On April 30, the ɫӰ community gathered in Rauenhorst Ballroom to honor student accomplishments and leadership. The annual Honors and Awards ceremony announced the 2023–24 recipients of departmental honors and scholarships, inductees into academic honor societies, and nominees and winners of the prestigious All-University Student Leadership Awards.
“Today, we celebrate the many ways our students have engaged in their St. Kate’s education, the leadership skills they have honed and applied, and the knowledge they have gained to make our world a better place,” said President ReBecca Koenig Roloff ’76. “These honors and awards are but one measure among many of their success, and we joyfully acknowledge and revel in their achievements. We are so proud of you.”
2023–24 All-University Student Leadership Award Recipients
Mary E. McCahill Memorial Award
Presented to: Louise Ba
The Mary E. McCahill Memorial Award is the University’s highest award, presented to a senior who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and service to the University throughout their time at ɫӰ. The award was established by Eugene McCahill in honor of his mother, Mary E. McCahill, a friend of St. Kate’s first dean and president, Antonia McHugh.
Dean of Students Award
Presented to: Hannah Hausman
The Dean of Students Award recognizes a senior who has made an outstanding contribution toward the accomplishment of the University’s mission throughout their years at ɫӰ.
Helen B. Lemmer Award in Honor of Mother Antonia McHugh
Presented to: Hannah Hausman
The Helen B. Lemmer Award recognizes a student who intends to pursue a career in college or university teaching and who exemplifies the ideals of St. Kate’s first president, Mother Antonia McHugh. It was established by the St. Kate’s chapter of the Association of University Professors in 1973 in honor of the centennial of Mother Antonia’s birth, and is endowed by the friends and family of Helen B. Lemmer.
Mary Alice Muellerleile Student Leadership Award
Presented to: Cori Knuckles
The Mary Alice Muellerleile Student Leadership Award recognizes a College for Adults bachelor’s degree student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to their peers and the University, and who has been an advocate of the strengths and development of women of all ages. It honors Mary Alice Mullerleile, the director of continuing education at St. Kate’s from 1977 to 1979.
Michael J. Baynes Reflective Life Award
Presented to: Kathy Manlapas
The Michael J. Baynes Reflective Life Award honors the memory and accomplishments of Michael J. Bynes, associate director of student life on the Minneapolis campus from 1998 to 2012. It is given to a student in the College for Adults (with preference to students in the associate degree programs) who, through leadership, service to peers and community, and adherence to high personal and academic standards, meets Mike’s daily challenge to himself and others to “Bring Good!”
Thomas More Award
Presented to: Gabrielle Agbenyiga, Kuntepi Chetana, Chalon Coley, Ari Green, Nayomi Her, Julie Huisken, Jasmine Koch, Sarah Miller, Abigail Nachreiner, Eva Ngono, Anchee Nitschke Durben, Ashley Pavlick, Bo Podgorski, Joe Ptacek, Emmie Verhaagh, Naomi Yangathia, M Yeager
The Thomas More Award is presented to students in any program or class who have demonstrated outstanding loyalty and service to the University, promoted campus community spirit, and made major contributions to a particular organization, department, program, or issue, or across a broad range of activities.