Sisters Stephanie Schmidt, OSB and Marian Wehler, OSB, along with Oblate Sheila McLaughlin, represented AIM (Alliance for International Monasticism) at the graduation ceremonies for Sister Gisella, a Benedictine Sister from Tanzania. AIM is an organization that works to support the development of monastic life in developing countries as well as to foster cooperation and solidarity among monastic communities throughout the world. Sister Stephanie is the executive director of AIM and Sheila, a staff member. Sister Marian, a former AIM staff member, has been to Africa as part of AIM’s Commission for African Women. For the past seven years, Sister Gisella has lived with the Benedictine community in Bristow, VA and pursued her studies at Marymount University. “Sister Gisella’s graduation was a milestone for her and a source of joy and pride for the Bristow community who has supported her for the past seven years.” said Sister Stephanie. “The goal of AIM has always been to create alliances between North American monasteries and mission monasteries in the developing world. This has been a mutually enriching experience. With a college degree, Sister Gisella will now be able to help her community and the people of Tanzania in new ways.” Sister Gisella plans on pursuing a Master’s degree in education once she returns home to Tanzania.