Top alumni named
Three earning ’21 distinguished honors
Distinguished alums: Van Bree, Noet and Hatch
Posted 3:48 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Alumni from the ’80s through 2009 have earned top awards bestowed by the UWL Alumni Association for 2021. They’re being honored for distinguished service and successful careers.
Distinguished alumni awarded in 2020 and 2021 will be honored virtually this fall or during in-person events in 2022, if possible. When recognized, the alumni will speak with students, take part in a panel discussion and be recognized during a ceremony. A virtual program for some of the recipients is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.
The 2021 honorees include:
The Maurice O. Graff Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizes outstanding achievement of alumni who have brought honor and distinction to the university. Long-time administrator Maurice O. Graff instituted the honor in 1977.
Margaret Van Bree, ’82
- Revered health executive, educator; collaborator; mentor.
- Recipient ofExemplary Leadership Award, Ronald McDonald House of Providence; Career Achievement Award, Providence Business News; Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women, others.
- Retired president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
- Bachelor’s in community health education; master’s in hospital administration, University of Minnesota; doctorate in public health, Tulane University.
(Will accept award in fall 2022)
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Peg Van Bree finds success in an ever-changing field
Rada Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years, achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. Professor emeritus Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, created the award in 2002.
Anna Hatch, ’09
- Renowned scientist in biomedical research, science diplomacy and science communication.
- Recipient of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship; P.E.O. Scholar Award.
- Currently program director for the Declaration on Research Assessment Program Director at the American Society for Cell Biology in Rockville, Maryland.
- Bachelor’s in biology and chemistry; doctorate in biochemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
(Will accept award in fall 2022)
Burt and Norma Altman Teacher Education Award
Honors and recognizes outstanding educators and the significant contributions they make to children and communities. Professor Emeritus Burt Altman and his wife, Norma, long-time supporters of teacher education, created the award in 2015.
Scott Noet, ’90
- Dedicated and respected long-time educator.
- Recipient of the Goethe Institute Transatlantic Outreach Program Fellow of the Year Fellow for U.S. & Canada; Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Minnesota Teacher of the Year; state and school Teacher of the Year; others.
- Currently a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher at Owatonna, Minnesota, Public Schools.
- Bachelor’s in history; master’s in education, Southwest State, Marshall, Minnesota.
(Will accept award in fall 2022)
Parker Distinguished Multicultural Alumni Award
Recognizes outstanding alumni who have contributed significantly to the improvement of multicultural understanding on the campus and in their careers. History Professor Emeritus James Parker initiated the award in 1997.
No recipient for 2021