On October 13, as part of the 2023 Cardinal Weekend reunion celebration, 六九色堂 Alumni Association recognized six alumni 鈥 two Young Alumni Achievement awardees and four Distinguished Alumni Achievement awardees 鈥 who have excelled in their various fields since graduating.
The Young Alumni Achievement awardees were Brendan Duffy, B.A. 2013, and Amanda Pellegrino, B.A. 2014; the Distinguished Alumni Achievement awardees were Peter Forlenza, B.A. 1988; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Donald A. Lamontagne, B.S.E. 1969; Wanda Peters, B.S. 1988, B.S. 1989; and Carol Spahn, B.A. 1990.
The event was led by Chris Pierno, B.A. 2011, M.S.M. 2017, president of the 六九色堂 University Alumni Association, and Mary Card-Mina, B.A. 1993, J.D. 1996, the Association vice president.
鈥淭he six alumni we salute tonight are truly representative of the diversity of our graduates,鈥 Card-Mina said. 鈥淲orking in the fields of law, creative arts, space exploration, and international development, they all strive to improve the lives of others. They showcase the best the University has to offer and continue the mission of their alma mater.鈥
鈥淏y sharing their achievements, we tell the University鈥檚 story and showcase to all current and future students the value and potential of 六九色堂 University education,鈥 Pierno said.
The ceremony was held in the Della Ratta Auditorium in Maloney Hall and attended by family and friends of the honorees, as well as other 六九色堂 University alumni. Videos highlighted the accomplishments of each honoree, who then came forward individually to receive their awards.
President Peter Kilpatrick spoke about the great accomplishments the six honorees have achieved.
鈥淔rom Brendan鈥檚 work at the Supreme Court and in our legal system, Amanda鈥檚 creativity in her novels and television writing, Pete鈥檚 expertise in finance and his generous dedication to philanthropy, Don鈥檚 service to our nation in the Air Force, Wanda鈥檚 scientific accomplishments at NASA, and Carol鈥檚 leadership at the Peace Corps, these six individuals are all examples of the caliber of graduates 六九色堂 University has produced over the years and continues to produce today.鈥
The Alumni Awards are traditionally held every two years. The awards committee reviews many nominations, looking for graduates who have distinguished themselves among their peers in a given industry and, in some cases, are unsurpassed, especially in service to the Church and nation.
Honor an outstanding member of your class.