University of Dayton School of Law Campus Minister Sister Mary Louise Foley has been honored by the University’s Center for Social Concern with this year’s annual Miryam Award.

The Miryam Award recognizes UD faculty, staff, and students who embody the image of Mary as they work on the behalf of the women of the university community. The honor comes with $1,000 to be given to a fund or organization of the recipient’s choosing that will help improve the climate for women on campus.

“One of the main things we look at when considering candidates for this award is work that goes above and beyond the person’s required duties here at the university,” said Selena Hilemon, coordinator of community outreach for the Center for Social Concern.

Foley came to UD as a full-time employee in 1991 and worked in the Family of Mary office. She joined campus ministry, which she says she enjoys because there are a variety of things to do – from organizing retreats to working with the Thomas More Society – and lots of people – students, faculty, staff, and alumni alike – who are eager to engage in activities that will make a positive difference around campus and the city.

One of Foley’s favorite projects, and the program to which she is directing her award money, is the Hand in Hand program, which supports single pregnant female students so that they can remain in school and make positive choices.

“It takes courage to go through those nine months without, perhaps, the support that other pregnant women have,” she said. “I like to help to make that road smoother.”

Foley also enjoys the collective spirit that keeps the program running. She said that many people help in many different ways, mentioning an individual who knits baby blankets for the mothers, and another who arranges for cribs to be donated, and others who help drive the mothers to and from doctors’ appointments.

When asked why it’s important to have such a program at UD, she said that it’s a program that most universities probably ought to have, then added “We talk about being a family and a community, so this program reflects our philosophy.”

At the School of Law, Foley said that her favorite aspect of her job is “having the chance to help with the preparation of [law students’] marriage,” through the FOCCUS program.

“It’s helpful for them to discover areas that maybe they haven’t had the chance to talk about yet or the chance to talk about things they don’t agree on.”

She also enjoys meeting students’ spouses, and said, “It’s important to involve them.”