Marymount University invites you to be part of an extraordinary celebration at the 2025 Halo Awards Ceremony and Gala on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the prestigious Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. As part of Marymount’s 75th Anniversary, this black-tie affair promises a night of inspiration, connection and purpose, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of our distinguished awardees while raising crucial funds for the Marymount Student Emergency Fund.
This fourth annual Halo Awards Gala is more than an event. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Marymount’s essence—service, leadership and a commitment to excellence. Kristina Bouweiri, President and CEO of Reston Limousine, proudly chairs this year’s gala. Guests will experience an elegant evening featuring a VIP reception, sophisticated dinner and heartwarming awards program recognizing the incredible contributions of alumni, faculty and community members who exemplify Marymount’s mission.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration. RSVP or secure your sponsorship today.
Why attend?
- Honor extraordinary leaders: Celebrate the achievements of Carmelita Hurley Treacy ’60, recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award; Yong Kim, Saint of Service Award winner; James Ryerson, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award; and the legacy of Alice Mandanis, honored with the Mother Gerard Phelan Gold Medal.
- Support Marymount students: Bid on exclusive auction items and experiences to raise funds directly supporting students facing financial crises.
- Network with influential leaders: Join notable figures from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia for an evening of celebration, camaraderie and philanthropy.
- Be inspired: Hear stories of resilience, innovation and service that embody the Marymount spirit.
Celebrate with our 2025 Halo Award recipients
At the heart of the 2025 Halo Awards Gala, we honor exceptional individuals whose achievements and dedication exemplify Marymount’s mission to inspire purpose and service.
Carmelita Hurley Treacy, Class of 1960, Distinguished Alumni Award
Carmelita Hurley Treacy’s legacy shines brightly as a trailblazer and dedicated advocate for education, athletics and service. A loyal Marymount supporter, Treacy has contributed significantly to the University—first serving on the Board of Advisors before joining the Board of Trustees in 1980. She led the Board as Chair from 1993 through 1999, providing impactful leadership during a time of growth and development for the University. She has chaired the Board’s Mission & Ministry committee, championed the Athletic Director’s Circle through her philanthropy and been honored with Marymount’s Alumni Appreciation Award and an honorary doctorate. Her deep connection to Marymount is also a family affair, as her sister-in-law, Jeanne Richardson Hurley, and daughter, Mary, are both alumnae. Her dedication extends beyond Marymount. She has served as a trustee at St. Anselm’s Abbey School, where her commitment to fostering spiritual and academic growth has positively impacted countless young men. She remains active in numerous community and charitable organizations and was named a Dame of Malta.
Yong Kim, Saint of Service Award
Yong Kim embodies the University’s spirit of service as President and CEO of Tymak Group, Inc., a consulting firm that drives innovation in management, marketing and technology. A distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist, Kim has also been a vital part of Marymount’s Board of Trustees, helping steer the University towards new horizons. His groundbreaking leadership at User Technology Associates, Inc. (UTA) contributed to pivotal national projects, including NASA’s Mars Pathfinder and Cassini missions. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the Small Business Administration’s Person of the Year, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year and KPMG’s High-Tech Entrepreneur Award, Kim invests in startups shaping the future of technology and business. He resides in Virginia with his wife, Meranda.
Dr. Alice Mandanis (Posthumous), Mother Gerard Phelan Gold Medal
Dr. Alice Mandanis served as Marymount’s chief academic officer for over two decades and oversaw the University’s transformation by developing new programs in disciplines such as behavioral sciences, business, education, humanities, nursing and physical therapy. She also helped expand the campus to new sites, including what is now the University’s Ballston Center, and guided Marymount’s transition into a coeducational institution. Community members remember her as a transformative leader, skilled academic and beloved mentor whose influence will be felt for generations.
James Ryerson, Distinguished Faculty Award
Professor James Ryerson has left an indelible mark on the University through his four-decade career. As a marketing professor, department chair and dean, Ryerson shaped Marymount’s academic landscape, guiding the transition to the state-of-the-art Ballston Center and driving growth in business and technology programs. His dedication to student success and innovation earned him the inaugural Robert A. Draghi Outstanding Faculty Award, cementing his place as a cornerstone of Marymount’s faculty legacy.
Make your impact
The proceeds from this unforgettable evening will directly support the Marymount Student Emergency Fund. This vital resource ensures no Marymount student has to choose between pursuing their education and addressing life’s unexpected challenges.
Secure your tickets or become a sponsor today to celebrate Marymount’s 75th Anniversary and support our students’ success. Reserve your spot now!
About the Halo Awards
The Halo Awards recognize the exemplary achievements of Marymount alumni, faculty and community members:
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Honors alumni with significant professional accomplishments and service to the community.
- Saint of Service Award: Recognizes outstanding service to Marymount or the Catholic community.
- Mother Gerard Phelan Gold Medal: Awarded for achievements of an exemplary nature.
- Distinguished Faculty Award: Celebrates faculty excellence in teaching, research and leadership.
