The Seton Founder's Award was inaugurated by Saint Joseph College in 1967. That Elizabeth Ann Seton's pioneering efforts may remain fresh in memory, the Daughters of Charity of the Emmitsburg Province and the Associate Board of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton reactivated the award in 1977 to give public testimony to the example set by persons in contemporary society whose lives manifest the ideals and exemplify the works and spirit of Elizabeth Ann Seton

This year's recipient, William Minton Mooney, Ph.D., is added to a distinguished list of names. Rev. Msgr. John Tracy Ellis, His Eminence Lawrence Cardinal Shehan, The Hon. Genevieve Blatt, The Most Rev. John M. McNamara and Sister Hildegarde Marie Mahoney are a few of the past recipients.

Dr. Mooney carried the spirit of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton into our 2003 Founder's Award Celebration. Bill exemplifies the values taught by Mother Seton in his life of unselfish service to the Church, to his family, and to his country as a 25-year member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation where he moved through the ranks retiring as Assistant Director in 1976. While with the FBI, Bill traveled throughout the United States conducting courses for law enforcement personnel. He was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Virginia and a visiting lecturer at Michigan State University and the Universities of Miami and Nebraska, and Iona College.

Following his retirement from the FBI, Bill embarked on a new career in the academic world, joining the faculty of Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. Subsequently, he was appointed Chairman of the Business Management and Administration Division of Mt. St. Mary's College in Newburgh, NY where he taught until 1982 when he again "retired." Bill's greatest passion is teaching.

In 1983, Divine Providence and Mother Seton played a role in leading Bill to the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton where he felt moved to offer his services to the administrator. Bill became an outstanding volunteer, putting his hand to any task at the shrine.

Like Mother Seton, Bill was called upon to balance priorities as devoted spouse, loving parent and breadwinner for a growing family of ten children. For the Mooneys, the association with the Daughters of Charity and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton began when they lived in St. Catherine Laboure parish in Wheaton, MD and the children attended the parish school. Bill appreciated the dedication of the sisters in the apostolate of Catholic education and collaborated with the teaching staff as guest lecturer, choir director, and other school activities. All of Bill and Tess' children completed college and are now busy with careers and families of their own. Bill and Tess have 27 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. When asked about his formula for success in child-rearing, Bill simply states. "They had a good mother."