Award Overviews Alumni Recognition Awards Outstanding Senior Awards   Alumni Awards were established at the University of Mary (formerly Mary College) in 1977 under the titles of "The Mary College Achievement Award" and "The Mary College Distinguished Service Award". These two awards were revised and one award called "The University of Mary Alumni Recognition Award" was started in 1987, continuing until 2002 when the names and criteria were revised and three awards were adopted by the University of Mary. The University of Mary Harold Schafer Alumni Leadership Award This award recognizes graduates who have attained distinction as leaders in their professions while exemplifying the values cherished by the University of Mary. The University of Mary Presidential Leadership Award This award is conferred on individual alumni for distinguished achievements as servant leaders regionally, nationally or internationally. The University of Mary Bell Banner Award This award honors alumni for modeling the values of respect, hospitality, moderation, service, community, and prayer, the ideals of the University's sponsors, the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. This award usually recognizes alumni who graduated in the past fifteen years. The Outstanding Senior Award was established in 1979 and is presented by the University of Mary Alumni Association during the President's Breakfast on Graduation Day of each academic year. Deserving graduating seniors are nominated by the teaching faculty on the basis of academic achievement, community service, and service to the University of Mary.