Heart of the Walking Woman winners announced
Omaha, NE – For more than 70 years, College of Saint Mary (CSM) has recognized students who exemplify the values of character, leadership and service through its annual “Heart of the Walking Woman” celebration, formerly known as Queen of Hearts. This ceremony was held on Friday, February 15th.
Hillary Siegel, a Student Senate representative and a member of the 2019 Heart of the Walking Woman Celebration Committee, delivered the opening remarks. “This long-standing tradition honors our students who exemplify qualities of leadership, character, and service to CSM and the community. The women we celebrate are women who lead by example and represent our Walking Woman in an environment that is conducive to our growth as students and leaders.”
Heart of the Walking Woman finalists are selected from each class. The fourth-year finalist receives the honor of Heart of the Walking Woman recipient, and the first-year, second-year, and third-year finalists are elected as Walking Women in the Making. In a campus-wide election, students, faculty, and staff vote which finalists receive these honors.
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE CEREMONY
The honor of Heart of the Walking Woman recipient went to Marlene Djidjoho. Marlene is a biology major from Papillion, NE. Throughout her time at CSM, Marlene has been involved with various organizations, including the Leadership Launch program, the African American mentee program, the Walk Tall Honors program and the CSM Professional Singers. Marlene currently serves in executive roles on the Green Team and the Math and Science Club.
The third-year Walking Woman in the Making was Adriana Olague Cepeda. Originally from Shenandoah, IA, Adriana is majoring in business analytics and strategic communication. She demonstrates her leadership on campus through her roles in the Latina and the African-American Summer Academies, Phi Beta Lambda and Latinas Empowering Others. Adriana has also volunteered with CSM’s Spirit of Service Day and the Angel Tree program.
Among the second-year students, Elaundra Nichols was selected as the Walking Woman in the Making. Elaundra is an occupational therapy major from Omaha. On campus, Elaundra is active as a student ambassador, a resident advisor and the vice president of the Honorable African/African-American Leadership Organization. Elaundra also volunteers off campus by serving African American students in the Omaha Public Schools system.
Emily Jacobson was chosen as the first-year Walking Woman in the Making. Majoring in nursing, Emily is from Omaha. She is an athlete on the CSM swim team. On campus, she in involved with the Residence Hall Council, the Do Unto Others service organization and SPARKS. She also serves as the secretary for Student Senate.
