Faith and Service Award Winners

Kappa Gamma Pi confers the distinguished FAITH AND SERVICE AWARD biennially at the National Conventions to outstanding men and women, not members of Kappa Gamma Pi, who exemplify leadership in local and national church and secular affairs.

Submissions of individuals are nominated by local Kappas and then reviewed and selected by the National Awards Committee. This year the nomination was made by local Indianapolis Kappa, Luonna Lancaster, Saint Mary of the Woods College, ’21, and the National Committee consisted of:
Alene Griffin, Mount St. Mary’s University, ’66
Elizabeth Shortle, Ursuline College (OH), ’88
Katie Pease, St. Catherine University, ’10

The following was submitted by Luonna:

“Emmy is the CEO for a wonderful social service program that assists veterans into assimilating back into their community. Services and resources include housing (plus short-term rental and utility assistance), employment (career training & placement), pantry (food/clothing and hygienic items), along with outreach in homeless camps.

While working with hospice, I had the opportunity to stop by and visit the facility and found it inspiring. Having spoken with a few veterans, I quickly learned this was a valued program that helps former military service members feel heard, seen, and appreciated; and as a veteran myself, I can confirm this is not always conveyed to those who have served. Individuals experiencing PTSD, trauma induced substance use disorder, and loss of identity are often in need of such services & validation, which this program readily provides.

On October 26, 2024, HVAF’s transitional housing complex experienced a horrific fire, which displaced 48 veterans. https://www.hvafofindiana.org/hvafs-statement-on-october-26-fire/

Through Emmy’s leadership, dedication, and compassion for HVAF’s clients, these veterans were immediately provided with hotel accommodations and systematically, have moved into apartments. With Emmy’s effective leadership and drive, these veterans continue to receive services through HVAF even though they temporarily lost their home. This leadership exudes the quality of service that Kappa Gamma Pi demands.”

[Photo Caption] KGP Treasurer Anne F. Simon (D’Youville University, NY, ’94), Convention keynote speaker Holland Haiis (Loretto Heights College, CO, ’83), and KGP President Anne Dunlap-Kahren (Holy Names University, CA, ’88) with 2025 Faith and Service Award recipient Emmy Hildebrand and her husband Jay