MOUNT MOMENTS

Mount Moments stories breathe life into and showcase the unique experiences held on Mount St. Joseph University’s campus, and beyond. From academic achievements to personal milestones, they tell the stories of our Mount Community as they Climb Higher, dare to risk a caring response with the Heart of a Lion, and Light the Way in their communities with dedication and passion.

Two Hearts, One Campus: Brian & Margie Metz Celebrate 25th Wedding Anniversary

As if drawn by an invisible force, Margie and Brian’s lives converged on the vibrant campus of Mount St. Joseph University.

By Amanda Gratsch, MSOL ’24, ’15

Two students from the west side of Cincinnati, English graduate, Brian Metz ’98, and Margie Meiners ’99, an Art Education major, found more than just an education.

“We were both the first of our immediate families to go to college,” Margie says. “It was a new experience for both of us, and our families and our parents were proud of us. My two younger sisters also attended the Mount.”

Drawn to the Mount’s impressive art and education programs, and the convenience of being close to home, Margie decided to pursue her Art Education degree there, while Brian’s aunt played a key role at the time in introducing him to the University. With the help of scholarships, both students were able to make their dreams a reality.

In 1994, Margie and Brian’s paths crossed in the familiar setting of the “Gazebo,” a mid-90’s lunch gathering place on the ground floor of the Mount’s Seton Center for students to connect and socialize. They were introduced by their mutual friend, Amy Rave ’99, and the two quickly formed a bond within their lively group of peers.

As their friendship blossomed, they discovered shared interests and a natural connection. Margie and Brian’s time together extended beyond the classroom, from exploring the Red River Gorge on Spring Break to enjoying leisurely lunches in the Theatre Gallery. Their bond deepened further when they supported each other through personal challenges, including the loss of loved ones.

“We just understood each other and got along so well,” she reminisces fondly. “We knew early that we would be together forever.”

A turning point in their relationship came during a family trip to Cape Hatteras in the summer of 1997. On a picturesque beach, Brian proposed, sealing their commitment to each other.

“We had just a few weeks earlier gone on a family trip with my family to the Smoky Mountains, so [Brian] proposing as we were sitting on a porch swing on the beach near Cape Hatteras was a surprise!” Margie says.

Their love story continued to unfold after graduation, with their wedding held on April 10, 1999, at Margie’s parish, Our Lady of Victory, where they were joined by friends and family.

Surrounded by MSJ alumni in the bridal party, their wedding was a celebration of friendship and community, including projects, both on and off campus.

Margie’s two sisters, as bridesmaids, who are MSJ graduates, as well as their mutual friend Amy who introduced them.

The two celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last April with their two beloved children, Moira (24) and Aidan (19), and currently reside in Moores Hill, Indiana. Reflecting on their journey, Margie and Brian express gratitude for the role the Mount played in bringing them together. Their story serves as a testament to the power of connection, and the lasting impact of the Mount Community for years to come.

Ryan Bach ’26 Discovers a Collaborative Art-Making Experience in MSJ Art Guild

Graphic Design major Ryan Bach finds belonging, connection, and opportunity in Art Guild, an MSJ Renaissance program.

By Amanda Gratsch, MSOL ’24, ’15

As early as five years old, Bach was deeply into art. It began with a fascination for animatronics, but eventually, his interest shifted towards public signage.

“I’ve always enjoyed looking and thinking about what goes into a work of art, and how, over time, the designs and style can change,” Bach says.

Eventually, he decided to explore and engage with the limitless possibilities of graphic design to discover his own creative solutions. The best part, he says, is witnessing the progress.

“I’ve been doing consistent graphic design work for about seven years now, and I can see a progression of skill. That’s what fuels my passion for art and design,” Bach says.

The MSJ Renaissance is made up of various programs at Mount St. Joseph University that allow students to broaden their understandings of the human experience, and unleash their creative potentials. Students of any major can earn a $500, per semester, award through participation in the arts, including Art Guild, Peak Productions, Theatre, University Band, University Singers, and Writer’s Block.

Open to all MSJ students by instructor approval, Art Guild is a hands-on art making experience. The Art Guild provides students with the opportunity to work on individual and group projects in areas of their expertise and interest, and members of the class complete public art projects, both on and off campus.

Initially, Bach was captivated by the $500 scholarship—but after joining, he soon realized the meaningful connections he created with those in the art and design field while building a stronger portfolio for future endeavors.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with all sorts of people who enjoy art and design as much as I do, [including] fine artists, graphic designers, and art education students! Plus, that’s not even going into the professors I’ve worked with. Art Guild has truly helped me make meaningful connections with those around me.”

