Ohio Dominican University is proud to recognize five exceptional members of the Panther Family as its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients: Alan Perlman ’94, Terra L. Purdy, MS, Brandee Norris ’06, Daniel J. Garrick ’83, and Barbara Charek ’66.
Established in 1980, the Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates who embody the Dominican motto, “To contemplate truth and to share with others the fruits of this contemplation.” Recipients demonstrate a commitment to intellectual, spiritual, and professional growth, lifelong learning, and service to others as ethical and effective leaders. They are grounded in the pursuit of truth, justice, and peace.
This year’s honorees represent the enduring impact of an Ohio Dominican education through their service to veterans, survivors, students, communities, and families.
Alan Perlman ’94
Alan Perlman ’94 was born in Syracuse, New York, where he earned an associate degree in accounting and computer programming. He served on active duty as an engineer at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. From 1976 to 2001, he served in the Army Reserve as a military policeman, retiring as a sergeant first class. His honors include the Meritorious Service Medal and NCO of the Year. Alan earned his BA in Cross Disciplinary Studies from ODU in 1994.
After moving to Columbus, Alan worked for Nationwide Insurance and JPMorgan Chase. He is a life member of several veterans organizations, serving in various leadership roles and on honor guards. Alan and his wife, Nancy, have long supported Ohio Dominican through a scholarship assisting veterans and support for veteran events on campus.
Terra L. Purdy, MS ’11
Terra L. Purdy, MS, is a dedicated leader, advocate, and lifelong learner with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, victim advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Terra earned her Master of Science in Management in 2011. She serves as manager of the OhioHealth Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio, which provides advocacy, education, and support services for survivors of sexual violence throughout central Ohio. In this role, Terra leads multidisciplinary initiatives, develops community partnerships, and expands access to trauma-informed care.
A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Terra also serves on the Ohio Dominican University Alumni Council, supporting student success and alumni engagement. She recently presented at the National Sexual Assault Conference and is currently completing her Doctor of Healthcare Administration. Terra and her husband, Steve, are parents to Penny.
Brandee Norris ’06
Brandee Norris ’06 earned her degree in business administration from Ohio Dominican in 2005. Having completed college coursework while in high school, she graduated early but considers herself a member of the Class of 2006. At ODU, she served as an orientation leader and resident assistant, joined several student organizations, and helped establish the Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity.
As a first-generation college student, Brandee worked multiple jobs while receiving financial assistance that made her education possible. Her work in ODU’s Alumni and Advancement Office introduced her to higher education fundraising, leading to her current role with the West Virginia University Foundation. She earned an MBA from West Virginia University in 2021.
Brandee lives in Marietta, Ohio, with her partner, Kristopher Justice, and their son, Kiefer. She remains an active ODU supporter and a committed community volunteer.
Daniel J. Garrick ’83
Daniel J. Garrick ’83 has dedicated more than four decades to education, leadership, and service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science, with a concentration in English, from Ohio Dominican College in 1983. After beginning his career as a social studies teacher at Hamilton High School, Dan returned to his alma mater, Saint Francis DeSales High School, in 1987. He taught social studies, became assistant principal for curriculum in 1995, and has served as principal since 2004.
Dan’s impact extends beyond the classroom. He coached basketball, tennis, and baseball, earning Central District Coach of the Year honors in 1994, 1995, and 2001. His service has also included leadership roles with the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the NCAA, where he chaired the Student Eligibility Committee from 2008 to 2015. Dan and his wife, Jean Whitacre Garrick ’84, are proud “Double Dominicans” and parents of four children and grandparents of four.
Barbara Charek ’66
Barbara Charek ’66 earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and French from St. Mary of the Springs in 1966. Her career has included teaching, interior design, and commercial property management. After beginning as a first-grade teacher and substitute teacher, she graduated from the Seeley School of Interior Design and established Park Windsor Designs in California. She later became one of the first California Certified Designers and designed residential and commercial spaces in California, Washington, and Ohio.
Barbara now manages a commercial-property portfolio, a role she learned while working alongside her late husband, Harold Belkin. A lifelong volunteer and philanthropist, she supports Ohio Dominican, Edwin's Leadership in Cleveland, Jennings Assisted Living and Memory Care, Frontline Services, and her home parish of St. Dominic, and their work in El Salvador. Barbara is the mother of three sons and enjoys traveling with her family, including her many grandchildren.