2023 Mission Awards
Students Honored for their Work in Ministry and Service
The Division for Mission hosted the annual Sister Rose Anne Schulz Mission Awards and Senior Recognition on May 2, 2023, to celebrate the practices of faith and justice among students this year. Sister Rose Anne Schulz was the first vice president for mission at the College, and each award was named in honor of the legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
The award winners are:
Sophia Campos '23
Sister Olivia Marie Hutcheson Award for Service in the Health Field
Sister Olivia Marie Hutcheson, CSC (1917-2008) was a compassionate nurse, talented hospital administrator, builder and spiritual guide. She, like Father Moreau, responded to the need of the time and sent fellow Sister nurses to help the people of Cambodia in efforts to rebuild their lives after suffering from the Khmer Rouge regime, one of the most violent of the 20th Century.
“Sophia strongly advocates for the vulnerable and works hard to increase awareness on healthcare topics that are important to her, much like Sister Olivia Marie did throughout her lifetime,” said Professor Jennifer Riggs, nursing science.
Jessica Hudson '23
Sister Christine Healy Award for Service with Women
Sister Christine Healy, CSC (1922-2008) epitomized the Holy Cross charism of hospitality. Zealous in her attention to all issues affecting women, she ministered to drug addicts, abused women, and others in need.
“Ms. Hudson possesses not only an understanding of her faith, but also the motivation and capability to practice her faith in a way that is true to her personhood. She exhibits this quiet, strong faith—one that reflects, settles deep, and then manifests itself through intentional living,” said Carrie Badertscher, campus ministry chaplain.
Maggie McNabb '24
Sister Kathleen Anne Nelligan Award for Ministry
Sister Kathleen Anne Nelligan, CSC (1915 - 2004) had a great capacity to speak truth in love, to endure ambiguity, and always respect other persons. Her deep faith, humility, prayer, and reliance on the Providence of God strengthened her to be a healing leader and to restore renewed sense of unity within the community.
“Maggie truly creates safe spaces that allow people to say whatever is on their minds without fear of judgment. This encapsulates Maggie as a campus minister and as a whole [person]; she brings warmth to every room she enters, which is why people are drawn to her, trust her, and feel safe with her,” said Nicole Labadie, director of campus ministry.
Sister Janet Nantumbwe '23
Sister Maria Concepta McDermott Award for Service in Education
Sister Maria Concepta McDermott, CSC (1913-1990) was known for her work in multicultural education and among troubled youths. She was an outspoken voice for the rights of the poor. Sister Maria instituted an interdisciplinary approach to teachers' education at Saint Mary's College and also taught in Uganda, Brazil, and China.
“Sister Janet so values education that even though she was a qualified and experienced educator in Uganda, she wanted to expand her view of education. This led her to the United States to pursue a degree in elementary education at Saint Mary’s College. It is Sister Janet’s deep commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students and colleagues, both in the United States and in Africa, that makes her the ideal candidate,” said Chris Cobb, director of the Sustainable Farm.
Yajali Rodriguez '23
Sister Olivette Whalen Award for General Service
Sister Olivette Whalen, CSC (1907-2001) gave priority to serving the needs of the poor, to promoting the ministry of education, and to responding to unmet needs in India. On her way there in 1941 she was captured and imprisoned for four years. The strength born of that struggle enabled her to reach out fearlessly to meet a variety of needs of her time.
“Yajali is known for her work as the coordinator of our Food Waste Fighters on campus, coordinating our composting and food recovery programs. Working for the Food Waste Fighters requires flexibility, independence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to engage peers in the mission. In all of this, Yajali has been exceptional,” said Maria Gonzalez-Diaz, coordinator for the Office of the Common Good.
Emily Rusch '23
Patricia Arch Green Award
Patricia Arch Green ’61 (1939 – 2004) lived a life dedicated to serving others and believed in teaching by example. Her family greatly valued and engaged in community service. The Patricia Arch Green Award is given to a student who has shown immense dedication to service through Saint Mary's Beyond the Belle program. This program provides needed classroom support at public Title I schools as well as after school tutoring assistance focused on literacy.
“Emily helps to organize Saint Mary's participation in the literacy corps at the Notre Dame Center for Civic Innovation (NDCCI). However, Emily does not just coordinate other volunteers, she herself goes to the NDCCI twice a week to directly work with a young girl. As a result of her work, Emily has helped to mobilize Saint Mary's students to contribute over 400 hours in literacy support this year,” said Rebekah Go, director of the Office for the Common Good.
The Jane O’Rourke Bender Award
The Jane O’Rourke Bender Award ’67 honors the beloved memory of Jane O’Rourke Bender ’67 (1946-2016) and is intended to encourage meaningful contemplation of lived spirituality as seniors prepare to enter our larger community. Seniors submitted a piece of artistic expression that reflects spiritual themes such as forgiveness, service, compassion, social justice, love, or options for the poor.
Grace Aubry '23, first place
Grace’s project, “Plenti,” is a collection of sustainably made goods geared towards encouraging people to explore sustainable alternatives as well as take extra care to keep personal belongings, such as clothes, in good condition. Her exhibition is made of silk screened prints on quality, long-lasting fabric. These prints include educational messages promoting sustainability and conservative consumerism. Her objective through “Plenti” is not to discourage or deprive anyone from purchasing a product they truly need. Rather, it is to share the positive impacts that conscious consumerism can have on the earth’s environment as well as the mental well being of an individual.
Elizabeth Andersen '23, second place
Elizabeth’s poem “My Unwritten Letter to You” was created as part of her own grieving process after losing her father. Through the writing process, Elizabeth was able to process through the “rollercoaster of grief.” Writing opens her up to being able to share and process grief with a community of women who are also grieving. As a group, they get together, talk about the loss they experience, and experience a community of shared grief.
Diana Cervera '23, third place
Diana created “A Family Dinner”, a collection of pottery for a family place setting. Some of her fondest memories are of her family sitting together and having dinner; therefore, she incorporated her love of science and art into making something her family could use when they are together. Diana’s family is from Mexico—and as the first generation in the United States, she expressed a feeling of disconnect from her culture at times. What sustains her during these times is returning to the table with her family. For this reason, Diana crafted a pottery set for her family to gather around, break bread, share community, and reunite.
