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| St. Maria De Mattias Award Recipients
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2008
Greg Biltz ’68, Math, Scottsdale, Ariz.
In 1992, Greg received the McNeill Distinguished Alumni Award for his work in computer technology. At the awards ceremony that year, he shared his excitement about the work at a Franciscan mission in Guaymas, Mexico that he had recently visited. Then president, Sr. Tarcisia Roths asked Greg if he could get Newman students involved. Greg accepted that challenge and the rest is history. For 15 consecutive years he has assisted with the logistics of Newman students’ mission trips. To make this opportunity a reality, Greg has been generous with time, talent and treasure: time to work side by side with students and to prepare their meals; talent to coordinate the numerous details of international travel, lodging, and coordination with the Franciscans; treasure by funding many aspects of student trips personally and by seeking support from others. Greg has done all this for an estimated 25 service project trips involving almost 200 students and faculty from Newman. The benefits received by the people of Guaymas are only a small part of the picture; Guaymas “alumni” are forever changed by their experience of poverty, a greater awareness of world needs, and experience spiritual growth that results from Greg’s efforts to incorporate Christian principles and prayer into the service trip structure. In the true spirit of St. Maria De Mattias, Greg has empowered others. As a result, his direct involvement in planning has lessened as Newman’s Campus Ministry staff and service trip alumni carry on the trip’s traditions. We honor Greg tonight for his dedication to Newman students and his personal example of Christian living.
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