She thinks she first heard it said by a Sister of the Holy Cross, but Catherine “Cat” Michels Cleary ’12 is not certain. Ask the questions that have no right to go away. She immediately put the phrase to paper as she often does with words that inspire. It has become her personal motto.

Catherine "Cat" Cleary '12
Catherine "Cat" Cleary '12

“Questions that have no right to go away are those that beckon us to pay attention to things we would rather ignore,” says Cleary. “In response to them, we often say we’re too busy, don’t have enough time, or they’re not our problem. I interpret this statement with a gendered lens, as I do my whole life. These questions for me have to do with power dynamics, equality, social class, social norms, and sexuality.”

With societal issues in mind and an incredible history of activism, Cleary has stepped into the appointed role of student representative on the Saint Mary’s College Board of Trustees. She joins four new members who were elected at the board’s spring meeting. Terms started in June. The other members are William W. Cushwa, Gretchen A. Flicker ’93, Patricia Wiedner Purcell ’69 and David L. Taiclet. Click for a press release about the new board members, departing trustees, and re-elected members.

Cleary, a native of Fridley, Minnesota, says her eyes were first opened to “the impact that race, age, and class have on the lives of women” after she participated as a first-year student in a program through the College’s Office for Civic and Social Engagement. She and four other students went to Indianapolis to learn about women’s issues in urban environments, and listen to speakers on issues that included sexual assault, human trafficking, and teen homelessness. They visited shelters for abused women, the Indiana Women’s Prison, and Girls Inc. of Indianapolis, whose mission is to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Inspired by that experience—and by her grandmother, Audrey Cleary, who served several terms in the North Dakota State Legislature, and no less by her parents and Catholic educators, Julie Michels and Paul Cleary, who nurtured her feminist beliefs and the importance of a faith-filled life of service—Cleary set about preparing herself for a future in public service. Under the Women’s Studies (WOST) program, she sought a student-designed major that focuses on public policy, law, power, and privilege. Cleary also tailored her learning approach beyond the classroom to become educated firsthand on the complex legal and social issues women face.

By example of her work, volunteering, full-time classroom studies, and internship experiences, Cleary serves as an inspiration to those who believe there isn’t enough time to pay attention to social problems or to help solve them. This summer, Cleary is an intern with the Indiana Coalition against Sexual Assault (INCASA) in Indianapolis, an organization dedicated to eradicating sexual assault.

Cleary admits her involvement in so many activities tests her ability to balance her commitments. But, “it is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “I’m at a point in my life where each day I find myself interested in a new career, but I find they all revolve around my desire to advocate for women, in the nonprofit sector. I also plan on running for public office in the future.”

The trustee position should give her plenty of experience in holding office and will provide Cleary an opportunity to serve the College that has done much for her. “Saint Mary’s has helped me by fulfilling my spiritual and academic needs, by challenging my commitment to serving others and most importantly, by giving me room to grow,” she says.