The University of Notre Dame Alumni Association honored several outstanding alumni and staff at its annual board of directors meeting in April. Throughout the year, the association presents awards in six key areas that reflect the University’s commitment to excellence: the arts, athletics, service to the Alumni Association, service to the country, service to humanity, and service to the University.

The following six awards were presented on campus April 9 and 10.

Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Award

Alumnus Dr. Brian J. McCarthy, a 1968 graduate, received the 2025 Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Award, which honors graduates demonstrating outstanding service to humankind.

Throughout his career, McCarthy has been dedicated to improving maternal and perinatal health systems globally. He began his work with the U.S. Public Health Service, focusing on maternal and newborn risk assessments. His expertise expanded internationally through his secondment to the World Health Organization, where he co-authored the WHO Risk Approach Manual and established a global network of WHO Perinatal Collaborating Centers. He advised numerous international organizations on maternal and child health initiatives across more than 45 developing countries.

From 2002 to 2011, McCarthy focused on building MCH surveillance systems in Afghanistan, training local health professionals there. Following the Kabul evacuation, he secured funding to sustain midwifery-led maternity care at Al Jannah Hospital and is currently working to expand these vital centers across Afghanistan.

William D. Reynolds Award

Established in 1985, the William D. Reynolds Award, presented this year to alumna JoAnn Chávez, recognizes a graduate doing exceptional work with youth for the betterment of their quality of life.

Chávez, senior vice president and chief legal officer for DTE Energy, was honored for her distinguished career and dedication to empowering underrepresented youth. A proud Notre Dame graduate who credits the University for her foundation, Chávez oversees DTE Energy's legal strategy and advises its leadership.

A Detroit native and sixth-generation Mexican-American, Chávez was instilled with resilience by her family. She earned her business administration degree from Notre Dame in 1986 and her law degree in 1990.

Driven by a commitment to uplift others, Chávez founded DTE’s Summer Talent Exposure Program, offering more than 15 years of business experience to students. She is also the founder, president and CEO of the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic equity for first-generation students. Chávez's advocacy ensures opportunities for future generations.

James E. Armstrong Award

Alumna Shannon Kelly, a 2011 graduate, received the 2025 James E. Armstrong Award, recognizing alumni who are current or former University employees for distinguished service to the University.

As director of athletics admissions since 2024, Kelly oversees recruitment and evaluation for Notre Dame's 26 varsity teams. A former varsity softball player and history major with a minor in international peace studies, she began her admissions career at Notre Dame in 2011. After earning a master's degree from the University of Virginia and developing a program for first-generation students, she returned to Notre Dame in 2017.

Throughout her tenure, Kelly has collaborated with various University departments to support student-athletes. Outside of her primary role, she has advised student groups focused on pediatric cancer, mentored graduate students and co-taught the Moreau First Year Seminar course. Kelly is also the proud adoptive mother of her daughter, Layla.

Dr. William P. Sexton Award

Jim Reimer, former director of Notre Dame’s Bon Sel Initiative (BSI), received the 2025 Dr. William P. Sexton Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the University as a non-alum. Established in 2001, the award honors individuals whose lives embody the spirit of Notre Dame through outstanding service.

From 2012 to 2024, Reimer spearheaded BSI's efforts in Haiti to combat lymphatic filariasis and prevent iodine deficiency disorders by implementing a faith-based social enterprise model centered on fortified salt. His leadership involved collaborations with the Congregation de Sainte Croix, the Haitian Ministry of Health and Cargill Salt to process, market and distribute these vital products nationwide. Under Reimer, BSI achieved self-sufficiency through specialty salt products, becoming a key partner in a broader alliance improving public health across Haiti.

Prior to his impactful work with BSI, Reimer held leadership positions at Cargill Inc. across multiple continents and served as a thesis advisor for Notre Dame’s ESTEEM program. He holds degrees from the University of Nebraska and the University of Michigan School of Business. Reimer currently resides in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, with his wife, Portia

Rev. Anthony J. Lauck Award

Established in 2000, the Rev. Anthony J. Lauck Award, presented this year to alumna Beth Albright, a 1998 graduate, recognizes an alum for their outstanding accomplishments or achievements as practicing artists.

Since 2009, Albright has been a character shading and groom artist on numerous Pixar films, including “Toy Story 3,” “Brave,” “Monsters University,” “Finding Dory,” “Coco,” and “Incredibles 2.” She made history as Pixar’s first female character supervisor on “Luca” and is currently the visual effects supervisor for the upcoming “Hoppers” (spring 2026). In this role, she leads key technical departments, ensuring seamless collaboration and a balance between technical and creative aspects.

Prior to Pixar, Albright spent a decade in 2D animation. A Columbus, Ohio, native, she holds a BFA from Notre Dame and an MFA from The Ohio State University and currently resides in Oakland, California.

Rev. Robert F. Griffin, C.S.C., Award

The late Mark Shields, a distinguished figure in American politics and journalism, posthumously received the 2025 Rev. Robert F. Griffin, C.S.C., Award, which honors alumni for outstanding writing achievements. His wife, Anne Shields, accepted the award on his behalf.

A 1959 Notre Dame philosophy graduate, Shields served in the Marine Corps before embarking on a career in politics, working on Capitol Hill and managing campaigns. In 1979, he transitioned to journalism, joining the Washington Post and launching a syndicated column that ran for four decades. He became a prominent political commentator on shows like “The Capital Gang,” “Inside Washington,” and “PBS NewsHour,” where he served as a political analyst from 1987 until his retirement in 2020, covering 12 presidential campaigns. He also authored “On the Campaign Trail” about the 1984 election.

Beyond his journalistic work, Shields taught at Georgetown University and the University of Pennsylvania and was a fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. A frequent commencement speaker, he received numerous honorary degrees, including one from Notre Dame. His contributions were recognized with accolades like Washingtonian of the Year (2003) and the Prize for Civility in Public Life (2012). Shields passed away in 2022 at the age of 85, leaving a significant legacy in political commentary.