Kimberly Hayes – "Caldwell College is the Whole Package"
When Kimberly Hayes was a freshman at Caldwell College, she started a list of everything she got involved in on campus. She never could have imagined how long that list would grow. "My life went so far beyond the books here," the 2009 graduate said. "I wouldn't be the same person today without the opportunities I had to learn, grow, and live."
Among those opportunities were some amazing trips. During Winter and Spring Breaks she was part of a team of Caldwell College students who traveled to Appalachia and eastern Kentucky to repair the homes of families in need, dramatically changing the lives of those families. Kimberly also took part in the Summer Study Program in Fanjeaux, France, the place where St. Dominic founded the Dominican Order. During this trip, she got the chance to study Dominican vision and intellectual tradition alongside students, faculty, and staff from other Catholic Dominican colleges.
Back on campus, during her senior year, Kimberly was selected as a student representative on the Presidential Search Committee that conducted the search for the eighth president of Caldwell College. At the same time, she served as a Resident Assistant, held Student Life leadership positions, and volunteered for community service at local soup kitchens, tutoring programs, high school retreats, and a nearby senior citizen community. All the while she kept her GPA high enough to be inducted into several Honor Societies.
How did she manage such a busy schedule? "You make time for what means a lot to you. Without determination and commitment, it is impossible to juggle it all." She also gives credit to the organization and time management skills she learned at Caldwell College, as well as the faculty and staff. "There were always people to go to," she said of their availability and willingness to help.
Kimberly's accomplishments earned her several awards at the 2009 Honors convocation. She received the Leadership in Ministry Award for outstanding service and witness to Campus Ministry; the Trustee Recognition Award for developing and sharing her gifts and Christian values in a singular way; and The Kappa Gamma Pi St. Catherine of Alexandria Medal in honor of her leadership and service representing the high ideals of a Catholic College Education.
Kimberly is now moving on to pursue her dream of becoming a high school art teacher. But she will never forget the experiences and people who made her time here so unique and rewarding. The close-knit community, diverse student population, extra-curricular activities, and involved faculty and staff are among the many reasons Caldwell College exceeded her every expectation. As she says, "Caldwell College is the whole package."