Saint Mary's News & Stories

How to Solve a Murder at Saint Mary’s

The Forensic Science Institute is one of nine summer programs at Saint Mary’s—and one of the most popular. Led by expert faculty, participants work as real-life homicide detectives, using science, technology, and deductive reasoning skills in the areas of forensics and criminology. Examining a staged crime scene, student investigators gather evidence and interview volunteer suspects to solve a murder. A visit to a police crime lab gives campers a further look into what a career in forensic science or criminal justice looks like. The week-long residential institute is just one of many pre-college programs at Saint Mary’s to prepare students for real-world careers.

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A Chance Encounter, A Lifetime of Cherishing Saint Mary’s

A rainy game day, a chance encounter at a campus party, and a stack of long-distance letters that started a lifelong partnership. For Becky Radwan Updegraff ’91, choosing Saint Mary’s was the decision that shaped everything—from stepping into her confidence to meeting her husband, Jay. Decades later, the couple is paying it forward, ensuring the transformative power of a Saint Mary’s education continues for the next generation of women. Dive into their story of connection, devotion, and why giving back to the Saint Mary’s Fund means so much to them.

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August 5, 2026 2026 Valedictorian Abby Newton Continues Her Education at Saint Mary�... After earning her bachelor's degree this spring, Newton is continuing her journey through Saint Mary’s accelerated 4+1 Master of Data Science program, preparing for a career in one of today’s fastest-growing fields. July 28, 2026 Learning by Doing: Campers Experience Healthcare at Saint Mary’s Campers Discover Healthcare Careers Through Saint Mary’s Pre-College Program July 27, 2026 Cultivating Discovery In her July letter, President Katie Conboy reflects on the true promise of a Saint Mary's education: discovery. As the College prepares to welcome the Class of 2030, she explores how students arrive seeking knowledge, purpose, and belonging—and how the most meaningful discoveries are often the ones they never expected. Drawing on Kathryn Schulz's "Lost & Found: Reflections on Grief, Gratitude, and Happiness" and Sister Madeleva Wolff's enduring promise of discovery, Conboy considers how Saint Mary's fosters both intentional learning and life-changing moments of surprise that shape students long after graduation. July 23, 2026 Meet Madeleva Award Recipient Javien L. Smith, MSW ’26 While on a military deployment, Javien L. Smith, MSW '26, applied to Saint Mary's College on a whim. A next-day response from a faculty member from the MSW program changed everything. In May, he earned Saint Mary’s highest graduate honor, The Madeleva Award. June 30, 2026 Trustey Trail Groundbreaking Celebrates Vision for a More Connected Ca... Ground has officially been broken on the Trustey Trail! Thanks to the generous support of Kristine Anderson Trustey ’86 and Sean McGraw, Saint Mary's is creating a new wellness loop that will inspire movement, reflection, and connection across campus. Expected to open this November, the Trustey Trail will be a place where community, wellness, and the natural beauty of Saint Mary's come together. June 29, 2026 The Bell of Saint Mary’s In her June letter, President Conboy reminds us that great institutions are never truly finished: they are built slowly, across generations, by people who give more than they take, trusting their work will outlast the next generation of stewards at Saint Mary's. June 7, 2026 A Resounding Symbol for Saint Mary's For 100 years, the Le Mans Hall bell tower has stood as an iconic symbol of Saint Mary’s College. The tower has been silent until now. That changed with the installation of a 45-inch, 1,800-pound bronze bell forged in 1865. The bell rang for the first time in its new home on June 6, commemorating the public launch of the Ring Out Ring True campaign. Watch the transformation of this historic bell and its journey to Saint Mary’s. June 7, 2026 Saint Mary’s College Launches Historic $200 Million Campaign Saint Mary’s College announced the launch of a historic $200 million comprehensive fundraising campaign—the largest in the College’s 181-year history—designed to expand access, strengthen academic innovation, elevate women’s leadership, and invest in the future of a Catholic liberal arts education. June 3, 2026 Bringing Storytelling to Life: Jennifer Flores ’24 Completes Orr Fel... Jennifer Flores ’24, who graduated from Saint Mary’s with a degree in communications studies, recently completed the prestigious Orr Fellowship, an early-career development program that connects talented college and university graduates with businesses in Indianapolis and Evansville. One of 46 fellows in her graduating cohort, Flores joins the ranks of more than 650 high-achieving Orr professionals who are now working in their chosen fields.