Barbara Gannon of Manhasset
to Receive Model of Faith Award from C.W. Post

Barbara Ann Gannon of Manhasset will receive the Mary M. Lai Model of Faith Award at a mass and communion dinner at the Catholic Campus Parish of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University on Sunday, March 28, 2004.

The award, named for Mary M. Lai, the university’s vice president for finance and treasurer, was created nine years ago during the 50th anniversary of her service to the University. "We honor people in the professional world who live their lives with faith," said Father Ted Brown, Catholic Chaplain at the campus. "We want to put models of faith out there for our students."

Students play a big part in the ceremony. "It’s a celebration of the faith of young people really," said Father Ted. "Everything is done by them. They write the speeches, choose the music and provide the entertainment. It’s a celebration of the campus parish. People are often surprised to find so many faith-filled youngsters."

The $125 per person ceremony also serves as a fundraiser for campus ministry. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. with a mass in the C.W. Post Interfaith Center Chapel and follows with a catered dinner. More than 100 people are expected to attend the event, both from the community and the student body. "Students sit at each table and benefit from mixing with community leaders," said Father Ted. Student admission is either reduced or free.

Barbara Ann Gannon attended the University of New Hampshire, earned a B.A. in business from New York University and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa by Pontifical University at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth in County Kildare, Ireland.

Active in many Catholic programs and organizations, Gannon was named a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, a papal honor.

Gannon serves on the boards of many nonprofits including Catholic Charities, the Mercy First Foundation, the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception and St. Christopher- Ottille Children and Family Services and is presently the president of the board of trustees of the Irish Educational Development Foundation. In addition, Gannon is a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

For more information, call Father Ted Brown at 516-299-2229 or email parishnet@aol.com.