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

Memories of an "OTA" student

Being a former student and faculty member, I want to send out heartfelt wishes to all on this special 50th anniversary. I was an “older than average” student when I received my bachelors in 1997. My Masters in Management in 2001 was a very special occasion for me. I have carried forward with me the concept of community and the focus to give back since leaving U of Mary. I joined Microsoft and found that the philosophies and culture of that great company are the same. I have since carried those same traits on to my own software development company. 

I want to say hello to all in the CIS department. Kevin, Levi, Rod – miss you guys! My last day as a faculty member is a day I will never forget. Levi you made it very special!  Is my present to you still on your bulletin board?

Blessings to all!

Danae L. Garrett, 1997 & 2001

Inspirational quote

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (American Cultural Anthropologist, Margaret Mead, 1901-1978)

Pierre Atilio-Ekwa, 2005 & 2008

We Met at Mary

I attended U of Mary as an older than average student and graduated in 1989. My husband John Keller graduated, I think, in 1977. We both graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences Degree. Mine for social and behavioral sciences, John in social work. We actually first met around homecoming time in 1975 when I was attending BSC. We eventually got married but not until 2005.

Kerry Gullickson, 1989
Court Officer III
Juvenile Court

Cartwheeling Sister

One of my favorite memories comes from my freshman year at U-Mary. I lived on north campus (of the then co-ed third floor) and several friends and I were sitting out in the hallway having a celebration. It was my birthday and we were enjoying a popcorn cake that my grandma had sent in the mail. The door opened and one of the sisters (who shall remain nameless) that lived on our floor came in and asked what we were doing. We told her eating birthday cake. She asked if she could have a piece. We said sure if she could do a trick. Just like that she did a cartwheel down the hallway and needless to say joined us for cake! Thanks for the fun memory sister :)
Lynn (Erdmann) Schwalk, 1994