There are few who pledge their lives to the service of others. This is the story of Vermont's Sister Janice Ryan.

On September 14, 1936, Sister Janice Ryan was born on a dairy farm in Fairfield. She carried lessons of hard work and resourcefulness with her as she tackled social issues on state, national and international stages.

Sister Ryan pledged her life to service over a half century ago, and she has kept that pledge. She taught many, from elementary school through college.

She developed programs for disabled children, worked in Washington, D.C. to promote justice and education, and she's fought to ban landmines.

In 2003, Sister Ryan became Deputy Commissioner of Corrections for Vermont, and last year she was recognized for her work.

Image courtesy UVM Special Collections at Bailey Howe Library, from the papers of Trinity College.

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