Bach’s favorite initiative that he has worked on so far over the past two years was an ISS Help Desk mural (pictured on page 6), where he was involved from start to finish.

“Working on that project from June through October was truly worth it,” he says. “From sketch to paint, it truly made my job engaging and contemporary.”

Along with a big thank you to his colleagues for their continued support, Bach also credits Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Kurt Grannan, for his expertise and guidance. “The relationships that I have created in Art Guild have been long-lasting. I’ve met many people who have positively impacted my life in great ways, and I’ve also met great people I’m able to work with. It is worth it to anyone who wants to work with art.”

In addition to Art Guild, Bach is also the Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery coop, where he assists with the installation of the various shows that go into the Mount’s art gallery throughout the year. He also helps with the gallery receptions to ensure they go according to plan.

Bach emphasizes the power of connection when asked for advice on making the most out of an MSJ experience.

“Make connections with as many people as possible as long as they help you in some way, from academics to just being a good friend,” he says. “Make sure to have a planner so you can keep track of everything and just take life one day at a time.”

International Student Carolina Hotz ’25 Journeys Abroad from Germany to United States

From moving to the U.S. to transferring colleges, Carolina Hotz ’25 isn’t afraid to take a bold risk for her future.

By Addie Conley ’24

Carolina Hotz ’25 grew up in Germany, moving to the U.S. in 2019 to become an au pair. An au pair is a person who moves from their home county to live with a host family in a different county, typically playing a role in childcare for the host family, while engaging in cultural exchange and learning. Hotz loved experiencing the values and life of her exchange family— and in turn—sharing her values and experiences with them.

While working as an au pair, Hotz gradually decided to pursue a degree— citing influence from people she met, the sense of community she discovered in her experiences, and the circumstances of the pandemic. With German universities staying closed for longer than U.S. universities, Hotz received the opportunity to explore higher education options in the U.S.

Her exploration first led her to a community college in Cincinnati where she earned her Associate of Applied Science in Business Management Administration and Technology, while holding an impressive 4.0 GPA.

“I knew I wanted to be in business, but kept my options open,” Hotz reflects. “Business Management Administration and Technology felt like the perfect blend of versatility and opportunity within the business realm.”

After visiting campus and learning about the Mount’s merit-based scholarship system, she decided to make the transition. In the fall of 2021, Hotz transferred to the Mount to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

“Accounting is known to be the language of business,” Hotz explains. “So, this program provides me with essential technical skills that I can, hopefully, transfer into various career paths in the future.”

Transferring to the Mount was a big change for Hotz, especially coming from a community college where she remembers everyone commuting. The Mount’s campus, was a significant, but welcome change.

“MSJ has a vibrant campus with weekly activities, like weekly sport events, or visiting therapy dogs,” she says. “This just creates a lively atmosphere. I especially enjoy the cafeteria with its daily changing menu, the friendly cafeteria staff, the oncampus Starbucks for my caffeine fix, and the extensive gym, which keeps me active between long study sessions.”

While maintaining academic success over her first semester, Hotz received the Mount’s Mosaic Scholarship, awarded to students who commit to a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, diversity. In addition to this being an honor to earn, she says that the award also boosted her confidence in herself and serves as motivation for her going forward in her studies and future career.

Once she graduates from the Mount with her Accounting degree, Hotz plans to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a form of employment that would allow her to remain in the U.S., while granting her the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge she will have gained in a professional setting.

“I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to find a job where I can immerse myself fully and demonstrate my capabilities,” she says. “As I navigate the world of accounting, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that are yet to come, and I am grateful to be part of the supportive and nurturing community at Mount St. Joseph University.”

Alyssa Baker ’26 Finds Community & Belonging by Advancing the Mission of Theta Phi Alpha

By Amanda Gratsch, MSOL ’24, ’15

Alyssa Baker had a hard time adjusting during her freshman year—until she found a special cause to dedicate her efforts towards.

Entering her junior year in Criminal/ Forensic Psychology, Alyssa Baker ’26 had an endless fascination with helping and understanding others, especially within the criminal realm.

Passionate and ready to expand her learning in the field, Baker entered the Mount last year to pursue a degree in Criminal/Forensic Psychology. But, she didn’t feel a sense of home right away as she had hoped, especially as a commuter student. Building connections was difficult, and as a result, she felt isolated.

“I had a hard time adjusting to college and feeling like I was a part of the community, when the only thing I was ever on campus for was classes,” she says.

One day, Baker remembered talking to an MSJ acquaintance from her high school who was also a student in the MSJ sorority—Theta Phi Alpha. Baker decided to reach out and she instantly clicked with the chapter upon meeting them. She was initiated the following November.

