2008
Alum Award Recipients
Left to right: Peggy Weber '65; Trisha Brown ’58; Ramona Lisa Smith ’01, MBA ’02
Trisha Brown ’58
Distinguished Achievement Award
Trisha Brown is widely acclaimed as the grande dame of postmodern dance, known for her maverick spirit and ability to push the human body to perform in unexpected ways. At Mills, she said, "The women teaching me were very strong women. They worked like draft horses. The foundation of my work ethic to this day was learned at Mills." After college, she became a founding member of the avant-garde Judson Dance Theatre in New York. In 1970, she formed the Trisha Brown Dance Company, and in 1991 she became the first woman choreographer to receive a "genius" MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Her accolades also include the National Medal of Arts, two Guggenheim Fellowships, and an honorary doctoral degree from Mills College.
Peggy Weber ’65
Outstanding Volunteer Award
Peggy Weber began her volunteer while still in school, serving as president of the Associated Students of Mills College. After graduation, she became a member of the AAMC Board of Governors, worked tirelessly for the Alumnae Fund, acted as a class agent, and served as an Alumna Trustee. Her greatest impact has been as a spokesperson for the College: as an alumna admission representative for more than 20 years, Weber is legendary for the number of students she has inspired to come to Mills. "When you weasel Mills into your conversation," she said, "you make the most incredible connections."
Ramona Lisa Smith ’01, MBA ’02
Recent Graduate Award
Ramona Lisa Smith came to Mills as a resumer, commuter, and single parent. She wrote for Campanil and sat on the Quarterly advisory board. After graduation, she joined the AAMC Board of Governors and served on the finance committee, the resource development committee, and as treasurer. Smith works for the California Department of Public Health and runs two businesses: Imani Consulting, which provides business services, and Goin’ Bananas, through which she sells homemade banana bread. She continues her community service through MOHMS, a support group she cofounded for mothers of high and middle schoolers.