2026_Spring_MMU Publication by Mount Mary University

MMU

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION

876 Undergraduate Students

* 12 month enrollment, 2024-25 academic year.

Computer Science, English as a Second Language, Healthcare Administration, Special Education and Web Design < / > IN WISCONSIN TO BE APPROVED by the Higher Learning Commission for 90-95 credit Bachelors degrees for Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity and Social Work

306 GRADUATED

• 143 undergraduate degrees

• 163 graduate degrees Class of 2025

NEW PROGRAMS LAUNCHED IN FALL ’25

#2 IN THE MIDWEST

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT SOCIAL MOBILITY

71 ATHLETES COMPETE IN THE CHICAGOLAND CONFERENCE AS PART OF THE NAIA.

510 Graduate Students RANKED AMONG BEST VALUE IN WISCONSIN

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

FROM PRESIDENT

Isabelle Cherney, Ph.D., Mount Mary University

Dear Mount Mary Alumni and Friends,

For more than a century, Mount Mary University has stood as a bold and enduring testament to the power of education to transform lives. The School Sisters of Notre Dame’s mission to uplift women through education remains at the heart of everything we do. At Mount Mary we teach students to lead with confidence, compassion and purpose, and to engage meaningfully with a complex and ever-changing world. That commitment remains as vital today as it was at our beginning.

Mount Mary is now poised to blaze new trails through a reinvigorated curriculum, deeper student engagement, expanded programs of study and innovative community partnerships. These advancements allow us to extend learning beyond the classroom, addressing real-world challenges and creating pathways for our students to make a profound and lasting impact.

One of the most exciting developments is the official launch of the Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children (IAWC) in March 2026. The Institute serves as a hub for research, advocacy, education and community engagement—focused on advancing equity, well-being and opportunity for women and children. Through its four Centers, the IAWC will continue to make a positive impact while also creating real-world

learning and engagement opportunities for our students (see page 6 to learn more).

We are also energized by the addition of several new programs, including our new hybrid majors in Business Analytics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Web Design, Healthcare Administration and a minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI). In January 2026 we also started “Thrive in Three,” reduced-credit programs that allow learners to graduate sooner while saving on educational costs. This is the first of its kind in Wisconsin, opening doors to high-paying and in-demand careers for graduates (see page 2 to learn more about these stories).

I am excited for all that lies ahead in the coming year and beyond. As we build momentum and strengthen our role as a catalyst for positive change, we continue this important work that our SSND founders started 113 years ago.

Together, firmly rooted in our history and energized by our vision, Mount Mary University will continue to open doors and empower individuals to lead healthy and meaningful lives. We look ahead to a bright future. n

For more than a century, Mount Mary University has stood as a bold and enduring testament to the power of education to transform lives.

Thrive in

New

reduced credit programs help students step into highpaying, in-demand careers faster.

Mount Mary University is leading the way in higher education with the launch of new reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees—the first of their kind in the state of Wisconsin!

Launched in January 2026, the reduced-credit programs—known as “Thrive in 3”—let students earn a bachelor’s degree in as few as three years through streamlined options. This can be done with as little as 90-95 credits, compared to the traditional 120-credit pathway. The first of these options include Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing, both offered in partnership with Rize Education. We have also recently added our Bachelor of Social Work degree to the list of reduced -credit options. Combined with our one-year Master of Social Work program, students will now be able to earn both degrees in just four years!

“Reduced-credit majors are designed for students who want a shorter, three-year college experience, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner,” said Dr. Kristen Carioti, Professor and Dean of the MMU School of Arts and Sciences.

“Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing are future-proof majors—one protects the digital world, the other shapes it,” added Dr. Marmy Clason, Chair of the Business, Communication & Technology Division.

“The combination of a Mount Mary University education and courses powered by Rize Education gives students cutting-edge skills and make these programs especially strong.”

Mount Mary’s forward-thinking approach offers students the ability to graduate faster, spend less and start their careers sooner—all while receiving the same personalized, high quality education the University continues to be known for. n

Apply to Mount Mary University by scanning this QR code.

