At the 2025 Alumnae Senior Luncheon, one name stood out with resounding clarity: Ruby Jansen ’25. Known within the Marian community for her quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering sense of purpose, Ruby was honored as this year’s Distinguished Alumna of Tomorrow. 

Established by the Marian Alumnae Association in 2012, the Distinguished Alumna of Tomorrow Award recognizes a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional character, leadership, faith, and service. Selected through faculty and staff nominations, this honor celebrates the student who best embodies the values of a Marian education and is poised to make a meaningful impact in the world beyond the school’s walls. 

Ruby’s nomination letters overflowed with praise—not just for her academic success, but for her spirit of selfless service, resilience, and humility. Ruby is known for consistently showing up for others. This year, she was instrumental in leading the senior retreat and took the initiative to support underclass retreats as well—offering encouragement, guidance, and care to her peers. Her ability to connect with others and create a welcoming, supportive space speaks volumes about her quiet strength and intentional leadership. 

Ruby’s leadership extends well beyond retreats. She has served as Varsity Basketball Captain and Senior Football Captain, and she will bring that same determination and team spirit to the University of Michigan this fall, where she will compete as a collegiate rower. At Marian, Ruby served as the President and Co-Founder of the Marian Football Club and the Editor-in-Chief of Mind and Heart magazine. As Head of the Writing and Research Team for the Marian Mindset Project, she has helped shape meaningful conversations within the school community. 

An accomplished scholar, Ruby is a four-year Catholic All-Scholastic and the recipient of both the Kerry Kerby Memorial Scholarship and the Sister Lenore M. Pochelski Scholarship. Her academic excellence is matched by a tireless commitment to service. Ruby has volunteered for more than two years as a kindergarten Sunday school teacher, brings compassion to her work as a volunteer on a nursing unit at Beaumont Hospital, and supports teens in crisis through her involvement with Wish Upon a Teen. 

Her spirit of service extended globally during a life-changing immersion and mission trip to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. There, she served with humility and dedication—helping build homes, organizing supplies, and forming bonds with local families. Those who traveled with her recall her remarkable empathy and willingness to ensure that every person she encountered felt seen and valued. 

One faculty member shared, “Ruby is a model of hard work and dedication. Her academic success is impressive, but it’s her deep sense of service and compassion that truly sets her apart.” Another echoed this sentiment: “She approaches every challenge with grace and determination. Her faith is a guiding force in everything she does, and she inspires others through her quiet example.” 

Ruby embodies the best of what Marian hopes to instill in its graduates: a spirit of compassion, a strong moral compass, academic curiosity, and a desire to lead with purpose. Her contributions to the school community have been wide-reaching and deeply felt—both in structured settings and in everyday, often unseen, moments of kindness. 

In every sense, Ruby Jansen reflects the Marian values of integrity, service, and faith. She is someone who lifts others up, leads with intention, and lives each day with a sense of mission. Her impact at Marian has been profound—and there’s no doubt that her influence will continue to ripple outward in the years ahead.