Saint Michael's College Admission Counselor Katherine Hackett, formerly of Huntington, cited for Civic Deeds

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Former Vt. Governor Madeleine Kunin presented award to Kather Hackett, Saint Michael's Admission Counselor, formerly of Huntington.

COLCHESTER, VT (04/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Katherine Hackett, a Saint Michael's College admission counselor and 2011 SMC cum laude graduate, was recognized as a 2011 Newman Civic Fellow by Vermont Campus Compact (VCC) at their 2012 Statewide Awards Ceremony on April 12 at the Capitol Conference Center in Montpelier, Vt.

Former Governor of Vermont Madeleine M. Kunin presented the award to Ms. Hackett.

"This award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change."

Ms. Hackett was cited for her outstanding volunteer work while a student at Saint Michael's. She worked for four years with Best Buddies, an international organization creating integrated opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and she continues now, post-graduation, with her commitment to her buddy Linda. She was also cited for her work while studying abroad in Ecuador where she worked with students with cognitive and physical disabilities. She was also a remarkably effective organizer for the Penguin Plunge, a fund-raiser in Vermont for the Vermont Special Olympics.

The citation concluded that "Through direct interaction, and as a fundraiser and advocate, Ms. Hackett has offered education and awareness to the wider community, insisting on respect and dignity for all."

Campus work

A very active student at Saint Michael's, Ms. Hackett served as office manager for the student activities office from January 2009 till she graduated in May of 2011. In this capacity she supervised student workers, managed Eddies, the student lounge, and organized major events including New Student Orientation, Senior Week and Family Weekend. She was a campus tour guide for visiting families for three years, and coordinator of pre-orientation weekend for three years. She also served as an executive in the student government filling the office of Secretary of Academics, and in that role she started the 24-hour study-space initiative.

Ms. Hackett, now a resident of Winooski, Vt., is the daughter of William and Madelaine Hackett of Huntington L.I.

Learn What Matters at Saint Michael's College, The Edmundite Catholic liberal arts college, www.smcvt.edu . Saint Michael's provides education with a social conscience, producing graduates with the intellectual tools to lead successful, purposeful lives that will contribute to peace and justice in our world. Founded in 1904 by the Society of St. Edmund and headed by President John J. Neuhauser, Saint Michael's College is located three miles from Burlington, Vermont, one of America's top college towns. Identified by the Princeton Review as one of the nations Best 376 Colleges, and included in the 2012 Fiske Guide to Colleges, Saint Michael's has 1,900 undergraduate students and 500 graduate students. Saint Michael's students and professors have received Rhodes, Woodrow Wilson, Pickering, Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other grants. The college is one of the nation's top-100, Best Liberal Arts Colleges as listed in the 2012 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

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