Avenues Spring 2025
In this issue, we follow the inaugural STUNT team in its run-up to the Nationals last month. “With a mix of raw talent and a vision for the future, this inaugural STUNT team at Saint Mary’s is laying the foundation for what promises to be an exciting journey ahead,” said coach Jillian Humphries. We also delve into the Dedicated Tree Program, and the hours of stories, shared memories, and public beauty that envelopes Saint Mary’s campus. Professor of Physics Marwan Gebran talks about his life-long love of astronomy and his new passions: video gaming and AI. Additionally, we meet the Higgins-Hanson family and learn about this legacy family’s love of Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, and education across generations. Enjoy!
Feature Articles
Our Campus Canopy
Sarah Jannings ’25 traces the roots of her senior comprehensive project to the prescient words of Saint Mary’s President Katie Conboy at Convocation 2021: “Branching Out and Staying Rooted.” Jannings’s project, the campus Dedicated Tree Program, is rooted in the rich history of Saint Mary’s College and extends out to tell the stories, share the histories, and preserve the public memory of alumnae, professors, family, and friends whose plaques grace the 642 dedicated trees on campus.
Trust and Triumph
For Miley Smith ’28, STUNT was what cemented her decision to enroll at Saint Mary’s. As a high school cheerleader, Smith was drawn to Saint Mary’s not only for its academic offerings but also for the chance to be part of a team that would allow her to showcase her athletic abilities in a new way.
May 5, 2025
In the Spotlight: Marwan Gebran
I was raised in a Catholic family and taught by Jesuits throughout my education, so I wanted to give this opportunity to my children. When you come from another country, you want to go somewhere secure, close to yourself, and where you are used to. The Catholic education, culture, and way of living was the main thing that I was attracted to at Saint Mary’s. I have now been here for four years.
May 5, 2025
We Promise You Discovery
Sister Madeleva’s promise to the Saint Mary’s community resonates with students past and present, here and abroad. Catherine Kirkpatrick ’19, a Maynooth program alumna has been living in Ireland for five years since graduating from Saint Mary’s. “None of this would have ever happened without that study abroad experience,” she said. “For me, the program truly fulfilled the promise of Saint Mary’s—the discovery of the universe and your place in it.”
May 5, 2025
All In The Family
Last fall, senior Abby Hanson ’25 was walking to her medical terminology class at Saint Mary’s College when up ahead, she spied a student she knew. She called out to her, “Grandma!” When she heard this familiar pet name, her classmate turned around and waited for Abby to catch up. The two hugged and continued on their way. It was a typical student interaction played out every day on campus.