Princess Mae Visconde ’18 Honored with Saint Catherine Medal

May 11, 2017 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—  On Sunday May 7, President Jan Cervelli presented the Saint Catherine Medal to Princess Mae Visconde ’18 at Honors Convocation, a ceremony honoring graduating seniors.

Each year the award goes to a sophomore or junior who exemplifies excellence in leadership, scholarship, faith, and service — the values of Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, who sponsors this award.

Visconde was surprised to receive the award commemorating Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of scholars.

“It is an honor to be nominated and recognized with the Saint Catherine Medal. The moment the biography of who would receive this award was read, I looked to Regina Wilson, who was sitting next to me,” Visconde said. “Regina and the rest of the Campus Ministry staff have been part of my Saint Mary's experience since the first weekend I arrived on campus my first year. I am forever thankful for their support, wisdom, and courage the past three years.”

Visconde served as secretary of the Student Diversity Board, joined a group of pilgrims who traveled to Peru with Campus Ministry over fall break, and is active with Circle K. She also served as a Ministry Assistant in Holy Cross Hall where she spent countless hours talking with and supporting her residents.

According to the citation, “[Visconde] has the heart and commitment to draw people to a deeper sense of belonging and acceptance through her outstanding gifts of leadership, service, and her faith in Christ.”

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: Celebrating over 175 years of empowering women to make a difference in the world, Saint Mary’s College is recognized as a pioneer and continued force in the education of women. A Catholic, liberal arts institution in Notre Dame, Indiana, the College offers more than 50 undergraduate academic programs and also offers co-educational master’s degrees.