The preservation of the CSTea House as a piece of our College of Saint Teresa history on campus became the mission of a group of four dedicated CST alumnae in 1994, which included Frances Bowler Edstrom ’67, Ann Patterson Gibson ’69, Sue Schlink Edel ’69 and Sharon Erickson Ropes ’76. Funds were raised and the Tea House was gutted in 1994 preserving the original windows, doors, fireplace, and tile floor. All new electrical wiring, roof, sheet rock, heating, and air conditioning were installed and the building was ready for use.

The original mission was to preserve the history of the College of Saint Teresa; to reinterpret the mission of the College for the present generation; to encourage, support and affirm the present generation of women by providing programs that complement current educational programs; and alternatives to established women’s studies programs. Over the years, the Tea House has been rented out as a meeting space, hosting showers, anniversary parties, memorial services, campus tours, and concerts.

CSTeaHouse

In 2001, the Alumnae Association moved our Alumnae Office over to the Tea House building, which has helped keep our history alive and well. In 2013, the Alumnae Association started managing the Tea House funds and have since started the Tea House Memory Garden for our fundraising efforts to help cover the costs of the building maintenance.

The Tea House Memory Garden was started by a group of 1955’ers that wanted to honor their fallen nursing classmates, and in doing so, energized the CST Alumnae Association board to cultivate this new visual opportunity to memorialize our lost CST alumnae, Sisters and friends of the College of Saint Teresa.

We welcome all tax-deductible gifts to the CSTea House, Inc. to help maintain our beautiful vintage Tea House building. This is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization, and all contributions may be used as a tax deduction (please consult your tax advisor).