2024 Alumnae Award Recipients

Patricia Collins Gabbe ‘64
Distinguished Achievement Award

Patricia Collins Gabbe ’64 received her Master of Science and medical degrees from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. She then completed her pediatric residency at Boston City Hospital and earned a Master of Public Health from Harvard University. Dr. Gabbe taught and practiced general pediatrics for 49 years while on the faculties of Boston University, UCSF, The Ohio State University, University of Washington, and Vanderbilt University. 

 In 2010, with a grant from Ohio State, she formed the Moms2B program to reduce infant deaths and the significant Black-white disparities in local Columbus neighborhoods. More than 5,800 pregnant women have participated in this ongoing program. Published studies show families attending Moms2B have fewer infant deaths and better birth outcomes.

In 2021, Dr. Gabbe was appointed professor emerita of pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology. She then wrote Saving Babies: The Moms2B Story, as well as a manuscript: “Analyzing the history of racism in Ohio and how it contributes to maternal and infant deaths.”

 Pat epitomizes the ideals of Mills College: She used her liberal arts education, her scientific and medical knowledge, and her career experience in service to her community to improve the lives of underserved pregnant women. This is social justice at its heart. 

Viji Nakka-Cammauf, MA ‘82
Outstanding Volunteer Award

Viji Nakka-Cammauf, MA ’82, came to Mills from India to pursue a graduate degree in English with an emphasis in American literature. She also holds a PhD in theology and the arts. Many may know Viji from her time as president of the AAMC from 2016 to 2022, as she served six years through “the before time,” the AAMC’s lawsuit of the Board of Trustees, the Mills trustees’ vote to close Mills College, and the pandemic.

 Her uninterrupted service to the AAMC began in 2004 as chair of several committees, then she moved on to governor, vice president, and finally, president. As a Mills trustee, she chaired the Student Life Committee. Viji was honored as a Phenomenal Woman of Color in 2013.

 During her tenure as president, the Board of Governors made strategic decisions to strengthen ties between Mills and the AAMC. The Memorandum of Collaboration with the College was finalized and adopted. Two endowed scholarships of $100,000 each were set up for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Oakland Promise students, as well as a grant of $10,000 for training Mills faculty in online teaching. Mills Connect, a program to connect alumnae with students, was established. During the pandemic, $40,000 was raised for international students. Her collaboration with faculty enabled student employment at the AAMC.

 Viji’s 20-plus years of volunteer service with the AAMC is exemplary. She is the AAMC Ambassador to Mills College and now Mills College at Northeastern University.

 

Malena Lopez-Maggi ‘13, MFA ‘15
Recent Graduate Award

Malena Lopez-Maggi ’13, MFA ’15, co-founded The Xocolate Bar in Berkeley and Xocolate & Confections in Oakland. Inspired by the Aztec word xocolatl, the X is a nod to Malena’s Latin-American heritage. Since 2006, The Xocolate Bar’s chocolates have won multiple awards, including gold medals from the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon. In 2023, Malena opened a sister store, Xocolate & Confections, in the heart of the Rockridge shopping district. The Xocolate Bar’s products are featured alongside confections like decolonized craft chocolate, Italian giandujas, Nordic licorice, Turkish halva, Mexican chamoy lollipops, Japanese lychee candies, and California artisan gummy bears.

Malena’s products are sold at almost 400 boutique retailers nationwide, including Oakland Museum of California, and the company has done custom work for clients such as Netflix, Google, author Sandra Cisneros, and Mills itself. Popular items are the OMG Bar, and dark chocolate truffles that happen to be vegan. 

At both of her brick-and-mortar stores, Malena pays above-market wages to local workers. She participates in internship programs through local high schools, and the Xocolate Bar is a member of the Good Food Guild, which supports artisan food producers nationwide.

Malena came to Mills as a transfer resumer in 2011, graduating with a BA and MFA in studio arts. She credits her time at Mills with giving her the professionalism and artistic acumen to keep growing her business.

Since 2007, the AAMC has recognized outstanding alumnae at an awards ceremony during Reunion. Three types of awards are presented:

  • The Distinguished Achievement Award for distinction in professional fields, arts, sciences, & public affairs

  • The Outstanding Volunteer Award for extraordinary commitment and service in promoting the goals of the AAMC and Mills College

  • The Recent Graduate Award for volunteer efforts that exemplify a spirit of caring and community to the AAMC and Mills College (for alums within 15 years of graduation)

Past Award Recipients

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007