Maryville Magazine Fall/Winter 2024

LEADERSHIP A LEGACY OF

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Maryville Leads AI Revolution

AI-powered Social Learning Companions are changing the face of nursing education and just might lead to a revolution in all student learning.

Editor: Marty Parkes

Design and Layout: Cisneros Design

Contributing Writers: Dan Clerke, Alyssa Eason, Darla Ferrario, Marty Parkes, Liz Porter, M.L. Spenser, Jason Williams, Gabrielle Young

Contributing Photographers: Max Bouvatte, Joey Bunton, Jonathan Carney, Dan Donovan, Stacy Donovan, Malia Dunbar, Jay Fram, Caleb Kincheloe, Jerry Naunheim, Jordan Ousley, Kellie Sandman, Jacob Walton, Theo Welling, Jason Williams, Adam Wurr, Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics, Lifetime Media, St. Louis Sports Commission

ADMINISTRATION

President: Mark Lombardi, PhD Vice President, Community and Government Relations: Laraine Davis Executive Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications: Gabrielle Young

MaryWELL Program Off to Healthy Start

Maryville’s new MaryWELL program is designed to enhance student wellness with an innovative 360-degree approach. Results thus far are amazing.

Super Bowl or Bust

Three Maryville students and one recent graduate have spent nearly a year working on 2025 Super Bowl preparations, getting a sport business education of a lifetime.

Lombardi’s Trophy

As Mark Lombardi’s 18-year tenure as president of Maryville nears its end, the University community celebrates a constant, upward trajectory reflecting his energetic, focused and innovative leadership.

Dear Friends,

This letter is a bittersweet task for me, as it is my last contribution to Maryville Magazine as president. We have come so far since 2007 in building a truly good and great University serving students across the nation and around the world. From unprecedented growth to boundless innovation, from nationally ranked academics to exceptionally competitive athletics, from a digital transformation in education to five-star service driven by artificial intelligence, we have forged a revolution in higher education that will shine a bright light for hundreds of thousands of students in the decades to come.

Ultimately, these past 18 years were always about the people. Hundreds of dedicated and expert faculty working with countless more passionate and committed staff have done all of the heavy lifting to elevate Maryville to where it stands today.

Thousands of donors, alumni, community partners and dedicated board members have possessed the singular commitment and vision to support those herculean efforts.

have been an educator for 42 years, and Maryville University is the professional love of my life. As I finish my role as president and continue on my own journey, I can swear to all of you three truths. First, I will continue to fight for access and opportunity for all students so that the benefits of an education are enjoyed by all regardless of race, gender, ZIP code or finances. Second, will always support Maryville in its leadership of a digitally forward, inclusive education.

Third, each and every day as president, I gave Maryville my very best, no matter what challenges or crises were thrown at us. never wavered in that effort, not one second. On the wall in my office is a collection of quotes that together encapsulate my philosophy of leadership and, in many ways, of life itself. Anyone could come in and read them and gain some valuable insight into how I think and act. Let me leave you with one such quote by Tennyson:

Six ranked programs show what dedicated, passionate faculty can do to enhance and ensure student career success.

From esports to national championships galore

Just think: Since 2007, we have graduated over 32,000 students who are now working and thriving in this region and beyond, building a more civil, a more just and, hopefully, a more inclusive society. There can be no greater measure of success than that.

This issue explores just some of your achievements this past fall as it also touches on an array of successes since 2007. Our nationally ranked academic programs, our athletic successes, our community outreach and, of course, our digital-forward innovation speak to what a community of passionate professionals can do with a robust vision and the right support.

“Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’ / We are not now that strength which in old days / Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; / One equal temper of heroic hearts, / Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will / To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

God bless all of you, and may God bless Maryville University.

Warmest regards,

Mark Lombardi, PhD

Nurse SLC How can I help?

AI Social Learning Companions Revolutionizing Student Success in Nursing Education

In the rapidly evolving world of higher education, digital learning tools are reshaping the way students engage with their courses, offering personalized and accessible support throughout their academic journey. At Maryville, the introduction of AI-powered Social Learning Companions (SLCs) marks a significant leap forward in student success, particularly within the demanding field of nursing.

TAILORED SUPPORT

In the summer of 2024, Maryville’s nursing program became the first to integrate SLCs into its curriculum. Designed to

address high attrition rates in challenging courses, these AI-powered tools are trained specifically on Maryville’s intellectual property and data, tailoring their support to each learner’s unique needs. The initial SLC pilot focused on NURS 611: Advanced Pathophysiology, a course historically known for its rigor and difficulty.

The SLC provides students with ondemand assistance, acting as a digital guide through complex concepts. Embedded with additional resources covering the most frequently missed topics, the SLC ensures students have access to immediate, relevant help when they need it most. This personalized support system empowers

students to stay engaged with course material, minimizing the frustration that can lead to academic withdrawal or low performance.

ENCOURAGING EARLY RESULTS

The results of the pilot program have been overwhelmingly positive. Across the Summer Semester, 67% of the 322 students in 21 sections of NURS 611 actively engaged with the SLC. The initial findings were excellent. Compared to the previous three years, 21% more students earned A and B grades, while the number of students receiving D grades or withdrawing from the course significantly decreased. Overall, attrition decreased 12%.

Maryville’s commitment to student success through innovative digital tools is already paying student success and financial dividends. “The integration of the SLC in NURS 611 has surpassed our expectations,” said a member of the nursing faculty. “By offering targeted support for the most challenging topics, we’ve been able to reduce frustration and increase student confidence.”

The success of this pilot prompted the expansion of the program for the 2024 Fall Semester. Not only did the SLC return for a second run in NURS 611, but it also was introduced in NURS 615: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, another critical course in the nursing curriculum. Engagement levels surged. Within the first two weeks of the semester, SLC usage already exceeded the Summer Semester, with 764 students benefiting from the tool.

TRANSFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION WITH AI TOOLS

Maryville’s SLCs are one way the University is revolutionizing higher education by using artificial intelligence to create more personalized, adaptable learning experiences. These digital companions offer continuous, interactive support, supplementing the traditional educational model and allowing students to engage at their own pace.

By integrating AI into its nursing curriculum, Maryville not only is addressing a critical need for student support in challenging courses but also is paving the way for the future of digital learning in higher education. The early results from the SLC pilot project indicate that AI companions have the potential to reduce attrition rates and significantly improve academic outcomes, giving students the tools they need to succeed.

What does this mean? It means more nurses successfully meeting high professional standards and engaging within a profession where their talent is desperately needed. It also means that Maryville continues to augment its reputation as the preferred destination for nurses to enhance their credentials and pursue their craft.

A FUTURE OF GROWTH AND EXPANSION

As the SLC pilot program accelerates, the University will deploy the technology in other courses and programs with high attrition rates. With each new iteration, the SLCs will become more refined, providing even greater support to students.

The success of the SLC pilot underscores a broader reality: AI applied properly can be a significant tool in enhancing education and providing access and opportunity for tens of thousands more students.

For Maryville University students, the future is bright with AI on their side.

Would you like to know more about the results of the pilot program so far?

344 graduate nursing students participated in Summer 2024.

Attrition dropped by 12% , saving $1.2 million.

764 graduate nursing students participated in Fall 2024.

Attrition dropped by 26% .

AI Technology Enhances Student Learning at Maryville

Maryville University is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into its curriculum, particularly within the accounting and finance departments. As technology evolves, so do our educational practices, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in a digital landscape.

AI-FRIENDLY ASSIGNMENTS

In a significant step forward, all accounting and finance classes now feature AI-friendly assignments in their online courses. This initiative not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students to navigate an increasingly AIdriven industry. To support this transition, instructors participated in specialized training focused on creating AI assignments.

A NEW AI ASSESSMENT SCALE

For an unprecedented fourth time, Maryville has earned recognition as an Apple Distinguished School, this time for the 2024 – 27 term.

“This award demonstrates Maryville’s national leadership in cutting-edge innovation,” said President Mark Lombardi, PhD.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals.

In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.

A key innovation in artificial intelligence initiatives is the AI Assessment Scale. This measurement provides clear guidelines for students on the responsible use of generative AI tools in academic assignments. Maryville’s commitment to embracing new technologies while upholding academic rigor is reflected in the scale’s design. It clarifies how, when and to what extent students can leverage AI to support their learning activities. Faculty members were introduced to this resource during the University’s professional development REAL Week, and it can be seamlessly integrated into courses through the tools available in the Canvas learning mangagement system. These groundbreaking projects were made possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of the John E. Simon School of Business, School of Adult and Online Education, and Digital Learning Experience (DLX). Together, Maryville faculty and staff are helping to shape a forward-thinking educational environment that prepares students for the future.

Maryville Welcomes Largest Freshman Class in History, Again

Record-breaking enrollment demonstrates consistent growth and highlights the University’s national appeal and commitment to student success

Maryville University reached another historic milestone with a 20% increase in its 2024 freshman class, marking the largest firstyear class ever admitted to the University. Maryville welcomed well over 1,000 new students, resulting in nearcapacity campus housing, and plans are underway to finance and add an additional residence hall in the near future.

Maryville reported an undergraduate population increase of over 9% in Fall 2023, documenting consistent growth for over 15 years in a row. The University remains one of the five fastest-growing private universities in the nation, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education

“We are incredibly excited to welcome such a robust and diverse freshman class to Maryville University,” said President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “This significant increase reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality, innovative education that attracts students from all backgrounds.”

Shani Lenore-Jenkins, vice president of enrollment, expressed her enthusiasm for the University’s continued growth. “Even amid the most recent challenges facing higher education, including COVID and the tumultuous new FAFSA rollout, Maryville remained steadfast in our commitment and investment in providing students a high-quality academic, digitally innovative, personalized and remarkably engaged college experience. Our enrollment team, alongside the entire Maryville community, has worked determinedly to connect with and assist prospective students and their families throughout their college search journey, and we are proud to see the Maryville University experience resonate with so many new students.”

As Maryville University adjusts to the growing number of students, Raphaella Prange, vice president of student life, emphasized the positive steps being taken to address housing needs. “We are proactively expanding our housing accommodations to ensure that every student feels at home here at Maryville. Our priority is to create a comfortable and enriching living environment that creates a strong sense of belonging and supports our students’ academic and personal development.” Maryville University remains dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. The increase in freshman class enrollment is a clear indication of the University’s success in these endeavors, and the institution welcomed the new class with its distinct brand of five-star service and a personalized student experience.

Maryville Reaches Out Day Sets Participation Record

Maryville Reaches Out (MRO) saw the largest number of volunteers yet this past fall, with over 1,500 Saints spending their days at one of 104 projects (on campus, off campus and in the community) and more than 4,600 volunteer hours tallied. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly 192 days or nearly half a year’s worth of service in one day.

MRO is a day when all students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to share their time and talents in community service. The event, initiated by President Mark Lombardi, PhD, in 2007, was designed to strengthen Maryville’s commitment to the St. Louis community and beyond through meaningful connections and impactful work. Dean of Student Wellness C. Oliver Tacto has been at the helm of this project since joining Maryville in 2023.

The recent MRO, held on Sept. 17, opened with a service fair and kickoff event where representatives from 30 nonprofit and philanthropic organizations joined faculty, students and staff on campus to talk about diverse community service opportunities that align with the University’s mission of civic engagement. Tacto energized attendees with a passionate speech about the importance of volunteering, while Lombardi offered his sincerest thanks and appreciation for so many taking time to serve others in their community.

“It’s incredible to see so many at Maryville excited to volunteer and give back to those in need,” said Tacto. “It’s a testament to our core value of assisting and strengthening our local, national and global communities. When Maryville students put their minds to something, there is no limit to what they can do. Add our supportive faculty and staff into that mix, and we’re unstoppable.”

Maryville students, faculty and staff contributed enthusiasm and effort to the Little Bit Foundation, a group that strives to break down barriers to learning for under-resourced schoolchildren.

