ST. JOSEPH -- College of St. Benedict President, Mary Dana Hinton is being honored by the first higher education institution she attended.

Williams College, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is awarding Hinton with their Bicentennial Medal. Hinton is a 1992 graduate of Williams College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.

Five recipients are chosen each year for the medal by the Executive Committee of the Society of Alumni and Williams College President.

The committee says Hinton is being recognized for "her passion for educational equity" which is "reflected in her commitment to ensuring underrepresented students have access to a liberal arts education."

Hinton took over as the President of St. Ben's just over three years ago. Since she's been president, Hinton has worked on initiatives that support diversity, first generation students and underrepresented students.

In January of this year, $10 million was given as a gift to the college. Hinton played a critical role in making sure those funds went to help young women develop leadership skills as well as help financially support women who are looking to study aboard, start an internship and many other learning opportunities.

Hinton will officially be presented with the Bicentennial Medal during Williams College's Convocation ceremony on September 15 in Massachusetts.

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