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Faith-Filled Nursing Student Receives Father Aquinas Colgan Award

Isabel Holguin of Chicago was honored with the Father Aquinas Colgan Award during ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº’s President’s Recognition for Student Excellence in Mission event on April 30 on its Romeoville campus. 

The Father Aquinas Colgan Award honors a graduating senior at each of the university’s undergraduate commencement ceremonies held in May and December. It is the oldest recognition in the university's 90-plus-year history.  

Faculty and staff nominate students who have demonstrated exemplary personal, intellectual and social development in the spirit of ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº’s Mission. To be eligible for nomination, the undergraduate student must be a graduating with a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their four years at ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº.  

While earning her bachelor of science degree in nursing, Holguin overcame perfectionism and allowed herself to confidently engage with class discussions. 

The three-year Lewis Flyerettes Dance Team member and this year's team captain has balanced her dedicated pursuit toward earning her degree while still giving back to the community. She has volunteered with COVID testing, blood drives, and served as a chairperson for the with Ronald McDonald House. 

“I never thought I’d be grateful for being in a position where I would fail exams until it helped me grow into a stronger person and strengthen my faith,” Holguin reflected. “I don't believe that I’d be the person I am today if I didn’t find the courage to put all my trust in God.” 

With hopes of becoming a clinical instructor after earning a master’s of science in nursing education, the Chicago student is a student nurse extern for MacNeal Hospital, serving as a patient care technician. 

ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit for further information.