Ignatian Educator Award Presented to Mr. Kevin Cullen

At the conclusion of the 2017 Mass of the Holy Spirit on September 8, faculty, staff, parents, and students paused to celebrate faculty achievement with the annual presentation of the Patricia Hannon Ignatian Educator Award. Mr. Kevin Cullen, long-serving Physical Education faculty member and coach of the Varsity Basketball team, was presented with this year's award.

Named in honor of the late Mrs. Patricia Hannon, the Ignatian Educator Award recognizes a faculty member whose dedication to his or her students fosters a learning environment that is the model of Ignatian pedagogy.

The award is extra-special for Mr. Cullen, who cherished a close friendship with Mrs. Hannon, who was his wife's aunt.

“It’s an honor, and it's very humbling to receive this award named after an incredible person who left us way too soon," said Mr. Cullen. “It is so special that Patti’s memory is kept alive at Regis by bestowing this award on a member of the faculty every year."

Mr. Cullen, who holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in special education from Manhattan College, arrived at Regis in September 1990. During his tenure at Regis he has served as a teacher, coach, department chair, academic advisor, and athletic director. He has taught physical education classes for freshmen, sophomore, juniors, and seniors and, more recently, health classes for sophomores. He has coached freshman basketball, varsity basketball, and varsity volleyball. He has earned Coach of the Year honors from the Catholic High School Athletic Association and has served on the Association’s executive council. Most recently, in 2014, he led the Regis Varsity Basketball team to the New York City championship and the New York State federation championship. He is a supporter of all Regis sports and athletes and attends many games and events during the year. He can be seen standing at the finish line at the Regis Cross Country Invitational handing out medals to all the runners—whether from Regis or from another school. In all, Mr. Cullen has served the Regis community for the last 27 years.

In addition, Mr. Cullen holds a deep spiritual commitment to faith. He organizes a Mass at Regis for each season to bring together the athletes from the different sports. He has a long-standing commitment to service and volunteer work in his home parish and with local youth programs. He has been an active supporter of programs such as Coaches Against Cancer and other fundraising events. In February 2010, Mr. Cullen received the Manhattan College Distinguished Service Award for Physical Education.

Congratulations, Mr. Cullen, and thank you for embodying the spirit of Saint Ignatius in your instruction, generosity, and spirituality!

A plaque honoring all recipients of the Ignatian Educator Award is mounted in the 84th Street Foyer.