December 8, 2000

Loyola selects Integritas Vitae Award recipient

Rita Huntsinger, community volunteer and arts patron, was the recipient of the 23rd annual Integritas Vitae Award. Loyola bestows the Integritas Vitae Award, the university's highest honor, to an individual who possesses high moral character in a lifetime of unselfish service without expectation of material reward or public recognition. Huntsinger received the award at the Benefactors' Tribute held on campus November 16.

A member of Loyola's Board of Trustees and the chair of the College of Music Visiting Committee, Huntsinger has personified the criteria of this award through a life of integrity. In addition to the university, many other nonprofits in New Orleans have benefited from her generous volunteer support. She has served as a board member and auxiliary president for Touro Infirmary. As a volunteer, she has worked with the New Orleans Home and Rehabilitation Center, Hospice New Orleans, and the American Red Cross. She also was a member of the United Way Cabinet, where she was in charge of special gifts.

A fervent supporter of the arts in New Orleans, she is well known for her work with music organizations. When, for instance, the symphony had no money she continued to work as a volunteer. In addition to her indefatigable and invaluable work as a volunteer, she has contributed as generously with her money as with her time. She has established an endowed scholarship and has contributed to a number of funds in the College of Music.

This past October, Hunstinger's husband, Merl, honored her by establishing the Rita Odenheimer Huntsinger Distinguished Professorship in Music. She was instrumental in coordinating the phenomenally successful "Loyola at the Met" fund-raiser and establishing the Loyola Music Society.

In nominating Huntsinger, one person wrote, "Rita epitomizes the criteria of this award and has lived a life of integrity which is evident in her support of many nonprofits in the city and through her work as a volunteer."

Recipients of this award have demonstrated courage of convictions and adherence to the principles of honesty, integrity, justice, and preservation of human dignity throughout their lifetimes. Past Integritas Vitae recipients include: Phil Johnson, 1999; Sunny Norman, 1998; Ronald W. Busuttil, M.D., 1997; Elizabeth Valker Lauricella and Frank B. Stewart, Jr., 1996; Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin, 1994; John F. Bricker, 1993; Rosa Freeman Keller, 1992; Frank Purvis, 1991; Dr. Jack A. Andonie, 1990; Robert L. Howard, 1989; James R. Moffett, 1988; Monsignor Roger P. Morin, 1987; Dr. Norman C. Francis, 1986; Sr. Anthony Barczykowski, D.C., 1985; Mother Teresa of Calcutta, 1984; Verna Satterlee Landrieu, 1984; Mrs. Martin O. Miller, 1983; Francis C. Doyle, 1982; Alden J. Laborde, 1981; Margaret Lauer, 1980; Sr. Mary David Stier, O.P., 1979; Alton Ochsner, 1978; and Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, 1977.