CHICAGO - “It is with great excitement that we share that you have been selected as one of the Loyola University Chicago School of Education’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni. We are so proud of all of you and the outstanding work you have accomplished thus far.”
Those words were shared in an email earlier this month as Loyal University announced that the Diocese of Gary’s Colleen Brewer, Ed.D., was chosen to receive the Educational Leadership Distinguished Alumni Award.
Loyola University’s School of Education hosted its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Oct. 14 in Chicago. The special evening celebrated graduates whose careers reflect a commitment to educational excellence, leadership, service and opportunity for students and educators. Through their work as educators, researchers, counselors, administrators and advocates, the 2026 honorees make meaningful contributions to their schools, communities and the broader field of education.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represented a diverse group of professionals whose work spans education, research, counseling, leadership and policy. Their accomplishments reflect the many ways School of Education graduates apply their knowledge and experience to strengthen educational systems, support students and educators, and expand opportunities for others.
Brewer (M.Ed. '07, Ed.D. '24), a graduate of the Instructional Leadership program and Administration and Supervision program (now Educational Leadership), is superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Gary, where she leads 20 Catholic schools. She has held leadership roles in Catholic education as a teacher, dean of students, vice principal, principal and regional director for turnaround schools with the Archdiocese of Chicago. Her work includes principal and teacher coaching, transformational leadership, data-informed decision-making and building strong school cultures.
Brewer shared that when she searched for a university for her degree, she looked for a school that would value her experience in Catholic education and mission-focused. She credits Loyola University’s School of Education with teaching her how to put educational theory into practice at any school or system.
“They prioritize the human dignity of every person that is foundational in Catholic Social Teaching,” she said.
Debbie Sullivan, Ed.D., co-director of Andrew M. Greeley Center for Catholic Education at Loyola University, said she had the pleasure of seeing Brewer’s growth as a leader and watching her exemplify Ignatian values.
As her capstone director, Sullivan walked with her as she designed a framework to support the Diocese of Gary Catholic schools in creating a culture of continuous growth – and through collaboration with the Greeley Center, she witnessed her implementing that plan – “being elbows deep in the work with her people and watching them gain traction in their collective work striving for excellence.”
“While she consistently engages in discernment and reflection, Colleen is action-oriented,” Sullivan said. “Once she has grounded her decision-making in data, prayer and reflection, she shifts into action mode, leading her constituents forward, ensuring alignment and fidelity to mission.”
Sullivan added that in addition to being a dedicated, transformative leader, Brewer knows how to have fun. She called Brewer an adventurer who loves to travel, see new places and learn about other cultures.
“I guess you could say that’s her seeking God in all things,” Sullivan said.
Jorge Peña, Ed.D., assistant superintendent of school operations for the Diocese of Gary, taught graduate students at Loyola University Chicago as a clinical assistant professor, and served as the Andrew Greeley Endowed Research Fellow and director of faculty engagement for the university.
“This honor is a very big deal!” Peña said. “I commend and congratulate Dr. Colleen Brewer for her leadership, mindfulness and care for our schools, principals, staff, and most importantly, our students.”
Brewer commented that she has found that to be a great leader, you need to at least have two things. You need to be surrounded by impressive individuals who inspire you, and by people who love you.
“I have been blessed by having family and friends that continue to love and support me personally and professionally,” she said. “I have also found impressive individuals who inspire me from my time at Loyola University Chicago and through my work in the Diocese of Gary.”
