Alumnae Awards
The Alumnae Awards celebrate Mount Notre Dame women and community members who embody faith, leadership, service, and excellence while advancing the mission and spirit of MND.
Mount Notre Dame Alumnae Awards
April 23, 2026
Delta Marriott
6:00 PM
2026 Honorees
Clare Strauss Fister ’61
Jonelle Zachary ’03
Bridget Cassidy Frost ’04
Emma Frey ’22
Drew Fladung
Maureen Baldock
The 2026 Mount Notre Dame Alumnae Awards will be held on April 23, 2026 at the Delta Hotels Marriott and will celebrate exceptional women and community leaders who embody MND’s mission to learn, live, lead, and serve.
The evening will recognize recipients of:
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Distinguished Alumna Award
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Golden Guild Award
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Hallmark Alumna Award
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Young Alumna Award
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Spirit Award
- Capstone Award
Through faith, service, leadership, and professional excellence, these honorees reflect the enduring legacy and powerful influence of the Mount Notre Dame community.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Mount Notre Dame has been empowering young women since 1860. MND has nurtured these young women, guiding them to live purposely, excel academically, lead confidently, and serve their communities. Our alumnae have forged successful paths in various fields, such as entrepreneurship, science, art, and business, all while remaining dedicated to MND’s mission to learn, live, lead and serve. On April 23, 2026, we are excited to honor those who have made contributions to MND and beyond. Please consider supporting MND’s Alumnae Awards event through sponsorship. Your investment allows MND to empower young women for years to come!
Distinguished Alumna Award
The Distinguished Alumna Award honors those from the Mount Notre Dame community who are making incredible happen by demonstrating outstanding accomplishments and leadership within their chosen field or industry, educational pursuits, or community impact. A distinguished alumna is someone who is:
- Recognized for innovative thinking, leadership, and vision in their professional, academic and/or personal endeavors.
- Exemplifying the values and mission of MND through their actions and achievements, committing themselves to service, embracing the gift of diversity, and creating community among those with whom they work.
- Engaging with MND consistently, through leadership, fundraising, volunteering, or participating in alumnae events.
Golden Guild Award
The Golden Guild Award honors an alumna who graduated 50 or more years ago, who exemplifies the Hallmarks of the SNDdeN, living out and sharing their faith with others, giving back through service, and/or advocating for communities in need. A Golden Guild Award winner is someone who:
- Exemplifies the Hallmarks of the SNDdeN, living out and sharing their faith with others.
- Contributes to their community through service and/or advocating for those in need.
- Nurtures relationships with members of their class and the larger MND community.
Hallmark Alumna Award
The Hallmark Alumna Award honors an alumna who demonstrates the values of the Notre Dame community through their leadership in organizing and coordinating service initiatives. A Hallmark Alumna nominee:
- Brings forward solutions to address community needs and challenges.
- Commits herself to the community, while inspiring and motivating others to serve.
- Provides extraordinary service and support to individuals, communities, or regions in need, resulting in positive outcomes.
- Values and embraces the gift of diversity, honoring the dignity and sacredness of each person.
Young Alumna
The Young Alumna Award honors those from the Mount Notre Dame community who have demonstrated significant professional and/or academic accomplishments and recognition within ten years of graduating.
A young alumna is:
- Developing leadership skills and potential for future leadership roles in their professional field.
- Excelling and leading through their academic journey, or serving their community
- Supporting the MND community through participation in events or active involvement in programs that benefit current students.
- Exemplifying the values and mission of MND through their achievements and service.
Spirit Award
The Spirit Award honors any person(s) from the community who are committed to raising awareness, promoting a positive image, and advocating for support to advance the mission of Mount Notre Dame.
Note: Spirit award nominees are not required to be MND alumnae. A Spirit Award nominee:
- Engages in volunteering, fundraising, or awareness campaigns to promote a positive image and build support for MND.
- Collaborates with a variety of groups, organizations, and community leaders to build relationships and partnerships in support of MND.
- Demonstrates long-term commitment to advocating for MND.
Capstone Award
The Capstone award is unique in that is a committee’s choice award. The Capstone Award honors a member of the MND community who demonstrates exceptional leadership and tremendous dedication and support of the Mount Notre Dame community.
Note: Capstone award nominees are not required to be MND alumnae. The Capstone honoree is someone who:
- Demonstrates exemplary leadership in our MND community.
- Displays a variety and depth of support to not only the MND community, but also the community at large.
Previous Recipients Include
2024 Recipients:
Distinguished- Debbie Fitz Hayes ’80
Hallmark- Meghan Meador Beach ‘00
Capstone- Angie George Arengo ‘94
Young Alumna- Madeline Brisken ‘21
Spirit Award- David and Chrissy Farkas
2025: Recipients:
Golden Guild- Mary McGing Duckworth ‘75
Distinguished- Julie Dean McMahon ‘06
Hallmark- Kara Driscoll ‘11
Capstone- Sarah Pisciotta ‘15
Young Alumna- Ellie Privitera ‘16
Spirit- Teri Dean
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