Continuing our Story: Past, Present, and Future

Mount Mary celebrates Founders Day on Thursday, Feb. 23, by honoring the courageous university founders, recognizing high-achieving students and awarding other distinguished employees.

Mount Mary honors the SSND heritage by awarding the Mother Theresa and Mother Caroline award to students who live out the legacy of the founders of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

ana_sophia.jpgThis year, the Mother Caroline Student Award went to juniors Ana Sofia Ocampo Hernandez, who embodies Mother Caroline’s leadership, especially in service to the most vulnerable. She manifests leadership and innovation in the organizations she serves, always responding to the needs of others, building community, working for justice, and creating beauty and meaning in the world around her through the arts.

mary_parlier.jpgThe Mother Theresa Award went to Mary Parlier, a senior whose passion for service is deeply rooted in faith. She is committed to bringing peace and love to the world through active listening and accompaniment. Her acts of service are born from a sense of vocation and a sincere love of humanity, honoring the dignity of each human being and walking with others on their journeys.

At this event, the university takes time to credit many outstanding individuals within the Mount Mary community. All embody the university's commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive community that strives for excellence with compassion.

The following notable members of the Mount Mary community received the Heritage Awards, having been nominated by their colleagues who noted how they each live out SSND values:

  • Administration Award: Nan Metzger, Director of International Studies
  • Faculty Award: Dr. Jason Meyler, Associate Professor of Spanish & and Chair of the World Languages Department
  • Staff Award: Heidi Walter, Administrative Assistant in the Department of Social Work

This year's theme, Living our Story: One Community Shaping Tomorrow’s Game-Changers, celebrates the School Sisters of Notre Dame, whose roots gave rise to Mount Mary and the flowering of the mission today.