Dear Saint Mary’s Students,
Welcome to the class of 2028, transfer students, returning students and graduate students! In recognizing the power of Saint Mary’s, you join our amazing faculty and staff, as well as over 23,000 living alums who take pride in our history as a barrier-breaker and a place that empowers women to lead and to succeed. In choosing Saint Mary’s, you will not only experience the centrality of our campus and curriculum in your educational experience, but also the unique identity and traditions of our tri-campus community: three sibling institutions that share the 46556 zip code and so much more.
As summer break draws to a close, we have eagerly anticipated your arrival on campus! Students are the animating force of our classrooms, residence halls, laboratories and social spaces. We are ready for you to make our community an invigorating hub of activity with your signature energy and intellectual curiosity.
In fact, I’ve been thinking lately about how Saint Mary’s is like a great recipe, and each of you brings some of the varied “ingredients.” When we bring together people who have different backgrounds, experiences, beliefs or opinions, we create surprising and unexpected results. We stir up something new and delicious in our community and in ourselves. So, be adventurous with new flavors and new dishes! Be energized by difference—it will make our community and our world a better place.
At SMC, we promote an open-minded, open-hearted and inclusive community. Take advantage of the many opportunities to grow and to expand the boundaries of who you are. Explore your faith. Engage with new ideas. And take care of yourself by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This, too, will support your success — at Saint Mary’s and beyond! We know that your time here will be marked by great self-discovery: education is a process of becoming, and as you accumulate knowledge and experience, you will gain the confidence to create a life of meaning and purpose.
In fact, Saint Mary’s itself is still “becoming.” We were founded by a group of trailblazing women, the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and they continue to be our inspiration. 180 years ago, they created Saint Mary’s to educate women, and they knew that empowering women would make a difference in the world. You are now part of that tradition, and it’s your turn to make history here. So, prepare for leadership, both on campus and in a world that needs you. I look forward to mixing up the ingredients with you in this evolving recipe.
Best regards,
Katie Conboy
President, Saint Mary's College
Aug. 15
