Saint Mary's annual "Celebrating a Leadership Community" honored student leaders Monday.

A Community and Leadership Banner was available at Haggar College Center during the day for students to recognize mentors or people in leadership roles. This tradition has been a part of the Student Government Association since 1993. Banners from previous years were also displayed.

The Student Leadership Appreciation Luncheon was held in the North Wedge Room of the Noble Family Dining Hall for students, administrators and faculty. The luncheon featured senior Mary Brown as the keynote speaker. Brown spoke about her experiences of leadership at Saint Mary's.

The luncheon also honored two faculty members with the Student Leadership Appreciation Award, Deborah McCarthy, associate professor of chemistry, and Linda Berdayes, assistant professor of communications. The award honors faculty, administrators or staff who have made a meaningful contribution to student leadership.

"Celebrating a Leadership Community" concluded with the Student Leadership Commissioning in the Church of Loretto. Kim Jensen, a senior and the outgoing student body president, reflected on the accomplishments of the 2002-03 student government.

"I think there is one word to sum up our accomplishments this year: teamwork," Jensen said. "Together, we made a difference."

Elizabeth Jablonski-Diehl, a junior and the incoming student body president, addressed new student leaders, including student government leaders, residence hall and class officers, resident advisors, presidents of clubs and organizations and spiritual life leaders.

"Each of us must recognize our personal strengths and weaknesses," Jablonski-Diehl said. "It is only together that we can achieve our goals."

Each student leader was individually recognized by Linda Timm, vice president for Student Affairs, and received a copy of the College mission statement from Sister RoseAnne Schultz, vice president for Mission.

"Leadership is not just tied to positions and titles," said Georgeanna Rosenbush, director of Student Activities, "It is defined more by action, whether that be through academics, student government, volunteer service or a job. It takes all kinds of leadership to make Saint Mary's what it is."

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