May 18, 2025
The Sister Mary Frances Warde Award is the highest award conferred each year to the graduate who transferred to—or had a gap in attendance while at—Mount Mercy and best exemplifies our university mission in how they reflect, engage, serve, and live a purposeful life during their time here. The award is named for Sister Mary Frances Warde, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in America in 1843.
Kristina is a non-traditional student who arrived at Mount Mercy after getting her associates degree. Kristina is an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, and has been a keynote and guest speaker on more than 100 stages, working to educate and inform those around her. Her love of literature and poetry led to her involvement in the PAHA review for three years, including one year as editor. As one of many non-residential students, she also formed the Commuter Club.
One nominator said of Kristina “I often found myself impressed not only at her highly skilled teaching, but also at the care and heart that was infused in her interactions with students as she met their learning needs with dignity. Kristina's future students are blessed that she will be their teacher. She will make enormous and important impacts in our schools.”
Kristina is firmly rooted in her Christian faith and embodies the phrase “love your neighbor.”
Congratulations, Kristina!