Gary Motz
2008 Recipient of the Maureen E. O'Rourke Marianist Student Award
Acceptance Speech
Good evening and thank you for coming to spend this evening
with Dani and me. Tonight we gather as many members of the Marianist Family,
people who have been touched in some way by the Marianist charism as it is
expressed in the lives of others here at The University of Dayton. It is quite
an honor to be called in front of you all here present, to be recognized for
just doing what we love. Every one of the nominees, and I know many others,
strive to exemplify and embody the Marianist charism in all aspects of their
lives. Every one of you present tonight is a witness to the commitment to the
Spirit of UD, and to spreading that spirit to all those people that you
encounter.
The Catholic, Marianist tradition that is so rich here at UD is what has attracted me to involve myself in so many ways, to challenge myself and others to grow deeper in faith, and to learn what it means to be a part of a community greater than your self. The incorporation of our faith tradition into our education, our service and our involvement is what truly inspires me to strive to remain true to my beliefs. It is this internalization of spirit, the character which permeates all that we do, that encourages me to commit myself to that same purpose. I hope to be able to continue that mission according to the tenets of the Characteristics of a Marianist Education.
My education has always been rooted in my faith, and here the Marianist Family ensures that the education of all of its members is not limited to their schooling. Through social organizations, honor societies, extra-curricular involvement and a multitude of activities offered here…most of these opportunities contribute in some way to developing the involved individuals’ body, mind and spirit. It is through this commitment, intentionally or inherent to the nature of the organizations on this campus, that I believe this educational institution is quite adept at providing an integral and quality education. The relationships made between classes are frequent, and like never before is the interaction between the classroom and the practical world we live in more apparent. The world is our classroom, and we are involved, engaged individuals that make up this university community.
UD not only encourages us to become active participants in our university community, but also challenges us to become a part of this growing global community that surrounds us. We as students, strive to build relationships among ourselves, with the faculty and staff, and with the greater Dayton community so that we might be able to grow in friendship, justice and peace. Bro. Ray, Maureen, the Wagners, and BT are shining examples of those who have committed themselves to all things Marianist, and incorporate the Marianist spirit into all things they do. They have internalized the charism so well, that it highlights everything that they do, and people notice…even if they don’t necessarily know what the Marianists are all about.
It is in this way that the Marianist Spirit is shared with others. I’ve often heard the analogy applied to many things, but like a common cold, those who have it, share it with others. I’ve come to share in the Marianist Spirit in a variety of capacities and fashions, but one of the most meaningful and fulfilling ways is through the Marianist Lay Community of which I am a member. We are the Embers, and the analogy of fire is something that we all relate well with. And so we come together to share the light of our energies, and collectively the Spirit burns brighter, as more people come together. And the light of the fire doesn’t necessarily diminish when the individuals of the larger fire leave the gathering of all the individuals, because each and every one of us has the capacity to reach out to someone else and to set their hearts on fire. We aren’t passing on the torch, we’re setting aflame new torches, so that the light spreads among the world. And so must we act. In order to spread the mission of Christ to all we encounter, we must share the light with them…and they too may pass it on to others.
It has been through the continual presence of the Marianist Family, that the lives of so many have been shaped, following the example Mary sets for us: “Do whatever He tells you.” By our formation in faith, it is then that we are fully able to incorporate all aspects of our selves into one truly authentic person. I have been blessed to have been molded by the various members of this Marianist Family, and I hope that others may continue to be for years to come. It is in this hope that I would like to designate my portion of the 2008 Maureen O’Rourke Marianist Student Award to be used for the faith formation of those who choose to grow deeper into Marianist spirituality. I’d like it to be used for program costs and in-services for the Marianist Student Communities, and also for those that wish to commit to a lay community. I hope that the funds will enable current programs to expand and to grow, so that the ever changing needs of this university community may be met. I hope that those who benefit from this donation, and the actions of all those connected in some way to the Marianist Family will be enriched by the charism, challenged by the gospel mission to grow in faith, hope, and love…and most of all, to share it with others.
Thank You!