FOR MOUNT MARTY UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS | FALL 2024
Lauryn Bernt works to alleviate the national blood shortage.
BENEDICTINE SPIRIT TRAVELS ACROSS THE POND
A group of Lancers enjoyed the ultimate Benedictine experience in a 25-day trek through Germany and Switzerland.
A YEAR SPENT CELEBRATING THE SISTERS
STEPS FOR LIFE WALK: FIGHTING SUICIDE
Event raises awareness and remembers those lost.
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Joanna Thomas
Ashley Bargstadt
Greg Franz
Harlie Hacecky
Fresh Produce
EDITING
Marketing Office
Advancement Office
CatchPhrase Communications
President’s Office
PHOTOGRAPHY
Ashley Bargstadt
Cooper Davis
Greg Franz
Harlie Hacecky
Joanna Thomas
Joe Rutten
Dr. Terry Lafferty
Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan Fresh Produce
WRITING
Harlie Hacecky
Ashley Bargstadt
Derrik Nelson
Greg Franz
Joanna Thomas
Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan Fresh Produce
LOOKING FOR LANCERS
Friends, if you have a son, daughter, cousin, neighbor, etc. that you think would be a great fit for Mount Marty, please contact the Office of Admission at 605.668.1545 or email us at admission@mountmarty.edu
THANK YOU
STAY IN TOUCH
Eleven students and six campus leaders went on Mount Marty University’s first monastic abroad experience lasting 25 days as they traveled throughout Germany and Switzerland.
Last year, the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan honored the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery for their contributions.
President’s Letter
Student Highlights
Alumni Highlights
Mount Marty hosted a suicide awareness walk to support students and the community.
Guatemala Bound: Nursing Students’ Journey of Service
Finding Joy and Passion in Music
Volunteering in the South
The Great Adventure
Oral History Project
Campus Highlights
Athletic Highlights
Lancers Give Back
Alumni Class Notes
Upcoming Events
Lancer Days 2024 Weekend Events
What a wonderful year! I am so pleased to be able to share with you all the great news from Mount Marty University in the following pages. This fall we welcomed even more students, representing our eighth consecutive year of enrollment growth, which is nearly unprecedented among faith-based colleges in rural areas nationally. In fact, MMU is nearly 30 percent larger than we were in 2016 as we work to provide our outstanding Benedictine education to even more students in Yankton, Watertown, Sioux Falls and online.
Knowing who we are and playing to our strengths is a cornerstone of that success. Our Benedictine educational mission defines us, and deepening the application of the Rule of St. Benedict to modern society is important. This fall, a group of faculty participated in a retreat on how to apply more Benedictine principles in the classroom. This was on the heels of a group of students, young alumni, faculty and administrators spending nearly a month in Europe understanding the history and gifts of Benedictine monasticism (see p.13). We are also concentrating our planning efforts on bettering rural communities, enrollment growth, and acquiring the resources to continue to strengthen our impact.
Thank you for your prayers, gifts of time and treasure, and all your efforts to support our great University. We are blessed.
In Benedictine peace,
Marcus Long, PhD, OblOSB
Lauren Stiefvater ’25 was awarded the Mother Jerome Schmitt Scholarship. Stiefvater will receive full tuition for her senior year at Mount Marty University. The scholarship honors Mother Jerome Schmitt, the first president of Mount Marty, and is awarded to an incoming senior student who is pursuing an undergraduate degree with good academic standing and exemplifies the core values and Benedictine Hallmarks the university is built upon.
“Honestly, this was a Holy Spirit driven moment,” Stiefvater said. She found herself in the chapel looking for inspiration for her essay when she began writing a letter to her high school self.
During this reflective time, Stiefvater contemplated her faith journey and the impact the Mount Marty community has had on her growth, including the core values and Benedictine Hallmarks, campus ministry team, education professors and the Benedictine Leadership
Institute trips. Stiefvater also recounted the empowerment and growth she experienced by joining Lumen Christi last summer, a program through the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls where college students become missionaries and evangelize parish members and kids of all ages. She especially loved watching the kids grow to realize their value and worthiness of love.
When her essay was finally finished, Stiefvater realized she was not the same woman she was when she first came to Mount Marty. She will continue to walk with kids on their faith journeys through the Diocesan Discipleship Camps in the summer of 2024 and during her student teaching this fall at Sacred Heart Middle School in Yankton.
