Stop 8 - Sister Nicholas Garden

Sister Nicholas Garden

The Sister Nicholas Garden, nicknamed poet’s corner, was named after Sr. Nicholas who taught English and Literature from the 1940s until 1986

Sister Nicholas Garden / Poet's Corner

Originally intended to be a garden display, Poet’s Corner is home to a beautiful array of flowers, trees, and plants. Situated adjacent to Sister’s Creek, tucked in a nook that students and faculty pass daily when venturing across the bridge from Anne Hathaway to San Marco building, Poet’s Corner quietly resides as a peaceful, resting spot. Poet’s Corner is a memorial to former chair of the English and Literature department, Sister M. Nicholas Maltman.

Born Phyllis Teresa Maltman, Sister Nicholas joined the Dominican community in the 1930s after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Dominican College in 1936, and officially becoming a Dominican sister in 1938, taking St. Nicholas as her patron. She worked tirelessly, earning both her master’s and doctorate degrees in addition to teaching classes at Dominican College. Sister Nicholas’ impact on the community of Dominican has been monumental. From stories of her teaching styles in the classroom to fun facts about her involvement in campus beauty (such as gardening outside of Pennafort), Sister Nicholas remains essential to Dominican’s history.