Catholic Education Foundation ‘Salutes’ Sister Susan

Posted by Kacie Emmerson

Award

16 Comments(s)

January 6, 2023

Susan Gatz, SCN, is one of eight honorees announced for this year’s Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner, hosted by the Catholic Education Foundation. Each year, the Foundation recognizes men and women whose “Catholic education and servant leadership have propelled them in every facet of their lives, in career, faith, family, and community.”

Sister Susan is an alumna of Presentation Academy in Louisville, a preparatory school for young women that was founded by Mother Catherine Spalding and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1831. In addition to graduating as a “Pres Girl” in 1965, Sister Susan also previously taught at Presentation Academy.

“Catholic school alumni are major contributors to the health, welfare and economic vitality of Louisville and the entire region,” according to the Foundation. “The Salute to Catholic School Alumni is designed to spotlight, for the civic and corporate communities, the impact that Catholic schools have had on the development of many of this community’s most significant leaders.”

Sister Susan has said that her time at Presentation nurtured her vocation to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, entering the Congregation right after graduation. Her many years with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth were highlighted in a letter nominating her for the alumni recognition, praising her as a leader and visionary.

Sister Susan led the Congregation’s Western Province from 2002 to 2007 and then served as vice president (2008-2013) and president (2013-2018), during which time she provided leadership, administration and coordination for domestic and international missions. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth minister in the United States, India, Belize, Nepal, Botswana and Kenya, providing education and health care to vulnerable communities and advocating for social justice and equality.

Sister Susan has continued to serve in leadership capacities with the Congregation’s Visioning and Ecological Sustainability committees, which focus on the future of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse Campus as well as the Congregation’s ecological impacts and green initiatives.

“Sister Susan is a strong woman leader that has led the SCNs through complex transitions for all women religious around the world,” her nominator praised.

Other honorees for the 2023 dinner are:

  • William Pike “Bill” Conway, Jr., almunus of St. Joseph School
  • Dr. Cynthia R. Crabtree, alumna of Angela Merici High School
  • Hon. Audra J. Eckerle, alumna of Sacred Heart Academy
  • Thomas A. Perrone, alumnus of Saint Xavier High School
  • Patrick M. Potter, alumnus of Trinity High School
  • Greg M. Gitschier, recipient of the 2023 Community Service Award
  • Terry R. Rogan, recipient of the 2023 Father Joseph McGee Award

The eight will be honored on March 8, 2023, at the 33rd annual Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner themed “Growing a Legacy of Excellence.” The event will be held in Louisville and also serves as a major fundraiser to provide tuition assistance to elementary school families.

16 Comments

  1. Stella
    Stella on January 18, 2023 at 11:11 am

    Congratulations, Susan. You deserve it. Your look so beautiful and gracious. Thank you for all that you have done and are doing for us. You are great.

    Reply
  2. Joanne Sylvester
    Joanne Sylvester on January 9, 2023 at 1:25 pm

    Congratulations, Susan! A wonderful and well deserved honor.

    Reply
  3. Whitney Wurzel
    Whitney Wurzel on January 9, 2023 at 1:23 pm

    Way to go, Sr. Susan! Such a well-deserved honor.

    Reply
  4. Eugenie Coakley scna
    Eugenie Coakley scna on January 8, 2023 at 12:09 pm

    Congratulations, Sr. Susan on this recognition of your life’s work and call to mission!

    Reply
    • Gracy Mlakuzhyil
      Gracy Mlakuzhyil on January 11, 2023 at 10:43 pm

      Congratulations to you Sr Susan. I join you to thank God for all the good work you have done.
      Gracy Mlakuzhyil

      Reply
  5. Vinaya Chalil
    Vinaya Chalil on January 8, 2023 at 1:48 am

    Congratulations Susan. You deserve it. We are proud of you.

    Reply
  6. Ann Palatty
    Ann Palatty on January 8, 2023 at 12:49 am

    Congratulations, Susan. You are a strong leader.

    Reply
  7. Martha Walsh SCN
    Martha Walsh SCN on January 7, 2023 at 4:39 pm

    I rejoice with you ! Keep dancing.

    Reply
    • BettyBlandford scn
      BettyBlandford scn on January 8, 2023 at 3:44 pm

      So proud of all you do! You do Pres well!

      Reply
  8. Ann Susan Villa
    Ann Susan Villa on January 7, 2023 at 1:13 pm

    Congratulations, Sister Susan and Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Ancilla
    Ancilla on January 7, 2023 at 12:31 am

    Congratulation dear Susan. I am proud of you.

    Reply
  10. Christine Beckett
    Christine Beckett on January 6, 2023 at 9:54 pm

    Congratulations, Susan!!! Well deserved and so proud of you being selected by Pres!

    Reply
  11. Mary Anne Burkardt, SCN
    Mary Anne Burkardt, SCN on January 6, 2023 at 8:35 pm

    Congratulations Susan on this well deserved award!! Great article and picture 🙂 Right proud to be your ‘sister’…Mary Anne

    Reply
    • Roselyn
      Roselyn on January 6, 2023 at 11:32 pm

      Congratulations Susan..you deserve it and we are proud of you

      Reply
  12. Martha Borders
    Martha Borders on January 6, 2023 at 8:32 pm

    Congratulations to you and for being the gift you are to others! Blessing …

    Reply
  13. Bro. Ignatius Perkins OP, PhD, RN
    Bro. Ignatius Perkins OP, PhD, RN on January 6, 2023 at 8:15 pm

    Dear Susan:

    Congratulations! Well earned; well deserved!

    Stay safe, be well, preach peace!

    Reply

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