A Legacy of Welcome. A Light for the Future

In 2002, the Sisters of the Presentation founded the Presentation Lantern Center in Dubuque, Iowa after years of researching unmet community needs. Their vision was to create a welcoming place where adult immigrants and refugees could learn English, develop practical life skills and find support. It remains the only center of its kind within a 70-mile radius. 

The Center’s story is rooted in the legacy of the Presentation Sisters and their foundress, Nano Nagle. In 18th-century Ireland, Nano walked the streets by lantern light bringing education and hope to people living in poverty who were denied educational opportunities. Her lantern remains a symbol of compassion, hospitality and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive. 

Sr. Corine Murray, PBVM, served as the Center’s founding executive director until 2016. Today, staff and volunteers carry that spirit of welcome forward, walking alongside immigrants and refugees as they work toward greater independence, opportunity and belonging.

Former Lantern Center student Dora Serna urges participation at a Get Out the Vote rally with the encouragement of Lantern Center founder Sr. Corine Murray, PBVM and Simone Campbell, SSS, leader of NETWORK, a Catholic sisters’ action group in Washington, D.C.

A Place to Learn, Grow and Belong

The Lantern Center provides free, one-on-one English tutoring, U.S. citizenship preparation, advocacy and support services to help adult immigrants and refugees build confidence and pursue their goals.
 
Along the way, learners and volunteers share experiences, form friendships and create connections across cultures. These relationships strengthen the community we share.
 
Since 2002, the Center has served more than 2,500 immigrants and refugees from over 85 countries. Each brings a unique story, valuable strengths and hopes for the future. At the Lantern Center, 128 students have achieved their dream of becoming U.S. citizens including Fortino, who is pictured here with his tutor Beth Whisler.  
 

Lighting a Pathway of Hope

The path to a new life can be challenging, but no one should have to navigate it alone. Through education, advocacy and genuine human connection, the Lantern Center helps light the way forward.

In June 2026, the Center began a new chapter with a move to the Presentation Sisters’ Motherhouse. This new home offers dedicated tutoring and advocacy spaces, a children’s learning area and room for expanded programming. The move also brings the Center closer to the Sisters whose vision and compassion made its founding possible, strengthening the connection to a legacy that continues to guide its work.

On November 13, 2026, the Lantern Center will begin its 25th year of service. The lantern remains a symbol of compassion and hope as the Center builds on its founders’ vision, creating opportunities for immigrants and refugees to learn, contribute and belong.

In June 2026, the Presentation Lantern Center moved to its new home at the Presentation Sisters’ Motherhouse at 2360 Carter Road in Dubuque. When visiting the Center, follow the circular drive to the marked entrance.