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Saint Xavier University’s Office for Mission and Heritage is accepting nominations for the 2016 Mission Day Service Awards. Students, faculty, staff, as well as those outside of SXU can submit nominations for any of the three awards.
Nomination forms can be found on the SXU website or in several locations around the campus including the Office of Academic Affairs (A219), Student Life Office (L103), and the Graham School of Management.
The Mother Paulita Morris, R.S.M. Service Award recognizes a current SXU student who demonstrates leadership and service. The award was established by the SXU Board of Trustees in honor of Mother Paulita Morris, R.S.M., who was a part of the Board of Trustees from 1960-1984. Mother Morris is known for her commitment to learning and service.
Last year, the award was presented to Megan Lavelle of the graduating class of 2015. Lavelle currently works in the Office of University Mission and Ministry as the Campus Minister for Service and Justice. In an interview with the Xavierite, Lavelle recounted what being the recipient meant to her.
“Honestly, I was sincerely humbled and surprised in being honored with the Sister Paulita Morris Student Service Award last year at Saint Xavier’s Mission Day Celebration. I accredit this award mainly to the many inspirational role models I have had over the course of my life, especially during my undergraduate career,” said Lavelle.
Anyone interested in nominating a student for the Morris Award must submit a nomination form by noon on Friday, January 29. The forms may be turned in to the Office of Academic Affairs (A219).
Students may also nominate themselves for the Morris Award by submitting an application form. They must also submit two endorsement forms from an SXU student, faculty member, staff member, or representative of a church or community service organization.
Students who qualify for the award must be enrolled in at least six credit hours at SXU this semester and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. They should also hold student leadership roles in SXU and demonstrate service through church and community service experience.
The Sister Isidore Perrigo, R.S.M. Service Award honors a staff member who, among other qualifications, advances the University’s mission of teaching, fosters close bonds in the SXU community, and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
The award was named after Sister Isidore Perrigo, who is remembered for her kindness and her role in securing the property for the SXU campus. Brian Hotzfield, executive director of Admission in the Office of Admission, received the award last year.
The final award is the Award for Faculty Service, which is awarded to an SXU faculty member for their contribution towards teaching and advancements of scholarship and research. Kathleen McInerney, associate professor in the School of Education, explained why receiving the award last year meant so much to her.
“I was deeply moved to have been honored with the Mission Day Award for Faculty Service in 2015. This award is especially aspirational because it weaves together the many aspects of faculty life, including teaching, research, working with faith-based communities, and building community relationships. Faculty pour their hearts, energies, and intellects into these projects, often behind-the-scenes. The Mission Day Award makes visible and honors this work of the faculty, staff, and students at the University,” said McInerney.
The nominations forms for both the Sister Perrigo award and the faculty award must be submitted by Monday, February 16 to the Office of Academic Affairs (A219). The three service awards will be presented during the annual Mission Day Service Awards Ceremony.
Jessica Muñoz, who received the award in 2014, explained that what she liked most about the ceremony was that faculty, staff, and students were all included.
“I enjoyed the ceremony because I was able to hear about the faculty and staff who also share the same values as I do. It was amazing and inspiring to see how committed our faculty and staff are towards helping others, not just at SXU, but also in the community and abroad” said Munoz.
“It was a celebration of education and service, and my family was able to attend and I just had a great time! I am glad that SXU recognizes the involvement of, not just the students, but also their staff,” Muñoz continued.
This year, the ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 16 in the Fourth Floor Boardroom. The ceremony will be followed by a celebratory reception. To learn more about the nomination process, contact Dr. Andrea Stapleton at 773-298-3809 or stapleton@sxu.edu.
Yasmeen Abdellatif
Senior News Editor
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