Distinguished Alumni Award

Sr. Norma (Mary Ann) Rocklage, OSF, PhD., ‘51
The Distinguished Alumni Award was created to recognize a graduate of the Academy who has made significant contributions in their fields of study since graduation. They are an example to all of what a graduate of the Academy should be. This year’s award recipient is Sr. Norma Rocklage, Class of 1951.
After her graduation from I.C.A., Sr. Norma entered the convent and taught in elementary schools. During her time in St. Louis, she attended St. Louis University for her Master’s and Doctoral degrees. She began teaching at Marian College (now University) in Indianapolis and was soon the Dean for Academic Affairs.
In 1974, she served as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis Leadership Team in the sisters’ community. During this time she ministered for two years as Co-Director of Franciscan Spiritual Direction and Retreats. She returned to Marian in the late 1980’s to be Vice President for Mission Effectiveness and Planning. Sr. Norma has been dedicated to recruiting and supporting Latino students. Through her leadership, Marian has been involved in Project Stepping Stones. She has served on several boards including the Center for Interfaith Collaborations and the Indiana Catholic Principals Institute just to name a few. During all this, Sr. Norma has deepened her love for Marian University and has become an institution on campus. She is well known for her faith, kindness, and service to others. She was recognized with the Community Service Award at the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ Intercultural Ministry Awards Dinner in 2016. Congratulations to Sr. Norma Rocklage, OSF, PhD., 51 on receiving the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award.
​Previous Distinguished Alumni 
2017 Sue Siefert '76; Jan Dietz Alexander '77
​2016 Rita Moeller King '60
2015 Janet Federle Sturwold '62
2014 Barb Hirt '51
2013 Dr. Mary Strange Robertson '73 
2012 Dr. Maureen Murphy '72 
2011 Joan Eckstein McKamey '83 
2010 Kay Weber Taylor '49 
2009 Holly Bruns '74 (posthumously) 
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​Award Criteria
  • A male or female who has been a graduate of Oldenburg Academy/Immaculate Conception Academy for at least ten years from the current academic year.
  • An alum who was regarded as a student who invested in the Oldenburg Academy community during his or her tenure at the school through involvement in co-curricular activities, student leadership, community service, and/or campus ministry. 
  • A person who has made a significant impact on and contribution to the world (local, national, global), or someone who is an every day hero through his or her education, professional, and/or community service.
  • Someone who lives out the mission and values of Oldenburg Academy in his or her everyday life.

Demonstration Of Eligibility
  • What are the nominee’s accomplishments post high school graduation that make him or her a candidate for the Distinguished Alumni Award?
  • How has the nominee continuously demonstrated the values of an ICA/OA education including good citizenship, service and integrity since graduating from the Academy?
  • Attach any supporting documents (such as letters, newspaper clippings, etc.) to the nomination form that you believe the Distinguished Alumni Selection Committee should consider regarding the nominee.

Award Selection

The Distinguished Alumni Award selection committee is comprised of members from groups such as the Oldenburg Academy Alumni Association Board and Trustees, past Alumni Association Board Members, Alumni Advisory Council members, and the Oldenburg Academy administration.

Timeline For Implementation

July: Deadline for nomination submission
August: The Fourth Annual Distinguished Alumni Award nominee will be announced in August
October: The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient will be recognized

For More InformationContact us at alumni@oldenburgacademy.org or 812.934.4440 ext. 240.
Click Here for the 2018 nomination form!