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At last Wednesday’s Leadership Gala, Mason was honored for her work as a student affairs professional who demonstrates exemplary service and life in the Hamline community.

In her time at Hamline, Mason has worked to create connections between the RLSO and campus ministry groups. She has organized social justice movements and responses around campus, all the while highlighting and reinforcing the University’s history of diversity and its roots in United Methodism.

“Social justice has always been an important ingredient in my life and in my ministry,” said Mason. While reminding the university of its ties to the United Methodist Church has always been important to Mason (she received a Rhodes Grant for work in that field), she has never felt obligated to proselytize students.

“Theresa is probably one of the most noticeably inclusive people on campus. Whether it’s religion, race, or diversity in general, Theresa really strives for that,” said RLSO Program Coordinator Megan Dimond.

Mason is known for her approachability and tact in difficult situations.

“The places where she’s really made an impact ... is when we have dealt with emergencies, like the death of students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said Dean of Students Alan Sickbert.

That ability to deal well with crisis is tied to her faith.

“Religion is more than the outward rituals, but it is how we live our lives, and how we form community together, and how we respond to our immediate community and the world around us,” Mason said.

Though she’ll be leaving the Hamline community at the end of the year, Mason will still be present in the Twin Cities community at large. After leaving Hamline, Mason will begin a clergy sabbatical. Such sabbaticals are traditionally used to write, reflect, and travel.

“I always take a part of Hamline with me, especially the relationships,” Mason said.

“It’s hard to say goodbye, cause there’s a lot of great people here.”

While on clergy sabbatical, Mason plans to write the plays, books and articles she hoped to work on during her tenure at Hamline but didn’t have time for. She’ll focus on prayer and discernment, and will spend time with her family. As the campus chaplain, a faculty member in the religion department, a student affairs worker, and a wife and mother, she didn’t have much extra time for creative writing or scholarship.

“Theresa is just an all around amazing woman, and I think it should be known to everyone,” said Dimond. “I will very, very much miss her.”

Hamline will formally say goodbye to Mason on May 14 in Sorin A & B at a celebration in honor of her 11 years of service.