Onyx Fall-Winter 2019

SAINT MOTHER THEODORE GUERIN AWARD

Emulating the qualities of service by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Janice Searles Vanderhaar ’59 has lived her life as a peacemaker and advocate for justice. She has served humanity through a variety of organizations. She served at Pax Christi, USA, a Catholic peace organization, on the U.S. National Council and with the local chapter. In Memphis, Tennessee, Vanderhaar and her husband, Gerry, founded the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. In addition, they established the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in Rochester, New York. Their enthusiasm spread internationally to Hiroshima on a peace pilgrimage, the Philippines on a student mission and to Antwerp, Belgium, as staff members at the International Peace Center. Creating cross-cultural education opportunities, Vanderhaar led the effort to bring from students from the Ukraine to Memphis for an exchange program. Her life’s work for peace and justice has received many accolades. In 2003, Christian Brothers University awarded the couple the Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice. In 2006, she was named an Ambassador of Peace for Leadership at the annual Pax Christi U.S. National Conference. In 2007, the Muslims of Memphis recognized Janice as a “World Class Force” for her contributions to interfaith dialogue. She and Gerry were instrumental in establishing the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence at Christian Brothers University. After Gerry’s passing in 2005, Vanderhaar established the annual Gerard V. Vanderhaar Symposium at the university, which features experts and scholars in peace and justice. Today, her commitment to social justice has expanded to the rights and needs of veterans. She and husband, Ed Wallin, work to secure funding for the future West Tennessee Care Home that will serve veterans suffering from trauma and disabilities.

Janice Searles Vanderhaar ’59 received the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Award, which is presented annually to an alumna/alumnus who embodies the spirit and virtue of our foundress.

FRANCES MURPHY RUMELY AWARD

The Frances Murphy Rumely Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to and leadership within civic, religious or educational organizations. Anne Longtine ’64 received the 2019 award. Through a quarter century of service as the 1964 class secretary, Longtine continues to keep her classmates connected with one another and The Woods. She has been described as the class’ selfless cheerleader whose passion motivates others. As if that was not enough, Longtine was called on to serve the Alumni Association as a member of the Board of Directors. Her terms provided the College with stability and growth in the Class Secretary and Class Agent programs, as well as a sustained increase to the Woods Fund. Longtine’s efforts to encourage her classmates and fellow Woodsies to provide philanthropic support to SMWC contributed greatly to the Woods Fund exceeding $1 million in 2015-2016 and to its continued success. Longtine’s leadership goes beyond her ties to The Woods. She is a teacher with the heart of a servant leader. Throughout her 46-year teaching career, Longtine always made time for her students. She volunteered beyond classroom hours. She helped many students experience Academic Super Bowl competitions where they learned from her the same values she was able to hone at SMWC—perseverance, determination and hard work. Longtine attributes Saint Mary-of-the-Woods as playing an integral role in her formation as an educator not only due to her experiences as a student but also for her seven years in community with the Sisters of Providence. She credits her growth to the significant influence of the people at The Woods, particularly A lexa Suelzer, SP, ’39 , Cecilia Ann Miller, SP, ’55 and Mary Gregory Jeanne Knoerle, SP ’49 .

Anne Longtine ’64 with President Dottie L. King, Ph.D. Longtine received the Frances Murphy Rumely Award during Reunion banquet.

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