Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award

Dr. Donna Knipple Hargens, Arts ’79
Louisville, Ky.

"The classroom," Donna says, is the “center of the universe,” something she reminds herself of every day while serving as superintendent of the Jefferson County Public School District in Louisville, Ky., charged with ensuring the success of more than 100,000 students in 153 schools.

Educational Policy and Leadership Achievement Award

Dr. Mark T. Joerres, Arts ’85, Grad ’89, ’94
New Berlin, Wis.

As principal of Milwaukee’s St. Thomas More High School, Mark makes it incredibly clear what he finds important: "Spread the gospel message … and, when necessary, use words."

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Achievement Award

Julian M. Swartz, Grad ’08
Memphis, Tenn.

To Julian, Marquette is the place that helped him answer the question of “Who am I?” with “Who I am!” As director of player development for University of Memphis men’s basketball, he is helping the student-athletes in his care do the same.