Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) is one of the highest honors bestowed upon alumni of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Since 2003, this award has been presented to the most prestigious alumni of SMWC for their professional achievements, contributions to society and support of the College. These individuals and the accomplishment of their life’s work serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the College.
The criteria for the award include:
- A nominee must be an alumna or alumnus of the College; and
- Must have shown exemplary career accomplishments, professional impact and community involvement; and
- Must have shown service to the College philanthropically or through their volunteer work; and
- May be awarded posthumously.
To nominate an alumna or alumnus for the Distinguished Alumni Award, please complete and submit the following nomination form:
Previous Award Recipients
| Year | Recipient | Class Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Jean M. Wilkowski Kathryn A. Martin | 1941 1963 |
| 2004 | Susan Eichmueller Hamilton Linda Rose Burger | 1966 and 1990G 1996 |
| 2005 | Norma Valle Ferrer | 1969 |
| 2006 | Patricia Carbon Etling | 1954 |
| 2007 | Agnes Layden Davis Julianne Fischer Haefeli | 1954 1951 |
| 2008 | Carmen Piasecki | 1970 |
| 2009 | Mary Pat Kelly | 1967 |
| 2010 | Barbara Martin Fossum Elizabeth Nardi Jeffries | 1965 1984 |
| 2011 | Martha Head | 1953 |
| 2012 | Rachel Eberle Ambrose | 1964 |
| 2013 | Virginia Smith | 1989 |
| 2014 | Cindy Hux Martin | 1978 |
| 2015 | Barbara Doherty, SP Mary Melanie Waller | 1953 1978 |
| 2016 | Marie Brendan Harvey, SP Mary Barrett | 1951 1965 |
| 2017 | Morna Shackelford Patrick (posthumously) Carmen Hansen Rivera | 1972 1970 |
| 2018 | Dorothy Weinz Jerse | 1975 |
| 2019 | Valerie Dziubek Kuck Mickey Kelly Murray | 1961 1970 |
| 2021 | Claire Thuning Roberson, Ph.D. | 1967 |
| 2022 | Sharon Harley, Ph.D. | 1969 |
| 2024 | Barbara Brugnaux | 1970 |