GCCC Awards 2025 Tommy Austin Community Impact Honorees
[Garden City, KS] January 21, 2025 -- Garden City Community College proudly presented the 2025 Tommy Austin Community Impact Award to Sister Roserita Weber and Sister Janice Thome during its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Sponsored by the GCCC Student Government Association (SGA) and bUSters United, the event was free and open to the public, inspiring attendees with powerful stories of service and dedication that honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
The Tommy Austin Community Impact Award honors individuals whose selflessness and dedication reflect the values of the late Tommy Lou Austin—a cherished community leader and the first African American woman elected to serve as City Commissioner in Garden City. Tommy’s life was defined by tireless advocacy, compassionate leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.
This year’s honorees, Sister Roserita and Sister Janice, exemplify the same spirit of dedication and compassion. Together, they have devoted decades to empowering and uplifting the Garden City community and beyond.
Sister Janice Thome (left) and Sister Roserita Weber (right) share a moment together.
Sister Roserita
Sister Roserita Weber has made a lasting and profound impact on Garden City, Kansas, through her decades of selfless service to the community. Born in Quinter, Kansas, and educated in small country schools, Sister Roserita joined the Dominican Sisters in 1965, devoting her life to both education and social service. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart College in Wichita and later earned a Master's Degree in Elementary School Counseling from Fort Hays University.
In her early years, Sister Roserita taught elementary school across Kansas and Colorado before transitioning to administrative roles. She served as Assistant Treasurer in the Finance Department of the Dominican Sisters Convent in Great Bend and helped establish the Dominican Sisters Heartland Farm. Her career also included four years as Convent Coordinator and a transformative sabbatical, during which she studied in Israel and worked with Habitat for Humanity in Georgia.
Her most significant work began in 1997 when she was called to Garden City, Kansas, to assist the local community. Sister Roserita, alongside Sister Janice, responded to the needs of the area’s underserved population. For over two decades, she has been dedicated to empowering individuals, particularly Spanish-speaking immigrants, by assisting around 450 people in obtaining their driver’s licenses. This service has enabled countless families to gain independence and improve their livelihoods.
Sister Roserita’s efforts extend beyond driving instruction. She played a pivotal role in founding the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, serving as Family Selection Chairperson until its closure in 2018. Throughout her involvement, she worked tirelessly, often dedicating her weekends to construction projects that helped build homes for families in need.
Another of her lasting contributions to Garden City is the Community Garden, which she has managed for 24 years. Situated at the corner of Schulman Avenue and Bernice Avenue, this garden provides fresh produce to local residents and serves as a symbol of Sister Roserita’s commitment to sustainable service.
In addition, Sister Roserita has assisted countless residents with Medicare Part D plans since 2006, offering guidance during the Open Enrollment period and answering various Medicare-related questions. Through her dedication to helping others grow closer to God and serve their communities, she has left an indelible mark on Garden City, fostering a spirit of care, compassion, and service that will continue for years to come.
Sister Janice
Sister Janice Thome, born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised on a dairy farm west of the Wichita airport, has spent nearly three decades making a profound impact on Garden City, Kansas, through her tireless service to those in need. With a background in both elementary and secondary education, Sister Janice earned a BS in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart College (now Kansas Newman University) and a BS in Secondary Education from Friends University. She spent 25 years teaching students from grades 3 to 12, after which she served as an administrative assistant to the leadership team of her religious community for three years.
Sister Janice’s passion for helping others began during her teaching career, where she became aware that many of her students faced unsafe and difficult home environments. Motivated by a desire to support them beyond the classroom, she took courses in Family Living and Child Development to better equip herself in helping students navigate healthy parenting. This commitment to nurturing others led her to embrace the Dominican Sisters’ Ministry of Presence, an initiative focused on serving the poor by being present to their needs and finding or creating resources to address them.
Her decision to serve in Garden City was shaped by the longstanding history of the Dominican Sisters in the area, including their founding of St. Catherine Hospital in 1931 and the Catholic schools in the region. Recognizing the high levels of poverty in Garden City in the 1990s, Sister Janice, along with her fellow Dominican Sisters, saw an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
One of her most significant contributions has been her involvement with the Community Services Council, an organization that coordinates assistance for individuals in need. She joined the council upon her arrival in Garden City and has been an active member ever since, helping to identify emerging needs and ensuring that services remain efficient and effective. Sister Janice has also played a vital role in LiveWell Finney County, a health coalition founded in 1997, which has worked successfully to advocate for access to healthcare, reduce teen pregnancy, and address issues like alcohol and tobacco use among teens.
Sister Janice is especially proud of the Siena Community Garden, which she co-founded with Sister Roserita after a devastating fire at a local meatpacking plant left many residents unemployed. The garden has become a vital resource for the community, offering fresh produce and fostering a sense of unity. Sister Roserita has managed the garden for over two decades, while Sister Janice remains an active participant in its continued success.
Throughout her 28 years of service in Garden City, Sister Janice has had the privilege of working with people from 33 different countries. The most fulfilling moments in her ministry have come from witnessing families break the cycle of domestic violence and create peaceful, healthy homes for their children. Her legacy of service continues to enrich Garden City, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many in the community.
A Legacy of Compassionate Service
In addition to their long-standing initiatives, both Sister Janice and Sister Roserita have been deeply involved in numerous other essential services for the community of Garden City, further extending their commitment to those in need. One of their key contributions is the delivery of food boxes from Emmaus House to families who lack transportation, ensuring that no one goes hungry due to logistical barriers. They also drive individuals to medical and immigration appointments out of town, providing critical assistance for those who would otherwise struggle to access vital healthcare and legal services.
The Sisters have also been invaluable as interpreters for Spanish-speaking residents, helping to bridge communication gaps during medical appointments and other important situations. On many occasions, they assist with interpreting phone calls and reading mail, empowering individuals to navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming. They frequently accompany people to court appointments, offering emotional and logistical support during challenging legal proceedings.
In addition to their practical assistance, Sister Janice and Sister Roserita contribute financially, donating toward families' utility bills once a year to help ease the financial burden for those struggling to make ends meet. They also take in and deliver used furniture, offering essential items to families who need them.
Their commitment to staying informed and connected to the community's needs is evident through their active participation in the monthly Community Services Council meetings. This involvement helps them stay current on the available services for needy families, ensuring they are equipped with the latest resources and information to support their ministry. Through these countless acts of service, Sister Janice and Sister Roserita continue to embody the Dominican Sisters’ mission of presence and compassion, making a lasting difference in the lives of many in Garden City.
Contact
For more information about the Tommy Austin Community Impact Award or the MLK Day celebration, please contact Stacey Carr, GCCC Communication Associate Professor, at stacey.carr@gcccks.edu.
Sister Roserita Weber (left) and Sister Janice Thome receive the 2025 Tommy Austin
Community Impact Award on January 20, 2025, at GCCC.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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