President Monsignor Stuart Swetland and Donnelly students at SHINE
Once a year, Donnelly students, supporters, alumni, friends, faculty and staff gather to celebrate the College and raise funds supporting student scholarships at SHINE.
The ninth annual event, held at the Sheraton Crown Center Exhibit Hall, featured a special presentation honoring Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Phil '62 and Mary Jo Doherty were the event chairs and formally greeted guests to the evening's program.
This year marks Naumann's 40th year of priesthood and 10th year as Archbishop. His formal recognition from Donnelly President Monsignor Stuart Swetland included a book with well wishes and photos from parishes and ministries around the Archdiocese.
"Donnelly College is a great jewel in the Archdiocese," he said. "It helps individuals. It creates opportunities for them to develop the gifts and talents that God has entrusted to them so that they in turn can use those gifts in a way to provide for themselves or their families. They become great citizens, great members of church communities and great leaders in our metropolitan area."
Nearly 600 guests enjoyed the evening — particularly reacting to a four-person panel of current Donnelly students.
"Finding the school that's right for you is really hard," said student Stephanie Garfio. "I walked into Donnelly and they knew me.... This just feels like home. This is where you want to be."
The panelists agreed that Donnelly feels like a second home to them.
"Coming to Donnelly helps me grown not only academically, but spiritually too, and I'm thankful for that," said student Josh-Lynn Bruce.