George K. McGuire (1918 – 1972) was appointed to the faculty of the Education Center (now the School of Education) at Saint Xavier College in 1959 after receiving the Ph.D. degree from the University of Chicago. Promoted to the rank of Professor in 1962, he served as Director of the Education Center from 1969 through 1971. Prior to his association with the College (now a University), Dr. McGuire was Assistant Principal of the Laboratory School of the University of Chicago, where he served on the faculty. He taught at Loyola University and in the Chicago Public Schools and was published in the field of education. In addition to his academic and scholarly contributions, George McGuire was a caring and humane person. A thoughtful speaker himself, he encouraged his students to speak well. A focused listener, Dr. McGuire encouraged his students to listen carefully and actively. A generous teacher, George McGuire was a model for students in a teacher preparation program.
Each year, the School of Education celebrates the contributions of the late Professor McGuire by recognizing an alumnus for distinguished service to Saint Xavier University and the field of education. In addition, a $100 gift certificate to the SXU Bookstore is presented to an undergraduate student who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. McGuire.
Beverly Gulley, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education of Saint Xavier University, is proud to announce that Mariagnes Menden and Carolyn Majorowski have been named co-recipients of the 2009 George K. McGuire Award and Stephanie Strubin has received the McGuire Undergraduate Student Award. The winners will be honored at the Saint Xavier University Homecoming on Sept. 25, 2009.
This year the School of Education recognizes Mariagnes Menden and Carolyn Majorowski as co-recipients of the McGuire Award. Both received master's degrees in Educational Administration from Saint Xavier University. Ms. Menden also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Music from SXU and has shared her talents with the SXU community for many years, playing at liturgies and with the orchestra. Ms. Majorowski is an accomplished artist, sharing her talent in the fine arts with the school and parish. Experienced teachers and administrators, Ms. Menden and Ms. Majorowski are now co-principals of St. Nicholas of Tolentine School in Chicago where they work extensively with teacher candidates, treating them with respect and compassion as they prepare to join the teaching profession. Ms Menden and Majorowski also serve the profession by participating in conference presentations with School of Education faculty members, utilizing scholarship and experience to advance best practice, modeling and encouraging professional development for their own faculty members. In recognition of their outstanding service to Catholic schools, they were awarded the Archdiocesan Leadership Award in 2001-2002.
Ms. Menden and Ms. Majorowski will be honored as Distinguished Alumna at the 2009 Homecoming ceremonies.
Stephanie Strubin of Chicago is a senior in the elementary education program. In Fall 2007, she studied abroad in Galway, Ireland and visited Rome, London, and Paris. Ms Strubin enjoys traveling and the broader perspective gained from seeing other cultures. A faculty member saluted Ms. Strubin's personal qualities and professional dispositions: "Stephanie is a conscientious student who is eager to learn and assists other students in class. She is also a dedicated student worker who responds to any needs of faculty, staff, or students with grace and efficiency." Ms. Strubin demonstrates the qualities that are celebrated in honoring an undergraduate student with the McGuire Student Award.
Dean Gulley commented: "We are pleased to honor the memory of Dr. McGuire by recognizing his legacy as it is reflected in this year's McGuire Award recipients, Ms. Menden, Ms. Majorowski, and Ms. Strubin."
| 2008 | Judith Parker Mastin, MA ’04 | 1990 | Margaret Carey, B.A. |
| 2007 | David Hollander | 1989 | Paula Olszewski-Kublius, Ph.D. |
| 2006 | Brian Fogerty | 1988 | Sister Corinne Raven, Ph.D. |
| 2005 | Rita Ford | 1987 | Mary Ann Boreczky, M.A. |
| 2005 | Patricia Daley Martino | 1986 | Sister Lucille McKillop, Ph.D. |
| 2004 | John Nieciak | 1985 | Richard E. Guerin, M.A. |
| 2003 | Mary Kean Coffey | 1984 | Sister M. Brian Costello, M.A. |
| 2002 | Katherine Panko, M.A. | 1983 | Mildred R. Gladney, M.A. |
| 2001 | Sue Parker, Ph. D. | 1981 | Sister Irenaeus Chekouras, Ph.D. |
| 2000 | Maureen Connolly, M.A. | 1982 | Gregory Washington, Ph.D. |
| 1999 | Deborah C. Pope, M.A. | 1980 | Susan Catania, B.A. |
| 1998 | Kevin C. Cronin, M.A. | 1979 | Laverne Klotz, M.A. |
| 1997 | Jack Balderman, M.A. | 1978 | Reverend John Krump, M.A. |
| 1996 | Mary Ellen Gavin, M.A. | 1977 | Sister Dominic Merwick, M.A. |
| 1995 | Sister Nancy Cahill, Ed. D. | 1976 | Marita Hogan, Ed.D. |
| 1993 | Kevin Burns, M.A. | 1975 | Margaret Harrigan, Ed.D. |
| 1992 | Mary Walsh Mikolajewski, M.A. | 1974 | Kaye Siblik, M.A. |
| 1991 | Patricia Schultz, M.A. | 1972 | Gloria Walsh, M.A. |
