GETTING THROUGH IT HOW MARY MCLAIN (’75) TURNED STRUGGLES INTO A LIFE OF PURPOSE
Mary McLain is a woman who has struggled. She’s had more rough patches in her life than many could imagine possible. And yet, through it all, she tells her story with such grace and humility, completely open to sharing her struggles...and her successes.
“I enjoyed my whole education at Jamestown College,” Mary explained. “The liberal arts really grounded my education. I was part of the choir, was a Representative Jimmie in Leadership, and did work study. I just enjoyed the whole atmosphere and the rigor of academics.”
“I want others to know—look part of life are the downs, but you can still shine and be a bright light and get through it,” she explained, with a comforting yet determined tone to her voice. “My house burned down. I got pregnant. I was abused. But you, you can still get through it.”
As if balancing schoolwork and co-curriculars with a baby was not enough of an accomplishment, Mary went on to graduate in three years with a double major in Social Sciences and Special Education. She was even crowned homecoming queen in 1974.
Mary didn’t just get through it. She took her struggles and turned them into an amazing life, full of purpose.
“I feel so very grateful, because I was supported and encouraged at Jamestown College. I would take my daughter to class when we couldn’t get a sitter,” she explained. “It didn’t matter that I had a child. At the time, a lot of places were not accepting of women with kids.”
AN UNCOMMON UNDERGRADUATE From the very beginning, Mary’s journey to her law career was far from standard. It started with an unexpected pregnancy as a senior in high school. But, she was determined to still attain her education as a young mother. She completed her high school degree and her first semester at University of Jamestown in the same year—all with a new marriage and a new baby.
GROWING HER EDUCATION “I knew I always wanted to go into law,” Mary explained. “I come from a family of social activists, and I saw firsthand that when there’s such social discord in civil society, you need lawyers to help get through the difficulties you face.” Her family of activists and alumni include her father Rev. Bernard McLain ’38, brother Harley McLain ’75, sister Christeen McLain ’75, and nephew Max Kirchdorfer ’12.
