MADONNA MEDALISTS
Event recognizes outstanding alumnae On Oct. 9, the Madonna Medal Awardees for 2015 were honored at Mount Mary University Alumnae Awards Night. Three Madonna Medals are awarded annually, while a relatively new award, the Tower Award, is given to a promising young alumna. Here is a list of this year’s winners: • Compassionate — As vice president of SOS Children’s Villages of Pakistan, Safia Choudrhy Awan, ‘85, helps manage the largest orphan care charity in the world. She has overseen the development of many projects in Pakistan, from medical facilities, crisis response initiatives, residential homes to vocational training opportunities. • Trusted — Magna Werra Schley, ‘35, served as a dietician to Hollywood stars, including John Wayne. As the head dietitian at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, Calif., she also began the area’s first meals-onwheels program. • Extraordinary — After coming to the U.S. from Greece on a high school exchange, Natel Kypriotou Matschulat, ‘67, embraced her new country, ultimately moving to New York City and becoming the state’s senior deputy commissioner for the state’s department of commerce. “This is how we’re furthering the Sisters’ legacy, living out the mission of the institution,” Schwalbach said. More than a hundred alumnae have received Madonna Medals, which are given in the following categories: Professional Excellence; Community Service; Service to the Alumnae Association. The Madonna Medal depicts some of the iconic imagery that is dear to the University, three arches and an image of the Madonna herself. It is a symbol that represents both the humility and power of those who serve in the Mount Mary tradition. This idea — of celebrating noteworthy achievements that inspire a future call to action — lies at the very heart of the Madonna Medal.
Sister Patricia Ann Obremski, SSND, ‘63, a science professor with more than 50 years of teaching experience, received a Special Madonna Medal for her longstanding commitment to fostering an appreciation of science. Her innovative courses explore ways to meld faith and science. Mary Jo Stermer Park, ‘70, received the Madonna Medal Award for Community Service. Her peace education initiatives reach disparate audiences from elementary school students and teachers, to police recruits and those who are incarcerated. Julie Alexander, ‘81, received the Madonna Medal Award for Professional Excellence for her advocacy work. Throughout her life and her career, she has committed herself to promoting positive change surrounding issues of independent living and employment for individuals with disabilities. Jennifer Treptow Montalvo, ‘08, received the Tower Award for Excellence, for her legal work with low-income individuals, particularly immigrants who need assistance in the complex process of applying for visas.
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