Marian Awards

The St. Mary's Academy Marian Award recognizes distinguished alumnae and friends who embrace and exemplify the SMA mission and vision in our community and the world.

The SMA Foundation will present the 2024 and 2025 Marian Awards at a special brunch on Sunday, May 4, 2025. 

We invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of our distinguished alumnae and the lasting impact of St. Mary’s Academy at this special event.

Marlene Coughlin (Cantwell ’53) is a proud alumna, wife, parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent, as well as a pioneering businesswoman, and dedicated volunteer. In 1971, she and her husband, Guy, founded Coughlin Insurance Brokers. Balancing family and business in an era with few women in leadership, she played a vital role in its success. A lifelong volunteer, Marlene is an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and has dedicated years of service to Holy Names House of Peace, Immaculate Conception Drop-in Centre, Rossbrook House, and remains an active participant in the Jubilee Fund. Marlene and Guy also organized the Serra Club of Winnipeg’s Annual Gala Dinner for 25 years. Marlene has led with faith, vision, and service throughout her life. Her trailblazing leadership in business and steadfast dedication to family and service exemplify the spirit of ‘Hold High the Torch’.

Dr. Joan Flood ’73 is a proud alumna, wife, parent, and grandparent, as well as a physician, educator, and advocate transforming ADHD and Autism care in Canada. As the Canadian Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Resource Alliance (CADDRA) Advocacy Chair, she co-authored a white paper leading to Bill C-329, calling for a national ADHD strategy. She trains clinicians, shapes clinical guidelines, and has spoken internationally, including addressing the Danish Parliament on ADHD policy. She also chaired CADDRA’s 2024 conference held in Winnipeg, bringing together global experts to advance ADHD care. Joan is actively involved in medical education, teaching family medicine residents at the University of Toronto, and developing national training programs to improve ADHD and mental health care. Joan embodies ‘Hold High the Torch’ through her faith, service, and commitment to making a positive change in
people's lives.

Marian Awards Brunch ~ Sunday, May 4, 2025

Doors open 11:00 am
Brunch 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

St. Mary’s Academy
550 Wellington Crescent

Tickets
$80
On Sale Now

For more information or to purchase your tickets over the phone,
contact the SMA Alumnae Office:
alumnae@smamb.ca
204-560-6924

Call for Sponsors

Become a sponsor of the Marian Awards Brunch 2025, where community leaders and changemakers come together for an inspiring celebration. Your sponsorship provides valuable visibility and impact—click here to explore our sponsorship benefits and opportunities.

Past Marian Award Recipients

2023

Constanca (Connie) Magalhaes

2022

Cancelled due to Covid-19 Pandemic

2021

Cancelled due to Covid-19 Pandemic

2020

Cancelled due to Covid-19 Pandemic

2019

The Sisters of Charity of Montreal, "Grey Nuns"

2018

Dr. Diane Clare '69

Cheryl Prokopanko (Balaberda '72)

Brigitte Sandron (Van Ginkel '77)

Melissa Serbin '01

2017

The Class of 1965

2016

Marylyn Gibney, SNJM

Susanne Parent '81

2015

Gwen Buccini (Pucci ’67)

Marianna Carol Hryniuk-Adamov ’72

2014

Leanne Boyd '69

Kellie O'Rourke '76

2013

Dr. Leisha Strachan ’92

Janine Stephens (Hanson ’01)

2012

Crystal Kolt (Klapecki '78)

R.H. (Bob) Vandewater 

2011

Barbara Clubb '65

Ann Hodges '82

2010

Christine Butterill (Keegan '60)

Susan Devine '68

2009

Kimberly Prost '76

2008

Stella Jo Dean (Kozak '43)

Joan Harland (Gr. 11 '32 and SMA College '33)

Rekha Malaviya '83

Alaina Prokopchuk '98

2007

Noelle Bowles '91

Mary Holmen (Whytehead '71)

Rev. Carol Fletcher '79

Carol Stone (Parson '62)

2006

Margaret Brett (Hetke '65)

Pattie Moore (Delabbio '69)

William and Stella English and family

2005

Eira Friesen (Charles '36)

Lesley Sacouman '63, SNJM

SMA Alumnae Association

SMA Parents’ Guild