As part of Heritage Month at St. Norbert College, members of the campus community gathered last week for the annual Founder’s Day Breakfast, an event that celebrates the Norbertine values that continue to shape the college today. The ceremony recognized three individuals who embody the values of actio, contemplatio, stabilitas and communio through their faith, service and leadership.

This year’s celebration carries special significance, as the college marks two major anniversaries: the 127th anniversary of its founding and the 100th anniversary of the Norbertine order in De Pere being elevated to abbey status. The breakfast included a historical video created by St. Norbert Abbey, featuring early footage of the Norbertines and the college’s beginnings.

2025 Founder's Award recipients

Josie Weisensel ’26
Elementary education major with minors in language arts education and broadfield social studies

Weisensel has put her faith into action in countless ways while at St. Norbert College, including participating in the Residential Service Program for multiple years and the Scholars for Community Engaged Vocation. Always looking for ways to share her faith, she encou ages others to join her in prayer through the monthly rosary that she organized by leading the music at morning prayer. Her dedication to the common good of the college manifested itself in her collaboration in the transition of Emmaus Center to Campus Ministry and in launching the Encounter program as she helps students deepen their faith through prayer, learning and social opportunities.

Shamus McMahon ’26
Sociology major with minors in theology and peace and justice

Known for his hospitality, humility and commitment to service, McMahon has been an active leader across campus and in the greater Green Bay area. He has mentored immigrants and refugees locally and completed summer internships with the Embassy of Jordan and Bread for the World in Washington, D.C. He consistently seeks to learn from his experiences and to deepen his understanding of faith and vocation, while using his gifts in service of the greater good with thoughtfulness and humility. Shamus shows that he is a leader who not only participates in campus life but actively builds connections among both current and prospective students, faculty and staff.

Sydney Keough
Adjunct instructor for philosophy, academic advisor and interim director of the Cassandra Voss Center

Keough serves the St. Norbert community as a dedicated educator, academic advisor and campus leader. She embraces her faith with a tenacity, thoroughness and commitment that enables her to embody the four core values of our Norbertine tradition with radiance. She serves hundreds of students cheerfully and diligently in advising sessions and in the classroom, showing students the joy of the life of the mind and encouraging them in their academic journeys. In both her classroom and her leadership at the Cassandra Voss Center, Keough exemplifies the transformative power of the college’s mission.