Stritch announces naming of Dr. Mary Kellner College of Education, Literacy and Leadership and Kellner Family Literacy Center

Dr. Mary, ’07, and Ted Kellner received the inaugural Spirit of Philanthropy Award for their significant philanthropic support of Cardinal Stritch University and the greater Milwaukee community for the benefit of education and the greater good. The award was presented at a dinner hosted by the Cardinal Stritch University President’s Tau Society.

At the Nov. 16, 2021 award dinner, Stritch President Dr. Dan Scholz made two significant announcements to recognize the Kellners. 

Dr. Scholz announced the University has reorganized its academic structure to better reflect how it serves students. The new structure consists of:

• The Dr. Mary Kellner College of Education, Literacy and Leadership
• The Ruth S. Coleman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• The College of Arts and Sciences

“Stritch is so proud and honored to recognize Mary’s dedication to Stritch and to our community by naming our newest college after her,” said Dr. Scholz. “Stritch has long been a leader in the fields of education, literacy and leadership and we understand the responsibility that comes with educating and preparing students in these three critical areas.

The University also will rename its renowned Literacy Center the Kellner Family Literacy Center in acknowledgment of the family’s long-time devotion to improving literacy among Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s children.

“By adding the Kellner family name on our Literacy Center, all who work and learn at Stritch and all those whom we serve will be reminded of Mary and Ted and their entire family’s commitment to literacy, to Cardinal Stritch University and to our community,” said Dr. Scholz.

Stritch is a pioneer in literacy research, intervention and instruction. In 1943 the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi opened a reading clinic – one of the first in the country – to help children overcome difficulties and develop their literacy and language skills. The Literacy Center has offered innovative, individualized instruction for close to 80 years.

Dr. Mary Kellner earned a doctoral degree in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Stritch in 2007. She has been a member of the Stritch Board of Trustees since 2009 and currently serves as the Board’s co-chair.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Kellners’ investment in our University and are proud to recognize them in these significant and lasting ways,” commented Dr. Scholz. “The Kellner Family Literacy Center and the Dr. Mary Kellner College of Education, Literacy and Leadership will be tangible reminders of Mary and Ted’s commitment to Cardinal Stritch University for current students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and partners, as well as generations of future students and members of the Stritch family.”