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Henry, D'Incognito named Monmouth College's women of the year

Students are from Illinois communities of Harmon and Island Lake

Monmouth, Ill. (05/14/2025) — Monmouth College's Tau Pi chapter of Mortar Board - a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for scholarship, leadership and service - named Maddy Henry of Harmon, Illinois, the Senior Woman of the Year and Ella D'Incognito of Island Lake, Illinois, the Freshman Woman of the Year.

Women of the Year

Both Henry and D'Incognito have similar academic and cocurricular resumes. They've both conducted undergraduate research - some through the college's SOFIA program - and presented it at conferences, including the ILLOWA Undergraduate Psychology research conference. They've also been teaching assistants, with Henry handling topics as diverse as statistics and psychology, and D'Incognito being given the task in her first year on campus, which is "uncommon" for a freshman. Their nominators both praised their high levels of scholarship, leadership and service.

"Maddy Henry is a gifted student natural leader - confident, driven and selfless - who elevates those around her, (and her) academic achievements are remarkable," wrote her nominator. "As a junior, she completed her senior thesis, 'Conservatism, Religiosity, and Attitudes Toward Abortion,' which she has presented at multiple conferences. This year, she conducted research on the relation between sports gambling and counterfactual thought generation."

Henry also secured substantial grant and scholarship funding, reflecting both her academic excellence and her ability to earn institutional support for her research endeavors. As the leader of the Peer Mental Health Educators, she has organized wellness events and provided peer support through listening hours. Additionally, she played a key role in the psychology department's septennial review and a faculty search, working directly with administrators and faculty members.

A psychology and classics double major, D'Incognito "is among the very best in her class, consistently demonstrating a deep understanding of complex material and an ability to think critically," wrote her nominator. "Her intellectual engagement and enthusiasm for learning set her apart, making her a leader among her peers. She is inquisitive, thoughtful and always eager to take on challenging academic discussions, contributing meaningfully to the learning environment."

This year, D'Incognito conducted independent research in classics in which she trained AI to simulate participants and data from ancient cultures.

"She is deeply engaged in intellectual inquiry and mentorship, balancing rigorous coursework with meaningful contributions to the academic community," added her nominator. "Ella D'Incognito is an exceptional first-year student whose intellectual curiosity, leadership and dedication to service embody the spirit of Mortar Board."

Media Attachments

Maddy Henry of Harmon, Illinois, is Monmouth's Senior Woman of the Year

Ella D'Incognito of Island Lake, Illinois, is Monmouth's Freshman Woman of the Year.

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