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