Distinguished Alumna of the Year

MARY BETH CROSSETT SMITS, ENG '90
Chanhassen, Minn.

Some of Beth’s most cherished Marquette memories were formed on long road trips. Her experiences as a member of the women’s basketball team from 1986–90 helped form the person she is today: vice president of Secondary Markets at Best Buy and a mentor to young people in her free time.

Lifetime Achievement Award

DALE E. PETRANECH, ARTS '57
Hammonton, N.J.

Dale has been an influential voice in the world of open water and marathon swimming since he was named the first chairman of U.S. Swimming’s Open Water Swimming Committee in 1977. His definition of success, however, is not about his own accomplishments.

Young Alumna of the Year Award

ELIZABETH B. WILKIE, ARTS '09
Oak Park, Ill.

Inspired by fond memories of a favorite Marquette professor who passed away too soon, Elizabeth spent time in the Peace Corps, is teaching Spanish and culture in Chicago, and continues to search for more ways to help others.

Friends of Marquette Athletics Award

THE HON. W. GREG RYBERG, JR., ARTS '68, and 
ELIZABETH DENKEWALTER RYBERG, ARTS '69
Aiken, S.C.

The spirit of giving is a core value of Greg and Elizabeth. Greg, a former state senator in South Carolina, has been a member of the Marquette Board of Trustees since 2008, and Elizabeth is a community advocate and fundraiser.

M Club Hy Popuch Memorial Service Award

ROBERT L. WILKINS, ARTS '62, LAW '68
Brookfield, Wis.

A member of Marquette’s last football team in 1960, Bob went on to get his undergraduate and law degrees from Marquette. His work as an attorney gave him the satisfaction of “being helpful to people, forming relationships and feeling needed.”

Robert L. and William P. McCahill Award

ELIZABETH K. KOBERSTEIN, NURS '14
Madison, Wis.

Inspired by the strength of her parents, Elizabeth chose a profession that allows her to make a career out of the act of giving back. The former Marquette volleyball standout recently began a one-year residency at Milwaukee's Zablocki VA Medical Center.