Dr. Mary Ann Zawada’s generosity and belief in the power of education have left a lasting mark on the SOAR community. A retired director of UM-Dearborn’s counseling program, she established the Helen Zawada-Bronisz Book Fund in honor of her sister, a devoted librarian who spent her life ensuring books reached those in need. Since its creation, the fund has provided countless SOAR students with the textbooks they need to begin their academic journeys without financial stress. Even after her passing in December 2024, Mary Ann’s legacy of giving endures, as she and her family began endowing the fund a few years ago to ensure that future generations of SOAR students continue to benefit. Her impact extends beyond financial assistance—her kindness, belief in students, and quiet encouragement have shaped the lives of many, inspiring them to succeed and pay it forward.
Mary Ann was the kind of person everyone liked to be around—thoughtful, a good listener, and always ready with gentle humor. Whether playing piano for residents at her senior living center or finding ways to support those around her, she was always helping someone. As SOAR Director Ellen Judge-Gonzalez shared, "Mary Ann was a treasure—a true friend to SOAR and a believer in the power of books and education to transform lives. She will be greatly missed by SOAR and her friends in the university community." While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the lasting impact of her kindness and generosity. Her commitment to education lives on through every student who opens a textbook thanks to her fund, and through every life touched by her belief in the transformative power of learning.
