On a night dedicated to recognizing the generosity of benefactors and supporters of Saint Mary’s University, the Most Rev. John Quinn, AFSC, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, was surprised with the Presidential Award for Outstanding Merit for serving as an inspiring leader, engaging shepherd and teacher, and genuine friend of the university.
During Saint Mary’s annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner Oct. 15, Bishop Quinn was recognized for supporting Catholic education at all levels, serving as the director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Detroit for more than a dozen years, regularly teaching in the Theology Department on Saint Mary’s Winona Campus, being a member, as well as serving as chair of, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Committee on Catholic Education, and serving as chair of the Catholic Higher Education Working Group.
An ardent supporter of education, Bishop Quinn has earned three graduate degrees, written and published scholarly and pastoral essays as well as book chapters, and received an honorary Doctor of Education from Saint Mary’s in August 2012.
Inspired by the mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers and the Lasallian Catholic educational mission of Saint Mary’s, Bishop Quinn was named an affiliated member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools earlier this year.
In addition to his support of the university’s mission, Bishop Quinn has also demonstrated his dedication to its students by gifting his teaching stipend back to Saint Mary’s for scholarships for students in need of financial assistance.