Carolyn Weir, a Program of Liberal Studies and theology double major from Greensburg, Pa., has been named valedictorian of the University of Notre Dame’s 2001 graduating class and will deliver the valedictory address during Commencement exercises May 20. Weir is among the University’s top-ranked seniors and also will serve as a flag bearer at Commencement.p. President Bush will be the principal speaker at Notre Dame’s 156th Commencement, and organized labor advocate Monsignor George C. Higgins will receive the Laetare Medal, the University’s highest honor and the oldest and most prestigious award given to American Catholics.p. Weir achieved a 3.95 grade point average and was a member of the Dean’s List each semester. She transferred to Notre Dame in 1998 after completing her first year at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., where she also made the Dean’s List.p. After graduation, Weir will work for the U.S. Catholic Conference as an education research associate, focusing on public policy issues related to Catholic schools.p. A resident assistant this year in Breen-Phillips Hall, Weir has been involved in a variety of religious activities at Notre Dame. She was a member of the Notre Dame Folk Choir for three years, serving as copresident this year and as the group’s tour coordinator as a sophomore and junior. She also was a Notre Dame Encounter participant and later served as a team leader.p. Weir’s volunteer service has included work at the Center for the Homeless, Logan Center and the Martin Luther King Center in South Bend.p. Weir is the daughter of John and Nancy Weir of Greensburg. She was covaledictorian at Greensburg Central Catholic High School with Brian O’Donoghue, who served this year as Notre Dame’s student body president.p.
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