Oh! It's On!

Oh! It's On!

To kick off the summer, the class years ending in four and nine came home to Saint Mary’s for Reunion 2024. More than 700 Belles from the classes of 1954 to 2019 wheeled their suitcases onto campus as excitement grew. 

Celebrating with Reunion-themed tote bags and water bottles, Belles enjoyed panel discussions, Heritage Room and Tower Tours, all-class parties, Mass in Holy Spirit Chapel, morning walks, meals in the dining hall, and conversations with President Katie Conboy. 

The Class of 1974, known as The Goldens, marked their 50th anniversary with a special roundtable discussion with Professor Emerita Gail Mandell, as well as a commemorative Eucharistic Liturgy, and their own cookout on Haggar Terrace. 

At Saturday’s all-class Reunion banquet, the Alumnae Association honored four extraordinary alumnae (pictured left to right). The Distinguished Alumna Award was given to Mary Ellen Stumpf ’74. She has been a stalwart leader of and advocate for women’s education, human concerns, racial reconciliation, and social justice, and served on the Alumnae Association Board of Directors, helping establish the Alumnae Memorial Scholarship Fund. Caitlin Brodmerkel Krouse ’09 was presented the Outstanding Young Alumna for her work as a graduate nursing director and associate professor at the University of Saint Francis, for volunteering as a nurse practitioner at Matthew 25 Health & Care for uninsured patients, and for her board leadership for various other healthcare organizations. The Humanitas Award was presented to Jennifer Lackey Reed ’94, who was recognized for her commitment to serving others through the founding and directing of the Northwestern Prison Education Program. Her program enrolls more than 100 adults in the Illinois prison system, each working toward a bachelor’s degree. Colleen Campbell ’99 was presented with the Alumna Achievement Award for her work as a volunteer leader with the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and for working to pass a bill through the Iowa legislature to establish licensure for genetic counseling in the state. 

As we bid farewell to the fours and nines, we look forward to welcoming the classes of zeros and fives next summer, May 29 – June 1, 2025. ‖