Congratulations, Derham Hall Alumnae Award Winners

Reprinted from Traditions, Winter 2016-2017
January 3, 2017

Hugh Derham Award

In recognition of loyal support of the Derham Hall Alumnae Association and Cretin-Derham Hall.

Pat Norusis began teaching at Derham Hall 35 years ago and remains committed to the ideals of loving the neighbor without distinction. Currently staffing the Learning Lab with Brother Michael Rivers and Joe Miley’11, she serves more than 100 students a day by collaborating with the primary teachers and parents to foster learning.

Pat uses her sense of humor and humility to establish an environment of affirmation and respect in special education. She has continued to learn and grow as an educator so that she can meet the needs of her students. For nearly a decade, Pat has also coordinated the CDH summer shelter for the homeless.

Pat is a humble servant, whose strong belief in service and justice inspires those around her to create greater justice in the world.

Carondelet Award

In recognition of eminence attained in a particular field of endeavor thereby bringing honor to herself and to Derham Hall.

Laura has built an impressive career at Baker Tilly Executive Search Company, a full-service accounting and advisory firm in audit, tax, and management consulting. Originally hired to create a whole new department of business recruitment where she helps clients identify, attract, and vet corporate leadership, she was quickly promoted to Director and Executive Vice President of the company.

She was also voted one the Top 50 most successful women in finance in the state of Minnesota by Finance and Commerce Journal. She also serves on the Board of Women Venture, an organization committed to empowering women, and Como Friends, a nonprofit fundraising partner of
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

Hour Glass Award

In recognition of one who has exemplified Derham Hall’s ideals of Christian love, service and development of her talents.

As a nurse and psychologist, Mary has generously served the community for many years. She was instrumental in the founding of Giving WoMN, an organization that nurtures women’s collective leadership in philanthropy.

GivingWoMN recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary and surpassed $1 million in collective giving. A tireless leader in philanthropy, Mary has volunteered for or served on the boards of the following organizations: Pace Center, Courage Center (now Courage Kenney), St. Paul Foundations, and Fun Time Academy (Naples, FL).

She is a Trustee of the Frey Foundation and the past chair of the Board of Catholic Charities. Mary is an effective advocate for those in need.

This article and more are featured in the Winter 2016-2017 issue of the CDH Magazine, Traditions.