2023 Homecoming Award Recipients
Alumni Awards are given to dedicated individuals who exemplify the ideals and mission of Fontbonne University. The recipients are people whose accomplishments have brought honor to themselves and to the University, whose service and leadership have exemplified its ideals, and whose concern for Fontbonne University has supported and strengthened its programs.
| The 2023 Alumni Award recipient is Vivian Gibson! Ms. Gibson graduated from Fontbonne University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She grew up in Mill Creek Valley neighborhood in the 1950s. She was recently named the 2022-23 Missouri author of the year for her memoir, The Last Children of Mill Creek. Ms. Gibson wrote the memoir after her retirement from a successful career in a variety of fields, including fashion and human resources. Her life demonstrates the transformative power of education. A lifelong learner, Vivian Gibson has given dedicated service to the community in many ways, especially through her work at Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Her memoir paints a picture of a vibrant part of St. Louis that was demolished in the name of progress. Her book increases our understanding of systemic racism by sharing the story of her family and the Mill Creek Valley neighborhood. Congratulations to Vivian Gibson for her exemplary career, truth-telling, and community impact! |
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ALUMNI AWARD: Fontbonne University seeks to honor its alumni who have excelled professionally or made significant contributions to their communities. Priority will be given to individuals who exemplify the principles and mission that Fontbonne University upholds through their accomplishments and life endeavors.
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The 2023 GOLD Award recipient is Anna Hotop! Ms. Hotop is a 2013 Graduate of Fontbonne with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a minor in Psychology. During her time at Fontbonne, she was a scholar-athlete and played on the women's soccer team. She continues to return to Fontbonne for athletic events and supports the team through participation in alumni soccer games. Anna shares the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph's of Carondelet through her work as the Principal of Student Affairs at St. Joseph's Academy. Congratulations to Anna for her burgeoning career, and her commitment to spreading the Charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
GOLD AWARD: Griffin Of the Last Decade Award recognizes exceptional achievement or groundbreaking contributions by young alumni of Fontbonne University. Selections are made based on a demonstrated commitment to Fontbonne University’s principles and mission through their accomplishments and personal endeavors. Eligible nominees must have graduated within the past decade, showcasing emerging and distinct innovation, creativity, and success in their chosen fields.
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The 2023 University Service Award recipient is Joan Kelly! Mrs. Kelly has retired from her role as CIO of Enterprise Security Solutions for MasterCard Operations & Technologies. Though not an Alum of Fontbonne University, Joan has served the University as a Volunteer for the last 13 years. She served as a Trustee on the Fontbonne Board of Trustees for nine years beginning in 2012. For much of her tenure, she served as the Chair of the Information Technology Committee of the Board. In 2016, she joined the Fontbonne Community Connection (FCC), a women's philanthropic organization that supports Fontbonne. She served on the FCC Board as treasurer (2016-2018), Chair (2018-2020), and Past Chair (2020-2023). She currently serves on the FCC Board as the Events Committee Co-Chair and as a Trustee Emerita Member of the Board of Trustees. Congratulations and thank you to Joan Kelly for her unwavering leadership and support of Fontbonne!
UNIVERSITY SERVICE AWARD: This accolade acknowledges individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and effort to serve Fontbonne University as volunteers, regardless of their alumni status. Priority is given to volunteers who exhibit exceptional leadership qualities and a steadfast dedication to upholding the university's principles and mission.
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Mission Statement for Fontbonne University: Fontbonne University, a catholic institution founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides transformative education committed to the common good, inspiring students to become global citizens who think critically and act ethically to create a more just world.