Fran and Geri Jabara, seated, were honored at a Dec. 12 luncheon that featured past recipients of the Leona J. and Harvey J. Ablah Awards. The awards were established by the Jabaras to honor the memory of Geri’s parents. They are presented annually to a graduating male and female student who exemplify the spirit of Newman and show great promise to make a strong and positive contribution to society.
The luncheon followed the Fall 2009 Commencement ceremony where the Jabaras, along with Monsignor William M. Carr, were awarded Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa degrees. The honorary degrees are bestowed upon individuals whose life and work reflect exemplary dedication to one of the university’s four Core Values: Catholic Identity, Culture of Service, Academic Excellence, and Global Perspective. The Jabaras were selected for their support of Academic Excellence. Msgr. Carr was honored as a model of Catholic Identity.
