Gary Malecha, a longtime professor of political science at the University of Portland, has received the Spirit of Holy Cross Award, given annually to lay collaborators of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers. The award recognizes lay collaborators who devotedly work to make Blessed Basil Moreau’s vision and mission to “make God known, loved, and served” a reality at the Congregation’s education, parish and mission apostolates.
Malecha was one of six award recipients announced on Sept. 15 by Rev. Thomas O’Hara, C.S.C., provincial superior of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers, to mark the Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Malecha, who has been a professor at the University since 1992, served as chairman of the Department of Political Science for 13 years and currently serves as the University’s NCAA faculty athletic representative.
Malecha was nominated by Rev. Jeffrey Allison, C.S.C., on behalf of the Holy Cross Community at the University of Portland. Fr. Allison said Malecha is supportive of the mission of Holy Cross and is deeply committed to students at the University.
The 2014 recipients also include Melanie Chapleau, assistant to Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., University of Notre Dame; Lori Gorny, office and payroll manager, Provincial Administration Office (Notre Dame, Ind.); Patti Schlarb, seamstress at the Basilica of Sacred Heart, Notre Dame; and Edwin J. and Lea M. Zorn, parishioners, Sacred Heart Parish (Tri-Community Parish), Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Holy Cross community will formally honor Malecha at a Mass and dinner in January 2015 as part of the celebrations of Congregation found Blessed Basil Moreau’s life. Honorees will receive a proclamation of gratitude signed by provincial superior Fr. Tom O’Hara, C.S.C., on behalf of the entire U.S. Province.
For more information contact the Congregation of Holy Cross office at 8024 or doll@up.edu.