76th Annual Heart of the Walking Woman winners announced
OMAHA, Neb. – In a long-standing tradition, College of Saint Mary has recognized students who exemplify character, service and leadership on campus through its annual Heart of the Walking Woman celebration. This was the 76th year.
Gabby Linbrunner, a senior elementary and special education major from Papillion, received the Heart of the Walking Woman award during a ceremony Feb. 19 in the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel. Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, CSM president, presented the honor. “Being recognized as the 76th Heart of the Walking Woman for College of Saint Mary was a truly heartwarming and joyous experience that I will cherish forever,” said Linbrunner, who previously received the third-year Heart of the Walking Woman in the Making in 2021. “CSM has become a home for me as I feel that I have the continued devoted support from the staff, faculty and students.”
Linbrunner has served on the Student Senate since 2018 and was an executive for three terms. She holds leadership positions on the Campus Activities Board, Rainbow Alliance, Residence Hall Council and is an active member of Do Unto Others, SPARKS and Aspiring Educators.
After graduation, Linbrunner hopes to gain her master’s degree and one day become an administrator for an elementary school. Until then, she hopes to influence and work with behaviorally challenged children within education and use her background in music to assist her.
“The decision I made four years ago to attend my undergraduate education at this college is something that I will be forever grateful,” she said. “Thank you, College of Saint Mary, for allowing me to become the confident, intelligent and independent woman that I have always wanted to become.”
Heart of the Walking Woman finalists are selected from each class. The fourth-year finalist receives the Heart of the Walking Woman honor, while first-year, second-year and third-year finalists are selected as Walking Women in the Making. The winners are chosen by students, faculty and staff through a campus-wide election.
The third-year Walking Woman in the Making was Ni Watson, a psychology major from Camden, N.J. Watson serves as the student representative for the Board of Directors and is a member of the National Council of Negro Women. She is president of the Honorable African/African-American Leadership Organization and is president of the Student Coalition at CSM. She also works with Campus Ministry, Enrollment Services and is a Summer Academies leader.
Madeline Krause of Omaha, a biology major with a minor in environmental sustainability, was selected as the second-year Walking Woman in the Making. She is on the cross-country team, serves on Student Senate, works within the Student Leadership Office and is a Marie Curie Scholar. She also served as a student orientation staff member.
The first-year Walking Woman in the Making was Litsy Flores Vazquez, an English major from Kansas City, Mo. Flores Vazquez is a member of the CSM volleyball team. She assists in writing for the Green Team and serves as a Spanish Club executive.
