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S. Ruth Mahar, D.C. Grace & Grit Award
Ruth Mahar was born on July 27, 1915 and died in October, 2011. In 1933, she entered a Roman Catholic
order of religious sisters, the Daughters of Charity. The Daughters of Charity
were established in France in 1633 by Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac.
Since its beginnings, the community has maintained its commitment of service
with the poor and respect for the dignity of each person. These same commitments
characterize some of the core values of the social work profession. In fact,
Louise de Marillac is known as the patron saint of social workers.
In over 70 years that Sister Ruth Mahar was a Daughter of Charity, she
served for 25 years as a teacher, 20 years in the field of childcare, and for
23 years as a parish pastoral assistant in Germantown, Philadelphia. Though not a social worker
by profession, Sister Ruth lives the values of the social work profession: respect
for the dignity and worth of every human being, commitment to honoring and celebrating
diversity in its many forms, and a desire to enhance the lives of individuals
in a variety of creative ways. Consistent with the mission, goals, and objectives
of La Salle University's Social Work Department, Sister Ruth dedicated her
life in service of the poor, people of color, and in particular, women, children,
and families.
La Salle University Social Work Departmenthas named a scholarship in honor of
Sister Ruth Mahar, D.C. Because of Sister Ruth's particular commitment to women
and children, the scholarship is awarded annually in the spring semester to
a junior or senior social work major who is a single parent currently caring
for his/her children, and has a minimum GPA of 3.0 in social work major courses,
and evidences a commitment to the values and ethics of the social work profession.
The 2009-10 Recipient of the Ruth Mahar, D.C. Grace & Grit Award:
Past Recipients:
- Eileen Pitt (2008-09)
- Sandra Lee (2007-08)
- Adrianna Padilla (2004-05)
- Tracey Bennett (2003-04)
No Awards given 2006-07 and 2010-11.
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