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Faith and identity are driving forces for Marwa Abdullah, recipient of the 2025 St. Catherine Medal for excellence in academic achievement and service.

“My social justice work at Dominican is strongly backed by my Muslim identity,” she says. “I make an intentional effort to engage and teach the community about my culture and identity and clear up the ignorance I grew up facing.”

Marwa works to promote understanding through campus events like World Hijab Day or by simply engaging in conversation with classmates and professors to encourage learning and discussion.

Academically, she pursues the study of Black Islamic scholarship and, for her Schmitt Scholar project, developed a website showcasing its history. She is also the co-creator of “The Cry of the Diaspora” and “Joys of the Diaspora,” campus programs that shine a light on Black oppression and Black celebration, respectively, around the world.

“I have an acute understanding that there is no other school that will give me the experience, the community or the space to raise my voice the way Dominican has,” Marwa says.