Alumni Awards

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

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.
 

A first-generation college student, Patrick was deeply engaged during his time on campus—serving as ASDC President, playing JV basketball, and interning in the President’s 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 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.

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. 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.

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 women’s basketball team, multiple internships, and campus involvement. She made the most of Dominican’s 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 excel—most recently presenting to 20,000 people at Cisco GSX. She credits Dominican’s 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 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.

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 community—leading, 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 support—listening, 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.