FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saint Catherine Medal Awarded to Third Year Student  


Media contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579

May 9, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Each year, Saint Mary's College awards the Saint Catherine Medal to a sophomore or junior who has demonstrated high standards of personal excellence and scholarship and has contributed to the College community in the spirit of Christian leadership. This award commemorates Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of scholars and especially of women scholars. Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic Honor Society, sponsors the award.

The 2011 Saint Catherine Medal recipient is Laura Glaub ’12 of Okemos, Michigan. She is a communication studies major with minors in women’s studies and social work. As it states on her award citation, Laura is passionate about a wide variety of causes and demonstrates the integration of heart and mind that reflects the best in Holy Cross education. She is known as an innovator who constantly seeks ways to bring people together to make the world a better place. Her list of accomplishments is long. She created the Love Your Body Week, and worked with multiple departments to raise awareness about negative body image and its effects on women. Her work on this and other projects reflects her life philosophy: Respect for All, Flavored by Joy.

Laura is also very involved in student organizations and clubs, including the Student Government Association, Residence Life, Dance Marathon, the Belles Against Violence Office, Student Activities Board, and more. Through the Office for Civic and Social Engagement she has climbed ladders for Rebuilding Together and tutored children for the College Academy of Tutoring program.

Father Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregations of the Holy Cross, spoke of the need for the value of zeal – and this zealous, joyful life is embodied in Laura. She demonstrates what people are capable of when the heart and mind are integrated, and when we approach others and the world guided by the values of respect, compassion, and service.    

The Saint Catherine Medal is a tribute to Laura’s considerable contributions to Saint Mary’s College. She received the award at Honors Convocation on Sunday, May 8. Students, faculty and staff nominate candidates for this award and the Academic Affairs Council makes the final selection. The name of the recipient is not revealed until the Convocation.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.