Olivet Nazarene University alumna Mary Lou Carney was recently honored by the school with its Maggie Sloan Crawford Award.
The award goes to a woman who has put into practice Christian ideals and commitment to service, the school said in a release.
Carney, an author and former teacher, was chosen as the recipient because of her strong faith and her life of service, the release said.
“Mrs. Carney represents the values we seek to foster at Olivet and the values embodied by Olivet’s first graduate, Maggie Sloan Crawford,” University President John Bowling said in presenting the award to Carney on Oct. 25, the release said.
Sloan’s four sons founded the award as a tribute to their mother, the college said.
Early on, Carney wanted to pursue social work but switched gears in favor of childhood education and eventually writing. Since graduating from Olivet in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in education, Carney has gone on to earn a master’s degree from Valparaiso University. In 1993, Carney earned the Olivet “O” Award, which is a mark of distinction from the university. The poetry aficionado has written or co-authored some 23 books, has served as editor of three magazines and acted as educational consultant and public speaker, the release said.
“As a Christian writer, your job is to reach instead of preach,” Carney said in the release. “Being successful is a combination of knowledge, creativity and commitment. Anytime you increase any of these, you increase your chances of being published. Always accept the challenges.”
Her published books include “Bubble Gum and Chalk Dust, Prayers and Poems for Teachers,” and “Heart Cries: Prayers of Biblical Women.”
Alerts Sign-up