Close Close

Alumni Awards

Register for the Awards Ceremony

The Alumni Awards celebrate alumni who exemplify professional achievement, outstanding leadership, and meaningful volunteer service to Monmouth University. Held every other year, these awards honor individuals whose impact reflects the very best of our Monmouth community.

All alumni are invited to join us for a beautiful evening of celebration at the Great Hall and Erlanger Gardens as we recognize this year’s honorees and share in Monmouth pride together.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors Recognition and Milestones Committee is proud to showcase our most recent Alumni Award recipients—and we hope you’ll be there to celebrate alongside them.

See Our Recipients
Join us on June 12, 2026

Distinguished Alumni Award

Deborah “Dee” Baker ’00

Position: Founder, Chief Empowerment Officer of Beyond the Uniforms LLC
Degree Program: B.S., Business Administration

Dee Baker is the founder and chief empowerment officer of Beyond the Uniforms LLC, an identity-centered leadership development company dedicated to assisting women in leading with clarity, purpose, and authenticity beyond titles and expectations.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and former federal leader, Baker brings decades of experience leading in high-stakes environments, paired with a deep understanding of the challenges women navigate in leadership spaces. Her work is grounded in the belief that leadership begins with identity, titles may open doors, but self-awareness and alignment shape how leaders show up and lead.

Through speaking and experiential leadership development, Baker supports women in strengthening confidence, reclaiming their voice, and leading from the inside out. Her work is grounded in the belief that leadership begins with identity. Titles may open doors, but self-awareness and alignment shape how leaders show up

Past Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

  • 2024 – Raymond Klose ’77
  • 2022 – David Wilson ’80
  • 2019 – Michael Salvatore, Ph.D., ’98
  • 2017 – William Elliott ’95M
  • 2016 – Christie Rampone ’99 ’05HN
  • 2014 – Thomas P. Gallagher ’62
  • 2013 – Brian Hanlon ’88
  • 2012 – John P. O’Donnell ’67
  • 2011 – Chester B. Kaletkowski ’71
  • 2010 – Henry R. Kranzler, M.D., ’76
  • 2009 – Michele Evering-Watley ’89
  • 2008 – David J. Ennis ’74
  • 2007 – Patricia Millines Dziko ’79
  • 2006 – Richard W. Benjamin ’61
  • 2005 – Noel L. Hillman ’81
  • 2004 – Wendy Boglioli ’76
  • 2003 – Herbert Butler ’59 ’76
  • 2002 – Jane M. Freed ’81
  • 2001 – Ronald Kornegay ’69 ’74
  • 2000 – Dennis J. Turner ’69 ’73
  • 1999 – Robert Santelli ’73
  • 1998 – Dr. Frank P. Gudicello M.D. ’67
  • 1997 – Marilyn E. Rocky ’65
  • 1996 – Linda Deutsch ’65
  • 1995 – David J. Burke ’71
  • 1994 – Nanscy Neiman ’69
  • 1993 – Eugene Iadanza ’70
  • 1992 – Denis Gallagher ’76
  • 1991 – William Rauch, III ’61
  • 1990 – Raymond D. Cotton ’65
  • 1989 – Della N. Garrabrant ’66, Harold L. Hodes ’65
  • 1988 – John C. Manna ’62
  • 1987 – Charles W. Ritscher ’59
  • 1986 – Bartholomew P. Donohue, III ’60, Mitchell E. Shivers ’70
  • 1985 – Constantine Kamnitsis ’66
  • 1984 – Karl Gordinier ’62, Yvonne Thornton M.D., ’69
  • 1983 – Royal E. Fliedner ’51, Wayman F. Smith, III ’63

Outstanding Alumni Service Award

Fred Williams ’04

Position: Founder, CEO of Hawkeye Search Group
Degree Program: B.S., Business Administration (Finance)

Fred Williams ’04 is the founder and CEO of Hawkeye Search Group, a full-lifecycle recruiting firm serving the eCommerce, technology, media, and telecommunications industries. Founded in 2019, the firm combines enterprise-level reach with a boutique, relationship-driven approach to connecting organizations with top talent nationwide.

A proud Monmouth University alumnus, Williams earned his B.S. in Business Administration (Finance) in 2004 and was a linebacker for the Monmouth Hawks varsity football program. He remains deeply connected with the University as an alumni mentor and donor, supporting students and fellow alumni through career guidance and professional development.

Williams also serves as an advisory board member for Tabbed and is deeply committed to community service. Since 2017, he and his wife have coordinated the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program in Monmouth County, N.J., and he volunteers with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Residing in Fair Haven, N.J., Williams continues to exemplify leadership, service, and Hawk pride.

