Mary Earle -- Exemplary Teacher -- selected for 2003 McDonald Award

The Rev. Mary Earle, long-time Diocese of West Texas priest and teacher, was honored recently by the Seminary of the Southwest.

Earle, a 1987 graduate of the seminary, received the Durstan R McDonald Award for her ministry of "engaging and energetic" teaching during the seminary's Blandy Lectures and alumni/ae convocation Sept. 16.

"Whether it is a seminary class on Desert and Celtic Spirituality, interfaith teaching in the Jewish and Islam communities in San Antonio, eclectic courses in a variety of parishes or being the first MAPM/MAC professor to go online with a distance education offering, you teach with students -- not over them. Your whole person connects with the whole being of each student because you teach what you've really lived," read the citation that accompanied the McDonald Award.

The seminary faculty selects a graduate each year to receive the McDonald Award for exemplary teaching. The award honors the Very Rev. Durstan R McDonald, dean-emeritus of the Seminary of the Southwest. Mary is pictured with Dusty McDonald after receiving the award, above left.

An adjunct professor in the seminary's Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Master of Arts in Counseling (MAPM/MAC) degree programs, Earle, a native of San Antonio, is teaching two courses this year at ETSS - "Desert and Celtic Spirituality" and "The Benedictine Rule and Rules of Life."
Currently an associate rector at St. Mark's, San Antonio, Earle has also served at the Church of the Reconciliation, the Texas Military Institute (both in San Antonio), and St. Mathias in Devine. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, she earned the bachelors and master's degrees from the University of Texas.
The full text of her citation reads:

"With a style that is engaging and energetic -- enhanced with a light touch of pixie humor -- you teach by invitation. You welcome students of all ages and faiths into the mystery and wonder of what you have found.

"Whether it is a seminary class on Desert and Celtic Spirituality, interfaith teaching in the Jewish and Islam communities in San Antonio, eclectic courses in a variety of parishes or being the first MAPM/MAC professor to go online with a distance education offering, you teach with students -- not over them. Your whole person connects with the whole being of each student because you teach what you've really lived.

"Well grounded in your native Texas, you celebrate our cross-cultural heritage through long-time immersion in Latino culture and language while sensing our shared roots in the rocks, caliche and water of the Hill Country.

"Your teaching emulates and honors the spirit of your former teachers at the Seminary of the Southwest -- Professors Bill Green, Frank Sugeno and Nelle Bellamy, among others. The program director notes that your keen intellect coupled with wide-ranging knowledge would enable you to teach half of the MAPM/MAC curriculum. Celebrating your teaching skills and giving thanks for your presence among us for many years, we are pleased to present you with the Durstan R McDonald Award."

Mary with Professor Charles James Cook '74