Presidential Mission Medal:

The Presidential Mission Medal is bestowed upon exceptional individuals who exemplify the Marywood mission:

Marywood University, sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, roots itself in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the principle of justice, and the belief that education empowers people. The University integrates an enduring liberal arts tradition and professional disciplines to create a comprehensive learning experience. Our undergraduate and graduate programs promote academic excellence, advance innovative scholarship and foster leadership in service to others. Within a welcoming and supportive community, Marywood challenges individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and make choices based on spiritual and ethical values. Marywood University prepares students to seek sustainable solutions for the common good and educates global citizens to live responsibly in an interdependent world. Medal recipients shall be servant leaders who embrace a commitment to Marywood's core values of Catholic identity, respect, empowerment, service, and excellence.

2021 Medalists: Barbara A. Cawley '63 and Mary Ellen Coleman (H)'68

Barbara A. Cawley '63

Throughout her life, Barbara has been inspired by the loving example of her parents and her close bond with her siblings. As a family, they celebrated their Irish heritage, shared their talents in the performingarts, and lived their Catholic faith every day, including praying the family rosary each night after dinner. The Marywood spirit is central to who Barbara is. The IHM Sisters have been a part of her life for most of her life. Barbara was taught, mentored, supported, guided, and counseled by the IHM Sisters in Catholic grade school and high school, and this continued through her college days and professional opportunities at Marywood. She never imagined that her professional career would have her so thoroughly engage in the field of education and community service, including as a teacher, college administrator, volunteer, writer, and performer, but Barbara has been blessed to be all of those things.

Mary Ellen Coleman (H)'68

From her family foundation, Mary Ellen was well prepared to become what she is today: a woman of considerable professional achievement, including a long, successful career in the out-of-home media industry and highly effective leadership in numerous charitable, civic, and professional organizations, some on a national level. Her passionate involvement with Marywood spans several decades, and her devotion to this university and to its students has been energetic and constant. Wherever her career or numerous charitable causes took her, Mary Ellen’s heart continued to draw her back to Marywood. Her accomplishments in the field of education, specifically at Marywood, include serving for nine years as Director of Development, another nine years as a member of the Board of Trustees, and, presently, more than ten years as an advancement and alumni engagement consultant. In addition to Mary Ellen’s professional expertise and community influence in support of Marywood, she has contributed generously of her own personal resources to advance our mission and core values.

2019 Medalists: John P., Sr. and Jean Blackledge Sweeney

The Sweeneys exemplify philanthropy in action, and the cause of education is at the top of their agenda. They are faithful benefactors of several regional educational institutions, including Marywood University. Together, they established several scholarships to provide educational access and a world of opportunities to generations of grateful students.
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2017 Inaugural Medalist: Ann R. Henry, Ph.D '73

The newly established Presidential Mission Medal was presented for the first time at the recent Presidential Society Dinner. Dr. Henry has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the mission of Marywood University by giving generously of her time, energy, talents, and personal resources to the advancement of the University.
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Presidential Society Dinner Honors Alumni Benefactors

Additionally, Barbara Sowinski, M.A. ’00; the late Ann Marie Janders, M.S.L.S. ’68; and The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation were inducted into the Saint Alphonsus Society, which honors benefactors whose lifetime commitments to Marywood have reached or exceeded $500,000. 
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