On September 18th, the Ignatian Volunteer Corps honored Dr. Anthony Fauci, MD, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Christine Grady, Ph.D., Chief of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, with the inaugural Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Award for Exemplary Public Service at IVC’s annual Evening of Gratitude.
At IVC, we believe that the life experience, wisdom, and skills of senior men and women can transform the world through justice rooted in Gospel values. Drs. Fauci and Grady have used their life experiences, wisdom, and skills to protect and improve health for all Americans, including those marginalized and excluded.
Dr. Fauci, a physician, researcher, and graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Cornell University Medical College, is recognized globally as one of the leading voices on immunology and infectious diseases. Since 1984, he has served as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director, advising every sitting United States president during that time. Currently, he also serves as Chief Medical Advisor to the President and helps lead the nation’s efforts to fight the COVID19 pandemic
Dr. Grady, a nurse, clinical researcher, and bioethicist with degrees from Georgetown University (B.S., Ph.D.) and Boston College (MSN), has specialized in the care of HIV patients and the study of the disease itself, as well as the ethics of clinical research. Currently, Dr. Grady serves at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center as the head of the Department of Bioethics.
In addition to recognizing Drs. Fauci and Grady for their combined contributions to public service and public health, IVC recognized three other leaders within our community: Mr. James Kelley, Mr. Joe Raia, and Ms. Martina O’Shea.
Kathleen Curtin Spirituality in Mission Award Winner
Martina O’Shea leads Ignatian retreats and training programs at Holy Trinity Parish in Georgetown. Martina taught the alphabet to children in a Head Start program, walked with women in the Andes mountains of Bolivia, accompanied women who were experiencing homelessness at 2nd and D St, in Washington, and taught neuroanatomy to nursing students. She made the full Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola twice. The experience challenged her worldview and reoriented her to listen for and follow Christ’s call to use her gifts for his mission. Through the financial generosity of Holy Trinity parishioners, Martina designed and now coordinates three programs that train IVC Spiritual Reflectors, Ignatian Spiritual Directors, and ‘Givers’ of the Spiritual Exercises.
Madonna Della Strada Award Winners
Joe Raia chaired the IVC National Capital Area regional council for a decade and continues to serve IVC and the Jesuits USA East Province with strategic planning, organizational management, and consulting. Joe brings his deep commitment to joyful and meaningful service to every aspect of his life – family, church, neighborhood, and work. He blends his talents in facilitation, community development, and organizational effectiveness with his passion for the outdoors and cooking to bring hundreds, if not thousands, of people into major service projects he has initiated and/or led. His efforts have left an impact at organizations including the Father McKenna Center, the Northwest Pregnancy Center, St. Patrick’s Holiday Giving Program, Oak Chapel United Methodist, Loyola University Maryland, IVC, and the East Coast Jesuit Province.
Jim Kelley was the second regional director for IVC in the National Capital Area, and the region grew exponentially under his leadership. Earlier in life, Jim was a priest and member of the Peace Corps. Jim directed and supported domestic (Cook County social worker, Associated General Contractors job developer) and overseas programs (parish priest in Tanzania, Catholic Relief Services in Lesotho and Sierra Leone, Peace Corps in Swaziland, State Dept. Refugee Bureau) of relief and development for poor people and victims of conflict and human rights abuse. Specific expertise in innovative program design, problem-solving, and talented personnel identification. After 25 years of USG service (State Dept. and Peace Corps), Jim joined IVC as a volunteer at The Lamb Center (2002-05), Regional Director (2005-10), and Regional Council member (2006-present).