CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2024) – Thomas More University recognizes the recipients of its 2024 Alumni Awards, presented by St. Elizabeth Healthcare. A tradition for over 55 years, Thomas More University Alumni Association celebrates the significant career achievements of Thomas More alumni, their dedication to the mission of the University, and the impact alumni make on the communities in which they live and serve.

“I am so grateful for all the individuals who took the time to nominate someone for an award,” says Courtney N. Kleier ’17, director of alumni engagement and annual giving. “In a busy world, it is incredibly significant to be deliberate in recognizing members of our community who have made a difference and deserve distinction.”

Seven outstanding alumni were honored at the Alumni Association Awards Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 27. Two honorees, Michael Gieske, M.D. ’80 and Scott McIntyre ’97, both received the Professional Achievement Award, recognizing a level of excellence in their respective career fields. Kenneth Reis ’72 received the Citizenship Award, recognizing the significant impact he has made on the community through service and leadership.

Thomas More University Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Connor ’92 received the Service Award, honoring the time, energy and expertise he has provided and continues to provide to the University, while Faculty Emeritus John Cimprich, Ph.D. ’71 received the Lasting Influence Award for the positive and lasting impact he has made on the lives of Thomas More students.

The Emerging Leader Award went to Sierra OBryan ’13 in recognition of excellence in her post-collegiate life and commitment to Thomas More University as a recent alumna. The final honor, the Legacy Award, was awarded posthumously to Sister Loretto Marie Driscoll, CDP, Ph.D. ’39 for the lasting legacy and deep impact she has made on the University community.

“This is our chance to elevate the impact of what our mission calls us all to do as alumni: to examine the ultimate meaning of life, our place in the world, and our responsibility to others,” says Kleier. “We had some robust competition this year, and the committee had to weigh many great alumni stories.”

For more information on each of the honorees, including bios, visit https://tmuky.us/24honorees.

Thomas More University Alumni Association welcomes ongoing nominations of outstanding alumni online at https://tmuky.us/25nominate.   

About Thomas More University

Founded in 1921, Thomas More University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, challenging students to Make It More. Deeply rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, this timeless foundation supports a transformative educational experience as students looking to Be More are guided in the pursuit of knowledge, ethical leadership, and the integration of faith and reason. Through the high-quality, liberal arts education provided at Thomas More, students examine the ultimate meaning of life, their place in the world, and their responsibility to others which leads to the ability to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the world. Serving more than 2,300 students, Thomas More takes its place as the premier Catholic university in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, being named one of the 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal. For more, visit thomasmore.edu.