The African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) recently marked 25 years of transformative impact in Africa with a celebratory Gala, Igniting Hope, Building Bridges, Creating Impact: ASEC at 25, held at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. Guests also came to honor three remarkable founding mothers, Sr. Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, and Sr. Mary Reap, IHM. The evening featured a silent auction that raised funds to continue ASEC's mission. The celebratory event, which drew over 160 guests to the College’s rotunda and parlors, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to meet the educational needs of Catholic sisters in 11 countries in Africa.
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(Left to right) Honorees Sr. Mary Reap, IHM, Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, and Sr. Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, receive the ASEC Founding Mothers Award in recognition of their groundbreaking work in the establishment of ASEC.
NBC 10 Anchor Tracy Davidson emceed the evening, presenting the ASEC Founding Mothers Award to the three Founding Mothers. These pioneering women are credited with envisioning a path to support the educational needs of Catholic sisters in Africa, giving rise to ASEC, which has now positively impacted the lives of millions of people.
The award acknowledges their foresight and legacy of empowerment. Also honored for their contributions to ASEC’s success were Sr. Anita Cattafesta, OSF, Sr. Marcia Sichol, SHCJ, Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF, and Sr. Kathryn Miller, SSJ. Their leadership continues to inspire and shape the future of ASEC’s work.
(Left to Right) ASEC Founding Mothers Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF, Sr. Mary Reap, IHM, Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, Sr. Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Sr. Marcia Sichol, SHCJ, and Sr. Kathryn Miller, SSJ. (Not pictured: Sr. Anita Cattafesta, OSF).
With strong support from numerous sponsors and donors, the ASEC Gala highlighted the collective commitment to the organization's mission the Gala was a testament to the collective spirit of those who support ASEC’s mission. In addition to the Founding Mothers, the event saw the participation of its corporate sponsors and individuals who made significant contributions. The ASEC Gala raised funds that will fuel continued educational opportunities for African sisters. The Hilton Foundation’s generous matching pledge of $1.50 for every $1.00 raised added an extra layer of impact, ensuring that every contribution made a lasting difference.
Guests enjoy dinner and ASEC’s inspiring program, listening attentively as NBC 10 Anchor Tracy Davidson emcees the 25th Anniversary Gala.
The ASEC 25th Anniversary Gala was not just a celebration of the past, but also a look forward to the future. As ASEC continues its mission to educate and empower Catholic sisters in Africa, the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations like the Hilton Foundation will be critical in advancing this important work. The evening concluded with a feeling of optimism and excitement, as ASEC looks ahead to the next 25 years of transformative work in Africa and beyond.
