The 2011 Dominican Alumnae Award Winners

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2011 Dominican Alumnae Awards:

Spirit of Rosary: Barb Guzauskas Hamsmith, Class of 1968 

Barb has been involved with many aspects of Rosary since her 1968 graduation.  She spent many hours coordinating and working Rosary`s Craft Shows.  She was Financial Co Chair for the Candlelight Ball for several years.  She has served on the Rosary Alumnae Association Board.  She helped organize class reunions and she has hosted class reunions at her home.  She served as a Rosary Library Aide.  She has volunteered for many Rosary events.  

Excerpts from the nominations: "Of course, our class knows Barb as the mover and shaker behind our continued communication, our frequent reuniting, and the resulting solidarity from these connections.  In an all-girl school that is trying to demonstrate that girls rule and loyalty to your alma mater is admirable, Barb provides an incredible example to all alumnae."   

"Barb has always been a true friend to all of the Rosary Class of 1968.  She continues to lead us with her example of cheerful service and humility." 

Barb is the mother of Rachel Hamsmith, Rosary Class of 2005.  Barb is also a 2010 Aurora University Graduate with a Bachelor`s degree.

Service: Molly Carey Smith, Class of 1982

Molly obtained her Master`s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Iowa and is currently living in Florida.  She has served many mission trips.  Her first was to Nicaragua at El Ayudante, near Leon, Nicaragua.  Their group traveled to very remote areas to provide medical care to people who have never received care.  She worked with children with cerebral palsy.  She was the "pharmacist" for the team.  Her pharmacy consisted of 25 suitcases containing medical supplies.  Each day the team would see over 100 patients.  They were overwhelmed by the suffering and lack of food and medical care for these people.  

Her next trip was to Peru for an educational mission trip.  Many family and friends from Illinois sent coats to her which she gave to the poor in the Andes Mountains.  Her team provided volunteer work at a school that had just opened. The children in this village have never received an education until this school opened.  Through the help of interpreters, Molly reviewed the school`s curriculum and taught classes.  The team set up donated computers and taught basic computer classes.  "As we were driving to this village, I noticed this very elderly woman who was walking up this dirt road with no shoes.  Her feet were dirty and blistered.  I jumped out of the truck and washed her feet and gave her socks and shoes my niece Erin York had donated.  I will never forget the smile on her face as I walked back to the truck."

Another medical mission trip was to Brazil along the Amazon River.  Molly teamed up with International Medical Relief.  She lived on a boat and slept in a hammock for 10 days.  Each morning, the team would be at a new village that had no access to medical care.  They spent their days performing surgery and providing medical care for piranha bites, snake bites, delivering babies, fungal diseases, burns, etc. in 120 degree heat.  In 10 days, they cared for over 1,000 people.

Molly`s next trip is in June for an education mission trip to Guatemala and in October, she will be joining an International Medical relief group to provide medical care in Senegal.

Professional Excellence: Dr. Mary Catherine Fox, Class of 1971

Dr. Mary Fox has a B.A., in Communication Arts, 1975, a M.S., Telecommunications, 1989 both from St Mary`s College, Winona, MN.  She has a Ph.D., in Higher Education, University of Minnesota, MN, 1998.  

"I would like to nominate Dr. Mary Fox, Rosary class of 1971 for her commitment to Catholic education at all levels.  She is an outstanding individual, who has served her community personally and professionally."
"Her academic achievements are equally as impressive and include many published writings and speaking engagements."  Mary’s achievements are many – from her education, areas of competence, courses taught, honors, board of directors, professional experience, papers, presentations, publications and professional activities.

"However, much more than all of this, is who Mary is as an educator, mentor, and woman of faith. As an educator, Mary sets the bar high and expects only the best from her students. Current and former students have used the following to describe Dr. Fox as energetic, demanding but fair, supportive, friendly, fun, positive, and down to earth.   As a mentor, Mary leads by her example. She has a passion for helping students to be the best they can be and all that God made them to be. As a woman of faith, Mary not only shares her Catholic, spiritual beliefs with students through her educational role, but also through her leadership and commitment to the Lasallian mission of St. Mary`s University of MN and her association with the Christian Brothers. Though her work, Mary has touch and positively influenced the lives of hundreds of students."

Congratulations to all the nominees and the recipients.  The award ceremony will be held during the Candle Rose Ceremony on May 25, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mary Lou Kunold Gymnasium at Rosary High School.  Family, friends and classmates are welcome to attend.