Sister Simone Campbell (MSMU ’69) Receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Congratulations to Mount Saint Mary's University alumna Sister Simone Campbell ’69 for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor!

Sister Campbell is a longtime advocate for economic justice and healthcare policy. She is a member of the Sisters of Social Service and former Executive Director of NETWORK, a Catholic social justice organization.

For nearly 50 years as a nun and an attorney, she has led organizations that provide free legal services to the poor and advocate for workers and immigrants.

She’s credited for guiding the “Nuns on the Bus” tour, which was instrumental in getting the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010.

"She's the embodiment of a covenant of trust, hope and progress of our nation. And I'm happy to call her my friend," President Biden said during the ceremony.

"We are thrilled to see Sister Campbell recognized with the nation's highest civilian honor for her longtime leadership advancing social justice in this country," said Ann McElaney-Johnson, PhD, president of Mount Saint Mary's University. 

The honor is “presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” a statement by the White House reads.

Among this year's 17 honorees were actor Denzel Washington, gymnast Simone Biles, and the late senator John McCain.