It would seem odd to some that anyone could be passionate about mathematics, but the professors at Saint Mary’s College are so enthusiastic they’ve won over many students to the major, including Arianna Iannuzzi ’18. Since that Calculus II class in her first semester, Arianna has been hooked.

“One of my professors, Colleen Hoover, came in every day so excited. She just loved it and so I loved it too.”

Being an athlete for almost her entire life, Rachel Bonek ’18 wanted to find a college that would allow her to continue playing volleyball. She expressed to her high school volleyball coach, an alumna of Saint Mary’s, her desire to continue playing the sport, but also pursue her interest in math.

“My coach thought Saint Mary’s would be the perfect fit for me, and she was right! As soon as I visited campus, I never considered any other school. I knew I was meant to come here. Saint Mary’s provided everything I was looking for in a college.”

Originally from Eagan, Minnesota, Saint Mary’s turned out to be the perfect fit for Brianna Kozemzak '17. As a first year, Brianna thought she would major in biology on the pre-medicine track, but after taking the math requirements, she found a passion for applied mathematics.

A native of Florida, Patricia "Happy" Hale chose Saint Mary’s after attending the University of Notre Dame’s Summer Scholars program. She visited Saint Mary’s across the street and made the decision to attend.

“When I came to visit Saint Mary’s, I saw how motivated the women are here and I wanted to be surrounded by others who were working hard.”

Taking new paths in math