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College of Mount Saint Vincent to Present Ad Laudem Dei Awards to Distinguished Alumnae

10/23/2013

Riverdale, N.Y. – The University of Mount Saint Vincent is proud to honor distinguished alumnae Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D., Class of 1967, and Kathleen Butler, Class of 1974 with the Ad Laudem Dei awards on Thursday, October 24 2013 at 6 p.m. Ad Laudem Dei is bestowed upon alumnae/i for their outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the community. The Ad Laudem Dei ceremony will be followed by the Re-dedication of Science Hall and the President’s Associates Reception.

A resident of Mendham, N.J., Dr. Sylvia Christakos’67 holds a degree in biology from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and a Ph.D. in Endocrinology from the State University of New York, Buffalo School of Medicine. Since 1981, Dr. Christakos has served as a researcher and professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School. She leads one of the country’s foremost laboratories in Vitamin D research. Her research has proven the relationships between Vitamin D and its receptor on the expression of genes responsible for calcium balance, autoimmune inflammation, bone disorders, such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and paralysis.

Kathleen Butler ’74 from Bellport, N.Y. has held senior executive positions at IBM throughout her four-decade career. After earning a B.A. degree in Mathematics from the University of Mount Saint Vincent, Ms. Butler joined IBM as a software engineer and served as Vice President for Global Sales and Technical Support and as Vice President of Client Process Transformation. Her leadership at IBM included the launch of “One IBM,” a unified system to provide better service for customers and business partners.

Ad Laudem Dei is an award that recognizes alumnae/i of distinguished achievement. The award is given to individuals whose business or professional lives are of national significance and illustrate that service is not only an activity, but also an approach to the responsibilities of work.

About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of  study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.