Extending our founders’ legacy into the future
Mount Mary celebrates Founders Day on Thursday, Feb. 24, 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.
This year, the Mother Caroline Student Award went to juniors Jamy McClain, who embodies Mother Caroline’s leadership, especially in light of the needs of children. She manifests a passion, not only for practices in food sustainability and her chosen discipline of dietetics, but also in her commitment to build a sense of community and a commitment to helping empower voices to respond to the needs of the times.
The Mother Theresa Award went to Samantha Liggett, a senior who has cultivated a global awareness through her major in international studies with a minor in Spanish. Her interest in peace building and in environmental studies speaks of your desire to help transform the world through education.
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: Gabriela Barbosa, Director of Visitor Services
- Faculty Award: Sherrie Serros, Professor and Chair, Mathematics
- Staff Award: Heather McCutchin, Assistant to the Dean of Humanities, Social Science and Interdisciplinary Studies
This year's theme, Rooted in Wisdom, celebrates the School Sisters of Notre Dame, whose roots gave rise to Mount Mary and the flowering of the mission today.