Alumni Relations

2021 Award Winners Announced

2021 Distinguished Alumni Award

JoAnn Ioannou ’94 

JoAnn Ioannou, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC from the Villa Julie Nursing Class of 1994 is this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award at Stevenson University.  

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a graduate who has achieved a high level of success in their professional career and has made outstanding contributions to their community. 

Dr. Ioannou was nominated by Judith Feustle, Associate Dean of Nursing in the Sandra R. Berman School of Nursing and Health Professions. 

Dr. Ioannou holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Villa Julie College as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Towson University. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from The Johns Hopkins University. 

“We never stop learning, even after we graduate. My advice is to find areas you are passionate about and take the time to learn and grow. Take the time to challenge yourself because you will grow both personally and professionally.” 

Dr. Ioannou currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. She recently became the highest-ranking woman in the GBMC organization. 

In her role, Dr. Ioannou is responsible for identifying, designing, and implementing systems for the highest levels of clinical quality and service, patient experience, health outcomes, and optimization of resources towards greater efficiencies in the provision of health care services – all driven by a culture of continuous performance improvement.  

“The most rewarding aspect of my work to serving our community. It is an honor and privilege to help someone in need. I am proud that we treat our patients as we would our own loved ones. I also believe it is my professional obligation to mentor upcoming leaders because ultimately it makes the organization stronger.” 

Dr. Ioannou values the importance of collaboration at every level of the organization and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer on GBMC’s innovative lean design work. 

“I have been fortunate to have had incredible mentors who took the time to help me grow and learn. My mentors would set the bar high and then kept pushing me to reach for the stars. A great mentor will always tell you the truth and make sure you don’t stay too comfortable in your current role.” 

Dr. Ioannou has maintained a strong connection to her alma mater through the years having served as an adjunct professor within the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Additionally, she is a current member of Stevenson’s Nursing Advisory Board. 

“It is both my personal and professional commitment to give back to my alma mater, they helped me become the person I am today.” 

It is our great honor at Stevenson University to recognize Dr. JoAnn Ioannou as this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. 

2021 Loyal Alumni Award

Sheila Walsh ’92 ’03M 

Sheila Walsh from the Villa Julie Classes of 1992 and 2003 is this year’s recipient of the Loyal Alumni Award at Stevenson University. 

The Loyal Alumni 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. 

Sheila holds two degrees from Stevenson. She earned her bachelor's degree in computer information systems in 1992 and her master’s degree in advanced information technology in 2003. Sheila attended Villa Julie College as an adult student when she was raising her two sons.  

“The staff at Villa Julie were totally supportive of me in my pursuit of both my BS and MS. I received help on many levels to make sure I could successfully complete my course work. It had been 20 years since I had graduated high school and the teaching methods had completely changed in that time. As a dyslexic person, I had a difficult time spelling correctly and my teachers and tutors found ways to help me successfully produce my written documents. Also, Economics Professor Gil Ermer, realized I was a dedicated student but I had a hard time on tests. Professor Ermer worked with me to understand my educational needs and find a solution to my dilemma.” 

Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in 1992, Sheila began an impressive career in the IT field. Shen then earned her master’s in 2003. Sheila retired in 2011, ending her ten-year tenure with the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services as Webmaster Supervisor. 

Sheila enjoys hiking and being outdoors, painting and other art endeavors, and participating in the Women’s Club of Roland Park.  

She also volunteers with Thread, a non-profit that harnesses the power of relationships to create a new social fabric of diverse individuals deeply engaged with young people facing the most significant opportunity and achievement gaps. The Baltimore community is committed to ending social isolation and building a more equitable culture in which everyone thrives.  

“My involvement with Thread has helped me to grow and understand the mechanics of relationship building. Thread is an organization to help low performing Baltimore City Public School students to understand their own value and potential for meeting their life dreams. But it is also and organization that helps all members of the Thread families make progress in their lives and relationship interactions.” 

Sheila serves in the role of “Head of Family” within the overarching structure and connects regularly with her family members – consisting of Baltimore youth and fellow volunteers. Throughout the pandemic, Sheila has been hosting one of her high school student mentees for tutoring and social engagement in her home. 

Sheila has maintained a strong connection to her alma mater through the years and has provided steadfast philanthropic support to our university community. 

Sheila has an endowed scholarship in her name which benefits a student recipient annually. She is a member of the Nick Mueller Society for leadership giving, the 1947 Club for consecutive giving, and the Greak Oaks Society for planned giving.  

“VJC / SU has enriched my life economically, spiritually and by giving me access to lifelong relationships that have enriched all aspects of my life. I support Stevenson to pay back the university for the lifelong support in my employment efforts. After graduation, I worked at an organization that went out of business and the Villa Julie Career Center assisted me in finding replacement employment. I also received scholarship while getting both my BS and MS degrees, so I believe I have a responsibility to pay it forward so other students can receive that same help.” 

Additionally, she serves as a member of the President’s Advisory Council.  

“My alma mater made me a member of their community which I now call my SU family. Family is everything to me. Whether it is my biological family or my chosen family. For me, family is a source of unrelenting unconditional love. A group of individuals who care about me and my success and for whom I care deeply. My mentors, teachers, supporters, and family members have given me unconditional love and taught me that giving to others brings me great joy.” 

Sheila’s support and commitment to our university is unwavering. It is our great honor at Stevenson University to recognize Sheila Walsh as this year’s recipient of the Loyal Alumni Award. 

2021 Young Alumni Award

Janel Frazier ’13 

Janel Frazier from the Class of 2013 is this year’s recipient of the Young Alumni Award at Stevenson University.  

The Young Alumni 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. 

Janel earned her degree in early childhood education at Stevenson. She went on to confer a Master of Art in Teaching degree from National University in 2015 and has obtained National and State certifications in both early childhood and elementary education. 

