Kayla Homan & Samantha Mullin: President’s Medal Recipients
Kayla Homan and Samantha Mullin had a lot to celebrate on graduation day.
The two seniors became close while working behind the scenes on the virtual conferral of degrees ceremony. So it was only fitting that they shared one of the day’s most prestigious awards.
During the ceremony, Brother Daniel Wisniewski, OSFS, provost, presented both Homan and Mullin with the President’s Medal, which is awarded to the graduate who has attained intellectual maturity.
“When I heard Sam’s name called as well, it made the moment so much more incredible,” says Homan, who served as senior class president. “We bonded over the feelings of loss from our senior year but even more so over the appreciation we have to DeSales University for making our graduation day so special. Working with Sam has made me a better leader and a better person.”
Mullin, who served as executive president of the Student Government Association (SGA), shares the same sentiment.
"I will remember this day for the rest of my life,” she says. “To share this award with Kayla is truly a metaphor of the team we have become this year. She is an incredible leader and an even more impressive woman; she is beyond deserving of this award."
Homan, a nursing major, is currently studying for the NCLEX-RN exam. She’ll then begin her career as a nurse. Mullin, a biology major, will be working in the vaccine production department of Merck & Co. as a biotechnician.
Even though the two are now among the ranks of proud alumni, their work for DeSales isn’t over just yet. Both will continue to work with the administration to host an on-campus celebration for the Class of 2020 in the fall, and both say DeSales will always hold a special place in their heart.
“I will remember the lifelong relationships I made with students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” says Mullin. “These relationships have taught me the true meaning of living in the light of our patron saint, Francis de Sales. DeSales is full of individuals who embody humility, gentleness, compassion, and generosity. I have learned so many unique qualities of the Salesian tradition from each person I encountered.”
Adds Homan: “Every single relationship that I have made at DeSales I hold so dear to my heart because they have helped me develop into the person I am today. Whether it was a short conversation with a classmate, a supportive friendship, or a life lesson from a faculty member or professor, my life would not be the same without them.”