UBC college to recognize three pillars of the archdiocesan community
By Nathan Rumohr
The B.C. Catholic

Before expanding its academic services, St. Mark's College at UBC is looking at its past. The Catholic college will present three honorary degrees to people recognized as contributors to the development of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Vancouver May 27 at St. Mark's.

"It's a very exciting time at St. Mark's, as we are ramping up the educational experience," said Msgr. Mark Hagemoen, principal of St. Mark's. "These awards honour those who've been key contributors to Catholic education."

Recognized as honorary graduates will be Father Augustine Kalberer, OSB (posthumous), Eugene "Chuck" Luttrell, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Monastery. Msgr. Hagemoen said Luttrell and Father Kalberer demonstrated great leadership ability in Catholic education, while the Sisters at Queen of Peace Monastery have demonstrated the importance of prayer in educational success.

"It's a tremendous honour," said Luttrell, who's worked in Catholic education as a school principal, as assistant superintendent of CISVA, and now as director of the Faith Formation department. Msgr. Hagemoen noted that Luttrell is the first lay person to be appointed to that position.

Father Kalberer's contributions to Catholic education were considered gigantic, according to Msgr. Hagemoen. "He was a giant at Christ the King Seminary."

"Father Augustine represents the great tradition of why the diocese is strong today," added Luttrell. Father Kalberer was rector of Christ the King from 1969 to 1996 and was instrumental in the seminary obtaining its charter to grant degrees in 1966.

While the tangible successes of Father Kalberer and Luttrell are important to the educational successes in the archdiocese, none of it would have taken place without the dedicated prayer life of the Dominican Sisters at Our Lady Queen of Peace Monastery, according to Msgr. Hagemoen.

"The Sisters are a prophetic voice for Catholic higher learning and the monastic life," praised Msgr. Hagemoen. He noted in their monastery the active life and the contemplative life are joined.

"The diocese will be strong because we increase our opportunities for education and our opportunities for prayer," added Luttrell.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, chancellor of St. Mark's, will present the honorary degrees in St. Mark's College Chapel, 5935 Iona Dr., Vancouver, May 27 at 2 p.m.

nrumohr@rcav.org