Empowering Education for a Changing World

Mount Mary Expands Pathways for Future Teachers

For over a century, Mount Mary University’s Education Department has prepared generations of teachers to lead with commitment, competency and compassion. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the program’s mission-driven values remain the constant foundation—empowering graduates to create inclusive, supportive learning spaces where every child can thrive.

In fall 2025, Mount Mary introduced two new Education programs: English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Education. Both pathways were created in response to a rapidly growing need in schools nationwide. Special education, a field focused on adaptive and individualized instruction, supports students with disabilities through tailored teaching strategies and services like speech-language pathology and physical therapy.

The ESL specialization prepares future teachers to understand the foundations of second language acquisition, incorporating cultural considerations essential to supporting multilingual learners. The program provides broad-based licensure, making graduates highly sought by employers.

“If you pair ESL with early childhood, for example, you have an incredibly valuable skillset,” said Dr. Debra Dosemagen, Chair of Education. “It’s a powerful combination.”

Child-Centered Education: “Head, Hands and Heart”

Mount Mary’s commitment to holistic, inclusive education is also reflected in its long-standing certification partnership with the Great Lakes Waldorf Institute. Founded in Germany over a century ago, the Waldorf method centers creativity, play-based learning and developmental awareness. Dosemagen believes that its philosophy of “head, hands, heart,” is an idea that closely aligns with the University’s mission of holistic development.

Mount Mary is one of only seven universities in North America offering Waldorf training, drawing graduate students from across the U.S. and Canada each summer. Many students enter the classroom while still completing their certification, gaining hands-on experience as they learn. Students at MMU can also earn a Master of Education degree while obtaining Waldorf certification at the same time.

As the demand for specialized, culturally attuned educators continues to grow, Mount Mary’s Education programs remain steadfast in preparing future teachers who uplift communities and inspire a lifelong love of learning in their students. n

Scan this QR code to learn more about our Education degrees and Teacher Training programs at Mount Mary University.

Participants in the Waldorf Summer training incorporate creative learning methods.

Graduate students learn to deliver holistic education in the classroom.

Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Purpose

Inspired by heritage, family and community, Corwin Sutherin ’24 is helping uplift others through education

When Corwin Sutherin crossed the stage at Mount Mary University’s Winter 2024 Commencement, he carried with him the hopes, history and resilience of his family and tribal communities. A member of the ShoshoneBannock and Assiniboine Sioux tribes, Sutherin grew up on a northern Idaho reservation surrounded by older siblings and guided by parents who believed deeply in the power of education—even when their own opportunities had been limited.

“My mom didn’t graduate high school,” he said, “but she always encouraged us.”

In college, Sutherin met, and was guided by, a mentor who served as advisor to the school’s Native American Club. He eventually became interested in occupational therapy. Working in healthcare fueled his passion for helping others. Along the way, he also discovered a love for teaching that inspired him to earn a Master of Education degree.

Corwin Sutherin at the Dec. 2024 Hooding Ceremony Celebration.

When Sutherin made the decision to further his education by pursuing a doctoral degree, he found Mount Mary’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate. The program offered an online format that allowed him to remain at home with his family while completing his education, who he says supported him every step of the way.

“I liked the classes that were rooted in Catholic values, and I loved my professors,” he said. “Even though I was a long-distance learner, everyone here had a sincere interest in my success—it felt like family.”

During his studies at Mount Mary, Sutherin worked on a research project supporting parents with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), creating support groups and teaching coping and stress-management skills. His first in-person visit to campus came when defending his dissertation. The following day he attended commencment.

Today, Sutherin serves as the Program Director of Occupational Therapy at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. He hopes to encourage more Native students to enter healthcare fields.

His message to future students is simple: “Never give up. Keep your end goal in sight.”

“Failing was not an option,” he added. “But I couldn’t have done it by myself—it takes a community.” n

STRONGER TOGETHER:

How one group of students built friendship and support across cultures

At first glance, Esmerelda Acosta ’25, Estella Rangel ’25 and Azeb Weldemariam ’25 might seem like an unlikely trio.

