May 11, 2026
Lasting Impressions
Elizabeth Palmer ’13 graduated from Saint Mary’s College with degrees in Biology and Psychology. She earned her Master of Divinity from Loyola University, Chicago in 2018. Palmer completed her chaplain residency at the University of Michigan Hospital, and is currently a Certified Educator Candidate in Palliative Care. She’s also the author of the blog Holy Thresholds: Reflections as a Hospital Chaplain.
May 11, 2026
Scholarship Gift Expands the Saint Mary's Circle
Lorraine Sheehan Wilson ’85 and Chris Wilson (ND ’85) recently endowed the Wilson Sheehan Scholarship Fund, the largest scholarship gift in Saint Mary’s College history. This multi-million dollar gift aligns with the Wilson Sheehan Foundation’s mission to support families and reduce poverty by creating educational opportunities. Students with demonstrated financial need will receive these scholarship funds as part of their financial aid packages, many for all four years at the College, beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
May 11, 2026
Experiential Learning in the World’s Most Biodiverse Region
The existing scientific literature regarding the yellow-footed tortoises in Ecuador is both limited and outdated. Most published data on this threatened species are at least 40 years old and are from the Brazilian Amazon. Vanessa Hilliard, associate professor of Biology at Saint Mary’s College, aims to change that narrative when she, along with Sofia Dahl-Santoro ’27, ventures to Ecuador this summer to study the ecology of the planet’s most biodiverse region.
May 11, 2026
In the Spotlight: Frances Bernard Kominkiewicz
Frances Bernard Kominkiewicz, PhD, is a professor at Saint Mary’s, and inaugural director of the Master of Social Work program. For 25 years, she was the director of the Bachelor of Social Work program, where she oversaw the first national CSWE accreditation for the program and two perfect CSWE reaffirmations. She is also former chair of the Department of Social Work and Gerontology.
May 11, 2026
Keeping PACE With Today’s Expectations
Melainey Lowe’s academic plans appeared set when she entered Saint Mary’s College. However, as often happens when students test their early ambitions, those plans evolved. Lowe, now Director of Football Operations for the Indianapolis Colts, immersed herself in her initial major, found clarity, and ultimately shifted direction.
May 11, 2026
First Impressions
Marelys Valencia is an Associate Professor of Latin American Culture and Literature. She recently presented poems from her book, Sanctuary of Fasting Daffodils, along with unpublished works, at Instituto Cervantes in Frankfurt, Germany, and at Aluna Art Foundation in Miami. Sanctuary of Fasting Daffodils is available at the Saint Mary’s College bookstore.
May 11, 2026
Portrait of Possibilities
Malea Schulte Richardson ’14 and her husband Aidan Richardson believe that Saint Mary’s has lived up to its promise of promoting rigorous, liberal arts academics, experiential learning, and moral and ethical formation. A decade later, the Richardson’s establishment of the Susan Vanek Experiential Learning Fund affirms and supports this promise. Their hope for the fund is simple: create access to hands-on learning that instills confidence, perspective, and leadership for future generations of Saint Mary’s students.
May 8, 2026
Ministry for Social Transformation Program Concludes Second Year
In its sophomore year, the Ministry for Social Transformation (MST) program at Saint Mary’s College supports students discerning their vocations as leaders, carrying forth the legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. This year’s cohort consisted of nine students, who recently celebrated their involvement at the Saint Mary’s Symposium on April 30.
May 4, 2026
The Power of She: From Saint Mary’s to Medicine and Back Again
Mary Morgan Mitchell ’12, at right, never believed the naysayers. If she had, she would never have become the accomplished, generous doctor she is today. Because of the affirming experiences and opportunities afforded to her at the College, Mitchell, a sports medicine physician at Virginia Tech University, has become a loyal donor to the Saint Mary’s Fund. “I give back so others can have the same experience that I had. Never in a million years would I have thought that I would have made it into a position like this. That is what Saint Mary's did for me,” she said.