The Beata Benefactors Banquet is held annually to thank and honor donors who have supported Newman University throughout the year. The banquet begins with a social hour, dinner and ceremony, which includes a presentation from a special guest speaker.
This year, Susan Conroy will attend the event to speak about her time with Mother Teresa, her work with the Missionaries of Charity and her book “Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love and Secrets of Sanctity.”
Conroy first worked with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity in 1986 in Calcutta, India. The following year, Mother Teresa requested she stay in the order’s convent in the South Bronx, New York, in contemplation of the religious life.
According to Conroy’s website, she calls that time “the most profoundly meaningful experience of my life.” She also came to know Saint Therese of Lisieux who impacted her life just as Mother Teresa had done.
Conroy was granted permission by Mother Teresa herself to write a book about her own experiences working with Mother Teresa and the order. She often gives presentations about her books and experiences and looks forward to sharing the message of love, life, service, faith and joy.
The evening will continue with the honoring of those who help support Newman and student scholarships throughout the year.
The five giving societies in which donors are recognized are:
- The 1933 Society, reserved for donors who have accumulatively given $1 million or more in cash gifts over many years
- The Sacred Heart Society, reserved for donors who give $25,000 or more in cash gifts during the fiscal year
- The Monsignor McNeill Society, reserved for donors who give $10,000 – $24,999 in cash gifts during the fiscal year
- The De Mattias Society, reserved for donors who give $1,000 – $9,999 in cash gifts during the fiscal year
- The Newman Society, celebrating donors who have made a commitment to support Newman through a planned, deferred or perpetual gift.
