Two impactful leaders recognized

Honorary Degree

Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt

Carthage presented an honorary Doctor of Public Service to Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt of the U.S. Navy.

Originally from Milwaukee, Capt. Bauernschmidt recently completed a 21-month tour of duty as commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln. The historic appointment in 2021 made her the first American woman to command an aircraft carrier.

Since being designated a naval aviator in 1996, Capt. Bauernschmidt has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours as a helicopter pilot and instructor. Totaling seven deployments, she has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and several other commendations.

On shore, Capt. Bauernschmidt served as senior military adviser to the Office of Global Women’s Issues, an arm of the Secretary of State that works to enhance peace and security for women worldwide. In addition to completing the rigorous Nuclear Power School, she has a Master of Arts from the Naval War College and a Bachelor of Science from the Naval Academy.

Recently nominated for a promotion to rear admiral, lower half, Capt. Bauernschmidt awaited confirmation from the U.S. Senate as of press time.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Cherie Matthaidess Robinson

Cherie Matthaidess Robinson ’01 received the Distinguished Alumni Award. She is vice president of human resources for Amazon’s international stores, which employ more than 150,000 workers in over 40 countries.

With a passion to lead through others, Ms. Robinson has progressively taken on more responsibility since joining Amazon in 2012. Company leaders describe her as “mission-oriented” and “able to rally others.”

A three-generation Carthage family legacy began with her grandfather, Edwin Matthaidess, who taught languages from 1949 to 1976. Extremely active on campus, Ms. Robinson won a senior leadership award, and the 87 career doubles victories she compiled with Kelly (Carstensen) Johnson ’01 still stand as a women’s tennis program record.

After completing her undergraduate studies in psychology and business administration, Ms. Robinson went on to earn an MBA from Marquette University. Before moving west, Ms. Robinson worked for more than a decade in HR at SC Johnson in Racine, Wisconsin. She resides in Seattle with her husband, George, and their four children.