We appreciate all of the support we received for the 17th Mater Christi Award Gala. Thanks to your generosity, Immaculata Academy raised over $110,000 toward scholarships and tuition assistance for our students.
Each year since 1993, the Board of Trustees of Immaculata Academy has held its annual gala to honor deserving community members with its prestigious Mater Christi Award. The premiere event of the southtowns, the 17th Mater Christi Award Gala was held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Michael’s Banquet Facility in Hamburg. This year’s event honored the Most Rev. Edward U. Kmiec, Bishop of Buffalo, Cheryl Kemp Klass ’73, president of Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, and Judy MacDonald, principal of Southtowns Catholic School, for exemplifying the mission of Immaculata Academy.
Bishop Edward Urban Kmiec is honored for his dedication to Catholic education and his service to Western New York. An example of his leadership includes collaborating on new initiatives to ensure the tradition of Catholic schools in Western New York remains strong. Bishop Kmiec was installed as the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo on October 28, 2004 at St. Joseph Cathedral. He provides spiritual leadership to Catholics in the eight county diocese, ministering to 690,000 people. Through its parishes, Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, Catholic Health and countless other ministries, the Diocese of Buffalo lives out Bishop Kmiec's motto of "Charity and Service" each and every day.
Bishop Kmiec has received a number of honors since arriving in Buffalo in 2004. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from Canisius College, Niagara University, St. Bonaventure University and D’Youville College. The Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation presented him with the Sister Mary Mechtilde Memorial Award and in 2007, he was given the Cure of Ars Award for his service to Christ the King Seminary.
Cheryl Kemp Klass, an alumna of Immaculata Academy’s class of 1973, is recognized for her steadfast commitment to her community, specifically to the health and well-being of women and children.
Cheryl was named president of Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and vice president for Kaleida Health in 2004. She has an extensive background in hospital operations, particularly in women’s and children’s services. Cheryl has volunteered for the American Heart Association, serving on the Board of Directors, as well as chairing the Go Red for Women Luncheon event. She has also served on the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Boards of Directors. She currently serves on the D’Youville College Board of Trustees, and the Irish Classical Theatre Company Board of Trustees. Cheryl received the 2007 “Women of Influence” award from Business First newspaper, as well as the President’s Distinction from Niagara University in 2006. She most recently received the “Trailblazers Award” from the Buffalo and Erie County Arts Council for developing an Artists-in-Residence Program at Women & Children’s Hospital.
Judy MacDonald has been an advocate for Catholic education throughout her career; her dedication is evident in her tireless years of service as a teacher, administrator, mentor and diocesan director.
Currently, Judy serves her community as principal of Southtowns Catholic School in Lake View. She brings her philosophy of education, based on “To Teach as Jesus Did,” to all aspects of her role as administrator. She believes educators must create a harmonious, positive and nurturing learning environment grounded in the gospel message, mutual respect among teachers, parents, students and administration so all students may achieve academic success. The numerous students she has influenced over her many years in Catholic education are proof of her commitment to this approach to spiritual, moral and academic development.
She holds an MS in Administration and Supervision from Canisius College, as well as, Bachelor of Professional Studies from Empire State College. Judy also attended Niagara University.
Those interested in attending the award gala or becoming a sponsor may contact Immaculata Academy’s Office of Institutional Advancement at (716) 648-4307.
2009 Mater Christi Co-Chairs
Cochairs Announced for 17th Mater Christi Award Gala
Lake View residents Mark & Linda Hooper, along with Hamburg residents Gary and Michelle Brady will serve as co chairs for the 17th annual Mater Christi Award Gala on October 7 at Michael’s Banquet Facility.
Mark Hooper is a registered professional engineer employed with National Fuel Gas for 28 years. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2000 and assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and South Buffalo Mercy Hospital. He is currently on the Immaculata Academy Board of Trustees.
Linda is a Registered Nurse by education and has worked as the secretary at Our Lady of Perpetual Help since 1996. She is a member of the Permanent Diaconate Team and Facilitator, and also serves as a Eucharistic Minister.
The Hooper’s have been members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help since 1990. Their past activities include Immaculata Academy Parent Guild members, St. Francis Justinian Auction Co-Chairs, St. Francis High School Parent Guild Board Members, and Parish MISSION Leaders.
Gary Brady is registered Pharmacist currently employed as a Medical Outcomes Specialist with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He obtained his MBA from University of Buffalo in 1993 and is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Pharmacy from Shenandoah University. His past community involvement includes Co-President Immaculata Parent Guild, Member of the Saints Peter and Paul Parents Guild and St Francis High School Parent Guild. He was the President of the Knobby Knoll Cottage Cooperative Association, President of the SSPP Hockey Program, and a member of the Erie Country Mental Health Association.
Michelle is a Registered Nurse who currently enjoys being a stay-at-home mom raising their four children. Her volunteer activities include being a member (past President) of the SSPP Parent Guild, member (past Co-President) of the Immaculata Parent Guild, and member of the St Francis High School Parent Guild. She has also served as a leader for the Bishops Committee Discussion Group and Mothers’ Group.
The Brady’s have been members of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Hamburg, since 1989 where they have been co-leaders of the Marriage Ministry Program and co-Chairpersons of the Capital Campaign Fund.
All proceeds raised at the Mater Christi Award Gala benefit the young women of Immaculata Academy by funding scholarships, tuition assistance and academic programs. Those interested in attending or supporting the event as a sponsor or patron, should contact the school’s department of institutional advancement at 648-4307.
