environment in the Brazilian Amazon. Her life’s work continues to inspire CJ students, faculty, and alumni to be agents of change—rooted in Gospel values and committed to building a more just world.
At CJ, we honor Sister Dorothy’s legacy through education, reflection, and action. Each year, students explore her story and the broader call to social justice through opportunities like the Senior Capstone Project, where they research a real-world issue, engage with their community, and present sustainable solutions during the Sister Dorothy Stang Symposium. Learn more about Capstone at CJ.
In partnership with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Marianist Environmental Education Center, CJ encourages students and families to further explore Sister Dorothy’s legacy by taking part in the virtual Dorothy Stang Pilgrimage. Retrace Sister Dorothy’s Dayton roots and celebrate her lifelong commitment to peace and justice.
“We can’t talk about the poor. We must be with them.” — Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN