Open Door

I originally attended the then "Mary College" in 1982 through 1985; I left just 4 courses short of my bachelor’s degree to pursue a career with a national company. I have always regretted that I did not finish my studies, but always felt that when the time was right, there would be an open door. I believe this not only from a biblical perspective, but from a strong memory I had while on campus in the 1980's and that was the 'open door' approach Sister Thomas Welder always had for students, faculty, visitors, alumni, etc. In fact her office used to be in the corner across from the building that held the cafeteria – so practically every student walked by her office door everyday; which was always open – no secretary office blocking access or a closed door – it was always open and when Sister Thomas was there – she would remember practically everyone and would call out his or her name as they were running off to class. This openness and approachability always stayed in my heart and mind and has endeared me to the University of Mary to this day.

In early 2006, the memory of this open door policy and opportunity to go back and complete unfinished business was tugging at my heart – so I knocked and the door was opened. I applied for re-admission some 21 years later and was received with the same welcome and warmth I felt when I was on campus in 1982.

By the end of 2006, I completed my Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration, minor in theology and even attended the long awaited graduation ceremony in 2007 with my then 5 year old daughter (Lily) and incredibly supportive wife (Delilah). I had also begun my journey towards completing a MBA with the University of Mary in January 2007. What a joy it was to walk across the stage and receive a diploma – some 21 years in the waiting – and having it handed to me by Sister Thomas – the person who planted the seed and kept the door open for me.

In May 2009, I once again was able to walk across the stage and get my second degree from the University of Mary and this time it had special meaning for me – saying thank you to a retiring President and life-long friend, Sister Thomas Welder. This time, I garnered my MBA in Health Care and my family was once again with me to share the event.

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to come back and am thankful for the open door approachability of the University and its President and incredible staff and faculty. I now have completed one of my life long dreams and will continue in my life's journey believing: "It is never too late".

The University of Mary is more than a diploma – the spirit of the University has changed my life forever and now has challenged me to be a servant leader – something I humbly accept and will do my best to fulfill as I continue on achieving more dreams.

Congratulations on 50 years University of Mary and thanks for leaving the door open all these years....

Harold Barnes
Attended 82-85, BA 2006, MBA 2008

Growing Up with and at Mary

I started classes at UMary the very first day when the doors opened at our new campus in 1968. I was thrilled with the opportunity to pursue my degree in nursing so close to home. In those days, everyone knew everyone else’s name and at least several things about them. The professors then, as now, had the good of the student at heart. I lived in the North Campus Residence Hall during my college years and became the resident director in my senior year for three years. I continued to live in the north residence hall and in Boniface Hall for 23 delightful years. I have now worked at UMary for 26 years.

I cannot find adequate words to describe all the memories and my appreciation for what the University of Mary has meant to me. The University has always focused on the development of the whole student. My fondest memories are of my relationships with students. My relationships with students were as fellow student, resident director, nurse, teacher, sports fan, supporter of the arts, advisor as Coordinator of Adult Education Services, Director of Student Volunteer Services, Coordinator of First Year Experience. Students have been the center of my ministry at the University of Mary. It is rewarding to see how the students learn how to integrate the Benedictine values of respect, hospitality, community, moderation, prayer and service into their daily lives. As students develop as servant leaders these values guide them in their homes, church, work and civic community to bring the Gospel to the world.

My hope for the future of the University of Mary is that it will continue to nourish and support the faith and professional development of students as servant leaders, based on Jesus the model of servant leadership.

Sister Gerard Wald
Nursing 1973
Management 1993

A Family Far from Home

There are so many fond memories from my college days. I've started to type about several of them, but it was hard to choose my favorite. Instead I'd like to take this blog space to thank the faculty in the Occupational Therapy program. I'm not the perfect student...studying came difficult for me, I had a hard time focusing in class, and worst of all, I was far from home and I missed my family. The folks at UMary helped fill the void. They were always willing to help me when I didn't understand something (which seemed to be a daily occurrence) and more than that, they were patient with me as I grew personally. Now that I look back, I feel that these wonderful instructors all influenced my personal and professional life in a profound way. As I work with my students (I serve as an occupational therapist in a school district in Montana) I remember lessons taught...but more importantly, I remember the way they made me feel and how much I appreciated their time and support. I only hope I can impact my students in a similar way. Thank you to Stacie, Carol, Wanda, Kerri, Terry, and Janeene. I would not be where I am today without your time and efforts.

