Karen Flanigan is the 2024 recipient of the St. Maria De Mattias Alumni Award.
The St. Maria De Mattias Award is given annually to an alum who displays a deep dedication to Newman University and its mission of empowering graduates to transform society. The award recipient has given meritorious and continuous support and stewardship to Newman University and Catholic life. The award is named for the foundress of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC) and was awarded to Flanigan during the Legacy Awards Banquet in April.
Finding her home
Flanigan attended Sacred Heart Academy, the all-girls Catholic high school that operated on campus from 1945 to 1966. She graduated in 1964, and then took classes at Sacred Heart College for two years before marrying her husband.
Despite being employed full time at Learjet — now called Bombardier — as a secretary and later as a buyer, Flanigan wanted to go back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree in business. She returned to campus and began evening classes at Kansas Newman in 1979.
“I was working full time, taking classes and still trying to participate in my daughters’ activities, so it was a juggling act for six years,” she said when asked about her experience at Newman. “I kept a textbook in the car at all times, knowing that if I was stopped by a train or waiting in line for something, I had my book to study. I read, studied and wrote papers in the middle of the night.”
She recalled enrolling in a summer algebra course taught by Sister Carmelita Blick, ASC, at Kansas Newman. Flanigan took a geometry class taught by Blick during her time at Sacred Heart Academy. She finished the algebra course with a grade of 99%, and later found out that she had ironically not achieved the required score on an assessment test to enter the class.
“I appreciated Sister Carmelita so much more when I was 37 than when I was 16!” she remarked.
Flanigan graduated from Kansas Newman — later renamed to Newman University — in 1985. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Webster University.
I had a young family and worked full time and never once did I feel I had taken on too much by coming to Kansas Newman.
Karen Flanigan ’64, ’85
Flanigan continued with her professional career, working at Boeing for 27 years in various roles including senior procurement agent in supply chain management, statistical consultant and procedural analyst. However, she continued to feel a pull toward Newman and began teaching as an adjunct professor in 1990.
Her return to Newman
“I had always wanted to teach at Newman ever since I was an undergraduate student. I loved my teachers and admired them for their knowledge, compassion and dedication to Newman. I knew I wanted to be there,” Flanigan explained.
Flanigan taught in the accelerated business degree program, often instructing working adults — students experiencing similar circumstances as Flanigan while earning her undergraduate degree. She took an unconventional approach to teaching because of this, opting for essays in place of exams and often bringing in local professionals to speak about their experiences. This frequently resulted in more work for Flanigan, but she happily spent hours poring over essays.
“I loved learning from (my students),” she said.
I just wanted my students to know I loved Newman and wanted the very best for them, to gain knowledge, to be successful and love Newman as much as I loved it.
Karen Flanigan ’64, ’85
Now in retirement, Flanigan spends much of her time in prayer.
“I have had several opportunities to help relatives and friends as they experience serious health issues in the past several years,” she commented. “I just try to be available if family or friends need me … and to pray for them.”
In particular, her daughter Angela experienced life-threatening health problems in 2023. Through this difficult time, Flanigan attended daily Mass and consistently prayed the rosary. Angela made a full recovery and is doing well. Flanigan continues to take part in daily Mass.
“Prayer changes things — changes me,” she said.
Additionally, Flanigan began planning an annual birthday celebration for her Sacred Heart Academy graduating class of 1964 in 2019. With help from the Newman Alumni Relations department, she was able to contact many of her previous classmates and begin this new tradition. In 2024, the group will celebrate its 60th reunion.
As for her motivation, she attributes her daughters and family for continually pushing her to be better. Flanigan continues to dedicate her life to God and embody the spirit and drive of St. Maria De Mattias.
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