Speakers / 2025
Vice President for Student Affairs & Mission Integration, Madonna University
Dr. Chris Benson
Dr. Chris Benson has served Madonna University for over 20 years and is now Vice President for Student Affairs and Mission Integration. The first in her family to attend college, she values supporting students in surpassing self-imposed limits. A proud alum of Ladywood and Madonna, she advocates for strong female leadership in higher education as an executive board member of the MI-ACE Women’s Network.
Provincial Councilor,
Felician Sisters of North America
Sr. Suzanne Marie Kush
A native of western New York, Sr. Suzanne has served on the Felician Sisters' provincial council since 2015. Previously, she served on the faculty and board of trustees at both Villa Maria College and Felician University, as well as St. Bonaventure University, where she directed the Franciscan Center for Social Concern. She is president of the Franciscan Federation. On the provincial council, Sr. Suzanne oversees Seeds of Hope, Volunteers in Mission, and Felician Associates.
President and CEO,
Angela Hospice
Jamie LaLonde
Prior to joining Angela Hospice in 2021, Jamie LaLonde spent the previous 15 years working with the geriatric population in residential and healthcare settings. Jamie is a licensed Clinical Master of Social Work and earned a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology through Eastern Michigan University. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and holds instructor status for several different modalities of dementia care education and programming. She has history volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association, Arbor Hospice, and the University of Michigan Turner Senior Resource Center.
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Co-Director of Jericho House,
Felician Sisters of North America
Sr. Mary Jacqueline Keefe
Sr. Mary Jacqueline Keefe, Co-Director of Jericho House, extensive experience includes facilitating retreats globally and locally, co-authoring programs that foster "right relationships" with God, oneself, all people, and the Earth. She is recognized as a graduate of the Green Faith Fellowship and has received the Franciscan Federation Award, highlighting her commitment to environmental stewardship and spiritual formation.
CEO/President,
St. Joseph Academy
Tabia Jones, Ed.D.
Dr. Tabia N. Jones, with 29 years in education, is CEO/President of St. Joseph Academy, Milwaukee. Formerly Chief of Schools for Universal Companies, she held leadership roles in districts like Shorewood, Waukesha, and Menomonee Falls. She earned her degrees from Lincoln University and Alverno College, and a Doctorate from Nova Southwestern University. Committed to excellence, she advocates for children's diverse needs.
Provost & VP Academic Administration,
Madonna University
Dr. Deborah Dunn
Dr. Deborah Dunn is Provost and Vice President for Academic Administration at Madonna University and Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health. A certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and educator, she has over 20 years of academic and clinical experience. Dunn led curricular revisions in gerontological nursing and hospice care. She is Past President of GAPNA and recipient of its Excellence in Education Award. In 2021, she was named a Distinguished Educator by NHCGNE and chairs the Angela Hospice Board.
Area Vice President,
Heartland Home Health Services
Jennifer Kirkland
Jennifer Kirkland has worked in hospice services for over 20 years and is an adjunct assistant professor in the Aging Studies Department at Madonna University. With degrees in gerontology, long-term care administration and education, she also serves as an Area Vice President for Heartland Home Health Services.
Spiritual Director, Vocation,
Felician Sisters of North America
Sr. Judy Marie Blizzard
Sr. Judy Blizzard, a Felician Sister of North America, serves as a member of the vocation team and ministers at Maryville Retreat Center in Holly, MI, as a certified spiritual director. She leads retreats and workshops on spirituality, contemplative prayer, holistic living and discernment. With a background in education, leadership, and mission work, she has also served as a mission leader for Mooncrest Neighborhood Programs.
EVP Mission Integration,
Felician Sisters of North America
Sr. Jeremy Marie Midura
Sr. Jeremy Midura, Executive Vice President of Mission Integration, Felician Services, Inc., oversees mission integration policy for all sponsored ministries and leading the Mission Integration Team. She brings over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience where she facilitated spiritual ministry, social awareness, and community involvement activities and programs. Formerly a science teacher and elementary principal, she holds degrees in biology, chemistry, and pastoral studies.