After an offseason filled with giving back, rising junior Madeline Menkhaus is being recognized on a national stage.
This week, Menkhaus was honored as the spring winner of the Under Armour 25 X 25 Collegiate Challenge, which is a community engagement contest amongst student-athletes at the following universities: Auburn, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Texas Tech and Utah.
Throughout the season, the student-athletes sign up for and record their service hours through an app called Helper Helper, which includes the option to upload photos, goals, surveys, event management, messaging, service transcripts and reporting. The app provides regular updates to the schools and student-athletes throughout the service period.
Menkhaus did a chunk of her community service over spring break. As a member of the Notre Dame chapter of Global Medical Brigades, which is part of an international movement of students and medical professionals who travel to rural areas to deliver health to those with limited or no access, the then-sophomore traveled to a remote area of Panama. Menkhaus helped set up health clinics in a local school that provide physicals to people of all ages and access to certain pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Menkhaus helped with an informational center where the group educated the people of Panama on potentially life-saving hygiene practices like clean water safety.
The trip was funded entirely by donations and numerous fundraising efforts.
“For many, this was their first time receiving medical attention,” Menkhaus said while reflecting on the experience. “As a result of the trip, I have had the opportunity to see the real-life impact that student volunteers can make in someone’s life, and it has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare.”
As a result of her efforts, Menkhaus will receive a $1,000 scholarship for this upcoming school year.