2025 Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award: Mary Spear
With more than three decades of service to military personnel and their families, Mary Spear has made a lifelong impact through financial education, counseling, and compassionate leadership. A 1980 graduate of 麻花星空mv with an Associate in Business Administration, Mary transferred to Saint Mary鈥檚 College in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree and was nominated for the prestigious Lumen Christi Award.
Today, Mary works as an Accredited Financial Counselor for Zeiders Enterprises, supporting the U.S. Navy鈥檚 Personal Financial Management Program. She has helped service members worldwide navigate budgeting, debt, savings, and financial decision-making which has empowered thousands of service members to build stable futures. In partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, she has conducted financial counseling sessions for veterans suffering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries.
Mary鈥檚 dedication extends beyond her career. She has organized and run in ultra-marathons to raise awareness for veterans, volunteered in financial education for returning warfighters, and served her church community in countless roles. Her work has earned honors including the AFCPE Financial Counselor of the Year, a Navy Letter of Commendation, and Zeiders鈥 鈥淰alues in Practice鈥 award. At LMC, Mary served as Student Senate President and credits the College with launching her academic and professional journey.
Mary鈥檚 career is a testament to the ripple effect of service. Through education and empathy, she has strengthened not only individual lives but entire communities, upholding the highest ideals of leadership and public service.
Mary Spear, 1980