In memoriam: Theologian Jan Poorman | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › In memoriam: Theologian Jan Poorman In memoriam: Theologian Jan Poorman Published: March 14, 2021 Author: Dennis Brown Mc1 8926 Janice Poorman, director of formation and field education and professor of the practice in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, died Wednesday (March 10) after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 68. “Jan's dedication to her students and to their integral formation as ministers was phenomenal,” Timothy Matovina, professor of theology and department chair, said. “In her own life she modeled that integration in exemplary fashion, and she challenged, cajoled and inspired her colleagues and students to do the same. Her influence on all she touched is lasting, but we already miss her joyful presence, leadership and friendship.”  Raised in Phoenix; Bakersfield, California; and Springfield, Illinois; Poorman earned junior college and bachelor’s degrees from Lincoln Land Community College and Southern Illinois University, respectively. She went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in theology from Notre Dame with a concentration in systematic theology. Poorman served for 28 years in numerous positions at Notre Dame, including associate dean of the Graduate School and director of formation and field education in the master of divinity program. She was among the designers of two of the University’s most innovative initiatives in support of the Catholic Church — the Echo Faith Formation Leadership Program, where she continued as a senior formation advisor, and Notre Dame Vision, in which she taught the undergraduate “Mentors in Faith” course. She also regularly presented at retreats and formation workshops and as a facilitator of the art of theological reflection. She was especially passionate about placing master of divinity candidates in positions in the community and working in support of gender relations at Notre Dame — both which empower students to find fulfillment and achieve success. Poorman is survived by her two children, Jesse and Anna; her father, Robert Poorman; four siblings; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday (March 15) at Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart and can be viewed online here. It will be followed by a graveside service at Cedar Grove Cemetery on campus. Her brother, Rev. Mark Poorman, C.S.C., will preside. Memorial contributions can be sent to One Sky. Posted In: University News Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related October 03, 2022 Congresswoman Liz Cheney to speak at Notre Dame on the future of democracy September 22, 2022 In memoriam: Rev. Richard Warner, C.S.C., longtime leader for Notre Dame, Congregation of Holy Cross September 22, 2022 ND Forum keynote event to feature Emmy Award-winning actors in Theater of War Productions’ presentation of ‘The Suppliants’ in Notre Dame Stadium September 21, 2022 In annual address to faculty, Father Jenkins outlines campus-wide vision for elevating excellence September 15, 2022 Lilly Endowment Inc. grant helps to expand Notre Dame pre-college programs for Hoosier high school students For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn