LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College on Thursday, Nov. 20, celebrated its annual Founders’ Day, a special observance in honor of Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., and the other Benedictine founders of Saint Vincent Archabbey, College, Seminary and Parish. The event began with Vespers and the Honors Convocation in the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica.
Father Albin Juhász-Laczik, O.S.B., PhD, headmaster of the Benedictine High School of Pannonhalma, Hungary, delivered the Founders’ Day reflection. Father Albin was conferred an honorary degree by Father Paul Taylor, O.S.B., C’87, S’91, PhD, president of Saint Vincent College.
Employees recognized for 25 years of service to Saint Vincent were Chris Foschia, vice president of the Office of Strategic Engagement and Mission; Sue Hozak, G’11, deputy athletic director and head coach of the women's volleyball team; Dr. Chris Oldenburg, a professor of psychology in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; and Sean Fraunholtz, Facilities Management Office.
Father Patrice Mahieu, O.S.B., PhD, was recognized as the Stephans Family Visiting Benedictine Professor. The award, through which a member of the global Benedictine community teaches and lectures to Saint Vincent students each academic year, is supported by Joan and Peter Stephans.
Dr. Marisa R. Carlson, C’03, director of assessment and institutional research in the Office of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Christopher McMahon, a theology professor in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, earned special recognition for outstanding service and leadership.
Dr. Timothy Kelly, interim director of libraries, professor and chair of the Department of History, was presented with the Thoburn Excellence in Teaching Award by Dr. John T. Delaney, vice president for academic affairs. The award honors faculty members who make a significant impact on students though their teaching and personal interactions. Nominees are selected by Saint Vincent alumni.
Deacon Tyler Fitzgerald of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York, was presented with the Diakonia Award by the Very Rev. Edward Mazich, O.S.B., S’98, SSL, STL, DPhil, rector of Saint Vincent Seminary. This award honors a fourth-year seminarian who exhibits outstanding academic performance, service to the Seminary community and creative outreach to others.
The Honors Convocation was followed by the annual Founders’ Day dinner, a campus light-up for the Christmas season and a fireworks show.
