Junior, Haleigh Ehmsen ’16, Honored with Saint Catherine Medal
Haleigh Ehmsen '16 is the 2015
recipient of the Saint Catherine's Medal.Media Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary’s College
(574) 284-4579
May 5, 2015 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Haleigh Ehmsen ’16, a communication studies and English writing and literature major from Mount Vernon, Iowa, thought she was attending Honors Convocation on Sunday, May 3 to write a story for the alumnae magazine, The Courier. She had no idea that the occasion, which is an honors assembly for seniors and faculty, would also celebrate her contributions to the College.
Saint Mary’s College President Carol Ann Mooney presented Ehmsen, a junior, with the Saint Catherine Medal, an award recognizing a sophomore or junior who demonstrates high standards of personal excellence and scholarship and contributes to the College community in the spirit of Christian leadership. The award commemorates Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of scholars (especially women scholars). Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic Honor Society, sponsors the award.
“I am so honored and filled with gratitude for the wonderful opportunities I have had at Saint Mary's. Mostly this award speaks to the amazing experiences I have had here. I was so surprised to find out that I won the award and it was amazing to have my friends, family, mentors and professors there to share the accomplishment with me,” Ehmsen said.
According to the award citation, Ehmsen’s Catholic identity is an inseparable part of every commitment she has made throughout her college career. She has been involved in many aspects of Campus Ministry as a liturgical minister and lector for three years, a leader of rosary group, and a Ministry Assistant for two years in Holy Cross Hall.
As the citation states, “She is at her core a woman for others, constantly motivated by her love of God. Just as Christ did, she leads by example in all her daily activities. The residents of Holy Cross Hall look to her for spiritual guidance. They find that guidance in her, as she reaches out to students, to serve the larger community, and to support their pastoral needs.”
Ehmsen is a gifted writer who serves as the Saint Mary’s editor for the Notre Dame/Saint Mary’s student newspaper, The Observer, and as co-editor of the literary and art journal, Chimes. In these roles, Ehmsen inspires others to express themselves through their own writing.
She is also very committed to service for the greater good of God. As a coordinator of Dance Marathon on campus, Ehmsen has worked tirelessly to raise money and put on a successful event for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. This summer she will intern with the YMCA in Chicago, because of their mission to put Christian principles into practice while promoting a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Students, faculty and staff nominate candidates for the Saint Catherine Medal and the Academic Affairs Council makes the final selection. The recipient of the award is kept secret until Honors Convocation.
About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. In the fall of 2015 Saint Mary’s College will begin to offer two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College’s mission is to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2015 published by U.S. News & World Report.