NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is proud to announce that Sister Grace Mary Flickinger, S.B.S. has been named Professor Emerita of Biology in recognition of her half century of service to the Xavier community.
     Sister Grace Mary recently completed her 36th and final year as XULA's faculty athletics representative (FAR).
     In communicating to Sister Grace Mary her appointment as Professor Emerita, President Reynold Verret wrote: "You have given the best of yourself to Xavier students, and to all the people who have graced these halls. You have done so for half a century, in good times and in periods that challenged the very survival of our university. Generations of students and colleagues have you to thank for what they learned here about biology, adult life and faith. Along with the entire Xavier community, I am grateful for your service."
     "As a faculty member, adviser and mentor, Sister Grace Mary has been integral to the development of Xavier's nationally recognized Pre-Medical School program," said Dr. Anne McCall, Vice-President and Provost of Xavier. "Sister Grace Mary set the highest standards of achievement for her students, and the result is a tradition of success that will serve us far into the future."
     A New Jersey native, Sister Grace Mary has been a member of XULA's biology department since 1968. She served for several years as coordinator of advising. She has been a long-time proponent of one-on-one advising and of nurturing all students — not only during their transition to Xavier as freshmen but also in their persistence and degree completion, as well as in their spiritual growth. Her reputation as tough but fair has endeared her to generations of students and alumni.
     Sister Grace Mary joined XULA's athletics committee in 1981. A few years later, she added the title of academic counselor for athletics at the request of men's basketball coach Denny Alexander. Sister Grace Mary also has served the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference as president (two terms), vice president, FAR and on its eligibility and executive committees. She chaired the NAIA's Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives. She was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1998, and in 2007 she received the NAIA's Wally Schwartz Award for her work as an FAR.
     Sister Grace Mary recently returned to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She will return to campus in October when she will be honored at Xavier's Founder's Day Convocation.
     "Xavier will be forever grateful to Sister Grace Mary for her unqualified commitment to Xavier's mission to prepare students for leadership and service in a global society," President Verret said.