Saint Mary’s College Announces 2017 Lumen Christi Recipient

May 23, 2017 (Notre Dame, Ind.) — Saint Mary's College is proud to announce that Yaqi Song ’17, an art major from China, was honored with the 2017 Lumen Christi Award at Commencement on Saturday, May 20. 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 woman of faith. 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.

Song was surprised to receive the award. She said, “The Lumen Christi Award is such a great honor. When I heard my name, I was so surprised to the point where I could hear my heart beating loudly.”

According to her award citation, Song found time to be a grader in the Math department, teaching assistant for Modern Languages, volunteer at the Early Learning Center, and the art editor of Chimes magazine.

Song has been deeply involved in clubs and activities that have promoted diversity and provided valuable experiences that engaged the faculty, staff, and students. One of her nominators wrote, “her interest in social justice with multicultural groups and involvement in the Intercultural Leadership program has deepened her understanding of the ethical and spiritual dimensions of leadership, developed her intellectual maturity and comfort level dealing with differences, and empowered her to be an effective leader in an interconnected world.”

Another nominator wrote, “She has been our mentor in the English Language School as has helped us adapt to a new environment and improve our English skills. Her leadership made many things that seemed impossible possible not only for us, but all Saint Mary’s Belles.” 

Song expressed her gratitude to the Saint Mary’s Community and her family. “During these four years, I have been constantly supported and encouraged by the amazing faculty and staff, as well as my lovely friends and family. I am thankful that I am now confident enough to express myself, my understandings of the world, and everything I have learned from them,” she said. “Furthermore, I am incredibly grateful that Dr. Becker and Dr. Bentley from the Department of Chemistry and Physics inspired me to find a platform where being artistic and analytical at the same time is possible.”

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.