Val Demings and Simone Cummings

2022 Distinguished Alumni recipient Val Demings with Dean Simone Cummings

Roslyn Grant and partner

2022 Mary Elizabeth Newell Loyalty Award recipient Roslyn Grant

Eric Rothenbuhler and Courtney Stewart

2022 Loretto Award recipient Courtney Stewart with Dean Eric Rothenbuhler

Beth Stroble, Leah Latham, Alex McCuien

2021 Young Alumni Award recipient Leah Latham with Chancellor Beth Stroble and Alumni President Alex McCuien

Vanessa Davis, Beth Stroble, Nancy Hightshoe

2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Nancy Hightshoe with Chancellor Beth Stroble and Alumni Director Vanessa Davis

Eve Coulson, Beth Stoble, Joan Marie Godoy Liere, and Chris Whitmore

2018 Award recipients Eve Coulson (Mary Elizabeth Newell), Joan Marie Godoy Liere (Loretto) and Chris Whitmore (Young Alumni) with Chancellor Beth Stroble

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest alumni award given. The Webster University Alumni Association annually recognizes an alumna or alumnus who has made specific, meritorious contributions to society through their profession and involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities. This award recognizes high achievement that reflects credit upon the individual and Webster University. As part of the selection process, the Alumni Board Awards Committee considers the influence and impact the individual has had beyond their local community (regionally, nationally, internationally) in their profession or service, and whether or not the alum has been the “first” to accomplish something.

Val Demings

Val Demings, MA ’96
Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Rep. Demings will be presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest award presented to University alumni. Recipients are alumni who have made specific, meritorious contributions to society through their profession and involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities. This award recognizes high achievement that reflects credit upon the individual and Webster University. As part of the selection process, the Alumni Board Awards Committee considers the influence and impact individuals have had beyond their local community in their profession or service, and whether they have been the “first” to accomplish something.

Demings is a lifelong public servant, who has broken numerous glass ceilings. She began her career in Jacksonville, Florida as a social worker, who worked to protect foster children. She was then inspired to move to Orlando to join the police force. Despite institutional resistance to the idea of women in law enforcement, she pushed forward, graduating from the police academy as class president. She received the Board of Trustees’ Award for Overall Excellence and made history by serving as Orlando’s first female police chief.

During her time in law enforcement, Demings launched innovative programs, including Operation Positive Direction, a mentoring program that empowers at-risk students through tutoring, community service, and positive incentives. She also launched Operation Free Palms, a project focusing on rejuvenating Orlando's most crime-ridden housing complex, the Palms Apartments. By focusing on unorthodox strategies like access to child care, building playgrounds, a GED program, and job skills training, the Orlando Police Department created an alternative to crime and improved the quality of life in the city's most distressed community. During Demings' tenure, she reduced crime in Orlando by 40%.

In 2017, Demings successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. Today, she works on the House Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Intelligence committees. She is chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery; and vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee (Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security).

She is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Women’s Caucus, New Democratic Caucus, Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Review Board and the Elections Security Taskforce. Besides serving as a subcommittee vice chair, Demings’ leadership positions include serving as associate and regional whip for the House Democratic Caucus, co-chair of Candidate Recruitment for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and vice chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Demings is an active member of St. Mark A.M.E.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Orlando Chapter of the Links, Inc.; NAACP Silver Life Member; Florida Bar Citizens Advisory Committee; Florida Police Chiefs Association; National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives; National Congress of Black Women; and numerous other affiliations.

She holds a bachelor’s in Criminology from Florida State University, a master’s in Public Administration from Webster University, and honorary doctorate degrees from Bethune-Cookman University, Florida Technical College and City College Fort Lauderdale.

