Emily Klein
2009 Recipient of the Maureen E. O'Rourke Marianist Student Award
Acceptance Speech
Good evening, everyone. Let me first begin by thanking the Office of the Rector and the Marianists at UD for choosing me to receive this award. I am grateful for and humbled by your selection. When receiving an award like this, one that praises something good that you are doing, it is easy for me to become overconfident in that goodness. So, I see this as an opportunity to check my humility.
I also want to sincerely congratulate the other nominees and praise their examples of the Marianist charism at UD. I deeply admire Lori’s desire to use her education to impact the world. James’s love of and skill for mentoring younger students in a true Marianist spirit is something we could all learn to do more of. Liz’s openness and acceptance of others has changed my life. Caitlin’s commitment to social justice has encouraged me to become more involved in the issues I care about. Maryjo is an example that you truly can care about each individual you encounter. Jessica personifies love. Lauren Cook exemplifies Marianist mission with her desire to change the status quo. Lauren Hackman’s commitment to prayer is an expression of the reliance we should all have on God. From these eight people, all of you in this room and countless other lay and vowed Marianists on campus, I have learned what it means to live in the spirit of Mary’s enfleshment of Christ in the world.
I have a memory deep in my mind of sitting on Stuart Hill in the hot summer sun when I was probably five or six eating a turkey sub from Milano’s. My parents often brought us to Dayton to enjoy what I have a memory deep in my mind of sitting on Stuart Hill in the hot summer sun when I was probably five or six eating a turkey sub from Milano’s. My parents often brought us to Dayton to enjoy what was their favorite cuisine during their time at UD. I always remember seeing that stone bust of Mary of Nazareth on the archway of the entrance into the University. Little did I know that the woman would have such an impact on my life.
When I finally got to the age of applying to schools, I never thought I would be at UD. I applied but had no intention of accepting any offer of a place here. But, as you can tell, my intentions were wrong. In April of my senior year of high school, I began praying earnestly for guidance about where to go to college. I truly believe the Holy Spirit called me to UD and I think the Marianists were part of the reason for that call. They have changed my life.
The spirit of the Marianists has been the most influential piece of my time here at UD. From the first Marianist I met in Stuart Hall’s campus ministry to my experience with the UD Summer Appalachia Program to my work in the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community to my decision to become a lay Marianist this spring, the Marianists have formed the past four years of my life. I’ve learned about an apostolic mission that sometimes doesn’t even require words. I’ve learned to pray in new and life-giving ways. I’ve come to know Mary as an advocate, as a friend and as a model of what it means to be Christian. I’ve experienced what happens when all voices are included in a conversation and my understanding of community will never be the same.
These five pillars of the Marianist charism are a part of me and they are a part of all those who were nominated for this award. I hope that because of them we will all be more compassionate neighbors, have a deeper desire for justice, remember to stand with those who are alone and continue to grow in our prayer lives.
These things are all rooted in love. Our beloved Adele says that “what we must constantly strive to instill into each other is the love of God” and I think this is what our mission is all about. We are called to love others as God has loved us. That means recognizing the presence of God in each person you encounter and acting in life-giving ways that don’t destroy or cut down. It means fostering a sense of love that reflects the love of Christ who died for us. This was the work of Mary at the Nativity, at Cana, at the Cross and at Pentecost. This is the work that she passes on to us.
So tonight, I give thanks. For the example of Mary in the world, for the influence of the Marianists in our lives, for all of you who are here today, and for the countless blessings which we all have been given. I also pray for the continued efficacy of the Marianist charism, for the spirit’s guidance in our lives, and for the entire UD community. And I ask you to join me: May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.