On April 7, 2024, Liam Vidas ’24 was confirmed into the Catholic Church at the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel on the Mount Marty University campus. Vidas was originally baptized Catholic, but after moving to Rapid City, South Dakota, at the age of one, he and his family began attending the Lutheran Church. When asked what enticed him to become Catholic, Vidas responded, “I found out Jesus was the one who founded the Catholic Church, and a lot of scripture says we’re saved not just by faith but also by acts.”
Vidas said the Mount Marty community had a large impact on his decision. “I saw how strong my friends were in their faith. And ... to see my college friends who are just as busy as I am still show up to the church on Sunday, holy days of obligation and go to confession was just really amazing.”
He noted how the school’s Benedictine Leadership Institute (BLI) classes and corresponding trips gave him new insight into his relationship with his faith. “Every time we went on BLI trips I felt very in tune with God,” he said. “It’s nice to see everyone try to figure out their faith because it is a hard thing we all battle with. I wanted to stop putting myself first and instead wanted to think more about God in my day.”
Liam began his confirmation journey by attending Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes for 20 weeks, led by Mount Marty chaplain Father Grant Lacey. Vidas began reading books about the Catholic faith, watching YouTube videos, and comparing and deciphering why he wanted to become Catholic. Vidas had many questions for Father Lacey, but the small class made it easy for him to inquire and have deep conversations. “I learned more about my faith than I ever did by being able to look at both religions,” he said.
Vidas is supported by his family and friends, and said he is very grateful for the impact of the Mount Marty community in his life.
Nursing student Lauryn Bernt ’25 saw the national blood shortage as both a critical challenge and an exciting opportunity.
During Bernt’s junior year, she received the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program scholarship. With this scholarship, Bernt traveled to Washington, D.C., along with other scholarship winners to learn not only about the Red Cross organization but also to grow as a leader. The group had opportunities to talk with senators, the Chief Medical Officer of Red Cross, and its CEO, Gail McGovern, then returned to their respective campuses with a mission: Bernt was to partner with Mount Marty to host blood drives on campus that would help increase availability of blood products across the country.
The Mount Marty Red Cross Club, which Bernt founded, hosted a two-
day blood drive each semester this year. The club met its goal of 60 pints per drive.
“Health policy and advocacy have always been a passion of mine,” said Bernt, “whether it’s doing a presentation in class or something like this at the national level. I just love being able to bring change and awareness for the betterment of others.”
Bernt hopes to continue the Red Cross Club and blood drives after she graduates by passing it down to another student to oversee. She looks forward to discovering new opportunities in which she can impact change in years to come. This past summer, Bernt completed an internship opportunity at the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester, Minnesota, where she has always aspired to be.
Alexis Stinton, a Mount Marty student on the Watertown campus, was first brought into the teaching world her final year at Lake Area Technical College while attaining her Associate of Applied Science degree in large animals. “Becoming a teacher was never on my radar,” Stinton said. “I was sitting in class when the head of the department called me out. At first I thought I was in trouble, but it turned out that they had unexpectedly lost a teacher due to ill health ... I said yes and the rest is history.”
Stinton is an agriculture instructor at Lake Area Technical College who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in technical management at Mount Marty.
“A business degree I felt would be all encompassing. Part of managing a class is exactly that: managing the class. It’s operations management,
which is kind of the way that I went down with the Mount Marty degree.” She has been taking periodic courses when her schedule allows since 2021. “It all comes down to planning your day and time management. Sometimes I have first-year instructors ask me how I manage it, and I have this to say, ‘First, buy a planner. Second, use it.’ ”
Stinton is learning more than just technical management, though, as each day she is surrounded by other accomplished professors who are teaching her courses. “Because I’m already a teacher, I’m not just looking at the curriculum of the class. I’m also looking at the teaching style of the instructors and trying to learn something from them.”
This story is paraphrased from the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan article written by Randy Dockendorf on June 17, 2024. Used with permission.
On June 15, 2024, Brig. Gen. Kathleen (Bares) Clary returned to Mount Marty for her promotion ceremony elevating her to brigadier general. The ceremony included Maj. Gen. Joe Marsiglia, Col. Scott Valley and Clary’s husband, Col. Seth Pedersen.