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Music Therapy

Maryville program collaborating with Mayo Clinic to study the effects of therapeutic songwriting for children diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell disease and blood disorders

Under the leadership of Director Crystal Weaver, the Maryville University music therapy program secured an innovative research collaboration with Mayo Clinic. This relationship explores the transformative effects of therapeutic songwriting for children diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell disease and blood disorders through a series of groundbreaking research studies through Mayo Clinic.

A NEW FRONTIER

What makes this collaboration truly phenomenal is its focus on telehealth initiatives. With the growing need for accessible music therapy, particularly in rural communities, this research series will pave the way for evidence-based practice in telehealth music therapy. The program will pair children undergoing treatment with Maryville’s music therapy graduate students in clinicals. The collaboration efforts it will take to support Mayo Clinic are not new to Maryville. Through Kids Rock Cancer, Maryville music therapy students have helped over 1,000 children express their emotions and stories through music and songwriting, creating a powerful message of strength and resilience. Utilizing Apple technology to increase access and opportunity, Maryville’s Master of Music Therapy program, the only fully accredited program in the St. Louis area, is set to offer a new virtual synchronous format option in Spring 2025. The program will provide students with the clinical training necessary for their degrees while utilizing innovative Apple technology to deliver

effective therapy. Maryville’s music therapy program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and fully approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

LEVERAGING APPLE TECH FOR IMPACT

At Maryville, we are proud to be an Apple Distinguished School for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time. The iPad is not just a tool; it’s a musical instrument that opens new avenues for creative expression. By embracing technology, we are redefining the way our community views music therapy and expanding access and opportunity. In addition to benefiting children with sickle cell disease and cancer, this initiative builds a strong evidence-based practice community for our students. We’re changing our admissions criteria to allow applicants to include audio engineering as their primary instrument, demonstrating our commitment to a forward-thinking, inclusive approach to music therapy education.

LIFELONG LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT

This collaboration extends beyond current students. We are dedicated to training our alumni in how to utilize the iPad as an instrument, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. We aim to be a touchstone for ongoing continuing education, ensuring that our community is well equipped to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape.

As we move forward, we’re excited to share that our collaborative efforts have already led to one upcoming publication in the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing and a featured podium presentation at the sixth annual Maruzza International Congress on Pediatric Palliative Care in Rome. Our faculty and staff will proudly be co-authors on these important publications.

maryville.edu/ krcweek

Kids Rock Cancer Week

March 24 – 29, 2025

MONDAY, MARCH 24

Kickoff

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

Shop & Dine to Make a Difference

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

Music Therapy Program Alumni

Reunion, featuring community grand rounds, performances by alumni, opportunities to share stories, a collaborative musicmaking session and continued education utilizing the iPad as an instrument

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

Donor Appreciation Reception and Open House

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

Volunteer Pizza Party

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

Finale and 50/50 Raffle Drawing

A WEEK TO GET INVOLVED

We invite you to join us in March for Kids Rock Cancer Week. The weeklong celebration will feature events for donors, volunteers and alumni, including continuing education for music therapists utilizing iPad technology. These initiatives wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of our dedicated faculty and staff and strong support from our community. The Maryville University music therapy program is grateful for the innovative spirit that has driven the program for over 53 years. Together with Mayo Clinic and Kids Rock Cancer, we are changing the landscape of music therapy and making a positive impact on the lives of children battling cancer and sickle cell diseases.

Crystal Weaver

Dana Levin served last year as one of the five judges for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Levin is an awardwinning poet and Maryville’s first distinguished writer-inresidence, so named in 2015.

Distinguished Writer-In-Residence Serves on Pulitzer Prize Poetry Jury

Dana Levin, tapped for expertise in field, helped select the 2024 prize winner

Maryville University proudly celebrates professor Dana Levin, MA, its first-ever distinguished writerin-residence, for being selected to serve on the jury of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. This prestigious appointment highlights not only Levin’s extensive contributions to the world of poetry but also the caliber of educators that Maryville attracts — those whose expertise and accomplishments directly benefit students by bringing unparalleled real-world experience into the classroom.

THE HONOR OF SERVING ON THE JURY

The Pulitzer Prize in Poetry is one of the most esteemed honors in American literature, awarded annually to works that push the boundaries of poetic expression and contribute to the cultural landscape. Serving on the jury for such an award is a testament to a poet’s reputation, expertise and impact on the field. Jury members are entrusted with the rigorous task of reviewing and evaluating a multitude of works from across the country, selecting finalists whose collections demonstrate extraordinary artistic achievement.

To be appointed to the Pulitzer jury is no small feat. It requires a deep knowledge of the craft, a commitment to literary excellence and years of distinguished work within the poetry community. Levin’s extensive background as an award-winning poet and educator makes her an ideal fit for this honor. Her selection for this role is not only a reflection of her personal achievements but also a recognition of her influence on contemporary American poetry.

A RIGOROUS SELECTION PROCESS

The Pulitzer Prize selection process is renowned for its rigor and meticulousness. As a juror, Levin was part of an exclusive panel of five judges tasked with reviewing countless poetry submissions, each representing some of the finest work produced over the year. The jury’s recommendations were then passed on to the Pulitzer Board, which made the final decision. The process demanded not only a deep understanding of the art form but also the ability to recognize innovation and thematic resonance in the entries. Levin’s participation in this process underscored her expertise in identifying powerful, evocative works that shape literary discourse.

LEVIN’S IMPACT AT MARYVILLE

Levin’s involvement with Maryville University began in 2015, when she was named the institution’s first distinguished writer-in-residence. Her arrival coincided with a renewed emphasis on creative writing in Maryville’s academic programs, including the addition of new concentrations in narrative arts, fantasy and science fiction, and video literacy. Her experience as a teacher of writing since 1991, coupled with her standing as an accomplished poet, has significantly enriched Maryville’s humanities curriculum.

“Before I arrived at Maryville, I had only taught at arts-focused institutions. What I love about teaching here is that students

from a wide range of fields take my classes, from the health professions to business and communications majors, budding psychologists and graphic designers, gamers and my beloved English majors. The crosspollination of interests feeds great classroom conversations and creative writing at Maryville. I love visiting the classes of my fellow teachers. You can find poetry in and poems about myriad fields, even science. Arriving at Maryville, my mission to bring the expressive arts into the lives of people renewed.” Levin said.

Levin’s courses, Writing Poetry and Write Short: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry, provide students with the opportunity to learn from a poet whose work has been featured in The Best American Poetry and The New York Times. In addition to teaching, Levin offers writing tutorials for students undertaking major projects, helping them hone their craft with personalized mentorship.

BRINGING EXPERTISE AND PRESTIGE

Levin’s recent selection to serve on the Pulitzer Prize jury adds even greater distinction to her role at Maryville. Her deep involvement in the national poetry community offers students a unique perspective on the world of contemporary literature. As Maryville continues to build its reputation for fostering creativity and innovation, faculty members like Levin play an essential role in preparing students for successful careers in writing and the arts. Her presence on campus exemplifies Maryville’s commitment to hiring faculty who not only excel in their respective fields but also bring meaningful, real-world experiences to the classroom.

As Levin continues to make waves both nationally and at Maryville, her contributions ensure that the University’s students are learning from the very best. Her appointment to the Pulitzer Prize jury is a proud moment for the University and an inspiring example of what Maryville’s faculty and students can achieve.

Levin’s Contributions to Poetry

NOW DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE

Copper Canyon Press, 2022

• New York Times Notable Book

• New York Times Editors’ Choice

• NPR Books We Love

• Lannan Literary Selection

BANANA PALACE

Copper Canyon Press, 2016

• Finalist for the Rilke Prize

SKY BURIAL

Copper Canyon Press, 2011

• 2011 year-end honors by The New Yorker, the San Francisco Chronicle, Coldfront Magazine and Library Journal

WEDDING DAY

Copper Canyon Press, 2005

• Winner of the Whiting Award

IN THE SURGICAL THEATRE

Copper Canyon Press, 1999

• Chosen by Louise Glück for the 1999 American Poetry Review/Honickman First Book Prize and went on to receive numerous honors, including the 2003 PEN/Osterweil Award

Levin’s poetry and essays have appeared in many anthologies and magazines, including:

• The Best American Poetry

• The New York Times

• Poetry London

• The American Poetry Review

• Poetry

• The Nation

Fellowships and awards include:

• National Endowment for the Arts

• PEN

• Witter Bynner Foundation

• Library of Congress

• Rona Jaffe Foundation

• Guggenheim Foundation

A teacher of poetry for over 30 years, Levin currently serves as the distinguished writer-in-residence at Maryville University.

FACULTY / STAFF

A New Comprehensive Wellness Initiative for Students

MaryWELL was designed to promote and track well-being for healthier individuals and a stronger University community

Maryville University proudly launched MaryWELL in 2024, a comprehensive wellness initiative to help students thrive in all aspects of their lives. MaryWELL promotes holistic well-being through programs, events and initiatives that align with the eight dimensions of wellness: academic, belonging, emotional, environmental, financial, physical, purpose and social.

MaryWELL encourages students to actively engage in wellness activities across campus. Through collaboration with student organizations, faculty, staff and the greater St. Louis community, the initiative is designed to create a culture where every student feels empowered to achieve personal and academic goals.

“A thriving campus begins with a culture of care,” said Dean of Student Wellness C. Oliver Tacto. “Through MaryWELL, Maryville fosters connection, purpose and a sense of belonging for all.”

A key feature of MaryWELL is the MaryWELL Quest, an innovative student wellness tracking program. By participating in wellness events and scanning QR codes, students can track their involvement, set personal wellness goals and earn rewards throughout the semester by simply taking care of themselves.

Maryville distributed MaryWELL care boxes to over 1,200 students during orientation in the fall. The boxes featured wellness tools like stress balls, first-aid and hygiene items, healthy snacks, and informational brochures to promote self-

YUANJIN LIU, PhD, director of the data science program and associate professor of actuarial science and data science, received $1,700 in Google educational credits to support students’ learning in cloud computing.

PRANGE, vice president for student life, spoke at Inside Higher Ed’s Student Success US 2024 event in Knoxville, Tennessee, leading a panel titled “Meeting the Needs of Generation P.”

The U.S. Speaker Program, which collaborates with U.S. embassies and consulates to connect professional foreign audiences with American experts on topics of strategic importance, requested LEILANI CARVER-MADALON, PhD, professor of communication, to speak on media literacy and women’s empowerment.

C. OLIVER TACTO, DSW, MPH, CHES®, dean of student wellness, will present at the NASPA Strategies Conference in Boston in January 2025. His presentation is titled “Strategic Leadership in College Wellbeing: Elevating Health Promotion Professionals to Executive Roles.”

Maryville Saints announced ADAM HALL as the 10th head men’s soccer coach in program history. He comes to St. Louis after spending the last eight seasons as the head coach at the University of Illinois Springfield.

JOEY ABELES assistant director of the Center for Service and Spiritual Engagement, trained with Resetting the Table, an organization dedicated to building collaborative deliberation and skills, to build community across differences on campus.

PRESTON INGRAM was named head coach of the Saints men’s basketball program in June 2024. He came to Maryville after spending five years as the head coach at Missouri Baptist University.

care. Each item in the boxes aligned with one of the eight dimensions of wellness.

Maryville also formed a strategic partnership with Commerce Bank to create a dedicated financial wellness platform to enhance financial education for Maryville Saints. This free resource is offered to the entire campus community to help encourage Saints to feel empowered to make financial decisions.

Tacto said the effort is off to a healthy start so far.

“Our MaryWELL initiatives are already well received,” he said. “The initial success reflects the impact of empowering our students to embrace their strengths and create a campus life with purpose and fulfillment.”

BRITTANY McCOO, ’19 director of student engagement and belonging, has achieved certification as a restorative practices trainer, furthering the University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across campus.

ZIMMERMAN, EdD, APRN, ANP-BC, assistant professor of nursing, was awarded the Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing Distinguished Alumni Award for nursing education and research.

