October 24, 2023
Each year, the Alumnae/i Association of Ursuline College recognizes three graduates for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Congratulations to Amadeus Rappe Award winner Marjorie Burkhart ’68, Rising Arrow Award winner Kevin Houchins ’03, ’19 MA, and Crystal Award winner Katherine Brett ’04 who received their honors during a ceremony in the Little Theatre as part of the 2023 Homecoming/Reunion Weekend festivities. Learn more about their accomplishments below.
Amadeus Rappe Award - Established by the Alumnae Association in 1971, the Centennial Year of Ursuline College, the Amadeus Rappe Outstanding Alumna 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.
Marjorie Burkhart earned her degree in Math and Education from Ursuline College before attending Kent State University for her MA degree and later, her teaching certificate. She furthered her education by taking undergraduate courses at Walsh College, Kent State, and the University of Akron to learn four programming languages as she taught computer programming to McKinley High School students. She taught math for 35 years at Canton City Schools and was a finalist for the Stark County Teacher of the Year. After retirement, she took up metalsmithing, for which she has won awards. During this lifetime of teaching, Marjorie has been a Eucharistic Minister for 39 years, both in church and to the elderly who are homebound or in nursing homes.
Crystal Award - Established by the Alumnae 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 Alumnae Association.
Katherine Brett graduated from Ursuline College in 2004 with her BA degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts. She received her MBA in Management from Baldwin Wallace University in 2013. From 2016-2023 she served as an active member of the Ursuline College Alumnae/i Board, helping to organize a myriad of activities including, the annual Reunion, three galas, and the inaugural Women Who Light the Way event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. For many of those years, she chaired the Alumnae/i Engagement Committee. Katherine is currently employed as an Accounting Manager with Kingsley Gate Partners.
Rising Arrow Award - The Alumnae 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.
Kevin Houchins earned his BA in 2003 and his MA in Educational Administration in 2019 from Ursuline College. He received his Principal license in 2020 and is currently the Director of Equity and Community Engagement for Beachwood City Schools where the mission is “to lead the district’s efforts in creating an inclusive environment where every student and family is heard, respected, and has the opportunity to enjoy success.” He often returns to Ursuline College to present to students regarding diversity, talking about challenging topics, and creating a safe space for students.
