May 12, 2000

Commencement top award winners

Loyola presented Ansel Augustine of Coppell, Texas, with the Charles H. Bailey, Alpha Delta Gamma Award and Amber Ramanauskas of Metuchen, New Jersey with the John G. Arnold, Cardinal Key Awards on Saturday, May 13, during its 89th annual commencement ceremony in the Marquette Horseshoe. More than 323 students received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university during the ceremony.

Augustine received a bachelor of arts in sociology. He has dedicated his time at Loyola to strengthening his commitment to social justice and his faith. He has volunteered as a teacher at McNair Elementary School and served as a mentor to Hispanic kids living in New Orleans housing developments through his membership in the Loyola University Community Action Program (LUCAP). Augustine also has worked on various programs to help the underprivileged throughout the New Orleans area. For example, he participated in a project that was designed to distribute sandwiches to the homeless.

In 1997, Augustine was presented with the prestigious Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Service Award for his service to LUCAP. He also was the recipient of the September 1997 Student of the Month award. This award is given to those students who exemplify the characteristics of the Jesuit tradition of education, rooted in the development of the whole person.

Augustine's peers and teachers agree that he is truly "a man for others whose heart goes out to all people." Augustine modestly states, "People have always helped me and I feel it is my duty to give something back to the community."

The Charles H. Bailey, Alpha Delta Gamma Award recognizes an outstanding male graduate who, in the tradition of Jesuit learning, embodies the characteristics of high academic achievement, demonstrates personal integrity, has an active involvement in the co-curricular life of the university, and tempers critical awareness with genuine social commitment.

Ramanauskas received a bachelor of arts in English writing and a minor in women's studies, and she plans to serve in the Jesuit Volunteer Corp after graduation.

Those who nominated Ramanauskas for the award speak of her unwavering commitment to both academics and social justice. She was fiction editor of Revisions magazine, a member of the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta, played for the Croquet Society, received varsity letters in both crew and tennis, and won the Athletic Scholar Award in 1998. She also has been on the Dean's List since fall of 1997.

In addition to her academic success, all agree that it is Ramanauskas' deep commitment to social justice that makes her an "amazing individual." She served as special affairs chair for LUCAP, was project chair of the Best Buddies Program, tutored 2nd through 6th graders in math and reading at the Our Lady of Lourdes Center, and currently serves as the chair of LUCAP. Ramanauskas says her involvement in LUCAP has taught her "the importance of personal relationships and compassion. I have discovered the beauty of Ignatian spirituality: finding God in all people and things." In addition, her tireless devotion in helping the underprivileged became even more evident when she co-founded the Loyola University Students Against Sweatshops (LUSAS), an organization dedicated to educating college students, faculty, and staff about unfair labor practices.

Her outstanding commitment to social justice was lauded in 1999 when she was recognized as one of the university's most influential students. Of her perfect blending of faith, social responsibility, and devotion to justice, one peer writes, "Amber's dedication and energy never seems to end. She is truly the best kind of leader because she provides a perfect example of what a life of service should be, expecting nothing in return."

The John G. Arnold Cardinal Key Award recognizes an outstanding female graduate who, in the tradition of Jesuit learning, embodies the characteristics of high academic achievement, demonstrates personal integrity, has an active involvement in the co-curricular life of the university, and tempers critical awareness with genuine social commitment.

Faye Felterman, A'00 Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications