College of Saint Mary Announces Heart of the Walking Woman Finalists
OMAHA, Neb. – For more than 75 years, College of Saint Mary (CSM) has recognized students who exemplify character, service and leadership on campus through its annual Heart of the Walking Woman. The University is proud to announce the finalists for the 78th annual award celebration.
Three finalists from each class were chosen. Following a week-long voting period, winners will be announced during the Heart of the Walking Woman celebration at 1 p.m. Feb. 24 in Our Lady of Mercy Chapel. A reception will follow.
The finalists include:
Fourth-Year Finalists
Rachel Cushing, Papillion, NE, biology major: Besides majoring in biology, Cushing is earning minors in forensic science and psychology. She will attend physician assistant school following graduation. Cushing has been the starting libero on the Flames volleyball team for the past four years, as well as an executive member of Do Unto Others (DUO), Student Athlete Leadership Team, and Elementary Science Outreach Program co-coordinator.
Jocelyn Farhar, Broomfield, CO, human biology major: Farhar plans to attend graduate school to become a physician’s assistant following graduation in May. She hopes to be a PA serving overlooked communities. She volunteers weekly at the UNMC Emergency Department. In addition to her classes, she has been a member of CSM’s cross-country and track teams. She loves being involved on campus, which has driven her to be part of Student Senate, DUO, Pre-Physician Assistant Organization, a Bible study, and more.
Madeline Krause, Omaha, biology and chemistry major: In addition to her major, Krause is minoring in environmental sustainability. She has a passion for people and the environment and serves as the student representative on the CSM Sustainability Committee. She also serves as the chairperson of the Campus Issues Committee in the Student Senate. Krause is also a member of the Flames cross-country and track teams.
Third-Year Finalists
Lorena Ramirez, Bellevue, NE, nursing major: With a passion for helping others, Ramirez aspires to become a nurse specializing in women’s and infants’ health. She is a member of the Flames cross-country and track teams. She is actively engaged in the campus community, participating in various organizations, including Student Senate, Student Nurse Association, Spanish Club, and more.
Kaitlin Smith, Fort Calhoun, NE, biology and psychology major: Smith is a Marie Curie Scholar and a midfielder on the CSM soccer team. She is involved in a variety of campus organizations, including the Student Athlete Leadership Team, Student Senate and Elementary Science Outreach Program coordinator. She intends to continue her education after graduation by attending medical school. Her goal is to serve others and fulfill her potential using the talents and gifts God has given her.
Brenna Timewell, Santa Cruz, Calif., nursing major: Timewell hopes to make a difference in the world by bringing her self-taught hardships and experiences into her future nursing career by helping and empowering people who face obstacles. She is a single mother with two children who keep her involved in their many extra-curricular activities.
Second-Year Finalists
Autumn Neale, Lincoln, NE, kinesiology and exercise science major: Neale is studying kinesiology and exercise science with a chemistry minor following a pre-medicine track. She is a sprint freestyler on the Flames swim team. She has served as a resident advisor. She is also a member of the Student Sports and Exercise Science Organization, Creative Twist, STEMinists, Elementary Science Outreach Program, Resident Hall Council, Green Team, and Student Athlete Leadership Team.
Jessica Tienda, Sedalia, MO, human biology major: Tienda is a first-generation student minoring in theology. She hopes to use her education to serve those who are most vulnerable in her community through healthcare while implementing her spirituality. She has been involved in Student Senate, Latinas Empowering Others (LEO), DUO, Green Team, and CSM Singers.
Jasa Wiedel, Hebron, NE, nursing major: At CSM, Wiedel has worked hard to share the love of learning with those around her as well as provide support for those who need it. She has served as a CNA mentor and is a member of the Flames volleyball team and the Student Athlete Leadership Team.
First-Year Finalists
Leslie Le, Bellevue, NE, nursing major: Family is extremely important to Le, a wife and mother of four boys. She loves spending time with her family, building strong relationships with them, and making memories that will last a lifetime. At CSM, she has been involved in Student Senate, Student Nurses Association, DUO, Campus Activities Board, and LEO.
Addie Miller, Papillion, NE, elementary and special education major: In addition to her classes for her dual major, Miller is a distance swimmer on the Flames swim team. She is also involved in Student Senate and attends Sisters in Spirit.
Alexis Winter, Fremont, NE, nursing major: Winter has shown resilience in her desire to better her life and earn a degree in nursing. She is a single mother to her 7-year-old daughter. She faced addiction and homelessness. She now wants to help others. At CSM, she has been involved in DUO, LEO and CSM Advantage.
