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This past weekend �������� welcomed alumni back to campus for reunion weekend. Classmates reunited to connect with each other and celebrate special �������� milestones. 

Reunion began Friday evening with the 50th anniversary reunion Golden Circle Dinner honoring the class of 1975. On Saturday, alumni and their families enjoyed a luncheon and awards ceremony. This was followed by campus tours and a reunion afterparty.

The awards ceremony honored alumni, students, and faculty with the Outstanding Recent Graduate Award; the John F. Kennedy Ph.D. Senior Appreciation Award; the Spirit of the Alumni Award; the Sister M. Patricia Lyons Distinguished Alumni Award; the Sister M. Aquinas Nimitz, O.P. Distinguished Service Award; and the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.

Samantha Hunt ’18
Outstanding Recent Graduate Award

After graduating cum laude with a B.A. in International Studies and Political Science, Samantha earned her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2023. From her early work in the California State Assembly to internships at the ACLU and Brennan Center for Justice, Samantha has been driven by a deep commitment to public service. Her passion for justice and advocacy was sparked at ��������, where she credits professors and experiences — like a research fellowship supporting Syrian refugee mothers in Turkey — with shaping her path today.

As an Equal Justice Works Fellow at A Better Balance, Samantha ensures that pregnant and parenting students in New York can learn without facing discrimination. Her two-year fellowship project — sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc., and Covington & Burling LLP — focuses on educating students about their rights and providing direct legal services, including support for accommodations like prenatal leave and access to lactation space. 

Professor Alison Howard
John F. Kennedy Ph.D. Senior Appreciation Award

With her dynamic teaching style and unwavering dedication to student success, Professor Alison Howard has been a cornerstone of ��������’s political science program for more than 20 years. She teaches courses on American government, politics and the media, and campaigns and elections — challenging students to think critically about the democratic process while equipping them with the tools to engage meaningfully in civic life. Known for her use of the Socratic method and personalized mentorship, Alison has inspired countless students to pursue public service, advocacy, and law.

Alison’s scholarly work focuses on presidential rhetoric, particularly the State of the Union address and how presidents use it to shape public discourse and push forward their policy agendas. She is the co-author of Addressing the State of the Union: The Evolution and Impact of the President’s Big Speech, and her research — frequently cited in political science literature — has been featured in PS: Political Science and Politics, Social Science Quarterly, and more. A recognized expert in her field, Alison is often tapped by national and local media to provide commentary on presidential communication. Howard’s research continues to evolve, exploring how modern presidents balance political performance and policy persuasion.

Gina Dudley ’25
Spirit of the Alumni Award

Gina Dudley ’25 has left an undeniable mark on �������� as a standout student-athlete, leader, and community member. A two-time All-PacWest Tennis Third Team honoree for doubles, Gina has consistently brought excellence to the tennis courts — most notably with a 10-5 doubles record in back-to-back seasons while holding down the No. 1 spot. Her efforts also earned her spots on the ITA All-Academic Team and as an Academic All-PacWest recipient. But Gina’s impact extends far beyond her athletic achievements.

As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Gina champions the needs of her peers. Whether volunteering at campus events, mentoring teammates, or uplifting others with her positivity, Gina is the definition of a servant leader. Her legacy of compassion, resilience, and integrity will continue to inspire for years.

Dr. LeeAnn Bartolini '79
Sister M. Patricia Lyons Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. LeeAnn Bartolini '79 exemplifies the �������� ideals of study, reflection, community, and service through every facet of her professional and personal life. A dedicated professor of psychology and a champion of women and gender studies, LeeAnn has long been a powerful voice for inclusion and equity at ��������. Through her leadership on numerous university committees and ability to mentor, support, and uplift those around her, she has made a profound and lasting impact on the �������� community.

In addition to her institutional service, Dr. Bartolini’s clinical work has helped individuals and couples heal and grow. She has inspired generations of students to think critically and compassionately, challenging them to envision a more inclusive world. 

Virginia “Ginger” Good ’55
Sister M. Patricia Lyons Distinguished Alumni Award

Virginia “Ginger” Good ’55 has been a lifelong embodiment of ��������’s values, from her time as student body president to her seven decades of leadership, service, and community building. Ginger has worked tirelessly to keep her classmates connected—organizing reunions, planning gatherings, and ensuring the bonds of friendship remain strong. Her generosity and forward-thinking spirit led her to establish a scholarship fund in honor of her graduating class, which continues to support �������� students today.

Following graduation, Ginger dedicated herself to education and later ventured into business, all while raising four children and staying deeply engaged in her faith and church community. Her commitment to serving others has continued into her later years, as she now leads a unique housing initiative for senior women designed to combat isolation and foster deep community.

Phillip Billeci-Gard ’08, MBA ’18
Sister M. Aquinas Nimitz, O.P. Distinguished Service Award

Phillip Billeci-Gard ’08, MBA ’18 is shaping a new and dynamic role at �������� that bridges advancement and athletics, centering student experience, philanthropy, and service. A standout student-athlete turned influential coach and now senior associate athletic director for compliance and advancement, Phil brings energy, innovation, and deep institutional pride to everything he does. A true collaborator and connector, Phil has elevated Penguin Athletics through initiatives that blend school spirit with meaningful engagement — from leading student-athlete food drives and service projects to building corporate partnerships in support of ��������’s mission.

Phil’s commitment to �������� extends well beyond the athletics office. As an alumnus, he regularly rallies fellow Penguins to give back, serves as a volunteer at every commencement (except the one he walked in), and brings campus-wide energy to efforts like Day of Giving and PacWest Championship events. Whether mentoring students, creating new traditions like the athletics beer garden, or coaching youth soccer in Marin, Phil is a passionate, purpose-driven leader who continues to inspire excellence through his actions.

Sabrena McCarley ’04, MBA ’09
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

Sabrena McCarley ’04, MBA ’09, is a nationally recognized leader, advocate, and educator in occupational therapy whose career reflects the very best of ��������’s values. Sabrena works at the intersection of policy and practice— leading national advocacy efforts through roles with the FDA’s Health Care at Home Initiative Steering Committee, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies (NARA). She has led over 200 national presentations on health policy and reimbursement, developed grassroots advocacy programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and created initiatives that empower occupational therapists to shape the future of healthcare. Her work continues to enhance patient care access and professional representation nationwide.

Sabrena remains deeply connected to ��������, serving for six years on the alumni board and continuing as a regular guest lecturer in the occupational therapy program. Each year, she inspires future practitioners by delivering impactful lectures on advocacy and health policy, bridging academic learning with real-world influence. Her life’s work exemplifies the ideals of study, reflection, community, and service: she never stops learning, questions systems to spark progress, uplifts her professional community, and gives back with intention and purpose.