Sister Diane Leary, Monsignor Thomas McGread to be honored

Diane Leary, CSJ and Monsignor Thomas McGread will each be awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa during Fall 2012 Commencement, Dec. 15. The university bestows the honorary degrees upon members of the extended Newman community based on exemplary dedication to one of the university’s Core Values: Catholic Identity, Culture of Service, Academic Excellence, and Global Perspective.

Diane Leary, CSJ

Sister Diane was selected for her commitment to Academic Excellence. Over an illustrious career as coach, athletics administrator and educator for Newman and other Catholic schools, Sister Diane stressed to student-athletes the importance of academics as well as athletics. During her career, she taught history, math, religion, science, Russian culture and other subjects, and is known for teaching students values and character both on and off the playing field. In athletics, she helped launch girls’ athletics programs at several schools, led her teams to many championships, and was the first woman in Kansas to serve as athletic director. She continues to teach history as an adjunct instructor at Newman.

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Monsignor Thomas McGread

Monsignor McGread, who was selected as a model of Catholic Identity, has been called the “Father of Catholic Stewardship in the United States” for his work developing the stewardship concept. He served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish for more than 31 years, and helped create the stewardship program for the Diocese of Wichita. He also played a key role in drafting the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response,” and is the subject of a book about his stewardship message. Monsignor McGread served three terms on the Newman Board of Trustees, and has been a generous supporter of student scholarships, projects and programs at Newman University. He is now Director Emeritus of Stewardship for the Diocese of Wichita.

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