Danielle Brown Named 2021 Catherine McAuley Award Winner

Catherine McAuley, the Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, exemplified in her life the unique ability of one person, with vision and dedication, to impact society for good in a lasting and effective manner. Catherine McAuley's personal belief that "one person can make a difference" animates all those touched by her influence as it is passed on through Mercy Institutions.

To encourage this spirit of Mercy, Gwynedd Mercy University awards one graduate each year the distinguished Catherine McAuley Award in recognition of the student's spirit of service, dedication to Christian values, and generosity in contributing to the good of others.

For 2021, Danielle Brown was chosen as GMercyU's Catherine McAuley award winner.

Danielle is graduating in May with her degree in Biology with minors in chemistry, psychology, and microbiology. She was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to her parents Jennifer and Everton Brown, but was raised not too far away from GMercyU in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania.

Throughout her time at GMercyU, Danielle has assumed various leadership positions, including becoming the president of the Student Activities Committee, the treasurer of the Student Government Association, and the treasurer of the Student Association of Science, while also being an active member of the E-STEM program and the Sigma Phi Sigma honor society. Beyond that, Danielle has also conducted neurobiology research under Gwynedd Mercy University professor Dr. Justin McClain.

Outside of GMercyU, Danielle spends most of her time learning about new cultures and languages, thus far learning to speak both German and Korean, and volunteering in her community. She often dedicates large portions of her summer spending time at inner-city children programs, Manna on Main, and at her church: Bethel Deliverance International Church.

After graduation, Danielle is planning on pursuing a career in medicine and aims to become a pediatrician.