Attendees of the annual Distinguished Alumnae Awards/Athletic Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies frequently share their deep sense of inspiration upon hearing about The Academy of the Holy Cross's profound influence on the honorees and the broader community. Likewise, it is a similar reflection of the significant impact these honorees have contributed to the school and the wider community. On Friday, May 10, 2024, Holy Cross celebrated the achievements of five Distinguished Alumnae, along with the induction of two alumnae and a coach into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Each honoree exemplifies the Holy Cross mission in both their personal and professional endeavors.

The event was kicked off by Katy Prebble, President of The Academy with a heartfelt welcome and prayer. The night’s program was moderated by Carole Haas, ’75 as a member of the alumnae relations team.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumnae Award have demonstrated how they live the Holy Cross mission by being women of courage, compassion, and scholarship in their professional or personal accomplishments. They also distinguish themselves as caring, Christian women.

Distinguished Alumnae Awardees:

Avis Collins Robinson (Posthumous) ’71, an esteemed American artist best renowned for her profound exploration of America’s hidden tensions surrounding race, gender, oppression, and forgotten history through her paintings and quilts. Her work is layered with images that reference the struggles of her ancestors – Nottoway Indian, African and European, as well as, famous African Americans like Harriet Tubman and John Lewis.

Eugene Robinson who accepted the honor on his dear wife’s behalf was moved by the community that Avis came from at Holy Cross and the friends she made. “I just want to talk about how important Holy Cross was in making her [Avis] the remarkable woman that she was.”

Francesca Rigutto Reed ‘94 currently paves the way for bright students to transform their lives in higher education and serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at Neumann University. Fran credits Holy Cross for helping her evolve from a once shy person to the confident professional woman she is today while also giving her lasting friendships she still holds.

Harriet Smiley Flott ’60, a pioneer who continued to empower women after her time at Holy Cross was once a computer programmer for the Department of the Army and Booz Allen, who then embarked on a journey in women’s health and worked for La Leche League International an organization that supports breastfeeding, prepared childbirth and parenting around the world. To this day, Harriet continues to volunteer in this effort.

“For me, the jobs I started out with, were not necessarily the jobs or careers I wanted to continue in but there were aspects of each that helped me enjoy what I loved doing and gave me the experience that helped me on my path,” said Harriet.

Dr. Travelle Franklin-Ford Ellis ‘98, earned an MD from the University of Wisconsin School of Public Health and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering through the NIH-accredited Medical Scientist Training Program after graduating from Holy Cross. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Multicultural Initiatives at Exact Sciences, Dr. Ellis focuses on addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity in healthcare delivery while advocating for enhanced representation within the STEM workforce. Reflecting on her time at The Academy, she remembers all the talent around her from her peers.

“What the Academy of the Holy Cross gave me wasn’t just for me,” said Ellis. “It was for all the girls and women around me. We had some amazing classmates – we had a poet Laureate in my class, plus the gift of photography was also given to some of my classmates who are incredible artists today. Holy cross also allowed me to discover how to make hard choices. As I think back on letting others shine even when I am a leader, I think back to the days I was on the volleyball court here.”

Eileen Whalen ’05 known for her presence on ABC7 and is living out her dream as an Emmy award-winning broadcast meteorologist and lifestyle host. She was unfortunately unable to attend due to an illness. The Academy praises her for her incredible work and pride in being a LOTA.

Inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame demonstrate athletic ability, sportsmanship, Tartan character, leadership, and contribution to the team. They have distinguished themselves through athletic achievement including college, post-graduate and professional experience.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:

Rhamat Alhassan ’14 became a nationally ranked professional Volleyball player, and even played overseas. Following her time at Holy Cross, she was recruited by the University of Florida, where she not only excelled in sports but also pursued her academic endeavors. She proudly obtained a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications - Production in 2018, followed by a Master of Science in Management in 2021. Today, she channels her passion into inspiring students by working in education as the Director of Sports Information at Flint Hill School in Oakton, VA.

“To my friends and former classmates who are here tonight, you are like family and your presence means the world to me,” said Alhassan. “And to all the coaches who guided me through my journey here, your impact has been immeasurable. And last but certainly not least, I want to thank God for being my rock and savior through this journey. I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you all today as a member of this Hall of Fame.”

Kathleen Slater ’10 who played both Varsity field hockey and lacrosse for all four years at Holy Cross benefitted from a scholarship to the University of Virginia to play D1 lacrosse. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with concentrations in sculpture and photography. Today, she is an entrepreneur and has a career in fashion and wedding photography.

“As athletes, we are trained to set our goals and push them through,” said Slater. “Yet, it can be easy that once we reach those milestones, we quickly just set our sights onto the next goal – often forgetting to stop and celebrate victories along the way. Receiving a phone call from Holy Cross about this honor was a moment that allowed me to pause to truly think back about where we have come from and where I am now.”

Coach David Geiser who has served as the varsity Volleyball coach since 2009 has amassed a remarkable 85% winning percentage in his 15 years as coach. This has led the team to be ranked in the Washington Post Top Ten in each of the last ten seasons. He has been honored with two American Volleyball Coaches Association high School Coach of the Year for Maryland and one WCAC Coach of the Year Award.

He also teaches an engineering course at the Academy, furthering the path for women in STEM. “To be a successful coach, you need support from the school leadership – and you need dedication and commitment of hardworking skilled athletes.”

The Distinguished Alumnae Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony represents the legacy of Holy Cross.  All of these alumnae, individuals and teams have made outstanding contributions to the Academy and the wider region. For those who would like to nominate a future Distinguished Alumnae Awards or Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, please contact the alumnae relations team at alumnae@academyoftheholycross.org