The Angeline Award, established in 1990, recognizes a woman who possesses the qualities of Saint Angela Merici and the Ursuline Sisters’ charism – a contemplative love of God resulting in an openness and eagerness to serve the needs of others.

Out of her profound relationship with God, Angela addressed the needs and concerns of her time. The Ursulines Sisters bestow this award to affirm a woman who, out of that same love and commitment to God, is responding to the contemporary challenges facing women and families.

 

The 2008 Angeline Award Winner

Often called a “modern day Angela” by those who know her, Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs exemplifies what it means to be “open and eager to serve the needs of others.”

Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs

About This Year's Winner:
Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs grew up with the spirit of Saint Angela around her.

She attended Mother of Sorrows, Holy Spirit and Sacred Heart Academy. Mary Ann continued her education with the Ursuline Sisters, earning her Bachelors degree from Ursuline College in 1963.

Her charitable work within the community began almost immediately. With the help of two others, Mary Ann started the PIE program at St. Martha’s school to challenge students in reading and literature. She went on to serve on the Nurture Committee for Habitat for Humanity.

Sister Ruth Ann Haunz wrote, Mary Ann “gives her heart to everything she does. She does not just volunteer with habitat families, she becomes part of them. She does not only volunteer in several different arenas, she mentors others who volunteer”

And, Mary Ann takes her commitment to volunteerism seriously. She donated her time to Meals on Wheels, acted as a facilitator in marriage enrichment groups and helped out at the Sacred Heart Home.

Among other causes, Mary Ann showed true Christian leadership by chairing the Social Concerns Committee and organizing the “Giving Tree”, a Christmas program benefiting low income families, and the Great Books program for gifted children.

“Children are such a big part of her life and she takes her responsibilities to them very seriously,” wrote Sister Margo Borders. “The children she tutors know that they will be cared for and loved by a very talented woman.”

Often called a “modern day Angela” by those who know her, Mary Ann exemplifies what it means to be “open and eager to serve the needs of others.” As her husband wrote in his nomination form, “I see her demonstrate the humble service and prayer spirit of St. Angela Merici and all the good Ursuline Sisters who taught her.”

Congratulations to Mary Ann Kopp Hubbs, a woman who is an example to us all on how to live life by following the path St. Angela Merici opened up for us.

To read the official press release on her award, click here.

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Past recipients of the Angeline Award:

• Donna McKinney Hansen of Spokane, Washington (1991), a graduate of Ursuline College, for her work as a former social worker and as a secretary for social ministries
  
• Juana Gil Sanchez of Callao, Peru, South America (1992), for founding an organization for senior citizens and helping bring a medical team to her community
  
• Barbara Emrich Cassidy of Louisville, Kentucky (1994), for her service to the elderly and her work with the Ursuline Bargain Barn to help retired sisters
  
• Margo Thompson Borders of Louisville (1996), for her work with her church in adopting a Vietnamese family, organizing neighbors to help an elderly couple and involvement in different social service agencies that serve women and families
  
• Maria Scharfenberger of Louisville (1998), for her extensive work with the Hispanic community
  
• Jane M. Thibault, Ph.D. of Louisville (2000), a gerontologist, for ongoing commitment to the senior population, serving on numerous committees and establishing Spiritually Aware Growing Elders Resources, Inc.
  
• Mary Kwan, M.D. of Houston, Texas (2002), a graduate of the former Ursuline College for her work to provide medical care to the poor
  

The 2002 Angeline Award
Mary Kwan, M.D.

Dr. Kwan, a graduate of the former Ursuline College, provided medical treatment to the poor, caring for them with Christian love for more than 30 years in the Chicago and Houston, Texas, areas. In her retirement from medical practice, she continues to promote the right of all US Citizens to affordable health care.

"Dr. Kwan is an excellent choice to receive the Angeline Award," said Sister Jean Anne Zappa, Ursuline president and co-chair of the award committee. "Her life's work reflects that of St. Angela Merici, plus she has overcome great obstacles in her life."

Born in Hong Kong, Dr. Kwan was fleeing Japanese invaders when she met the Maryknoll Fathers in China. She became a catholic in 1945, and with assistance from Father John Moore, M.M., obtained a four-year scholarship to Ursuline College in Louisville through the Ursuline Sisters. After graduating in 1955, she attended Northwestern University Medical School and became a doctor specializing in internal medicine.

Dr. Kwan reflects the spirit of St. Angela Merici by serving the needs of others as servant, reconciler and advocate. She lives as a contemplative in the world by seeing and loving God in those she has served. Her medical profession allows her to give special service to the poor and to meet the needs of others as St. Angela Merici did.