College Corner: Bedford Woman Earns Esteemed Honor

Lauren Fish, last month, graduated Saint Michael's College magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature.

The daughter of Cindy and David Fish, Lauren received the Elizabeth A. Durick Award celebrating the school's 105th commencement.

The honor is bestowed upon a senior "who has made a significant contribution to the Christian goals of Saint Michael's College."

"Ever since Lauren first arrived at Saint Michael's, her enthusiasm and passion has been felt by many in our community," said Rev. Brian Cummings, SSE, Director of Edmundite Campus Ministry, in presenting the award, "and we in Edmundite Campus Ministry have been blessed by her generous spirit and energy.

"We couldn't even begin to list everything that Lauren has been involved in," Cummings added. "From her enthusiastic 'yes' to carrying up the gifts at Orientation Mass her first year, to proclaiming a reading at ... Sunday's Baccalaureate Mass, Lauren's involvement and dedication has showed how committed she is to serving God and others."

In addition, Cummings lauded Fish's leadership roles in the college's service activities.

"Lauren's involvement in MOVE extended service trips to the Dominican Republic and Immokalee, Florida and nearly four years of serving as president of the Peace and Justice Club exemplifies how service is truly a foundational part of Christian life," he said.

MTV media pioneer and humanitarian Tom Freston served as Saint Michael's commencement speaker this year. A member of the Saint Michael's graduate class of 1967, he told the graduates hard work is key to your future.

"My advice is really to look for a career in fields that are on the ascent-social innovation-and bring an old-fashioned work ethic to them," said Freston. "There is great value and sustaining dignity in good old-fashioned hard work, whether that means crunching numbers or cleaning bathrooms."

Roughly 4000 people including 478 undergraduates, 65 master's degree recipients and their families and friends, and faculty and staff of the college, located in Burlington, Vermont, heard speeches from Freston, two students, the college president and the chairman of the board at the May 14 graduation at the colleges SMC Ross Sports Center.

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