Michael L. and Nancy A. Hansen Student Awards
Michael L. and Nancy A. Hansen Student Leaders
In Memory of Rev. Jacob A. Smith, C.S.C.
With a very generous commitment from Mike (’73) and Nancy Hansen through the Hansen Family Foundation, we have established the Michael L. and Nancy A. Hansen Student in Memory of Rev. Jake Smith, C.S.C. Named for Mike’s uncle, who was instrumental in Mike’s decision to attend Notre Dame, financial awards totaling $25,000 are given annually to students whom we select because of their outstanding contribution to the Catholic mission of Notre Dame.
Rev. Jacob A. Smith, C.S.C. | October 2, 1925 – February 17, 1982
Father Smith entered Notre Dame (’53) following his service in the U.S. Navy. He received the religious habit at Sacred Heart Novitiate in 1950 and was ordained to the priesthood at Notre Dame on June 5, 1957. Never blind to God’s presence in the little things around him, Father Smith’s generosity and sensitivity to the needs of otahers were a source of inspiration to those who knew him – a theme that was underscored in the homily for his funeral delivered by Rev. Bill Neidhart, C.S.C.
“I chose the Gospel reading (Matthew 25:34-40) because it was such an integral part of Jacob’s real-life sermon. Jacob literally visited those in prison, whether it was the local jail, or the Michigan City prison. He literally fed the poor by personally taking food over to the homes of people who called for help. He literally gave shelter to the homeless when he was at Fatima Retreat Center when someone needed a place to stay for a night and there was an extra room available. He had a great concern for the sick, and visiting them was a high priority. He often volunteered to help out at St. Joseph hospitals in both South Bend and Mishawaka. He had a great compassion for the poor as his dedicated work as Diocesan Director of the Commission on Human Development, a Commission interested in Social Justice concerns, bore out. Even though Jacob was a rather shy person, no one was a stranger to him.”
In addition to teaching high school, working on the Fatima Retreat Center staff, and serving as religious superior, Father Smith was chaplain for Holy Cross Sisters, Saint Mary’s, and Holy Cross Brothers, Columba Hall, Notre Dame. He was also assistant director of Harvest House in South Bend and director of human development for the diocese of Fort Wane-South Bend. From 1978-1981 he was pastor of Holy Cross Parish and briefly associate pastor of St. Pius X parish in Granger. Father Smith died of cancer at 56 years old on February 17, 1982.
2022-23 Award Recipients
Michael Bender, '24
Michael Bender received the award as the Grand Knight of Notre Dame Knights of Columbus. This year the organization raised $62,000 for area charities, started a popular Round Table lecture series with Notre Dame professors, organized service trips to the Women's Care Center and Center for the Homeless and strengthened partnerships with Right to Life, the Militia Immaculata, and the de Nicola Center. Michael is a junior studying History. His is from Plano, Texas, where he attended John Paul II High School. In addition to his role with KoC, Michael is a member of Militia of the Immaculata,and Notre Dame Right to Life.
John Paul Butrus, '24
John Paul Butrus received the award as Co-President of Students for Child-Oriented Policy. This year SCOP hosted a de-transitioned woman, Trent Horn, White Ribbon Against Pornography Week, and a retreat for students with divorced parents and developed bi-partisan support in student government for installing a pornography filter at Notre Dame. John Paul is a junior studying Civil Engineering and Theology. He is from Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended Mountain Brook High School. In addition to his role with SCOP, John Paul is a member of the Knights of Columbus, ASCE (ND chapter), O'Neill Family Hall Government, and de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture.
Alexander Cattaneo, 23
Alexander Cattaneo received the award as the Co-President of Militia of the Immaculata. This year the organization hosted the first on-campus Marian Procession in years as well as the first Eucharistic Procession on campus in 10 years -- in addition to holding retreats and organizing a Marian Consecration. Alexander is a Senior studying History and Medieval Studies. He is from Winthrop, Massachusetts, where he attended St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. In addition to his role with MI, Alexander is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
W. Joseph DeReuil, '24
W. Joseph DeReuil received the award as the Editor-in-Chief of The Irish Rover. This year the paper has had the highest readership in its history and has published stories picked up by dozens of national publications, including National Catholic Register, the National Review, and Fox News. Joe is a junior studying Philosophy and Classics. He is from St Paul, Minnesota, where he attended Chesterton Academy of the Twin Cities. In addition to his role with The Rover, Joe is a member of SCOP and ISI.
Luke Dardis, 25
Luke Dardis received the award as President of Intercollegiate Studies Institute club at Notre Dame. This year the organization held a national conference on the intersection of natural law and American politics with students and speakers from five different universities that was streamed to a national audience and is being used in moral theology classes. Luke is a sophomore studying Classics. He is from Baton Rouge, Luisanna, where he attended Catholic High School, Baton Rouge. In addition to his role with ISI, Luke is a Sorin Fellow and a Tocqueville Fellow and a member of The Irish Rover, Right to Life, SCOP.