Past Award Recipients for the Outstanding Alumni Service Award (OASA), Alumni Service Award (ASA), and Volunteer of the Year Award (VOTY)

  • 2024 – Tasha Youngblood Brown ’97, ’03M
  • 2022 – Karyn Cusanelli ’89
  • 2019 – Deb Mannix ’83 (OASA)
  • 2016 – Anthony Aquila ’73 ’77M (VOTY)
  • 2015 – Henry Hansch III ’00 & Lauren Hansch (VOTY)
  • 2014 – Jack Wagner ’97 (ASA)
  • 2013 – Keri Branin ’95 ’98M (ASA)
    Joseph Adelhardt ’81 (ASA)
    George Marucci ’75 (VOTY)
  • 2012 – Peter R. Bruckmann ’70 (ASA)
    Anne ’81M and Denis ’68 ’77M Hruza (VOTY)
  • 2011 – Charles J. Trabold ’65 (ASA)
    Richard L. Ricciardi ’86M (VOTY)
    Douglas Stives (VOTY)
  • 2010 – John S. Buzza ’71 (ASA)
    Kathleen West Rapp ’70 ’80 (VOTY)
    James B. Barlow, Sr. (VOTY)
  • 2009 – Patrice Murray ’82 ’89 (ASA)
    Kate Stevens ’02 (VOTY)
    Thomas P. Stevens ’71 (VOTY)
    Teri and Ross ’82M Zimmerman (VOTY)
  • 2008 – Henni Kantor Kessler ’68 (ASA)
    Christine Clericuzio ’04 (VOTY)
    Nancy Kane Leidersdorff ’97 (VOTY)
    Mark Lassen (VOTY)
  • 2007 – Gary H. Barnett ’63 (ASA)
    Marilyn Egolf Rocky ’65 (VOTY)
    James P. Hickey, Jr. (VOTY)
  • 2006 – Jeffrey F. Cross ’68 (ASA)
    Judith Cerciello ’96 (VOTY)
    Loretta Huddy (VOTY)
  • 2005 – Patricia Swannack ’02 (ASA)
    Karl D. Gordinier ’62 (VOTY)
    Victoria Fowler (VOTY)
  • 2004 – Charles T. Parton HN ’01 (ASA)
    Peter R. Bruckmann ’70 (VOTY)
  • 2003 – Kenneth F. LePosa ’71 (ASA)
    Jack Wagner ’97 (VOTY)
  • 2002 – Marti Sarason Egger ’81 (ASA)
    Cheryl L. Szabo ’98 ’01 (VOTY)
  • 2001 – Gregory W. Bordiuk ’79 (ASA)
    William B. McLaughlin ’97 (VOTY)
  • 2000 – Stephen J. Muscarella ’74 (ASA)
    Maureen O’Connell Bay ’75 (VOTY)
  • 1999 – Bea Kachelriess ’91 MBA(ASA)
    Kenneth F. LePosa ’71 (VOTY)
  • 1998 – James P. Mack ’63 (ASA)
    Elliott B. Adler ’71 (VOTY)
    Donna L. Marino ’94 (VOTY)
  • 1997 – Hon. Eugene A. Iadanza ’70 (ASA)
    Thomas A. Porskievies ’82 ’86 (VOTY)
  • 1996 – Karl D. Gordinier ’62 (ASA)
    Maxine Langbein ’76 (VOTY)
  • 1995 – James M. Copio ’78 (ASA)
    Tracy Armstrong Khaleel ’88 (VOTY)
  • 1994 – Donald R. Burnaford ’72 (ASA)

Recent Alumni Award

Kimberly Buckowiec ’13

Position: Anchor/Reporter for News12; Founder, CEO of KJ Media and Consulting LLC
Degree Program: B.A., Communication (TV/Radio Broadcasting)

Kimberly Bukowiec is an award willing television journalist and anchor/reporter with experience in the New York and Philadelphia markets. She has worked with major outlets including WABC, FOX5, and News12 in roles ranging from producer to on-air host. In 2017, she produced “Jersey Matters with Larry Mendte”, highlighting impactful human-interest stories.

Her work has earned two New York Emmy Awards, two “Best of the Best” News TV Awards from the New Jersey Broadcasters Association, and honors including Athena recognition from the Monmouth County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Phenomenal Woman Under 40. She was also named Miss Congeniality at the Miss New Jersey USA pageants in 2016 and 2018.

Beyond journalism, Bukowiec owns KJ Media and Consulting LLC, helping clients build their brands through strategic media and content consulting. She enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and her baby boy, Carter Chase.

Past Recent Alumni Award Recipients

  • 2024 – Jenna Gaudio ’09
  • 2022 – Saoud Khalifah ’13 ’14M
  • 2019 – Dante Barry ’10