For Dallas Post

Sr. Patricia McCann, RSM, Ed.D., professor emeritus at Misericordia University, center, is flanked by Sister Martha Hanlon, RSM, member of the Misericordia University Board of Trustees, left, and The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop, Diocese of Scranton, right, following the presentation of the Catherine McAuley Medal during the 90th commencement ceremonies held on the campus May 21.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_McCann-McAuley-Medal.jpg.optimal.jpgSr. Patricia McCann, RSM, Ed.D., professor emeritus at Misericordia University, center, is flanked by Sister Martha Hanlon, RSM, member of the Misericordia University Board of Trustees, left, and The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop, Diocese of Scranton, right, following the presentation of the Catherine McAuley Medal during the 90th commencement ceremonies held on the campus May 21.

DALLAS — Misericordia University faculty member Patricia Marie McCann, RSM, Ed.D., associate professor emeritus of teacher education, was awarded the Catherine McAuley Medal during the university’s 90th commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 21.

The McAuley Medal is Misericordia University’s highest honor. It recognizes significant service to others in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, as well as a commitment to the ideals and goals of the university and the values to which it aspires. A member of the Religious Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Region, McCann began her career at Misericordia in 1985 as coordinator of the Alternative Learner’s Project and an instructor of professional studies. She was named an associate professor of teacher education in 1990.

In 2001, she instituted the Student Teaching Experiences Abroad program at Misericordia, which offers student teachers the opportunity to study and teach in Ireland. She also developed “Project Approach,” a program she began in 2006 that links students from Misericordia early childhood education classes with elementary students at the Little Meadows Learning Center and Gate of Heaven School. She also organized “Read Across America” projects at numerous public schools throughout the region and in Ireland.

She also received the Misericordia University Alumni Association Sisters of Mercy Award in 2011. The award is given to an alumnus who best exemplifies the four charisms of the Sisters of Mercy: Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality.

Her exemplary efforts earned her two of the three highest honors awarded to Misericordia faculty – the Max and Tillie Rosenn Excellence in Teaching Award 1989 and the Pauly and Sidney Friedman Excellence in Service Award in 2011. The Friedman Award recognized her for a career of service, including ministry to the Catherine McAuley House, a shelter for homeless women and children. At the McAuley House, she has served in numerous volunteer roles since 2005, including being an overnight volunteer, coordinator of student volunteers, and most recently, as a receptionist and aide.

Upon her retirement in 2014, the Misericordia University Teacher Education Department instituted The Sr. Pat McCann Award. The academic award is given annually to recognize a student who embodies and embraces the charisms of the Sisters of Mercy – Mercy, Service, Justice and Hospitality. McCann remains active, and assists with the Dinners for Kids Program, which provides nutritionally balanced meals to underprivileged children in the region year-round. She also volunteers at the Meadows Nursing Center, where she serves lunches to patients.

A native of Hazleton, McCann currently resides in Dallas. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Misericordia University and a master’s degree from the University of Scranton. She earned her Doctorate in Education at Lehigh University.

Information provided by Misericordia University.