2020 Heart of the Walking Woman winners announced
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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 21.
At the ceremony, Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, president of College of Saint Mary, delivered the opening remarks. Marlene Djidjoho ’19, the 2019 Heart of the Walking Woman recipient, gave the reflection, and Dr. Tara Knudson Carl, vice president for student development and success, introduced the finalists.
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.
The honor of Heart of the Walking Woman recipient went to Stephanie Collings. Collings is a nursing major from Bellevue. She is a member of the Student Nurses’ Association and a participant in the Walk Tall Honors program. In addition, she offers peer tutoring for several science and nursing classes and has helped organize several product drives for the Walk Tall Honors program.
“The Walking Woman is the epitome of excellence,” said Collings. “I believe the Walking Woman leads by example and is always striving to develop herself and learn. She has her arms wrapped around those around her to bring forth excellence in others, serves others, and puts the needs of others before herself. The Walking Woman symbolizes every student at CSM and acknowledges that our voices are strong and that our diversity is what makes us special.
The third-year Walking Woman in the Making was Elaundra Nichols. An occupational therapy major, Nichols is from Omaha. Active on campus, she serves as a resident assistant, as vice president of the Honorable African/African-American Leadership Organization, as the multicultural assistant in the Student Leadership Office, and on Student Senate. She also volunteers at several non-profits in the Omaha community.
Among the second-year students, Grace Blum was selected as the Walking Woman in the Making. Majoring in elementary and special education, Blum is from Papillion. On campus, she holds several leadership positions and is an executive on the Campus Activities Board and the vice president of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN). A student-athlete, Blum is on the cross country team. She also serves on the Student Orientation Staff and as a Leadership Leap Leader.
Amya Harris Harper was chosen as the first-year Walking Woman in the Making. Harper is a nursing major from Omaha. She participates in the AIM Collaborative Program and is involved with the Do Unto Others Club, the Psychology Club and the Student Nurses Association. She also does CSM outreach volunteering with Omaha community groups.
