Alumni Awards

The Alumni Association presents six prestigious annual awards to honor deserving graduates, professors and friends of 做厙賤躇. Honorees receive the awards during Reunion Weekend each year. 

The 2025 Alumni Award Nomination form has officially closed. Congratulations to our below recipients!

The Sister M. Patricia Lyons Distinguished Alumni Award

Established in 1982 in honor of Sister Patricia Lyons, O.P.who served 做厙賤躇 with distinction for 33 years as director of alumni relationsthis award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service to the university.
 

Dr. LeeAnn Bartolini 79 exemplifies 做厙賤躇s ideals of study, reflection, community, and service through her work as a professor of psychology and champion of Women and Gender Studies. A powerful voice for inclusion and equity, she has long advocated for underrepresented students, staff, and faculty with clarity, compassion, and courage. Through her leadership on university committees, clinical work, and mentorship, she has made a lasting impact on the 做厙賤躇 community and beyond. Her many accoladesincluding the Joseph R. Fink Faculty Achievement Award, Melba Beals Awards for Excellence in Diversity, Sr. Aquinas Service Alumni Award, and induction into the Marin Womens Hall of Famereflect a career devoted to advocacy, education, and transformational change.

Virginia Ginger Good 55 has embodied 做厙賤躇s values for more than seven decades, from her time as student body president to a lifetime of leadership, service, and community building. The heart of the Class of 1955, Ginger has kept her classmates connected through reunions and gatherings, while also establishing a scholarship fund in their honor that continues to support students today. After graduation, she built a career in education and business, raised four children, and remained active in her faith community. In recent years, she launched a housing initiative for senior women that combats isolation and fosters connectionechoing the spirit of 做厙賤躇 dorm life. Gingers legacy of quiet leadership, enduring friendship, and heartfelt service continues to inspire generations of Penguins.

  • Mary Corbett McCaffrey '49 (2024)
  • Ben Stricker 95 (2023)
  • Jean Smith Nelson 72 (2022)
  • Mary Jane Burke 74, MS 76 (2021)
  • Sister Margaret Diener 70 (2020)
  • Gloria Sun Hom 62 (2019)
  • Susan Johann Gilardi 68 (2018)
  • The Bradley Sisters 60 - 67 (2017)
  • Pepe Gonzales 02 (2016)
  • Joy Phoenix 93 (2015)
  • Loraine Barry 86 (2014)
  • Sr. Maureen McInerney 68 (2013)
  • Virginia Murillo 52 (2012)
  • Joan McDonald 61 (2011)
  • Sheila Doyle Kiernan 48 (2010)
  • Olga Malati Dollar 39 (2009)
  • Mary Grandin 50 (2008)
  • Winifred Coleman 57 (2007)
  • Sister Marie Sagues 51 (2006)
  • Amy Bjorklund Reeder 90 (2005)
  • Sister Francis de Sales Taggart 40 (2004)
  • Mark A. Jordan 75 (2003)
  • Virginia Formichi 47 (2002)
  • Genevieve Murphy Moore 81 (2001)
  • Elizabeth Purcell 69 (2000)
  • Stephanie Bulich 72 (1999)
  • Judith Dicks OToole 68 (1998)
  • Jacqueline McDonald Tarantino 68 (1997)
  • Patricia Cribben Dreier 44 (1996)
  • Mary Kilkenny Glendening 50 (1995)
  • Miriam Anne Detert 47 (1994)
  • Mary Helen Power Fairchild 48 (1993)
  • Cecile Granjean Volin 37 (1992)
  • Elizabeth Jewell Girard 30 (1991)
  • Patricia Farbstein McGrath 55 (1990)
  • Veronica Shannon Angwin 39 (1989)
  • Patricia Rennie Dahl 61 (1988)
  • Patricia Bannan Cruden 40 (1987)
  • Patricia Sweeney Jackson 36 (1986)
  • Iris Campodonico Pera 58 (1985)
  • Catherine Geary Sweeny 39 (1984)
  • Alicia McEvoy 28 (1983)
  • Geraldine Mulcahy 28 (1983)
  • Sister M. Patricia Lyons, O.P. 37 (1982)

The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

Established in 1995, this award recognizes alumni who exemplify the 做厙賤躇 values of study, community, reflection and service through significant contributions to their professional fields and consistent service to the University.

