The Jesuit Mother’s Luncheon brings together mothers of alumni and mothers of current students to celebrate the gift that Jesuit mothers are, have been, and continue to be to the community. Four women in particular were honored with the Alma Mater Award for their special contributions of time and talent, which have shaped school culture in tremendous ways.

The honorees for the 2019-2020 Alma Mater Awards are Judy Abadin, Georgann Dufour, Barbara Holstein, and Alison James.

Read the Bios for the 2020 Alma Mater Award Recipients

View the List of Past and Current Alma Mater Award Honorees

View the Photo Gallery of the Patron Party

View the Photo Gallery of the Mother’s Luncheon

Jesuit mothers had the campus all to themselves on Tuesday, Jan. 21, with the faculty being away on retreat and students enjoying an extended holiday. The event brought together two formerly separate events, the Alma Mater Awards luncheon and the Mothers’ Coffee.

The patron party, which began at 10:30 a.m. in St. Ignatius Hall, featured passed hors d’oeurves and refreshments and allowed the honorees to visit with guests and family before the luncheon. The event also included beautiful piano music by Jesuit alumnus Patrick LaCour ’15.

Working their way downstairs for the luncheon, patrons had the opportunity to view a special wall-display honoring the life of Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. ’58. Many of the Jesuit mothers loved Br. Dardis and enjoyed the opportunity to see the tribute on the day of the Mothers’ Luncheon, which was always one of Brother’s favorite events.

The luncheon began at 11:30 a.m. in a Student Commons that was wonderfully transformed into a banquet room. Jesuit students generously offered their time as volunteers for the event – Marine Corps ROTC cadets greeted the guests, National Honor Society volunteers served food, and the Jesuit Jazz Band and Barbershop Blue Jays entertained guests with spirited music.

Jesuit offers a special thanks to the Mother’s Luncheon chair Cindy Wooderson and co-chair Julie Vanderbrook and the cast of volunteers whose efforts made the event such a wonderful day of connection.