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WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s held its annual Founders’ Day celebration March 13 on the Winona Campus in honor of its heritage. The celebration included the presentation of awards to two faculty members and two outstanding seniors, as well as a groundbreaking event for a new residence hall.

Dr. Susan Hines, director of faculty development for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, and associate professor in the Ed.D. in Leadership program, received the Bishop Heffron Service Award. Given by the university every other year, the award recognizes an employee who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, has been a positive member of the university community, and has modeled the Lasallian spirit in interactions with colleagues and students.

Dr. Jack McClure, program director of the Ed.D. in Leadership program, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. Presented each year, the award recognizes a member of the faculty, staff, or administration whose life of faith and service exemplifies the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The award is given by Lasallian institutions like Saint Mary’s in the North American-Toronto Region of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education.

The Outstanding Male and Female Senior Awards were presented to Daniel Olajonlu — son of John Oluwafemi, Roseline Olajonlu, and Sandra Ajugba — who was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and currently resides in Rogers, Minn.; and Regina Bettag — daughter of Drs. Mark and Teresa Bettag of Sheboygan, Wis. Outstanding seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, and services. Above all, these men and women have shown genuine concern for meeting the needs of others. The following students were finalists for the 2018 Outstanding Senior Awards: (Males) Chris Lackey, Jacob Mencacci, Vianney Nguyen, and Abram Whitebird; and (Females) Brittney Birkhauser, Meagan Campbell, Ruba Kenyi, Tara Longseth.

The Founders’ Day celebration also included a groundbreaking event for Brother William Hall, a 112-bed, three-story residence hall for first-year students, to be completed in 2019. The new residence hall is made possible by anonymous donors in honor of Brother William’s legacy as president of Saint Mary’s.

Check out these albums to see photos from the day’s events. Select View album to see all photos in each album:

Photo caption: Daniel Olajonlu and Regina Bettag were named Outstanding Seniors at Founders’ Day.

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