honors | ACCU Peace and Justice

The Ignatian Solidarity Network honored Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, with the Robert M. Holstein Faith Doing Justice Award. The Holstein Award honors one individual each year “who has demonstrated a significant commitment to leadership for social justice grounded in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).”

Patricia McGuire was named the president of Trinity Washington University (then Trinity College) in 1989. She helped to rebuild the college by reaching out to black and Hispanic women of Washington, transforming the college into a multifaceted university. Today, Trinity serves as an example of how to widen collegiate access and welcome students who have lived on the margins. Over 2,000 students are enrolled in degree programs and 3,000 are in Trinity’s continuing education programs. School enrollment is 67 percent African American, 21 percent Hispanic, 6 percent white and 6 percent international.

McGuire is an advocate for women and social justice, committed to the transformative power of education. To learn more about McGuire and the award, read the full article from the Ignatian Solidarity Network.

Georgetown University won the White House’s Interfaith Community Service Award in the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, an honor that recognizes institutions of higher education that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus community partnerships. The Honor Roll’s Presidential Award is the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for its commitment to community, service-learning, and civic engagement. The award recognizes the work of three organizations at Georgetown, the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service (CSJ), the Office of Campus Ministry, and the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs.

Gonzaga University was also honored as a finalist by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for their commitment to improving educational outcomes for children and youth. Of the over 776 higher education institutions named to the Honor Roll, only 16 were named finalists. Gonzaga is recognized for their service addressing school readiness, strengthening schools, boost high school graduation rates and preparation for higher education.

Congratulations to Georgetown University and Gonzaga University for their work in community service!