  • Awele, BFA ‘82 (2021)
  • Michelle Esswein, MBA ’93 (2020)
  • Nancy Hightshoe, MA ’77 (2019)
  • Manal Fakhoury, MBA ’12 (2018)
  • Alan O. Freeman, MBA ’93 (2017)
  • Maarten de Boer, BA ’00 (2016)
  • Nancy Hernreich Bowen, BA ’68 (2014)
  • Kathleen Mazzarella, MBA ’02 (2013)
  • General Lloyd J. Austin III, MA ’89 (2012)
  • Nelda K. Lee, MA ’99 (2011)
  • General Carroll H. Chandler, MA ’78 (2010)
  • Leyna Nguyen, BA ’92 (2009)
  • Jane Robert, BA ’69 (2008)
  • Barbara Krzewinski, MA ’81 (2007)
  • Nancy Edmonds Paull, BA ’80 (2006)
  • Mike Jackson, MA ’81 (2005)
  • Mary Pat Seurkamp, BA ’68 (2004)
  • Jane Hodges, MA ’97 (2003)
  • Mary Ann Wyrsch, BA ’65 (2002)
  • Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin, BA ’63 (2001)
  • Eileen Collins, MA ’89 (2000)
  • Norma Lee Speckhard, MAT ’79 (1999)
  • Terri Williams, BA ’85 (1998)
  • Marsha Mason, BA ’64 (1996)
  • Marilyn Morheuser, BA ’46* (1995)
  • Ann Manganaro S.L., BA ’69* (1994)
  • Pearline Motley, MA ’89* (1994)
  • Franz Pruller, BA ’86 (1994)
  • James A. Barnes, MA ’82 (1993)
  • Elizabeth Donegan, BA ’68 (1992)
  • Clarence Harmon, MA ’79 (1991)
  • Mary Clare Geerling, BA ’47 (1990)
  • Joseph Noelker, BA ’74 (1989)
  • Jean Crowley Antonmattei, BS ’39* (1988)
  • David Morton, BA ’76* (1987)
  • Jan Greenberg, MAT ’73 (1986)
  • Jacqueline Grennan Wexler, BA ’48* (1985)
  • Eva Kirkpatrick, MA ’70* (1984)
  • Lynn Rubright, MAT ’71 (1983)
  • Betty Espinosa, BA ’37* (1982)
  • Mary Mangan S.L., BA ’35* (1981)
  • John Doglione, MA ’77 (1980)

Loretto Award

The Loretto Award is presented annually to an alumna or alumnus who has given significantly of themselves in service to humanity and social justice. The Award is intended to continue the recognition of the community service and social justice values of the Sisters of Loretto who founded Webster College in 1915. The Alumni Board Awards Committee makes the selection of this recipient.

Courtney Stewart

Courtney Stewart, MA ’05
Professional Communicator

Stewart will receive the Loretto Service Award, which is presented to alumni who have given significantly in service to humanity and social justice. The award is intended to continue the recognition of the community service and social justice values of the Sisters of Loretto, who founded Webster College in 1915.

Stewart is a communications expert whose work is focused on driving change through audience alignment and intentional strategies. She is the vice president of strategic communications at the Missouri Foundation for Health and previously worked for Harris-Stowe State University, and The Boeing Company.

Stewart is an active community leader and mentor to many. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also serves on the communications advisory board of the Webster University School of Communications and formerly served on the young professional advisory boards of Crisis Nursery and Saint Louis Zoo. She is the founder of the Honeycombs dance team at Harris-Stowe State University. Stewart holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Arts in Communications Management from Webster University.

  • Kim Bouldin-Jones, BA ‘87 (2021)
  • Terry Gorski, MA ‘74* (2020)
  • Jane Peckham Stoever, BA '66 (2019)
  • Joan Marie Godoy Liere, MA '12 (2018)
  • Tracey Jeffries, MA ’10 (2017)
  • Mary Ann Wyrsch, BA ’65 (2016)
  • Eileen Schneider Edelman, BA ’85 (2014)
  • Jane Ellen Ibur, BA ’73 (2013)
  • Amy Lorenz-Moser, BA ’97 (2011)
  • Maureen McCormack S.L., BA ’54 (2010)
  • Grace Akumu Adhiambo, BA ’86 (2009)
  • Roswitha Weinrich, BA ’85 (2008)
  • Magdalen Seaman, BA ’47* (2007)
  • Wilhelmina Matern, MA ’01 (2006)
  • Kwan li Kladstrup, BA ’94 (2005)
  • James L. Rhodes, MA ’81 (2004)
  • Mary Ann McGivern S.L., BA ’64 (2003)

The Mary Elizabeth Newell Award

The Mary Elizabeth Newell Loyalty Award is presented to an alumna or alumnus who has demonstrated a high degree of loyalty, commitment and concern for Webster University over a span of many years. This award is presented in memory of Mary Newell, a graduate from the class of 1926, who was a loyal supporter of Webster and dedicated member of the Alumni Association. The Alumni Board Awards Committee makes the selection of this recipient.

Roslyn Grant

Roslyn Grant, MA ’97
Organizational Development Expert; Former 
President of the Alumni Association, African American Alumni Chapter

Grant will receive the Mary Elizabeth Newell Loyalty Award. The Newell Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated a high degree of loyalty, commitment and concern for Webster University over a span of many years. This award is presented in memory of Mary Newell, a graduate from the class of 1926, who was a life-long supporter of Webster and dedicated member of the Alumni Association.

Grant is the Director of Organization Development for Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin health network, which includes ten hospitals and over 45 health centers and clinics.  She is also the founder of Grant Performance Group LLC, a consulting company focusing on elevating the performance of people and organizations through development, alignment, engagement, and inclusion.

She has over 20 years’ experience in leadership development, strategic planning, organization development, and human resources. She is passionate about assuring individuals are equipped with the tools, resources, opportunities, and support required for success.

Prior to her current role, Grant was the assistant professor of Leadership and director of Corporate Partnerships at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.  She has also held leadership positions at BJC Inc., Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, and Maritz Inc.  She shares her knowledge and expertise with local and national faith based and youth organizations, as well as several community boards and committees.

