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Current Scholars

Megan Bergin ’24
Megan Bergin ’24
Religious Studies and Sociology (majors)
Being involved with TRIPS has taught me so much about the world and my place in it. I have barely scratched the surface of how all social justice issues are interconnected. I got to learn more about environmental sustainability and help Asheville GreenWorks in North Carolina with a group of kind and passionate individuals. I learned that there is so much power in being in community and realized that passions grow through direct experiences with the world around us. Knowing that I enjoyed being outside and doing physically demanding work helped me to be an active group member. My heart was opened when I realized that the trash littered throughout the creek we cleaned was from the homeless who didn’t think about sustainability but instead could only focus on their next meal, shelter, etc. I was able to make connections between our trip and my social movements class that helped me to challenge my assumptions about people.
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Maximus Berner ’24
Maximus Berner ’24
Computer Science & Mathematics (majors), Philosophy (minor)
My favorite part of philosophy, which has made me pick up my minor, was the way everyone can have a unique approach to solving a problem. I love considering all sorts of perspectives and analyzing how they work together to achieve a common goal, how they differ, and how they are similar. I am much more of a listener than a speaker, and I am more interested in finding the best answer that serves all perspectives than perpetuating my own ideas.
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Sam Brienza ’25
Sam Brienza ’25
Psychology (major), Sociology & Human Services (minor)
Kindness has been part of who I am since I was little. I find it important that we fight for a kinder world. One way that I do this is through service. Service has always been part of my life and is encouraged through my parents and my own personal beliefs. I have always felt that I was called to serve in my community. I love service and helping others. I find that service is an important step in tackling social justice.
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Shawn Cushman ’24
Shawn Cushman ’24
Psychology (major), Theology (minor)
If I had to choose a career right now, I would become a recreational or wilderness-based therapist because I love being outside and want to support others' mental health. For me, access to quality mental healthcare has changed the trajectory of my life and I hope to continue to bring awareness to the need for mental healthcare in our communities. I am also considering how I can incorporate spirituality into what I do. A dream of mine is to create spaces for queer people of all faith backgrounds to experience spirituality and healing through the outdoors and nature.
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Meaghan Dutton ’25
Meaghan Dutton ’25
International Studies and Elementary Education (majors), Language Arts (minor)
While my family raised me Catholic, the homeschool organization I was part of was Baptist and the rest of my education was generally secular. Because of this extreme dichotomy, I think that I have learned to hold onto my beliefs, but also be open to discussion and input on these beliefs. I also think that my own big questions are still waiting for answers, and this is why I have kept myself so open to different perspectives and opinions.
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Katie Dutton ’26
Katie Dutton ’26
Sociology and Education (majors), Peace and Justice (minor)
Being at St. Norbert has allowed me to see the practical ways that theology interacts with a variety of disciplines. Seeing elements of ethics or justice from my theology classes connect directly with classes I've taken for other majors or minors has made me see how relevant it is to the world today. I've always been passionate about learning about God and the ways in which religion impacts people throughout the world, particularly in connection to their political beliefs or personal relationships, and being able to study at SNC has allowed me to turn this passion into action.
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Aidan Edge ’24
Aidan Edge ’24
Biochemistry (major), Spanish (minor)
As someone who comes from a privileged background, I know that I might not be able to understand or feel the injustices that others may face based on their race, sexuality, religious upbringing, etc. Nevertheless, I still want to do my best in learning and applying ways I can help lift others up through social justice involvement and service opportunities. I think anyone, no matter who they are or their background, can get involved in their community and serve those around them.
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Lily Finn `25
Lily Finn `25
Elementary Education (major)
I've gained experience being around people with differences including myself. I know in some way I would like to learn more and be an advocate for making this situation better for others.
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Katelyn Flanagan ’24
Katelyn Flanagan ’24
Spanish Education (major), German (minor)
I have always desired to understand fully. No matter if it was an equation in math class, or if it was the Truth about the meaning of my life. My inquisitive personality inspires me to continue my searching and questioning, and I aspire to attain a genuine belief in which I can surrender all of myself.