BRIAN MERKEL, executive director of digital experience, and SARA BRONSON digital experience developer, presented at Dreamforce to share how they have made Slack the communication operating system of the University.

NINA

RAPHAELLA

More than 1,200 students who attended orientation in the fall received MaryWELL care boxes filled with things such as stress balls, first-aid and hygiene items, healthy snacks, and informational brochures to promote self-care.

SUPER

A EXPERIENCE

A unique internship opportunity allows Rawlings Sport Business Management program students to prepare for the ’25 Super Bowl

BY M.L. SPENSER

Three Maryville students and one recent graduate, all Rawlings Sport Business Management majors, have the exclusive and extraordinary opportunity to work at the 2025 Super Bowl. New Orleans will host Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, and four Saints — Dana Buford, ’25; Colton Pecher, ’27; Nicolas Van Deman, ’26; and Lauren Dawson, ’24 — are living and working there as interns preparing for the big game.

“Our students are interning with a remarkable group of individuals at the managing organization, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. We are extremely fortunate to have the foundation as a partner,” said Jason Williams, EdD, director of the Rawlings Sport Business Management program. “With their assistance, we created a unique experiential learning opportunity offered exclusively through our program. As a result, our

students are living in New Orleans for nearly a year, a journey which began last April.”

Maryville students are the only full-time interns assisting the host committee. They work in a variety of roles, including marketing, communications, volunteer coordination, promotions and social media.

Craig Forshag, sales director for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, said the interns have provided outstanding support for the organization.

“These student workers have exceeded our expectations in every way, from professionalism in the office, handling themselves at an event and being open and willing to take on what has come their way so far,” said Forshag.

After working with a different group of Maryville University students during the men’s basketball Division I NCAA Final

Four held in New Orleans in 2022, Forshag said he had no hesitation signing on to this latest internship program.

“To other organizations, I would say if you’re thinking about tapping into Maryville University’s Rawlings Sport Business

Management students as volunteers, interns or employees, I can verify with confidence and firsthand experience that the students coming out of there are top notch. Hopefully, this is a relationship I can continue with Jason [Williams, program director] and Maryville for all our events coming down the line.”

Buford was attracted to the internship because she is planning a career in event operations. “This is an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience with one of the most prestigious events in the sports world,” she said. “I knew working on the Super Bowl would provide me invaluable insights into large-scale event operations.”

Buford’s responsibilities are focused on operations and community affairs. She assists in the planning and execution of Super Bowl LIX, the NOLA Pickle Fest and the New Orleans Bowl, along with other sports events. She also helps coordinate logistics, liaises with vendors and sponsors, and ensures compliance with regulations and standards.

“Seeing an event come to life step by step, and knowing I played a part in its success, is incredibly rewarding,” Buford said. “The insights I have gained will be invaluable as I move forward, and working closely with industry professionals and engaging with the local community has given me the opportunity to build a strong network and learn from experienced mentors.”

Pecher is tasked with enhancing a platform for individuals interested in volunteering. He communicates daily with volunteers, sponsors, NFL representatives and the local community. It’s challenging to navigate the constant activity and ensure needs are met, but the firsthand experience is exciting — and he fully expects that it will open career doors.

“This internship will have a profound impact on my future goals. Being able to gain real insight about how an organization like the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation runs, especially at a busy period, is invaluable,” Pecher said. “Having an

experience like this on my résumé will figure prominently when I’m being considered for a future role.”

Dawson, a communications intern, also enjoys a range of responsibilities, including updating web content, developing engaging social media content across multiple platforms, photographing memorable Super Bowl activities, producing high-quality videos showcasing behind-the-scenes footage and fan interactions, and assisting with brand messaging and promotional materials.

“This experience is pivotal for my future endeavors in communications and media within the sports industry,” Dawson said. “Navigating a fast-paced environment prepares me to excel in future roles where adaptability and creative problem-solving are paramount.”

“Having Super Bowl work experience elevates an individual’s résumé,” agreed Forshag. “Mentioning the Super Bowl is a conversation starter; people want to hear about your experience. It gets you the call back.”

Colton Pecher, ’27; Lauren Dawson, ’24; Dana Buford, ’25; and Nicolas Van Deman, ’26, are living and working in New Orleans as interns preparing for the big game.

LESSONS FRUITFUL

Venturing beyond the classroom for REAL Week, Maryville faculty

visit Missouri Botanical Garden to explore professional growth

BY DARLA FERRARIO

The phrase “professional development” might only conjure up images of listening to speakers or watching PowerPoint presentations. But in August, 120 Maryville University faculty strolled through St. Louis’ Missouri Botanical Garden to enhance their teaching skills. The event was part of the University’s REAL Week, a two-week faculty professional development experience funded by Maryville University. Biology professor Kyra Krakos, who planned the botanical garden outing, understands the importance of alternative learning spaces.

“My colleagues are just like our students; they enjoy getting out of the classroom,” said Krakos. “When you offer people new spaces

and new ways of using those spaces, it pushes their thinking.” Employing a theme of “Show me your garden, and I’ll show you who you are,” she used the motifs of six different gardens to encourage faculty to take a fresh look at their work.

For example, stone and other features in the Bakewell Ottoman Garden have no faces, in keeping with the Islamic traditions of the former Ottoman Empire. That gave Krakos the idea to ask faculty to think about how much of themselves they bring into their classroom and how that might be both a strength and a concern.

Maryville nursing instructor Kellie Sandman, BSN, ’16, found resonance in the Japanese Garden, with its need for frequent pruning, raking and weeding to maintain its austere beauty.

“It reminded me of how we continually revisit our curricula to weed out things that aren’t working anymore,” Sandman said. “And how we constantly improve them based on the students we’re teaching.”

Since the August visit, instructors from a variety of fields, including literature and art, have brought their students to the gardens for outdoor classroom experiences, and Krakos said she is gratified that the REAL Week visit continues to inspire.

“As a botanist, I’m just delighted,” she said. The day spent at Missouri Botanical Garden also led to bonding among instructors who otherwise might not have had a chance to interact. “It was valuable to talk through different people’s perspectives on a curriculum, even if they’re not teaching the same content,” Sandman said. “And I had a great conversation with someone who teaches accounting about raising kids and life in general.”

REAL stands for relating, experiencing, applying and learning, which aligns with Maryville’s Active Learning Ecosystem. Sandman said the University prioritizing innovative learning makes her feel valued as part of a team. It also reminds her of why she chose the ever-changing field of education.

“I don’t want to build a class and run it the same way for 15 years,” Sandman said. “I like the way Maryville brings faculty out of the mundane and directs us into new experiences.”

Biology professor Kyra Krakos, right, used the motifs of six different gardens to encourage faculty to take a fresh look at their work.

Assistant professor of biology Alastair Pringle leads the Japanese Garden group through the active learning habitat.

Kellie Sandman, Kelly Hand and Katherine Padilla explore the gardens.

Yuanjin Liu, data science program director, and Bao-Ping Jia, associate professor of mathematics, gained new perspective about teaching and learning in the Bakewell Ottoman Garden.

LOMBARDI’S TROPHY

BY MARTY PARKES

Each year, in early February, the world’s attention shifts one Sunday to a single U.S. football game known as the Super Bowl. The winning team receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy named after the legendary Green Bay Packers coach and winner of the first two Super Bowls.

The Lombardi Trophy signifies a pinnacle of athletic achievement, a commitment to teamwork and a relentless quest for excellence that has stood the test of time.

This story, however, pertains to a different leader named Lombardi. Mark Lombardi, PhD, is retiring after 18 years as president of Maryville University.

To those who know him, the latter Lombardi’s avid admiration for the Packers and their immortal coach is ever present. But Mark’s “Lombardi Trophy” is not etched in silver like the one presented in February. It has, instead, metaphorically become a special institution we all know as Maryville University. He has enjoyed a long run of many successful seasons since 2007. His influence has been enduring, innovative and profound. It has also coincided with an institutional revolution that has made Maryville a national leader in forging a new and progressive model of higher education.

Conversations with many segments of the Maryville community, past and present, provided valuable insight into the contrasting and complimentary aspects of Lombardi’s leadership. This story is composed around several of these attributes that the campus community cited as innately responsible for the success of both the University and its leader.

Maryville and Lombardi’s extensive list of ongoing achievement is not typical throughout the higher education field these days. The average tenure for a college president in this nation now stands at 5.7 years, the shortest duration in history. Many campuses have featured widespread revolts against campus leadership, financial crises, questions of survival, student upheaval, and political and social controversy. Even appointments at socalled prestigious schools such as the Ivy League’s Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University have seen vacancies resulting from widespread dissatisfaction and duress. Put simply, a college presidency is no picnic. Forbes has consistently ranked college president as one of the toughest CEO jobs in America.

Maryville University, meanwhile, has enjoyed a constant, upward trajectory throughout the past two decades. While hurdles and bumps in the road have appeared throughout, the University has navigated thoughtfully, consistently and decisively past them. It owns a record of achievement under Lombardi; in fact, many have seen that his tenure through tumultuous times stands as the successful synergy of a leader with an institution. This story relies on the perspectives of others who toiled daily in the trenches with

Lombardi. The attributes cited provide a comprehensive perspective formed over two decades. While descriptions and perceptions vary, these attributes provide the pieces of a mosaic telling a tale of relentless determination and institutional success. When examined carefully, they provide a vivid, colorful and profound examination of the evolution of a university and its leader.

VISIONARY

Cherie Fister, retired vice president of academic affairs, cited Lombardi’s ambition for Maryville as his most important contribution. “Maryville was a fine institution when Mark arrived that did well for its students. But it did not have lofty standards for itself. That changed during the Lombardi era. He constantly

pushed us to lift our eyes, dream for more, work harder and harder to achieve, and never become complacent. It changed the culture of the institution.”

Lombardi, when pressed, described his main contribution to Maryville University this way: He simply provided Maryville with a vision of itself that it did not have as it navigated the 21st century. That consistent vision underscored every strategic achievement that followed.

AUTHENTIC AND APPROACHABLE

The community points to Lombardi’s authenticity as a chief characteristic of his leadership style. He treated all segments of the Maryville community the same, without airs or a sense of superiority. He stayed confident but not arrogant in his approach.

Mark calls the play and then demands that his staff and others in the Maryville community implement that play to a high standard of success.

— ED RYAN, MARYVILLE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR

Mark Lombardi, PhD, appointed 10th president of Maryville University

Inaugural Maryville Reaches Out (MRO) Day

The Center for Global Education and the Center for First-Year Experience are created. The Center for Teaching and Learning is named after Dr. Mary Ellen Finch.

The Center for Civic Engagement and Democracy established

Graduate Walkway unveiled during 2009 alumni weekend

Lonnie Folks Award established to honor former student-athletes, coaches or administrators who exemplify the spirit of Maryville athletics

Maryville accepted into the Great Lakes Valley Conference and transitions to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II

Maryville Hall, later renamed Potter Hall, a renovated Marriott Courtyard with housing for up to 250 students, opens

A major gift (totaling $8.3 million) received from Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker, supporting the construction of the new health professions building

The U.S. Department of Labor awards Maryville a three-year, $4.7 million grant to expand its nursing education program

Maryville celebrates the 50-year anniversary of the West County campus

Heritage Space in the President’s Conference Center is dedicated during Alumni Weekend

Three-story dining hall addition to Gander Hall opens

Athletics adds varsity wrestling, and seven-time national championship wrestling coach Mike Denney leads the Maryville team

Students come from 24 states/3 countries 50 states/56 countries

Marc Schreiber, who today serves as president of the St. Louis Sports Commission that Lombardi chaired for six years, mentions that among the many attributes he admires is that Lombardi simply gave Schreiber the time of day — even if he was not Lombardi’s equal on paper. That attitude paved the way for Maryville to play an integral role in the St. Louis community, including as the main sponsor of the Musial Awards given annually in recognition of outstanding sportsmanship throughout the sports world. Frank Viverito, Schreiber’s predecessor at the St. Louis Sports Commission, remembers that Lombardi instantly recognized the underlying values of the Musial Awards. These values were traits that he sought to become synonymous with Maryville University. And Lombardi never wavered from that perspective. As far as Viverito is concerned, “there’s Mark Lombardi and there is everyone else as far

as college presidents go.” Viverito simply summarized Lombardi’s tenure as “the perfect board chair.”

