Mary Kocev ’24, a nursing major from York, Maine, has been selected as the Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B., Scholar for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The award is presented annually to an incoming senior, and provides a full tuition scholarship for the student’s final year at Saint Anselm College. Holmes Scholars show concern for and work to provide assistance to others, demonstrate leadership potential, and actively participate in the life of the college.
“When I think about the person I want to be, I imagine someone who is kind, someone people can go to with questions or for advice, but also someone who realizes that they don't know everything and never stops asking questions,” said Kocev. “These are some of the qualities the Fr. Bernard Holmes Award celebrates. Being recognized in this way is especially meaningful to me because it reminds me that my time here at Saint Anselm has set me on track to becoming the person I want to be.“
Kocev is an active member of campus ministry, participating in the Justice in Action Anselmian BREAK experience, playing the violin for Praise and Worship, and serving as the student wedding assistant. She’s also a peer tutor and involved with Respect the Nest.
“Mary has become a leader at Saint Anselm College and beyond, not because of the title or as a resume building opportunity – but because it is inherently a part of Mary to serve and to give,” wrote former campus minister Jocelyn Raho in her nomination letter. “As she assesses the needs of our greater community she is working to invite even more Anselmians to serve with her. This is what we can only hope for all of our Anselmians – to take their knowledge, skill, faith and heart and use them to give back to the world around us.”
Over the summer Kocev completed her preceptorship at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, N.H., on the float pool. She also worked at an assisted living facility to support people with dementia. After graduation next spring, Kocev plans to become a hospice nurse.
Dr. Favazza and Chancellor Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B., presented Kocev with a certificate in recognition of her award during the college's opening Mass on August 28, 2023 in the Abbey Church. The scholarship was established through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Davison, in memory of Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B., former president of the college.