2025 Board Member of the Year
Dedicated service and commitment to the Benedictine Mission and Core Values!
The Benedictine Board Member of the Year Award honors individuals who embody our Mission and Core Values through dedicated leadership and service.
The 2025 Benedictine Board Member of the Year Award was presented to Mary Tanner, Duluth, Minn. Mary is deeply rooted in the Benedictine tradition. As Sister Grace Marie Braun, a founding leader of Benedictine, once said—Mary “has the values in her bones.”
Mary served for many years on the Benedictine Foundation Board and continues to contribute her time and insight on both the Benedictine Board Mission and Quality Committees. A retired nursing professor from the College of St. Scholastica, she taught for more than 40 years before retiring in 2014—but her commitment to service never slowed.
She represents Duluth Benedictine Ministries on the College of St. Scholastica Board, chairs the Essentia Health Institute Review Board, and serves as president of the Twin Ports Genealogical Society. Mary also volunteers at St. Scholastica Monastery, welcoming guests at the reception desk and serving as a lector during Eucharist.
Benedictine is grateful for Mary Tanner’s enduring leadership and living witness to the Benedictine spirit!