Merlot Fogarty, '24
Merlot Fogarty received the award as President of Notre Dame Right to Life. With 750 members, NDRtL is one of the largest student pro-live organizations in the nation and held more events this year than ever before. Merlot is a Junior studying Political Science and Theology. Her hometown is The Woodlands, Texas, where she attended Woodlands Prep. In addition to her role with NDRtL, Merlot is both a Tocqueville Fellow and a Sorin Fellow.
Kylie Gallegos, '24
Kylie Gallegos received the award as Co-President of Students for Child-Oriented Policy. This year SCOP hosted a de-transitioned woman, Trent Horn, White Ribbon Against Pornography Week, and a retreat for students with divorced parents and developed bi-partisan support in student government for installing a pornography filter at Notre Dame. Kylie is a junior studying American Studies and Theology. She is from Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she attended Stillwater High School. In addition to her role with SCOP, Kylie is a member of Right to Life, and deNicola Center for Ethics and Culture.
Elizabeth Jasek, 23
Elizabeth Jasek received the award as Co-President of BeLoved Women's Discernment Community. This year the organization hosted its third annual discernment retreat as well as a women’s talk on Healing Female Sexuality in a Pornographic World by Rachael Killackey of Magdala Ministries. It also began weekly meetings to pray with Scripture together. Elizabeth is a senior studying Science Preprofessional Studies. She is from Dayton, Ohio, where she attended Archbishop Alter High School. In addition to her role with BeLoved, Elizabeth is a Sorin Fellow and a member of Magnificat Choir and NDRt.
Matthew Hansen, '25
Matthew Hansen received the award as Co-President of Militia of the Immaculata. This year the organization hosted the first on-campus Marian Procession in years as well as the first Eucharistic Procession on campus in 10 years -- in addition to holding retreats and organizing a Marian Consecration. Matthew is a sophomore studying Business Analytics. He is from Shelton, Connecticut where he attended Fairfield Prep. IN addition to his role with MI, Matthew is also a member of the Knights of Columbus
Catherine LaPorte, '24
Catherine LaPorte received the award as Co-President of BeLoved Women’s Discernment Community. This year the organization hosted its third annual discernment retreat as well as a women’s talk on Healing Female Sexuality in a Pornographic World by Rachael Killackey of Magdala Ministries. It also began weekly meetings to pray with Scripture together. Catherine is a junior studying Theology and Spanish. She is from Holland, Michigan, where she attended Zeeland West High School. In addition to her role with BeLoved, Catherine is a Sorin Fellow and a member of Right to Life, SCOP, Militia Immaculata, Campus Ministry, and McGrath Institute for Church Life.
Gavriella Aviva Lund, 23
Gavriella Aviva Lund received the award as Co-founder and President of Network of Enlightened Women at Notre Dame. This year the organization Co-hosted ISI's Natural Law and American Order national conference, SCS's monthly Faith-Science talks with visiting scientists and theologians, Career Center’s personal finance 101 workshop, and a Valentine’s Day of service as well as hosted Abigail Favale for a discussion on womanhood and femininity, Aviva is a Senior studying Neuroscience and Behavior. She is from Purchase, New York, where she attended Kolbe Academy. In addition to her role with NeW, Aviva is a Basilica reader and a member of SCOP, Right to Life, University Folk Choir, Beloved, and Spikeball Club.
Christian Quilon, 24
Christian Quilon received the award as President of Totus Tuus. This year the organization increased attendance at EXALT adoration nights and developed a culture of worship on campus. Christian is a junior studying Political Science and Theology. He is from Sayreville, New Jersy, where he attended Sayreville War Memorial High School. In addition to his role with Totus Tuus, Chrisitan is a member of Campus Ministry and RecSports.
Hannah Smith, '24
Hannah Smith received the award as President of idND which holds the annual Edith Stein Conference. This year the organization started an initiative to donate half of all conference proceeds to St. Margaret's House in South Bend. Hannah is a junior studying PLS (supplemental major in Theology and minor in Chinese). She is from Parker, Colorado, where she attended Regis Jesuit High School. In addition to her role with idND, Hannah is a Sorin Fellow and a member of Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company, Center for Social Concerns, Campus Ministry as a Godparent/Confirmation sponsor, and editorial intern for the Religion and Literature Journal.
Amanda Waelde, '24
Amanda Waelde received the award as President of Society of Catholic Scientists Chapter at Notre Dame, which started in fall of 2022 with speaker events on faith and science held on the first Saturday of each month preceded by Mass. Amanda is a junior studying Biological Sciences. She is from New Orleans, Louisiana, where she attended Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. In addition to her role with SCS, she is a member of Magnificat Choir, Biology Senior Leadership Committee, and Notre Dame Right to Life.
Buddy Williams, '24
Buddy Williams received the award as Children of Mary President. This year the organization celebrated its 30th year at Notre Dame and consistently filled Lady Chapel for Immaculate Conception Vespers and Candlemas Compline. Buddy is a junior studying Mechanical Engineering. He is from Sugar Land, Texas, where he attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. In addition to his role with Children of Mary, Buddy is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.