Mary Breummer, the former dean of women and former dean of student affairs at Saint Louis University, was awarded the honor of Dame Commander of the Order of Saint Sylvester, Pope, and Martyr. The award, give by Pope Francis, was presented to Breummer by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson during a ceremony at the university. The award pays honor to individuals who demonstrate exemplary lives in society, business, and the military. Breummer is 96 years old.
Breummer enrolled at Saint Louis University in 1938 and graduated four years later with a degree in history. She turned down a job at the university upon graduation. She then went to work for the Red Cross.
But 14 years later Breummer returned to the university as director of the the university first residence hall for women. While serving in this role, she earned a master’s degree at the university. In 1967, she was named dean of women and five years later dean of student affairs. She served as dean for 10 years and then worked as the assistant to the vice president for development.
Breummer retired in 1990 but continued to come to the university each work day as a volunteer for the Women’s Commission, the Women’s Council, and the Jesuit honor soceity Alpha Sigma Nu for the next 26 years. Breummer received an honorary doctorate from Saint Louis University and an award for faculty or staff who have made great contributions to the university has been named in her honor.