2021 Reunion Award Winners
Award Descriptions and Past Reunion Awards Recipients
The CSB Alumnae Board, on behalf of College of Saint Benedict, presents Reunion Awards to outstanding alumnae from reunion years whose daily lives reflect and honor the Benedictine tradition and mission of our alma mater. Nominations are accepted each year. For more information regarding the nomination process, please contact the Alumnae Relations Office.
Reunion 2021 Award Winners
Deanna Suilmann ’76
Distinguished Alumna Award honors an alumna who has distinguished herself for outstanding achievements in her chosen profession and has made a lasting contribution in her field as a role model and leader for all alumnae.
Alumna Profile: In second grade, Deanna Suilmann ’76 announced that she wanted to become an engineer. Her teacher laughed at her. Deanna became an engineer, and is now a teacher herself – inspiring her students with her extraordinary career path. Read full profile.
Patricia Schmitt Mische ’61
Benedictine Service Award honors an alumna who has made a significant impact on those around her for her continued commitment and contributions to community service and social justice at a regional, national or international level. Also demonstrates a commitment to the Benedictine spirit of giving hospitality, love of others, listening and social stewardship.
Alumna Profile: Dr. Patricia (Pat) Schmitt Mische ’61 accomplished something that heads of state couldn’t do: She successfully negotiated with Soviet stakeholders before the end of the Cold War. And Pat did it while – perhaps because – she viewed the “other party” not as others, but rather as human beings with whom she had common goals and overlapping values. Read full profile.
Shannon Preston ’11
Decade Award honors an alumna who is recognized by her peers as a great role model and leader for younger alumnae because her outstanding career achievements, representing global consciousness and community involvement in her chosen profession.
Alumna Profile: The decade award is intended for someone who can serve as inspiration to other young alumnae because of her outstanding achievements, representing global consciousness and community in her chosen profession. It’s hard to imagine someone who fits that description more than Shannon Preston ’11 – and she’s not just inspiring young alumnae from Saint Ben’s. She’s inspiring people from all over the world. Read full profile.
Laurie Rivard ’81
Sister Emmanuel Renner Award honors an alumna for her service to the College of Saint Benedict and recognizes her contributions as a leader, steward and volunteer to her alma mater.
Alumna Profile: The S. Emmanuel Renner Award isn’t bestowed annually. Instead, it is reserved for those individuals who have gone far above and beyond with extraordinary, well-rounded service to Saint Ben’s. This year’s recipient, Laurie Rivard ’81, could fill volumes with a list of the time, talent and resources she has gifted to Saint Ben’s. Read full profile.
2022 Reunion Award Nominations
Reunion 2022 will be here in no time, and we want to honor the remarkable successes of alumnae from class years ending in 2 and 7. These Reunion Awards recognize women whose daily lives reflect and honor the Benedictine ideals and mission of CSB.
To be considered, nominees must be:
- From a class year ending in "2" or "7"
- A living College of Saint Benedict alumna
- Nominated by someone other than herself
To suggest a deserving Bennie, please click the button below. If you have questions, please contact Amy Anderson at [email protected] or 320-363-5233.