Marian University is proud to announce that Stacia Bolakowski, M.Ed., university minister, has been nominated for the 2025 Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Award in the Education category. The awards banquet will take place on September 25.
Throughout her time at Marian, Stacia has made a lasting impact on the campus community, creating opportunities for students to grow in their faith as well as their academics. She is known for her welcoming spirit and dedication around campus. She has built an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to explore their faith.
One of the many ways she creates community is through her weekly Coffee Club, where students are invited to share a free beverage at the Emmaus Café and engage in conversations with sisters and other campus residents. Bolakowski also leads programs such as Bible study, prayer teams, the Charger Challenge, and a reimagined first-year seminar, all designed to bring students together and strengthen their connection.
Her commitment to students extends far beyond campus events. Stacia is recognized as someone who approaches every task with determination and care. “She leads with unmatched compassion, is an authentic and genuine witness, and puts the well-being of others before her own,” said Jaycob Knazur, principal at Andrean High School, where Bolakowski previously served before joining Marian University.
This past spring marked a particularly memorable moment in her ministry career here at Marian, when two students she had worked with throughout the year were fully received into the Catholic Church. Marian is a university that embraces students of all faiths—this reflected not only the students’ journeys but also Stacia's guidance and support. “With quiet strength and persistent faith, she has built programs, nurtured partnerships, and uplifted countless individuals,” Knazur added.
Bolakowski’s dedication has never gone unnoticed. At Andrean High School, she was known for going above and beyond for every student she encountered, and at Marian, she continues to shine that same light. Her ability to create an atmosphere of faith in classrooms, hallways, and across campus sets her apart as both a mentor and role model.
This is Stacia's first nomination for the Influential Women of Northwest Indiana Awards, and she has already advanced to the final round. Reflecting on the honor, she shared simply, “God is good!”
Marian University invites the community to join in congratulating Stacia Bolakowski on this well-deserved recognition and to keep her in prayer as she attends the awards banquet later this month.