Sanna C. Beerman
Occupational Therapist and UMary Grad of Dec, 2002

First class of 4-year nursing students

Being in the first lay class of graduates I remember all the times of taking the little old bus out to the U of Mary site where we took most of our classes and even took ballet – WOW. I just found out that one of the parish nurses (as I am also) in our church here in Fargo is from the last class of three-year students and I was in the first class of four-year nursing students – small world. Had a great education and met wonderful people and still friend with many. Have used my education in many parts of the world and hope to make it to the 50 reunion in July.

Judy (Thyerg) Jacobson BS, RN, LMT

Memories from a Veteran

I was released from overseas military duty the first Saturday in February 1971 and began classes at Mary College the following Monday, because my "first choice" college had begun its spring semester two weeks earlier. After impatiently loading up extra semester hours and summer school, I finished in December 1972 (Class of 73).

Many of us Vets gravitated to each other, because regular students, we felt, couldn't possibly understand our angst toward a society that many of us felt had abandoned us. As the months of general unhappiness passed though, a wonderful thing started to happen to me and my compatriots. The administration and faculty of Mary College were determined that we succeed and feel welcome. I was buttonholed on a weekly basis by some professor or administrator, both lay and clergy, asking how I was getting along and how they could help me. I'm not Catholic, so it took me awhile to elevate the Sisters to the position they had earned. Once I had, I learned to absorb some of those thoughtful and caring ladies' calmness and good humor (Sister Ardys Gilmore should be Connonized). Thank God for forgiving and uplifting people who make it a life's work to assist others!

Allen Felton
Class of 1973

U-Mary comforting in face of 9-11

Forever etched in my mind is the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. I woke up that morning in my tiny apartment south of the Capitol to those horrifying images in New York City -- by the time I had turned the TV on, one tower had already collapsed, and I saw the second one go. As I drove to the University for class, I remember the eerie feeling that started following me as I drove past the airport. The airplanes suddenly looked more like winged monsters than transportation machines.

I rushed into Chick's Place looking for my classmates. Where was everyone? Did they know what had happened? Did anyone have friends or relatives in NYC? Tracie B had been at Chick's Place early that morning to study for a "Bev" test (comm majors know what I'm talking about). She hadn't heard the news. She looked at me in disbelief as I described to her what little I knew.

All of my classes were cancelled that day. I spent several hours parked at the coffee bar at Chick's Place with my classmates, watching TV, listening to reporters describe the horror and the unseen enemy. Deep down, I was terrified. I knew nothing was going to be the same. I found comfort being with friends at U-Mary.

Erin (Laverdure) Huntimer
Class of '02, Communications

In the beginning

Oh memories! I entered St. Alexius School of Nursing in 1958. This was the beginning of a life changing experience. Unknown to me the beginnings of Mary College were also stirring. We, the nursing class of 1961, were presented with an English class in 1959, which to us, as nursing students, seemed out of place. We were made aware that the Benedictine Sisters were visionaries and initiating Mary College. As my classmate and sister-in-law Mary Kraljic remembered asking the class instructor, “How can you have a college without a building?” [Mary College did not have it’s own campus until September 1968 – until then, classes were primarily held in Boniface Hall at St. Alexius.]

As I look back, there was an assignment for the class that has remained with me. We read and discussed Alan Paton’s “Cry, the Beloved Country”. The apartheid movement was underway in South Africa. This book broadened my understanding of people and injustice in our world. I have followed Africa and the tumultuous changes of this continent through my life. In 1992 Africa beckoned, I visited the countries of Kenya and Tanzania and had a view from the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro at 19,430 feet.

Agnes Graber, RN
Class of 1961

Congrats from '69 grad

In the school year 1968-69, which was Dr. Miller's first year at Mary College, he stated that it was the college's goal to one day have 800 students.

Congratulations UMary Administration and Staff. Attaining university status and having an enrollment of over 3,000 students, it appears that you have achieved your goal. I am proud to be associated with you.

Bob Cordova
1969 OTA graduate and present Men's and Women's Tennis Coach