RELENTLESSLY TRANSFORMATIVE

Dogged in pursuing what he believes is right is another expression cited continually by others. Lombardi demonstrated an ability to focus on important matters while allowing others to concentrate on the more mundane.

His innate knowledge and feel for how to foster and broker relationships with others on campus, as well as in the broader St. Louis community, allowed him to make large problems digestible. Over a brief period, the institution evolved and transformed its culture and way of operating.

Lombardi admitted to two abiding factors in his leadership approach that fostered such transformation: sequencing and the

80/20 rule. First, Lombardi said he believes that any leader must carefully sequence action steps to navigate the many pitfalls that confront any college president. He admitted that he made countless small mistakes as Maryville’s president, but his emphasis on proper sequencing of institutional actions meant that he did not succumb to a big mistake of enduring consequence. “If you sequence decisions and actions in the right order, you can build unstoppable momentum for change and growth,” he said. Much of life is timing, he found. Master that requirement, and success normally follows.

Second, according to Lombardi, any university should direct the vast majority — 80% — of its focus looking out its windshield while spending a limited but important segment of time — 20% — glancing in its rearview mirror and examining its history and culture. These approaches were clear throughout the past 18 years at Maryville.

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) grants Maryville permission to be an active member of its Division II

Maryville announces the addition of a second doctoral concentration in the School of Education, the Doctor of Education in higher education leadership

Forbes names Maryville in its annual ranking of America’s Best Colleges, Maryville is ranked as a National University in the “Best Colleges 2012” report published by U.S. News & World Report and Maryville is named one of the Top 100 Private Universities in the U.S. for Best Value by Kiplinger Personal Finance

The weekend and evening programs are reorganized into the School of Adult and Online Education

The women’s basketball team wins the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament in the team’s first year of eligibility

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch names Maryville University a Top Workplace for 2012, and the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association lists Maryville among the 2012 Greater St. Louis Top 50 Businesses Shaping Our Future

Maryville named the No. 1 overperforming university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

Rawlings Sporting Goods named the University’s signature sport business management program, thereby creating the first corporate-named sport business management program in the nation

The nursing program becomes the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing in the College of Health Professions

Maryville becomes the only university in the country to receive the NCAA Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Success with a 100% four-year graduation rate among its student-athletes

Maryville named the No. 1 overperforming university in the nation for the second year in a row and a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report

FUTURISTIC CONTEXT

Vice President of Academic Affairs Jennifer Yukna recalled that Lombardi, futuristic in his approach concerning many matters, once spoke about flying cars during the convocation ceremony that kicked off one academic year. It led many members of the audience to wonder if he had watched too many episodes of The Jetsons cartoon during his youth.

Over time, though, Yukna came to appreciate Lombardi’s restless preoccupation with preparing learners of the future. That preoccupation became most obvious in his championing of what Maryville calls its Active Learning Ecosystem. His unrelenting approach to using emerging technologies to help faculty and students understand how each student learns best and maximize his or her potential is now a central pillar of a Maryville education.

Yet, several members of the Maryville community underscored Lombardi’s respect for the history and influence of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. Although Maryville had long ago become a lay institution with an independent board, Lombardi in 2007 appreciated the legacy of academic rigor the sisters instilled. Their practicality was not lost on him either. He marveled at their farsighted vision in moving Maryville from its cramped campus in South St. Louis at the beginning of the 1960s to what was then a remote, rural location in West County. Their courageous action in entirely picking up and moving the institution offered Maryville a path to survival as other small, women’s colleges faltered or shuttered. Lombardi showed his respect for historical context, a trait that endeared him especially to the older alumni who attended during the days of South St. Louis.

DECISIVE

Dana Levin is a retired faculty member and distinguished writer-in-residence at the University. Her ties to Lombardi stretch back before their mutual days at Maryville. She described a rare mix of risk-taking complemented by an insatiable appetite for as much data and background information as possible. There also was a comfort with upsetting other people, if necessary, to carry out goals, she said. Dexterity and flexibility, however, often softened the blow to others and allowed them to get over any hurt feelings.

TRUSTING

Lombardi displayed a comprehensive leadership perspective in hiring people and allowing them to do their jobs with minimal interference from above. Jason Williams, EdD, who oversees the Rawlings Sport Business Management program, yet another academic

U.S. News & World Report ranks Maryville second in the nation for its reputation for academic excellence by high school guidance counselors

Maryville sets enrollment record with 5,931 students — a 52% increase in student population from 2002 to 2014

The Maryville wrestling team is ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Coaches Association poll

Canvas learning management system launches

Maryville ranked in top 15% of all major universities in the nation for return on investment

Recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education, Maryville is named one of the top 20 fastest-growing universities in the country

The Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker Hall opens, and the College of Health Professions is renamed the Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions

A new brand with a redesigned signature M debuts

Maryville’s Life Coach Program launches

Higher Learning Commission grants continued accreditation with the next reaffirmation of accreditation in 2024 – 25

Mark Lombardi receives the Credo Courageous Leadership Award

Accreditation received from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for the master’s program in nursing

Office of Diversity and Inclusion established to provide strategic leadership in promoting a diverse campus community, creating greater access to higher education among underrepresented student groups

The Digital World initiative launches with all traditional, first-year students receiving iPads with over 80 free learning apps

Mark Lombardi creates the Martin T. Lombardi Scholarship

All faculty are provided two weeks of paid professional development

Saints Hall, a new residence hall, opens

Tuition for undergraduate programs frozen for the 2016 – 17 academic year, with student fees consolidated into a single fee

GLVC presents Maryville with the 2014 – 16 James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award

School of Education and interior design and physical therapy programs have accreditation reaffirmed through 2025

Online Master of Business Administration in cybersecurity named one of the Top 10 Online MBA Degrees in Cyber Security by Online MBA Today

Maryville League of Legends esports team wins national championship

Esports team wins the inaugural NACE Esports Invitational championship and claims its second national title by winning the League of Legends collegiate championship

Bookstore becomes The M Store, reflecting Maryville’s commitment to the Digital World initiative

Cyber Fusion Center is expanded from 800 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet to accommodate growth in the cybersecurity academic program

Renovations to Anheuser-Busch Academic Center and creation of the 3,000-square-foot cybersecurity center completed

Center for Access and Achievement established in the School of Education to prepare students in low-income school districts for education and work in STEM

The number of campus student organizations tops 100 with 1,200 registered events

More than 35 undergraduate online programs launch

President Bill Clinton was a featured speaker for the St. Louis Speakers Series

program introduced during Lombardi’s tenure, points out that the president never mandated that anyone else follow his leadership style, just the strategic goals. Rather, Lombardi expected each leader to find the management style that worked best for them and the people they led. Rapid change became a fabric of the Maryville experience, and folks hired tended to be change agents themselves. Williams emphasized, though, an innate compassion for people and a deep desire to help them achieve success became a hallmark of Lombardi’s leadership.

FOCUSED

Intense focus, rather than elapsed time, became a mainstay of Maryville. Jerry Brisson, a retired Maryville administrator, said he always cites this fact when asked to describe Maryville’s success. Brisson’s career in higher education stretched 34 years with seven different college presidents at six institutions. Many of them tended to plod along at a deliberate, albeit slow, pace. Decisions were discussed endlessly at committee meetings, but when it came to acting, little happened. At Maryville, deliberations entailed intense focus. Problems were diagnosed quickly, solutions were debated thoroughly but quickly and decisions were made. Problems did not fester. Shortcomings were addressed promptly after careful, rapid deliberation. In this way, Brisson noted, Maryville became a leader in innovation across every area — from connectivity to life-coaching, from the Active Learning Ecosystem to faculty development and now to Maryville’s immersion in artificial intelligence — moving quickly with focused purpose and keeping ahead of the higher education pack.

RECEPTIVE LEARNER

Organization charts did not prevent Lombardi from receiving and taking advice from individuals throughout the community. His proclivity for acquiring knowledge allowed him to seek expertise wherever it was, even if sometimes hidden from most observers. Lombardi, however, did not take anything at face value. Careful research (often undertaken between 2 and 6 a.m.) needed completion before decisions were made and actions implemented. But ideas could come from anywhere, and community members felt deputized to provide them.

CONSISTENT

Pushing Maryville’s leadership to be aware of emerging trends in higher education and society, while garnering knowledge about new topics, became a consistent goal.

MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY

The Lombardi Years: 2007 – 25

Maryville receives the National Award of Merit from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Named one of the three fastest-growing private nonprofit universities in the U.S. by The Chronicle of Higher Education

Maryville announces tuition freeze for the 2018 – 19 academic year

Maryville boasts record enrollment of 9,139, marking 14 years of consecutive enrollment growth

Maryville men’s soccer claims first GLVC championship

The Maryville University Human Performance Lab opens, featuring conditioning and strength-testing equipment used by professional athletes

The second phase of Saints Hall opens to accommodate additional campus residents

Both the speech language pathology Master of Science program and the rehabilitation counseling program achieve 100% career placement rates among their May graduates

13 new undergraduate online programs launch in the College of Arts and Sciences, the John E. Simon School of Business, and the Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions

Maryville University receives the St. Louis American Foundation Corporate Diversity Award for outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion

Maryville names the Robert E. Schoor and Joan Luttig Schoor Undergraduate Nursing Program in honor of their generous scholarship support

Maryville League of Legends esports team wins third national championship in four years

Athletic Complex opens with new tennis courts and lacrosse and softball fields

Maryville University Hockey Center opens

Construction completed on the track encircling the soccer fields and stadium seating at the soccer field

Launch of digital diploma by blockchain

100% of available course materials available in digital format (RedShelf)

Maryville University recognized by CoachDiversity and receives Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryville adopts a hybrid learning approach featuring in-person and virtual attendance for the 2020 – 21 academic year

Maryville begins issuing digital transcripts

Saints ID (digital identification system) launches

Maryville reduces tuition by 5% for traditional undergraduate on-campus students beginning in Fall 2020

Mark Lombardi contributes $500,000 to increase the Martin T. Lombardi student scholarship to $1 million

First annual Maryville Giving Day

Disrupter book profiles Maryville’s rise to national prominence

Maryville introduces digital career portfolios

Mark Lombardi receives the Musial Award for visionary leadership

Maryville esports wins the Overwatch Collegiate Championships and Collegiate Program of the Year

Maryville adds men’s volleyball and women’s field hockey, pushing the number of NCAA sports offered to 25

MaryvilleWorks workforce training platform created to upskill employees

Maryville celebrates 150th year

Maryville Forward giving society launches

Women’s and men’s soccer both win GLVC championships

While issues and strategies would evolve through the years, the consistency in approach bred institutional confidence. Combining the heart of an academic with the head of a businessperson meant Maryville always stood on solid financial footing. Sixteen years of million-dollar surpluses attest to that fact.

Trustee Norm Eaker contended that Lombardi had a unique skill set for a leader: an ability to craft a vision, execution skills to put it into action, an unrelenting focus on students underlying that vision and execution, and a consistent approach and messaging over time.

Chris Chadwick, also a trustee, said that Lombardi did an excellent job of combining a long-term institutional strategy of goals with a cultural strategy of relentless energy to pursue and achieve such aims. Chadwick said Lombardi took Maryville from being a successful university in St. Louis to an integral part of the fabric of the higher education community locally, regionally and beyond.

ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

Lombardi has long believed than an Achilles’ heel of higher education is that success is often measured by restricting opportunity rather than expanding it. Maryville turned that tenet on its head during the past nearly two decades. Whether it was admissions, classroom instruction or the campus community, an unrelenting focus on acquiring and supporting a diverse community remained at the forefront. Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Nina Caldwell described Lombardi’s commitment as intense, bold and courageous, saying he was willing to take calculated risks. She said Lombardi often dipped into his own pocket and contributed his time and treasure on campus and beyond to foster inclusion, even when such actions were not visible to the gaze of others.

Dean of the School of Adult and Online Education Katherine Louthan said Lombardi assembled a diverse leadership team reflecting the composition of this nation’s greater society. As a female administrator, she felt her performance improved by hearing contrasting viewpoints voiced by her peers. Likewise, Michelle Jenkins, dean of the Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions and a Maryville graduate herself, complimented Lombardi’s disciplined, unrelenting focus on making sure that a Maryville education was affordable and accessible. Besides insisting that the University recruit students from varied geographic markets, he mandated that admissions standards were modernized but not lowered to ensure minorities had a fair chance to compete for spots in coveted programs like health professions.

MARYVILLE

The Lombardi Years: 2007 – 25

Men’s DI ice hockey team wins the Midwest College Hockey (MCH) Conference championship

Overwatch esports team wins second consecutive national championship and seventh overall title for the esports program

Master of Science in artificial intelligence, postbaccalaureate certificate in fundamentals of AI and undergraduate certificate in blockchain programs launch online

Mark Lombardi and Nina Caldwell receive the Frankie Muse Freeman/Norman R. Seay Commitment to St. Louis Award from the NAACP

Inaugural Staenberg Lecture features ADL President Jonathan Greenblatt

Maryville reaches largest undergraduate enrollment in history with total enrollment over 10,000

Maryville’s esports team wins second Gateway Legends trophy

Maryville launches its third strategic plan, Maryville 2030: The Access and Opportunity Revolution

Maryville wins NCAA DII Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence (10th time in the last 12 years)

GLVC championships in baseball, wrestling and women’s bowling

Women’s soccer player Lexi Gentry and baseball player Michael Gould are first recipients of the Stan Musial Sports Scholarship

Maryville freezes tuition again and has kept tuition frozen for traditional on-campus students since 2019

Maryville announces the largest undergraduate enrollment (6,000+) in its history for the Fall Semester

9% increase in undergraduate population for Fall 2023

98% career outcomes

Six nationally ranked programs: interior design, Rawlings Sport Business Management, data science, nursing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

Maryville University designated a 2023 – 24 Military Friendly School

Maryville named the third fastest-growing private university in the nation by The Chronicle of Higher Education for 2023

Maryville named fourth fastest-growing private university by The Chronicle of Higher Education

Maryville welcomes the largest freshman class in history, again

Maryville launches Mya, a conversational AI platform, to revolutionize student recruitment and optimize the student experience

Maryville receives unprecedented fourth Apple Distinguished School recognition for leadership and innovation

Maryville celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Rawlings Sport Business Management program

Mark Lombardi joins the Voice of Intercollegiate Esports’ Presidents Advisory Council

Maryville’s cybersecurity program designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA)

$21 million, four-year investment in artificial intelligence technology to support student learning and success announced

Maryville’s esports program wins its 11th national championship and 31st major championship in 10 years

Maryville launches AI Social Learning Companion (SLC) in nursing

Maryville launches AI transcript evaluation system

Mark Lombardi, PhD, retires after 18 years as University president

How to sum up Lombardi’s long, successful tenure as Maryville University’s president? Kathy Lunan served two extended stints in the President’s Office before retiring six years ago, and she is still a keen observer of Maryville. Her daily exposure in the President’s Office led her to contend that the Maryville community was simply fortunate to work with someone of Lombardi’s caliber. Lombardi’s ability to make decisions and implement them in an urgent way, his determination to not get bogged down in bureaucracy and approvals, and his willingness to take calculated risks while ensuring student needs remained paramount in all decisions, she said. She added that his attention to detail in all matters, especially concerning branding and identity; his unrelenting focus on diversity and inclusion throughout the organization; his transparent manner in dealing with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and alumni that earned their respect; his thoughtful commitment to strategic planning and

achievement of goals; and his ability to say no to good ideas that did not fit were attributes that paved the way for his personal success as well as institutional achievement.

Tom Boudreau enrolled as one of Maryville’s first male students after it became co-educational in 1969. His involvement evolved to serving on the Board of Trustees, including as board chair for several years. Putting on his alumni hat for a moment, Boudreau expressed gratitude that Lombardi added to the value of a Maryville degree for all, like himself, who have earned one. According to Boudreau, everyone now knows Maryville, where it is located and how well it does things, and Lombardi put the institution on an upward trajectory.

Boudreau also chaired the search committee that originally hired Lombardi.

“If I have done nothing else for Maryville, that was the one thing I did that had the greatest impact on the University’s evolution. He will, no doubt, prove a hard act to follow,” Boudreau said.

Current Board Chair Ed Ryan said the underpinning of Lombardi’s success was his belief in the potential for achievement by the everyday student. Achievement by all students — whether traditional, nontraditional or online — remained paramount. Ryan drew parallels with Vince Lombardi’s success of yesteryear with Mark Lombardi’s beloved Green Bay Packers: “Mark calls the play and then demands that his staff and others in the Maryville community implement that play to a high standard of success.”

Not a bad final report card for a college president with a long and extraordinarily successful tenure. Giving Lombardi the last word, he said, “Maryville is the professional love of my life. I was and am blessed to have been chosen as a custodian of her future and her posterity.”

Maryville University and over 32,000 students who graduated during Lombardi’s tenure are, ultimately and in every meaningful way, “Lombardi’s Trophy.”

Lombardi and his Presidential Advisory Committee in 2024. Having a diverse and inclusive campus culture requires a diverse and inclusive leadership team, the president said.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Tell me what about Maryville intrigued you back in 2007.

Maryville had a good reputation, and it was very much a leader in adult education, which I have always been passionate about.

A couple of people I respect said I should look at the Maryville job. I did so, and it all worked out. So, I started in June 2007, way back before smartphones, before iPads and before social media. It had a total enrollment of 3,150 students.

At that time, Maryville did an excellent job tending to its knitting. It produced skilled graduates in the health care fields, such as nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as business and other fields. The institution provided a high-quality education. It was not well known beyond St. Louis. But it had enormous potential.

I have always been passionate about the idea that all of us as individuals and communities have a responsibility to reach our full potential, whatever that may be. I saw an opportunity for somebody like me to come in and give Maryville a vision of what it could be. And then when I got here, the place got inside me. It captured my heart — the alumni, the students and the faculty. I just fell in love with it. I could not imagine being anywhere else.

Can you tell me about the enduring influence of the Religious of the Sacred Heart?

able to keep the tradition of innovative excellence alive.

Can you discuss the role of a college president in running the business, so to speak?

I started my career as a typical faculty member with a passion for politics, which I had from an early age. I became a political scientist, focused on the Soviet Union. And then when the Soviet Union fell, I became a historian overnight.

Even as a faculty member, I was fascinated with how this business runs. And make no mistake, it is a business. I learned a long time ago that “not for profit” is a tax designation, not a business strategy. As Larry Hays, our great, longtime chief financial officer, used to say, “No margin, no mission.”

If you do not approach higher education as a business, you do not have the resources to continually reinvest and enhance the quality of the education that students receive. It starts with making sure that you do not spend every dime that comes in. Then you must engage in activities, majors and programs that have a good return on the investment so you can reinvest all the time. After all, Maryville today is a $280 million business. That is the enterprise that I manage today in partnership with our leadership team. If college presidents ignore the business of their school, they do so at their own peril.

I have always felt passionate that part of higher education’s role should be to create access and opportunity for as many people as possible. Institutions’ success or failure should rest on their own merits. Job number one: You must give people a chance. Number two: You must keep costs under control, so you do not exclude people based solely on money. Number three: You must never prejudge a person’s ability, their will, their grit.

What impact has the digital revolution had at Maryville?

The world stood on the cusp of a digital revolution when I came to Maryville in 2007. Smartphones, social media, iPads, computers, all the rest. We had to lead the institution to understand that investing in that technology was essential. Not a choice, not an option. It was essential. Fortunately, we had a lot of good, young faculty and staff who were already in those spaces, and all I did was give them some oxygen and energy. They ran with it. Many of them are still here.

BY MARTY PARKES

The University has been a secular institution for decades — but with a strong influence from the sisters of the Sacred Heart. The order featured a long history of innovation. It was innovative, for example, in the 19th century to educate women. Their commitment to teaching and learning made Maryville an institution with high academic rigor. You know, the tools change over time. The venues change as well. But principles and values endure, and I think we’ve been

Please talk about your emphasis on accessibility and affordability. The history of higher education shows that institutions have traditionally been as much, if not more, interested in who they keep out than who they let in. College rankings, for example, tend to exalt institutions that are elitist and restrict access. That is wrong. I really wanted to turn that paradigm on its head at Maryville.

What are some of the community outreach activities that have become near and dear to your heart? We have created and absorbed programs like Kids Rock Cancer and the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic and many others. I’m proud of our work with Girls Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs, The St. Louis American and many more. The one that I have personally remained the most involved with is the St. Louis Sports Commission, under the leadership of Frank Viverito and now Marc Schreiber. The commission’s work is not simply about sports but about what sports can do to bring a community together, to empower people within the community and to promote values like sportsmanship through the Musial Awards.

An interview with retiring University President Mark Lombardi

Please discuss the classroom experience at Maryville and the part that technology has played, particularly about Maryville’s association with Apple.

In 2013, two executives from Apple, Vin Capone and Josie Lolli, visited us, and they pitched us the idea of using iPads in our classrooms. We talked. And they invited us to go out to Cupertino, California, in April of 2014 to see a two-day presentation. Many other universities were there as well. They discussed their whole program. Their presentation was not about selling us a product. It was about the future of education related to learning technology and how it would level the tech playing field for all students.

We came back to campus, and we decided to implement it. Then we brought together a group of faculty and staff, some who were very skeptical. This is important: We didn’t ask them whether or not; we said, “We are doing it, and help us craft a timely strategy.”

This group produced a great plan to use iPads in the classroom, and we implemented it. And the initiative took off like wildfire.

Talk about an average classroom today. What goes on in that classroom using technology that is different than in the past?

If you walked around campus, you would see a lot of learning spaces at Maryville where small groups of students work on projects together, reporting out on these activities and then going back and working some more. The phrase you hear about faculty today is that they are no longer the sage on a stage but rather a guide on the side. The faculty’s role has become less about providing content and more about guiding a student’s educational journey. The facultystudent relationship has evolved into a partnership with students, and as a result, they are much more actively engaged. This situation opens many opportunities for students to own their learning and make it more tangible, more tactile, more engaged.

Tell me about the life-coaching model at Maryville.

When I was a faculty member years ago, I can tell you that faculty handled all advising and it was bimodal.

Some faculty were amazing, outstanding, incredible advisers. Other faculty were less than stellar in their advising role and less than energetic in their approach. Therefore, advising proved a turkey shoot. Some students enjoyed a wonderful experience while others not so great.

At Maryville, we decided we wanted students to have a life-coaching experience featuring a model that was always with them 24/7. So, we created this life-coaching model under the leadership of Chuck Gulas, a retired dean, and Jen McCluskey, vice president of student success.

Several faculty members were skeptical about life-coaching and not sure how it would work. And after about a year, they came to love it. Because what was happening was students used life coaches for all kinds of entry-level experiences and would then go to faculty for more professional mentoring.

The life-coaching model also employs learning diagnostics. It’s built on the idea that the more we know about a student before arrival — how they learn, the ways they learn best, strength finders and all these diagnostic tools that we apply — the better we can match a student to the correct learning pedagogy and set the students up for optimal success. Life-coaching is now part of the Maryville culture. In fact, it is one of the reasons why our traditional enrollment has gone up, because many parents love life-coaching and the support it provides to their child. And again, it is part of the fabric of Maryville, and it is one of the huge differentiators for us in the traditional, undergraduate space.

