Founders Day Celebrates Those Paving the Path Forward

Mount Mary observed Founders Day on Thursday, Feb. 20. This annual event recognizes the university’s founders, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and celebrates the achievements of students and employees.

Mount Mary presents the Mother Theresa and Mother Caroline awards to students continuing the legacy of the university’s SSND founders. This year, the Mother Caroline Student Award went to Kennedi Lulloff a junior majoring in Biology for Health Sciences. Kennedi is a Caroline scholar who has helped lead the MMU Student Government Association, playing a critical role in shaping the group’s mission and priorities.

The Mother Theresa Award went to Rosa Ochoa-Yoplac, a senior studying Criminal Justice. In her free time, Rosa volunteers for Voces de la Frontera, a non-profit organization providing resources for immigrants to the United States.

The Founders Day event also recognizes outstanding individuals within the university whose commitment helps create a community centered around compassion, diversity and academic excellence.

The following 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: Kirk Heller de Messer, Director of Graduate Admissions
• Faculty Award: Anne Vravick, Ph.D., M.S., program director, Food Science
• Staff Award: Brian Dielehner, Facilities and Events Coordinator

This year's theme, Living in Prophetic Witness to Universal Communion, reminds us of the connection between all of humanity, and calls for educational opportunities promoting the tenets of peace and justice.