Distinguished Alumnae Awards 21-22

Distinguished Alumnae Awards

Each year two awards are given to outstanding Ursuline Academy St. Louis Alumnae.

The Distinguished Alumna Award: Presented to an alumna who exemplifies in her public and private life the Christian ideals and standards of Ursuline, for distinguished service in her profession or to her community or to Ursuline Academy.

Toni Joyce Hunt ’79 | Distinguished Alumna 2022 Award Recipient

A remarkable way that Toni has shown leadership is through how much she values relationships. She is constantly connecting people to one another and creating excitement around new ideas and seeing them through.

As a life-long volunteer and community leader, Toni’s dedication to service has impacted the lives of hundreds in the St. Louis area. Toni has dedicated her time to her parish, Mary Queen of Peace and through her service as a former elected City Councilwoman of Webster Groves, she was instrumental in city planning and economic development. One of Toni’s biggest passions has been the support of Marian Middle School where she led many fundraising efforts to help build up future female leaders. Toni’s leadership and dedication to her communities, her dedication and to the Ursuline way of Serviam all make the community proud to recognize her as the 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Alumna award.

The Young Alumna Serviam Award: This annual award honors an outstanding alumna who, through her service, leadership and achievement, embodies the Serviam spirit of an Ursuline Academy education.

Rachel Essmyer Sheehan ’14 | Young Alumna Serviam 2022 Award Recipient

Throughout her life, Rachel has lived by the words of St. Angela Merici and used her care and leadership to build community wherever she went.

Now working as a regional resident services coordinator, she loves and cares for her residents every day and brings joy to their lives by finding out what each person would find meaningful. Through the pandemic, not only did she bring her residents Holy Communion, she brought them to doctor visits, or out for a drive. She was a critical lifeline to their families and inspires others by saying, “Gotta live out that Serviam.” Rachel is a testament to the Ursuline motto of Serviam, and the community is proud to recognize her as the 2022 recipient of the Young Alumna Serviam award.

Do you know an outstanding alumna? Someone who lives out the Ursuline values of service, courtesy, loyalty and courage, by attitude and action? Nominate her for an Ursuline Alumnae Award!

Suggest an alumna, fill out a nomination form or find out more about the awards and past recipients by visiting our website at: www.ursulinestl.org/alumnae-awards/