Pamela Carey Batz ’70 Receives 2015 Distinguished Alumna Award
Pamela Carey Batz '70, right, poses with President Carol
Ann Mooney, after receiving her award.June 8, 2015 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The Distinguished Alumna Award, awarded annually by the Alumnae Association of Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame, IN, honors a woman who exemplifies the standards, ideals, and mission of this Catholic liberal arts women’s college and who has given outstanding service through ongoing work for the Alumnae Association. The award is the association’s highest recognition.
This year’s recipient is Pamela Carey Batz ’70 of Pittsburgh, PA. The award was announced Saturday, June 6, at the Reunion Banquet held on campus.
Batz earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature at Saint Mary’s and her master’s degree in American studies from the University of Minnesota. It was a passion for education that led Batz to a career as a respected high school English teacher. According to her award citation, in 1974 she began teaching at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois where she taught English and journalism and was the faculty advisor for both the weekly high school newspaper and the annual yearbook. Both publications involved teaching students photography, one of her favorite hobbies. In her fourth year of teaching, Batz co-authored a textbook on values education in public schools. Batz’s drive remains present in her dedication to promoting education, which she has carried out through her many community leadership positions and through her service to Saint Mary’s.
Batz’s service to the College has been continuous. She has served on the Madeleva Society Steering Committee and as chair of the Parents’ Council—two of her five daughters are Saint Mary’s alumnae, continuing a legacy begun by her mother Marie Corby Carey, Class of 1941. Batz has also served on the Alumnae Association Board of Directors, led the Cleveland Alumnae Club, and has been an active and supportive member of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Club, as well as her class’ Reunion Gift campaigns.
According to the citation, in her volunteer efforts at home Batz exemplifies the value of service. She is an active participant in her church community, including her parish’s RCIA program, her children’s schools, and a residential girls school in Kenya. She and her husband established the Mary Elena Batz Memorial Scholarship with the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, which awards scholarships to students interested in music and the arts. In addition, Batz has served as director of the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair, among other important community positions.
In her career, family, volunteer efforts, and dedication to the Saint Mary’s community, Batz has exemplified the College’s mission to make a difference in the world. In nominating her for this award, fellow Madeleva Society Steering Committee member Debbie Johnson Schwiebert ’74 said, “conducts herself with grace and poise...[On the Madeleva Society Steering Committee], Pam led by example. She didn’t ask people to volunteer and give financial gifts—she invited them to join her in service...Pam did this by quietly and effectively modeling the role of service and generosity.”
Batz’s support of the College’s Faith Always, Action Now campaign includes her recently established Pam Carey Batz Endowed Scholarship, which will give future Saint Mary’s women the opportunity to earn the Saint Mary’s education that so inspired her.
About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. In the fall of 2015 Saint Mary’s College will begin to offer two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2015 published by U.S. News & World Report.
Contact for News Media: Gwen O’Brien, director of media relations, Saint Mary’s College, gobrien@saintmarys.edu (574) 284-4579