St. Mary's Academy Marian Awards recognize distinguished alumnae and friends who embrace and exemplify SMA's mission and vision in our community and the world.
We are accepting nominations for the 2026 and 2027 Marian Awards. We invite everyone in the SMA community to consider recommending a worthy candidate. Nominators should please complete the online nomination form (below) and submit on or before November 13, 2025.
You will need the following information to submit a nomination:
- Nominee’s contact information;
- Nomination "why" statement;
- Nominator’s contact information;
- Nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae (CV); and
- Up to two letters of recommendation and/or endorsement videos (optional).
Recipients will be recognized at a special event in the Spring of 2027.
ONLINE NOMINATION FORM
To submit a nomination in another way, to request that a previous nomination stand for another year, or for more information, please contact advancement@smamb.ca or call the SMA Advancement Office at 204 560 6924.
Marian Award Recipients
St. Mary's Academy is proud to recognize the
2024 and 2025 Marian Award Recipients.
These distinguished alumnae embrace and exemplify SMA's mission
and vision in our community and the world.
2024 Recipient
Marlene Coughlin (Cantwell ’53)
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’.
2025 Recipient
Dr. Joan Flood ’73
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.
2025 Marian Awards Brunch Sponsors
We are grateful very for the genorosity of our Marian Awards Brunch sponsors.
Presenting Sponsors
Welcome Reception Sponsor
Catering Sponsor
Flame Sponsors
Past Marian Award Recipients
2025
Dr. Joan Flood ’73
2024
Marlene Coughlin (Cantwell ’53)
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