Hollins University has presented its
Distinguished Alumnae Award to Mary K. Shaughnessy, a 1972 graduate and accomplished equestrian who has made important and lasting contributions to Hollins’ nationally recognized riding program.
The award was established in 2006 to honor individual alumnae who have brought distinction to themselves and to Hollins through broad and inspiring personal or career achievements; local, national or international volunteer service; or playing a significant role in society.
Shaughnessy graduated first in her class and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a law degree from Yale University Law School in 1975, clerked for two years for a U.S. District Court judge in Maryland, and then practiced law for five years in Baltimore. She stopped practicing law in 1982 and taught part time at the University of Maryland Law School.
Shaughnessy’s daughter, Mary Helen, was born in 1984 and went on to become one of the top amateur equestrians in the country. Her daughter’s success inspired Shaughnessy to begin riding again. In just a few short years, Mary K. Shaughnessy was a championship rider, winning many ribbons, trophies, and prizes, including the 2012 Reserve Championship of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Adult Hunter over 51. In addition, she is a member of the board of directors of the Hampton Classic Foundation, supporting one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States, and is a volunteer with the FTI Great Charity Challenge.
Shaughnessy has also generously given monetary gifts and seven outstanding horses to the Hollins riding program. One of the favorites is Oyster Pond, the first horse she gave to Hollins in 2003. According to Nancy Peterson, director of the riding program, Oyster Pond was a legendary show horse. As age crept up on him, he was put into the novice classes and now is assigned to the beginners. He is “absolutely the best all-around horse we’ve had in years,” said Peterson.
In conjunction with the Distinguished Alumnae Award presentation, Hollins announced it is renaming the campus pond “Oyster Pond” to further honor Shaughnessy and this beloved horse.
“What Mary K. has done for this school through her equine gifts is amazing,” Peterson said.
