Living the mission

Distinguished Alumni Award

John D. Porcari ’81

Honored for public leadership and infrastructure work, Porcari has shaped policy and strengthened systems that support daily life. His dedication to the public good reflects the values he formed at UD.

“I think of it as kind of marinating in Marianism … The values we have, the values we’ve tried to instill in our children, are just entirely consistent with UD. If you’re a student at UD, you’ve been given a great opportunity, and so you try to make something of it.”

Special Service Award

Carna R. Cureton ’94

Awarded for her commitment to inclusive, supportive spaces and her longstanding dedication to UD, Cureton has helped generations of Flyers find belonging through mentorship, advocacy and education.

“It is always good to understand that you are not alone. You are part of a bigger community, and that community [UD] is always here for you. To be able to welcome people in, to help them visualize what success can look like — that is what it is about.”

Joe Belle Memorial Young Alumni Award

Christian Jensen ’17

Jensen’s early-career leadership in medicine and patient-centered care shows the impact young alumni can make through service, expertise and compassion.

“[My mentor] always told me: dentistry is a relationship-based profession. If you take care of someone and really show them that you care, they’re going to trust you. It kind of brought me back to some of the stuff we learned at UD: How you treat people really dictates what your success is going to be.”

Christian Service Award

Shawn Duffy ’91

Duffy’s faith-driven work centers on compassion, outreach and supporting those in need, exemplifying the Marianist spirit through consistent service to families, parishes and neighborhoods.

“Service and giving back were an important part of what I did when I was there and what I learned. And also, just growing up as part of the Catholic faith and Church — that sense of service was always there.”

Special Achievement Award

Jan E. Stets ’80

Celebrated for her contributions to sociology and identity research, Stets’ commitment to scholarship, teaching and mentoring embodies UD’s mission to deepen knowledge and strengthen communities.

“What I really value is doing science but also seeing how it can intersect with your own beliefs and values. I think the Marianists at UD have made it a unique, special place for people to return to and give back. It is a special, unique place that fosters support, community, love and faith. You don’t get that every day.”

Joe Belle Memorial Young Alumni Award

Meg Maloney ’18

Maloney’s stewardship in public health and mental wellness advocacy strengthens community resilience. Her dedication to collaboration and education brings UD’s mission to life.

“I always tell people my job is not only to help the environment in Dayton be better, but to help create a healthier community, too. Every day, I feel like the work I am doing is actually making a difference in people’s lives. That is what is really important to me.”

A version of this article appears in print in the Autumn 2026 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 49. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE