Celebration Gala Honors McAuley Friends For Contributions

CHICAGO, IL – Four were honored for their contributions to Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School at the school’s Celebration Gala held Feb. 2 at the Beverly Country Club. The annual gala celebrates individuals who exemplify the charism and values of foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, while raising money for for tuition assistance for McAuley students. Sixty-one percent of the young women who attend Mother McAuley receive some form of financial aid.

This year, Mother McAuley honored Mike and Anne Cullen with the Catherine McAuley Leadership Award, and inducted two distinguished members of the McAuley community as Life Trustees: Sister Ruth Mutchler, RSM and Raymond Lazzara.

The Catherine McAuley Leadership Award

Mike and Anne Cullen established the Bridget Anne Cullen Memorial Scholarship in honor of their youngest daughter, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 17. Bridget was a senior at McAuley. The Cullen family immediately felt the outpouring of love and support from the students, faculty and the entire McAuley community. The scholarship in Bridget’s honor is a testament to the community’s compassion toward the Cullen’s tragedy. It also is a reflection of the community’s commitment to achieve positive outcomes through educational opportunities, despite originating from such sorrowful circumstances. The Cullens are grateful that the scholarship continues to provide support to others who share their value for raising their families in a faith-based community, and their desire that girls experience a Catholic education at Mother McAuley High School.

“We wanted to take all the love and support that we received during our darkest hours and turn it into a benefit for local families who want to provide their daughters with a Catholic education at Mother McAuley,” Mike Cullen said during his remarks. “Bridget loved McAuley dearly, and McAuley loved her just as much as we do.”

Life Trustees

The distinction of life trustee was established in 2014 to honor individuals whose contributions of their expertise and time has demonstrated their sincere commitment to Mother McAuley. Sister Ruth Mutchler, RSM and Ray Lazzara have integrated their faith and knowledge to become successful leaders and compassionate ministers of the Mercy charism in their personal and professional lives.

Sister Ruth Mutchler, RSM, served as formation director for the Mercy community before coming to Mother McAuley in 1969 to work as a guidance counselor before becoming executive director and principal. She then spent six years serving on the Sisters of Mercy Leadership Team. Returning to education, Sister Ruth served as principal of Saint Michael’s School in Orland Park. She later became director of The Institute of Women Today in Chicago – now called Margaret’s Village. Last March, Margaret’s Village presented her with the Committed Heart Award. Sister Ruth was a member of the McAuley Board of Trustees in 1975 and 1976.

“My years at Mother McAuley were most challenging and rewarding,” Sister Ruth said. “In the 70’s our student population was over two thousand; we went from electric typewriters to computers; Saint Ignatius went co-ed; we started the Fathers Club, and we went down state for the first volleyball championship game. This was an exciting time and I would not change a thing.”

Ray Lazzara is the owner of the Martinique Banquet Complex in Burbank, formerly The Drury Lane Theatre/Martinique Banquets on 95th Street and Western Avenue. As a business owner and parent of two McAuley alumnae, Ray has been a loyal support of Mother McAuley and the community. He has been a past sponsor of McAuley’s Celebration and the annual alumnae golf outing, both of which benefit student tuition assistance. He also helped underwrite and campaign to make the McAuley library computerized in 1997. Ray served on the Mother McAuley Board of Trustee from 1996 to 2006.

In his remarks, Lazzara joked about being the only man ever awarded a diploma from Mother McAuley. The distinction came following a McAuley event Ray helped sponsor many years ago.

“It was a great memory,” Lazarra said. “I’m sure this Mother McAuley community will continue to thrive under the great leadership that I’ve seen demonstrated here tonight.”

Following the award presentations, guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, and a live and silent auction. A paddle raise to generate donations for student tuition assistance also was held after a video was shown which featured current McAuley families sharing their gratitude for a wonderful education, and those who support them. The video, along with photos from the evening, can be viewed on the school website.