In a triumphant celebration of philanthropy, Marymount University’s third Halo Awards Ceremony and Dinner shattered previous records for attendance, funds raised for scholarships and sponsorships as an enduring spirit of generosity and commitment to higher education were on full display.
Held at The City Club of Washington on February 22, this year’s Halo Awards event generated a total of $333,000 raised from a combination of sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and items sold in the silent and live auctions. More than doubling last year’s total, these proceeds will support student scholarships. There was also a 25 percent increase in attendance compared to last year, with 250 people on hand to honor this year’s award-winners for their professional achievements and service to others.
“In our Strategic Plan effort that has resulted in national recognition of Marymount as a leading Catholic university, we have dedicated ourselves to an unparalleled commitment to student success, alumni achievement and faculty and staff excellence,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “Our Halo Award winners represent these ideals, as well as what’s best about Marymount – a community of scholars who are lifelong learners, faculty members who foster innovation and growth and a University that values the education of the whole person and the importance of giving back. These qualities are in harmony with the traditions of our founders, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM). Because of community members like the three award-winners we are celebrating this evening, we are advancing the fulfillment of Marymount’s mission and vision every day.”
The ceremony, hosted by ABC7 News anchor Megan Clarke, was made possible thanks to the efforts of Gala Chair Courtney B. Spaeth and several co-chairs who volunteered their time and efforts to the cause.
With the first award of the evening, Marymount presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Susan Lacz ’83, CEO of Ridgewells Catering and founding member of Elite Catering and Event Professionals, an association that brings caterers together across the globe to collaborate and advocate for the industry. She serves on the board of directors for the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Junior Achievement and Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). As a former Marymount board member and alumna, she chaired the University’s most recent capital campaign. She also chaired Junior Achievement of Greater Washington’s 100th Anniversary Hall of Fame Gala.
As an influential leader in the business community, she has been honored with the Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business award and named to its Power 100 list. She was also a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Greater Washington Award.
“Marymount shaped me in so much of who I am today and what I am doing in my life. I’m forever grateful for this wonderful distinguished award, and I love coming back and giving back,” Lacz said. “I’ve been at Ridgewells for 38 years, and I love what I do every single day. I think a lot of that has to do with my experience at Marymount – I had a pivotal change that inspired me to pursue my passion and appreciate life every day.”
Next, David Dacquino was honored with the Saint of Service Award for Outstanding Community Member. He holds 40 years of experience in the defense, aeronautics and technical services industries. He is currently Chair of the Board at RA Federal Services, which provides facilities management, construction and supply chain support for U.S. government projects operating in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Previously, he served as Chair and CEO of Serco as well as CEO at SkyLink and VT Group, in addition to high-level positions at Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
In addition to his service as a board member for Marymount, Dacquino also serves on the boards of Squire Solutions and Greater Washington Board of Trade. In 2021, he received a ‘Washington 100’ GovCon award for his contributions to government missions through contractor work.
“It’s just been a great experience working with Dr. Hesham El-Rewini and Academic Affairs…understanding what we are trying to accomplish at the University,” Dacquino explained. “I love the fact that we’re addressing a lot of individuals that maybe wouldn’t have an opportunity to attend college, and Marymount offers that opportunity to underserved individuals. It’s really very fulfilling.”
With the final honor of the evening, Marymount posthumously awarded the Mother Gerard Phelan Gold Medal to Preston Caruthers – a longtime financial supporter of Marymount and a higher education advocate. Known as ‘Mr. Arlington’ for his tireless work to enhance the quality of life of his fellow residents, he served as Chairman of the Arlington County School Board, was a board member of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) and was appointed President of the Virginia State Board of Education. As a VFIC trustee, he co-sponsored Marymount’s membership in the organization.
Caruthers was instrumental in the University’s acquisition of its Ballston campus. His family also provided the naming gift towards the construction of Caruthers Hall, partnered with the Virginia Hospital Center Foundation to provide $400,000 in scholarships for Marymount Nursing students and established the Friends of Nursing program at what is now the Virginia Hospital Center.
“My dad had so many admirable qualities. He was well respected, both in business and throughout the community, and related to people from all walks of life,” said Stephen Caruthers, Preston’s son. “We’re just very proud of the many things that he’s been involved in over the years, and I hope I can do a small part in furthering that effort.”
During the awards program, President Becerra announced the recipients of this year’s Halo Scholarships. They included sophomore Cybersecurity major Merlin Torres, junior Health Sciences major Lily Plotkin, sophomore Communication major Mia Clevano, senior Nursing major Utoma Effiong and sophomore Neuroscience major Amanda Martinez.
She also expressed her gratitude towards the record number of sponsors for the event:
