Impact Stories

Transforming Saint Mary's, One Gift at a Time

With the support of incredibly generous philanthropic partners like you, Saint Mary’s is advancing in key areas of growth and development, working to ensure that our students are able to pursue their passion for learning in a 21st-century academic environment grounded in Lasallian Catholic traditions. Below are stories from students and faculty who have benefitted directly from philanthropic support like yours, and how it has transformed their educational experience. Also included are stories from benefactors, who were moves to support an important initiative, or are simply “paying it forward” because of the benefits they received as Saint Mary’s students. Together, these are the stories of how generosity like yours makes a strong and lasting impact.

First Generation Initiative

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FGI Carol

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FGI Julio

Why I Give

"Saint Mary’s has a special place in my heart because this is the place where I became 'me.' The Lasallian mission embodied by the university has shaped the course of my career as an educator and my beliefs and values as a person. My support of Saint Mary’s stems from the continued commitment to provide students with a well-rounded education through these Lasallian values. In addition, Saint Mary’s instilled in me the value of inquiry and constant improvement. I’ve been shaped to never be satisfied with where I am, but to keep finding ways to better myself and the world around me. The university has clearly committed itself to this ideal as well through the innovative programming and willingness to step 'out of the comfort zone' to provide new and varied opportunities to help students achieve their educational and professional goals. The commitment to Lasallian values and innovation is why I find it easy to provide my enthusiastic support."

"Arriving at Saint Mary’s at 18-years-old and clearly wet behind the ears (which were hidden by the long hair that was very much the style at the time, as seen above) I quickly formed the friendships that became instrumental in the drying process on my journey to completing my undergraduate degree. These relationships included professors and peers who would continue to shape my development as a student, RA, friend, and eventually, a fully-formed alumnus. Saint Mary’s enabled me to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology, to meet and marry the love of my life, and to raise a son who has pursued his own path of discovery that has included international study in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree. As a psychologist, self-reflection is a critical skill. One result of my self-reflection is the recognition that my Saint Mary’s experience instilled a love of knowledge, a desire to be part of a family, a community, and to experience the simple joy of being amazed every day. Amazement is discovered through love, laughter, and living a life of connection with others…and periodically embracing the silly."

"Education is a cause I am passionate about, and Saint Mary University is one of the right places for me to give back because I gained a part of my education at Saint Mary’s with no regrets. Giving enriches my life in many ways including bringing me back to the community I care for and connecting me to the people and ideas that will positively impact and enrich both my perspective to the cause and others. It offers me a unique sense of purpose by serving the community of my choice and it makes me grow as a person to understand how I and others fit to the same cause like education. For instance, by giving back as an Alumni Board Member or contributing through funds, it helps me better understand the circumstances of the current students and my fellow Alumni and get the opportunity to pound through different solutions which may make the community of students and Alumni sit on better shoes tomorrow. The act of giving back and contributing to society is very fulfilling to me and that is why I give back."

"As a liberal arts school, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provided me with a well-rounded education and life balance. The 2021 business environment is a competitive and ever-changing industry that requires unique skills to set yourself apart. Saint Mary’s provides students with the skills necessary to thrive and outperform by trailblazing real-life business situations that challenge a student's mind and take them to the level that they never knew possible. I donate to SMUMN to help the Business Department continue to strive and challenge current students to provide the best possible job candidate when entering the workforce."

"One of the drivers for my choosing Saint Mary's University was the ability to do undergraduate research as part of my pursuit of a science degree, which was a fantastic learning opportunity. The new Science and Learning Center continues to expand that opportunity for students, and that will only grow with the next phase renovation to the existing science building to bring business and science together. This mirrors many industries today and is a crucial connection that I am thrilled to see being embraced by Saint Mary's University. I am proud to support Saint Mary's in this endeavour to bring the science/business collaboration to their students."

"Money is a tool, not a goal. Financial clarity is different for everyone. It's deeply personal. When my wife and I had our daughter, it was a time of reflection for me. Who am I and what shaped my character? And what do I want for 'my' next generation? To me, our success is measured by the fulfillment of the people we serve, and the communities we foster. The Saint Mary's Fund is the heart and access for the next generation. I'm fortunate to work for company that helped me achieve financial clarity and contentment, which in turn, allows me to live generously. The organizations and causes we care about are different for everyone. But ask yourself, what experiences helped develop the person I am today. Saint Mary's empowered me to live a life of service and leadership. Times of uncertainty offer the unique opportunity to rethink what could be possible."

"When I graduated from SMU in 1974, I made a promise to myself to repay the partial scholarship I received for my four years of education. You see, I was one of the “First Generation” in my family, before this was even a benefactor opportunity program at SMU. I would not have been able to attend SMU, without someone else’s generosity. Now, 46 years later, I have long since paid back the scholarship and continue to give because of my strengthened Christian faith, which was nurtured by the Christian Brother’s example of Lasallian servant leadership and Christ’s love for me. I support and value all Catholic education, which is a unique shining light of truth in our secular darkness. Today, more than ever, our students need to hear that Christ loves them. They are prohibited from hearing this Good News anywhere else, other than in our Christian churches/schools and, hopefully, in their homes. I continue to share the abundant blessings that the Lord provides to me. I also give from a cheerful heart, developed through my Catholic education, for which I am eternally grateful. How can one ever repay the experience you can enjoy at SMU, sharing life with faith filled people? I pray that today’s students will benefit from SMU’s Lasallian education in the same way I have and will pay it forward to future generations."