Except for nine years as abbot (1992-2003), E. Thomas De Wane's ministry was almost exclusively in education. He graduated from St. Norbert College in 1955, then taught at Abbot Pennings (formerly St. Norbert) High School. After ordination he served Prémontré High School as teacher, then as registrar for five years. Next came a two-year stint as superior at Holy Spirit Priory, Chicago. He returned to De Pere and St. Norbert College to be dean of students (1968-72) and for two years also taught part-time in education. After a sabbatical year at UCLA, it was back to Prémontré to serve as principal for nine years. During this time he was named to the SNC Board of Trustees, held leadership positions on several state education committees, and was active in various professional organizations. Nine years later, SNC reclaimed him—this time as director of teacher education. He administered programs leading to the certification of nursery-kindergarten, elementary, and secondary educators for nine years until his confreres elected him abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in 1992. During and between assignments, Abbot De Wane achieved graduate and post-graduate degrees in education administration from Marquette University and the University of Chicago, respectively. Source: https://norbertines.org/abbot-emeritus-e-thomas-de-wane-o-praem/

Biographical Note written by Joe Dyal, 2019.