Alumnae Feature
2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee and Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients
From left: Patty Stodola O’Bryan ’91; Peggy O’Neill ’65; Suzanne Liebentritt Garcia ’70;
Beth Tacke Black ’75; Amy Gaughan McAuliffe ’90; and Orlanda Whitfield ’05, M’06, D’12.
College of Saint Mary’s culture and ideals have a greater impact on a student than just their academic and professional achievement – it weaves into the fabric of their life. It impacts how they live. It impacts their service to their family and to their community.
The year during our Founders Day Dinner, we honored six alumnae who have lived out CSM’s ideals and are stellar examples of what it means to be a walking woman. They reveal in their own lives the values of CSM and the importance of service, leadership and community.
Amy Gaughan McAuliffe ’90
Amy McAuliffe graduated from College of Saint Mary (CSM) in 1990 with a degree in business administration.
The Omaha resident has served as a marketing consultant and project manager for clients in the high-tech business sector. She also served as global marketing events manager for an international software solutions company based in California.
McAuliffe has volunteered her time with St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Elkhorn, Neb., and served as both general and class chair for Mercy High School FIESTA Annual Fund. She began volunteering as a trainer and wish granter at the Make-a-Wish Foundation in 2013 and continues in that position today.
McAuliffe credits CSM as a major force in her professional career and volunteer efforts. “Both the academic excellence and culture at CSM has been the ongoing foundation of my career and personal life,” she says.
Suzanne Liebentritt Garcia ’70
After graduating with a degree in elementary education, Suzanne Garcia taught in Omaha for two years before moving to the West Coast. The Huntington, Calif., resident earned a Master Catechist Certificate from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, and she continues to teach and serve in her church and community.
In 2008, Garcia was named to the first Pastoral Council for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, which advises the Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD, bishop of Orange. She continues in that capacity today. Garcia also currently serves as a volunteer docent for Christ Cathedral.
“I think that going to College of Saint Mary continued to encourage me, and revealed to me that giving was the way to live,” says Garcia. “That has carried through my entire life.”
Peggy O’Neill ’65
Peggy O’Neill received her bachelor’s degree in English from College of Saint Mary (CSM) in 1965.
After graduation, the Clarion, Iowa resident taught in Nebraska, Iowa and Nevada. She served as president for both the Bellevue (Nebraska) Education Association, and the CSM alumnae board; as well as board member of the Nebraska State Education Association.
The Washoe County (Nevada) Teacher’s Association in 1990 recognized her for outstanding service and dedication.
O’Neill served as a Nevada State Senator (89-90), and as president for the Sparks Nevada Chamber of Commerce. In 1996, the chamber named her Member of the Year.
O’Neill retired in 2008, but continues serving her community by working with the Clarion (Ia.) Chamber of Commerce. She is also especially involved at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion. She currently serves on its social justice committee.
Patty Stodola O’Bryan ’91
2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee
Patty O’Bryan is one of College of Saint Mary’s most decorated softball pitchers. She was also known for her tremendous work ethic and ability to play anywhere on the field. In 1990, her junior year, O'Bryan had a 32-6 pitching record, which tied for the most wins that year by any NAIA pitcher.
Among her many honors, she was named an NAIA Academic All-American, District 11 Player of the Year, and earned first team All-District honors three times.
Currently, O’Bryan is the director of political relations with rural Media Group in Gretna, Neb., and remains active in the local softball community. She leads the select fast-pitch program at Omaha Suburban Athletic Association and also coaches her daughter’s softball team.
Beth Tacke Black ’75
Beth Black, owner of renowned Omaha bookstore, The Bookworm, graduated from College of Saint Mary (CSM) with a degree in early childhood education.
Black’s bookstore has been honored numerous times. The Metropolitan Reading Council recognized the bookseller for promoting literacy; it’s twice won Best of Omaha; and in 2014 it was awarded with Nebraska Center for the Book’s Jane Geske Award for exceptional contributions to literacy, books and reading.
Black captained The Bookworm during a time when many locally owned bookstores crumbled; first under the pressure of large corporate booksellers, and then online retailers. It even caught the eye of Warren Buffet. By invitation, each year the non-Berkshire Hathaway company sets up a shop at its annual shareholders meeting.
CSM helped her to “fully understand and believe” that she could do anything, says Black.
Orlanda Whitfield ’05, M’06, D’12
Orlanda Whitfield began her life of service to others as a senior in high school, where she mentored at-risk youth and conducted a summer program through the Omaha Public Schools.
She has received several recognitions during her 15-year career at CenturyLink; Pride Award, 1999 and 2001; an employee service award in 2000; and a 2006 Circle of Excellence. Since 2006 she has served as adjunct faculty in the College of Saint Mary business leadership and management program.
Whitfield currently is establishing a non-profit that will assist single mothers to build their leadership skills, and help them secure funding for college. The non-profit will also work with at-risk youth in developing leadership skills, and provide them with positive outlets for creativity.
