B.A., economics; philosophy minor
Ballwin, Mo.

Presentation Remarks:

Kate, for all the impact you have made at Denison as a leader, and a community servant, and an economics major and philosophy minor, your nominators admit that you almost slipped by the nomination process because your presence has been so quiet and unassuming. But once they found out the depth and extent of your contributions, they immediately gave a resounding endorsement for your President's Medal.

One of your professors, who describes you as a "simply brilliant student" explained his practice for receiving papers with only Slayter box numbers, not names. "I hadn't realized how brilliant she was as she was sitting in my class until I read her last paper. Wow!" he writes. "It was beautifully written, synthetic, and deep. At that point, I realized that Kate was one of only two students whose work was all A-level." Nonetheless, he was not at all surprised by your induction this year into Phi Beta Kappa and the Economics Honor Society.

While you may have quietly succeeded in the classroom, your rugby teammates know full well the impact of your personality and style of play. They describe you as one who leads by example, who works harder than anyone else, who never gets frustrated, and who demands much of your team with measured reason. As your co-captain explains, "Kate is the kind of woman who always strives to better herself and never takes a step backward. Or if she does, it's because she's about to run forward again (and let me tell you, the girl can run!). This year, you lead your team to the Division 2 Sweet 16 national tournament, and (insert outcome here). And when we are finished here today, you will leave for Iowa to play two weekend matches for the All-Ohio Under-23 select side.

For as fierce as you may be on the rugby pitch, you are known equally for your compassionate heart. In service, you have labored as the vice chair of outcomes assessment for the Venture Philanthropy Club; as the chair liaison for the Denison Community Association; as a coordinator and leader of the Denison Service Orientation; as an August Orientation leader; and as a two-year economics tutor. Kate, as you begin life after Denison in commercial real estate in your hometown of St. Louis, you will be well served by your quite grace, intellect, toughness, and compassion, just as Denison has been well-served by you.