By William A. Weathers
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Sister Jean Patrice Harrington's busy schedule keeps her from spending much time in her Clifton apartment. (Ernest Coleman photo)

CLIFTON - A glance at Sister Jean Patrice Harrington's day planner belies the fact that she has been "officially" retired since 1987.

The former president of the College of Mount St. Joseph's schedule is full of appointments, meetings, or classes to attend.

"It's seldom that there is a day I don't have two or three things going," Sister Jean Patrice said recently in her Clifton apartment.

"I left the college 15 years ago. I'm still on five boards. I'm just a very busy lady. I'm retired, and I'm attempting every day not to be doing something the next 15 minutes, and I'm not succeeding.''

In addition to her board memberships, the 81-year-old Sister of Charity takes classes at the University of Cincinnati (including a poetry class) and volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital and with the Dress for Success program.

Since retiring as president of Mount St. Joseph in 1987 after 10 years in the top spot, Sister Jean Patrice was the first executive director of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (which provides mentors, college information and scholarships for young people), interim president of Cincinnati State and Technical College and chair of the Miami University board of trustees.

Sister Jean Patrice is modest when speaking about her numerous career and civic accomplishments.

"I've just been surrounded by people that made me look good," she said.

The 2000 inductee to the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame is in the process of gradually ending her board memberships.

"I'm learning to say 'no'," she said, "No, I will not be doing any more fund-raising."

As she gradually weans herself from her many civic activities, Sister Jean Patrice, who grew up in the Denver area, plans to continue her volunteer activities and spend more time on leisure pursuits such as the ballet, symphony and visiting sisters at the Motherhouse.

"Taking a trip now and then and seeing family - and I just love to read," she said.

Things are good at this stage in her life and she works out regularly.

"My first prayer in the morning is a prayer of gratitude,'' she said. "Life has been full and rich. I want to grow old gracefully, as my mother did."

E-mail bweathers@enquirer.com