Sister Rita Budig, OSB, lives in the future. "It is my job to look 25 years down the road and to anticipate what seniors will need then."

In her two decades in the senior housing and health care arena, Sister Rita has done an extraordinary job at both anticipating and shaping the field. When she became administrator in 1975 at St. Benedict's Center, a long-term care community in St. Cloud, Minn., there were only two alternatives for area seniors: Stay in their homes or move to a nursing home. "Once I got into this special ministry for older adults," she recalls, "I realized there was so much that could be done. I believe so strongly in preserving the independence of seniors, and I believe a residential setting is best."

To fulfill her vision, she hired Gary Grooters, Grooters Leapaldt Tideman Architects (GLTA) founder, and Daniel Tideman, GLTA principal, to design Benedict Village, a senior apartment community. Over the course of the next decade, Sister Rita directed GLTA in the creation of Benedict Court (an assisted living community), Benedict Homes (Alzheimer's and Dementia care), Daybreak Homes (adult day care), and Benet Place (a subsidized housing with services community).

She says GLTA were excellent partners for expanding the continuum of care on her campus. "I would suggest things and they would incorporate what I wanted to do into the design. They were patient and collaborative." She also appreciated GLTA's expertise in the field. "I never had to worry about the fact that they would do everything possible to make the facilities comfortable for residents."

As a client, Sister Rita receives rave reviews. "Sister Rita is extremely progressive," says Principal Daniel Tideman. "She's also very passionate about providing the best for seniors."

In 1995, Sister Rita resigned her position at St. Benedict's Center and embarked on what she calls her "Benedictine pilgrimage" to Italy. She then enjoyed a four-month sabbatical in New York where she studied with other religious individuals from all over the world.

Recently, she accepted her current position at St. Scholastica, where GLTA constructed a care wing and chapel addition which was recognized in an international exhibit. She is also responsible for the care and housing of elderly sisters at St. Raphael's Convent in St. Cloud and St. Benedict's monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. "In planning for our future, we are asking for input from our Sisters and are exploring many different options," says Sister Rita. "I really enjoy employing my creativity in envisioning the future. The key is to keep your ears open, keep reading, attend workshops and stay on top of what's current."