On Sunday, October 1, 33 OLSH alumni from eight decades joined a group of staff, friends, and a few current students for a brunch to celebrate the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award winners. Established in 2017, the OLSH Distinguished Alumni Awards seek to honor and recognize OLSH graduates who have taken the core values of OLSH and are living out the school’s mission in various ways. This year’s awardees span four decades and a range of professional fields, but share the common trait of love and appreciation for their alma mater.
The Young Alumnus Award honors an OLSH alumnus who is under the age of 35 who has distinguished themselves in their profession. Dominique Murray ‘15 has established herself as a successful female business owner with her two small businesses - Dominique Murray Photography and Social Secrets Revealed. Her photography has been published in local magazines and newspapers, as well as the nationally distributed Inspiring Lives Magazine. She manages social media for a variety of clients and is a member of a range of professional organizations. She has a strong commitment to philanthropy and is the founder and executive director of Splatter Me Crazy, an event in which guests can throw paint at Pittsburgh celebrities to raise money for The Magic Yarn Project, Magee Women’s Research Institute and Foundation, and The Western PA Bleeding Disorders Foundation. In her acceptance speech, Dominique noted the special journey she experienced at OLSH and that she regularly thinks of the Core Values as she goes about her daily life.
The Alumnus with Heart Award honors an alumnus who exemplifies one or more of the Felician Core Values and maintains a strong connection to OLSH. Tom Goodwin ‘92 was one of the founding members of OLSH Alumni efforts and continues to serve on the Alumni Council. His enthusiasm and passion for OLSH has brought other alumni back into the fold at OLSH and he has continued his legacy by sending his daughters, Noel ‘24 and Chloe ‘26, to OLSH. Described as an authentically ‘nice guy’ who is always there to provide support to those in need, Tom exemplifies the Felician Core Value of Compassion. He works as a senior accountant for Cronimet Corporation and serves on the Finance Council for Regina Coeli Parish. During his acceptance speech, Tom shared stories about his late father, a major influence in his life. His dad taught him to take time to find the good things in life, and “always go back to the places with the best things.” It is that lesson that keeps Tom returning to OLSH, a place that gave him some of his best memories and life lessons.
The Christian Leadership Award honors an alumnus who has distinguished themselves through community service, devotion to faith, and/or philanthropic efforts. Thomas Thimons ‘03 has done just that as he gave up his career to launch MyCatholicWill.com with his brother, Dan. Since its launch in January 2023, the business has committed over $50 million back to incredible Catholic nonprofits across the country. Thomas has truly heard the Gospel message and God’s call to him as he has dedicated his life to supporting Catholic organizations, first as a development professional and now, with his business. He recalled taking a theology elective with Dr. Janet Puppo and reading the St. Augustine quote, “our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” The quote inspired him to embrace his faith and he has always kept the quote in mind, asking himself and the attendees, “If you had no fear of failure, what would you do for God?”
The Professional Excellence Award honors an alumnus who is over the age of 35 who has distinguished themselves in their profession. Dr. Felicia Cianciarulo ‘80 is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Carlow University. She earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. She has an impressive Curriculum Vitae with an extensive list of experience, publications, presentations, and appearances and is well-renowned in her field. Felicia has remained connected to OLSH and established an endowed scholarship fund in memory of her parents. She regularly checks in on OLSH alumni who attend Carlow University and is planning a research project that would include OLSH students in the research process. During her acceptance speech, Felicia shared that she didn’t initially set out to teach, but the seed was planted when she worked as a lab assistant in college. She recognized that the values she learned at OLSH - independent thinking, taking responsibility for your actions, empathy, and compassion - stuck with her throughout her life and guided her.
Also recognized at the event was the Class of 1973, celebrating its 50th reunion this year. Six members of the class were in attendance and each received a Blessed Angela medal, which is now given to each freshman student during the annual matriculation Mass and ceremony. The event was a wonderful gathering to celebrate OLSH!
Click to watch the awardees acceptance speeches: https://youtu.be/rWfqLC-xn3A