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Alexander Fritsch ’25
Alexander Fritsch ’25
Chemistry (major), Mathematics (minor)
Through the time I spent volunteering with the YMCA, I came to know many little boys and girls from around the world who had very different life stories from the one I have. I am very fortunate to be a white male living in a middle-class family in the United States, however, the boys and girls that I met were not so fortunate. Earlier this year, I met a seven-year-old girl from Pakistan whose family fled from the Taliban; last year, I met a family with four children between the ages of 11 and five who were from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fled to Uganda to escape religious persecution. Although I myself am not facing adversity, I have been fortunate enough to get even a small glimpse into the lives of those who are way too young to ever be going through things like that. In the future, I hope to be a voice for people like these children and help to make a positive impact in the world.
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Emma Hanson ’24
Emma Hanson ’24
Computer Science & Political Science (majors)
My identity as a woman has recently been the main aspect of my identity that has driven my intense interest in social justice. This year in particular, I have experienced so many things women experience that have really opened my eyes to some of the discriminatory realities in the world. From being talked over in class to getting cat-called by cars full of male students on the way home from class, my interest in gender justice has been at an all-time high.
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Bethany Jobe ’26
Bethany Jobe ’26
Business Administration
I am from a tiny town in Wisconsin where most people believe the same thing, but at school, I notice people have varying degrees of opinions. And I find the more I talk to people, the more invested I become in social justice issues.
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Bethany Kreklow ’24
Bethany Kreklow ’24
History Education (major)
My identity motivates my investment and interest in social justice in many ways. Up until this past summer, I didn't understand or appreciate my privilege. As a white, cis-gender female who grew up in a middle class, two-parent household where both of my parents are college educated, I have a lot of privilege, and feel like I have a moral responsibility to help others and try to even the playing field so that everybody has access to more opportunities. I am constantly learning more about the stark inequalities in society, and I believe that the world can be better than it is now. Growing up, my parents instilled an appreciation of community service in me, which is something that I have taken with me to college.
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Sarah Labinski ’25
Sarah Labinski ’25
Psychology (major) and Sociology (minor)
My religious upbringing as a Catholic has motivated me to become involved in helping others, especially as I grew up doing service projects with my church. My parents raised me to understand that sometimes people are less fortunate than me, and that we have an opportunity and responsibility to help, whether that's by making tie blankets for those in the local senior living facility or by cutting plastic bags to be crocheted into sleeping mats for those who are homeless. I've served at St. Bens in Milwaukee with my dad, and I've learned a lot about working with others in order to make a difference in the lives of others. Additionally, my dad's educational attainment as a SNC grad helped him to recognize the importance of service, as he helped start a local homeless shelter for the Green Bay area. As I've learned through the TRIPS Program, Catholic Social Teaching encourages people to have a preferential option for the poor and respect all human life; this motivates me to do all I can to help those in need.
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Jo Mahlum ‘26
Jo Mahlum ‘26
English (major) Peace and Justice, Theology (minors)
Using all of my identities together helped me become the leader I am today. Those things showed me that I wanted to be a big sister to other people, I wanted to be someone for people to lean on and trust. I want to have that big sister leadership role in my everyday life. I want to be a part of the change and be a leader somehow in the process and all these parts of my identity are going to help me do that.
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Elizabeth Murray ’25
Elizabeth Murray ’25
Sociology (major), Human Services (minor)
I have always felt that my vocation is to serve others in whatever way I can. Being a part of SCEV has helped me understand how my different roles on campus intersect with my calling to help others. A topic that I care strongly about is recognizing the potential in all people and helping them find where they belong. Being involved on campus has allowed me to meet individuals and help them see their own potential. A core statement that I live by is “You meet people where they are, not where you want them to be”. Whether it’s inviting others to a bowling event, being a TRIPS Participant, or just by being a listening ear for others is how I live out my calling. After SNC, I want to become a certified social worker to help others see their potential and know that there is hope.
