Alumni Awards Ceremony

The 2024 Alumni Awards Celebration was an incredible event. On October 4, we recognized the six outstanding recipients who we are proud to call alumni.

Tower Award

Dr. Natasha Smet '11

Dr. Natasha Smet ’11 is the recipient of this year’s Tower Award. Smet has demonstrated outstanding competence during her decade in the occupational therapy community. As a leader in her field, Smet has developed nationally acknowledged programs to assist mentor trainees, and has provided support to individuals with minoritized identities.

Smet is a dedicated volunteer for the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Through this work, she has received numerous awards for her continued commitment and her compassion.

Throughout her achievements Smet continues to uplift others. By helping give a voice to under-represented communities, she demonstrates that working as an occupational therapist is not just a career — it is a passion.

Madonna Medal For Community Service

Ellen Della-Heitman ’92

This year we awarded Ellen Della-Heitman ’92 with the Madonna Medal of Community Service. DellaHeitman earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Behavioral Sciences from Mount Mary. After graduation she earned a Master’s in Theology from Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis.

Della-Heitman’s career began as Director of Christian faith formation, where she taught Catholic social principles to children. Della-Heitman has also demonstrated a special gift for interacting with those dealing with loss. Her ability to provide empathy and warmth to grieving families is inspiring. We celebrate her leadership and devotion to her community.

Madonna Medal For Professional Excellence

Tiffany Wynn ’01

Dedication to reaching a diverse audience is at the heart of the personal and professional values of Tiffany Wynn ’01. Since graduating from Mount Mary, Wynn has been a trailblazer in her field. This commitment is demonstrated by her time as a member of the Mount Mary University Communication Department’s Advisory Board and an instructor of Integrated Marketing Communications courses at Mount Mary.

Wynn’s career in public relations and marketing is dedicated to promoting education, empowerment, health and professional development for others. She continues to focus her efforts on helping nonprofit organizations succeed and volunteers her time to create a more equitable world. Whether crafting campaign messages or spending her time helping others, Wynn exudes compassion, professionalism and leadership.

Madonna Medal for Professional Excellence

Anne Marie Witchger Hansen ’74

Anne Marie Witchger Hansen ’74 has had an extensive career within the occupational therapy field. After graduating from Mount Mary, she earned a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership and Adult Education, followed by an Interdisciplinary Doctorate in Professional Educational Leadership. She founded the Occupational Therapy department at St. Mary’s Hospital in her hometown of Saginaw, Mich. and served as the organization’s director. Witchger Hansen and her family later traveled to Tanzania to work with the Spiritan Fathers ministry. Even after her family’s return to the United States in 1985, her devotion to this mission has endured.

From educating others to providing a safe space for those in need of hope, Anne Marie Witchger Hansen has been a source of inspiration to everyone whose life she has touched.

Madonna Medal for Service to the University

Joan Penzenstadler, SSND ’67

Joan Penzenstadler, SSND ’67 has been an integral part of Mount Mary for many years.

Penzenstadler began her educational journey at Mount Mary College, earning a bachelor’s degree in French. She went on to earn a Master’s in Theology in 1978 and a Doctorate of Religious Education in 1988.

Penzenstadler began her ministry as a high school teacher, serving 11 years in the Wisconsin cities of Milwaukee, Marinette and Chippewa Falls. Throughout her continued years of service, she has helped preserve the Mount Mary spirit and mission.

Penzenstadler’s impact on those around her is immeasurable. Her dedication to the SSNDs, infectious enthusiasm to help and unwavering compassion know no bounds.

President's Award of Distinction

Kathryn Maegli Davis ’71

Kathryn Maegli Davis ’71 is the 2024 recipient of the President’s Award of Distinction. When starting her Mount Mary journey, Maegli Davis had already amassed a wealth of life experiences. Her diverse career path has led her to roles in the fashion industry, teaching home economics to high school students and authoring several books.

Maegli Davis has provided tremendous support to Mount Mary, through both her financial donations and volunteer efforts. She has served on the Mount Mary Board of Trustees (currently a Trustee Emeritus) and on the Alumnae Association’s scholarship review committee.