A Letter from the President — Fall 2016

Dear Friends and Alumni,

As we welcome another class of young Saint Marians, a deep sense of gratitude wells up within me. Because of friends and alumni like you, these young students will experience a new food court and eat in a renovated Saint Joseph Dining Hall. They will study in refurbished biology labs and a new high-tech classroom in the heart of the library. They will cheer on the Spires in the fantastic Charles J. Berkel Memorial Stadium, and sleep in newly painted rooms in Maria Hall. The residence hall rooms were painted during the summer by volunteer faculty and staff who wanted the students to return to bright, clean living spaces. We have successfully completed Phase 1 of our four-phase capital campaign and met our Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant of $400,000.

Our next project is the renovation of De Paul Library, including group study rooms, “think tanks” for student collaboration, and a total renovation of our special collections area that houses our Lincoln and Scripture collections. It will also be home to our newly acquired Bobby D. Lawrence Civil War Collection. Total renovation is estimated to cost $5 million.

With your help, we are committed to making sure our facilities match the excellent quality of our education. Saint Mary continues to thrive and grow thanks to all of you listed in the Honor Roll of Donors. You make it possible for us to honor our commitment to all of God’s young people, especially those with academic talent and few financial resources. Your commitment to education changes lives, opens horizons, and often breaks the cycle of poverty for an entire family. I am honored to be a Saint Marian and humbled to serve, with God’s grace, as USM’s leader.

With Gratitude,

Sister Diane Steele, SCL, Ph.D., C’83