Marylhurst University Honors Distinguished Alumni

Marylhurst Online.

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The Alumni Association of Marylhurst University announces three Portland-area residents as recipients of the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Sister Rita Rose Vistica, class of 1956, was recognized with the award for Outstanding Service to Society for her distinguished career as a liberal arts professor. Career honors include the French government's Academic Palms, the Ambassador Award from the Portland French School and recognition from the State of Oregon Foreign Language Honor Roll for outstanding contributions to the teaching and study of foreign language.

Diana Hughes Stegner, class of 1960, received the award for Outstanding Service to Marylhurst for her strong support of the university since the early 1970s. She held leadership positions with the alumni association, most notably as past president of the board. She is an active volunteer with the university's annual phonathon, golf tournament and alumni mentor program.

The Distinguished Professional Award was presented to Judith Barrington, class of 1968, for her significant contributions to the world of literature as an internationally recognized writer and poet. She is the co-founder of The Flight of Mind Writing Workshops, the Director of the Soapstone Writing Retreat in Oregon and a faculty member in the University of Alaska Master's in Fine Arts program. She has led writing workshops and conferences throughout the United States and England.