Sheila Costello
Tuesday, September 23 was the O’Brien Medallion Ceremony, which is held to acknowledge a student’s exemplary co-curricular involvement and leadership.
The O’Brien Medallion also is meant to acknowledge service to the Saint Xavier University campus, the local community, and academic achievement of the recipient in their respective college or school.
The O’Brien Medallion itself is deeply rooted in the tradition of Saint Xavier University and its Sisters of Mercy background.
Dean of Students, Dr. Eileen Doherty explained the significance of the O’Brien Medallions history by mentioning the person the medallion is named after, Mother Mary Agatha O’Brien. Mary O’Brien is also recognized not just through this award, but also through the naming of one of the residence halls on campus.
Doherty explained that O’Brien played an integral role in the founding of the Chicago Sisters of Mercy, and she became the first superior of the Sisters of Mercy in Chicago.
The recipients of the medallion are chosen by Student Affairs sponsors who work directly with deans from the various colleges and schools on campus.
The deans provide the Student Affairs sponsors with candidates who not only have excelled in their academic work, but also have shown a commitment to service both inside and outside of the Saint Xavier University campus.
Doherty outlined traits such as service, leadership, and dedication as something the O’Brien Medallion recipients are viewed as possessing.
The ceremony itself featured John P. Pelrine, the Vice President for Student Affairs and respective deans for the universities various schools who give out the Medallions to the honored recipients.
There also were awards given out to alumni selected from each of the schools and colleges. These alumni awards were then presented by academic deans, Alumni, and Parent Relations.
Those who were awarded with the O’Brien Medallions this academic year were Lisa Edglar and Jeremy Hunding from the College of Arts and Sciences. Maloree Johnson from the Graham School of Management will also receive the O’Brien Medallion as well. Rebecca Rychel from the School of Education also will be a recipient of the O’Brien Medallion .And the fifth recipient is Amanda Magee from the School of Nursing at Saint Xavier University.
Always continue with checking up on the Xavierite to keep up to date on the latest campus award ceremonies and events.
Jake Alleruzzo
Senior News Editor