NEW ORLEANS — When Sister Grace Mary Flickinger returned to Xavier University of Louisiana last weekend for homecoming, a big surprise awaited her.
     A 4-feet-by-8-feet banner with her name and image was unveiled Saturday afternoon at halftime of the Gold Rush basketball game against Huston-Tillotson. That banner soon will be permanently displayed in the rafters of the Convocation Center. XULA coaches also presented Flickinger an honorary varsity letter, and the Athletic Director's Honor Roll will be renamed in her honor.
     Flickinger spent nearly 50 years on XULA's biology faculty and nearly 40 years as the university's faculty athletics representative. Her work for athletics included two terms as president of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, service on the GCAC's eligibility and executive committees and chair of the NAIA's Council of Faculty Athletic Representatives.
     The NAIA honored Flickinger with two of its most prestigious awards: membership in its Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Wally Schwartz Award in 2007 for her work as an FAR.
     "She has been a favorite of students, a trusted and nurturing adviser and a positive influence in the lives and careers of many Xavierites," read part of the opening paragraph during Flickinger's banner ceremony.
     Flickinger retired from XULA after the 2016-17 academic year. She resides in Pennsylvania near the motherhouse of her religious order, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
     "Sister Grace Mary has given a lot of herself to Xavier," said Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Horn, "and we wanted to show our appreciation for all that she has given and done — not just for student-athletes, but for thousands of students and staff throughout her time in New Orleans."


Women's basketball coach Bo Browder, left, and Director of Tennis Alan Green present Sister Grace Mary Flickinger with an honorary varsity letter.