JENKINTOWN, Pa. – On January 26, Manor College held its 15th annual Founders Day, where more than 150 people from the Manor community gathered for three different events on campus to commemorate this day.
Nicholas Rudnytzky, chair of Adult and Continuing Education and Founders Day master of ceremonies, stated “This is a wonderful annual tradition when the college gathers and collectively reflects upon its roots and heritage. It is such a blessing that our founders, the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, come over and see that their labor of love, the only Ukrainian Catholic institution of Higher Learning in the United States, under the stewardship of Dr. Jonathan Peri, is doing precisely what they had in mind over 70 years ago, that is, fostering reverence, respect and instilling the virtue of service to others in the next generation of leaders. Secure in the certitude of where we come from inspires us to move with confidence and conviction into our ever more ambitious future.”
Each year on Founders Day, two prestigious awards are given: the Mother Josaphat Medal and the Educator of the Year. In the months leading up to the yearly tradition, faculty and staff members nominate students who portray strength of character, willingness to serve and the qualities that embody the mission of Manor College for the Mother Josaphat Medal. Students have the opportunity to nominate outstanding faculty members for the Educator of the Year award.
Another important aspect of Founders Day is the presentation of a large donation from the Manor College community to a specific charity. For the 15th Annual Founders Day, the selected charity was the Manor College Bird Feed, a brand new on-campus food pantry to benefit the Manor College community. The Manor community collected 300 pounds of canned goods, food and toiletries for the Bird Feed and presented the donation to the Bird Feed on January 26.
Six students selected as finalists
This year, the six Mother Josaphat Medal finalists were: Melisa Phung, Jeffray Funchess, Amy Daskilewicz, Olena Prikhodko, Jessica Sant-Ana and Marta Penkalskyj. Each was nominated multiple times and was extraordinary in what she or he are achieving on and off campus in terms of service and making the world a better place.
Ms. Phung not only excels academically, but also possesses traits of charity and service. She works as a group leader at a Korean summer camp and volunteers at a rehabilitation center, working with patients on improving their diets. At Manor, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and has been named a Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship Finalist.
An RA and a campus leader, Mr. Funchess is an accounting major who continually goes above and beyond to offer help to anyone he encounters. He is always thinking of ways to support students and find engaging and motivating activities for them. Mr. Funchess has volunteered in elementary schools and day care centers, and teaches self-defense class to children. Currently, he is working on several projects to assist the homeless in learning skills and trades.
Ms. Daskilewicz is a very involved student who is vice-president of the Senate, president of the Campus Activities Board, a student ambassador and president of the Campus Ministry. A veterinary technology major, her passion for animals and for Manor College is evident. She is a stellar student.
Marta Penkalskyj, winner of the 2018 Mother Josaphat Medal, with Manor College President Dr. Jonathan Peri at the college’s Founders Day event.
Ms. Prikhodko is a part of the post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate program. She is an active member of both the Justice Studies Association and Rotaract. She has started several fund-raisers, including the Halloween collection, during which several members of the Manor College community went trick or treating for canned goods for the Bird Feed. Outside of Manor, she interns for the Law Offices of Cataldi and Associates. She tutors in the Learning Commons.
Ms. Sant-Ana also is enrolled in the post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate program. She is very involved at Manor, and spends a great deal of time volunteering in the Justice Studies Association and Rotaract Club. Originally from Brazil, she also assists others who are having problems with their citizenship status and participates in the immigration clinic run by Prof. Mary Sims.
While all six finalists are excellent students, each year it is the duty of the Manor College Founders Day Committee to select one student to be the Mother Josaphat Medal winner.
The 2018 Mother Josaphat Medal winner is Ms. Penkalskyj, a sophomore liberal arts student. She is a graduate of St. Basil Academy, and is involved in a great deal of volunteering. She spends her summers in Ukraine with the St. Sophia Association, teaching English to Ukrainian orphans, refugees and children in need. At Manor, she is involved in several clubs, including the Campus Activities Board and Hands on History. She also works in the Ukrainian Nest every Saturday. Ms. Penkalskyj emulates responsibility, dedication and service in all she does!
Ms. Penkalskyj stated, “When I came to Manor College I found a beautiful community of professors, administrators and staff, and fellow students who have become like a second family. Not only have I been able to find the direction for my life through my classes and activities at Manor, but I have felt a wonderful warmth and sense of encouragement from everyone around me. Being awarded the Mother Josaphat Medal is an amazing honor. I have been privileged to be surrounded by wonderful fellow students, and I will strive to live my life according to the tenets that the medal represents.”
Educator of the Year
Marc Minnick, chair of Business, Technology and Legal Studies Division was awarded the Educator of the Year award. This student-nominated award honors the selected faculty member who received the most votes. Jamal Utqi, one of Prof. Minnick’s students said, “Prof. Minnick is one of the greatest teachers I’ve had the privilege to be around. He is an all around great person.”
Prof. Minnick responded, “Being recognized for doing something you truly love is an honor. I am grateful that so many students took the time to nominate me!”
About Manor College
Located in suburban Philadelphia, Manor College is America’s only institution of higher education with a Ukrainian heritage. Manor is a private two-year college offering more than 30 associate degree programs in allied health, science and math; business technology and legal studies; and the liberal arts to traditional age and adult students. It describes itself as a small college that offers big opportunities and a stellar education – one with small classes full of big thinkers, and a big-hearted community ready to challenge all students to reach and grow. For more information, go to www.manor.edu.