Each year, at the Feast of St. Jerome's, the university recognizes two alumni who have continued to be exemplars of the mission and values of St. Jerome's University in their careers and through service to their communities. Nominations for the Sister Leon White, SSND, Early Alumni Excellence Award and the Father Norm Choate, CR Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award are accepted on a continual basis for these awards using the form below.
Sister Leon White, SSND, Early Alumni Excellence Award
The award commemorates Sr. Leon White, SSND, the founding Director of Notre Dame College, Dean of Women, and Associate Professor of English at St. Jerome's College. It is presented annually to a recent graduate who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievements and meaningful community engagement that embody the mission, vision, and values of St. Jerome's University.
2026 Recipient
Maya Venters, BA '20
Since earning her BA in Honours English Literature and Rhetoric at St. Jerome’s in 2020, Maya has established herself as an award-winning poet and editor. Her poems have appeared in journals across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and her chapbook, Life Cycle of a Mayfly, won the 2023 Vallum Chapbook Award. As founder and editor-in-chief of Traces Journal, she is helping create space for Canadian writing that engages with the Christian tradition.
Previous recipients
2025 - Andrew James Zettel, MCT '25, BA '18
Andrew Zettel has volunteered with Tiny Home Takeout at St. Mary's Parish in downtown Kitchener and served as Outreach Coordinator for St. Mary's Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Parish. St. Mary's pastor, Fr. Toby Collins, CR, notes about Andrew that he "has the ability of bringing the faith to life in ways that lift the soul and make you say 'I never knew the Catholic faith could be so fascinating and relevant!" While completing his Master of Catholic Thought degree, Andrew was hired into his current role as an elementary school chaplain with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. In this capacity, he works with 23 schools, leading retreat programs and engaging with young people to explore faith, understand the importance of human dignity, and foster authentic community.
2024 - Rebecca Mancini, BA '08
Rebecca Mancini completed her Bachelor of Arts in History in 2008 and has since dedicated her career to supporting those who are often overlooked in society, including individuals with mental health challenges, physical disabilities, addiction, and those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Through her roles at The Working Centre, Rebecca quietly leads and supports a wide range of initiatives, embodying the organization’s commitment to simplicity, community, and dignity. Her approach is rooted in “radical kindness” and solutions that prioritize human dignity, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Rebecca’s compassionate service mirrors the values of Catholic Social Teaching and St. Jerome’s University’s mission.
2019 - Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, BA '12
2017 - Jeffery Akomah, BA '05
2016 - Faith Cameletti, BA '13
2015 - Gary C. Abbott, BA '10
Father Norm Choate, C.R., Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
The award commemorates the memory and legacy of Fr. Norm Choate, CR, former President and visionary leader of St. Jerome's College. Presented annually, it recognizes an alumnus who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in both professional and community life that reflects the mission, vision, and values of St. Jerome's University.
2026 Recipient
Most Rev. Gary M. Gordon, BA '78
Bishop Gordon has served as Bishop of Victoria since 2014, following eight years as Bishop of Whitehorse. As an alumnus of St. Jerome’s, Bishop Gordon embodies the values of this award through a ministry marked by compassionate pastoral leadership, service to Indigenous Peoples, commitment to social justice, and dedication to the renewal of the Church in Canada.
Previous recipients
2025 - Mary Ellen Cullen, BA '78
Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, Mary Ellen followed in the footsteps of her older brother and sister by attending St. Jerome's University, where she majored in French and German Language Studies. After graduating in 1978, Mary Ellen went on to study law at Osgoode Hall at York University and dedicated her career to public service. Mary Ellen began her legal career as an Assistant Crown Attorney in Brampton, Ontario. Later, she served as Crown Attorney in Orangeville before returning to Kitchener in 2009 as Deputy Crown Attorney, a role she held until her retirement in 2015.
Mary Ellen's dedication to St. Jerome's University has been profound. She offered nine years of service to our Board of Governors (2012-2021), including two terms as Chair during which she helped to navigate the university through several challenges, including the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2024 - Dr. Rosemarie Burton Spohn, BA '90
Dr. Rosemarie Burton Spohn earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English with a minor in French at St. Jerome’s in 1990, followed by a Master’s in Educational Technology and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary. Over a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Dr. Spohn has served as a teacher, guidance counsellor, program manager, education officer, superintendent, and director of education. During her tenure at the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board, she championed teacher development and the implementation of Religious Education courses. As an early advocate for e-learning, she contributed to provincial e-learning initiatives and later supported Catholic education through her work with the Canadian Catholic School Trustee Association. Dr. Spohn’s contributions exemplify the values we strive to instill in St. Jerome’s students.
2023 - Father James (Jim) Donogue, C.R., PhD, BA '78
Fr. Jim graduated from St. Jerome’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at St. Peter’s Seminary at the University of Western Ontario, and his Master of Theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. In 2000, he received his doctorate in Systemic Theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He taught Theology at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland for 26 years. He was Mount St. Mary’s Head Hockey Coach for 24 years – a love for the sport nurtured as a player on the St. Jerome’s varsity team. Fr. Jim has co-authored a book and written innumerable articles, chapters, and reviews throughout his career. Fr. Jim is presently serving as Rector of the Congregation of the Resurrection (C.R.) Seminary, Tanzanian Formation House, in Morogoro, Tanzania, and is the current Superior of the C.R. Tanzanian Mission in East Africa where he supports a growing and thriving mission with 20 Resurrectionist seminarians.
2020 - Cheri Chevalier, BA '96
2019 - Paul Do Forno, BA '95
2018 - Michael Farwell, BA '97
Nomination Criteria
Sister Leon White, SSND, Early Alumni Excellence Award
- Be a graduate from St. Jerome's University at the University of Waterloo
- Distinguished themselves through a significant record of professional and community contributions in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of St. Jerome’s University.
- Maximum of 15 years post-graduation to be considered.
Father Norm Choate, C.R., Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
- Be a graduate from St. Jerome's University at the University of Waterloo
- Distinguished themselves through a significant record of professional and community contributions in alignment with the mission, vision, and values of St. Jerome’s University.
- Minimum of 15 years post-graduation before consideration
Nomination Form
St. Jerome’s University welcomes nominations from anyone familiar with the work, character and/or achievements of the award candidate.
Selection Process
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Call for nominations continues throughout the year. Friends, family, colleagues, staff and faculty members, alumni, and community members may nominate candidates.
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The Selection Committee will be responsible for reviewing all the nominations and select the award recipient.
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The award recipient will be notified following the selection process.