How about your on-campus community?

We have added a couple of residence halls, and we have added a bevy of student life

programs. You know, we have over 125 clubs and organizations. I think the number of student-led events on campus stands around 3,000, which is amazing when you think about it. That means there are two or three events a night that you can go to and be involved with.

We have well over 1,000 residential students and growing, and we are considering building another residence hall because of the growth of our on-campus community. The pandemic put a kink in that hose for a period concerning our residential, on-campus community. And coming out of that experience, students craved social interaction. Students wanted to socialize together; they wanted to engage with each other. Put another way, students wanted to come out of the hibernation that the pandemic imposed. Our student life staff does an outstanding job in this space.

How has NCAA Division II athletics changed Maryville?

Maryville had previously played in NCAA Division III, and we fielded 14 men’s and women’s sports in 2007. Now we are DII with over 25 men’s and women’s sports. We have added wrestling, ice hockey, lacrosse for men and women, women’s field hockey, and on and on. The decision to enter NCAA DII athletics allowed us to play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference across several states. It allowed us to recruit nationally and internationally for our sports. It allowed us to reach out more.

Think of it this way, using hockey as an example: We recruit in Canada, and we recruit in Michigan and Minnesota and other places for hockey. So we go to a high school that we have never visited in Michigan, and you recruit three hockey players. But we also encounter their friends and meet others from their high schools. And so now we have created these pipelines of enrollment. Athletics is particularly important for that purpose.

Along the same lines, I keep hearing that Maryville is now the Alabama of esports. Care to elaborate?

Dan Clerke, who is our director of esports and a great guy, has done amazing work.

He was a sophomore in our school of business, and his adviser was John Lewington, a great faculty member, now retired. Dan talked to John Lewington about esports. John didn’t know anything about esports. But John walked him into my office, and Dan discussed esports. I understood every fourth word. And then he said, “If you let me start a club team, we will win the collegiate national championship and we will go undefeated.”

I looked at him and said, “You are on. Let’s do it.” And he did, and we went undefeated and won the national championship that year.

He graduated from Maryville, and we hired him right away as executive director of esports. And we have won 12 national championships and counting. It is an amazing, unbelievable story. Dan obviously deserves all the credit because he understood that not only was esports this incredibly fast-growing field of endeavor, but it also could really enhance the profile of the University as well as allow us to engage and recruit students.

Maryville broadcasts its matches on Twitch, which is the streaming service for esports. They have thirty, forty, fifty, a hundred, a hundred and fifty thousand viewers, all over the world. There are people all over this world who know who Maryville University is by virtue of our esports. Utterly amazing. …

To really rub it in about esports, a couple of years ago, two of our players were offered pro contracts their senior year and accepted them. One of them was for $350,000 a year. The other was for $250,000 a year. So, gang, if you have children or grandchildren out there, buy them a video game and do not let

them get up for 10 years. You never know what might happen.

Please talk a little bit about new academic programs as well as online ones.

Cybersecurity, data science and computer science head the list. We have introduced about two dozen new academic programs over the years. They reflect demand in the marketplace. Thus, the number of student careers that have emerged at Maryville in the last 20 years is off the charts, and that drives enrollment.

Right now, we are heavily involved in artificial intelligence — both in terms of implementing it in our work and in our learning but also in terms of academic programs and offerings. And we are doing so on both platforms, our traditional as well as our online platform. We introduced online education in nursing close to a decade ago and now are one of the leaders in that field. Now we offer programs across 45 to 50 disciplines that are online. The work we did on online — never foreseeing the COVID crisis — became instrumental when we had to go online during the pandemic. Our faculty and students were able to make that transition — not without a bump or two — much more seamlessly than many other universities for sure.

Tell me about the skill with which Maryville has sequenced its action steps during your tenure, including in introducing new academic programs. Sequencing properly is the secret sauce. And let me talk about it this way. At family holiday dinners, somebody will do a lot of cooking. It is not just following a recipe. Instead, that process will be successful if the person responsible sequences all those steps in cooking together properly so that it comes out together and tasting great.

It is no different in running a university. I might sit here with a group of people and strategize about how we can do this and this and this and this. Every one of those tactics may be good, but the key is the order. I can show you the order of action that will guarantee failure for each of those steps, and I can show you the sequencing that will almost guarantee their success. And it is the sequencing of action steps that makes the difference. That is really the secret to Maryville’s long-term success.

What are your future plans? Well, I plan to work on my long-dormant golf game. I also have some speaking engagements and consulting arrangements lined up, which I am excited about. A lot of people ask, “Why now?” I love Maryville University, but, you know, I think about the Cleveland Browns’ great running back, Jim Brown, who was a leading rusher and retired at the age of 30 on top of his game. Always leave the game when you still have a lot in the tank. I believe I will retire closer to the top than the bottom of my game. I remain excited about the next chapter and what it will bring. I have a stack of books that sit there on the nightstand, as they say, ready to for me to devour. I look forward to having more time to read, too.

TURNING PASSION PERFORMANCE INTO

BY LIZ PORTER

What’s the secret sauce behind Maryville’s student success?

In the University’s nationally and regionally ranked programs, it’s a recipe built on critical thinking, data analysis, hands-on engagement and partnerships, and it’s passed down by faculty committed to fueling the fire within those they teach.

“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” — Georg Hegel

It’s no secret that Maryville University is leading a revolution in higher education. It is called the access and opportunity revolution. This great shift in higher education combines cutting-edge innovation and a data-driven approach to student learning with compelling programs focused on student outcomes and success.

And this approach fosters what Maryville calls the Active Learning Ecosystem (ALE).

But this is not the whole story. The ALE also includes a secret ingredient few universities

can fully harvest. That powerful component is the uncompromising passion of the Maryville faculty.

Maryville has many outstanding regionally and nationally ranked academic programs. The University’s numerous national awards from U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Inside Higher Ed and Apple validate that excellence. The six programs highlighted here reveal that behind each of these programs is the relentless passion of faculty committed to a series of common and intertwined goals. The result is unparalleled excellence measured ultimately by one supreme goal: student success.

CRITICAL THINKING IN ACTION

When you think of 20th-century university education, you might envision a lecture hall with theater seating and a professor behind a podium lecturing for hours with little student engagement. Not true today. At Maryville, you will witness a very different experience. For most Maryville classes, a student first engages in a 15-minute session outlining a current concept or ideas laid out by a passionate professor adept at teaching students to reflect with discernment. This is often followed by a 30- to 45-minute immersive active learning experience in the classroom or in any number of learning spaces throughout campus. This faculty-led model generates a particular passion, and it’s contagious.

When Mykale Elbe, associate dean of the nursing program since 2015, was asked what element she insists her graduates take away from the program, Elbe responded, “Hands down, it’s critical thinking.”

Some believe it’s an aptitude, and they’d be correct, but it’s also an intellectually disciplined process that students can hone. At its core, Maryville focuses on unlocking the power of this invaluable practice by evaluating information generated by observation, analysis and reflection and constantly applying it in a real-world active learning environment.

To follow up, Elbe stated, “Nursing students are most drawn to the portion of

NURSING

YEAR STARTED

NUMBER OF MAJORS 1970

2,850

the program that includes clinicals and our sophisticated, life-scale simulation rooms. These labs populated by sim people are set up specifically to imitate a real-life scenario (i.e., emergency room or maternity ward) that demands observation and analysis followed by precise action.”

Maryville’s nursing program fuses learning and doing into an active learning process that prepares all students for career success. The success rates over 50 years are a testament to that passion. As one hospital CEO put it, “Let me drive a bus up to graduation, and I will take every Maryville nursing graduate you have because I know they will succeed.”

REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE RIGHT NOW

Another program of excellence is cybersecurity, headed by Brian Gant, interim associate dean of the John E. Simon School of Business since 2020. This undergraduate and graduate program puts students on the cutting edge of a high-demand, exploding field in business, government and technology. Gant concurred that critical thinking is essential and emphasized that students need to operate as they would in the workplace, identifying problems and using cutting-edge tools to solve them.

Gant underscored what students are most enthusiastic about: “It’s the modular futuristic center of excellence on campus

a business operations context, making them adept at analyzing all types of threats so they can be thwarted. With these essential professionals, all our data can be protected.

A related field is the area of data science. Yuanjin Liu, director of data science, started his career at Maryville in 2016. He noted that while critical thinking is essential in today’s complex, tech-driven world, “the main element we want to see graduates come away with is the practical ability to make sound decisions from analyzing data.”

When asked what portion of the program students seem most passionate about, Liu echoed the other department heads. “They enjoy completing and presenting projects with real-life data because they get handson experience that transfers right to their résumés,” he said.

Liu’s passion shined through when he shared how fortunate he feels to be surrounded by intelligent, eager students, faculty and staff. He explained that hiring former alumni and partnering with giant corporations and local businesses adds immense value to data science students and the community while keeping the curriculum cutting-edge.

PARTNERSHIPS ARE GAME CHANGERS

Along with these crucial elements is the imperative of interpreting needs,

researching trends and aligning with partners that keeps Maryville’s academic programs ahead of the curve.

Jason Williams, professor and director of the Rawlings Sport Business Management program, focused clearly on the importance of partnerships with industry in the design and delivery of current, innovative curriculum.

That’s why many of Maryville’s sport business management classes are taught by practitioners working in the field across a wide spectrum of jobs. This is how the program stays current and on the cutting edge.

“The solution to the inevitable challenges is baked right in, so we don’t have to react,” Williams said. “We’re already ahead of the game, we know it’s coming and we’ve already made the pivot.”

Williams added, “Students are passionate about the relevant, practical hands-on experience because it provides exposure and opportunity, which lands them jobs in the specific part of the industry they choose.” At the heart of the program is its partnership with Rawlings and how that company helps fuse education and practical experience.

Kirsten Kohm, program director of interior design, further expressed the importance of partnerships: “Our program has close ties to a wide range of business professionals, including alumni, who enrich our program and offer a wide range of opportunities for our students.”

YEAR STARTED

that mimics a security operations center. The students work on an organization’s live network, so their résumés hit the top of the pile when applying for internships and jobs. Maryville students graduate with an excellent reputation for having practical, hands-on experience, which finds local businesses and large corporations eager to hire.”

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing majors at Maryville, and students in the program learn both offense and defense in

NUMBER OF MAJORS

NATIONALLY RANKED

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

STUDENT GROWTH & CREATIVITY

Still another element central to the success of Maryville’s academic programs is unleashing student growth and creativity. Nowhere is that truer than in Maryville’s interior design program.

Kohm, who is also an alum of the program, passionately shared that if she had to choose one element she needed students to take away from the program, “oh, easily, it’s understanding people! Students must grasp what their clients do, who they are, what they need and incorporate that into their space.”

Kohm continued, “This legacy accredited program is in high demand because we take innate curiosity and creativity and build on them. We teach the psychology of space, not just the technical aspects. To stay cuttingedge, we encourage intentional thinking to build inclusive spaces, consider special populations and neurodiversity, then balance that with creativity.”

Kohm further explained, “It’s impressed upon us to pay attention to human behavior and what’s happening in the world to stay ahead of the curve and mitigate challenges with constant research. We’re encouraged to be mindful and to find ways to adapt environments to people rather than people having to adapt to environments.”

Stokes also commented, “The program is in such high demand that there is no need for formal advertising. Word of mouth has become more than sufficient.”

STUDENT OUTCOMES

All these traits embedded in each of these programs lead to outstanding student outcomes. Maryville has had a campuswide 98% career success rate for over seven years, and these programs individually achieve that number or greater each year.

Each of these academic programs reveals a broader truth about a Maryville education: The Active Learning Ecosystem works because it is constantly offering a compelling and current curriculum that allows students to actively engage.

