Set Up For Success
Lorna Slupczynski ’10, knew exactly what she was looking for during her college search. “I wanted to attend a college where I could pursue my goals as a student and as an athlete,” she explains. Hailing from St. John, Ind., Lorna will graduate in May with a major in history and a double minor in anthropology and business administration. And Saint Mary’s has certainly given her what she was looking for. “The small classes and the size of the campus have been a great fit,” she says, and adds, “I have played on the women’s varsity volleyball team for four years.”
Though she never participated in an actual study abroad program, being a part of the volleyball team gave Lorna the opportunity to travel with her teammates. “During fall break of 2008, we competed in the MIT Invitational in Boston,” she says. During their free time, the team members were able to explore quite a bit. “I walked the Freedom Trail, toured Fenway Park, and visited the site of the Salem Witch Trials,” she recalls. “We also traveled to Canada and played an international match against the University of Windsor.” Lorna asserts, “I have great memories from both trips!”
Lorna has certainly achieved great success both on and off the court during her time at Saint Mary’s. “Playing for a Division III program, like Saint Mary’s, has given me the opportunity to be recognized in the MIAA Conference. I was named the 2006 MIAA Freshman of the Year, Second Team All-MIAA in 2007 and 2008, and First Team All-MIAA in 2009,” she states. Lorna gives credit to Athletic Director, Julie Schroeder-Biek for her help and encouragement with athletics. “She was my volleyball coach for my first three years here,” Lorna explains. “She helped me believe in my abilities and is always there for me when needed.” She also references two professors who have greatly assisted her with academics. “Professor William Svelmoe and Professor Gabriel Torres [both of the history department] have helped me pursue my goals in the classroom, offering advice and consultation when I needed it,” she says.
After graduation in May, Lorna has her sights set on continued study. “I plan to attend graduate school to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies, and then pursue a career in a museum profession,” she says. “It would be an added bonus to also work as a graduate assistant for a collegiate volleyball team while working on my MA, but finding a school with both components will be challenging,” she acknowledges.
Challenging though it may seem, Lorna is sure that Saint Mary’s has given her the right tools for taking on the future. “I have become a strong, independent, and educated individual while attending Saint Mary’s,” she says. “And I believe with the expectations of students here and the motivation to succeed, any future dream is possible.”
—Mary Elizabeth Ulliman '10