Eliza Allen Starr

Eliza Starr taught young sisters and students and worked to make Saint Mary's an art center. She returned to campus periodically as both a visitor and a lecturer. In 1885, she was recognized as the recipient of the Laetare Medal, the most prestigious award given to American Catholics.  She was the first woman to receive it. Several books of her criticism were greatly respected in secular circles, and for one, "Three Keys to the Camera della Segnatura of the Vatican," she received papal commendation.