Many Ursuline and St. John College grads are un-sung heroes in health care, education, social service, and many other sectors. These awards help us celebrate remarkable alumnae and alumni.
If you would like to nominate an outstanding alumni or current student for one of these awards, please complete a nomination form to share details about your nominee, including why you would like them to be recognized.
If you have questions, please email the Alumni Office.
This year, the Alumni Association of Ursuline College recognized the following three graduates for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
Congratulations to 2025 award winners Gretta Gowan Ryan, ‘66, Nicole McKinney-Johnson, ’18, and Rebecca Bittala McMahan, ’13. They were honored during a ceremony during the 2025 Homecoming Weekend festivities. Read more about their accomplishments.
Explore a complete list of outstanding alumni who have been recognized over the years:
Alumni Award winners are recognized during our Homecoming and Reunion Weekend celebrations. We hope you'll join us to celebrate.
The Alumni Board of Ursuline & St. John College established “Rising Arrow Award” in 2018. It will be presented annually to an outstanding graduate of Ursuline College who earned her or his undergraduate or graduate degree within the last 10 years. The Rising Arrow Award recipient will be chosen by the Alumni Recognition Committee of the Ursuline ~ St. John Alumni Association. The Alumni Board is pleased to recognize recent alums, both graduate and undergraduate, who have already made outstanding contributions and achieved success in their professional field, their faith and/or their community.
Nominate an outstanding alumni.
Established by the Alumni Association in 1991, the Crystal Award is presented annually to a graduate of Ursuline or St. John College who has demonstrated dedication to and support of the college and the Alumni Association.
Nominate an outstanding alumni.
Established by the Alumni Association in 1971, the Centennial Year of Ursuline College, the Amadeus Rappe Outstanding Alumni Award is presented annually to an outstanding graduate of Ursuline College or St. John College. This award remembers the tenacious spirit of the Ursuline Sisters who founded Ursuline College.
The Amadeus Rappe Outstanding Alumna Award recipient shall be chosen by the Alumni Recognition Committee of the Ursuline ~ St. John Alumni Association.
Award Criteria
The award is named in memory of Bishop Amadeus Rappe, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, who was responsible for bringing the Ursuline Sisters to Cleveland in 1850 from their native Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Chaplain to the Ursulines for six years in Boulogne until he left for America in 1840, Bishop Rappe saw a real need for Christian education and entrusted that responsibility to the Ursuline Sisters, with whom he shared a mutual respect and genuine affection.
Nominate an outstanding alumni.
The Ursuline College Athletic Hall of Fame was created to honor those student-athletes that displayed leadership, character, and dedication during competition, and combined their individual achievements with the ethics and values that are embedded in Ursuline College’s mission.
The Arrows Hall of Fame brings attention to more than just athletic performance in the athletic arena by recognizing the student-athlete that produced a significant athletic achievement, but also achieved outstanding performance in the classroom, as well as contributed in time and service to the community.
Nominate an outstanding alumni, or current student.
The Gonzaga Medal is awarded to a graduating senior considered to best exemplify the personal qualities of refinement, dignity, integrity and sincere concern for others. The award is named in honor of Sister M. Gonzaga Haessly, OSU. Sister Gonzaga, an Ursuline nun for 70 years, had been with the College since 1922. She is remembered by alumnae as one who exemplified the true spirit of Ursuline College. She was a religious woman who was a scholar, teacher, administrator and above all, a friend. Graduating students are nominated by their classmates, faculty, administration and staff of Ursuline College.
For award criteria, please click here. To nominate, use this Gonzaga nomination form to recommend a student for consideration. Gonzaga Medal nominations take place annually in March.
