Letter From the President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

The University of Saint Mary has beautiful, classical buildings. The grounds are a testament to the Creator’s artistry. But Saint Mary is not just the buildings; Saint Mary is a living-learning community that is ever-changing and growing. I am ever amazed at the creative energy of our people. They are, as Saint Vincent calls us to be, “creative unto infinity.” Embedded in the culture of Saint Mary is the desire to never settle for the status quo. After every event, there is an “after action” meeting to learn what went well, decide what we want to change, and to capture new insights. Faculty do not pull out the same notes they have used for years. Each year, they strive to improve their teaching and to build in more transformative experiences for the students – more ways to ignite the students’ imaginations and curiosity.

Saint Mary so values transformative, hands-on learning that it is a part of the strategic plan. We know students learn better when they are actively involved. That is why we have invested in a Human Anatomy Lab with eight human donors. That is why we have a Spires Trading Team, where the students learn to work in the market. That is why the Criminology Department has a mock crime scene room. That is why the history students work with our valuable Lincoln Collection.

A Saint Mary education is about learning new subjects and thinking deeply and broadly about them. Just as important, it is also about learning to be human – the very best human being one can be. Our students learn to work and live with people who look different and think differently than they do. They learn to appreciate differences while embracing our common humanity. We strive to teach them to be good citizens in our global society. Our world needs young men and women who can analyze data and act with integrity, and who can manage effectively and wisely. Knowledge and power without integrity and wisdom is frightening.

Higher education is called now more than ever to teach our young people to be citizens of the world with the capacity to appreciate differences and celebrate our common humanity while preserving our common home. Saint Mary is answering the call.

Blessings,

Sister Diane Steele, SCL, PhD, C’83
University President