picture of Saint on the front of the library

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

YearRecipientClass Year
2003Jean M. Wilkowski
Kathryn A. Martin
1941
1963
2004Susan Eichmueller Hamilton
Linda Rose Burger
1966 and 1990G
1996
2005Norma Valle Ferrer1969
2006Patricia Carbon Etling1954
2007Agnes Layden Davis
Julianne Fischer Haefeli
1954
1951
2008Carmen Piasecki1970
2009Mary Pat Kelly1967
2010Barbara Martin Fossum
Elizabeth Nardi Jeffries
1965
1984
2011Martha Head1953
2012Rachel Eberle Ambrose1964
2013Virginia Smith1989
2014Cindy Hux Martin1978
2015Barbara Doherty, SP
Mary Melanie Waller
1953
1978
2016Marie Brendan Harvey, SP
Mary Barrett
1951
1965
2017Morna Shackelford Patrick (posthumously)
Carmen Hansen Rivera
1972
1970
2018Dorothy Weinz Jerse1975
2019Valerie Dziubek Kuck
Mickey Kelly Murray
1961
1970
2021Claire Thuning Roberson, Ph.D.1967
2022Sharon Harley, Ph.D.1969