Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579 (desk)
(574) 286-4977 (cell)
March 3, 2009 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—Saint Mary's College is pleased to announce the valedictorian of the Class of 2009 is Courtney Parry of Michigan City, Ind. Parry is a mathematics and economics double major with a 3.99 grade point average. She will graduate with her class at Commencement, at noon on May 16, 2009 on Le Mans Green.
In her years at the College, Parry has demonstrated leadership qualities, including serving this academic year as the student trustee on the Board of Trustees. She has worked as a resident advisor for the past three years, and currently serves as an administrative resident advisor. She has also been extensively involved with the math honor society Pi Mu Epsilon after being inducted her sophomore year, currently serving as the president of the Saint Mary's chapter. As a junior she presented a lecture entitled “Mathematics and Nature” at the spring 2008 meeting of the Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America (INMAA) in addition to serving as a student lecturer in the Pi Mu Epsilon student lectures series in fall 2007.
Parry says she has enjoyed working with her professors and peers in the tight-knit math department, and appreciates the comprehensive liberal arts education. "Saint Mary's has provided me with an excellent education in the liberal arts tradition," says Parry. "I owe a great deal of gratitude to the incredible educators who have influenced my life. These individuals have provided me with a multitude of support, and have always encouraged me to exceed my own expectations."
She is a 2005 graduate of Marquette High School in Michigan City.
About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering bachelor’s degrees in 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.
