Carlow Laureate Award

Bonnie Heh, RSM grew up with her parents and older sister in Oakland and graduated from Cathedral elementary and high schools. She entered the Pittsburgh Sisters of Mercy in 1964 and attended Mt. Mercy College (now Carlow University) graduating in 1969. While teaching first and second graders at St Elizabeth’s in Pleasant Hills, St. Peter’s North Side and Carlow Campus School, she completed her M.Ed., Reading Specialist Certificate and Principal’s Administrative Certification at the University of Pittsburgh.

After teaching for six years at the Campus School Bonnie served from 1980 to 1990 as Director of the school, with an exceptional faculty and staff. Of particular note was the addition of the upper school program to allow children to complete their elementary years in one creative and supportive environment.

By collaborating with others in works of mercy we continually learn from them how to be more merciful. (Constitutions of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, #6)

Bonnie is grateful to Carlow University for this honor and deeply appreciates Carlow’s mission.

Thelma Lovette Morris, a 1970 graduate of Carlow University, retired in 2005 from Pittsburgh Public Schools after 35 years, where she served as a Speech and Language Specialist and Assistant Director of Human Resources.

She has been deeply involved in community service throughout her life. Before leaving Pittsburgh in 2009, she served on the Boards of Directors of the Hill House Association, Pittsburgh Presbytery Council and FISA Foundation. She also previously served on the boards of the Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation (past President), Pittsburgh NAACP, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Urban League of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, Beginning With Books, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, and Family Resources. She is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, and the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

Thelma is a member of The Aurora Reading of Pittsburgh, The Links, Inc., The Girl Friends, Inc., The Pierians, Inc., and The Association of Junior Leagues International. She was the first African American elected President of the Junior League of Pittsburgh and has served as an Elder and Clerk of Session at Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church. She is currently Co-Chairman of The McAuley Ministries Foundation and a Board member of the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company. She remains active with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and volunteers with the WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S. She is married to Dr. Gregory A. Morris, a retired educator.

Ben Stoviak, MA, MS, NCC, PMP, CSM, CSPO, is the Dean of the School of Professions and Transfer Studies at the Community College of Beaver County, where he provides academic leadership for pathways in liberal studies, business, education, criminal justice, and STEM. In this role, Ben supervises faculty, leads curriculum development and program review, oversees academic budgets and instructional resources, and contributes to institutional planning and accreditation efforts. He collaborates closely with campus partners to support enrollment goals and to ensure academic offerings align with student needs, workforce expectations, and institutional priorities.

A graduate of Carlow University, Ben has built a career centered on academic leadership, faculty development, and educational innovation. He previously served in senior academic management roles at 2U, Inc. / edX, supporting more than 800 faculty across online degree and professional education programs delivered in partnership with colleges and universities worldwide, and earlier held academic technology and instructional leadership positions at Washington & Jefferson College and Carlow University. Ben’s work has been recognized through honors for academic leadership, digital learning innovation, and professional excellence, and he has been active in community and civic engagement through service with regional nonprofit, leadership, and mentoring organizations. He holds master’s degrees in Professional Counseling and Student Affairs from Carlow University, a graduate certificate in Philosophy and Ethics from Harvard University Extension School, and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh

Eligibility & Criteria

The Carlow Laureate Award

• Must hold an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree from Carlow University
• At least 20 years of professional experience
• Not currently employed by Carlow University
• Must be in attendance for award luncheon which is on the last Friday of March

Commonly Asked Questions