May 1997

Academic scholar and community activist headline commencement

Administrator, educator and civic activist Brother Patrick Ellis, F.S.C., is the 1997 University Commencement speaker. The president of Catholic University of America, Ellis also will receive an honorary degree during the ceremony on May 18. An honorary degree also will be presented to Sister M. Isolina Ferré, MSBT, missionary servant of the Most Blessed Trinity.

Ellis has been president of Catholic University since 1992. Previously, he was president of La Salle University for 15 years. He began his academic career in 1958 when he served as a guidance counselor for West Catholic High School in Miami. After serving as principal of the high school, he joined the staff of La Salle University in 1960 and moved through the ranks, from assistant professor to president in 1977. He left La Salle briefly to served as principal of La Salle College High School in Miami in 1962.

Ellis is on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education and is former chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. He serves as a board of trustee member of five colleges and high schools. Since 1992 he has been director of the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He received a doctorate and masters in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor of arts from Catholic University of America.

Sister M. Isolina Ferré, a native of Puerto Rico, is often referred to as the "Mother Theresa" of her country. Presently she is the chief executive officer of Centros Sor Isolina Ferré, Inc., and has been responsible for combating juvenile delinquency, strengthening the family, and fostering the revitalization of the community to help solve social problems. Sister Ferré has taken her philosophy through towns in Ponce, Rio Piedras, Guayama as well as 16 housing projects throughout Puerto Rico.

She is recognized worldwide as an activist for human rights. James Joseph, U.S. ambassador to South Africa wrote, recently, "People around the world who are trying to combat violence, build community, and promote civil society, are taking notice, wondering what Sister Isolina's secret is." For her lifetime commitment to others, Sister Ferré has received numerous awards. Most notable is the Alexis de Tocqueville Award from the United Way which recognizes individuals for outstanding volunteer service in their communities or on a national level.

Sister Ferré received a master of arts in sociology from Fordham University and a bachelor of arts from St. Joseph's College for Women. The honorary degree from Loyola will make the 17th time she has received such an honor.