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 relations—this award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional service to the university.
Dr. LeeAnn Bartolini ’79 exemplifies Dominican’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 Dominican community and beyond. Her many accolades—including the Joseph R. Fink Faculty Achievement Award, Melba Beals Awards for Excellence in Diversity, Sr. Aquinas Service Alumni Award, and induction into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame—reflect a career devoted to advocacy, education, and transformational change.
Virginia “Ginger” Good ’55 has embodied Dominican’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 connection—echoing the spirit of Dominican dorm life. Ginger’s 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 O’Toole ’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.
Sabrena McCarley ’04, MBA ’09, is a nationally recognized leader, advocate, and educator in occupational therapy whose career reflects the very best of Dominican’s values. As Vice President of Clinical Reimbursement and Regulatory Affairs, she leads national advocacy efforts through roles with the FDA, AOTA, and NARA—delivering over 200 presentations, launching grassroots initiatives during the pandemic, and empowering occupational therapists to shape the future of healthcare. Sabrena remains closely connected to Dominican 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 service—always 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. D’Andrea ’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 Nimitz’s 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.
Phillip Billeci-Gard ’08, MBA ’18 is shaping a dynamic role at Dominican 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 Dominican’s spirit of leadership and collaboration. He has elevated Penguin Athletics through initiatives that blend school pride with impact—leading 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 Dominican’s ideals through dedicated student mentorship, a strong commitment to academic excellence, and the cultivation of meaningful connections that advance the university’s 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 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.
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 space—bringing national advocacy into the classroom. A cum laude graduate of Dominican 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 Justice—all driven by a deep-rooted passion for equity and public service, first sparked at Dominican through mentorship and hands-on research supporting Syrian refugee mothers.
- Emanuel Cifuentes-Machado '19 (2024)
- Maria Álvarez 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.
Gina Dudley ’25 has made a lasting impact on Dominican 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. Gina’s legacy extends beyond athletics—whether 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 Dominican students.
Professor Alison Howard has been a key figure in Dominican’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.