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2019 Honorees

Student Honoree - Ye Chit Ko '19

  • Ye Chit is a senior who will graduate with a degree in Classical Studies, Political Science, and Pre-law. Post-graduation he plans to work for a year and then enter law school.
  • Ye Chit grew up in Myanmar and speaks multiple languages.
  • He has been involved on campus as a peer educator, as an ASG student senator, and as the vice president of the Classics club.
  • Ye Chit chose Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche as his selected read.

Student Group Honoree - Camp Kesem at Santa Clara University

  • Camp Kesem at SCU is one of over 115 nationwide chapters of college students who work year round to provide support and summer camp for children affected by their parent’s cancer.
  • An all-volunteer organization, members work year-round to prepare for camp season including fundraising over $85,000, training counselors, and planning the camp season.
  • Many members choose camp nicknames inspired by characters from their favorite books.
  • They consider themselves not just camp counselors, but also year-round role models for the children that they work with.
  • Support Camp Kesem's work on their donation site.
  • Camp Kesem members are pictured with their favorite books including The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, Slaughterhouse Five and Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut, and Persuasion by Jane Austen.

Faculty Honoree - Dr. Margaret R. McLean

  • Dr. McLean has been a Religious Studies faculty member for nearly 30 years, and is currently the director of bioethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
  • She has mentored hundreds of students in healthcare ethics and bioethics, many of whom have gone on to work as physicians, nurses, and teachers.
  • Dr. McLean has written extensively on ethical issues for professional publications as well as the local and national press. In 2017, she was awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition from the US Congress in recognition of her significant contributions to the health field.
  • Dr. McLean chose The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman as her selected read.

Staff Honoree - Elwood Mills

  • Since 1970, Elwood has provided assistance to SCU faculty, staff, and students with their graphic design needs. He is the go-to person for poster printing and digital displays on campus.
  • He helps faculty scan, create, and publish graphics in a variety of mediums for their books and presentations.
  • Elwood and his wife serve as foster parents for teenagers in need.
  • Elwood chose Seven Thousand Ways to Listen by Mark Nepo as his selected read.

Alumni Honoree - Dr. Ann Meyers Manchester '66

  • Dr. Manchester graduated from SCU in 1966 with a B.A. in English and later an M.A. in the Teaching of English. She received a Secondary Teaching Credential from U.C. Berkeley, an Administrative Services Credential from Cal State East Bay and a Doctor of Education from the University of San Francisco.
  • She has had thirty plus years in Catholic education as elementary/middle school teacher, elementary principal, secondary VP, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Oakland, adjunct faculty and student teacher supervisor at St. Mary’s College, Moraga, adjunct faculty at the University of San Francisco in the Administrative Credential Program, and a member of the Beginning Teachers Support and Assessment (BTSA) team for St. Mary’s College.
  • During her years as Superintendent, Dr. Manchester gave each of her sixty principals a book at the beginning of every school year to serve as focus for the year and encourage discussion. Many purchased this book for their faculty with the same intent. Among the titles are: Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore, The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh, The Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser.
  • She has served on the CACE, Chief Administrators of Catholic Education, Executive Committee and Schools Division Advisory Committee, California Private School Advisory Council – appointed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Santa Clara University Advisory Board for the Subject Matter Preparation Program in Social Studies, UC Berkeley Extension Education Department Advisory Council, and St. Mary’s College of California Board of Visitors, Educational Leadership Doctoral Program.
  • She volunteers at Hope Hospice, travels, and enjoys monthly meetings with her Book Club of 29 years.
  • Dr. Manchester chose Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle as her selected read.