Spotlight on Brigette Mysliwiec

Brigette Mysliwiec is a current senior, majoring in Humanistic Studies and Art History. Brigette spent a delightful semester studying in Rome in the spring of her sophomore year where she was able to grow in her love of history and Renaissance art. When not studying Art History or Humanistic studies, she plays the piano and sings in a choir. Upon graduating, she plans to work at an art museum. Brigette's blog is here.

Spotlight on Hannahbeth Fischer

Hannahbeth Fischer is a member of the 2011 graduating class and a native to South Bend. She is pursuing a double degree in Humanistic Studies and a Student-Designed Major (SDM), approved in May 2009. It is a collaboration of digital media, dance arts and women's studies. (It has yet to be titled. Please email suggestions to hfisch01@ saintmarys dot edu). She is especially interested in interdisciplinary studies, which brought her to Humanistic Studies and an SDM. Hannahbeth co-directs a student dance collective on campus and sits as Ambassador on the River Park Arts Community board in South Bend. She recently received a grant to work with two non-profit organizations in South Bend to install a mural downtown. Before coming to Saint Mary's Hannahbeth took a year to travel with a performing arts company that is based in South Africa and tours in the States. If you cannot find her in the HUST department, dance studio or computer lab, you will most likely find her dancing in the sunshine or drinking coffee with other HUSTers. Hannahbeth's HUST blog is here.

Spotlight on Grace Lape

Grace Lape is a Humanistic Studies major graduating this spring. She spent a semester studying abroad in Seville, Spain in the spring of her sophomore year. Last summer Grace interned in the Bronx and worked with women in crisis pregnancies. Over the past four years Grace has enjoyed the volunteer opportunities Saint Mary's has offered and participated in tutoring, coaching, and other service activities with various clubs. Currently, Grace stays busy by fulfilling her role as Saint Mary's Right to Life president, spending time with the elderly Holy Cross sisters at the nearby convent, and serving on the leadership council for Students for Life of Illinois. After graduation Grace plans on moving to Chicago and starting a volunteer core to work with pregnant women in the inner city.

Spotlight on Hannah Blad

Hannah will graduate with a degree in Humanistic Studies in 2011. Hannah has a minor in Biology and Intercultural Studies. In the summer of 2010, she will go abroad on the Saint Mary's European Summer Study program. After life at Saint Mary's, Hannah would like to earn a Master's in American Studies or a liberal arts program. When not at school, she works as a receptionist at a car dealership.

Spotlight on Kate Simon

Kate Simon, class of 2011, is pursuing a double major in Humanistic Studies and English Literature. Though she grew up in New Orleans, her parents have lived the last few years in Kuwait, a move that afforded her incredible opportunity for travel. This summer, she will be participating in a research program at the University of Michigan, studying gender and race relations in Shakespeare. When not studying HUST or English, she can be found working with Campus Ministry as a peer minister or drinking coffee in the sunshine. You can find her ePortfolio here.

Spotlight on Megan Hooper

Megan Hooper is a senior HUST and Biology double major and Chemistry minor from Traverse City, Michigan. Megan also works at the Saint Mary’s Writing Center, helping other students appreciate and acquire their own writing skills. She has volunteered with various organizations in her four years at Saint Mary’s, including: South Bend Center for the Homeless, Memorial Hospital and Little Flower Parish. Megan will be attending Wayne State University School of Medicine in the fall of 2010, where she will undoubtedly dazzle her medical school colleagues with her knowledge of the humanities, from Icelandic sagas and the Benedictine Rule to Dante and Chaucer. Megan's blog is accessible here.

Spotlight on Meghan Kelly

Meghan Kelly is a member of the class of 2010. She is majoring in Humanistic Studies, as well as double-minoring in Spanish and Sociology. Meghan spent her entire sophomore year abroad in Seville, Spain, and went abroad again during the summer of 2009 to travel China on a generous grant from the HUST department. At Saint Mary's, she works as an assistant for Dr. Alice Siqin Yang in CWIL (Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership) and is also a Eucharistic Minister. She has also been able to find time to play the piano this semester. Meghan is an active member of the Humanistic Studies Club where she can help plan HUST week and bring awareness of the major to underclasswomen. Upon graduating, Meghan will pursue a Master's in Speech and Language Pathology. Read Meghan's blog here.

