In celebration of its heritage, Saint Mary’s University presented awards to one faculty member, one staff member, and two outstanding seniors at its annual Founders’ Day celebration on Tuesday, March 17, on the Winona Campus.
Matthew Klosky, M.A., assistant professor of business and communications and director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, received the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. Presented each year, the award recognizes a member of the faculty, staff, or administration who exemplifies the ideals of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, expressed in the Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher. The award is given by Lasallian institutions like Saint Mary’s in the Lasallian Region of North America of the De La Salle Christian Brothers to honor contributions and commitment to the Lasallian mission of education. In his role as director of the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Anthony B’59 and Sandra Adducci Family Makerspace, Matt is routinely working with administration, staff and faculty, maintenance, and student groups to ensure multiple activities and events outside of the classroom happen that make the university experience far better for everyone. He balances a strong presence in the classroom, the makerspace, numerous student facing opportunities, committees, and stepped into announcing women’s hockey online when they asked for help. Not only does Matt encourage others to have a life long learner mindset, he is a life long learner himself. His faith and teaching is driven by the Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher every single day and he impacts the students positively both in and out of the classroom.
Ann Merchlewitz M’95, J.D., senior vice president and general counsel, received the Bishop Patrick Heffron Award. The Heffron Award — named after the founder of Saint Mary’s University — is awarded every other year to an employee who has contributed positively to the life of the university, has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the values of the university, and has been a model of the Lasallian spirit in interactions with colleagues and students. Ann has served the university for decades with steadfast devotion. She has helped the university delicately navigate issues — always with fairness, clear-sightedness, and a profound sense of duty and care for all parties. Her versatility is unmatched; she has filled many roles with aplomb, including executive vice president, vice president for Student Affairs, and interim president. She is both a constant presence at student events and athletic competitions as well as a tireless advocate for students at all levels, often utilizing her extensive experience and connections in law and business to provide mentorship to students.
The university also announced its Outstanding Male and Female Seniors during the Founders’ Day celebration. Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community, as well as genuine concern for the needs of others.
This year, the honor went to Javier Rodriguez Cifuentes of Austin, Minn. and Zoe Fink of Stevens Point, Wis. The eight other students nominated for Outstanding Senior included Jacob Fiala, Noah Lahner, Garrett Rotzien, Colin Tushie, Peyton Berg, Taryn Dornseif, Elizabeth Pike, and Melanie Wizenburg.
