Alumna Cheryl Ann Kennedy ’87 was awarded the 2015 Distinguished Achievement Award from the College at the 69th Annual Reunion Weekend early this June. The Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes graduates of the College who have a history of accomplishment in their business or profession or in civic, philanthropic, or other volunteer activities.
Cheryl’s involvement with her alma mater actually began when she was elected president of her freshman class. Embracing all that Chestnut Hill had to offer academically, athletically and socially, Cheryl was among the first to get involved in any new campus activity.
She joined her teammates on the tennis team as they traveled to away games, led her peers through fundraising events and other campus-life challenges and figured out how to best decorate campus for Christmas. Through it all, she forged deep friendships that have kept her in touch with her classmates and their alma mater.
As an English and Communications major, her direction was always clear: she would one day work in the field of radio or TV. Cheryl realized that goal, landing a coveted position on the radio. Currently, she provides traffic and news reports on Sirius XM Satellite radio for Total Traffic & Weather Network, an iHeartMedia company. From her earliest assignments, Cheryl’s ambition has been marked by enthusiasm, vigor and determination, qualities that have fueled her career for more than 25 years, earning her numerous industry awards and the respect and admiration of her fellow broadcast professionals.
Cheryl is an active member within her Chestnut Hill community, and exemplifies the qualities of loyalty, leadership and service, serving as a lector at her parish, Our Mother of Consolation. She has been a Reunion Weekend volunteer for 15 years and been involved with the College’s internship program, inviting CHC students to shadow her at work as well as participating in career day panels. Last summer, Cheryl was hired as an adjunct professor teaching a communications course on Saturdays. Beginning in the fall semester, Cheryl will teach a public speaking course.
