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By Eleanor Schmerler-Rich '09
Vice President of Growth, Regina Dominican High School

May 4, 2026, Wilmette, Illinois — Regina Dominican High School joyfully celebrated its annual St. Catherine of Siena Feast Day Mass on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and special guests in a meaningful expression of faith, community, and Dominican tradition.

The school was honored to welcome more than 100 grandparents to campus for this special celebration, creating a beautiful opportunity to share in the faith life of the Regina Dominican community across generations. Regina Dominican was also thrilled to be joined by Adrian Dominican Sisters, the founding order of the school, whose presence made the liturgy especially meaningful and reflective of the school’s rich heritage.

The liturgy honored St. Catherine of Siena, a model of truth, courage, and deep faith, whose legacy continues to inspire the Regina Dominican community. A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the prestigious Veritas Award, recognizing individuals who embody the spirit and values of a Dominican education.

This year’s Veritas Award recipients are senior Grace Stadler and Campus Minister Dr. Meghan Toomey. Both honorees exemplify the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service, and have made a lasting impact on the Regina Dominican community through their leadership, compassion, and commitment to truth.

The Veritas Award recognizes members of the community who demonstrate a strong belief in God, proclaim the joy of God’s Word, and share a message of hope. Recipients are individuals who encourage prayerfulness, respect the dignity of all persons, and are “afire” with love for God and others. They exhibit a balance of truth and charity; speak with moral authority; and are committed to fostering a spirit of peace, compassion, and community.

Additional qualities honored through the Veritas Award include a love for learning and pursuit of truth; the ability to communicate wisdom and knowledge; and a dedication to service, leadership, and integrity. Student recipients, in particular, are recognized for their positive influence on others through a love of study and a strong commitment to academic excellence.

The Feast Day Mass and Veritas Award presentation serve as powerful reminders of Regina Dominican’s mission to form young women of faith, purpose, and leadership, grounded in the enduring values of the Dominican tradition.
 

Caption for above feature photo: From left, Dr. Kassie Porreca, principal; Veritas Award recipients Grace Stadler '26 and Dr. Meghan Toomey, campus minister; and Krista Gallagher, president.

May 4, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – Former mayors of Adrian, Michigan, bestowed on the Adrian Dominican Congregation the 2026 Adrian Mayors’ Humanitarian Award. Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, and Sister Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor, accepted the award on behalf of the Congregation during the Adrian Mayors’ Legacy Benefit April 18, 2026, at the Hills of Lenawee Golf and Banquet Center. 

Former Mayors Joe Wagley and Chuck Jacobson presented the award, citing the “long history” of the Sisters in supporting institutions across the country, as well as St. Joseph Academy, Siena Heights University, and Adrian Rea Literacy Center in Adrian. The Sisters were recognized for “their many contributions … especially their selfless, extraordinary work over many years in our beloved city. Our community has been and continues to be a wonderful beneficiary of their prayers, their presence, and their sacrificial service for the benefit of our citizenry and beyond.”

In accepting the award on behalf of the Congregation, Sister Elise outlined the Sisters’ contribution to Adrian and Lenawee County in its almost 150 years of presence in the city, beginning in 1879, when four Dominican Sisters came from New York to teach at St. Mary School and, a year later, additional Sisters came to teach at St. Joseph School. 

Through the years, Sister Elise said, the Congregation grew, leading Sisters to minister in most U.S. states and in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. “The Sisters came to be known as Adrian Dominicans after our Adrian, Michigan, home base,” she said. “We have carried that name wherever we have been missioned …. We are proud of our Adrian home.”

She concluded by noting that, in the Dominican Republic, the Sisters are known as Hermanas Dominicas de Adrián. Many in the Dominican Republic believe that Adrián is a saint. “We see no reason to disabuse anyone of that notion,” she said. “The people of Adrian, this beloved community and its sacred lands, have become holy ground for us. And we are so grateful to all who have made it so.”

The award, a vase, was created by Siena Heights University Professor Dennis Swartzlander. Its wooden base was created by Sam Beauford, of the Woodworking Institute in Adrian. 

The evening also included a presentation by former Mayor Gary McDowell to Adrian Public Schools, the mayors’ 2026 fundraising designee through the Adrian Mayors’ Fund. Adrian Public Schools focuses on academics, the arts, and athletics “and has long been known for modeling a ‘Tradition of Opportunities and Future of Possibilities’ for all students.”

The program also included live and silent auctions, live music by the Phoenix Theory Band, and final remarks by Mayor Angela Sword Heath.

“I was personally touched by the tribute of the various mayors,” Sister Frances said. “They knew our mission to be of service, and that we certainly fulfilled that mission.” She also appreciated the dedication of the former mayors.  

The Adrian Mayors’ Fund was established in May 2025 to partner with other individuals and organizations to raise funds to assist a worthwhile Adrian organization or group. The Adrian Mayors’ Humanitarian Award recognizes citizens or organizations in the city who have a positive local impact on education, social services, the performing and visual arts, health and wellness, business, and civic or nonprofit involvement.

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, front left, holds an award from Adrian Mayors with Sister Fran Nadolny, OP, General Councilor. Standing behind them are former Adrian Mayors Gary McDowell, Joe Wagley, and Chuck Jacobson, and current Mayor Angela Sword Heath.