Mother McAuley Honors the Empowerment of Women and the Transformative Impact of Education at Annual Celebration Event

Chicago, Illinois - Mother McAuley High School is proud to announce the upcoming Celebration event, an annual gathering that honors and supports the unique and transformative experience provided to its students. Taking place Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the University Club in Chicago, this event showcases Mother McAuley as a beacon of excellence in education for young women - empowering them to lead with integrity, compassion and strength, and to shape the future with confidence.

The Celebration event not only honors the school’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders but also recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals who embody the values that Mother McAuley instills in its students. This year, two prestigious awards will be presented: the Life Trustee Award and the Catherine McAuley Leadership Award. Both awards recognize exceptional dedication to the school’s mission, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Life Trustee Award

The Life Trustee Award is a recognition given to individuals who have served as exemplary members of the Board of Trustees, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the school's mission and values. Established in 2014, this honor celebrates those whose contributions as board members have shaped the school’s vision and supported its continued success in empowering young women.

This year’s Life Trustee Award will be presented to Anne Edwards-Cotter ‘73, founder and CEO of Cotter Consulting. Anne has been a transformative figure in both the construction management industry and within the Mother McAuley community. A dedicated advocate for education and community service, Anne’s leadership has expanded Cotter Consulting into a $20 million firm with over 100 employees. She has served as a Trustee and Board Chair for Mother McAuley and is deeply committed to sustaining and enhancing the school’s mission. Through her leadership, Anne has demonstrated the values of service, sustainability, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

Catherine McAuley Leadership Award

The Catherine McAuley Leadership Award honors individuals who exemplify the spirit of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, through their dedication to service, leadership and compassion. Catherine McAuley’s legacy of caring for the poor, sick and uneducated lives on through the recipients of this award, who inspire others to lead with selflessness and integrity, just as Catherine did in her lifetime.

The Catherine McAuley Leadership Award will be presented to The King Sisters - Margie ‘83, Gigi ‘84, Beth ‘85, Kathleen ‘87, Kristen ‘96, Maura ‘97, and Molly ‘04. Raised in a family grounded in faith, service, and education, the King sisters have exemplified the spirit of leadership and service throughout their lives. Mother McAuley played a pivotal role in shaping their character, empowering them with the values of faith, leadership, and community service. Each sister has gone on to make significant contributions in their professional and personal lives, whether as educators, leaders in their communities, or dedicated volunteers. Together, the King sisters embody the mission of Mother McAuley and the legacy of Catherine McAuley herself, inspiring others to lead with compassion and integrity.

“Through their exceptional service and leadership, both Anne and the King sisters have made profound contributions to the Mother McAuley community and beyond,” said President Carey Temple Harrington ‘86. “We are proud to honor them with these prestigious awards, as they exemplify the values of leadership, service and empowerment that are at the heart of our mission of empowering courageous women to change the world.”

Celebration raises vital funds that directly impact the McAuley Fund, which supports the school’s programs from academics and the arts to athletics, technology, campus ministry and financial aid. Supporters of this event are investing in the future of young women who will continue the legacy of leadership and service in their communities.

We invite all to join us for this inspiring evening as we celebrate the transformative power of education and the incredible potential of our students. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact in delivering a lifetime advantage of a McAuley education.

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About Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School is an all-girls Catholic high school in Chicago, dedicated to providing a rigorous, holistic education that empowers young women to succeed academically, athletically, and artistically. Guided by the values of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, the school fosters leadership, compassion, and service to others in every student.