Five Women Honored at Mary A. Bruemmer Recognition Ceremony

Five Women Honored at Mary A. Bruemmer Recognition Ceremony

The 49th annual Mary A. Bruemmer Recognition ceremony recognized five women who have made an impact on Saint Louis University.

Starting in 1977, SLU's Women's Commission has highlighted University community members to be honored at an annual springtime luncheon. The honorees include administrators, faculty, staff and students who are recognized for their contributions, commitment, and lives of service to the University and their community. The awards are named after the inaugural winner, Mary Bruemmer.

"Our recipients reflect not only professional achievement, but also a deep commitment to others," said Associate Provost Lisa Dorsey, Ph.D. "They model sensitivity to difference, generosity of spirit, and what it truly means to be a person for others in the Ignatian tradition."

The 2026 class is:

• Esmeralda Aharon, program director of Faculty, Staff, and Community Engagement at the School of Medicine
• Susanne Chawszczewski, Ph.D., director of Campus Ministry
• Peggy Dotson, assistant provost for academic success
• Grace LoPiccolo, undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences
• April Trees, Ph.D., associate provost for graduate education

The winners were selected based on their commitment to Saint Louis University's philosophy, measured by the quality and diversity of their service, their work ethic, and integrity.

"This year's honorees' service reminds us why this work matters and why this community thrives," Dorsey said.

Also recognized at the luncheon were the 2026 Sister Shirley Kolmer Memorial grant recipients. In 2016, the Saint Louis University Women's Commission established the Sister Shirley Kolmer Memorial Grant to support the mission of the Women's Commission, which is to educate, enrich, and empower the women of SLU by providing funding to connect SLU women with opportunities that foster their personal and professional development.

The grant awardees were:

• Darleesa Doss, Ph.D., associate professor, College for Public Health and Social Justice, who received a grant for her project "Exploring Self-Advocacy in Maternal Healthcare Settings: Perspectives of Black Pregnant Women and Providers."
• Victoria Dieckman, international services advisor, Amelia Marsh, academic advisor, and Madeline Schurman, international services advisor, for their program to attend and present "Speak their Language: Helping Academic Advisors Help International Students" at the 2026 NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo.

The ceremony also honored the SLU women's chess team. Earlier this year, the team made history and claimed the first-ever women's U.S. Chess Federation's President's Cup title. The Billiken women were a perfect 3-for-3 and claimed the first women's national championship.