2012 Lumen Christi Award Recipient
Award Citation for Nicole Gans '12
Nicole Gans '12, an accounting major from Pittsburgh,
speaks to her fellow classmates moments after
learning at Commencement that she was named the
Lumen Christi Award recipient. The Lumen Christi Award is presented each year to a member of the senior class who is recognized by the College community as an outstanding Christian woman; someone who has excelled in leadership and loyalty to Saint Mary's College and whose presence has had a profound effect on the College community. The Lumen Christi Award is the highest award the College confers upon a student.
Today we honor a woman whose faith plays a major role in her personal and academic life. Through her involvement in a variety of activities on campus, she lives the mission of the College. Whether participating in an activity through campus ministry, volunteering, or studying for classes, her life is totally committed to the spirit that is Saint Mary’s.
Active with Campus Ministry since her first days on campus, she has participated in music ministry, served as a liturgical minister, and is the only student to have participated in the Encounter Retreat for all four years. She has been a retreat team leader and a peer minister. A member of the Campus Ministry staff shared that she has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable around her by the pure happiness she has in living.
After spending a weekend with a local Latino family through the class Church and the City, she gained new awareness of the issues related to immigration, poverty, diversity, and Catholic social teaching. As a result, this accounting major added Justice Education as her minor.
She served as the junior class president and the 2012 student body president. Under her leadership the Student Government Association reorganized to include an elected senate and a council of organizations. Once the reorganization was complete and information sessions were held, the student body approved a revised constitution. This reorganization allows for much greater participation in the governing process.
Our award recipient cares deeply about her faith and Saint Mary’s. She has consistently demonstrated this by the choices she has made during her time here. It is therefore with deep gratitude and tremendous joy that we honor Nicole Gans with the 2012 Lumen Christi Award.