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1999 ELEANORE DOLAN EGAN '28 AWARD

1999 ELEANORE DOLAN EGAN '28 AWARD

MARY FRANCES HENSLER PIÉ ’44
 

The young women who formed Chestnut Hill College’s first graduating class received their degrees in 1928. One year later, one of its members – Eleanore Dolan Egan – was asked by Sister Maria Kostka Logue to form an alumnae association for the College. Ellie agreed and became the organization’s first president. 

More than 300 alumnae paused for several minutes during our most recent Reunion Weekend to honor a woman who has followed in Ellie Egan’s footsteps … a woman who has served Chestnut Hill College through its Alumnae Association for more than 50 years. 

The catalog of activities associated with Mary Frances Hensler Pié ’44 is extensive. Classmate Helen Cunningham Roney notes that Mary Fran was co-chair of the College’s first Alumnae Weekend – in 1947 – and chair of the second, in 1948. During the same period, when the Alumnae Association was organized in geographic clubs, Mary Fran was the Philadelphia Club’s recording secretary. She ended up as its president in 1974, the same year she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Alumnae Association. Her presidency of the entire Alumnae Association came in 1980. 

Always ready to roll up her sleeves or to take on a new responsibility, Mary Fran has served on a variety of elected and appointed committees. These run the gamut from reunion weekend, to religious education, to selection of the College president, to nominating and fundraising, to Christmas Mass and Cocktail Party, and to the elegant Facets of Topaz Ball. What’s more, Helen Roney notes, Mary Fran has consistently supported the College financially and has contributed four daughters to its alumnae roles. Add in a daughter-in-law, as well, plus a son, who completed his degree through the Continuing Education Division. 

Certain words and characteristics are repeated again and again when one refers to Mary Fran Pié. Former Alumnae Director Peg McCrossen Nugent ’50 cites Mary Fran’s “love, loyalty and selfless service to Chestnut Hill College.” Peg also notes the respect that Mary Fran earned from her sister alumnae for her “organizational abilities, tireless dedication to the job, and her genuine loyalty, love and appreciation for the education she received at Chestnut Hill College.” 

Classmate Sister Marie Scanlon, SSJ, says that Mary Fran “represents the epitome of what a Chestnut Hill graduate should be. She has given so many hours of loyal and loving service to the College. …” 

Daughter-in-law Kathleen Shea Pié ’87 says Mary Fran “embodies the spirit of Chestnut Hill College. . . . Her love and enthusiasm for the College have always been apparent to me,” Kathy says, “and her 40-plus years of service and dedication have been inspiring and contagious.” 

Another classmate, Mary Meehan Young, applies the word A-L-U-M-N-A in describing Mary Fran:

Abounding in energy, serving in many official capacities 
Long haul: over 50 years of financial support 
Unconditionally committed to CHC and its goals 
Motivated by a sincere desire to promote the College, not herself 
Numerous children attended to absorb the Catholic principles by which she lives 
Admirable qualities: great strength of character 

Jane Wilson Dunne ’50, a former Alumnae Association president, goes to the heart of the matter – the motto of the College – when she says that Mary Fran “has demonstrated over many years and in many ways a loyalty and devotion to the ideals of faith, charity, and knowledge.” And, Jane adds, “Mary Fran is one of the most Christian women I have the privilege of knowing.” 

Classmates, friends, colleagues, family – all attesting to the suitability of Mary Frances Hensler Pié ’44 as the first recipient of the Eleanore Dolan Egan ’28 Award for Outstanding Service to Chestnut Hill College. Daughter-in-law Kathy Shea Pié said the Honors and Awards Committee “could make no better choice than Mary Fran Pié” for this award. The committee agreed. Considering Mary Fran’s history with the creation and development of the College’s annual Reunion Weekend, the presentation of her award for volunteerism, during her own 55th Reunion, was a poetic moment.

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