ONCE A BELLE, ALWAYS A BELLE

 

Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN is my alma mater.  I graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1996.  I spend the best four years of my life here, and I would go back tomorrow if I could.

Most people are aware of Saint Mary’s through their association with the University of Notre Dame.  In fact, Notre Dame used to be the “mens” and Saint Mary’s was the “girls.”  In 1972, the two schools were to merge.  Saint Mary’s, not wanting to loose their identity, withdrew from the planned merger.  Notre Dame admitted its first class including women that fall.

From www.saintmarys.edu:

            Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S.News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Saint Mary's has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry, and nursing. 

We’ve practiced our core values of learning, community, faith, spirituality, and justice for over 160 years. The College continues to grow and prosper, with approximately 20,000 living alumnae. Saint Mary’s tradition of empowering women with excellent academic programs and spiritual support began with our founding in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

Again, as taken from the website:

“Saint Mary's College Mission Statement”

Saint Mary’s College is a Catholic, residential, women’s college in the liberal arts tradition. A pioneer in the education of women, the College is an academic community where women develop their talents and prepare to make a difference in the world. Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1844, Saint Mary’s promotes a life of intellectual vigor, aesthetic appreciation, religious sensibility, and social responsibility. All members of the College remain faithful to this mission and continually assess their response to the complex needs and challenges of the contemporary world.

Saint Mary’s is home to me.  It’s where I met many wonderful women, some who are still in my life today.  It grounded me deeper in my faith and made me into the woman I am today.  I will treasure the time I spent at Saint Mary’s for the rest of my life.

“ONCE A BELLE, ALWAYS A BELLE!”