Critical thinking, real-world experience, engaged corporate partners, student growth and creativity all contribute to the Active Learning Ecosystem, and it is this innovation that will remake higher education for the 21st century. Fortunately, Maryville is leading that revolution. The under-the-radar fuel that drives this work is passion — the passion of faculty and their ability to unleash it in their students.

This dimension is further enhanced through Maryville’s outstanding education leadership doctoral program. Kevin Stokes, director of the program since 2019, said, “The program is designed to provide leaders with a deep understanding of leadership. That doesn’t mean one and done; students must write a philosophy statement outlining what being a leader means to them and are encouraged to embrace personal growth throughout their career.”

Stokes said, “Students are part of a pure cohort model that builds community and networks with one another.” Stokes also explained that “the University ethos hasn’t changed; our core values have been in place for 20 years, but the curriculum is constantly reviewed to stay relevant. We stay ahead of the game to avoid inevitable challenges by constantly evolving with today’s issues; leadership is ever-evolving.”

A formula, a model, a recipe for success — whatever you call it, Maryville’s faculty have cracked the code. It’s no wonder alumni return to Maryville to work, support and teach students. Their passion still burns.

“A mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be lit.”

— Plutarch

SAINTS NATION

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

This past year has been nothing short of remarkable for Maryville University athletics, with three programs clinching their first-ever Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) championships and a record-breaking seven teams reaching the NCAA Tournament. These accomplishments not only highlight the dedication and talent of our studentathletes but also reflect the vibrant and supportive culture within the Maryville community.

The triumphant seasons of our men’s and women’s soccer, bowling, wrestling, women’s lacrosse, men’s lacrosse, and baseball teams mark a significant milestone in our athletics history. These achievements cement Maryville’s status as a premier Division II athletics program and build on a legacy of pride that connects current students with alums of past generations.

As we celebrate these successes, it’s clear that the support from faculty, staff and fans has been instrumental in fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive. The camaraderie, school spirit and dedication to excellence are what make Maryville University a special place for all.

Here’s to many more seasons of achievement and a continued commitment to excellence in athletics!

Maryville’s “Dragonsteel” becomes first collegiate team to win a pro League of Legends competition

STEELING THE SPOTLIGHT

BY M.L. SPENSER

Maryville University’s League of Legends team has made history, claiming first place at the 2024 North American Challengers League (NACL) with an impressive 9-0 record in the regular season. This remarkable feat makes them the first collegiate team EVER to promote into — and win — a professional League of Legends competition.

A HISTORIC SEASON

Under the banner of “Dragonsteel,” the team continued its winning streak, going undefeated in the finals. Dan Clerke, executive director of esports at Maryville, expressed the significance of this moment. “We’re the first collegiate program to ever win this league,” he said. This victory not only showcases the team’s talent but also sets a precedent for all collegiate esports.

COMPETING AGAINST THE BEST

Jordan Ousley, esports creative director at Maryville, shared his excitement about the challenges the team faced.

“It’s unusual for a collegiate team to advance like this. The teams we’re competing against are full-time, salaried, professional players,” he explained. The team’s success is a testament to their dedication and the University’s commitment to providing a pathway for student-athletes to excel both academically and in their esports careers.

A PATH TO PROFESSIONALISM

Maryville’s esports program emphasizes the importance of balancing education and competitive gaming. “The biggest thing we’ve tried to show at Maryville University is that college can be a path to the professional league,” Ousley noted. This unique approach allows players to pursue their dreams without sacrificing their education, proving that success in esports and academics can go hand in hand.

LOOKING AHEAD

Even after making history, Maryville’s League of Legends team is focused on the future. Ousley shared the team’s ambitious mindset: “We’re going to keep setting the bar higher and higher.” With their sights set on continued success, Maryville’s team is ready to pave the way for the next generation of esports athletes.

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS

The Saints continue to make headlines across various sports. From record-breaking performances to outstanding draft selections, the commitment and talent of our athletes shine through.

WOMEN’S

CROSS-COUNTRY GOLF BASEBALL

The cross-country teams also have been making strides. Lyric Ford earned All-Conference honors at the GLVC Cross Country Championship, while Dawson McCown led the men’s team with a strong performance.

The women’s golf team recently triumphed at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational, showcasing their talent and teamwork.

In a historic move, All-American pitcher Jacob Kroeger was selected in the 10th round of the 2024 MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves. This marks the highest draft position for any Saints athlete, a testament to Kroeger’s exceptional skill and dedication on the mound. Additionally, new dugouts and a new indoor batting facility are set to open at the start of 2025.

WOMEN’S

VOLLEYBALL

The Saints’ hard work and strategy paid off in a fantastic outing, keeping the McKendree attack in check and cruising to a decisive sweep against the Bearcats.

MEN’S

BASKETBALL

In exhibition action, Dewayne Vass dropped an impressive 24 points, showcasing his skills and setting the stage for a promising season.

Women’s and Men’s Soccer Teams Finish Amazing Seasons

WOMEN’S SOCCER 2024 REGULAR-SEASON RECAP

The Maryville women’s team captured the 2024 Great Lakes Valley Conference with an unbeaten 13-0-1 record and earned the No. 1 seed for the GLVC Tournament. While the Saints fell short in the conference semifinal, they went on to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

It was the best regular season of the NCAA Division II era and one of the best in Maryville women’s soccer history. The Saints finished the campaign ranked in the top five in both scoring offense and scoring defense, the only school in the nation to do so. In fact, out of the 1,440 regular-season minutes played over 16 games, the Saints only trailed for 45 minutes.

Offensively, Elsa Nilson-Hurtig and Ashlyne Hunt became the first duo to score at least 10 goals in a season in the DII era. NilsonHurtig ranked 13th in the nation in points per game at 1.81, and the pair tied for 22nd in the nation in goals scored and third in the GLVC.

Returning two-time All-American Lexi Gentry, pictured, slotted in ninth in the country in assists per game. Defensively, the Saints surrendered just five goals in the regular season, including only two in Great Lakes Valley Conference play. Freshman goalie Agnes Vilen ranked sixth in the nation in goals against average at 0.32 and is second in the country with 11 shutouts. Those marks for Vilen tab her statistically as the best freshman keeper in the nation.

MEN’S SOCCER 2024 REGULAR-SEASON RECAP

Under the direction of new coach Adam Hall, the men’s soccer team had an up-and-down start to the year, but the Saints rallied and finished second overall in one of the most competitive Division II men’s conferences in the nation. The success led to senior forward Mason Crew, pictured, earning 2024 Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors.

The Saints closed out the regular season by going unbeaten over the final 11 league games. They fell in the championship game to Lewis, 5-4 on penalty kicks. Highlights of their sterling season included a road tie at No. 7 McKendree, a victory over No. 22 Indianapolis and a dramatic win in the waning minutes at regular-season champion Lewis. In addition to Crew’s league recognition, Bryce Glisson was voted to the All-GLVC first team, while Alberto Di Pierri and Yayo Mutombo also picked up All-Conference honors.

The Saints went on to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

ALUMNI SCENE

Saints Celebrate 152nd Homecoming

Excitement filled the air as Saints gathered this past fall for Homecoming, celebrating storied traditions and marveling at what the future of Maryville University holds. Laughter resonated from hall to hall as friends, family, colleagues and classmates reminisced about past classes,

dormitory hijinks and previously forgotten memories. The weeklong list of festivities included classics, like the prestigious Maryville Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and some new adventures, like showcasing the new Sectra virtual dissection table used by students in the Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions.

This Homecoming was extra meaningful, as it marked the last Homecoming that Mark Lombardi, PhD, attended as president of Maryville University. Lombardi, who announced his retirement in August of 2024, will finish out the 2024 – 25 academic year before stepping down.

Among the Homecoming highlights:

SOCCER TEAMS DEFEAT DRURY UNIVERSITY

The Maryville women’s soccer team defeated Drury University 2-1 during the 2024 Homecoming game. The women’s soccer team ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation — the highest ranking of Maryville’s NCAA Division II era — and finished the regular season with an unbeaten 13-0-1 record. The Maryville men’s soccer team put on an impressive display of power, defeating Drury University 1-0 to wrap up Homecoming weekend with a win. This game marked a starting point for a seven-game unbeaten streak in GLVC play that propelled the Saints into the top four of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

CELEBRATING LONNIE FOLKS

Current and former faculty, staff and students gathered at Maryville University to celebrate the distinguished career of retired athletic director and Maryville alumnus Lonnie Folks. Folks served Maryville for almost two decades, devoting himself to leading, mentoring and supporting student-athletes. Folks’ legacy began when he was a student who was selected in 1978 as the men’s soccer Freshman of the Year. He broke down barriers as he rose through the ranks, moving from assistant director of athletics and head coach for women’s soccer and softball to the director of athletics position. He also served as the head women’s basketball coach and sports information director.

Maryville University extends a heartful thanks to Folks for his continuous support, leadership and dedication, making Maryville University the right fit for students not just athletically but academically and socially.

Homecoming also was a special time for nine distinguished graduates honored at the annual Alumni Awards ceremony. SEE PHOTOS ON

WELCOME HOME TO MARYVILLE.

Forwards Ashlyne Hunt, left, and Elsa Nilson-Hurtig celebrate during their Homecoming match against Drury University.

Lonnie Folks, retired director of athletics and recreation.

ALUMNI SCENE

CELEBRATING ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS: Homecoming 2024 was extra special for nine individuals honored at the annual Alumni Awards celebration. These awards recognize those who give generously of their time and talents to Maryville and to the community at large, as well as those whose work brings distinction to their profession. Those honored were: 1) Jessica Alexander, right, pictured with Vice President of Community and Government Relations Laraine Davis. Alexander received the Young Alumni Award. 2) Dr. Aeron Sheffield, pictured with Assistant Dean for Nursing Mykale Elbe, received the Online Learning Award. 3) Stephanie Koch, pictured with Jason Telford, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was honored with a Dean’s Award. 4) Angela Casimere, right, received a Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in co-chairing Maryville’s DeBaun Black Alumni Network. 5) Aaron N. Asher, left, pictured with family, received the John E. Simon School of Business Dean’s Award for his professional endeavors and support of Maryville University. 6) Janene Reeves, right, pictured with Walker College of Health Professions Dean Michelle Jenkins, was honored with a Dean’s Award. 7) Passion Bragg, pictured with Davis, received a Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in co-chairing Maryville’s DeBaun Black Alumni Network. 8) James Wipke received the School of Education Dean’s Award. 9) Mimi Webster Murphy, pictured with other members of the Class of ’68, earned the Heart of Maryville Award.

Saints shine at Alumni Awards

ceremony, take helm as dean of Columbia Law School, help organize 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

1940s

Bebe Conrad Kennedy, ’46, of St. Louis, celebrated her 100th birthday in November 2024. Kennedy continues to enjoy being a member of the Kathryn Curtain Readers Group.

1960s

Patricia “Pat” O’Brien Dolan, ’68, of Houston, and her husband, Joe Guignon, took their family to London for a wonderful family trip last June. She said they “saw so many fun and interesting sights and learned so much!”

Mimi Webster Murphy, ’68, of St. Louis, was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the Heart of Maryville Award. The Heart of Maryville Award, formerly the Centennial Award, recognizes a lifestyle best exemplifying the values of the Sacred Heart tradition.

1970s

Jan Andrews, ’71, of St. Peters, Mo., is proud to have graduated from Maryville’s nursing program in its inaugural class.

Mary Lanigan, ’74, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., was married for 40 years to

Daniel

Priscilla Roman, ’74, of Shiloh, Ill., recently

“Life is full of surprises!” Mary wrote.

“After thinking I would not ever be a grandmother, my daughter and son-in-law had a little boy last March on Roman’s birthday. God bless everyone and will miss my classmates who didn’t make it to the reunion.”

James Richard Lanigan, who passed away after a four-year battle with kidney cancer. After his death, Mary was invited by friends to attend a fraternity reunion of Parks College, now part of Saint Louis University, where she met her current husband, Roman Dziegiel. Mary moved in 2018 to Nashville, where Roman lived, and they have been enjoying life traveling and reconnecting with people from their college days.

retired from the U.S. Air Force at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Sally Griffiths, ’79, of North Canton, Ohio, retired after 43 years as a registered nurse.

Abebe, ’97, right, recently became the 16th dean of Columbia Law School. The news of Abebe’s appointment was proudly submitted by friend and classmate Darin Sorrell, ’97, left.

LEADING THE CHARGE FOR DEI

Nina Caldwell, EdD, ’07, is a trailblazer in higher education, dedicated to making a profound impact within the University and the greater St. Louis community. From her extensive work as vice president for student life to becoming Maryville’s first vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), her commitment to student development and community service embodies the spirit of leadership and advocacy that Maryville University strives to instill in its campus community.

A LIFELONG SAINT

Caldwell’s connection to Maryville runs deep, rooted in her experiences as both a student and a leader. After earning her Master of Business Administration from Maryville in 2007, she built her career on campus, serving as vice president for student life before transitioning to her current role. Her journey is one of continuous learning and dedication to student success.

Reflecting on her dual role, Caldwell stated, “My experience at Maryville has been twofold. As a professional and learner, I’ve been fortunate to serve as a leader both on and off campus, which has given me the opportunity to form meaningful connections and serve students in the greater St. Louis community.”

Her impressive academic credentials — from Dillard University to Illinois State University, the University of San Francisco and Harvard University, where she earned a certificate in educational management — have laid the foundation for her multifaceted approach to leadership, blending business acumen, educational theory and a passion for social justice.

CREATING LASTING MEMORIES

One of Caldwell’s most cherished experiences at Maryville is the annual Maryville Reaches Out (MRO) community service day. For her, this

event encapsulates the essence of the Maryville community.

“MRO is an amazing day, seeing the impact that collectively our students, faculty and staff are making in the community,” she said. “Working with organizations to make a difference like that makes me so proud to be a Saint.”

Caldwell’s enthusiasm for community service extends beyond the campus. She actively volunteers with organizations such as Girls Inc. of St. Louis and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. Additionally, she is involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., St. Louis Forum and the Gateway Chapter of The Links.

A GLOBAL VISION

While Caldwell’s work is deeply rooted in the local community, she possesses aspirations that stretch across the globe. She dreams of learning new languages and traveling the world, continuously seeking opportunities to broaden her horizons.

In her role as a professor for the School of Education and as vice president for DEI, Caldwell emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning. She is committed to fostering an environment where students can grow not only academically but also as global citizens.

ADVICE FOR TODAY’S STUDENTS

To current students, Caldwell offers simple but powerful advice: “Be a lifelong learner and pay it forward.” Her words reflect a personal philosophy that has guided her through decades of service and leadership.

Caldwell’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for all serves as an inspiration to the Maryville community and beyond. As she continues to shape the future of education, her legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the institution she holds dear.

1980s

Angela Casimere, ’84, of St. Louis, is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Maryville University and her master’s in counseling from Lindenwood University. She has more than 25 years of experience working in counseling and social service. Her emphasis focuses on issues related to children, adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. Casimere was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in co-chairing Maryville’s DeBaun Black Alumni Network.

1990s

Elizabeth Woods, ’91, of Springfield, Mo., celebrated her 81st birthday in 2024, and although she could not attend any of the Homecoming events, she said she “loved my years at Maryville” as a student and continues to enjoy the alumni magazine. She also paid tribute to her husband of 59 years, Richard Woods, who passed away on Jan. 21, 2023.

Passion Bragg, ’96, of St. Louis, is an experienced educator certified in both mathematics and science, and she is the collaborative STEM champion for Normandy School District. She graduated from Maryville University with a Bachelor of Arts in middle school education with an emphasis in mathematics and science in 1996, and she holds a Master of Arts in teaching science and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Webster University. Bragg founded Men of Code in 2019 while completing her postgraduate STEM education

studies at Maryville University. She was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in co-chairing Maryville’s DeBaun Black Alumni Network.

Stephanie Koch, ’96, of Villa Ridge, Mo., is the executive vice president and chief financial actuary at RGA. Koch was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award.

1 Daniel Abebe, ’97, became the 16th dean of Columbia Law School and the Lucy G. Moses professor of law, effective Aug. 1, 2024. An impressive and experienced academic leader, Abebe most recently served as vice provost for academic affairs and governance at the University of Chicago and as the Harold J. and Marion F. Green professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School, where he was deputy dean from 2016 to 2018. Abebe earned a Bachelor of Arts from Maryville University, a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, and a Master of Arts and PhD in political science from the University of Chicago. After clerking for Judge Damon J. Keith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, Abebe worked at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York. His

research has been published in leading academic journals and edited volumes in the fields of foreign affairs, human rights law, international institutions and institutional design, and he is an elected member of the American Law Institute. This news of Abebe’s appointment was proudly submitted by friend and classmate Darin Sorrell, ’97

Nicole Kratz Demaso, ’99; Brenda Hoech Westernayer, ’99; Melissa Hoech Wortz, ’99; and Meggan Marion Bruner, ’99; recently celebrated 25 years with the Ritenour School District.

2000s

Janene Reeves, ’03, of St. Louis, is associate administrator in the Office of the President at BJC HealthCare. Reeves was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the Myrtle E. and Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions Dean’s Award.

James Wipke, ’08, of Wildwood, Mo., is superintendent of Ladue School District. Wipke was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the School of Education Dean’s Award.

2 Amy Salvo, ’03, ’14, of Foristell, Mo., stated: “After serving over 20 years in education, on July 1, 2024, began my role as Superintendent of Schools at the Wright City R-II School District. I attended Maryville University earning my bachelor’s in psychology and sociology then returned to Maryville earning my doctorate in educational leadership. I was a part of Cohort 14!” As a ’99 Wright City high school alum, Salvo is excited to return home to the school district where she grew up and cultivated her early leadership skills.

RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE

Melissa Nash, EdD ’17, MEd ’23, felt grateful to win a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. When the education consultant, co-chair of a university dissertation committee and children’s book author won it again in 2024, she was astonished.

“In doing this work, I didn’t expect to be acknowledged or rewarded,” said Nash. “But two times showed me I am heading in the right direction in making direct impact as a servant leader.”

The award recognizes Nash’s 20 years of volunteer service in education, mental health advocacy, engagement, service and leadership. Nash’s volunteer fingerprints are all over the St. Louis area, where she lives and works. Sometimes, her professional and volunteer endeavors go hand in hand, especially when they involve school settings. She set up a wellness center inside a local middle school, offering a massage chair and soothing music, and opened a grocery store offering free milk, cheese, bread, meat, vegetables and other staples at another middle school in a particularly distressed area.

“People have cried on my shoulder because they were able to go there and get groceries, toiletry items and other things in a onestop shop,” Nash said. “It allows everyone the security of knowing they don’t have to choose between having food and paying a bill.”

Shoppers do not have to prove need. The store is open to all, regardless of demographic background or economic status. Through two community organizations, Nash also helps secure safe spaces for women who’ve experienced domestic violence and provides holiday dinners and toys for local families. She’s motivated in part by a desire for everyone to enjoy the kind of strong support system she’s always had in her mother and others in her life. When she was only 17, Nash gave birth to the first of her two children, a story she’s quick to share in order to provide inspiration.

“It helps people to hear that after became a teen mom, got my education — have five degrees,” Nash said. “And that was able to start businesses and bring people aboard and work alongside individuals with the same mission and vision.”

Nash’s 2024 award was presented at a ceremony in Atlanta by the RiseHer network. To qualify for this highest level of the President’s Volunteer Service Awards, recipients must have logged at least 4,000 hours of volunteer activities.

“Yes, I am proud,” Nash said. “But I feel there is so much more work to be done.”

NINA CALDWELL, E d D, ’07

MELISSA NASH, E d D ’17, ME d ’23

2010s

Tyler Campo, ’12, was promoted to partner at Mosaic Family Wealth, marking a significant milestone in his career with the firm and serving as a testament to his substantial contributions during his tenure as managing director. Alongside his professional responsibilities, Campo has dedicated over a decade to sharing his expertise by teaching business courses at various universities.

Callan Montgomery, ’12, of Fenton, Mo., is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Haven Recovery. Haven Recovery will be expanding in St. Louis, creating 10 new jobs, which will allow the company to advance the development of its recuperative care services. Montgomery was recently named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list.

Aaron N. Asher, ’13, of St. Albans, Mo., is the founder and owner of Arsenal Business Growth. The company was recently ranked No. 9 in the St. Louis Business Journal’s Fast 50, which recognizes the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the St. Louis region.

Asher was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the John E. Simon School of Business Dean’s Award for his professional endeavors and support of Maryville University through several endowed scholarships for business students.

Jordan Mazuranic, ’14, of High Ridge, Mo., married Alex Sonsthagen on March 22, 2024, at Brookdale Farms in Eureka, Mo.

Jessica Alexander, ’15, of St. Louis, is a small business entrepreneur.

3 Taylor Poole, ’16, became engaged to fellow Maryville alum Cameron Fagundes, ’15, on May 11, 2024. The couple met at Maryville in 2012 and began dating in 2013. They are happy to announce their upcoming wedding, planned for Oct. 25, 2025, on their 12th anniversary.

4 DeShae Redden, ’17, of St. Louis, was recently promoted to assistant vice president of operational excellence, planning and learning at Logan University. Redden received her undergraduate degree from Lindenwood University in 2011, a masters in leadership and organization development from Saint Louis University in 2015, and a doctorate in education in higher education leadership from Maryville University in 2017. Redden also received a continuous improvement certification and a

Alexander was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the Young Alumni Award. 4

project management professional certification, showcasing her commitment to the success of Logan University.

Ryan Short, ’18, joined the ticketing team as a senior associate analyst at LA28 and is working on the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dr. Aeron Sheffield, ’19, of St. Louis, is adjunct faculty at Maryville University and founder and provider at Ethos MedSpa in Chesterfield, Mo. Sheffield was honored during Maryville’s Homecoming this past fall with the Online Learning Award.

2020s

Phillip B. Thompson, ’20, of Terre Haute, Ind., accepted a new role as executive director of the alumni association at Indiana State University, effective July 22, 2024.

Fernando De Andres Orea, ’21, of Charleston, N.C., graduated from Maryville University in 2021 as a tennis student-athlete. He recently finished his Master of Business Administration in applied economic forecasting at Saint Louis University in May 2024. Orea was elected the best student in his class with a 4.0 GPA. He is now working at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) on the accounting team.

Continue the legacy of

OPPORTUNITY

Support the Dr. Mark Lombardi Scholarship Campaign !

Celebrate an era of transformative leadership by supporting the Dr. Mark Lombardi Scholarship Campaign. Together, we can continue the mission of expanding access to education and empowering future generations of Maryville students.

Join us in matching Lombardi’s generous $1 million contribution to create a scholarship fund of over $2 million that changes lives.

BE A PART OF THIS HISTORIC MOMENT.

THE GOAL

Raise at least $1 million to match Lombardi’s donation and establish a fund of more than $2 million

THE PURPOSE

Provide scholarships that foster academic excellence, innovation and opportunity

THE IMPACT

Your gift will make higher education accessible for generations of students

Donate today and help us honor this legacy.

Cameron Fagundes, ’15, and Taylor Poole, ’16, met at Maryville in 2012, became engaged in May 2024 and are planning their wedding to coincide with their 12th anniversary in October.

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MOVE-IN MILESTONE: As Maryville welcomed its largest freshman class, the community came together to support more than 1,050 residents moving onto campus. Student life move-in traditions included student-athletes, staff and faculty helping families carry learners’ belongings into their new residences and the Center for Student Engagement and Belonging hosting a wealth of orientation events.

MARYVILLE. MANY CONNECTIONS. ONE U.