The Spirit of Mary Ward Award recognizes individuals, from all walks of life, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or other personal characteristics, who embody the values and mission of Mary Ward and the charisms of the IBVM Sisters in their personal and/or professional lives. This prestigious award celebrates those who demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond while exemplifying the four pillars of the Loretto Sisters: integrity, justice, freedom and joy (felicity).

ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

NOMINATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 25, 2025

Ways to Nominate:

1. Fill out the online form at the bottom of this page and submit by the nomination deadline above.

2. Click the blue “Download Nomination Form” button below. Download, print, fill out and mail the nomination form directly to us.
Mail to:
IBVM Office of Development
ATTN: Spirit of Mary Ward Committee
PO Box 508
Wheaton, IL 60187

You will be asked to provide a statement explaining why you believe this individual deserves the Spirit of Mary Ward Award. Introduce us to your nominee and describe how they embody the values, charism and mission of Mary Ward and the IBVM Sisters.

Disclaimer & Criteria: Nominees must possess and demonstrate 3-4 of the following criteria.
Please provide specific examples or evidence of how the nominee meets criterion selected.
Note: IBVM Sisters cannot be nominated to receive this award.

Justice

• Leadership and Service
  • Exhibits qualities of leadership while serving the community and those in need.
  • Engagement in community service projects, leadership roles in organizations or advocacy for social justice issues.
• Compassion and Empathy
  • Shows deep understanding and compassion towards others.
  • Participation in outreach programs, support for vulnerable populations or acts of kindness and understanding.
• Promotion of Women’s Rights and Empowerment
  • Advocates for gender equality and empowers women and girls in their pursuits.
  • Involvement in initiatives that promote women’s rights, mentorship of young women or advocacy work.

Integrity

• Integrity and Authenticity
  • Acts with honesty and integrity, staying true to personal values and beliefs.
  • Consistent ethical behavior, transparency in actions and willingness to stand up for what is right.

Freedom

• Commitment to Growth and Lifelong Learning
  • Demonstrates a passion for lifelong learning and enrichment.
  • Involvement in educational initiatives, mentoring or contributions to academic settings.
• Courage and Resilience
  • Demonstrates courage in facing challenges, resilience in overcoming obstacles and willingness to risk.
  • Personal stories of overcoming adversity, standing firm in difficult situations or inspiring others through challenges faced.

Joy

• Spiritual Depth and Reflection
  • Engages in personal spiritual growth and encourages others in their spiritual journeys.
• Collaboration and Community Building
  • Fosters collaboration and builds a sense of community among diverse groups.
  • Organizing community events, facilitating dialogue among different groups or creating inclusive spaces.

Spirit of Mary Ward Nomination Form

– Step 1 of 2

Name of Nominee *

First

Last

Nominee Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

— Select state —AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

Nominee Phone *

Nominee Email *

Nominee Occupation/Role

Nominee Affiliation/Organization (if applicable)

Nominator Nominator Name

Connection to Mary Ward *

• Yes, the nominee is familiar with Mary Ward and/or the Loretto Sisters.
• No, the nominee is not familiar with Mary Ward nor the Loretto Sisters.

Next

Name of Nominator *

First

Last

Nominator Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

— Select state —AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

Nominator Phone *

Nominator Email *

Relationship to Nominee *

Nomination Statement

Please provide a statement explaining why you believe your nominee deserves the Spirit of Mary Ward Award. Introduce us to your nominee and describe how they embody the values and mission of Mary Ward and the IBVM Sisters Criteria: Nominees must possess and demonstrate 3-4 of the criteria. Please provide specific examples or evidence of how the nominee meets each criterion selected. If you would prefer to upload your nomination statement via a separate Word or PDF document, you may do so via the upload below. Please Note: IBVM Sisters cannot be nominated to receive this award.

File Upload (optional for Nomination Statement)

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 4 files.

If you prefer to write your nomination statement in a separate document and simply attach it, you may do so here. (Optional) Any additional documents that support the nomination (ex: letters of recommendation, additional testimonials) can also be uploaded here.

Acknowledgement: *

• I Agree.

By submitting this nomination form, you acknowledge that all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and understand that nominations are reviewed by the Spirit of Mary Ward Award Committee. The 2025 Spirit of Mary Ward Committee includes: Sr. Arlene Ashack, Sr. Mary Carton, Sr. Betty Crotty, Sr. Brenda Eagan, Sr. Kay Foley, Sr. Yolanda Mendoza, Megan Beutel, Juanita Rea-Dorn and Laura Schmidt.

Submit

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