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Meet our fall 2021 Standout Student

St. Norbert gives students the opportunity to experience the richness of college life, pursue their dreams and expand their knowledge of the world. Every quarter, the St. Norbert Fund profiles a Standout Student who is making the most of that opportunity.

Name: Katelyn Holmstrom 

Major: Sociology with a concentration in Human Services & Communication and Media Studies with a concentration in Communication

Minor: Religious studies

Graduation date: May 2023

Hometown: Rice Lake, Wis.

Organizations and activities

  • Women’s Swimming & Diving
    • Leadership position: new team member mentor
  • BUD Social Group

    • Executive Board position: Standards Board
  • Love Your Melon Volunteer Crew, Pinky Swear Foundation, PACK Program

    • Executive Board positions: social media coordinator and co-new member coordinator
  • Chiara Catholic Women’s Group
  • Sisters: Connect and Discover
  • Navigate: An Exploration of Life and Vocation
  • Anti-Racist Workshop
  • Student Government Association

    • Executive Board position: communications coordinator

    • Serving on:
 Academic Honor Board Committee
, Athletic Committee
, Food Insecurity Initiative Committee
 and Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society
Scholarships and awards
  • Presidential Scholarship
  • Berne Abbey/DeWane Award
  • Father Gene Gries Endowed Student Life Scholarship
  • Justin C. Kausch Memorial Scholarship
  • Fall Dean’s List (2019 & 2020)
  • Spring Dean’s List (2020 & 2021)
  • MWC Academic All-Conference Team
  • MWC Swimming and Diving Performer of the Week
  • St. Norbert College Exemplary Leadership Award
  • Coach’s Award for St. Norbert College Swimming and Diving Team
  • Overcoming Adversity Award for St. Norbert College Swimming and Diving Team
  • Member of the Student Organization, PACK, winning the Outstanding Commitment to Service Award
  • Recognized as an “Everyday Hero” by former President Brian Bruess

Proudest moments at SNC
I’ve been a member of the Ballroom Club at St. Norbert since my first year. It’s always been my goal to be president, but I was shy and didn’t know if I could make that happen. This year, I was elected president. I was really proud of how far I had come and how the club helped me in my leadership skills to rise to that position. I’m also a student manager in my on-campus job with the college advancement engagement center. I’m proud that with the things I’m involved in, I’m always fully participating and taking on more responsibilities.

Favorite place on campus
I have a lot of favorite places on campus. I love sitting on the first floor of the campus center. Every time I’m there I see people I know, especially people I haven’t seen in a while. So, I just sit there sometimes and do homework. My other favorite place is in the music hall on the second floor. It’s a space that’s peaceful and quiet to study and focus.
 
Plans for the future
I’m a junior, double majoring in business administration and accounting. I want to pursue management, but I’m at a crossroads on whether I want to work for a nonprofit or in manufacturing. We’ll see where I end up, but I am excited about both options.
 
How St. Norbert has prepared me for success
At work here on campus and in class, I found a love for helping people. I like to be able to talk to my coworkers in the college advancement engagement center and give them advice on how they can improve, and more importantly how I can help them improve. I love answering questions and solving problems.
 
What I'll remember most about SNC
I’ll remember all the friendships I’ve made. At this point, the friendships I’ve made will last beyond college. I know that for sure. Some of the girls and I talk about future weddings and our future lives. It’s so important to me.
 
What my scholarship means to me
Without either of my scholarships, I would not be able to attend school here. They’ve played a huge role in my education. I am supported by the generosity of Paul and Carol Gehl. They help a lot of students in our area. They also donate to the Catholic school I attended when I was younger. It’s great that we’re able to offer these scholarships. I work in the call center, so I see firsthand where those dollars come from. I think it’s fantastic that alumni will give even just twenty dollars. Every time I’m on the phone with them, I let them know that we don’t care what you give, even the smallest amount helps put me or one of my classmates through college. I wish that everyone saw that each dollar they give actually makes a difference.

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