Alumni Service to Whitworth Award Winner 2016
Dianna Pategas '92

Whitworth is pleased to honor Dianna Pategas with the 2016 Alumni Service to Whitworth Award. The dedication to Whitworth embodied by Dianna began the day she arrived on campus in the fall of 1988 – as Dolly Cooke – and continues today. Throughout her career, Pategas has embraced opportunities to serve and support others in the Whitworth community, both during her years as a Whitworth staff member and now in her role as a loyal alumna. The university is grateful for the gift of unselfish loyalty from this tireless ambassador for an education of mind and heart.

As a student, Pategas received a world-class education, and, thanks to Professor of English Doug Sugano, she learned how to "write her way out of a paper bag." She traveled the world and made lifelong friends as part of the wind and jazz ensembles. She also learned about the significance of scholarships. Having a philanthropic vision for the future, she put plans in place so that two endowed scholarships will benefit students after her passing. One will honor Doug Sugano, the other her friends Bob and Mary DiGuardia.

After graduating with a degree in English literature, in 1992, Dianna spent the next nine years as a member of Whitworth's institutional advancement team. When her work at Whitworth ended, Pategas found her way to St. Bonaventure University, in Olean, N.Y., and then to Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, Conn., where she is now the associate vice president for alumni and parent relations.

Pategas says, "I hope that my legacy will be twofold. First, more young people who seek a Whitworth or Quinnipiac education, but who cannot afford it, will receive the scholarship support they need to attend and graduate without being burdened with untenable debt. Next, I hope that the donors with whom I have the privilege to work will discover the ineffable joy of philanthropy."

Whitworth will honor this year's four alumni award winners at Homecoming Reunion Weekend, October 7-9, 2016.