2019 Hellinger Award Winner-
Michael Clare Nelson

Michael Clare Nelson of Newport News, Virginia, earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in environmental studies in 2019.

While at St. Bonaventure, her personal experience recovering from an eating disorder led her to report on and write about mental health and body image issues. In her blog, “The Mind Comes Too,” she explores the nuances of eating disorders and their impacts on friends, family and self.

She sharpened what she learned in the classroom by contributing significantly to TAPinto Greater Olean, a local news site directed by Dr. Rich Lee and lecturer Anne Lee.

A natural sense of adventure, devotion to service and love of cycling moved Michael to participate in a cross-country cycling trip with Bike and Build during the summer of 2018. Bike and Build is an organization devoted to raising awareness of the need for affordable housing. As part of that program, Michael rode 4,000 miles coast to coast with 23 other riders and helped build 11 homes with local affordable housing groups.

A love of mental, physical, and social health motivated Nelson to pursue a master’s degree in health and medical journalism at the University of Georgia.

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