What’s POSSIBLE? Celebrating new voices S. Mara Faulkner ’62, Presidents’ Award Time and again, S. Mara’s former students report that her classes were the most inspiring and formative experiences of their college careers. She taught with passion, kindness and tremendous dedication to her students for more than 50 years. As one student explains, “She pushed me to find my voice and then celebrated it when I did.” S. Mara Faulkner ’62
S. Mara holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Minnesota, and she has authored three books — one of which was a finalist for a Minnesota Book Award. She has won America magazine’s Foley Poetry Contest for her poem, “Things I Didn’t Know I Loved.” In 2001, she received the S. Mary Grell Teacher of Distinction Award.
Helping build families out of fragments Joan Strom Riebel ’64, Presidents’ Award
Joan Strom Riebel ’64
Joan graduated with a major in social science education and got her first job at the Home of the Good Shepherd, a residential facility for “wayward” girls. The experience fit her like a glove. While working on her master’s degree, Joan saw the need for supplemental training in her field. She wrote and was awarded a federal grant to train human services professionals working with families struggling with sex abuse issues. As a result, she was the first foster care trainer in the country for a public agency. She also planned, coordinated and conducted the first National Symposium on Family Sexuality.
Judge Elizabeth Hayden ’68
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In 1984, she became executive director of Family Alternatives, a licensed foster care and adoption agency. Under Joan’s leadership, the nonprofit organization grew from $120,000 to $3.5 million annually. A sampling of awards showcasing her leadership include the Mother Benedicta Riep Award from Saint Benedict’s Monastery, the CSB Benedictine Service Award, the Morris Hursch Award from the Minnesota Social Service Association and the Leadership Award from the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota. She was also named one of the “100 Points of Light” at the University of Minnesota’s Centennial Celebration.
Changing the face of justice Judge Elizabeth Hayden ’68, Presidents’ Award While working in various jobs in social work in the public sector, a chance meeting in court gave Liz an idea. Underwhelmed by the “blustery” performance of the illprepared attorney who was cross-examining the case, Liz believed she could do a better job. So she enrolled in Oklahoma City University where she received her juris doctorate. She moved back to Minnesota and became the first female assistant county attorney in Stearns County. After six years in the county attorney’s office, she was appointed the first female district court judge by Gov. Rudy Perpich. While breaking new ground as a female attorney and judge brought her immense satisfaction, it also brought constant scrutiny from male counterparts who fully anticipated her failure. She proved them wrong, and she resided successfully on the bench for 23 years before retiring in 2009.