Also taking part in Saturday’s ceremony were the new brigadier general’s daughters, Natalie Clary and Rachel Clary, and retired Col. Harold Hudson, who gave the invocation and benediction. In addition, family and friends took part in the ceremony and filled the South Dining Room of the Roncalli Center.
Beaming with pride at the audience, Clary said she held no doubt where to hold her promotion ceremony. “I think it’s
Titus Kosgei ’12, ’16 earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Mount Marty while participating in cross country and track and field.
“The mission of Mount Marty and the Benedictine Sisters have followed me everywhere I’ve gone,” said Kosgei.
In 2016, Kosgei joined PeaceHealth Santa Clara Primary Care Clinic, located in Eugene, Oregon, as a nurse practitioner in family medicine.
“You never forget those building blocks,” he says while thinking back on his years at Mount Marty. “And to think at the time, I was just looking for a school that had track and field.”
full circle,” she told the Press & Dakotan. “I think Mount Marty and the Army opened so many doors for me, and I come from this community. To me, it was important to share this day with family, friends, Mount Marty and the community.”
This story is paraphrased from the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan article written by Cora Van Olson on Oct. 2, 2023. Used with permission.
Claire (Sung) Reiss ’66 gave a significant donation to Mount Marty University in September of 2023. In recognition of the family’s generosity, Mount Marty hosted a ceremony to thank Reiss and unveil a plaque in the Scholastica Learning Center. The Reiss donation will help fund the Mission Scholarship Program for nonathlete students. Her gift makes Reiss the most generous living donor in Mount Marty history.
During the ceremony, Mount Marty President Marc Long and Vice President of Mission and Community Engagement Barb Rezac spoke on
how the donation would impact our students.
“The Mission Scholarship Program has begun to enhance and strengthen the heart of Mount Marty,” Rezac said. “Mission Scholars reach out to other young people in the region and invite them to a life of faith, both as college students and beyond.”
“Through those humble beginnings, it was God’s plan that she found her way to Mount Marty University where she studied chemistry and graduated in 1966,” Long said.
“Since that time, she and her late husband, Bob, have committed more than $3 million to her alma mater, and today we’re here to express our gratitude.”
This story is paraphrased from the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan article written by Randy Dockendorf on Feb. 19, 2024. Used with permission.
For Todd Strom ’90, returning to Bloomfield, Nebraska, means coming home in more ways than one. Strom graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1985 and received his bachelor’s degree from Mount Marty University in 1990. His education career includes Crofton, Nebraska, secondary principal from 2001 to 2015 and South Sioux City, Nebraska, superintendent from 2015 to 2023.
Now as the newly appointed superintendent of Bloomfield Community Schools, Strom said he wants to build upon Bloomfield’s strengths while also positioning the district well for the future. Bloomfield was selected as a 2012 Blue Ribbon School for its national excellence, Strom said. The honor signifies the community’s strong support for its school system, he said.
“We want to maintain a focus on academics, and we also want kids to participate in a wide variety of activities. And we want them exposed to different careers,” he said. “We also want to make a safe learning environment, so students are in a good place every day and are happy and enjoying school.”
Strom said he has already received a positive response to his selection. “Based on the feedback I have received so far, I have been humbled by the support from alumni and from the current staff and all my old friends and family who graduated from Bloomfield High School,” he said. “It just feels right.”
Several Benedictine sisters have celebrated milestone anniversaries in their monastic professions.
Sister Carol Jean VanDenHemel, OSB
• 25 years
Sister Cynthia Binder, OSB
• 60 years
Sister Mildred Busch, OSB
• 60 years
Sister Jeanne Ranek, OSB
• 60 years
Sister Anna Dangel, OSB
• 70 years
Sister Patricia Heirigs, OSB
• 70 years
Sister Jane Frances Garcia, OSB
• 75 years
• Passed away May 15, 2024
Laura Stehlik ’24 has dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher at a Catholic school since she was a child, and her dream finally came to fruition after accepting a position with Sacred Heart Elementary School in Yankton. “Honestly, during my interview I felt very at peace, which is a huge sign,” Stehlik said. “I think it was just meeting everybody and getting a tour reminded me of the feel of my home school. I’ve always wanted to teach in a Catholic school ...”
