The Benedictine Spirit Award is given to an alumnus who has exemplified the Benedictine values of service, hospitality and dedication to their personal and/or professional life. The 2009 award is given to Mary Jo Hazard.

Mary Jo founded and is president of Carpe Diem Coaching where she provides consultant services to executive leaders on organizational development and leadership. She is active in the International Coach Federation, the Organization Development Network of Chicago and Coachville.com.2.

A founding member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Naperville, Hazard is an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange. She and her husband work on retreats for marriage enrichment, couples in prayer and intimacy. Mary Jo presented "3 Powerful Strategies to Re-energize Yourself in Ministry" for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2007 and is extremely dedicated to family and religious values.

Mary Jo has primarily supported the University's Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior (M.S.M.O.B.) Program with her time, talent and treasure as well as other continuing education programs. She has also offered her professional services to support Career Development and Alumni Relations initiatives.

Mary Jo lives in Naperville with her husband, Stephen. They have two children, Jean (husband Pete), and Katie. They also have three grandchildren.

Previous Alumni Spirit Award Winners