Although the three Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) graduates hail from different corners of the globe, with very different language and cultural backgrounds, they found connection through a shared academic focus.

(L-R) Azeb Weldemariam, Esmerelda Acosta and Estella Rangel outside Notre Dame Hall during the spring 2025 commencement ceremony.

Rangel (from Los Angeles), Weldemariam (from Eritrea) and Acosta (from the Dominican Republic) met while beginning their first semester in the OTD program together. Settling into the rigorous studies proved to be a difficult undertaking. Classes taught in English—a second language to all three—compounded the challenge. After struggling through one especially difficult exam, the students quickly realized that they needed a new approach.

“That was the moment we decided to start studying together,” said Acosta. It was a turning point as the three students decided to combine forces and strategize for success.

Known to classmates and professors as “Et al.,” (an academic term referring to multiple contributors) Acosta, Rangel and Weldemariam quickly became inseparable.

“We come as a package deal,” Weldemariam stated, as the others emphatically agreed.

For the duration of their program the three students functioned as a unit, taking the same classes, doing field placements together and even finishing each other’s sentences at times. Slowly, the trio tackled the challenges of memorizing scientific vocabulary, completing demanding projects and cramming for tests late into the night. Together they learned from mistakes and celebrated successes. What began as a study group quickly blossomed into an enduring friendship.

The three described their shared philosophy of “no woman left behind,” emphasizing cooperation over competition. Throughout the program, they kept a watchful eye on each other’s grades. The group leveraged strengths and targeted individual areas of difficulty to ensure that each would pass their courses.

Their tenacious academic success even led Mount Mary OT faculty to use the group’s techniques, experiences and study materials to improve accessibility for future multilingual learners.

This spring Acosta, Wrangel and Weldemariam crossed the academic finish line together as they completed the Occupational Therapy doctoral program. Although the three have since left campus for the professional world, they plan to stay in touch as lifelong friends.

“I don’t know what I would have done without them,” shared Rangel.

“We’ll always be there for each other,” Acosta added. n

Corwin Sutherin at the Mount Mary University 2024 commencement ceremony.

Leading the Way to a Better Life for All

Launched under the direction of President Isabelle Cherney in 2023, the Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children is a testament to Mount Mary University’s commitment to gender equity and empowerment, continuing the mission begun by the School Sisters of Notre Dame over a century ago.

Through its four Centers of Excellence, the Institute provides comprehensive tools, resources and essential support. This integrated approach ensures that women are fully equipped to thrive in their personal, professional and academic development.

The Institute is developing collaborations with a variety of corporate and non-profit entities to further its impact. View some of the Institute’s recent highlights on the next page or scan the QR code below.

The Center for Women’s Leadership develops tomorrow’s leaders through professional opportunities like seminars, networking and educational programming. Notable events include the annual Voices of Leadership series, which brings global thought leaders to campus each fall (see next page). The Center also hosts the Summer Leadership Academy, an immersive pre-college program providing career exploration and college preparation to high school girls.

The Center for Women’s and Children’s Rights focuses on local and global human rights issues and promotes research on issues related to immigration and migration, human trafficking, peace and nonviolence. Its impactful projects include Mount Mary studentprovided nutrition counseling services to the campus community and the Free Community Outreach Clinic in partnership with Froedtert Health.

The Center for Health and Wellness works to narrow gaps in delivery of quality, accessible healthcare—especially for those in underrepresented populations. Mount Mary students provide community nursing and occupational therapy services to residents at Milwaukee Catholic Home and Trinity Woods intergenerational community. The Center also supported the CulturabotTM project, which uses generative AI to create culturally responsive healthcare plans (see next page).

The Center for the Advancement of Women in Technology expands access to technology degree and training programs while addressing gender and racial disparities. This Center has hosted summer workshops for children of GE Healthcare employees and provided hands-on STEM programming.

The Institute will host its official launch event, Carrying the Mission Forward. This is an opportunity to hear from leaders of each Center as they share current projects and the future vision for the Institute. Visit mtmary.edu/iawc or scan the QR code to learn more.

