GMercyU Honors 2019 Distinguished Alumni Winners
Gwynedd Mercy University honored several of its outstanding graduates at its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on September 6, 2019. The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to Distinctive Mercy Graduates whose personal lives and professional success match the values and objectives of their alma mater. Five deserving individuals received the honor at this year's Distinguished Alumni Award Dinner.
Margaret Egan '73 (Elementary Education) is the principal of Saints Peter and Paul School, a position she's held since 2002. Prior to that role, Margaret served as a fourth-grade teacher for more than 30 years, during which she was recognized as a Distinguished Catholic Educator by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education. She established the first student-run TV studio, in addition to a student-run school store which brings in earnings of $4,000 per year and is used to support charities.
Kathleen Fabrizi '05 (Business Administration, Pre-Law minor) currently serves as the Battle Captain and Chief of Current Operations of the Pennsylvania National Guard Joint Emergency Operations Center. Kathleen’s career with the United States Air Force began in 1999, when she enlisted and became an A10 Propulsion Systems Specialist. Throughout her time in the Air Force, she has flown in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Unified Protector, and Unified Response, and has logged more than 1,260 flight hours. In May 2015, Kathleen was promoted to the rank of Major. In her civilian capacity, she has held various leadership positions ranging from Program Manager to Executive Director of a military-based non-profit organization.
Anne Jadwin '90 (Nursing) currently serves as Vice President of Nursing Services and the Chief Nursing Officer of Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, where she has worked since 1999. Anne has been recognized numerous times for her commitment and contributions to the nursing field, and was recently presented the Outstanding Nurse Award in 2016, which is awarded by Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. In addition to her work at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Anne is actively involved in numerous professional organizations and has authored and co-authored 20 publications.
Paul Kenny '10 (Criminal Justice) has been the Lower Gwynedd Police Chief since 2014. Prior to beginning the Criminal Justice program at GMercyU, Paul served on the Lower Gwynedd Police force since 1985. He has served in numerous roles, including a patrol officer, juvenile detective, and police lieutenant. He graduated from the Northwestern University Police Staff and Command in 2008, as well as the acclaimed FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 2009 before enrolling at GMercyU.
Renato Lajara '02, '08, '17 (Education) currently serves as the Director of Elementary Education for the Cheltenham School District. After working for his neighborhood elementary school for five years, Renato earned his master's degree in educational administration from GMercyU. He then was tasked with turning around the under-performing John B. Stetson Middle School, and later became the principal of Kensington High School. Renato earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from GMercyU in 2017 and has his sights set on becoming a superintendent.