Manor College Celebrates Annual Founders Day
The day celebrates the institution’s founders, the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great.
Manor College held its 22nd annual Founders Day on Thursday, January 29th on the Institution’s grounds.
Founders Day is a celebration of the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great, who founded Manor College in 1947. The institution is the only higher education institution founded by Ukrainian sisters in North America.
The celebration includes a ceremony, a prayer service, and an accompanying reception. Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks, the day’s keynote speaker, is the Chair of the Behavioral Sciences and Education Cluster and the Program Director of the Early Childhood Education, Child Development and Child Care Administration.
Dr. Crosby-Weeks focused her speech on the Service in Manor College’s Mission. In her 15 years at Manor, she is among the leaders in supporting service efforts at Manor College, including Parkinson’s walks, sandwich drives and Code Blue collections.
Her drive for service stems from her “Power of Three” – Marni Sweet, Christiner Crosby and John Crosby Sr. – who taught her that “service is just not just a holiday, but something we do regularly.”
“I encourage everyone here to continue and expand their service efforts, making a lasting impact on our community and reinforcing the Manor College core values we cherish,” Dr. Crosby-Weeks said. “When we come together in service, we strengthen our community and shared purpose.”
In addition to her keynote, Crosby-Weeks unveiled the Cherie Crosby-Weeks Founders Day Gift Matching Campaign, where Dr. Crosby-Weeks challenged the Manor community to raise $15,000 by Founders Day 2027. Learn more about the initiative here.
On Founders Day, the institution also unveils a pair of prestigious awards – the Mother Josaphat Medal and the Educator of the Year.
The Mother Josaphat Medal
Sofiia Ogerchuk, of Lviv, Ukraine, received the Mother Josaphat Medal. The medal represents the highest honor a student can receive while at Manor College.
“This award is a big honor for me, especially because Mother Josaphat was Ukrainian and founded this community,” Ogerchuk said. “After so many years, I am deeply proud to be part of it and to serve my community, just as the Sisters of Saint Basil do.”
The Mother Josaphat Medal is a student award presented to a Manor College student who exhibits a responsible lifestyle evidenced through reverence, respect and service. The institution has bestowed the award since 2007.
At Manor, Ogerchuk is a Presidential Ambassador, a Peer Mentor, a member of the Mental Health Awareness Club, Secretary of the Rotaract Club and co-captain of the Dance Team.
Ogerchuk prioritizes service to others throughout many facets of her life. She works with Compassion International, a letter-writing program where writers connect with children in need across the world to offer encouragement and provide support. Ogerchuk also volunteers with the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great for their annual Pilgrimage.
Read more about Ogerchuk and the Mother Josaphat Medal.
Educator of the Year
Michael Alvaro, the Division Chair of Sciences and Director of Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiology programs at Manor College, was named the 2026 Educator of the Year.
The Educator of the Year is given to a professor whose dedication and commitment go beyond the classroom. This student-nominated award honors the selected faculty member who received the most votes.
“Professor Alvaro goes above and beyond with his dedication to his students,” said Maura McCabe, a sophomore Pre-Nursing student at Manor College. “He checks in on their well being, being a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear when needed. Mike is the best teacher I have ever had. I’m extremely grateful to have him as a mentor.”
Read More about Alvaro and the Educator of the Year.
Anna Kiczula Award
Mary Sims, Professor Emeritus at Manor College, was named the third recipient of the Anna Kiczula Award. The award is given to a member of the Manor College community who goes above and beyond their call of duty and continually demonstrates their service and dedication to the college.
“Mary Sims has been with the institution for more than three decades,” said Nicolas Rudnytzky, Dean of Academic Services who serves as the emcee for the event. “Students rave about her, and it’s no wonder. She goes above and beyond to make sure students truly feel that they belong here.”
Sims, who retired in May 2025 from Manor College, most recently served as the head of the Criminal Justice program at Manor College.
Food Pantry Efforts
As part of Founders Day, Manor College conducted a food drive for the institution’s Bird Feed Food Pantry.
The pantry benefits Manor College students in need and their families by providing non-perishable food items and basic necessities.
With the help of 21 different community organizations, Manor College collected more than 802 pounds of food for the pantry. This is an increase over last year’s total by 76 pounds.
More on the Founding of Manor College
In 1947, St. Macrina College began with 11 students on a mission to educate the underserved. Manor College has grown significantly since those humble beginnings.
At the center of the institution’s founding were the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great. They founded Manor College following two principal purposes: to establish a four-year liberal arts entity that would advance the professional lives of young women and an entity that would provide educational access to fellow members of their religious order.
Today, Manor College is a four-year institution that continues to provide high-quality educational access and service-based opportunities to students.
Manor College Founders Day 2026
Manor College Celebrates Annual Founders Day
Sofiia Ogerchuk Named 2026 Mother Josaphat Medal Recipient
Jenkintown Resident Named Manor College Educator of the Year
Watch Dr. Cherie Crosby-Weeks’ Keynote Speech