Ana Aguirre FB’25 and Jaheim McKie FB’25, members of ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ Bellarmine’s first graduating class, were honored at this year’s Student Achievement Awards ceremony held at the Dolan School of Business on Monday, March 31.
Ana Aguirre FB’25 and Jaheim McKie FB’25 are the first-ever recipients of ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ's Romero Award, which recognizes students in the associate’s degree program who exemplify the spirit of a Catholic, Jesuit education through academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.
The award is named after of El Salvador, a martyred hero of faith, justice, and peace who was canonized in 2018.
Aguirre and McKie were selected for the Romero Award from a remarkable pool of Bellarmine classmates nominated by faculty, staff, and students. Aguirre was cited for her high academic achievements while also serving as a Humanitarian Action fellow and a Community-Engaged Research fellow in the Center for Social Impact. As the ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ Bellarmine program launched, she played a key role in strengthening her classmates’ social network while acting as a bridge-builder between ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ’s North Benson and Bellarmine campuses. Active in volunteer projects and Campus Ministry, Aguirre described herself as a spiritual person who felt called by God to ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ Bellarmine.
“At the time, I didn't know why, but after seeing how beautiful the campus was and how beautifully the faculty and administration treated everyone, I was inspired to pursue my degree at ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ Bellarmine," Aguirre said. “The dedication that the staff puts into their work is incredibIe; I feel like receiving this award shows what they did for me — their actions and their support — that’s what this award represents to me.”
McKie is the founder of Brothers of Bellarmine, a group that promotes mentorship, support, and community among male students. He too demonstrated high academic commitment while participating in campus leadership roles and club sports. Known for his vibrant personality and his willingness to help others, McKie has been actively involved in the Black Student Union, contributing to initiatives that amplify Black voices and support cultural awareness. Among nominees for the Romero award, McKie stood out for creating spaces of belonging and encouragement, embodying the spirit of service, leadership, and justice celebrated by the Romero Award. “What makes receiving the award so meaningful is the recognition of hard work and dedication,” said McKie. “It signifies that the time, effort, and challenges I've faced have been worthwhile and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence as I move forward in my academic and career journey.”
McKie and Aguirre will receive their associate’s degrees alongside their ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ Bellarmine classmates at Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May 15. In the fall, both students plan to continue their ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ education towards bachelor’s degrees – in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business for McKie, and in the College of Arts and Sciences for Aguirre, who has chosen to major in psychology.
"I think that Bellarmine shaped my academic and career goals by forcing me to practice more critical thinking and step out of my world, 'my little box,' to think more about other cultures, other beliefs, and other ideas," said Aguirre. "It's what led me to have a greater love for psychology and has inspired me to hopefully work toward my master's and maybe a PhD."
Reflecting on his two years at ÍâÍøÁÔÆæ Bellarmine, McKie said, “As the first-ever graduating class, we have witnessed the program's growth and evolution, and it's been an exciting journey.” He noted the importance building strong relationships with professors and peers, “because those connections will be invaluable throughout your academic and career journey.”
