Mr. Richard Serrano honored with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award

By New Outlook 

Photos contributed by Diocese of Tucson Department of Catholic Schools 

This month the Diocese of Tucson Department of Catholic Schools celebrated its yearly Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Mass and Award Dinner at Saint Augustine Cathedral. This event has been an annual tradition for more than 40 years, celebrating an individual each year for dedicated service, support, and leadership in the Diocese of Tucson Catholic Schools. 

The evening began with a Mass presided by Bishop Edward Weisenburger and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas and several other priests from the diocese. 

The awardee selected to receive this year’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award was Mr. Richard Serrano. At the end of Mass, Serrano received a blessing. All in attendance then gathered for a dinner and award ceremony. 

Serrano began his service in the Diocese of Tucson in 2003 as the Human Resources Director. During his time as HR Director, Serrano enhanced the diocesan record keeping process; introduced the use of a digital Human Resources Information and Payroll Systems; created standardized job descriptions and processes, and practices for hiring, and he updated the personnel policies. Serrano was also tasked with helping create the Safe Environment Program. “His contributions to our diocese have significantly impacted the ability of our schools and parishes to be efficient, thorough, and safe,” said Sheri Dahl, the school superintendent for the Diocese of Tucson.  

Although Serrano retired in 2019, he remained a consultant to the HR Department and the Office of Child, Adolescent, and Adult Protection (OCAAP). In fact, that same year, he was invited to serve as the Interim Director of OCAAP. His leadership in the protection of our children and employees has created a strong expectation that the safety of our children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults is central to our mission, Dahl explained. Our administrators have gained valuable insight into the protection of children through Serrano’s leadership and guidance. In total, Serrano’s work spans more than 1800 school and parish employees within the Diocese of Tucson! 

The awardee has not only been an asset to our schools through his many roles in our diocesan offices, but he has also served faithfully within the Tucson community. As a member of the Lion’s Club, he has helped schools provide eye examinations and glasses for our most needy families. Serrano also serves on the Santa Cruz Parish Finance Council where he has guided the parish and school in best practices regarding finance and personnel policy.   

Serrano continues to be a wise mentor for principals, a collaborative colleague with fellow diocesan directors, and a fierce protector of children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults. Congratulations, Richard Serrano! 


Richard Serrano is awarded St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award by the Diocese of Tucson Department of Catholic Schools