Celebrating Excellence: Saint Mary’s Valedictorians for the 178th Commencement Ceremony

Meet the Valedictorians: Katie Clem, Molly Minick, Piper Ogden, and Bridget Walicki

Four Inspiring Seniors Named Valedictorians for Saint Mary’s 178th Commencement Ceremony

Notre Dame, IN — In a celebration of academic excellence and diverse passions, seniors Katie Clem, Molly Minick, Piper Ogden, and Bridget Walicki have been selected as valedictorians for Saint Mary’s College’s 178th commencement ceremony. Each of these remarkable students will share their unique journeys and insights during the event, reflecting the spirit of the institution.

Katie Clem: Dancing Through Academia

Hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Katie Clem has crafted a unique academic path at Saint Mary’s, combining her love for dance with an interdisciplinary approach to education. Majoring in arts innovation and leadership, alongside a second major in religious studies and theology, Clem has explored the intersection of movement and spirituality.

“I wanted to study dance while integrating subjects like psychology and social work,” Clem explained. Her senior research project culminated in a ballet performance, showcasing her leadership and creativity. With plans to attend Harvard Divinity School, she aims to work in nonprofits focused on dance therapy, aspiring to start her own dance collective.

Molly Minick: A Voice for Arctic Policy

From Juneau, Alaska, Molly Minick has embraced her family legacy at Saint Mary’s, inspired by her father’s connection to the college. Switching her major to political science, Minick is dedicated to Arctic policy, focusing her senior research on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“I analyzed its implications for the Arctic region, especially as shipping routes become crucial with melting sea ice,” she shared. As president of the political science club and a member of the collegiate choir, Minick encourages students to seize every opportunity. After graduation, she will pursue a master’s in Arctic and northern studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Piper Ogden: Shaping Future Educators

Piper Ogden, from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, chose Saint Mary’s for its intimate learning environment and robust education program. As president of both the Education Club and Fiat Club, Ogden has immersed herself in community service and leadership.

Her senior project involved student-teaching at Beiger Elementary School, where she developed lesson plans and assessments. “These experiences have helped me grow in confidence and understanding,” she noted. After graduation, Ogden will enter a master’s program at Providence College while teaching third grade in Massachusetts.

Bridget Walicki: A Future in Accounting

Bridget Walicki, from Jackson, Michigan, is set to graduate with a degree in business administration with a focus on accounting. As treasurer of the pickleball club and a study abroad peer advisor, Walicki has actively engaged in campus life.

“I’ve enjoyed helping students navigate accounting opportunities,” she said, reflecting on her role as a campus ambassador for KPMG. After graduation, she will join KPMG in Chicago as an audit associate, ready to make her mark in the accounting world.

A Celebration of Diversity and Achievement

As these four valedictorians prepare to address their peers, they embody the values of Saint Mary’s College: leadership, creativity, and a commitment to community. Their stories inspire current and future students to explore their passions and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. The commencement ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of their achievements and the bright futures that await them.