Saint Mary's College President Carol Ann Mooney, left, and Sheila Conlin Brown '56Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579

June 4, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The Distinguished Alumna Award, awarded annually by the Alumnae Association of Saint Mary's College, honors a woman who exemplifies the standards, ideals, and mission of the College and who has given outstanding service through ongoing work for the Alumnae Association. The award is the association's highest recognition. The 2011 recipient is Sheila Conlin Brown ’56 of Princeton, Illinois (pictured on right with President Carol Ann Mooney, left). She received the Distinguished Alumna Award at tonight's Reunion Banquet, a part of Reunion Weekend, June 2-5.

“Who is a Saint Mary’s woman? She is a woman who exemplifies strong Christian values, who works for the betterment of her community and surroundings, and who loves her family dearly. Sheila Conlin Brown ’56 is a woman who exemplifies these qualities,” said Maryjeanne Ryan Burke ’56 in her nomination of Brown.

According to the award citation, Brown’s Catholic faith is the guiding force in all that she does, whether it be leading three of her daughters to Saint Mary’s, serving as a stalwart supporter of her local parish, schools, and community, or being a tireless volunteer. She is a distinguished alumna whose life exemplifies good daily choices in her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend, the citation states. Brown hails from a long lineage of women associated with Saint Mary’s, including the late Sister Francis Jerome, formerly Susan O’Laughlin, for whom O’Laughlin Auditorium at Saint Mary’s College is named.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s with a degree in nutrition, Brown completed an internship in dietetics at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital in Chicago, and then worked as a clinical dietician for several years at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton. All the while, Brown’s selfless devotion and generosity over the 55 years since her graduation, has been exemplified by her unfailing gift of time, talent, and treasure to the College, according to the citation.

Brown answers the call to serve her alma mater, whether it by helping to solicit donations as a Class Agent for the College’s development efforts or serving on numerous Reunion Gift Campaign committees over the years. She served as chairperson on the Special Gifts Committee for Saint Mary’s Sesquicentennial Campaign, and six years on the Alumnae Association Board of Directors. A charter member of the Madeleva Society, Brown served two separate terms on its steering committee, clearly demonstrating by example and service, the critical need to contribute annually to the College. 

About Saint Mary’s College: 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: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.