Saint Michael's College student Kerri Mahoney of Hanson, Mass., to compare U.S. & Danish systems of governance

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Saint Michael's student Kerri Mahoney to study at Danish Institute on social justice

COLCHESTER, VT (05/03/2011)(readMedia)-- Kerri Mahoney, a Saint Michael's College sophomore political science and philosophy double major, the daughter of Gail and Paul Mahoney of Hanson, Mass., is the recipient of a competitive fellowship created by Saint Michael's graduate Brian Lacey, class of 1972. The Lacey International Fellowship in Social Justice is designed to support and recognize students of excellent academic achievement and dedication to social justice. Through it, Ms. Mahoney receives a $2,500 grant to support her study abroad experience.

Ms. Mahoney said she is particularly interested in "the politics in other countries regarding economic and social rights." She will be studying at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in a program on Justice and Human Rights.

In her application for the competitive fellowship, Ms. Mahoney explained her view of the differences between the U.S. and Denmark, and said she wanted to see first-hand how the philosophy plays out in Denmark. "I would love to study human rights," she said, "and see how the Danes "live so successfully."

"It is very interesting to me to learn about how their country gives economic and social rights as opposed to America, where healthcare is not free for everyone and welfare is limited and complained about," she said. Ms. Mahoney explained that Danes pay 50% of their income in taxes to fund schools, healthcare and welfare, but that they work an average of 36 hours a week and get six weeks of vacation, "which gives them plenty of time to be with their family."

"I believe a country should work together and focus on each other rather than work against each other to make money," the college student said. She said in Denmark that has resulted in the country being ranked 2nd happiest in the world by Forbes magazine. She said she wants to really understand how the Danes live.

Brian Lacey Fellowship

The Brian Lacey Fellowships are funded by this graduate of the Saint Michael's class of 1972, President of Lacey Entertainment, a New York-based worldwide television marketing, production and distribution company. Mr. Lacey is also the founder and director of the Kilkea Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages and honors excellence in the humanities, arts and sciences through college scholarships and other academic initiatives. Through the Kilkea Foundation, Mr. Lacey established the Henry G. Fairbanks Endowed Chair in the Humanities at Saint Michael's College. Professor Fairbanks, an important mentor to generations of students, chaired the Humanities program in the 60s and 70s. He is remembered for gently instructing students that "the definition of self is shaped by the relationship and service to others."

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. It is identified by the Princeton Review as one of the nations Best 371 Colleges, and is included in the 2011 Fiske Guide to Colleges. Saint Michael's is one of only 280 colleges and universities nationwide, one of only 20 Catholic colleges, with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Saint Michael's has 1,900 undergraduate students, some 500 graduate students and 100 international 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 2011 U.S. News & World Report rankings.