August 24, 2026 Lasting Impressions - Summer 2026 I have been blessed to be part of this Saint Mary’s College community since 1986. While I have spent far more of my life here as a staff member than as a student, my journey began as a student—and it changed the course of my life. August 17, 2026 Saint Mary’s Welcomes Inaugural Preaching Formation Cohort This summer, Saint Mary's College hosted the inaugural cohort of PROCLAIM—a 22-month formation program designed to develop Catholic women as ministers of the Word and preachers within the Church. Supported by a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and developed in partnership with Discerning Deacons, 27 women from 18 dioceses and Canada gathered on campus for a week-long intensive. The week featured preaching workshops, small-group coaching, and a Preaching Slam at the Church of Loretto, honoring a long legacy of women carrying the Gospel forward. August 14, 2026 Founded in Shared Values In 2025, Saint Mary’s College and Guadalupe Center of Immokalee, Florida entered into a partnership to introduce students from the center to the College through its Summer Camps and Pre-College Programs. So far, over 20 students have attended and have encountered a welcoming environment that prepares them for college. August 14, 2026 Guidance Counselors Nominate High School Students to Attend Summer Cam... This year, seven students attended Saint Mary’s Summer Camps and Pre-College Institutes at the recommendation of their high school guidance counselors in a new initiative aimed to increase access for students who may not otherwise be able to attend. Guidance counselors can nominate up to five students, and each student then receives a 50 percent discount on tuition. August 13, 2026 Answering the Call to Care Double Belle MiAn Luu is an intensive care nurse at Beacon Health System in South Bend. She joined the Master of Science in Nursing program as a way to deepen her skills while broadening her professional opportunities. A 2024 graduate, she hasn't looked back. August 12, 2026 Saint Mary's College Board of Trustees Extends President Katie Conboy'... The Saint Mary's College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a two-year extension of President Katie Conboy's contract. Conboy became the 14th president of Saint Mary’s College on June 1, 2020. She expressed her appreciation to the Board for its continued trust and support. "I am deeply honored by the Board's confidence in me and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Saint Mary's College." August 10, 2026 How to Solve a Murder at Saint Mary’s The Forensic Science Institute is one of nine summer programs at Saint Mary’s—and one of the most popular. Led by expert faculty, participants work as real-life homicide detectives, using science, technology, and deductive reasoning skills in the areas of forensics and criminology. Examining a staged crime scene, student investigators gather evidence and interview volunteer suspects to solve a murder. A visit to a police crime lab gives campers a further look into what a career in forensic science or criminal justice looks like. The week-long residential institute is just one of many pre-college programs at Saint Mary’s to prepare students for real-world careers. August 7, 2026 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. August 5, 2026 2026 Valedictorian Abby Newton Continues Her Education at Saint Mary�... After earning her bachelor's degree this spring, Newton is continuing her journey through Saint Mary’s accelerated 4+1 Master of Data Science program, preparing for a career in one of today’s fastest-growing fields.