She has been active in Webster’s alumni association for nearly two decades, including serving as president of Webster’s Alumni Association and president of the African American Alumni Chapter.

Grant holds a PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University, a master’s degree in Management and Human Resources Development from Webster University, and a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Psychology from the University of Missouri.

  • Vanessa Davis, MA ’04, DMGT ‘15 (2021)
  • Darrell Yates, MA ‘00 (2020)
  • V. Diane McGee, MBA '98 (2019)
  • Eve Coulson, BA '73 (2018)
  • Dr. Ann Harbeson, MA ’03 (2017)
  • Stefano Cantini, BA ’92, MA ’94 (2016)
  • John Nickel, BA ’75 (2014)
  • Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin, BA ’63 (2013)
  • Doris Federhofer, BA ’38* (2013)
  • Timothy Noelker, BA ’73 (2012)
  • Dr. Karen M. Luebbert, BA ’64 (2011)
  • Shirley Broz, MA ’93 (2010)
  • Irma Jacobs Tirro, MA ’94 (2009)
  • Keith Lanier, BA ’91 (2008)
  • David P. Weiss, BA ’75 (2007)
  • Jackie Hellman Sontag, BA ’50* (2006)
  • Peggy Jostedt Czufin, BA ’47* (2005)
  • Emil Mezgolits, MA ’82 (2004)
  • Ilissa Staadeker, BA ’77 (2003)
  • Ellen Livingston, MA ’75 (2002)
  • Ann Washle O’Connell, BA ’60 (2001)
  • Christopher A. Thomas, BA ’84 (2000)
  • Bette Rae Karst Wilbers, BA ’60 (1999)
  • Betty Compton Mueller, BA ’52, MAT ’83 (1998)
  • Adelyn Reinheimer Cline, BA ’49* (1997)
  • Barbara Luechtefeld Fraser, BA ’48* (1996)
  • Marianne Dickhaus Knaup, BA ’66* (1995)
  • Mary Lois Flippin Hall, MAT ’73 (1994)
  • Gabriel Mary Hoare S.L., MA ’83 (1993)
  • Mary Clare Kline Heller, BA ’36* (1992)
  • Clare Heyne, BA ’59* (1991)
  • Ione Vatterott Berry, BA ’47 (1990)
  • Carol Colligan, BA ’70, MA ’77 (1989)
  • Mary Mangan S.L., BA ’35* (1988)
  • Mary Louise Hyde, BA ’40* (1987)
  • Ceil Golden Reh, BA ’35* (1986)
  • Marie Vlatkovich Markowski, BA ’45* (1985)
  • Elizabeth Halpin, BA ’36* (1984)
  • Margaret Bihss, BA ’33* (1983)
  • Audrey Effinger Dietrich, BA ’45* (1982)

Young Alumni Award

The Young Alumni Award recognizes an alum who promotes the values and elevates the profile of Webster University through leadership in their profession, contributions to society through public service, and ongoing support of the University. This person must be an alumna/alumnus of Webster University who received their undergraduate degree within the last 10 years of being nominated and is 35 years of age or younger. The Alumni Board Awards Committee makes the selection of this recipient.

Kevin Miles

Kevin Miles, BFA ’12
Actor

Miles will receive the Young Alumni Award. The award recognizes alumni who promote the values and elevates the profile of Webster University through leadership in their profession, contributions to society through public service, and ongoing support of the University. Awardees must be Webster University graduates, who received an undergraduate degree within the last 10 years of being nominated, and are 35 years of age or younger.

Miles is widely recognized due to his appearance in many national State Farm commercials. He has acted in numerous films and televisions shows, including “Uglies,” Netflix's “Pretty Smart,” Netflix's “Tall Girl 2,” “Innocent,” “S.W.A.T.,” “iCarly,” and “Criminal Minds.” Miles also appears in many other commercials including spots for Coors Light, 5 Hour Energy, Henry's Hard Sparkling Water, T-Mobile, Hyundai, McDonald's, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Bose.

  • Leah Latham, BA ‘10 (2021)
  • Cody Renard Richard BFA '10 (2020)
  • Kayla Thompson, BA '13 (2019)
  • Chris Whitmore, BA '14 (2018)
  • Loren Rahman, BA ’12, MA ’12 & Wakeel Rahman, BA '13 (2017)
  • Kacey Hampton, BA ’11 (2016)
  • Ricardo Falla, BA ’09, MA ’11 (2014)
  • Jessica Butler, BA ’04 (2013)
  • Taran Hercules, BA ’03 (2012)
  • Kathleen Sullivan, BFA ’02 (2011)
  • Eric Madkins, MA ’05, MA ’08 (2010)
  • Khiang-Kay Soe, BA ’03, MA ’06 (2009)
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