Spotlight on Molly Haigh

Molly Haigh, Humanistic Studies class of 2011, spent the last year studying abroad in the Saint Mary's Rome Program. Studying abroad has been a great way to "see the history and experience the western tradition first-hand," expanding upon her HUST education. Molly is completing a minor in Studio Art. In the future, Molly would like to work in the publishing industry or earn a Master's in Education. When she returns to campus, Molly will resume a busy schedule of working as a Dance Marathon Committee member, a Resident's Hall Association board member, working a part-time job and playing intramural basketball.

Spotlight on Molly Schall

Molly Schall, class of 2011, keeps very busy studying for her Humanistic Studies and German majors. In addition to being a double major, Molly is receiving a minor in Mathematics. This well-rounded HUSTie is the Secretary of the Around the World Club, Secretary of the German Club, a Resident Advisor in Holy Cross Hall, a Student Ambassador, and an alumna of the Notre Dame Innsbruck, Austria program. Molly's future plans are open, but she continues to foster a growing interest in Education programs and Museology. Read Molly's blog here.

Spotlight on Sarah Gunn

Sarah Gunn is a member of the Humanistic Studies 2010 graduating class. In the summer of 2009, Sarah worked as an editorial intern at Simon & Schuster in London, United Kingdom. Sarah works as a student assistant in the Humanistic Studies, Philosophy and Religious Studies office in addition to writing for the news department at the Observer. After graduation, Sarah is moving to New York for an editorial internship at Penguin and would like to eventually attend graduate school for Health Communications. For a link to her blog, click here.

Spotlight on Mary Ellen Toth

Mary Ellen Toth is a current senior, majoring in Humanistic Studies and Spanish, with a minor in Philosophy. Mary Ellen spent a year studying in Seville, Spain. Back on campus, Mary Ellen sings in the Women's Choir and works as an assistant in the Spanish department. Throughout the year, Mary Ellen has coordinated events for the Humanistic Studies department, like the Christmas dinner and several HUST week programs. In the fall of 2010, Mary Ellen will begin a Master's program for Library Science. Mary Ellen's blog is here.

Spotlight on Nicole Bieganski

Nicole Bieganski is a student of the Humanistic Studies class of 2011, in concert with her History major. An alumna of the European Summer Study program, Nicole appreciates the multifaceted nature of study in the HUST concentration. She enjoys studying the history and literature of the Western tradition, as well as the forum for discussion, creativity, and exploration that the classroom provides. Nicole is also a member of the dance company and choir at Saint Mary's. View Nicole's web page here.

Spotlight on Rachel Frank

Rachel Frank is a member of the class of 2011. Along with her Humanistic Studies major, Rachel is also pursuing a Political Science major and has completed a minor in French. In addition to acquainting herself with works of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and politics, Rachel enjoys writing and reading as much as possible. A member of the Saint Mary's College Women's Choir and the student-run a cappella group, Bellacappella, Rachel enjoys singing and writing music. She hopes that her love of the French language one day brings her to Paris. With the help of the skills learned from her HUST education, Rachel plans on enrolling in law school in the fall of 2011, and hopes to one day work in international law. Her e-Portfolio is accessible here.

Spotlight on Martha Walter

A true interdisciplinarian and a member of the 2011 graduating class, Martha Walter has complemented her HUST major with minors in both Math and Studio Art. She is particularly interested in photography, silkscreen printing, and pottery. Martha hopes to expand her intellectual interests even further in the future by taking courses in journalism and magazine writing, with an eye toward a future career in the field. She also hopes to be able to incorporate her love of art into her life after Saint Mary's. This summer will prove especially exciting for Martha as she heads abroad for the first time as a part of the European Summer Study program. Martha's webpage is here.