Quandt and Mockler named Outstanding Seniors

By Julianne Bartosz
Editor-in-chief

Regina Quandt and Michael Mockler were named Saint Mary’s University’s 2012 Outstanding Seniors during the Founder’s Day Ceremony on March 27.

The Outstanding Senior Award has been given to a male and female senior the past 46 years for their demonstration of the ideals of scholarship, character, leadership, service to colleagues and the university community, as well as their genuine concern for the needs of others.

“I have always admired the people here at SMU, so it is an honor to be able to represent SMU to the outside world,” said Quandt.

Quandt is an elementary education and Spanish double major who has been active on campus in a variety of ways.  She has been a member of SMU’s cross country and track and field teams for four years.  Also, Quandt has been involved in liturgical ministries, Volunteer Services and SOUL Council.  Furthermore, she has served as an admissions ambassador, a resident assistant, a Literacy Clinic tutor, the secretary of ASCD and the treasurer of Students Organizing Sustainability.

After graduation, Quandt would like to teach kindergarten in the Twin cities or in Winona.  Then, she would like to volunteer teach in South America before teaching at a Spanish-immersion school.

“It was an honor to even be nominated,” said Quandt who spoke highly of her fellow nominees.

Quandt said that she is proud to share the Outstanding Senior title with Mockler, a fellow member of the cross country and track and field teams.

“It is an honor and a humbling experience,” said Mockler.

Mockler is an environmental biology major with a Spanish minor who has participated in TEC, Knights of Columbus, intramurals, phonathons, SOUL Trips, Relay for Life, Cardinal Plunge, liturgical ministries, SMU volunteer services and three honor societies.

Mockler will spend three months after graduation working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) aquatic invasive species program.  In the future, he would like to continue to work with animals and volunteer in his community.

Both Quandt and Mockler expressed gratitude to their parents, family, friends, coaches, teammates, classmates, teachers, Campus Ministry and Brother William.  Mockler also expressed great appreciation to everyone at SMU, specifically those who started the Cardinal Plunge.