PNC Student Sings at Notre Dame

By: Kayla Mrozinske

Posted: 1/25/10

PNC student Ashley Morford experienced a moment that would not come easy for most, an opportunity to sing at one of the most well known institutions in the world. Morford opened the Notre Dame-versus-Syracuse men's basketball game on Jan. 18 with the singing of the National Anthem.

Morford is a senior majoring in biology, with plans to attend med school in the future. She is set to graduate in the summer of 2010, but her big obstacle to overcome is the MCAT's testing in May. She plans to apply to IU, Loyola, and the University of Tennessee in hopes of furthering her education in medicine. Her career goal: pediatric oncologist. However, aside from taking 19 credit hours per semester and working an average of 30 hours per week as a server at Buffalo Wild Wings in Michigan City, Morford finds time to pursue her other passion, singing.

"I get a rush from singing that coordinates with the passion I have for medicine," Morford said.

Morford has always been a singer, and in high school, she was a part of a multitude of musicals and performances for Marquette High School. She has twice been a finalist for Indiana Idol in which she performed at the Porter County Fair in the summer of 2009. However, her biggest crowd was at the Joyce Center at Notre Dame.

"I was confident but nervous. I practiced in my car that day a few times. Once on the court, I forced my nerves down and focused on my audience, especially the students," Morford said.

Syracuse is the fifth- ranked college men's basketball team in the nation; therefore, Morford appeared before one of the largest crowds to come to Notre Dame. The arena was sold-out with an audience of over 9,000 people.

"It was one of the most exciting things I have done. I hope to do it again soon!" Morford said.

Currently, Morford is working on microbiology research alongside PNC's Dr. Nancy Marthakis. They are analyzing specific fungi that will in turn be beneficial to the Indiana Dunes in our area. She plans to present her findings at the LSAMP student convention. As for her musical career, she plans to audition for American Idol in its new season as well as the X-factor.

"I want to make a C.D. I have written some songs. I also would like to perform at more games," Morford said.