The Notre Dame Alumni Association recognized three Notre Dame graduates last week for their accomplishments and notable achievements.
Haley Scott DeMaria ’95, was honored for her distinguished involvement in civic and University initiatives with the Harvey G. Foster Award. As a freshman on the Notre Dame women’s swim team, DeMaria was paralyzed from the waist down in a bus accident and told she would never walk again. But after months of difficult physical therapy and surgeries, she was able to return to the team and win her first race back. Her extraordinary recovery has been recognized with multiple awards, including the inaugural Gene Autry Courage in Sport Award, Women of Distinction, National Institute for Sport Fellow, and the Honda Award for Inspiration.
As the recipient of the Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award, Lt. Cmdr. Robert L. Miller, Sr. ’42, ’47 J.D. USNR (Ret.) was recognized for his distinguished military service and dedication to serving his country. A former Superior Court Judge, Miller was a Naval officer in World War II and received the Purple Heart for wounds received in the battle of Okinawa. After earning his law degree at Notre Dame, Miller remained involved in veterans’ issues during a career as a lawyer and judge. He founded “Miller’s Vets” in 2009 to assist impoverished veterans, giving them housing, military uniforms, “boot camp” refreshers, and chances to participate in parades and community events.
Rev. David Garcia ’74 M.T.S., ’84 M.S.A. was honored for his exemplary commitment to Catholic values and his outstanding contributions in the field of public service with the Rev. John J. Cavanaugh, C.S.C., Award. Garcia is the senior advisor for Clergy Outreach for Catholic Relief Services, working with clergy leaders in the United States and on efforts to help the developing world. He serves as the archdiocesan director of the Old Spanish Missions and is pastor of St. Agnes Church in San Antonio, Texas. Garcia has produced an award-winning televised bilingual Mass, “La Santa Misa,” shown throughout North and South America. A recipient of the 2011 Excellence in Media Award for Catholic Television of San Antonio, Garcia has produced, co-produced, and been featured in national and local television specials.