We are pleased to announce the 2023 OLSH Distinguished Alumni Award recipients:
Alumnus with Heart
Honors an OLSH alumnus who maintains a strong connection to OLSH and exemplifies one or more of the Felician Core Values (Respect for Human Dignity, Compassion, Transformation, Solidarity with the Poor, Justice & Peace)
2023 Recipient: Thomas (Tom) V. Goodwin ‘92
Tom has been serving on the OLSH Alumni Council for a number of years, taking an active role in meetings and in planning events to get fellow OLSH alumni re-engaged with the school. He is now the proud father of two OLSH students, Noel ‘24 and Chloe ‘26. Tom works as a Senior Accountant at Cronimet Corporation, and lends his expertise to OLSH Career Day, joining us in the fall every other year to speak with students who are interested in a career in accounting. He was inducted into the OLSH Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009 for his achievements while running Cross Country for four years as a Charger. Tom can regularly be found at OLSH sporting events and fundraisers, and is always eager to spread the word about what’s going on at the school.
Christian Leadership
Honors an OLSH alumnus who has distinguished themselves through community service, devotion to faith, and/or philanthropic efforts
2023 Recipient: Thomas F. Thimons ‘03
Thomas is the founder and CEO of My Catholic Will, the fastest growing startup generating millions of dollars for Catholic organizations. This one-of-a-kind online will-writing platform launched in early 2023 and is partnered with Catholic non-profits around the country varying in size and mission. It echoes the Felician Core Values of Transformation and Solidarity with People in Need. Tom is passionate about faith, legacy, and making a lasting impact, and as such, has dedicated the past 15 years to managing the development teams of several charities, including the Archdiocese of New York and the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy. He graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2007 with a degree in Theology and Communications and currently resides in the Diocese of Orlando, where he maintains an active role in his parish.
Young Alumnus
Honors an OLSH alumnus under the age of 35 who has distinguished themselves in their profession
2023 Recipient: Dominique Murray ‘15
Dominique has established herself in the photography world, starting her own business in 2019. She specializes in personal branding, high school and college senior portraits, editorials, corporate events, weddings, and fine art portraits. Dominique is the founder and executive director of Splatter Me Crazy, a philanthropic event where guests throw paint at Pittsburgh celebrities to raise money for The Magic Yarn Project, Magee's Women's Research Institute and Foundation, and the Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation. She has photographs displayed at the RMU UPMC Event Center, has been published in multiple magazines, forums, and websites, and was named the Southwest Chamber of Commerce Photographer of the Year in 2022. Additionally, Dominique has lended her talents to OLSH by taking photographs at school dances and offering discounts on senior portraits.
Professional Excellence
Honors an OLSH alumnus aged 35 or older who has distinguished themselves in their profession
2023 Recipient: Felicia L. Cianciarulo, Ph.D. ‘80
Dr. Cianciarulo is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. She teaches undergraduate level courses in genetics, microbiology, and cellular biology, and has had many OLSH students in her classes. Through her role at Carlow, Felicia has also served as primary investigator or supervisor on a number of her students’ research projects and is an academic advisor and mentor. She has worked at several other institutions of higher education throughout her career, including Duquesne University, Community College of Allegheny County, and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She is no stranger to winning awards, having been recognized over a dozen times for her professional achievements. In 2018, Carlow University honored her with the Dorothy Weber Cochran ’43 Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship and Research. Felicia has been featured in a number of publications and has made appearances on local, national, and international broadcasts to discuss her work. She also has given her time to OLSH, participating in the biannual Career Day and as a presenter during the Women in STEM panel.
Congratulations to this year’s very deserving award recipients!
The Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented at the Alumni Brunch at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott on Sunday, October 1. Click here to purchase tickets to the event.