Alumnae Service Award
Mary M. O’Leary, MHPEd† is a graduate of the Trinity class of 1959 and the proud recipient of the Alumnae Service Award. Mary exclaimed, “Trinity was a wonderful school. It helped boost my self-esteem. I became president of my class and I was the most valuable player on my volleyball team, all thanks to the confidence I gained through my role models, Mom, Sister Ignatius, and Sister Cordelia. There was a sense that life was good when I daily walked through the doors of Trinity.”
After graduating from Trinity, Mary pursued her education at Villanova University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After completing postgraduate work at the National College of Education, she attended the University of Illinois and received a Master’s in Health Professions Education. She has since contributed numerous articles to professional journals and lectured extensively across the United States. She also briefly served as a consultant for the World Health Organization.
With more than 55 years of experience, Ms. O’Leary was a respected nurse and administrator who served in several capacities including the Director of Nursing Education, Evaluation and Research, and Director of Psychiatric and Respite Care Nursing. Prior to these roles, Mary served in a number of nursing and upper administrative roles with several facilities, including serving the Chicago Board of Education as a school nurse in the 1970s, where she participated in the Child-Parent Center Program, which she cites as a highlight in her career. As a testament to her success, Ms. O’Leary was named a Jassen Clinical Scholar at the ninth annual U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress in San Diego, California. Today she is affiliated with the American Organization of Nurse Executives and is a committee member of Honoring Choices Napa Valley, an organization comprised of hospital and hospice administrators focused on helping others complete advanced care directives.
Mary passed away peacefully six months ago on September 11, 2021. Her sister, Betty O’Leary ‘67 will receive her award today.