“The more we learn, the more flexible and open we will be to new experiences. These new experiences help us grow and enjoy life to its fullest.” 

Janel is a first-grade teacher at Greencastle Elementary School and has spent the past eight years teaching in the Montgomery County Public School system. 

Like all educators, Janel has faced challenges amid the pandemic. Over the past year, she has creatively adapted to new modes of instruction and has focused on the importance of making memorable moments with her first graders while teaching remotely. 

“In a year with so many tragedies and unusual moments, it was important for me to build relationships and trust with my students. I wanted my students to feel like school is an exciting place where they felt heard and able to have new experiences.” 

“The best moments by far have been watching my students work together to solve problems. There are so many times when I have been ready to explain something, but another student quickly volunteered to share their screen and walk their classmates through the process. This has been such an empowering moment for them as they gain leadership skills that they may not have been able to tap into before!” 

Outside her classroom, Janel is involved in volunteer organizations where she aligns her teaching experience with the needs of local non-profits. She is a tutor for Good Children in the Making Foster Care Company in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has designed and implemented a STEM Enrichment Program for the organization. Janel is also involved with Christ Church Media Ministry. 

While a student at SU, Janel was very involved in student life. She was on the Mustang Crew, a Stevenson Ambassador, a member of Sigma Alpha Pi Honor Society, a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, a member of Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society, a member of Teachers of Tomorrow and Equity in Education, an NCATE Education Department Review Panelist, a Mentor for SU America Read's Program, and an Academic Link Tutor.  

“Don't be afraid of trying something new! College is a great time to try things that you may not have thought you would enjoy. Whether it's giving tours to prospective students, tutoring others in the Academic Link, or going to see a show that you never would have thought would interest you, college is a great time to learn more about what you are passionate about. You also can meet some great friends along the way who really make your life more meaningful.” 

Beyond graduation, Janel has maintained her involvement and a strong connection to her alma mater.  She has served on alumni panels, volunteered at Open Houses and Accepted Students Days, presented at numerous conferences alongside faculty member Dr. Beth Kobett, and has recently joined the School of Education faculty as an adjunct professor. 

“I really enjoyed my Stevenson experience! I had amazing professors who really cared and wanted to see me succeed. To this day, I'm still really close to some of them and solicit their advice regularly. I wanted to be able to give back to future students by helping them have a great experience as well.” 

It is our great honor at Stevenson University to recognize Janel Frazier as this year’s recipient of the Young Alumni Award. 

“I am so humbled to have been selected for this award! I appreciate the opportunity to give to students who are pursuing a career in education and love being able to share what I have learned with them. As the keynote speaker at my own commencement ceremony said, "Follow your passions and they will become your success." I am happy that my passion for helping others has led me here today and look forward to ways that I can continue to give back in the future.” 

Be present in the Stevenson community.

Stevenson University supports and encourages alumni involvement to help further the mission of the University. Below are some ways you can serve as a volunteer and remain actively engaged with your alma mater.

Attend a University-sponsored event

• Homecoming + Family Weekend
• Golf Tournament
• Gallery openings
• Athletic games
• Theatre productions or concerts

Become involved with one of the outstanding academic programs on campus

• Serve on an academic advisory board
• Speak to specific classes or majors throughout the year
• Work with departments to mentor students
• Work with Career Services to provide career guidance

Encourage other alumni to become involved with Stevenson University

• Serve as a reunion class agent and encourage reunion class attendance and support of your Reunion Class Gift during Homecoming Weekend
• Initiate or participate in an affinity or professional group gathering
• Host a gathering for alumni

Become an ambassador for the University within your community

• Be a conduit for communication about the University within your neighborhood
• Represent the University when working with other non-profit organizations
• Host an event for prospective students and their families for the Admissions Office
• Volunteer to help with a partnership between your company and SU

Remain involved through the alumni program

• Serve as a volunteer for an alumni-sponsored event
• Participate in focus groups, class gatherings, message boards, and other information gathering opportunities
• Provide class notes and updates for profiles in University publications and websites

Take on a leadership role at the University

• Serve on the Alumni Association Board
• Provide philanthropic leadership to the University

Professional Mentor Network

Are you interested in sharing your professional background and how you got to be where you are with current students? Would you like to discuss career pathways and have informational interviews with our students? If so, you might want to consider becoming a Professional Network member through Stevenson Career Connections.

Students can search on your major, industry, and career field and then reach out to you to request further information. You decide on the number of students who can contact you and what content areas you wish to share. The initial contact is made virtually through Stevenson Career Connections. A set of guidelines and protocols for our mentors and students is provided to help create a mutually beneficial relationship.

MENTOR REGISTRATION

Alumni Association

The Stevenson University Alumni Association exists to create a strong and vibrant network of alumni who work to advance themselves and the SU community by participating in current University events while connecting themselves with fellow alumni. The Alumni Association encourages alumni involvement in events and giving and is opened to all alumni of Stevenson University and Villa Julie College.

Who is in the Alumni Association?

The Stevenson University Alumni Association is composed of all graduates of the institution’s undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs. The Alumni Association is led by the members of the Alumni Association Board.

Alumni Association Board

The Alumni Association Board builds alumni connections and provides continuous commitment to the growing Stevenson University community. The Board also brings an invaluable expertise from a wide range of professions including business, law, finance, information technology, the arts, and more.

Executive Committee

Members-at-Large

What can I do?

There are many ways to be involved with the Alumni Association. Alumni are encouraged to connect with the Alumni Association online in order to stay in touch with friends and classmates. Alumni are also encouraged to attend events, volunteer as a speaker, mentor a student, initiate a corporate partnership in your workplace, or cheer on one of Stevenson's many sports teams.