Ring Out Ring True News & Stories

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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. Portrait of Possibilities Malea Schulte Richardson ’14 and her husband Aidan Richardson believe that Saint Mary’s has lived up to its promise of promoting rigorous, liberal arts academics, experiential learning, and moral and ethical formation. A decade later, the Richardson’s establishment of the Susan Vanek Experiential Learning Fund affirms and supports this promise. A Smart Investment in Saint Mary's College Lisa Dittrich Wurst ’77 fell in love with Saint Mary’s, graduating with a degree in business. After a long career in finance, she continues to stay connected with her alma mater in retirement. In her professional opinion, Wurst shares how a donor-advised fund is among the easiest ways to invest in the future of Saint Mary's. Showing Up for the Next Generation: Why Giving to Saint Mary’s Matte... Kelly Cook Lewis' 97 is a regular visitor to the College, offering her time and talents to assorted committees and student initiatives. Lewis is also relishing in her time as a champion for Ring Out Ring True, the College’s fundraising campaign, which will publicly launch on June 6. Recently, Lewis sat with us to talk about the benefits of giving, and how Saint Mary’s continues to be part of her life.   Language and Literacy Lab Opens in Havican Hall In September, Saint Mary's College dedicated the Language and Literacy Lab in Havican Hall, made possible by a generous donation from alumna Susan Scherer Calandra '72. The goal of the lab, according to Susan Olney Latham '91, associate professor of speech-language pathology, is to give children chances to interact with and learn from literature. The lab includes five instructional areas designed to engage children through reading, dramatic play, story time, writing, and art. “I can’t think of a better place than Saint Mary’s for this language and literacy lab to be born. Saint Mary’s excels at creating environments that nurture discovery," said Calandra. Guided by Faith: Student Leaders Bring Pastoral Care to Campus Life For more than 10 years, the ministry assistant (MA) program has been offered at Saint Mary’s. Students are trained to serve their fellow students, acting as leaders of faith and role models, on and off campus. Saint Mary’s College has six MAs leading weekly faith formation nights and small groups, prayer experiences, retreats, offer hospitality to students, and connect them to opportunities in the Center for Faith, Action, and Ministry (CFAM). Nursing Programs Secure Enduring Support Since Saint Mary’s was founded over 180 years ago by the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Nursing Science has become one of the College’s most sought-after educational programs. A quiet walk through Our Lady of Peace Cemetery illuminates the rich history of the program through the American flags dotting the graves of the sisters who served as nurses during the American Civil War. Just a few steps to the east is the Center for Integrated Healthcare Education (CIHE) in Regina Hall, a state-of-the-art healthcare training facility representing the empowered future of healthcare and behavioral sciences at the College. $1.1M Grant Awarded to Saint Mary’s College Through a joint investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation, Saint Mary’s has been awarded a $1.1 million, four-year grant to extend its participation in the Kessler Scholars Collaborative, allowing the College to deepen its work to ensure opportunity and success outcomes for first-generation college students. Saint Mary’s Launches The Bridge: A New Way to Connect For Saint Mary’s alumnae, staying connected just got easier. Introducing The Bridge, a new social and professional networking platform designed exclusively for alumnae. The Bridge is a space where Belles can support one another, find mentors, share career opportunities, and celebrate achievements. For recent graduates navigating their first job, or an alumna looking to give back, The Bridge is a direct connection to a powerful network of women.