Every year, the St. Catherine’s Medal honoree is announced and awarded on stage at the Academic Awards Convocation.
This year’s recipient, Lindsay Espinosa-Pablo, was unable to attend the awards ceremony and hear her name announced as the winner on April 12 because she was working at a local Mexican restaurant. But this didn’t stop the Academic Awards committee from surprising her with the award the next day.
Geri Tyrell, dean of the School of Healthcare Professions, visited Espinosa-Pablo’s ASC Service Award class and announced that she won the 2023 St. Catherine’s Medal.
The medal is considered one of the most prestigious undergraduate student awards at Newman. It recognizes the contributions of a student to the university and the larger community.
Tyrell read the words of Espinosa-Pablo’s nominator: “Lindsay serves are a role model for her nieces and she is a constant beacon for education. As a volunteer for (Ascension) Via Christi St. Joseph, she remains busy noticing details that need tending to and taking initiative in between helping care for patients.
“In a way, she has been preparing to become a nurse for years now — through her grit and also through the humility it takes to really listen, to see details enough to respond with kindness and specificity to herself and others. We think St. Catherine of Siena might see this, too, which is why we give our highest recommendation for the St. Catherine medal.”
Espinosa-Pablo, a first-generation college student, was surprised to learn she was even nominated for the award.
“There was a big list of nominees, so I’m very shocked,” she said. “I just know there are so many students who have achieved great things, so I didn’t think I would be the one they chose. I’m just proud and shocked.”
Growing up with English as her second language, Espinosa-Pablo faced many challenges in the classroom.
The nursing major knew she wanted to attend Newman since her freshman year at West High School and worked hard to make it happen.
“I was told in elementary school that my English wasn’t very good and that I wouldn’t be able to go to college if it was that bad,” she said. “After that, I just took that negative comment and made it a positive one. Once I hit middle school, I started off a little rough. But after that, I did very well in school. I enjoyed it and continued to do well in high school.”
Being immersed in a new language is no easy feat. Espinosa-Pablo took these challenges as opportunities for growth.
Her nominator recalled that, while volunteering at the Salvation Army toy drive, Espinosa-Pablo helped a woman by speaking Spanish and writing the name of the woman’s child on a gift label.
Espinosa-Pablo described her experience: “The woman prayed and hugged me and said, ‘because of you, my kids will have a toy.’ I see I am making a difference, even in a small moment.”
The transition from high school to college was difficult for Espinosa-Pablo, but she leaned on family and friends for support. After getting used to the adjustment, she leaped into it.
“It felt like a new chapter, and now that I’m here, I can look back and say, ‘I really went through all this. So I can continue going through what I’m going through right now.’”
I am making a difference, even in a small moment.
Lindsay Espinosa-Pablo
Finding her way to Newman
Though she is just a sophomore, Espinosa-Pablo has already left her mark at Newman.
“Being here has made me realize how much I love the school and the people in it,” Espinosa-Pablo said.
Kristi Barton Edwards, assistant professor of criminal justice, describes Espinosa-Pablo as “an inspiration.”
“She is engaged in every class and always brings a smile and insight to every interaction,” Edwards said. “Lindsay is a stellar honors student, and we have had so many positive contacts inside and outside the classroom. She is always exploring her potential, which I love, and challenging expectations.”
As one of Espinosa-Pablo’s professors, Edwards said she is “endlessly delighted” and proud of Espinosa-Pablo for winning the St. Catherine’s Medal.
“I cannot wait to see how she incorporates her talent for academic excellence into her passion for service,” Edwards added.
I cannot wait to see how Lindsay incorporates her talent for academic excellence into her passion for service.
Kristi Barton Edwards, assistant professor of criminal justice
From professors and academic curriculum to life goals and lessons, Espinosa-Pablo has learned something from every situation, no matter how challenging.
“Even if I’m dreading the obstacles of a class, I always try to learn something from it,” she said.
As she continues her journey at Newman, Espinosa-Pablo is eager to continue working toward her goal of becoming the best nurse she can possibly be. Even when patients enter the hospital under difficult circumstances, she hopes to be a presence of peace and comfort.
Her ultimate goal and life’s purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives, “no matter how small or maybe insignificant I may think it is,” she said. “I just think that you can truly make a difference in someone’s life even with a small gesture.”
Newman University Magazine
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