Established in 1999, the Family Exemplar Award is presented annually to an individual, a couple or a family. It will not be awarded to a service provider organization. The recipients should be exemplars in their own lives and what they do to improve the quality of family life.
Past Recipients
The Family Exemplar Award was presented in 2008 to:
Carolyn Manning ’87
With this award, Carolyn Manning ’87 of Phoenix, is honored for her distinguished efforts in community service. Founder of the Welcome to America project, Carolyn and her family have touched the lives of many refugees in the Phoenix area. Her interest in public service and dedication to humanity has welcomed many families into the community.
The Welcome to America project is a response of solidarity to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In November of that year, Carolyn acknowledged the connection the United States felt with all those suffering in the world, and began the project as a way to reach out to the world with open arms.
Through her project, she has built a bridge of neighborly understanding between newly arriving refugees and her volunteer corps. Welcome to America has delivered furniture and household items totaling close to $500,000 to almost 500 refugee families since 2001.
Carolyn received her undergraduate degree in philosophy from Notre Dame in 1987 and her master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University in 1992. She has served her community as a crisis worker, case manager, and manager since 1987.
Carolyn has demonstrated her interest in public service throughout her career. Her strong belief in the goodness of humanity has aided her determination to make each individual feel welcome in society. She hopes to bring the message of welcoming and belonging to the refugees in Phoenix.
Carolyn and her husband, Phil, have five children: Philip, Olivia, Claire, Camille, and Madeline.
Past Recipients
2007 - Jacquelyn R. and Barry W. Ryan ’62
2006 - Julie and Randy W. Young ’72
2005 - Cheryl and Ronald A. Homer '68
2004 - Karen (Phelps) '87 and Jamie Moyer
2003 - Katherine A. Kersten '73
2002 - Susan and James Connelly '56
2000 - Patricia Stenger Callan '82 and Maj. Daniel J. Callan USAF '82
1999 - Rosemary and Daniel Kelly '57