“That sense of belonging was important, and it was relieving to find a group that made the Mount feel like home,” she says. “Before that, I was really conflicted about where I should be and what I should be doing, and all of that settled once I joined Theta Phi.”

From here on out, Baker began to find comfort in her college experience. Some of her favorite pastimes bonding with the chapter took place in New Member Education.

New Member Education is a five- to six-week period before students are officially initiated as a new member, where they learn the inner workings and expectations of the chapter in-depth. One fall night, their current President and Baker attempted to make hot chocolate for the group, but soon realized it wasn’t going according to plan.

“We weren’t able to find any way to make hot water, so we ended up just trying to microwave cups of water,” she laughs. “It was a fun night, and we cheered everyone up by having what we now refer to as our ‘Lukewarm Chocolate.’”

The ability to live in the moment and have fun with caring people while tending to necessary duties and expanding her leadership skillset made all of the difference for Baker in advancing the mission of Theta Phi Alpha.

“It was one of the times I really knew that, while Theta Phi is technically a business and we have responsibilities and tasks to accomplish, we can do those things while still having a good time and lifting each other up,” Baker says. “Being in the group truly is like the kinds of relationships and memories you would have with actual siblings.”

All within her first year, she not only discovered a sense of belonging within the chapter, but her dedication led her to take on multiple leadership positions. Last year, Baker was elected as both the vice president and the hospitality chair of Theta Phi Alpha, as well as the new PR chair.

“After I joined, I had a lot of ideas of things I could help implement and improve, to continue growing our chapter,” she says.

As for her future, Baker’s main goal is to earn her Ph.D. to work on further destigmatizing mental illness. She is eager and hopeful to increase visibility of Theta Phi Alpha to recruit future students, and hopes to provide community for new students as the chapter has done for her.

Bridging Divides Through Power of Connection

By Amanda Gratsch, MSOL ’24, ’15

Shaunda Dawson ’25, ’18 leads women from diverse backgrounds in love, empathy, and respect to bridge differences and create a better world.

Inspired by conversations with her colleagues, combined with a deep desire to make an impact on earth, dedicated nurse and educator, Shaunda Dawson ’25, ’18, wished to embody and share her faith in bigger ways. It was from here that L.O.V.E. United, LLC was born.

Standing for Ladies of Various Ethnicities, L.O.V.E. United is a transformative platform dedicated to fostering unity among women through faith-based initiatives. Women from diverse backgrounds can gather in love, empathy, and respect to engage in difficult, honest conversations about the world we share. Here, they are able to build relationships to create positive change in their communities through service, leadership, and education.

“I started L.O.V.E. United because I wanted to create a platform where all women could come together and show the world that we are more alike than we are different—a space where women could be vulnerable,” Dawson says. “Where we could demonstrate to the younger generation that women of all races can work together and do so effectively.”

“We’re committed to bridging divides, fostering a space where we can ask hard questions, exchange perspectives, and ultimately grow into a united force,” she says.

Combining her love for nursing and education, Dawson has taught clinical students as an instructor and worked in maternal health at Mercy Health after graduating with her BSN from the Mount. She brings her expertise as a registered nurse to the forefront of her endeavors, and has quickly established herself as a dedicated educator and clinician. She is currently pursuing her MSN in Education at the Mount to continue advancing her career in teaching.

Throughout her career, Dawson worked with many women from areas with limited cultural diversity. Their discussions were rich with curiosity, as they often asked questions about each other’s cultural differences. What made these conversations so special was the mutual sense of safety they felt.

“Over time, we began to see that we were more alike than we initially thought,” she says. “These moments lit a spark in me and inspired a desire to create something bigger—a space where women could come together, engage in tough but necessary conversations, and grow side by side.”

Thus far, Dawson has empowered countless women to overcome challenges, build confidence, and find their voices. Her dedication to her work and her genuine care for others have made a significant impact on the lives of many.

Dawson recently published a book called My Closet, a 52-week interactive journal and devotional. The weekly entries come directly from her personal journal.

“A woman I know has been reading it, and she shared so much with me in a letter that it literally brought me to tears,” Dawson says.

The woman ended the letter with these words: “Thank you for this purpose that God brought you to do. Your gift of sharing words of testimony has and will forever change me, and I hope you always remember that, because I will never forget.”

With gratitude, Dawson attributes her success to the support and guidance of her mentors, particularly her former MSJ professor, Kristin Clephane, DNP.

“Her encouragement to pursue a graduate degree, even when I wasn't sure about completing my BSN, planted a seed of possibility in my mind,” she says. “Her unwavering support and belief in me have had a profound impact on my life and career, helping me to grow and take on new challenges.”