MARY LEVIN ENGLEBERT '50
“Her words are trusty heralds to her mind, intriguing blend of cynic and idealist, always has the solution, never a dull moment” were some of the still applicable words used in the Aurelian to describe Mary Levin Englebert, Class of 1950, this year’s recipient of the Eleanore Dolan Egan ’58 Award for Outstanding Service to Chestnut Hill College.
“She is the quintessential Chestnut Hill College alumna. Since graduating in 1950 she has given consistently of her time, talents and treasure. Her love of and dedication to Chestnut Hill have been demonstrated over a span of more than five decades,” wrote Lorraine Aurely ’71, vice president for institutional advancement.
Mary has been a fixture in the College’s Alumnae/i office since 1993, when she became a permanent volunteer extraordinaire three days a week.
She has been a model president for her class for many years and faithfully organized annual St. Joseph Day gatherings, kept her classmates informed of campus news and fostered class spirit through individual and group contacts as well as encouraging donations to both the Annual Fund and Reunion Appeals.
As member of the Board of Directors of the Alumnae and Alumni Association, Mary can be counted on for participation that is based on her extensive knowledge of the organization’s history and an appreciation for what is needed in the future. She exhibits a wonderful combination of knowing the past heritage and recognizing the need to modernize as the College moves into the future.
“Mary’s leadership role is important to her class” wrote Jane Wilson Dunne ’50, “she doesn’t say no and responds to calls for assistance, takes on the task, does it and then moves on.”
Longtime Alumnae/i Director Grace Corr Haenn ’54 added, “Mary’s long record of volunteerism makes her a perfect choice for this award. She began her volunteer support of the College as a member of the Philadelphia club and has continued for 55 years----interrupted only by a move to Kentucky----and returning to her involvement the minute she returned to the Philadelphia area. For 13 years she faithfully has given 15 hours-per-week to the alumnae/i office and I can say, personally, she has been a life saver for all of us.”
“Mary has always been there for any problem or question a person could have. If she didn’t have an answer to a question she would always find a person who did. She does CHC credit for all her service,” said Jacqueline Menapace Bolger ’50.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Mary had spent her professional career as a laboratory and research technician at facilities such as the Philadelphia General Hospital, the University of Louisville Medical School and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.
“On her return to the Philadelphia area in the late 1980’s (from Louisville, KY) I was fortunate enough to have her join my research group until her retirement in 1992,” wrote Marie A. DiBerardino, Ph.D. ’48. “Mary’s purpose has been to express her appreciation for her CHC education through volunteering her services to the College’s alumnae/i office and she has done it most admirably. I most strongly recommend her for the Egan Award.”
Active in local government, Mary has spent 16 years on the election boards of Cheltenham Township and another ten on similar boards in Springfield Township (Montgomery County).
Mary and her husband Pete (Nicholas Sr.) reside in Wyndmoor, PA and are the parents of Margaret, Cecelia, Nicholas Jr., Peter and Matthew. Daughter Margaret ’74 and Cecelia ’77 continued the family tradition at the College.
Today Mary continues to be an active member, participant and leader in the Chestnut Hill College Alumnae & Alumni Association willing to do anything to make things better for her alma mater. Perhaps two CHC graduates articulated it best: Jane Wilson Dunne ’50, a classmate, said, “As a classmate and a friend, it is a pleasure to recommend Mary for this award. She is a true Christian lady and loyal alumna” and Lorraine Aurely ’71 wrote, “Mary considers herself lucky to have benefited from a Chestnut Hill College education, but it is we who are fortunate to count her among our graduates.”
The Alumnae & Alumni Association concurs and proudly honors Mary Levin Englebert '50 with the Eleanore Dolan Egan ’28 Award for Outstanding Service to Chestnut Hill College.
