Neumann University Honors 3 Alumni in Annual Awards Event

Neumann Alumni Awards, presented annually by the Neumann University Alumni Association, went to three Delaware County residents this year. The awards were presented March 7 at the university in Aston.

Sr. Clare Andrew D’Auria, OSF, a resident of Boothwyn, received the John Neumann Award for her professional development, service to the university, and commitment to community service.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in English in 1972, she also studied at Duquesne University and Washington Theological University, preparing her for roles in secondary and collegiate education and as a congregational and provincial administrator.

Sr. Clare now travels across the country and abroad, leading retreats that are often booked years in advance on the topics of women’s spirituality and the spirituality of aging.

Chester’s Patricia Demiranda was presented with the Spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi Award for her commitment to Franciscan values and community service.

Demiranda is co-founder of the William Trippley Youth Development Foundation, created to honor the memory of her son. The foundation offers at-risk youth a year-round program focusing on education and soccer.

She also founded Camp Encouragement, a week-long grief camp for children who lost loved ones. It allows children to participate in counseling sessions and meet youngsters going through similar issues.

In addition, she advocates for legislation to increase resources for crime victims and improve incarcerated people’s access to rehabilitation to reduce recidivism.

She earned her master’s degree from Neumann in 2014.

Dr. Kimberly LaCoste of Drexel Hill received the School of Education and Human Services Distinguished Alumni Award. La Coste holds a 1991 bachelor’s in education and a subsequent doctoral degree in educational leadership from Neumann.

As a student, she received the Sr. Everilda Flynn Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

She currently works for the Rose Tree Media School District as a supervisor of special education after working for 22 years in the Upper Darby School District. Her lifelong commitment to service includes volunteering for the Special Olympics Bocce program and the Eagles Autism Foundation.

Find out more about the Neumann Alumni Awards and Neumann University.