The Sister M. Patricia Lyons Distinguished Alumni Award
Established in 1982 in honor of Sister Patricia Lyons, O.P.who served Dominican with distinction for 33 years as director of alumni relationsthis award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service to the university.
A first-generation college student, Patrick was deeply engaged during his time on campusserving as ASDC President, playing JV basketball, and interning in the Presidents Office. Today, Patrick remains a dedicated ambassador for Dominican. Though often working behind the scenes, his impact is widely felt, and he is frequently sought out for his insight and counsel. He has built his career with Shore-to-Shore Properties and Social Capital Films, where he now serves as president, exemplifying the perseverance and leadership that define the Dominican spirit. A generous supporter of the University, Patrick continues to give back in meaningful ways, strengthening the community for future generations.
- Virginia Ginger Good 55 (2025)
- Dr. LeeAnn Bartolini '79 (2025)
- 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 Dominican values of study, community, reflection and service through significant contributions to their professional fields and consistent service to the University.
Keara Teeter 12 has pursued her passion for art conservation with focus and dedication since her time at Dominican, where she graduated magna cum laude with double majors in biology and art. She earned her M.S. in Art Conservation from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program and now serves as the Meisel Conservator of Modern & Contemporary American Painting at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. An active leader in her field and recipient of several prestigious honors, Keara continues to make a meaningful impact through her work preserving and interpreting art for future generations.
- Sabrena McCarley 04, MBA 09 (2025)
- 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 Dominican community.
Spencer Shamo MBA 21 serves as Associate Athletic Director for Game Operations and Sports Information. Known for his humility, leadership, and steady presence, Spencer is deeply committed to making those around him better. He is widely recognized as a strong and kind leader, mentor, and colleague who prefers to work behind the scenes while elevating others. Consistently focused on recognizing the efforts and achievements of his team, Spencer embodies service, professionalism, and quiet impact within the Dominican community.
- Phillip Billeci-Gard 08, MBA 18 (2025)
- 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 Dominican 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.
Carly Holboke Connolly 17 built a strong foundation for her career during her time at Dominican, where she balanced her studies with leadership on the womens basketball team, multiple internships, and campus involvement. She made the most of Dominicans close-knit community, forming lasting relationships with classmates, faculty, and staff. In her senior year, Carly led a national student voter engagement social media campaign in partnership with the Commission on Presidential Debates, an experience that led to her attendance at the 2016 presidential debate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Today, Carly is a successful sales leader at Cisco, where she continues to excelmost recently presenting to 20,000 people at Cisco GSX. She credits Dominicans mentorship, real-world experiences, and strong alumni network as the foundation for her professional growth and remains committed to paying it forward for future graduates.
- Samantha Hunt 18 (2025)
- 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 Dominican College Alumni Association, this award honors a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Alumni Association and the university.
Nanik Tagore has made a lasting impact on the Dominican community since transferring from Holy Names University, fully embracing life as a student, athlete, and campus leader. A business major and NCAA basketball player, Nanik serves as PSAAC President and is also an entrepreneur and podcaster. He co-founded KaizenU Coaching & Tutoring, supporting youth in academics and athletic development, and created the True to Life podcast to share authentic student-athlete experiences. He also serves as Entrepreneurship Advisor for the Barowsky Student Association. Known for his genuine commitment and presence, Nanik consistently shows up for his communityleading, serving, and engaging without hesitation. His grounded leadership and dedication to others continue to strengthen the Dominican community.
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 Dominican students.
Christabel Odoi is the recipient of the John F. Kennedy, Ph.D. Senior Appreciation Award in recognition of her exceptional impact on the Class of 2026 and the broader Dominican community. As a key member of the Office of Student Engagement, Christabel serves as a trusted resource across Spiritual and Religious Life, the Penguin Pantry, and Residence Life. In a short time on campus, she has become a consistent source of supportlistening, guiding, and championing student ideas with care and intention. Deeply student-centered in her approach, Christabel challenges and uplifts those around her, always prioritizing students' needs and experiences. On behalf of the Class of 2026 and the Alumni Association, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for the meaningful difference she makes every day.