Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) and the Diocese of Joliet Scouting program for several years have shared a partnership that has reflected the importance of service and community. Sister Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF, USF Vice President of Mission Integration and University Ministry, has maintained an integral role in the connection between the two organizations. The Scouting program recently honored Imler’s efforts by presenting her with the Bronze Pelican award.
The award was presented during a private ceremony on July 1 in USF’s Tower Hall by Bill Mammosser of the Diocese of Joliet Scouting program. USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., and USF Vice President for Administration and Finance Julee Gard were also in attendance at the ceremony.
The Bronze Pelican award is a diocesan recognition given to adults who have made a significant and outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in any Scouting program. It may be presented to any adult, Scouter or non-Scouter, a member of the laity or religious, or a member of another faith in recognition of consistent support of the Scouting program.
“I was so surprised to receive this award. I was unfamiliar with it and have been really just doing ‘me’. First, professionally, to know that Bill Mammosser was a previous recipient of the award showed me what a great honor it is for the university because he is a model of giving so generously of himself to the Scouts for many years and, in our centennial year, I think this is what USF is for the Diocese. Secondly, for me personally, the significance of the Bronze Pelican award as ‘Christ-like service’ to the next generation of Christian leaders is rich. I am deeply humbled to be recognized as someone who follows in Jesus’ footprints,” Imler said.
Imler’s connection to the Diocese of Joliet Scouting program through USF currently spans eight years. During that time, her role in the partnership has steadily increased.
“For the past eight years, USF has hosted the Scouts for their classes. I have been the liaison first just to welcome them and do the administrative tasks to arrange for them. Then, because of Bill, my involvement has grown by participating in their classes, crafting service projects for them and celebrating their achievements,” Imler said.
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Currently celebrating 100 years of higher education rooted in Franciscan values, the University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 50,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
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