Saint Xavier University presents Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards;Faculty member honored with Faculty Recognition Award

From left to right: SXU Communications Dept. Chair James Walker; Sr. Sheila Lyne, R.S.M. ’60,’65; SXU President Judith A. Dwyer; Alumni Association Board Member Laura Shallow ’78, ’86, ’03; Mary Lou Piazza ’96; Maurice E. Snell ’06.

Chicago– Saint Xavier University honored three alumni at its Chicago campus on Sunday with the annual Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards. A faculty member received the Faculty Recognition Award during the ceremony.

Sister Sheila Lyne, R.S.M. ’60, ’65, of Chicago, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Established in 1986, the award is presented to an alumna/us who exhibits the values of service, leadership, life-long learning and spirituality. Appointed in 1991 as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, Lyne was the first woman to hold the position as well as the first non-physician. As current president and chief executive officer of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Lyne’s personal and professional achievements reflect the ideals of Saint Xavier.

Mary Lou Piazza ’96, of Oak Forest, received the Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon Award for serving as an exemplary volunteer and supporter of the University’s endeavors. For 11 years, Piazza has been the principal of Saint Phillip Neri Catholic School. She has been an active member of the Elementary Education Advisory Committee of the School of Education for many years. She welcomes SOE students into her school for field experience and clinical practice, assists in preparations for the NCATE accreditation visit, and serves as a key member of the external Advisory Committee of the Bishop John R. Gorman Institute for Leadership in Catholic Education.

Maurice E. Snell ’06, of Chicago, received the Faith in the Future Award honoring a student who graduated within the past 10 years and has achieved outstanding personal, professional or social accomplishments that reflect the ideals of Saint Xavier’s core values of service, leadership, lifelong learning and spirituality. Snell was named the Easter Seals national adult representative for overcoming difficulties with autism and becoming a Saint Xavier graduate. As an Easter Seals employee, he mentors many autistic children, coaching them based on his life experiences.

Eugenia McAvoy, assistant professor of communication, of Palos Hills, received the Faculty Recognition Award. Recipients embody the ideals of Saint Xavier University and exhibit the values of service, leadership, spirituality and a strong commitment to student welfare. In the spirit of public service, she has campaigned for both state and township offices, participating as a speechwriter, fundraiser and public relations strategist for several elected officials. She has served as a trainer/consultant to numerous organizations including Ameritech, R&S Industries, Wilson Learning Corporation, Communication Management Associates, and TOASTMASTERS: Evergreen Park Chapter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu