McAuley Announces Honorees At Upcoming 2018 Celebration Gala

CHICAGO, IL -- Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School announced the honorees at the school’s upcoming Celebration Gala on Feb. 2 at the Beverly Country Club. The annual fundraiser benefits tuition assistance for Mother McAuley students, and celebrates individuals who exemplify the charism and values of Sisters of Mercy foundress Catherine McAuley. This year Mother McAuley will honor Mike and Anne Cullen with the Catherine McAuley Leadership Award, and induct 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 at 17 years old while 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 Bridget Anne Cullen Memorial Scholarship continues to provide support to other families 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.

Life Trustees

The distinction of life trustee was established in 2014 to honor individuals whose contributions of time, talent or financial support has demonstrated their sincere commitment to Mother McAuley. Sister Ruth 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, and as executive director from 1971 until 1979. 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 Saint Catherine’s Residence in Milwaukee, assisting homeless and pregnant young women. From 2000 to 2004 she was the director of The Institute of Women Today in Chicago. Sister Ruth was a member of the McAuley Board of Trustees in 1975 and 1976.

Raymond Lazzara, together with his brother John, was owner of the former Martinique Banquet Complex, a landmark in the Chicago south suburbs for nearly 50 years. As a business owner and parent of two McAuley alumnae, Ray has been a loyal support of Mother McAuley and the community. Ray has been a past sponsor of McAuley’s Celebration and the annual alumnae golf outing, both of which benefit student tuition assistance. From 1996 to 2006 Ray served on the Mother McAuley Board of Trustees.

The 2018 Celebration Gala falls on Friday, Feb. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Beverly Country Club, 8700 S. Western Ave. in Chicago. The evening’s dress is cocktail attire. The gala includes cocktails and dinner. Raffles and a silent auction are also featured. Tickets may be purchased individually or tables for ten. Sponsorship opportunities and donations for the silent auction are also available. Guests may register online for Celebration 2018. For additional information contact Peggy Evans Rourke '76, 773-881-6547, prourke@mothermcauley.org or JoAnn Foertsch Altenbach '76, 773- 881-6559, jaltenbach@mothermcauley.org.