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Each fall, at Homecoming, the Mount Alumnae Association honors distinguished alumnae who have attained notable achievement or made a lasting contribution professionally, philanthropically or in their community.

Rising Star Award

As an emergency department nurse in an LA area hospital, Stephanee Beggs ‘20, ABSN, helps countless people in critical situations.  Outside of the hospital, she has helped more than a million nurses and nursing students with her company, RNExplained Inc., which provides tutorials, study guides and flashcards on topics like fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology and pediatrics.

During the pandemic, when classes transitioned to an online format, Stephanee was concerned about staying motivated while studying for the national nursing licensure exam (NCLEX). She began recording her study sessions, and after seeing how helpful they were for her, she started posting them on social media. These posts helped other nursing students prepare for and pass their exams with her “straightforward and relatable” style.

Her videos not only became viral, but they were the catalyst for her now multi-million dollar company. This year’s Rising Star Award recipient landed on the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list — the prestigious list that recognizes the brightest young leaders and gamechangers in the country under the age of 30.

“I love being a helping hand, watching concepts click for students and seeing them achieve their goals,” Stephanee says. “There is no better feeling than knowing how far these students have come and being part of that journey.”

Grateful for her Mount education, she continues to give back to the University by supporting nursing students through the Stephanee Beggs ‘20 Scholarship for ABSN students, in addition to donating her popular and sought-after study guides. Last year, she also returned to teach the pharmacology class.

“The Mount’s mission of service, leadership and community has deeply influenced my values,” she says. “This environment has been pivotal in shaping my commitment to helping other nursing students and reinforcing the importance of paying it forward.”

Professional Achievement Award

Shelli Amber Weekes ‘84 is not only a human resources expert, she is an award-winning jazz singer.

“I have been able to pursue both music and work in human resources because the Mount prepared me for all of it,” she says. “I was encouraged to speak up for what I believed and be my full self. The Mount offered me so much — it is a magical place.”

Mount Saint Mary's recognizes Shelli with the Professional Achievement Award, an honor for alumnae who have distinguished themselves throughout their professional careers by making significant contributions to society.

Musically, Shelli has gained international notoriety for her straight-ahead jazz vocals, performing at famous venues and music festivals. Since 2019, she has released four albums, her latest being “A Lady with a Song – Amber Weekes Celebrates Nancy Wilson.”

While honing her vocal talent, Shelli worked in human resources, holding many roles within Los Angeles County. These include being the first civil rights liaison for the Los Angeles County Fire Department and positions within the Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control and the Department of Mental Health. In 2019, she retired as Director of Human Resources for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to pursue music full time.

While at the Mount, Shelli excelled as a student and left a lasting impact. She co-founded and served as the inaugural vice president of the Black Student Union in 1982 and co-founded the African American Alumnae Network in the mid-90s, later serving as president. Last March, she headlined “Women In Jazz,” a fundraiser for the Mount’s Equity, Diversity and Justice (EDJ) Scholars Program at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica.

“I am very honored to be acknowledged by the Mount in this way,” Shelli says. “There are many things in my life that contributed to who I have become, and the Mount is a big part of that.”

Community Service Award

Beloved Mount professor Sister Kieran Vaughan, CSJ, '64, has been a force for good at the Mount for more than 40 years. She is recognized with the Community Service Award for inspiring the world around her through service.

After earning her master’s degree in administration at the Mount, Sister Kieran, now 83, returned in 1978 to begin a decades-long tenure in the Department of Education. As a professor, her dedication to learning and commitment to diversity have influenced countless students and faculty.

“One of Sister Kieran’s gifts to the education department is the way she returns us to the spirit of the CSJ’s when we are faced with hard choices,” says her colleague Shelly Tochluk, PhD, a professor of Liberal Studies at the Mount.

Her former students note her attentiveness as one of her most impactful attributes.

“Sister Kieran’s ability to build rapport with students has made a positive impact on my career,” says Natalie Priester ’02. “As a secondary teacher, I have often heard that my greatest strength is building relationships with students — Sister Kieran taught me the importance of that.”

Sister Kieran’s service extends beyond the classroom. She has supported staff in various departments and was the director of “Infusing Multicultural Perspectives Across the Curriculum,” an initiative to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives in courses.

“Diversifying the curriculum to be relevant to students is an essential aspect of learning,” Sister Kieran says.

Sister Kieran was also involved in a scholarship program funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, which aimed to identify and support people of color who aspired to become administrators and superintendents. Through this program, many Mount students received scholarships, allowing them to attend institutions like Harvard University and Columbia University, and become effective principals and educators.

Reflecting on her career and accomplishments, Sister Kieran says, “I am most proud of our students. Witnessing them make a difference in the world and achieve their dreams is really wonderful.”

These alumnae exemplify the spirit and values of the Mount. Their achievements and dedication to their fields and communities are truly inspiring.