Alumnus of the Year

C. Joseph Crane ’53, Economics

Throughout a successful 50-year career in the financial services industry, Joe Crane has also found time to serve Saint Mary’s College, his community and the church in many meaningful ways. Former president of SMC Board of Regents; president of Yosemite Club; director of Goodwill Industries, Inc.; chair of the Better Business Bureau and more.

Signum Fidei Award

Rev. Caesar Caviglia ’50, Economics

Described as the most powerful man in Nevada politics, Father Caviglia was named the 2011 Nevadan of the Year for his work promoting higher education in Southern Nevada. He is credited with founding Henderson Community College of Southern Nevada, where the main building on campus is named in his honor.

Meritorious Service Award

Cindy Cooper ’96, Economics

As a member of the Alumni Board, Cindy Cooper brought back to Saint Mary’s a tradition of many years: the Annual Summer Wine Festival, which supports the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund. The Summer Wine Festival has raised more than $100,000 for scholarships in the past seven years.

De la Salle Award

Chris Jones

Since coming to Saint Mary’s in 2003, Professor Chris Jones has made significant contributions to student life and learning. A student resident director for more than eight years, he founded and directs the Science Living-Learning Community, created and directed the Student Math Center and also coaches the women’s club soccer team.

G.O.L.D. Award

Derek Smead ’02, History and Business Administration

Derek Smead is passionate about Saint Mary’s and our Catholic, Lasallian and liberal arts mission. Instrumental in finding funding to support conservation and collection activities at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, Derek has also served on the SMC Board of Regents.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

John Arnaudon '81, Football

Arnaudon lettered from 1978-81, and is seventh all-time with 90 career receptions. His 1,522 reception yards is sixth all-time, and he finished his career with 10 touchdowns.  In his senior season he had 39 receptions with 552 yards. In 1980 against Santa Clara in the Little Big Game, Arnaudon caught eight passes for a total of 92 yards. He also combined with Terry Cottle for the longest pass reception in school history at the time.

Miles McAfee, Baseball Coach 1973-1980

In his seven years at Saint Mary's, McAfee became the all-time winningest head coach in SMC history with an overall record of 215-188-7. He was 104-107-1 in the West Coast Conference. McAfee coached the 1977 squad to the best program record in history at 41-13 and finished second in the WCC.