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May 4, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – Former mayors of Adrian, Michigan, bestowed on the Adrian Dominican Congregation the 2026 Adrian Mayors’ Humanitarian Award. Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, and Sister Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilor, accepted the award on behalf of the Congregation during the Adrian Mayors’ Legacy Benefit April 18, 2026, at the Hills of Lenawee Golf and Banquet Center.
Former Mayors Joe Wagley and Chuck Jacobson presented the award, citing the “long history” of the Sisters in supporting institutions across the country, as well as St. Joseph Academy, Siena Heights University, and Adrian Rea Literacy Center in Adrian. The Sisters were recognized for “their many contributions … especially their selfless, extraordinary work over many years in our beloved city. Our community has been and continues to be a wonderful beneficiary of their prayers, their presence, and their sacrificial service for the benefit of our citizenry and beyond.”
In accepting the award on behalf of the Congregation, Sister Elise outlined the Sisters’ contribution to Adrian and Lenawee County in its almost 150 years of presence in the city, beginning in 1879, when four Dominican Sisters came from New York to teach at St. Mary School and, a year later, additional Sisters came to teach at St. Joseph School.
Through the years, Sister Elise said, the Congregation grew, leading Sisters to minister in most U.S. states and in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. “The Sisters came to be known as Adrian Dominicans after our Adrian, Michigan, home base,” she said. “We have carried that name wherever we have been missioned …. We are proud of our Adrian home.”
She concluded by noting that, in the Dominican Republic, the Sisters are known as Hermanas Dominicas de Adrián. Many in the Dominican Republic believe that Adrián is a saint. “We see no reason to disabuse anyone of that notion,” she said. “The people of Adrian, this beloved community and its sacred lands, have become holy ground for us. And we are so grateful to all who have made it so.”
The award, a vase, was created by Siena Heights University Professor Dennis Swartzlander. Its wooden base was created by Sam Beauford, of the Woodworking Institute in Adrian.
The evening also included a presentation by former Mayor Gary McDowell to Adrian Public Schools, the mayors’ 2026 fundraising designee through the Adrian Mayors’ Fund. Adrian Public Schools focuses on academics, the arts, and athletics “and has long been known for modeling a ‘Tradition of Opportunities and Future of Possibilities’ for all students.”
The program also included live and silent auctions, live music by the Phoenix Theory Band, and final remarks by Mayor Angela Sword Heath.
“I was personally touched by the tribute of the various mayors,” Sister Frances said. “They knew our mission to be of service, and that we certainly fulfilled that mission.” She also appreciated the dedication of the former mayors.
The Adrian Mayors’ Fund was established in May 2025 to partner with other individuals and organizations to raise funds to assist a worthwhile Adrian organization or group. The Adrian Mayors’ Humanitarian Award recognizes citizens or organizations in the city who have a positive local impact on education, social services, the performing and visual arts, health and wellness, business, and civic or nonprofit involvement.
Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, front left, holds an award from Adrian Mayors with Sister Fran Nadolny, OP, General Councilor. Standing behind them are former Adrian Mayors Gary McDowell, Joe Wagley, and Chuck Jacobson, and current Mayor Angela Sword Heath.
January 27, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – The late Sister Jamie Phelps, OP, longtime theologian, advocate for racial and social equality, and supporter of Black Catholic education, was awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation during the 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Lenawee County, Michigan.
The January 19, 2026, luncheon at the Tobias Center of Adrian College centered on a . theme from a quote by Dr. King: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
The Certificate of Appreciation honors Sister Jamie for “leading and performing her faith while being a blessing to others. We have been blessed by her presence while she lived and served in our community, making the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a reality for those around her.” The certificate, signed by Andre’a Benard, president of the celebration planning committee, also acclaimed Sister Jamie as “one of our giants.”
“We Adrian Dominican Sisters have been deeply blessed by Sister Jamie’s joyful, challenging, and transformative presence among us, calling us always to fully live Gospel imperatives in our Dominican sisterhood,” said Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation, in accepting the certificate. “She was a Dominican preacher through and through who played an indelible national leadership role in raising up Black Catholic Studies as an essential field of study for all Catholics. Her love and passion for the common good of all God’s people are an enduring legacy – calling us all to keep carrying on.”
Sister Jamie was born on October 24, 1941, in Mobile, Alabama, and, after her family moved to Chicago, was educated by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in elementary school. “When Jamie professed her first vows as a member of our Congregation, she became the first Black Sister in our Congregation,” Sister Elise said. “We all know too well what our nation was like in the 1960s and the painful struggle for justice and equality that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led – and that he and so many Black folk gave their lives to attain. Sister Jamie gave her life to that struggle in our nation, religious life, and the U.S. Catholic Church, where she also found prejudice.”
Sister Jamie died on November 22, 2025. More about her life and legacy can be found in the news section of the Adrian Dominican Sisters website.
The Martin Luther King Jr. celebration also included a welcome by Dr. Cheri Betz, President of Siena Heights University; expressions by Angela Sword Heath, Mayor of Adrian; keynote address by Dr. Leland Harper, Associate Professor of Race, Justice, and Equity Studies at Siena Heights University; and presentation of several awards:
Caption for above feature photo: Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Congregation, accepts the Certificate of Appreciation Award on behalf of the late Sister Jamie Phelps, OP, during the Lenawee County, Michigan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Community Celebration on January 19, 2026.