Loyola Marymount University honored its top students in service and leadership at a packed Sacred Heart Chapel filled with undergraduates, family, administrators and faculty on April 25, 2014.
The awards, each named for an eminent administrator, honor the top students of each class who have distinguished themselves in service “with and for others.” Faculty members, administrators and fellow students nominate the award recipients.
“LMU has provided me with the tools to explore different aspects of who I am,” said Pamela Gonzalez, a graduating senior who was awarded the Father Robert Graham, S.J. Award. “It has helped me define what leadership and service mean to me, allowing me to move forward with a passionate and open heart, with which I will go on to the next chapter in my life feeling ready to make a difference in the world.”
The Graham Award, given by the Alumni Association, is the most prestigious of the annual honors and is given to one female and one male graduating senior. The other Graham Award went to Michael Hanover.
In the individual service awards, the Father James Loughran, S.J., Award for the student who best exemplified the Jesuit and Marymount ideals, was given to Mary Jacobie; the Father Donald Merrifield, S.J. Award for a student’s contribution to interculturalism, was given to Raeesah Reese; Kevin O’Keeffe received the Magis Award for unique contributions to LMU.
In total, 63 students were recognized in 14 student group award categories, including six winners of the Sister Peg Dolan, R.S.H.M. Award for freshmen; 10 winners of the Dr. Renee Harrangue Award for sophomores; 14 winners of the Father Alfred Kilp, S.J. Award for juniors; and 22 winners of the Sister Raymunde McKay, R.S.H.M. Award for seniors. Also honored were the adviser of the year, student organization of the year and university program of the year.