Saint Mary’s College Announces 2016 Lumen Christi Recipient
May 16, 2016 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Saint Mary's College is proud to announce that Cinthya Benitez ’16, a biology major from Los Angeles was honored with the 2016 Lumen Christi Award at Commencement on Saturday, May 14. Three seniors are honored each year as exceptional representatives of their graduating class. As the Valedictorian reflects the mind and the Outstanding Senior embodies the heart of the class, the Lumen Christi Award recipient represents its soul.
The Lumen Christi is the highest student honor at Saint Mary’s, awarded to the senior who stands out as an outstanding Christian woman. The recipient is traditionally someone who has excelled in leadership and loyalty to Saint Mary’s and whose presence has had a profound effect on the College community. The name of the recipient is not revealed until her name is read at Commencement.
“It means a lot to know that my Saint Mary's family believed I should receive such an amazing award. I answered God's call when I attended Saint Mary's and I never looked back no matter how much I struggled. It was my faith and the support of my professors, supervisors, friends, and family that kept me going,” said Benitez, who is applying to osteopathic medical schools.
According to her award citation, Benitez was active in Campus Ministry, serving as a liturgical minister for four years. She tutored at youth centers, volunteered at the Center for the Homeless, and served as a volunteer with the Sisters of the Holy Cross, among other activities.
One of her nominators wrote, “She is a quiet force. I have met few like her in my life time and I am certain she will go on to honor Saint Mary’s College in every way. She gives to everyone around her while also allowing herself growth and evolution. She is what Saint Mary’s College wants for every student.”
A mentor wrote, “There is absolutely no pretense about her, her humility and authenticity are true signs of someone who knows who she is in God's life. She doesn't need to pretend or strive to be anyone other than who she is. She understands that in truly being herself, dependent upon God for everything, she can be available for others.”
Benitez said was surprised to receive the award at Commencement, saying, “I dedicate this award to every first generation college student out there, to those who have the option of attending college and those who don’t have that choice, to those who are scared of following their dreams, and to those that feel like giving up. This award assured me that I am meant to do great things in the world.”
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. Saint Mary’s College also offers 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 seeks, according to its mission statement, 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 2016 published by U.S. News & World Report. Follow Saint Mary's College on Twitter @saintmarys and @saintmarysnews.
Contact for News Media: Gwen O’Brien, director of media relations, Saint Mary’s College, gobrien@saintmarys.edu (574) 284-4579
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.