Reunion 2017 Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2017 alumnae award winners recognized for outstanding achievements and dedicated service to the Alumnae Association and/or College. The Alumnae Association’s reunion awards program recognizes the contributions of outstanding alumnae. Two volunteer alumnae award committees select recipients based on a twelve-month vetting process that includes extensive research on each nominee. View a complete list of all past winners or recommend an alumna for a future award.

Alumnae Achievement Award

Awarded to an alumna for outstanding achievements and service to society that exemplify the ideals of a liberal arts education, through salaried or volunteer fields of endeavor.

Katherine Butler Jones, class of 1957, has given her heart, soul, and endless energy to improving the lives of youth and fighting for education and equality.

Polly Dix Schaafsma, class of 1957, is an archaeologist and an established expert in the field of rock art, whose work has provided new analytic perspectives to the field.

Susan Higinbotham Holcombe, class of 1962, has demonstrated a commitment to social justice, including working to improve the capabilities, livelihoods, and well-being of those living in disadvantaged communities around the world.

Judith A. Lonnquist, class of 1962, is an attorney who has made incredible contributions to civil rights law, breaking ground for countless women and giving a voice to those who have been met with discrimination.

Sheryl Foulke Kelsey, class of 1967, has made sustained contributions to public health through groundbreaking scholarship in statistics and epidemiology that have directly impacted women’s health.

Susan Shirk, class of 1967, is a distinguished scholar whose work studying the complex economic and political development of China has informed US policy.

Susan M. Freeman, class of 1972, is a highly recognized and respected leader in the world of bankruptcy law, whose service to her community is truly outstanding.

Jane Rebecca Hammond, class of 1972, is one of the foremost American artists of her time, whose work in painting, photography, sculpture, and print continues to be recognized as fresh, innovative, and impactful.

Sarah-Ann Lynch, class of 1982, has served the United States and the world through her work in the Foreign Service.

Blossom Andrea Damania, class of 1992, is one of the world’s leading virologists whose research has led to breakthroughs in understanding the pathology of cancer.

Tahmima Anam, class of 1997, is a global citizen and renowned novelist whose writing offers glimpses into other lives and cultures.

Alumnae Medal of Honor

Awarded to an alumna at her twentieth reunion or beyond for long-term eminent service and significant leadership in promoting the effectiveness of multiple areas of the Alumnae Association and/or College.

Marcia Brumit Kropf, class of 1967, has been a professional, proactive, and forward-thinking steward of the Alumnae Association and partner to the College. Her work to introduce positive change within the Association has resulted in a more efficient and effective experience for staff and alumnae while also strengthening relations with the College.

Elizabeth Redmond VanWinkle, class of 1982, has made Mount Holyoke a priority wherever she goes. She has displayed unwavering commitment and leadership in her service to Mount Holyoke through her involvement with her class and club and in her work on the Alumnae Association’s clubs committee.

Carrianna Field, class of 1997, is known for her ongoing dedicated leadership and commitment to Mount Holyoke, most recently in her role as alumnae trustee, helping nurture a productive working environment between the Alumnae Association and the College.

Elizabeth Topham Kennan Award

Awarded to an alumna for outstanding achievement in and contributions to the field of education, honoring the service of former President Elizabeth Topham Kennan ’60 to the College and to higher education in general.

Helen Marie Shields, class of 1967, is a gastroenterologist who in addition to her own groundbreaking research has spent more than twenty-five years pioneering new and innovative methods to teach medicine.

Mary Lyon Award

Awarded to a young alumna (graduated fifteen or fewer years ago) who demonstrates exceptional promise or sustained achievement in her life, profession, or community.

Tamara J. Dews ’06
Katy Simpson Smith ’06

Alumnae Loyalty Award

Awarded to an alumna who has demonstrated consistent effort and active involvement in one area of service over an extended period of time. Volunteer effort may be on behalf of a class, club, affinity group, the Association, or the College.

Ann Wadhams Cobrain ’47
Harriet Farber Friedlander ’52
Robin Rolfe Bagley ’57
Susan Long Quainton ’57
Elisabeth Krabisch Sandler ’57
Marion Fitch Connell ’62
Margaret Credle Cunningham ’62
Anne Wagner Raphael ’62
Ludmila Schwarzenberg Bidwell ’67
Anne Wright ’67
Lynn Tacket Kinch ’72
Hope Hockenberry Yelich ’72
Stephanie Jaffe Green ’77
Susan Abert Noonan ’82
Lisa Gaye Tompkins ’82
Abigail M. Wolff ’82
Elizabeth McInerny McHugh ’87
Laura S. Althoff ’92
Leslie Fu Pang ’97

Young Alumna Volunteer Leadership Award

Awarded to a young alumna who has demonstrated strong leadership, consistent effort over time, and active involvement in one or more areas of service. Volunteer effort may be on behalf of a class, club, affinity group, the Association, or the College. 

Karen McVey Loweth ’07
Margaret Murray Trenis ’07
Tamar Spitz Westphal ’12

The President’s Cup

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest total number of attendees, this award was presented to the class of 1967.

The Reunion Cup

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest percentage of attendees, this award was presented to the class of 1967.

The Margaret Caskey Cup

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest total number of attendees, this award was presented to the class of 2012.

The Alumnae Association Cup

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest percentage of attendees, this award was presented to the class of 1957.

Advancement Awards

The Sphinx Award

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest total participation in The Mount Holyoke Fund during the reunion fiscal year.
1967
1952

The Pegasus Award

Awarded to the reunion class that raises the most total dollars for immediate use through The Mount Holyoke Fund during the reunion fiscal year.
1967
1972

The Lion Award

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest total giving to all funds for the previous four years and the current reunion year.
1967
1942

The Griffin Award

Awarded to the reunion class with the highest percentage of Laurel Chain Society members.
1947
1952

May 31, 2017