CSM names 2022 Heart of Walking Woman finalists

OMAHA, Neb. – The Heart of the Walking Woman, a long-standing tradition at College of Saint Mary, recognizes students who exemplify character, service and leadership on campus.

Three finalists from each class were chosen. Following a week-long voting period, winners will be announced during the Heart of the Walking Woman Celebration at 1 p.m. Feb. 19. A reception will follow.

The event will be live-streamed at csm.edu/hww. Registration is required.

The finalists include:

First-year finalists

Litzy Flores Vazquez is an English major from Kansas City, Mo. She also is a member of the Flames volleyball team. Flores Vazquez hopes to become a writer.

Sophie Peck of Ankeny, Iowa, is an applied psychology major. She is a member of the cross-country team and says that she strives to always be inclusive, especially to those who are new on the team. Peck initially wants to work as a mental health counselor before possibly running her own rehabilitation facility.

Jocelyn Farhar is a human biology major from Broomfield, Colo. Farhar is a member of the cross country and track teams, and she also is a member of Do Unto Others. Farhar hopes to become a physician assistant.

Second-year finalists

Madeline Krause of Omaha, a biology major, wants to make an impact in environmental science and sustainability. She believes in respect for not only humans but all living things; she holds a true passion for the earth we live on.

Kaylee Rothmeyer is an elementary education major from Carter Lake, Iowa. She serves as secretary of Do Unto Others. Rothmeyer is also an RA on campus, and she hopes to someday be a kindergarten teacher.

Yaramy Hernandez of Fort Dodge, Iowa, is a psychology major. She is also a member of the Flames bowling team.

Third-year finalists

Chyna Delker of Hastings plans to become a nurse, inspired by the nurses who cared for her father during his battle with stage four cancer. She wants to be able to make a difference in other people’s lives and that is one of her biggest passions. Delker is a member of the cross country and track teams.

Grace Rooks of Papillion is a human biology major. Rooks has volunteered at the mammography clinic at UNMC and teaches Sunday School at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. She is president of Do Unto Others and serves as an RA. She plans to seek a career as a women’s health physician assistant.

Nigier Watson is a psychology major from Camden, N.J. She hopes to get an internship at a public relations or human resources firm. Following graduation, she plans to complete the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and receive her master’s in communications.

Fourth-year finalists

Gabby Linbrunner of Papillion is double majoring in elementary and special education and minoring in psychology and music. She is a member of Student Senate and served on two institutional committees.

Grace Blum is an elementary and special education major from Papillion. She is a member of the cross country and track teams.

Emily Jacobsen of La Vista is a nursing major. She also plans to get her master’s in nursing. Jacobsen is a member of the Flames swim team.