For Immediate Release
June 3, 2007
Contact:   Melanie McDonald, director of media relations, 574-284-4579

Dallas philanthropist wins prestigious award from alma mater

NOTRE DAME, Ind.--Lydia Haggar Novakov, a Dallas philanthropist and volunteer, received the 2007 Distinguished Alumna award from Saint Mary's College during the College's reunion weekend, held June 1-3. The award honors a woman who exemplifies the standards, ideals, and mission of Saint Mary's in her particular vocation and service to the College.

After graduating from Saint Mary's College in 1972, Novakov went on to earn a master's degree in American government from the University of Notre Dame. She returned to Dallas and taught government for four years at the Ursuline Academy, where she served as senior advisor and chair of the social studies department, and was voted the Academy's favorite teacher one year.

Novakov was president of the Junior League of Dallas from 1993-1994--the largest chapter in the nation--and chaired the 50 th anniversary of the Dallas Crystal Charity Ball, which raised an unprecedented amount for children's causes. She also chaired a 50 th anniversary celebration for the Catholic Foundation of Dallas, which supports philanthropic Catholic causes. During the past year, Novakov has worked as chair of the opening of the Old Red Courthouse and the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture. Her next project is working with the Community Foundation of Texas, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Dell computing company on a venture called the Texas High School Project, which aims to redefine the nature of high school in America.

Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women's institution offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary's College has six nationally accredited academic programs; a large number for a school of 1550 students. The accredited programs are: social work, art, music, teacher education,

chemistry and nursing. "U.S. News & World Report" ranks Saint Mary's #1 among Midwest Comprehensive Colleges offering bachelors degrees. Sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the College was founded in 1844.

###