Dear Alumni

thank you

I want to express my gratitude for not only my scholarship but also for places and experiences that have enriched my time at Mary. for not only my scholarship but also for places and

www.umary.edu 25 Dear Alumni, My name is Shayla Elm. I am a senior studying communication with a concentration in public relations. I grew up in Minot, North Dakota, and a big reason why I chose to study at the University of Mary in Bismarck was because of the scholarship I received from donor dollars. I want to express my gratitude for not only my scholarship but also for places and experiences that have enriched my time at Mary. It is incredible to be a student at the University of Mary right now. When I came as a freshman, I felt so welcomed in the new Roers Hall, where I met my suitemates who became my best friends. Freshman year was a crucial time of development for me academically and spiritually. By offering great study spaces while still providing a homey feel, I was able to easily adjust to life as a college student. The chapel in Roers played a huge part in my spiritual development and allowed me to truly dive into my relationship with the Lord. My favorite part of student life is how faith is a part of everything. Weekly Chapel of the Word, daily Mass, and Grounds for Belief are just a few of the many events that deepen the faith of students on campus and foster authentic friendships. It is inspiring to see my peers alongside me striving in their faith, another major reason why I chose to attend the University of Mary. The Lumen Vitae University Center, and especially the Crow’s Nest, allowed me to create life-long memories with my friends. Being able to eat 24 hours a day — even though it contributed to sleep deprivation and ‘the freshmen 15’ — was one of the greatest gifts that a college student can receive. There were many, many hangouts in the “Lume” that fostered my friendships and helped me have a true college experience. The fieldhouse is home to all types of activities, from lifting weights to nine-square. I even got to try rock climbing this year, an opportunity I never thought I’d have! It is so exciting to watch our athletics programs evolve. I especially enjoy attending the hockey games and swim meets, two “new” sports. You can usually find a group of students and fans tailgating in the parking lots before games, roasting hot dogs and playing cornhole. Finally, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy in the spring of 2019. This experience formed me into the person I am today. I was able to see the roots of my faith as well as learn the rich history of the Italian people and culture. I learned major cultural skills, including chasing after buses, trusting $25 flights with my life, and realizing that I am supposed to accommodate a new culture, not viceversa. As I prepare to graduate this spring and join the alumni family, I am filled with gratitude for the gifts I have received from generous alumni and donors of the University of Mary. Your generosity inspires me to be generous to others and to carry out the values I have learned here. Thank you for each and every gift that has enriched my experience at Mary. With Gratitude,