History. Legacy. Inspiration.
Academic regalia is steeped in tradition. The gown, dating back to the 12th century, serves as a visual symbol of learning. All graduates wear similar robes regardless of background, representing equality and a shared rite of passage. The cap, or mortarboard, symbolizes the freedom that comes with knowledge, while the hood’s colors signify the institution and degree earned.
But some regalia carries more significance than others.
When Tracy Stockwell ’95 PhD, professor of Communication, was working on her doctorate, she was balancing many responsibilities — a full-time career, a household with her husband and three children, and the added complexity of designing her own degree path.
“I had to defend my research proposal. I had to defend my study and all of my classes. I had to defend my dissertation — and I had to do that before the graduate board,” she recalled. “That’s a bit intimidating.”
After successfully defending her proposal, Stockwell still had a long way to go. That’s when a visitor came to her office. It was Virginia Wagner ’69, then dean of students, and in her arms was a garment bag.
“We want you to know that the School Sisters want to encourage you,” Wagner told her. “Do not stop. Keep going. We would like to gift this to you.”
Inside was the academic regalia of Sister Joel Read OSF ’48, president emerita of Alverno College. A symbol not only of Sister Joel’s accomplishments, but of belief in Stockwell’s future achievement.
Stockwell was both surprised and deeply moved.
“What a gift,” she said. “I would unzip that garment bag, and I would look at her regalia. I felt like with that in my possession, I must keep going. I must keep going.”
Inspired by the School Sisters’ moving gesture and encouragement, Stockwell went on to earn her doctorate, achieving a goal she set for herself years earlier.
As it turns out, the regalia was the perfect fit. Sister Joel earned an honorary doctorate from Marquette University in 2003, the same institution where Stockwell earned her degree. The black robe with the doctoral chevrons, the hood in Marquette’s colors, even the length of the robe. Sister Joel had directed Wagner to “find someone this would fit,” but she knew the task carried much more weight than that.
Stockwell earned her doctorate in 2013, walking across the stage in December of that year. The following May, when she wore the regalia for the first time at an Alverno commencement, she said it meant everything.
“To wear that felt like such an honor,” she said. “It’s a symbol of that work and that dedication and that tirelessness, and all of these values that historically underpinned this community.”
A first-generation college graduate and alumna of Alverno’s Weekend College program, Stockwell reflects on her own educational journey with gratitude.
“At the time, Weekend College seemed to be my only option, my only opportunity. Alverno has been a gift. I’m a very proud alumna.”
She now adds her own symbols to the attire: her father’s postal carrier dog tags pinned to the robe and a first-generation cord — layers of meaning woven into an already storied garment.
One of the most recognizable elements is Sister Joel’s signature red hat.
“Sometimes people want to take their photograph with me because it’s a connection to Sister Joel,” Stockwell said.
Will she pass the regalia on someday?
“It’s not something I would feel right about just keeping,” she said. “It does need to be passed on and memorialized in some way. That’s something I’ll think about, and I hope I’ll be divinely inspired to continue honoring her in that way.”
For now, Stockwell plans to keep wearing it to commencement.
“Sister Joel still joins us, every graduation.”
