Ada Krueger receives the St. Scholastica Leadership Award

At The College of St. Scholastica, student leadership encompasses many things, including creating an environment where everyone can excel. While Ada Krueger ’26 earned a BS in Nursing and a minor in Gerontology, she made that mission her defining college experience. This commitment to her fellow Saints, as well as living the Benedictine values, also earned her the St. Scholastica Leadership Award.

A 90-year tradition of excellence

The St. Scholastica Leadership Award represents a long and meaningful history at the College. The tradition dates back to 1937, when students identified nine ideals they believed best represented what it meant to be a “St. Scholastican.” The College officially established the award in 1962 to recognize students who embody those ideals through intellectual leadership, service to others, and a commitment to Benedictine values.

Elevating academic support on campus

Krueger’s academic accomplishments are impressive, but what stands out most is how she uses her abilities to help others succeed. During her time on campus, she has served as a Teacher’s Assistant for a Dignitas course, guided peers as a supplemental instruction instructor for nursing chemistry across six semesters, and facilitated hundreds of individual tutoring appointments. In just one semester alone, Krueger hosted an extraordinary 186 one-on-one student sessions.

She also leaves behind a legacy that will serve students long after she graduates. Following her sophomore year, Krueger worked extensively with professional staff to transition the tutoring center into the Saints Learning Commons. Stepping into the role of Lead Academic Guide, she trained her peers, established a data-tracking system, designed 15 time-management tip templates, and authored the campus Stall Street Journals.

Living the value of hospitality

Beyond the Saints Learning Commons, Krueger spent three years mentoring incoming first-year students as a Welcome Weekend Delta Leader and building community through theater and choir. For Krueger, all of these roles trace back to the Catholic Benedictine tradition of hospitality.

“Hospitality means providing students with a place where they feel heard and have a sense of belonging,” Krueger said. She noted that even a small sense of belonging can shift a student’s perspective and willingness to seek help.

Senior Vice President and Provost Ryan Sandefer praised Krueger’s deep understanding of this value. “It is evident that you have not simply learned that value at St. Scholastica; you have practiced it,” Sandefer wrote to Krueger in her award letter. “You have strengthened the academic experience of countless students, helped build programs that will endure beyond your own time here, and demonstrated the kind of thoughtful, humble, values-centered leadership we hope a St. Scholastica education inspires.”