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Marianna Novak ’25
Marianna Novak ’25
English (major), Media and Communication Studies (minor)
Throughout my life, family has defined my identity – as the sixth of eight siblings, I knew forging a unique path was imperative. While independence ignites my passions, family provides insights into reshaping my worldview from lessons in sharing, respect, life-long learning and support. With a large family, I learned the importance of storytelling, as the younger sibling sharing your perspective at the dinner table is challenging. As an English major, I encountered the discourse of canon and silenced voices. When you work with service, you meet multiple stories and narrators; sometimes, the most critical part of service work is the narrative that is shared afterward. I desire to share the stories of those without the platform or space to speak.
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Daniel Pereira ‘26
Daniel Pereira ‘26
Biology (major)
I am obligated to take part in securing social justice as a Catholic. As a student at St. Norbert College, we have been taught to accept everyone regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity. We must embody the value of communio and take an interest in social justice for the sake of our brothers and sisters.
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Jacob Risberg ’24
Jacob Risberg ’24
Undecided (major)
Being on the fringe as a kid, I always tried to understand the people that I was afraid of or disagreed with. I believe I could bring a different perspective to my peers that focuses on this inclusivity and understanding. I know that we may not all agree, but if we want to provoke change, we must reach an understanding. I will say there is a right and wrong in many issues, but in many instances, there is a grey area that is often overlooked simply because people are stuck in their ways.
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Dylan Schuster ’24
Dylan Schuster ’24
Math Education/Secondary Ed (Major)
I am very privileged in almost every way possible, and I've been spending a bit of time over the past few years trying to better understand the lives of other people. I want to be a stronger advocate for those in disadvantaged positions, especially as I enter a classroom in which I will likely have students from a wide variety of backgrounds. I want to work to change that so I can be a better ally for those who need one.
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Meghan Skoug ’26
Meghan Skoug ’26
Elementary Ed
I am passionate about social justice because I was always taught to do the right thing and care for all people. I feel like getting involved with social justice helps me practice my values of caring for all people regardless of their differences.
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Lauren Sorebo ’24
Lauren Sorebo ’24
English (major), Economics (minor)
I grew up privileged, being fortunate enough to have my family provide for me with no issues. I learned about the importance and beauty of being able serve others as best I could, in any way I could… Additionally, I grew up as an individual with a disability. In fact, it was unexpected by my family, and we all had to learn and grow as a family when it came to my disability. It is my goal to spread awareness of individuals with disabilities and the issues, such as accessibility and stigmas that they face in different arenas of life.
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Kyle Wallisch ’26
Kyle Wallisch ’26
Elementary Ed (major), Language Arts (minor)
I've been surrounded by the desire to help others my whole life. So of course, I had to pick it up myself. With the help of my parents and my faith, helping others is a large part of my life. I don't only have an interest in social justice, I live and work for social justice.
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Josie Weisensel ’26
Josie Weisensel ’26
Elementary Ed (major), Music and History (minors)
I know that I have grown up in a very privileged environment. The fact that I am even able to attend SNC shows me how blessed I am. However, because of this, I have always been very interested in serving others to share the material possessions and God-given gifts I have with others. I hope that through serving others, I am able to show my support for social justice and work towards a more just and equal world for everyone.
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Chelsea Yang ’25
Chelsea Yang ’25
Biomedical Science (major), Spanish & Peace and Justice (minors)
During my first semester at SNC, I lost my footing on what it means to live a life that is true to me: that is rooted in my beliefs and values. I was so focused on studying and getting the grades I wanted that I had forgotten WHY I am studying to become a doctor, WHY I am here. I want to be a doctor to essentially help people who don't have access to medical care and because I truly love learning and asking hard questions in order to realize the root cause of problems. Being at SNC has helped me to truly ask and reflect on why I want to do what I want to do.
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