Eight graduates of Viterbo University have been honored at the university's annual Distinguished Alumni Awards, which took part online this year.

The Spirit of Francis Awards was given to Malinda Gerke, FSPA, who graduated in 1960 with a degree in music. She has been a music teacher for 30 years and upon retiring shared her gifts as a liturgist at St. Rose Convent, according to a press release from the university. 

The Service to the University Award was given to Colleen Walsh, who graduated in 1963 with a degree in English. She has supported the university for 34 years and served on the Alumni Association board for six years. 

"Viterbo’s alumni award tradition, which goes back to 1967, got a new twist in 2019, with each of the university’s three colleges honoring two alumni, one for professional development and one as a rising professional," the university said in the press release. 

Julianne Brienza, who graduated in 1999, and Samantha Pauly, who graduated in 2012, received awards for the College of Business, Performing Arts and Leadership. 

Maomi Harm, who graduated in 1999, and Amanda Vetsch, who graduated in 2017, were awarded for the College of Education, Engineering, Letters and Sciences, according to the press release. 

Lisa Skemp, who graduated in 1977, and Angela Mensink, who graduated in 2012, received awards for the College of Nursing, Health and Human Behavior.