Governor Sebelius' public service to the State of Kansas demonstrates a strong commitment to the common good. Where did it come from? Sebelius received 17 years of Catholic education from the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Receiving a Catholic values-based education from women religious demonstrated to Governor Sebelius at an early age that women could be strong leaders. The School Sisters also instilled in her a lasting concern for the less fortunate.
Gov. Sebelius also comes from a family of public servants. Her father, John Gilligan, is the former Governor of Ohio and taught for six years at the University of Notre Dame School of Law. While there, he taught classes on Christian doctrine and the societal roles of the individuals and the state.
As an example of Governor Gilligan's dedication to public service, he began an eight year term on the Hamilton County Public School Board at the age of 79 because of his strong commitment to public education and racial equality. Earlier in his career Gov. Gilligan was the chairman of the Catholic Inter-racial Council of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The committee was comprised of Catholic laymen and clergy and was dedicated to promoting equality and liberation in all catholic schools in the Archdiocese.