ST. THOMAS ALUMN I AWARDS
ST. THOMAS DAY AWARDS
Each year, St. Thomas celebrates St. Thomas Day , during which we recognize the extraordinary contributions that members of the St. Thomas community have made to the university and the wider community. We honor three exemplary alumni by presenting the Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award, Humanitarian Award and Monsignor James Lavin Award .
Distinguished Alumna Award Maj. Michelle M. Curran ’09 In February 2019, Capt. Michelle Curran performed a flyover during the Super Bowl. It was her first time with the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds. Curran was commissioned as a second lieutenant the same day she graduated from St. Thomas. Now she is only the fifth female pilot and only the second female solo pilot in the Thunderbirds’ history. Curran’s extraordinary achievement at a young age demonstrates leadership, service to country and supreme excellence in her field.
Humanitarian Award Latanya Daniels ’01 MA, ‘04 EdS, ’19 EdD
Monsignor James Lavin Award Steve Fritz ’71 The fall 2016 issue of St. Thomas magazine said it best: “Steve Fritz is the ultimate Tommie.” Fritz is a champion of the university – first as a student, then as a staff member for 52 years, and now as an alumnus. Fritz has given his entire life to his alma mater and is clearly one of our best-known alumni. His accomplishments as a St. Thomas Hall of Fame basketball player and as a coach and athletic director are remarkable. He built one of the strongest athletic programs in NCAA Division III.
Before taking her current role as assistant superintendent at Richfield Public Schools, Daniels was blazing a trail as principal of Patrick Henry High School. She helped the school earn the 2015 ranking by U.S. News &World Report of third best high school in Minnesota. As principal of Richfield Public High School, Daniels and her team increased graduation rates and doubled the number of advanced courses taken by students of color. Daniels’ persistence and perseverance have made her a powerhouse educator who shakes things up to help students shine.
SAVE THE DATE: Tommie Give Day is Nov. 9! stthomas.edu/tommiegiveday
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