Marquette University will honor its accomplished alumni and friends during Alumni National Awards Weekend, April 25-27, for their personal achievements and support of the university. The celebration honors the distinguished award recipients from every college and professional school, all of whom represent the true spirit and mission of Marquette.
Short profiles of the honorees, including Alumni of the Year James C. Sartori, Bus Ad ’77, are available on the Alumni National Awards website.
All-University Award Recipients
Alumnus of the Year Award: James C. Sartori, Bus Ad ’77
Jim was just 30 when he took the reins of his family’s Wisconsin-based cheese business in 1986. Under his savvy leadership, Sartori Company’s products have become premium international retail brands that regularly win awards, while the company itself has remained true to its family and artisan values. Read the full bio here.
Professional Achievement Award: Barry C. Cosgrove, Jour ’79
“The guts to try, the heart to care and the resolve to Be The Difference.” It’s a message of inspiration in the Marquette community, a statement to essentially define the Marquette student. And it captures, perfectly, Barry’s approach to a life and career defined by self-made success. Read the full bio here.
Service to the Community Award: The Ignace Family: Dr. Gerald L. Ignace, Med ’65, Georgianna Webster Ignace, Sp ’88, Dr. Lyle A. Ignace, Arts ’92, Thekla Ignace Wald, Arts’ 97
As Native Americans descended from the Coeur D’Alene and Menominee tribes respectively, Gerald and Georgianna have long been involved in efforts to improve Native health care. Along the way, they have instilled in their children, including Lyle and Thekla, the importance of service to the Native community. Read the full bio here.
Service to Marquette Award: Nancy Schmid Andryc, Bus Ad ’79, and Joel J. Andryc, Sp ’79
Breaking into the entertainment industry is notoriously tough, but showbiz-bound Marquette students and alumni can count on two valuable connections in Hollywood: Nancy and Joel. Their passion for helping their Marquette community has inspired an influential network of engaged West Coast alumni. Read the full bio here.
Spirit of Marquette Award: Dr. Yi Sherry Zhang, Grad ’07
A molecular biologist by training, Dr. Sherry Zhang also has entrepreneurship in her DNA. Her latest startup company, GenoPalate, combines genetic and nutrition analysis to offer insights for eating smart and healthy. It also combines Sherry’s expertise in human population genomics with her strong desire to help others. Read the full bio here.
Friend of the University Award: American Orthodontics Corporation
Through innovative product development and a strong culture of serving others, American Orthodontics is dedicated to creating beautiful smiles. Its generous support of Marquette initiatives, says President Michael R. Lovell, is “creating a legacy of caring and kindness that goes far beyond our university and students.” Read the full bio here.
College Award Recipients
Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award – Maureen H. Hoyler, Arts ’70, Law ’79
Professional Achievement Award – Richard V. Poirier, Arts ’83, Law ’86
A Person for Others Award – Maria E. Flores, Arts ’84
Young Alumnus of the Year Award – John W. Meuler, Arts ’04
Association of Marquette University Women
Mary Neville Bielefeld Award – Mary Ellen King Much, Arts ’61
College of Business Administration
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award – Richard J. Leinenkugel, Bus Ad ’80
Professional Achievement Award – Phillip M. Spencer, Bus Ad ’84
Service Award – Pamela Moehring Peters, Bus Ad ’70 and John E. Peters, Bus Ad ’69
Young Alumna of the Year Award – Lisa Hensch Maier, Bus Ad ’06
J. William and Mary Diedrich College of Communication
Communicator of the Year Award – Nancy R. Armour, Comm ’91
Byline Award – Patrick M. Olsen, Jour ’87
Professional Achievement Award – Mary-Ann Bendel, Sp ’57
Young Alumna of the Year Award – Sheena G. Quinn, Comm ’04
James T. Tiedge Memorial Award – Sandra M. Patin, Comm ’91
School of Dentistry
Distinguished Alumnus in Dentistry Award – Dean J. Coppola, D.D.S., Dent ’87
Outstanding Dental Service Award – Thomas E. Gelhaus, D.D.S., Dent ’84
Young Alumna of the Year Award – Laura J. Rammer, D.D.S., Dent ’07
College of Education
Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award – Susan M. Korek, Arts ’80
Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Achievement Award – Courtney Wesnofske, Grad ’13
Educational Policy and Leadership Achievement Award – Hosanna Farr Mahaley, Arts ’91
Young Alumna of the Year Award – Colleen K. Ryan, Ed ’10
Opus College of Engineering
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award – Rams Y. Hermiz, Eng ’87
Professional Achievement Award – John R. Hartnett, Eng ’82
Entrepreneurial Award – Craig A. Zoberis, Eng ’90
Service Award – Robert F. Sobczak, Eng ’71, Grad ’74
Young Alumna of the Year Award – Jennifer Moen Schneider, Eng ’03, Grad ’06
College of Health Sciences
Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award – Dr. Theresa Monaco Spitznagle, PT ’86
Professional Achievement Award – Carleen Stransky Freesmeier, H Sci ’03, PA ’05
Service Award – Kristin Keglovitz Baker, H Sci ’02, PA ’03
Young Alumnus of the Year Award – Dr. William M. Beer, H Sci ’03
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Award Recipients
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award – Dwyane T. Wade, Jr.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Charles N. Besser, Arts ’72, Law ’75
M Club Hy Popuch Memorial Service Award – William L. Cords
Young Alumna of the Year Award – Jasmin McCullough Robinson, Eng ’07
Robert L. and William P. McCahill Award – Jessica L. Parker, H Sci ’18
Law School
Alumna of the Year Award – Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler, Law ’89
Lifetime Achievement Award – Aaron D. Twerski, Law ’65
Howard B. Eisenberg Service Award – Lisette R. Khalil, Law ’07
Charles W. Mentkowski Sports Law Alumnus of the Year Award – Aaron Hernandez, Law ’13
Marquette University Alumni Association National Board of Directors Award Recipient
Pedro Arrupe Award – Chiana A. Román, Nursing student
College of Nursing
Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award – Nancy Lien Korom, Grad ’93
Professional Achievement Award – Susan Eshelman Ela, Nurs ’77, Grad ’88
Service Award – Katherine A. Brown-Stalzman, Nurs ’75
Young Alumna of the Year Award – Kristin P. Stoniecki, Nurs ’07