2023 - Joan Mullins Przywara ‘53

At the 2023 Reunion Weekend, we were privileged to present the Angela Boyle '53 Award for Service to Joan Mullins Przywara '53.

“The work of the world is done by a few; why not a part of that be done by you”? Spoken by her mother, this mantra became a guiding principle for Joan throughout her lifetime.

Joan’s mother, Mary Kathryn Mullins, taught at Ursuline for many years, so the Serviam motto was instilled in Joan at an early age. A lifer at Ursuline, Joan recalls her early acts of service when she was in 5th grade, volunteering at the YWCA teaching swimming to disabled girls. As a student at Ursuline in 1943, Joan discovered her passion for Girl Scouts. In high school, she described herself as a “joiner” and, as soon as she could drive, had her first taste of politics when she volunteered her time and her family’s car chauffeuring lawyers to meetings, luncheons, and settlements on Election Day.

After college, Joan began a career with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay. She was a volunteer for over 60 years with a focused effort on the Religious Awards Committee, helping girls of all faiths focus on attaining religious awards. As her family grew, Joan began volunteering at her children’s school. At St. Mary Magdalen, she worked as the Parish Secretary and volunteered on the Parish Council. Other volunteer organizations that Joan has spent decades serving include the Red Cross, the LPGA, AARP, and of course, Ursuline Academy. Through these non-profits, she was able to combine her passion for the outdoors, travel, and helping other women.

A final organization dear to her heart is the Alzheimer’s Association. Since 2002, Joan has become a champion of supporting families through the Alzheimer’s Association after her husband Richard was stricken with the disease. Joan has helped raise funds and awareness through visits to Dover and DC by participating in nearly 20 years of Walkathons and leading support groups; she is proud to give back to the organization that helped her cope with her grief.

Congratulations to Joan, and many thanks for her commitment to service.

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