A Pennsylvania college is raising funds for student-athletes by selling bobbleheads of Sister Marguerite O’Beirne, inspired by her impact on the Neumann University community. Inspired by campus spiritSister Linda Decero, from South Philadelphia, is known for her love of Philadelphia sports. She first gained attention during the Phillies’ World Series run in 2022, showcasing her Phillies-themed altar. “St. Francis and St. Jude. Amen,” Sister Linda Decero of St. Francis of Philadelphia said. Her friend, Sister Marguerite O’Beirne, is her opposite in many ways. Originally from Ireland, Sister Marguerite’s interest in sports is tied to her support for the Neumann University Knights rather than the games themselves. “I’m really not a sports fan. I’m a Knights fan,” Sister Marguerite O’Beirne of St. Francis of Philadelphia said. A bobblehead with meaningWhile students cheer for the Knights, Sister Marguerite is often found praying, which inspired an unexpected tribute. “I would describe Sister Linda as very creative,” Sister Marguerite said. Sister Linda’s creativity led to the creation of a bobblehead modeled after Sister Marguerite, designed to raise money for Neumann athletics.The idea was inspired by Sister Jean of Loyola University in Chicago. “The cross necklace that she bears every day and then the teacup,” Sister Linda said, describing the details of the bobblehead. Popular with students and fansThe bobbleheads are priced at $60 in honor of Neumann University’s 60th anniversary. They’ve gained popularity among students and fans, appearing at ice rinks, baseball fields, poolsides, and even overseas in Germany. “This is a special place because of her,” one student said. “She always just motivates us and just tells us we’re going to be good. Just pray, you’ll be OK.” Another student added, “Help me get my GPA up in order to play lacrosse in the spring.” A friendship behind the fundraiserBefore the bobbleheads, Sister Linda and Sister Marguerite shared a long-standing friendship. “We’ve lived and worked together since 1986, and as I say to the students, we still talk to one another,” Sister Linda said. “Even though we’re coming from very different backgrounds,” Sister Marguerite said. “Yes,” Sister Linda added. Focused on helping athletesDespite the popularity of the bobbleheads, Sister Marguerite remains hesitant about the idea. “If it raises money for the student-athletes and helps them to get equipment and the resources that they need, I’ll do it,” Sister Marguerite said. “We still have some left over if anyone would like one,” Sister Linda said. Neumann University has seen overwhelming interest in the bobbleheads and announced that a student discount will soon be available.

A Pennsylvania college is raising funds for student-athletes by selling bobbleheads of Sister Marguerite O’Beirne, inspired by her impact on the Neumann University community.

Inspired by campus spirit

Sister Linda Decero, from South Philadelphia, is known for her love of Philadelphia sports. She first gained attention during the Phillies’ World Series run in 2022, showcasing her Phillies-themed altar.

“St. Francis and St. Jude. Amen,” Sister Linda Decero of St. Francis of Philadelphia said.

Her friend, Sister Marguerite O’Beirne, is her opposite in many ways. Originally from Ireland, Sister Marguerite’s interest in sports is tied to her support for the Neumann University Knights rather than the games themselves.

“I’m really not a sports fan. I’m a Knights fan,” Sister Marguerite O’Beirne of St. Francis of Philadelphia said.

A bobblehead with meaning

While students cheer for the Knights, Sister Marguerite is often found praying, which inspired an unexpected tribute.

“I would describe Sister Linda as very creative,” Sister Marguerite said.

Sister Linda’s creativity led to the creation of a bobblehead modeled after Sister Marguerite, designed to raise money for Neumann athletics.

The idea was inspired by Sister Jean of Loyola University in Chicago.

“The cross necklace that she bears every day and then the teacup,” Sister Linda said, describing the details of the bobblehead.

Popular with students and fans

The bobbleheads are priced at $60 in honor of Neumann University’s 60th anniversary. They’ve gained popularity among students and fans, appearing at ice rinks, baseball fields, poolsides, and even overseas in Germany.

“This is a special place because of her,” one student said. “She always just motivates us and just tells us we’re going to be good. Just pray, you’ll be OK.”

Another student added, “Help me get my GPA up in order to play lacrosse in the spring.”

A friendship behind the fundraiser

Before the bobbleheads, Sister Linda and Sister Marguerite shared a long-standing friendship.

“We’ve lived and worked together since 1986, and as I say to the students, we still talk to one another,” Sister Linda said.

“Even though we’re coming from very different backgrounds,” Sister Marguerite said.

“Yes,” Sister Linda added.

Focused on helping athletes

Despite the popularity of the bobbleheads, Sister Marguerite remains hesitant about the idea.

“If it raises money for the student-athletes and helps them to get equipment and the resources that they need, I’ll do it,” Sister Marguerite said.

“We still have some left over if anyone would like one,” Sister Linda said.

Neumann University has seen overwhelming interest in the bobbleheads and announced that a student discount will soon be available.