CSM honors five with Alumnae Achievement Award

College of Saint Mary (CSM) recently honored five alumnae with its 2018 Alumnae Achievement Award. The Alumnae Achievement Award recognizes individuals who actively live out the values of College of Saint Mary. 

This year’s recipients are: Yvonne Schlatuman McGarry '63, Ruth AuBuchon McLaughlin '68, Monica Higgins Seeland ’78, Lisa Utterback ’93, and Margaret Tai Wong ’73. Kari Stacy Hair '98 was inducted into the CSM Athletic Hall of Fame (pictured second from right, full article here).

Yvonne Schlatuman McGarry

“It is an honor to me to be recognized,” said McGarry. “College of Saint Mary has been a highlight of my life and one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I felt that I was destined to go there.”

McGarry used her degree at CSM and a passion for science and math to lead and shape the community early in her career. A dedicated chemist and educator, McGarry taught chemistry and math for 13 years following graduation.  She later transitioned into an impressive career as a chemist and quickly climbed the ranks at Metropolitan Utilities District to become Director of Training.

A faith-driven leader, McGarry carried the skills and values she developed at CSM into the local area as an active community advocate and volunteer. In addition to currently serving on the Pilot Club Omaha Board of Directors, she also has led at the district level, raising money to help charities, including Madonna School.

Ruth AuBuchon McLaughlin

An accomplished artist, community advocate, and lifelong learner, McLaughlin jumped into a successful early career working with Indiana University and the New Jersey Department of Treasury. She continued to develop impressive work as an artist, and her acclaimed pieces have earned display in numerous galleries and exhibitions throughout New York.

In addition to strengthening and inspiring others through her artwork, she has carried an attitude of servant leadership into the community.  She has worked to improve the lives of area members by volunteering with the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America in New York and with Tribeca Open Artist Studio Tour (TOAST) – a non-profit arts corporation representing artists in New York City.

Upon receiving the award, she highlighted how College of Saint Mary inspired her to give back to the community and commit to helping people in need.

Monica Higgins Seeland

“When Diane [Proulx] called to tell me about receiving the award, I felt incredibly humbled and grateful,” said Seeland. “I'm sure many of the great women I graduated with were also worthy of recognition by CSM, so I feel especially honored.”

After graduating from CSM with her health information management degree, she led a statewide initiative to implement the Partnership for Patient’s Hospital Improvement Network, teaming up with the American Hospital Association and 69 Nebraska hospitals. Her efforts helped Nebraska hospitals drastically reduce the number of the area’s patient harms and drove down costs.

In addition to boldly shaping the community through her career, she has spent her life leading through service. A volunteer working in several roles with the Nebraska Health Information Management Association, Seeland has impacted the lives of many and twice earned her the association’s Distinguished Member honor.

“The education I received allowed me to find interesting and satisfying work throughout my life,” said Seeland. “The support and nurturing at CSM continued after graduation; the people in the health information management world continued that support and mentoring.”

Lisa Utterback

“I’m honored and humbled to be considered for this outstanding recognition,” said Utterback.

Utterback used her bachelor’s degree in education from CSM to further her education and launch a career of service as principal of Miller Park Elementary School. While there, she unified a team of educators and parents and helped transform the school community.  Under her leadership, the school became one of the first schools in the country to receive the Green School Award. A dedicated leader, Utterback went on to become the Executive Director for Omaha Public Schools – the position in which she is currently serving.

In addition to establishing a service-driven career in education, she has also spent over 20 years volunteering as a mentor to students and parents in the school system.  She regularly volunteers with Girls Inc., is a Broad Academy Cohort Participant, and has taken on several service initiatives that have landed her recognition, including the American Red Cross Good Samaritan Hero Award and the Omaha Education Association Principal Spirit of Collaboration Award.

“Attending and graduating from College of Saint Mary’s education program afforded me many opportunities to learn and be prepared to teach in the Omaha public schools,” said Utterback.

Upon receiving the award, Utterback said her experience at CSM and support within the CSM softball team encouraged her to persevere and set goals. She also credited CSM with teaching her how to take care of herself holistically and grow spiritually. 

Margaret Tai Wong

After earning her degree from CSM, Wong dove into a career of service as a math teacher in an inner city Catholic high school. She later transitioned into a role as a software developer for TransAmerica Insurance. After working as an IT manager at a local bank, she quickly climbed the ranks to serve at the executive level as Senior Vice President and Senior Tech Manager at Bank of America in Pasadena, California.

In addition to excelling as a leader within her career, Wong has embodied College of Saint Mary’s spirit of service by empowering women and youth throughout the community. She has spent several years as a volunteer for the Youth Center in Los Angeles, counseling disadvantaged inner city youth with aspirations for higher education.  She is also a part of the Women Leadership Circle, mentoring young, up-and-coming female professionals.

Upon receiving the award, Wong described how CSM opened new opportunities to her through financial assistance. She said her experience and education at College of Saint Mary helped her become a confident, critical thinker.