Langdon, ND, Native Raquel Bata Named University of Mary 2024 Outstanding Senior
BISMARCK, ND — Raquel Bata of Langdon, ND, is the 2024 University of Mary Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award winner. University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea presented Bata with the prestigious award Saturday just hours prior to University of Mary’s 63rd commencement ceremony at the Bismarck Event Center.
Bata is a Business Administration and Marketing double major from Landgon, North Dakota. She is also minoring in Catholic Studies and Financial Services and Banking. Raquel serves as the social media coordinator for the University Ministry team. She has utilized her leadership skills with her involvement in Focus Discipleship, Emerging Leaders Academy, and her role as the North Dakota State 4-H Ambassador. After graduation Raquel will work at Choice Bank in Bismarck as a Client Account Manager for Commercial Lines Insurance.
“She is an outstanding student, all-around great person, and an exemplar of the ideals of servant leadership and the virtues of a Christian, Catholic, Benedictine education,” stated Caroline Kozejed, Bata’s advisor and the faculty member who nominated her for the award. “With her heavy workload as a student and very active ‘free time,’ she was still able to accumulate over 134 credits and a 3.99 GPA.”
Each year, the teaching faculty at the University of Mary nominates members of the graduating class for this prestigious award, based on their academic achievement, service to the university, and service to the community. The Alumni Council Board then selects the recipient from the nominees.
“Every year our nominees are of such a high caliber,” said University of Mary Director of Alumni Relations Michael Mortenson, a 2015 University of Mary graduate. “All the nominees are outstanding individuals whose academic achievements, service, and leadership exemplify the University of Mary’s emphasis on educating the whole person. We are so very proud of them and look forward with great anticipation as they grow and achieve success in the future.”
This year’s Outstanding Senior nominees included Francesca Evaristo, Las Vegas NV; Gabriella Schafer, Independence, MN; Cole Jones, Springfield, OR; Olivia Dickerson, Bismarck, ND; Maya Wald, Minot, ND; Ashley Motschenbacher, Fargo, ND; Kolbe Raiche, Kingsford, MI; Gianna Cooke, Decatur, TX; Hailey Schaefbauer, Northville, SD; Jacob Popp, Becker, MN; Lydia Herbertz, Duluth, MN; Mikayla Brackin, Bismarck, ND; Abbie McKay, Minot, ND; James Gillis, New Ulm, MN.
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