Balancing It All with the Help of the Hakim Scholarship

Loliana “Loli” Morales ’26 isn’t someone who backs down from a challenge. A Sociology and Political Science major, she thrives on being busy, juggling a packed schedule that most would find overwhelming.

“I’m an RA, I’m on the women’s soccer team, and I’m on two E-boards,” Loli said. “I’m also part of the Superfans Club, the EC Fitness Club, and the JED Campus Task Force. And I went on Alternative Spring Break the last two years.”

Even with her calendar brimming with responsibilities, Loli eagerly took on another endeavor this past summer: the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Oral History Project, a research initiative documenting the legacy of the women who founded Emmanuel College more than 100 years ago.

The opportunity was made possible by the Hakim Family Endowed Summer Science Research Scholarship, which supports students participating in Emmanuel's Summer Science Research program. The Scholarship was established by Dr. Raymond Hakim in honor of his late wife, Catherine McLaughlin Hakim '70, a Sociology major who passed away in 1992. For Loli, the scholarship provided her financial support and the opportunity to dive into a project that broadened her perspective on the world.

“The Hakim Scholarship has been life-changing for me,” Loli said. “It was such a relief to not have to worry about money over the summer,” Loli said. “I was able to focus entirely on the project and learn so much. Beyond the financial part, it’s about feeling like someone believes in me and is investing in my future.”

Bringing Stories to Light

As part of the Oral History Project team, Loli worked on a chapter titled Empowerment Allies, which examines how the Sisters have championed agency, access to resources, and achievement in marginalized communities across the globe.

The research centers on the interplay between the Sisters and the communities they serve. Loli and her team have explored how the Sisters empower those in need while also being transformed by their experiences in these regions.

“We’ve interviewed Sisters who have worked in places like Brazil and Congo,” Loli explained. “We’re focusing on the international aspect to understand how these communities have impacted the Sisters and vice versa. It’s incredible to see how their work has created lasting change.”

For Loli, the Oral History Project wasn’t simply documenting history—it was about preserving the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. “We want to capture spirit of the Sisters—their resilience, their faith, and their dedication to service," she explained. "Listening to their stories was humbling and inspiring, and it reminded me why I chose Emmanuel in the first place: to be part of a community that values purpose and connection.”

Balancing a Full Schedule

For Loli, the Oral History Project was just one piece of an already packed schedule. As an RA, a student-athlete, and a leader in multiple clubs, she’s mastered the art of multitasking.

“It was definitely overwhelming at first,” she admitted. “I had to learn how to manage my time differently and prioritize things in a way I hadn’t before. But I loved being part of something so meaningful.”

Her work on the project deepened her connection to Emmanuel’s faculty, especially Professor of Sociology Dr. Katrin Križ, who worked closely with her.

“Dr. Križ was so supportive,” Loli said. “She gave me a lot of freedom to make decisions, but I always knew she was there if I needed help. It made me feel like I was capable of more than I realized.”

As a junior, Loli is already thinking about how her experiences at Emmanuel will shape her future. Whether it’s graduate school, advocacy work, or a new challenge yet to be discovered, she feels prepared to handle it all.

“Being at Emmanuel has taught me how to balance so many things and still put my best into everything I do,” she said. “This summer showed me that I can handle whatever comes my way.”

With her relentless drive and her ever-growing confidence, Loli is making the most of her Emmanuel experience—one responsibility, one story, and one opportunity at a time.