IAWC Highlights:

CulturabotTM

CulturabotTM is a 2024 project sponsored by the Amazon Web Service Health Equity Initiative. Occupational Therapy faculty and students used generative artificial intelligence to develop an app that creates culturally responsive care plans. Now in its field-testing phase, the IAWC and advancement team are working to connect the CulturabotTM app to potential investors for widespread distribution.

Latina’s Access to Higher Education Summit

June 11, 2024 | Mount Mary University

Mount Mary hosted the Latina’s Access to Higher Education Summit in cooperation with Proyecto Descubrir, a program dedicated to increasing the number of Hispanic and low-income women enrolled in STEM majors. Attendees learned from accomplished women who have successfully led transformative changes within Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) educational settings. The event also explored best practices that empower Latinas pursuing higher education, particularly those in science and technology fields.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit Presentation

June 10-11, 2025 | Washington D.C.

Dr. Isabelle Cherney was a panelist at the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit, held June 2025 in Washington, D.C. The discussion, “Future of Cloud Computing for Connected Healthcare,” explored how cloud computing and generative AI are revolutionizing healthcare to better address the needs of patients.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Women’s Wellness

June 20, 2025 | Mount Mary University

The Institute and the Mount Mary School of Graduate Health & Professional Programs hosted Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Women’s Wellness, a free professional event promoting interdisciplinary discourse among practitioners in counseling, art therapy, occupational therapy, social work and dietetics. Programming included a panel discussion addressing women’s physical and emotional health, fertility, and pre/post-natal care, encouraging integrative strategies for improving health outcomes.

Voices of Leadership

November 6, 2025 | Mount Mary University

Each year, Voices of Leadership brings influential women thought leaders to campus to explore important topics. In 2025, Mount Mary welcomed Krishna DasGupta, M.D. and Xochitl Yadira Gonzalez, Ph.D. (pictured at left) to share perspectives on the scientific, spiritual and social aspects of the growing loneliness epidemic in the United States. The event also featured projects created by students in the Social Work, Dietetics, Studio Art, Fashion and Interior Architecture & Design programs, showcasing Mount Mary talent across disciplines.

CAMPUS NEWS

MMU Adds New Hybrid Courses

Academic Partnership Addresses Educator, Social Worker Shortages

In spring 2025, Mount Mary University and Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) formed a partnership to address staffing shortages in education and social work. Both institutions share an educational mission rooted in service to others and social responsibility. Under this new partnership, students can transfer up to 12 credits from Mount Mary’s Master of Education programs into either the NDMU Doctorate of Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations or the Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership. NDMU undergraduates can also transition into Mount Mary’s Master of Social Work program, with options to earn the degree fully online. The collaboration creates opportunities for students from both universities to enter these high-demand fields, helping graduates fill a growing need.

Mount Mary has added several new undergraduate majors to its academic offerings, in partnership with Rize Education. These blended online and in-person classes are designed to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce. Students can enroll in Business Analytics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Web Design & Development and Healthcare Administration, and can minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The programs are especially attractive to non-traditional and returning students, offering the flexibility to pursue exciting careers using the newest technology taught by experts in their field.

Leading the Way in Trauma-Informed Care

The Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA) selected Mount Mary University to receive a $48 K Micro-Credential Award for trauma-informed care for workforce leadership development (TIC-WLD). This award is funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as part of a larger $1.5 M initiative to increase responsive, skills-based career-readiness programs in Wisconsin.

Mount Mary’s TIC-WLD micro-credential will equip current and aspiring leaders with trauma-informed care strategies that promote healthier workplace environments. We are honored to be part of this statewide effort to bridge education and workforce development through innovative, accessible learning opportunities.

Simulator Prepares Nursing Students for the Delivery Room

The School of Nursing has a new addition: “Mama Anne,” a state-of-the-art birthing manikin acquired in June 2025. This grant-funded technology provides students with essential knowledge and exposure to situations that they may not otherwise experience during clinical placements.

