Award: Jane Addams

Named for the sociologist and social activist who co-founded the Hull House and was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1931. Awarded to a graduating senior with an outstanding record as a Sociology major.

Taylor Welsh

Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: General & Sociology

Honors

Summa Cum Laude
bell hooks
Jane Addams

Hometown

Walnut Creek, California

Award Bio

Taylor Welsh is a Sociology and Justice, Community, Leadership double major. Taylor views her time at Saint Mary's as a unique opportunity to cultivate her understanding of praxis-based approaches to social change. As a result, she has concentrated primarily on criminal justice reform in her sociological research. At Saint Mary’s, she co-founded the SMC Sustainability Blog as a Sustainability intern, which provided her with the opportunity to attend Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Conference; worked on the 4+1 Master's in Leadership Committee; and was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society. Additionally, Taylor serves as vice president of the Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society and is a Guyette Leadership Fellow. Upon graduating, Taylor hopes to pursue a career in the nonprofit industry to work in animal welfare and species conservation.

My Greatest Supporters

My mom, who has always helped me through the ups and downs in life and has been my role model. My dad, who has inspired me to persevere through hardships. My partner, Izzy Diaz, who supports me in everything I do and always believes in me. My family - Stew, Cole, Kai, Sydney, Abby, and Andrew - who always make me laugh and have a place for me at the table.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

In my first semester at Saint Mary's, I met who is now my partner of three years in my first seminar class. I couldn't be more thankful for being placed in the same class as him and will never forget Professor Jessie Turner's Seminar 01!

My Next Chapter

After graduating, I plan to pursue a career in the non-profit industry. I am passionate about animal welfare, species conservation, and prison/legal reform and hope to focus my work in these interests. For the following year, I have accepted a position with MyEd Prep, a high school preparation and college advising company. In the future, I am interested in pursuing a PhD in Sociology!

Clubs and Activities

Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society
Alpha Kappa Delta Sociological Honor Society Inductee
Guyette Leadership Fellow
SMC Sustainability Blog Co-Founder
Climate Reality Leadership Campus Corps Co-Director
Dean's Academic List Member

Favorite Quote

"I want to do something splendid... I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all, some day."
— Louisa May Alcott