Sister Ellen Collesano, left, and Sister Annette Zipple receive Madonna University's award on behalf of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Metro Detroit. Sister Collesano is a member of the U.S. Provincial Team in St. Louis.

Madonna University of Livonia, Michigan, honored the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Metro Detroit in an April 2 program sponsored by the Southwest Detroit Women’s Educational Empowerment Project (SWEEP).

The project makes funds available to women of minimal economic means so that they can acquire an education, develop new skills and bring about positive change in their families and communities.

The four-year-old project is a collaborative venture between Felician Sisters and the Religious of the Sacred Heart, using the academic resources of Madonna University. The Society of the Sacred Heart, U.S. Province, through its Philippine Duchesne Fund, helps students with non-interest loans to help pay for child care costs, books, education-related fees and emergency needs

Most of the 75 women presently enrolled are working toward a bachelor’s degree; a few are working toward associate degrees or certification in specific fields. By May of 2004 12 students will have completed academic and field practicum requirements for a Bachelor’s in Social Work.

Sister Annette Zipple, RSCJ, said, “SWEEP has brought strength and new energies into the lives of the women who particpate.” Sister Zipple was instrumental in the project’s development in Detroit. She continues to be involved as a consultant and mentor, offering encouragement and direction to students as well as assistance to help them meet financial challenges.