“Our simulator allows us to provide specialized training in labor and delivery in a safe learning environment,” said Rachel Pappenfuss, Health Sciences Center Education Coordinator, who added that this hi-fidelity technology represents a new standard in the patient simulation experience.

Mama Anne is equipped with pre-programmed responses or can be controlled by faculty via microphone to interact with students. The manikin also is equipped with AI response capabilities, with the ability to make sounds, and even simulate different bodily functions like bleeding, breathing and heart rate. Faculty can program deliveries

with “normal” and “at-risk” scenarios that include complications, control speed and even start the process in different phases of labor. Mama Anne has already been used for several simulations with students, and the School of Nursing plans for expanded future use across health sciences majors.

Mount Mary Among Top in Midwest for Value, Social Mobility

Mount Mary remains a leader among educational institutions in the Midwest in graduating diverse and low-income students, according to the 2025 Best Colleges Report by U.S. News and World Report.

MMU has consistently ranked in the top two regional universities for social mobility over the past several years. This category measures the success rate of graduating Pell students based upon six-year graduation rates. Mount Mary also remains among the best values in higher education, having risen by 13 ranks over the past year.

“This ranking affirms our strategic focus on delivering affordable, transformative education that prepares students for meaningful careers and lifelong impact,” said President Isabelle Cherney. “Mount Mary University is proud to serve as a catalyst for social and economic mobility, empowering students from all backgrounds to achieve their full potential.”

Fashion Archive Awarded “American Treasures” Grant

Mount Mary has received two-year funding from the National Parks Service’s “Save America’s Treasures” grant to preserve and digitize the Fashion Archives. The $146 K award will allow the University to hire a conservation professional to assess and digitize the historic collection, expanding the Digital Fashion Archive as a tool for teaching and research.

“What an honor to be awarded this grant,” said Amanda Cacich, Curator for the Mount Mary Fashion Archive. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue our digitization process. This confirms what we’ve known all along: the Fashion Archive is a true treasure!” She added that these efforts will make the collection more accessible to students, the community and scholars all over the world.

ACHIEVEMENTS ACCOLADES

Celebrating the Achievements of the Mount Mary community

2025 Faculty Excellence Awards

Congratulations to our 2025 Faculty Excellence Award winners! Each year, Mount Mary honors our outstanding educators, nominated by students and colleagues. The award is presented during our August Investiture ceremony. This year, we recognized the contributions of two members of our Counseling department.

MARION E. TOSCANO

Ph.D., LCPC, NCC

Associate Professor, Graduate Counseling program/Director for Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision program

FACULTY

MICHELE COHEN, Ph.D., LPC

Instructor, Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision program

Dr. Sarah Hessenauer-Bladorn, Social Work won a 2025 Design Award from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) for her recent book, “Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: A Guide for Beginning Social Work and Human Services Professionals,” a textbook for students in social work and mental health.

Dr. Marmy Clason, Business, Communication and Technology and Dr. Kristen Carioti, Dean, Arts and Sciences, visited Newsradio 620 WTMJ Midday News to share “Thrive in Three,” the new reducedcredit bachelor’s degree programs. Clason was also interviewed on the Dec. 6 edition of the CW18 Milwaukee program “ConnectMKE”.

Meagan Gibson, Dietetics, was awarded the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year for 2024-2025 with the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Dr. R. Zachary “Zac” Karanovich, Theology/First Year Seminar, along with co-authors, Dr. Kristen Carioti, Dean, Arts and Sciences and Dr. Jennifer Kontny, English received a $50 K grant from the Wake Forrest University Educating Character Initiative to develop the new “4Cs Core First-Year Seminar” course.

Dr. Jennifer Kontny, English along with co-author, Dr. Kristen Carioti, Dean, Arts and Sciences, received a $60 K grant from NetVUE to develop the university’s new 4Cs Core curriculum and implement vocational advising practice.

Dr. Jason Meyler, Spanish, will run the NetVUE reframing the institutional SAGA grant, a $36.9 K award for a collaborative historical storytelling project about the history of Mount Mary.

