Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary’s College
Notre Dame, Ind.
(574) 284-4579
May 18, 2009 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Each year Saint Mary's College presents the Lumen Christi Award to a member of the senior class who is recognized by the College community as an outstanding Christian woman. The recipient is someone who has excelled in leadership and loyalty to Saint Mary's and whose presence has had a profound effect on the College community. It is the highest award the College confers upon a student. The recipient of this year’s award is Meghan Larsen ’09, a religious studies major from Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Larsen received the award at Commencement on May 16.
Whether participating in an activity through Campus Ministry, volunteering at the Center for the Homeless in South Bend, or studying for her classes, Larsen leads a life committed to the spirit that is Saint Mary’s. Debi Haug, a campus minister, said of Larsen, “Her service springs directly from her personal experience of Christ and she draws people to herself, not for her sake, but for His.”
Larsen has been active with Campus Ministry participating in religious services, retreats, weekly Small Faith Group sessions, and the Friends with Sisters program, which connects the Sisters of the Holy Cross living on campus with students. Larsen helped organize a “Poetry Jam” program at the Center for the Homeless. Because of her belief in their abilities, many guests were able to write beautiful poems. This weekly program continues today and a booklet of poetry written by the guests has been published.
Last month, the College also honored Larsen with the Sister M. Olivette Whalen Award for General Service. To read that press release, click here.
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. The College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the nation's top liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report's 2009 annual survey. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
