Ring Out Ring True News & Stories

A Harmony of Faith, Science, and Sisterhood

For Sarah Sullivan Bigelow ’96, a legacy gift is not about looking backward; it is about looking forward with faith, hope, and joy. By including Saint Mary’s College in their long-term estate planning, Sarah and her husband Nick are helping to preserve a sacred place where young women learn to tackle any challenge, lead with compassion, and discover God’s purpose for their lives.

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Advancement Update

This summer marked an extraordinary milestone in the history of Saint Mary’s College as we officially launched the public phase of our comprehensive campaign, Ring Out Ring True. The energy surrounding our campaign launch, combined with the joy of welcoming hundreds of alumnae home for Reunion, served as a powerful reminder of what makes Saint Mary’s so special: a community united by shared values and a deep commitment to ensuring future generations of women have access to the same transformative experience.

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Saint Mary's Launches Historic $200 Million Campaign 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. In Her Words: Remarks from President Katie Conboy Ring Out Ring True L... On June 6, President Katie Conboy spoke to a large crowd gathered to celebrate the public launch of the Ring Out Ring True comprehensive campaign. "Nearly two centuries ago, a small group of Holy Cross Sisters began something they themselves could not have fully imagined. Yet because they—and those who followed them—dreamed extravagantly, generations of women found their voices." Read President Conboy's full message here. A Chance Encounter, A Lifetime of Cherishing Saint Mary’s A rainy game day, a chance encounter at a campus party, and a stack of long-distance letters that started a lifelong partnership. For Becky Radwan Updegraff ’91, choosing Saint Mary’s was the decision that shaped everything—from stepping into her confidence to meeting her husband, Jay. Decades later, the couple is paying it forward, ensuring the transformative power of a Saint Mary’s education continues for the next generation of women. Dive into their story of connection, devotion, and why giving back to the Saint Mary’s Fund means so much to them. Trustey Trail Groundbreaking Celebrates Vision for a More Connected Ca... Ground has officially been broken on the Trustey Trail! Thanks to the generous support of Kristine Anderson Trustey ’86 and Sean McGraw, Saint Mary's is creating a new wellness loop that will inspire movement, reflection, and connection across campus. Expected to open this November, the Trustey Trail will be a place where community, wellness, and the natural beauty of Saint Mary's come together. A Resounding Symbol for Saint Mary's For 100 years, the Le Mans Hall bell tower has stood as an iconic symbol of Saint Mary’s College. The tower has been silent until now. That changed with the installation of a 45-inch, 1,800-pound bronze bell forged in 1865. The bell rang for the first time in its new home on June 6, commemorating the public launch of the Ring Out Ring True campaign. Watch the transformation of this historic bell and its journey to Saint Mary’s. Saint Mary’s College Launches Historic $200 Million Campaign Saint Mary’s College announced the launch of a historic $200 million comprehensive fundraising campaign—the largest in the College’s 181-year history—designed to expand access, strengthen academic innovation, elevate women’s leadership, and invest in the future of a Catholic liberal arts education. Philanthropy Elevates the Liberal Arts at Saint Mary’s For Susan Eyerly Pichler ’61 and her husband, Joe Pichler (ND ’61), establishing an endowed chair in the humanities was a natural extension of many of those things the couple holds most dear: a shared passion for art and great books, their longtime relationship with Saint Mary’s College, and an abiding belief in the power of education to lift up students and communities. Scholarship Gift Expands the Saint Mary's Circle Lorraine Sheehan Wilson ’85 and Chris Wilson (ND ’85) recently endowed the Wilson Sheehan Scholarship Fund, the largest scholarship gift in Saint Mary’s College history. This multi-million dollar gift aligns with the Wilson Sheehan Foundation’s mission to support families and reduce poverty by creating educational opportunities. Students with demonstrated financial need will receive these scholarship funds as part of their financial aid packages, many for all four years at the College, beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year. Keeping PACE With Today’s Expectations Melainey Lowe’s academic plans appeared set when she entered Saint Mary’s College. However, as often happens when students test their early ambitions, those plans evolved. Lowe, now Director of Football Operations for the Indianapolis Colts, immersed herself in her initial major, found clarity, and ultimately shifted direction.