Two Catholics receive U of U Merit of Honor Award

Alumni Association News

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Shown from left at the awards ceremony are University of Utah Merit of Honor Award winners Virginia "Ginny" Albo, Jess A. Agraz, Elaine S. Marshall, John C. Nelson, and Dixie Huefner. Courtesy photo/Alumni Association News

SALT LAKE CITY — Virginia "Ginny" Albo and Jess A. Agraz were among five people honored with the 2013 University of Utah Merit of Honor Awards given by the University of Utah Emeritus Alumni Board at a banquet Nov. 13.

"The annual awards recognize university alumni who graduated 40 or more years ago, or those who have reached age 65 and whose careers have been marked by outstanding service to the university, their professions, communities and the nation," said Nanette Richard, Alumni Relations director.

Albo graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah in 1963; Agraz graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965 and a master’s degree in 1971.

"Ginny Albo has done some amazing things," said Richard. "She has been very active in the Catholic community and has been a community advocate and volunteer."

Albo serves on the board and actively volunteers with Catholic Community Services. CCS presented her with the Award for Community Dedication in 1999, as well as its Humanitarian Award with her husband, Dr. Dominic Albo, in 2005. She also is a past president and member of the board for Guadalupe School. She received the school’s "Yes Santa, There is a Virginia" Award in 1987, and the Suzanne Weiss Believer In Education Award in 2007. In addition, she is a member of the Hibernian Society, the Italian-American Civic League and is a member and past president of the Catholic Foundation Board of Utah. At the University of Utah, she has been a member of the Emeritus Alumni Board, the President’s Club Committee, and the Pioneer Theatre Company Board.

"Life is full of surprises, and this Merit of Honor award is an unexpected and wonderful surprise," said Albo. "To say the University of Utah, especially the Medical Center, has played an important role in our lives would be a great understatement."

Albo’s husband started his surgical residency 50 years ago, "and the University of Utah became my introduction to the Salt Lake community," said Albo. "I was happy to marry Dom, but sad to leave St. Louis University after being active on campus there for three years and didn’t think I could ever feel that loyalty for the U of Utah."

Albo likes to be involved and learned through her Catholic school education that "we all have a responsibility," she said. "We need to reach out and help others; it’s a privilege to serve and give back."

Albo’s mentors were the Jesuit priests at St. Louis University, her mother’s devotion to the Blessed Mother and Irene Sweeney, a Catholic philanthropist who was active in the Diocese of Salt Lake City until her death in 2011.

Agraz said he also is humbled by the recognition, adding, "I feel honored to share this award with Ginny Albo; she is an amazing individual."

Until his retirement in 2004, Agraz spent 40 years working on transportation-related issues at the local, state, and national levels. After his retirement, he began volunteering primarily at the university. "It’s been very gratifying to participate and give in return to a place that provided me the opportunity to be able to do what I’ve been able to do in life," he said.

"Agraz’s greatest contribution has been to the university and the community," said Richard. "He and his wife have been generous donors in terms of time and gifts. His current community involvement includes serving on the KUED Emeritus Board, University Hospital Foundation, University Health Science Advocates, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and University SAGE Associates. He has also won several community service awards."

From 1997 to 2004, Agraz served as executive director of the Transportation Management Association of Utah, a public/private partnership formed by the business community to address community transportation issues associated with the 2002 Olympics, including the University Light Rail Project. Before that, he worked as a transportation consultant and project manager in the private sector with Bingham Engineering. He was elected Salt Lake City Commissioner of Public Works in 1976 and served for four years. From 1969 to 1975, he was Salt Lake City’s traffic engineer.

"It was through my engineering background that I got into public service," said Agraz. "Working in city government and with other public officials, both elected and appointed, brought out in me the fact that I enjoy people and I like to help in solving problems, and I was elected Commissioner of Public Works. That was one of the best and most satisfying personal and professional involvements that I have had because I was able to help and have an impact on city-wide issues that were in the best interests of the community."

Agraz became a member of the board for Guadalupe School, "when it first began and it is now a great resource in our community," he said.

Agraz was born in Mexico and raised in Laredo, Texas. He came to Utah when he was 15 with his father, who was assigned as the Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City. "I think that certainly played a part in my interest in getting involved in public service," he said. "My faith has also been a big part of my family’s lives."

Both Agraz and Albo are members of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish.