SYLVANIA—Lourdes College recently honored Marilyn McAlear with the 2009 Mother Adelaide Award, given to a local community leader at the end of each academic year.

Marilyn McAlear, center, received the Mother Adelaide Award from Lourdes College. With her are Lourdes College president Robert C. Helmer, left, and Lourdes Chairman of the Board Dennis Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Lourdes College)

Named after Lourdes College foundress, Mother M. Adelaide, the award is presented to a woman whose dedication to Christian service best exemplifies the mission of the college and the Sisters of St. Francis.  

 “We are honoring Marilyn for her strong values and service to Lourdes College, Catholic education and the greater Toledo community,” said Mary Arquette, vice president of institutional advancement. “Marilyn is a long time friend of the college and was a member of Lourdes’ first foundation board. She was also involved for many years in the founding of All Saints Catholic Parish in Rossford, Ohio.”

Ms. McAlear received her education from the Franciscan Sisters at Toledo Immaculate Conception School and graduated first in her class from Toledo Central Catholic High School. Afterward, she attended Owens Community College. She is accomplished in the banking and finance world and before retiring was employed as chief financial officer at Service Spring Corporation for more than 36 years.  In addition, Ms. McAlear served as a director for 25 years at Mid-Am Bank, Mid-Am, Inc., Sky Bank and Sky Financial Group.