Alexis Outlaw, Business Administration, was selected as an 88.9 Radio Milwaukee 2025 HYFIN Black Business Initiative Winner. She was also awarded a seat for the Korn Ferry Leadership U for Humanity Cohort, which connects diverse human resources leaders with support, coaching and mentorship to increase connections to helping people in the workplace.

STUDENTS & ALUMS

1998 Nilda Cintron-Cortez, Chief People Officer with Sellars Absorbent Materials, was selected for a 2025 “Women of Influence” award. The recognition is given by the Milwaukee Business Journal to women improving quality of life in southeastern Wisconsin.

2025 Honorata Rocamora, post-professional doctoral graduate, partnered with the Angels Center for Learning and Progress in Lucena City, Philippines to create a community-based family education program for those supporting children on the autism spectrum.

2027 Gem R. Castilleja was selected to attend Duke University Divinity School’s Hispanic Summer Program, a two-week intensive program of classes in history, theology, sociology, liturgy, ethics and more, centered in the intellectual and pedagogical traditions of the Latinx community.

2027 Theresa Lindberg was selected as a Fulbright Scholar. In summer 2025 she attended the University of Bristol Arts, Activism and Social Justice summer program in the United Kingdom.

2027 Thelma Segbawu, post-professional doctoral student, partnered with McCarthy Hill School in Ghana, West Africa, as part of her doctoral project. She created a physical activity program for school-aged children to promote self-regulation skills and trained staff on implementation.

2025 Alumni Awards

Each year we select four alumni for recognition during our Homecoming celebration. Our 2025 event took place on Friday, Oct. 3 in the Alumnae Dining Hall. This beautiful celebration brought together alumni, faculty, friends and family to honor the four remarkable recipients whose lives exemplify the University’s mission and the values. Congratulations to our 2025 Alumni Award Winners!

Shakita LaGrant-McClain ’09 & ’11 received the 2025 Madonna Medal for Professional Excellence for her transformative leadership in public service and health equity. LaGrantMcClain is a visionary leader who has helped advance person-centered care and fostering systems that respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in Milwaukee County.

LaGrant-McClain has been named one of Wisconsin’s 51 Most Influential Black Leaders. She was recognized as a Notable BIPOC Executive by BizTimes Milwaukee and named a “Disruptor” by the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee for her ability to drive meaningful change in public service. She continues to exemplify the values of education, empowerment and service, inspiring both her community and future generations of leaders.

Pat Kempen ’79 was awarded the 2025 Madonna Medal for Service to the University for her lifelong dedication to dietetics education and student mentorship. Kempen is a distinguished dietetics professional who has fostered excellence in the classroom and beyond.

As Graduate Program Director and Dietetics Department Chair at Mount Mary University, Kempen guided innovative academic programs and inspired countless students. She received accolades from the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (WAND) for her creativity in teaching and support for student research. Kempen’s lifelong dedication to education, service and professional advocacy embody the very spirit of service and leadership.

Judith Marchant ’93 received the 2025 Madonna Medal for Community Service, honoring her decades of compassionate care and global outreach. As an occupational therapist specializing in upper extremity and hand trauma rehabilitation, she seamlessly blends clinical expertise with compassionate service, impacting countless lives across local and international communities.

Marchant’s long-standing involvement with the Milwaukee Medical Mission highlights her dedication to global health, providing critical OT services, postsurgical care and education in resource-limited regions. Her commitment to mentoring, humanitarian work and community impact embodies the very heart of Mount Mary University’s mission.

Jacqueline Buckley, SSND ’51, received the 2025 President’s Award of Distinction for her extraordinary global ministry and unwavering commitment to Mount Mary and the SSND mission. Buckley has lived a life marked by faith, courage and a profound commitment to service. She worked as an educator and leader of the Milwaukee Province before serving on the SSND General Council in Rome, where she oversaw the congregation’s worldwide missions for a decade.

After years in international leadership, Buckley returned to the U.S. to continue her mission-driven services. Though her ministry brought her around the globe, Mount Mary University remained an integral part of Buckley’s work. We recognize her lifelong service, steadfast faith and extraordinary contributions to the university.