Webster University Honors Jane Peckham Stoever with the Loretto Award

By Donna Day and Barbara Speas Havira

The Loretto Award recognizes an alum of Webster University who carries on the community service and social values of the Sisters of Loretto, who founded the university in 1915. Jane Peckham Stoever is this year’s Loretto Award winner.

Jane was a Sister of Loretto for 10 years. She taught English in Loretto schools and was a writer and editor for the National Catholic Reporter and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Her professional work as a writer reflects her commitment to promoting religious, political, social and physical well-being.

The award nomination, proposed by classmate Barbara Speas Havira, tells the story of Jane’s marriage to lawyer/activist Henry Stoever and their justice work in Kansas City, Mo. They engage in the work of justice with the Holy Family Catholic Worker House, the Plowshare’s Community that protested the 1984 nuclear missile sites and PeaceWorks.

In 2019 Jane crossed the line for the fourth civil resistance event at the Kansas City weapons parts plant.

Through her membership in PeaceWorks, Jane is exposing the dangers of nuclear war by bringing dignitaries and influential speakers to Kansas City.

Jane writes, “The influence of Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement and the Loretto spirit are a heady mix.

“What an awesome journey this has been.

“It is only in community that we can pursue lives of service and social justice. I am deeply grateful to the communities, including Webster University, that have given me faith, hope and spirit.”

(Editor’s Note: This article was co-written by Donna Day and Barbara Speas Havira.)