Saint Mary’s College will honor four valedictorians for the Class of 2025 at the College’s 178th Commencement on Saturday, May 17 at 12 pm, on Le Mans Green.
Kathryn “Katie” Clem is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. During her time at Saint Mary’s College, she has pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree, with majors in Religious Studies and Theology, as well as an Interdisciplinary Self-Designed Major program titled Arts Innovation and Leadership. Combining courses in dance, psychology, social work, and business, she has studied the ways in which the arts can promote resilience and foster community. Katie’s passion for this field of study comes from her lifelong love of dance. During her time at Saint Mary’s, she served as the ballet demonstrator for the Dance Department, performed with the Dance Ensemble Workshop (D.E.W), and was a member of the Saint Mary’s College Dance Team. One of her most treasured experiences from her time at Saint Mary’s was the opportunity to direct Luminary, an original ballet featuring nine Saint Mary’s dancers. Additionally, Katie has completed minors in Creative Writing and Justice Studies. She has been awarded multiple research grants from the College which have allowed her to conduct interdisciplinary research to explore the rich connections between her various fields of study. After graduation, Katie will attend Harvard Divinity School and plans to eventually work in the nonprofit sector.
Molly Minick is from Juneau, Alaska. She is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a double minor in Anthropology and History. While at Saint Mary’s, Molly was involved in the Political Science Club, serving as the President her senior year. She also worked for the Belles Against Violence Office as a Student Advisory Committee member for the Education and Prevention Committee, planning events and educational opportunities for the Saint Mary’s community with her two co-chairs. Starting her junior year, Molly was a research assistant for Dr. Nell Haynes, studying the impact of A.I. on the value of art. Aside from academics, Molly was a member of the Saint Mary’s Collegiate Choir all four years of her undergraduate degree, and studied abroad in Maynooth, Ireland for her sophomore spring. Upon graduation, Molly is excited to pursue a Masters in Arctic and Northern Studies with a concentration in Artic Politics and Policy at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks with the goal of working in Arctic policy.
Piper Ogden is from Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with licensure in reading and a minor in Math. While at Saint Mary’s, Piper served in a variety of roles with the Education Club and Fiat, a Marian ministry group. She coordinated weekly Adoration her junior and senior years and organized a Eucharistic Procession on campus in the fall of 2024. She also participated in Dance Marathon on the Riley Family Outreach Team. Piper completed her final semester of student teaching in 3rd grade at Beiger Elementary School, after having taught a variety of grades kindergarten through fifth grade at other local schools over the years. Additionally, she worked on campus at the Learning Tree, an educational resource center, and also as a substitute teacher at St. Joseph Grade School. After graduation, Piper will be pursuing a Master of Education in Literacy through the PACT program at Providence College. During her studies, she will work as a 3rd grade teacher in the Diocese of Fall River, MA. She is eager to share Christ’s love with her future students.
Bridget Walicki is from Jackson, Michigan, and is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Throughout her time at Saint Mary’s, Bridget has been involved in campus life, serving as the Treasurer of the Pickleball Club since its founding in the 2023-2024 academic year. In this role, she helps introduce and promote a fun and engaging way for the Saint Mary’s community to stay active. Bridget’s passion for global education led her to study abroad in Maynooth, Ireland, a transformative experience that inspired her to serve as a Study Abroad Peer Advisor. Through her position, she assists fellow Belles in navigating the study abroad process, ensuring they can integrate it into their academic schedules while spreading awareness about the program’s benefits. Additionally, she serves as a campus ambassador for KPMG, connecting Saint Mary’s women to valuable resources and opportunities within the accounting field. Bridget has accepted a position with KPMG in Chicago as an Audit Associate, where she will continue to build her professional foundation.