Congratulations to Stevenson’s 2025 Commencement Alumni and Faculty Award Recipients

The following alumni, community members, and faculty were recognized during Stevenson’s 2025 Commencement Ceremonies. These awards honor their outstanding service and support of Stevenson University.

Loyal Alumni Award

Susan Humphries ’70 received the Loyal Alumni Award. The award is presented to a graduate who consistently demonstrates loyalty and commitment to the University, works to advance Stevenson’s mission, and provides steadfast philanthropic support to their alma mater.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Katie Vogel ’10 received the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award is presented to a graduate who has achieved a high level of success in their professional career and has made outstanding contributions within their community.

Young Alumni Award

Manny Essien ’20 received the Young Alumni Award. The award is presented to a graduate of the past 15 years who has achieved extraordinary professional success, has a personal commitment to civic or humanitarian efforts, and has remained engaged with their alma mater.

Professor Emerita and Professor Emeritus

Dr. Ellen Roskes, Dean of the Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences, was conferred the honorary title of Professor Emerita. Steven Engorn, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, and Dr. Tom Swisher, Professor of Counseling & Human Services, were both conferred the honorary title of Professor Emeritus.

The titles of Professor Emerita and Professor Emeritus are distinctive honors held in perpetuity. They are conferred by the Stevenson University Board of Trustees upon a retired faculty member who has demonstrated a distinguished professional career and made exceptional contributions to Stevenson University.

Career Champion Award

Sonya Lawyer, Associate Professor of Design, received the Career Champion Award.

Rose Dawson Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Jeremy Burkett, Professor of Chemistry and Chair, Chemistry and Biochemistry, received the Rose Dawson Excellence in Teaching Award.

Distinguished Service to the University Community Award

Dr. Michelle Ivey, Professor of Chemistry, received the Distinguished Service to the University Community Award.

President’s Award

Dr. Susan T. Gorman, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, was honored with the President’s Medal from Stevenson University. Dr. Gorman will soon be stepping down from her role in academic leadership after a 34-year career at Villa Julie / Stevenson. Her superlatives are many, her love of the university and its traditions is unwavering, and her contributions have been vital and transformative for Stevenson. Among Susan’s many accomplishments is her commitment to the spirit of our Founders, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Inspired by Saint Julie Billiart, founder of the order of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who established Villa Julie College in 1947, Susan has been the university’s ambassador of the sunflower spirit. “The spring of 2019 is when the sunflower spirit became a touchstone for me,” she says. “To me, it reflects a spirit of bright and enduring optimism in pursuit of the greater good.” During her time as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Susan has made it her signature work to support optimism and resilience in our community no matter the obstacles.