Alice von Hildebrand, Plough author

Dr. Alice von Hildebrand (1923–2022), a Catholic philosopher and theologian, was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium in an environment steeped in Catholic tradition. Hildebrand immigrated to the United States in 1940. She was unsuccessful in her initial attempts to find employment in a Catholic college because she was a woman but accepted a job teaching philosophy at Hunter College, New York. Here, Hildebrand faced difficulties and opposition because of her efforts to share her own faith with her students. Although her direct approach almost cost Hildebrand her job, she became popular among her pupils, who appreciated her frankness and guidance, and she stayed on at Hunter College for thirty-seven years. In 1959, she married Dietrich von Hildebrand, a German philosopher who had fled Nazi Germany after publicly opposing Hitler and was teaching philosophy in Fordham University. After the death of her husband in 1977, Hildebrand dedicated much of her time to publicizing his works and writings. Since retiring from Hunter College in 1984, Hildebrand has spent her time writing and lecturing and has written several books, including By Love Refined: Letters to a Young Bride; By Grief Refined: Letters to a Widow; Women and the Priesthood; Soul of a Lion: Dietrich Von Hildebrand: a Biography; The Privilege of Being a Woman; Man and Woman: A Divine Invention; and Memoirs of a Happy Failure. In 2013 Hildebrand received recognition as Dame Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory for her dedicated witness and leadership within the Catholic Church.

Alice von Hildebrand

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