Saint Mary's Launches Historic $200 Million Campaign
By LISA KNOX
On June 6, Saint Mary’s College celebrated the public launch of a historic $200 million comprehensive fundraising campaign—the largest in the College’s 181-year history. Nearly 600 guests filled the Gillespie Center to learn firsthand how the campaign, titled Ring Out Ring True, will strengthen academic innovation, expand access, and elevate women’s leadership.
Campaign leaders say the $200+ million initiative will prioritize student scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, academic programming in high-demand fields, student belonging and faith development, and endowed support for faculty innovation.
More than $180 million of the campaign goal has already been secured through leadership commitments from alumnae, parents, and friends of the College.
“Long before tonight’s public launch of our campaign, alumnae and friends began stepping forward with extraordinary generosity and confidence,” said President Katie Conboy in her speech to the audience filled with alumnae, donors, employees, family, and friends of the College. “Not because they are funding nostalgia. But because they believe in the future power and influence of Saint Mary’s.”
College leaders say the campaign reflects confidence not only in Saint Mary’s future but also in the enduring relevance of Catholic liberal arts education itself.
“Higher education is facing an inflection point,” said Holly Johnson, Vice President for Advancement at Saint Mary’s. “This campaign is an investment in a model of education that remains deeply relevant: rigorous academics grounded in faith, human dignity, ethical leadership, and the empowerment of women to lead in every sector of society.”
Ring Out Ring True becomes public as Saint Mary’s continues to defy national trends in higher education. Over the past several years, the College has experienced strong enrollment growth, record philanthropic support, and increasing national interest from students seeking an institution rooted in purpose, belonging, and values. At the same time, Saint Mary’s has expanded academic programming and experiential learning opportunities through the Avenue Experience, preparing students to navigate a complex world.
“Students and families are looking for more than a credential,” Conboy said. “They are searching for meaning, mentorship, community, and an education that prepares graduates not only for successful careers but for lives of impact. Saint Mary’s is meeting the moment.”
Nationally, faith-based colleges and universities have shown renewed resilience as students increasingly seek educational environments that foster both intellectual and personal formation. Surveys of prospective students continue to show growing interest in institutions that emphasize community, ethics, service, and wellbeing alongside academic excellence. As one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges, Saint Mary’s occupies a distinctive place in the higher education landscape.
“In a culture increasingly shaped by individualism, divisiveness, and automation, students are drawn to institutions that help them think critically, lead compassionately, and live purposefully,” Conboy said. “That is the promise of Saint Mary’s College—and this campaign ensures that promise will continue for generations to come.” ‖
In a culture increasingly shaped by individualism, divisiveness, and automation, students are drawn to institutions that help them think critically, lead compassionately, and live purposefully, That is the promise of Saint Mary’s College—and this campaign ensures that promise will continue for generations to come.
- Katie Conboy, PhD
President, Saint Mary's College
The Ring Out Ring True Campaign Tri-Chairs
The campaign for Saint Mary’s College, Ring Out Ring True, would not be possible without extraordinary leadership. The following alumnae have committed to the success of this initiative by serving as tri-chairs.
Sarah Belanger Earley ’71
Sarah Earley is a member of the President’s Circle and served on the Board of Trustees from 2003-2013. Sarah is an enthusiastic and thoughtful leader. For her service to the College and her community, Sarah was honored with the Distinguished Alumna Award, and with the President’s Medal.
Jennifer Mathile Prikkel ’95
Jen Prikkel is a member of the Board of Trustees. She also served on the Board from 2003-2011. Jen is a passionate advocate for Saint Mary’s. She received an honorary degree from the College in 2013 for her commitment as a philanthropist and volunteer.
Kimmi Martin Troy ’00
Kimmi Troy is a member of the Board of Trustees and has been deeply engaged with Saint Mary’s since her graduation. She is a writer, lifestyle blogger, and a much sought-after speaker and fitness instructor for alumnae gatherings and reunions. ‖
A Lasting Symbol
On June 6, the College also unveiled a special surprise in support of the campaign. For 100 years, the Le Mans Hall bell tower has stood as an iconic symbol of Saint Mary’s College. As a symbol of the Ring Out Ring True campaign, a bell was installed, and rang for the first time during the launch event.
This historic gift was made possible through the generosity of the Trigiani and Noone families. Representing the families at the launch event were six alumnae who helped ring the bell for the crowd gathered below: Pia Trigiani ’80; Adri Trigiani ’81; Toni Trigiani ’82; Checka Trigiani Noone ’88; Anna Noone ’22; and Ally Noone ’24,’25.
Forged in 1865—21 years after the College’s founding—the 45-inch, 1,800-pound bronze bell hung in a church tower on the East Coast, where it rang for more than 150 years. “This bell is more than a historic artifact,” Conboy said. “It will call us to gather, to celebrate, to reflect, and to mark the moments that matter most in the life of this community. In fact, it is tradition in the Catholic church to name a bell, which will be done in the coming months, making this bell a true part of our Saint Mary’s family.” ‖
Please enjoy the photos from the event in the gallery below. Click here for even more photos.
