By: Regina Wright ~Staff Writer~
Known for her ability to ensure the academic success of Xavier men’s basketball players, Sr. Rose Ann Fleming, of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDDeN), is now the subject of a new book, “Out of Habit: My Life as Xavier University’s Unlikely Point Guard.”
“Out of Habit” was written by Laura Pulfer, a former columnist with The Cincinnati Enquirer and commentator for NPR, and Fleming. The book tells the story of Fleming’s personal journey.
The book will contain stories about some well-known players and Cincinnatians and stories of Fleming’s childhood as well as her time at the convent and the years leading up to working with the athletes at Xavier.
Before the Xavier-Murray State game at 7 p.m. on Nov. 24, Fleming will participate in her first book signing. The first 3,000 fans will receive a commemorative Sr. Rose Ann Fleming bobblehead. Fleming’s number will also be retired at halftime.
Fleming has over 40 years of experience as an educator. She was president of Cincinnati’s Summit County Day School from 1975-76 and president of Trinity College in Washington, D.C., from 1976-82. Currently Fleming deals one-on-one with every Xavier student-athlete.
Fleming organizes academic counseling for all NCAA athletes. Since 1985, when Fleming started Xavier’s academic advising program, every player who has reached his or her final year of eligibility has graduated.
Fleming’s presence goes beyond the men’s basketball team. Her contributions impact all Xavier student-athletes. Fleming has been the force behind Xavier’s academic record, including the 100-percent graduation rate in the 1998 NCAA Report which was the best in the nation.
Xavier is consistently ranked one of the top schools in Division I when it comes to its overall student-athlete graduation success rate.
According to an article at xavier.edu, “Personal struggles in her early years, including the loss of her mother and a rebellious youth, have helped (Sr. Fleming) . . . relate to Xavier’s student-athletes in a personal way.”
In 1991 she was named Xavier men’s basketball team’s Most Valuable Player by former coach Pete Gillen. She was inducted into Xavier’s Hall of Fame in 2000.
Fleming has earned multiple degrees in education, English, theology, business and law. She also “handles cases pro bono for an agency that serves the poor,” according to the online article.
“Out of Habit” is available for purchase.
All proceeds benefit the Sr. Rose Ann Fleming Academic Success Endowment Fund that supports student-athletes at Xavier.
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