October 01, 2013

Reunion Weekend 2013: 7 Honored by Alumni Association for Contributions

Recipients of National Alumni Association awards at Reunion Weekend 2013 are, front row from left, Philip V. Robey ’68, Paul V. Robey ’68, Thomas M. Murphy ’63, and Katie Breen ’08, and rear, Kathleen A. Calenda, M.D. ’78, Dr. John E. Deasy ’83, and Michael P. Sullivan ’88.
Recipients of National Alumni Association awards at Reunion Weekend 2013 are, front row from left, Philip V. Robey ’68, Paul V. Robey ’68, Thomas M. Murphy ’63, and Katie Breen ’08, and rear, Kathleen A. Calenda, M.D. ’78, Dr. John E. Deasy ’83, and Michael P. Sullivan ’88.

During Reunion Weekend 2013, seven alumni were honored with awards from the National Alumni Association, reviving a tradition last observed in 2007.

The ceremony took place during a brunch under a tent on the Aquinas Hall lawn. Honored were:

Thomas M. Murphy ’63, who received the Faithful Friar Award for his support for the Office of Academic Services, Angel Fund, PC Fund, and the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs, and for his volunteer leadership and work on behalf of his class and the Our Moment campaign committee.

Philip V. Robey ’68 and Paul V. Robey ’68, who shared the Exemplary Citizenship Award for their work in parks and recreation in their hometown of Needham, Mass.

Kathleen A. Calenda, M.D. ’78, who received the Personal Achievement Award for her work as a pediatric gastroenterologist. A former patient, Tessa M. Tomassini ’09, surprised her by attending the ceremony.

Dr. John E. Deasy ’83, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second largest, received the Service to Education Award.

Michael P. Sullivan ’88, who was director, rule of law, for the U.S. State Department in Afghanistan, received the Personal Achievement Award.

Katie Breen ’08, vice president and chair of events and marketing for the PC Alumni Club of New York, received the Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P. Award for young alumni achievement.

More than 1,700 alumni and guests enjoyed the weekend’s activities, which included reunion dinners for the classes of 1958, 1963, 1968, and 1978; a silver anniversary reception for the Class of 1988; and class-specific gatherings for other class years. The Class of 1983 dedicated bricks on Alumni Lane in memory of nine deceased classmates.

Steve Smith ’73 and his band, Steve Smith and the Nakeds, entertained in Slavin Center ’64 Hall.