2024 Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Award Recipients
Department of Intercollgiate Athletics Awards Conferral
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Reception: 5:00 p.m.
Conferral: 5:30 p.m.
Alumni Memorial Union
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award
William A. Suneson, Arts ’87
Brewster, Mass.
As a senior in high school, Bill Suneson had no plans to attend Marquette. Instead, he was more focused on attending a southern college to hone his tennis skills. That all changed after a frank conversation with his dad, who told him a pro tennis career was not going to happen and Bill should count his blessings that Marquette accepted him. Heeding his father’s sage advice, in June 1983, Bill boarded a train, traveling 24 hours from Boston to Milwaukee (with a stop in Chicago), and arrived at Marquette, sight unseen, as a member of the Freshman Frontier Program (FFP). He never looked back.
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Professional Achievement Award
Augusto P. Sandroni, Arts ’93
Elm Grove, Wis.
Peter Sandroni has grown from managing the men’s basketball team at Marquette to owning and managing La Merenda, a successful Milwaukee restaurant celebrating its 17th year in business.
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Young Alumnus of the Year Award u
Adeola G. Giwa, Eng ’09, Grad ’13
Port Washington, Wis.
Adeola Giwa is more likely to be found coaching his daughter or the neighbor kids in various sports these days than participating in events himself, but he views that shift as a natural progression. He uses his experiences to impart valuable life lessons about perseverance to the students he coaches. He finds great joy and fulfillment in watching his students grow, learn, and overcome challenges they initially thought were insurmountable.
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Friends of Marquette Athletics Award
Susan D. Thelen and Michael J. Thelen, Bus Ad ’83
Oconomowoc, Wis.
Mike and Sue Thelen define success as raising a strong family with a deep faith. They believe in using the gifts God has given them to their fullest. Mike and Sue worked to support young people to become successful through their involvement and support of St. Jude School, Marquette University High School and Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. They have also been involved with Catholic Charities, serving as foster parents to many children and families. Their children and two sons-in-law are all proud Marquette alumni.
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M Club Hy Popuch Memorial Service Award
Karen M. Jahimiak, D.D.S., Dent Hy ’75, Dent ’86
La Crosse, Wis./Estero, Fla.
Karen Jahimiak, D.D.S., is not one to sit around. Although she is retired from dentistry, she maintains an active and philanthropic life, serving her communities as a leader in both Florida and Wisconsin.
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Robert L. and William P. McCahill Award
Chloe K. Marotta, Comm ’22, Grad ’23
Mequon, Wis.
Chloe Marotta played in 149 games as a five-year member of the women's basketball team, ranked 29th all-time in career scoring with 1,094 points and eighth in career rebounds with 912. She earned All-BIG EAST First Team honors as a senior after averaging 14.8 points and a team-high 9.0 boards per contest. Chloe is one of just seven MU women's players to ever record at least 1,000 points and 850 rebounds in a career.
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Robert L. and William P. McCahill Award u
Mason J. Woodward, H Sci ’23
Towson, Md.
Mason Woodward became the first three-time USILA All-American in men’s lacrosse program history in spring 2023 and is the only Marquette player to be selected as team captain four times. He was a unanimous All BIG-EAST First Team selection in 2023 and led the team in caused turnovers in all four of his campaigns.
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u Celebrating a Marquette Reunion