Sabrena McCarley 04, MBA 09, is a nationally recognized leader, advocate, and educator in occupational therapy whose career reflects the very best of 做厙賤躇s values. As Vice President of Clinical Reimbursement and Regulatory Affairs, she leads national advocacy efforts through roles with the FDA, AOTA, and NARAdelivering over 200 presentations, launching grassroots initiatives during the pandemic, and empowering occupational therapists to shape the future of healthcare. Sabrena remains closely connected to 做厙賤躇 as a former alumni board member and regular guest lecturer in the Occupational Therapy program, where she inspires students to turn academic learning into real-world impact. Her work exemplifies study, reflection, community, and servicealways learning, driving change, and giving back with purpose.

  • Dr. Gina Fromer '05 (2024)
  • Christanne Gallagher 83 (2023)
  • Marv Zauderer, MS 02 (2022)
  • Kat Skiles 07 (2021)
  • Dr. Julie Jordan 75 (2020)
  • Theodore Skip Kniesche 91 (2019)
  • Jennifer Morrissey 88 (2018)
  • Maureen Sedonaen 08 (2017)
  • Major General Angela Salinas 76 (2016)
  • Mary Jane Burke 74 (2015)
  • Sister Gervaise Valpey 61 (2014)
  • Sarah Sally Duque 51 (1999)
  • Elizabeth Devereaux 64 (1999)
  • Ms. Kathleen Lyons Tierney 67 (1998)
  • Sister M. Martin Barry, O.P., 25 (1998)
  • Rose Anne Campbell 87 (1997)
  • Signe Pollack Sugiyama 84, MA 87 (1997)
  • Hollie Selfridge, 94 (1997)
  • Jesus Campos, 92 (1997)
  • Laurie Lynch Meyer, 69 (1997)
  • Louis A. Botto, MM 77 (1997)
  • Leslie Ross 78 (1996)
  • Heidi Price 85 (1996)
  • Patricia Garbarino 77 BA Education 78 Credential #1 & #2 81 MS 83 (1996)
  • Teresa D. Campos 87 (1996)
  • Paul Douglas Maxwell 73 (1996)
  • Xiangjie Luo 90 MBA (1996)
  • Eileen Bach-y-Rita 78 (1996)
  • Virginia Formichi 46 (1996)
  • Edward Cunningham MA 66 (1996)
  • Marvell C. Allen 70 (1995)
  • Mark A. Jordan 1975 (1995)
  • Mary Jane Burke 74, MA 76 (1995)
  • Patricia M. Grasso MS 82 (1995)
  • Idgi R. DAndrea 79 (1995)
  • Gay Lynn Bremer-Richards 87 (1995)
  • Peggy Glockner Hartshorn 69 (1995)
  • Kathryn Wilen Hobart 75 (1995)
  • Theodosia S. Robertson 67 (1995)
  • Barry Caparoso 76 (1995)
  • Meg Caparoso 75 (1995)

Sister M. Aquinas Nimitz, O.P. Distinguished Service Award

Established in 2006 in recognition of Sister M. Aquinas Nimitzs 42 years of service to the university, this award honors our alumni's outstanding service, commitment, and dedication to all members of the 做厙賤躇 community.

Phillip Billeci-Gard 08, MBA 18 is shaping a dynamic role at 做厙賤躇 that bridges Advancement and Athletics, centering student experience, philanthropy, and service. A former standout student-athlete turned coach and now Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Advancement, Phil embodies 做厙賤躇s spirit of leadership and collaboration. He has elevated Penguin Athletics through initiatives that blend school pride with impactleading service projects, fostering corporate partnerships, and supporting student-athletes in and out of competition. Beyond athletics, Phil rallies alumni to give back, volunteers at nearly every commencement, and energizes campus-wide efforts like Day of Giving. His work embodies 做厙賤躇s ideals through dedicated student mentorship, a strong commitment to academic excellence, and the cultivation of meaningful connections that advance the universitys mission.

