Sister Brian (Spain) touched hundreds of lives through her ministry as teacher, counselor, social worker, grade school principal, student development coordinator, residence hall director and community builder. She was born in Grand Forks, N. D. Though an only child, she was part of a very active extended family of cousins. Her love of people and their stories probably led to her election as homecoming queen and class president in high school.

S. Brian majored in social work at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB), wanting to follow Dorothy Day and share the message of Christ’s love in work with the poor. During her senior year in college, she entered the monastery. She had a broad range of ministry assignments, beginning with teacher and principal at several local parochial schools. When she completed her master’s degree in counseling from St. Cloud State University in 1974, her major professor asked her to join the faculty, saying “You have something that is not in the books.” Instead, she chose to minister in student development at CSB. She became known for implementing a “challenge and support” model in her work with students.

In 1996, S. Brian received the first Brian Klinefelter Award for service as “bridge-builder” between the City of St. Joseph and the colleges. A residence hall at the College of Saint Benedict is also named in her honor. She currently resides at Saint Scholastica Convent.