“I first met Arden on the day that my appointment to Tulsa as bishop was announced in November 1993. The announcement was at Holy Family Cathedral, and she introduced herself to me and asked if I would be strongly supportive of parochial education. Of course, I told her that I would be. She was immediately relieved, or better, elated. Since that first meeting, Arden and I have worked together to improve and develop our Catholic school system here in the Diocese of Tulsa. We became good friends. What I most admired about Arden was her love for children and her eagerness to nourish them in the Catholic faith.”
- Bishop Edward J. Slattery
“Arden Glenn was a woman of great faith and an outstanding educator. Her contribution to Catholic school education in Oklahoma is greatly appreciated. I will forever remain grateful to her. May she rest in peace.”
- Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran of Oklahoma City (Bishop of Tulsa, 1978-1992)
“She was a great support and guide when I was assigned, with no prior experience, to a parish with a school. I will always remember her kindness and patience.”
- Father Bryan Brooks, pastor of St. Joseph Church, Muskogee, and chaplain of St. Joseph School.
“Arden and Jerry Glenn and I were acquaintances even before our association with the Diocese of Tulsa, so we go back half a lifetime. Arden was a role model and lived her Catholic faith to the fullest. In addition to being highly intelligent and having a wonderful way of dealing with people in all walks of life, she was always a lady in the very best sense of the word. I valued her friendship and will always remember her as the truly wonderful, smiling person she was.
- Carol Davito, secretary to Tulsa Bishop Eusebius J. Beltran from 1975 to 1993 and since then secretary to Archbishop Beltran of Oklahoma City
“Arden was a one-of-a kind individual. Not only was she a wonderful educator, she was a wonderful person. Whenever I met with Arden I was always impressed with her knowledge, her genuine love for children and her easy-going nature. She had to be one of the most gracious people I have ever met. She had a way of making you feel at ease and was always willing to lend a kind ear, her wisdom and a helping hand. Her death leaves a void in me and all who knew and loved her. She will be missed by the many teachers, principals and students she touched over the years. Arden was a class act and a true professional in every sense of the word.
- Pete Theban, Marquette School principal
“Arden and Jerry and I have been the best of friends for some 35 years. Their four children and our five children enjoyed many good times together. Arden was always the gracious lady, and I can honestly say I’ve never heard her raise her voice.”
- Al Kruse, Broken Arrow, family friend
“During my first year as principal here, I had the pleasure of showing Arden around the school. I was a little nervous knowing that she had been the superintendent in the Diocese for so many years. As we walked around the school and talked about various school matters, I noticed how often she would focus in on the children and how their greetings and spontaneous smiles would change her complexion to a deep glowing warmth. After visiting every classroom and seeing practically all 220 kids, she simply said, ‘You are doing a wonderful job here. I don't have to look at test scores, I can see it in the children’s eyes.’ This comment impressed me so much that I've never forgotten it. Eyes are a window to the soul, and I don't doubt that Arden had an unobstructed view into a child's heart.
- Patrick Martin, Sts. Peter and Paul School principal
“She was a faith-filled person of class.”
- Superintendent Todd Goldsmith, who knew his predecessor for 13 years.
“My own remembrances of Arden would include her constant cheerfulness and the sense of almost effortless professionalism that you got from talking with her. She was a delightful woman.”
- Father James White, Diocese of Tulsa historian and archivist.
“Arden Glenn was a dignified, wise, gracious leader of Catholic schools. She loved children! Her attentive concern for each school and its administration was admirable; she built spirit, recognized excellence and supported her principals with wise advice. When she chose to retire, she shared her knowledge and expertise with Todd Goldsmith, who has built upon the foundation of her leadership. The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Tulsa are fortunate to have had such fine superintendents.”
- Sister Mary Clare Buthod, O.S.B., director, Monte Cassino School
“When I became chancellor in 1991, Joseph Burns, who at that time served as the Diocese’s financial administrator, told me that Arden Glenn was one of the Chancery ‘superstars.’ By that he meant that she was worth her weight in gold. In the judgment of, I would guess, all who worked with her, Mr. Burns was exactly right. She will be greatly missed and, of course, by none more than Jerry, who visited her every day. Please remember Arden and her family in your prayers.”
- Msgr. Patrick Gaalaas, vicar general and former chaplain at All Saints School in Broken Arrow.
“Arden Glenn became superintendent while I was teaching at St. Pius X School. I liked her the minute I met her. She was kind, friendly and loved our Catholic schools. I became principal of St. John’s in Bartlesville under Arden’s direction. She was a wonderful mentor for me as a first-time principal. Her support and dedication were unceasing. The retreats she held for the principals were unforgettable. Twice a year, she would bring us together in prayer and fellowship, encouraging us to leave our school issues behind and enjoy getting to know one another. We found the true reason for our schools’ existence: God and the children. Arden had an incredible way of challenging principals, teachers and students to be the best they could be. When she visited classrooms her face lit up, and she became the teacher. I will be forever grateful to have known and worked with Arden Glenn.”
- Theresa Adams, assistant principal, St. Pius X School
“I had the privilege of working closely with Arden until she left the Diocese. In my early years as superintendent, Arden was surely a mentor to me and a model of an outstanding Catholic school superintendent. Her commitment to the ideals of Catholic education was inspiring. The thing that stands out most for me, however, is that she was always extremely gracious. It seemed that every person was important to her and there was nothing that was too much trouble. She was instrumental in the formulation of our accreditation process, which has greatly improved the quality of the Catholic schools in both Dioceses.
- Sister Catherine Powers, CND, director of education, superintendent of schools, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
“Arden Glenn was the consummate Catholic school educator, as she embodied all the values we cherish and stand for in Catholic education. She was a passionate advocate for young people and teachers. She was also a very good friend to the Christian Brothers and our Lasallian mission. She received the Lasallian Award from the Midwest District of the Christian Brothers for her outstanding contributions. She was a dear friend and colleague and will be sorely missed. Our Catholic school system in the Diocese of Tulsa owes a huge debt of gratitude to her. We pray for the repose of her soul and we pray for Jerry and the family.
- Alan Weyland, president-principal, Bishop Kelley High School
“In the many years that I worked with Arden for the Diocese, her faith and her love for Catholic education were always evident. She was always polite and considerate of others and their opinions. At the same time, she had a vision of what our schools could be, and she worked tirelessly and creatively in helping us understand and implement that vision. I have no doubt that as she meets the Lord, He will say to her, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
- Msgr. Dennis Dorney, former vicar general and chaplain of St. Pius X School; currently chaplain of School of St. Mary.