  • Stuart Horne '01 (2024)
  • Dr. Chris Leeds (2023)
  • Dr. Christian Dean (2023)
  • Amy Henkelman (2022)
  • Marly Norris (2021)
  • Dr. Ruth Ramsey (2020)
  • Michael Henkes (2019)
  • Dr. Margaret Golden (2018)
  • Willie Long (2017)
  • Paul Raccanello 96 (2016)
  • LeeAnn Bartolini 79 (2015)
  • Robin Daly (2013)
  • Sr. Marie Sagues 51 (2013)
  • Dr. John F. Kennedy (2012)
  • Dr. James Deitz (2012)
  • Dr. Joseph R. Fink (2011)
  • Dr. Sherry Volk (2010)
  • Dr. Francoise Lepage (2010)
  • Sr. Carla Kovack 69 (2009)
  • Fr. Robert Haberman (2009)
  • Dr. Philip Novak (2008)
  • Mary Jane Baird (2008)
  • Dr. Denise Lucy (2007)
  • Claire Cumings (2007)
  • Dr. James Boitano (2006)
  • Maria McKinney (2006)

Outstanding Recent Graduate

This award recognizes 做厙賤躇 alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years. Honorees exemplify our values of study, community, reflection and service through their work in their communities, professions and other endeavors.

As an Equal Justice Works Fellow at A Better Balance, Samantha Hunt 18 advocates for pregnant and parenting students in New York, helping them access their education without facing discrimination. Her two-year fellowship, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and Covington & Burling LLP, provides legal support and education around rights to accommodations like prenatal leave and lactation spacebringing national advocacy into the classroom. A cum laude graduate of 做厙賤躇 with a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science, Hunt earned her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School, where she received top honors and published a law review note on abortion access via telemedicine. Her path has included roles with the California State Assembly, ACLU, and Brennan Center for Justiceall driven by a deep-rooted passion for equity and public service, first sparked at 做厙賤躇 through mentorship and hands-on research supporting Syrian refugee mothers.

  • Emanuel Cifuentes-Machado '19 (2024)
  • Maria lvarez Pineda 20 (2023)
  • Erika Rosales-Shelfo 17 (2023)
  • Jessica Jones 14 (2022)
  • Amiya Powell-Hodge 11 (2021)
  • Casey Lee Thorne 10 (2020)
  • Adrienne Jose 13 (2019)
  • Oscar O'Con Jr. 17 (2019)
  • Darcel Sanders 09 (2018)
  • Maureen "Mo" de Nieva-Marsh 07 (2017)
  • Gigi Gillard '06 & 07 MBA (2016)
  • Gabrielle Pecora 11 (2015)
  • Valerie Jane Chua 08 (2015)

Spirit of the Alumni Award

Established in 1994 by the Directors of the 做厙賤躇 College Alumni Association, this award honors a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Alumni Association and the university.

Gina Dudley 25 has made a lasting impact on 做厙賤躇 as a standout student-athlete, leader, and community member. A two-time All-PacWest Tennis Third Team honoree and Academic All-PacWest recipient, Gina excelled on the court with a 10-5 doubles record in back-to-back seasons. As President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she leads with grace, championing the needs of her peers and fostering student well-being. Ginas legacy extends beyond athleticswhether mentoring teammates, volunteering at campus events, or uplifting others, she exemplifies servant leadership and will continue to inspire with her compassion, resilience, and integrity.

John F. Kennedy Ph.D. Senior Appreciation Award

This award, presented by the graduating senior class, honors individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of 做厙賤躇 students.

Professor Alison Howard has been a key figure in 做厙賤躇s Political Science program for over twenty years, known for her dynamic teaching and mentorship. She challenges students to think critically about democracy while inspiring many to pursue public service and law. Howard's scholarly work on presidential rhetoric has been widely cited, and her expertise is sought by national media like NPR. A recipient of the Penguin Leadership Award and Teacher of the Year, her impact continues through the students she inspires, including the Class of 2025.