The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill will be recognized with the Seton Hill University Presidential Medal of Distinction.  The Sisters of Charity become only the third recipient to be so honored.  The Medal will be presented to the Sisters of Charity as part of the historic Centennial Commencement Program on May 12, 2018. 

“The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill remain extraordinary partners in our shared mission to educate students in the tradition of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton to think and act critically, creatively, and ethically as productive members of society committed to transforming the world,” said Mary C. Finger, Seton Hill University President. “As Seton Hill celebrates its 100-year history, The Presidential Medal of Distinction recognizes our partnership with the Sisters of Charity and celebrates their pioneering vision to charter a four-year college and their inspiring leadership that continues to permeate and advance all we do at the university.”

Sr. Catherine Meinert, S.C., Provincial Superior and President of the U.S. Province of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill said, “The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill are truly honored to receive the Seton Hill University Presidential Medal of Distinction.”

Meinert continued, “As it was in 1918, so too, it is in 2018—the history of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill is linked with the university. We remain part of Seton Hill and its enterprise to educate students. As alumnae, faculty members, and trustees, the Sisters of Charity are proud to be part of Seton Hill University as it pursues its mission in the spirit of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.” 

Ruth Grant, Chair of the Seton Hill University Board of Trustees and alumna of Seton Hill said, “How fitting it is to honor the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill with the Presidential Medal of Distinction. During this historical Centennial Commencement, we are pleased to celebrate the Sisters’ boundless and transformative contributions in advancing Seton Hill. Indeed, their tireless commitment to the mission of the university regardless of challenges, brings to life in a compelling way the Seton family’s motto, and our Seton Hill motto, “Hazard yet Forward.”

The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill were founded by Mother Superior Aloysia Lowe, who, on August 7, 1882, purchased 200 rolling acres of farmland in Greensburg, Pa., to be the site of a Mother House for the Sisters in the region. Known locally as the Jennings farm, Mother Aloysia rechristened the estate “Seton Hill,” in honor of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the Sisters of Charity who would become the first American saint. The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, who incorporated in 1885, would soon open educational institutions on the site to educate girls and boys as well as conservatories of art and music, a junior college, and finally, in 1918, Seton Hill College, a four-year institution for women.  Through the entrepreneurial spirit of the Sisters of Charity, Seton Hill has grown to become a co-educational university of more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students from 49 states and territories and 22 foreign countries.

The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill will receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction during undergraduate Centennial Commencement Exercises, scheduled for 10:30 a.m.,Saturday, May 12 in the McKenna Center on Seton Hill’s Greensburg campus.  Sr. Catherine Meinert, S.C. will accept the Medal on behalf of the Sisters and will serve as the Centennial Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2018, their families and invited guests.