Her teaching style has grown and evolved over her time at Mount Marty and is influenced by her kindergarten teacher, Michelle Kriefels, who displayed the value of community in her classroom that Stehlik wants to replicate in her classroom at Sacred Heart School.
Stehlik plans to display the Benedictine values in the classroom through prayer, hospitality and discipline. She also wants to create a sense of community “where everyone feels welcome, loved and safe” that she found both at Mount Marty and years ago in her kindergarten classroom.
This story is paraphrased from the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan article written by Jay Gravholt on Jan. 1, 2024. Used with permission.
They’ve lived upon the same hill for more than a century and have been central to Yankton’s growth by opening schools, a hospital and a college. For their many years of giving to the Yankton community and the region, the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery have been named Yankton Citizens of the Year for 2023.
The multiple nominations received by the Press & Dakotan had a common theme — leadership through hard work, passion for the community and Benedictine values. One nomination read: “The Sisters have been a part of the Yankton community for decades, and they have in fact been one of the main builders and sustainers of this community. Beyond establishing Sacred Heart Hospital, Sacred Heart School, and Mount Marty — they have also given their time, money, and talents to so many in need within our community. I recently discovered they even opened up their doors to a family who needed a home but there was not any room at the homeless shelter. ‘What else would we do?’ was their response. They saw someone in need and welcomed the stranger, just as St. Benedict asks of them in his Rule.”
When the sisters learned they were named Citizens of the Year, it was a joyous surprise for many of them. “This is wonderful,”
Prioress Penny Bingham ’73, OSB said. “This was such a surprise, and it’s just truly an honor for our whole community.”
The Benedictine Sisters moved to Yankton in 1889 at the request of Bishop Martin Marty to help educate Native American children. They purchased the property “on the hill” that year and have never really looked back. When health care was needed, the sisters switched from education to the medical field and started Sacred Heart Hospital. They would eventually open Mount Marty College, which would become the Mount Marty University of today. Together with the Presentation Sisters, they formed the Avera Health System.
The community and the monastery have had a working relationship throughout all those years, but that bond became inseparable in February 1997 when the monastery caught fire. The Press & Dakotan recently ran a story about Larry Nickles’ retirement and the effect that fire had on the firemen, the first responders, the community and the monastery. It may have been that tragedy that truly brought the relationship between the community and the monastery to the forefront.
“That was another experience where I think we realized we were important to the city in a way that we hadn’t even thought of before,” said Sister Bonita Gacnik, OSB. “There had been talk at that time — it was just brainstorming — maybe we need to be farther away and become more closed down.
“When that fire hit and the community opened its doors to us, that was an eye-opener. One day, there’d be sweet rolls and the next day somebody’s bringing up a bag of clothes. After that, there was no talk of leaving. I don’t think we were aware of that connection the community felt toward us. So, it moved us in probably the same way it moved [Nickles] because they didn’t even realize there was a whole wing behind us, they didn’t even realize how many people were up here.”
After serving Yankton for the past 134 years, the Benedictine Sisters have helped shape and nurture the community. According to their Prioress, that won’t be stopping any time soon.
“We are very much part of this community, and we plan to remain a vibrant part as long as we’re ... able to do so,” Bingham said.
Several Sisters of the Sacred Heart Monastery gathered for the Press & Dakotan. Row 5 L-R: Ss.Debra Kolecka, Carmy Luke, Carol Jean VanDenHemel, Bonita Gacnik Row 4 L-R: Ss. Kathy Burt, Marlene Stetz, Kathleen Courtney, Penny Bingham, Joyce Feterl, Candyce Chrystal, Marielle Frigge Row 3 L-R: Ss. Denette Leifeld, Jill Young, Mary Jo Polak, Joyce Streff, Sharon Ann Haas, Mildred Busch Row 2 L-R: Ss. Cynthia Binder, Marcine Quintus, Jeanne Ranek, Jennifer Kehrwald, Mary Carole Curran, Norma Norton, Marita Kolbeck Row 1 L-R: Ss. Arthur Schramm, Phyllis Hunhoff, Kathleen Crowley, Janice Mayer, Aidan Bourke, Louise Marie Goettertz
The month of March celebrates women and the decades of history that have come before them. By listening to the past, we learn from those events and take knowledge into the future.
Mount Marty wanted to celebrate women’s history last May by showcasing a small group of sisters from the Sacred Heart Monastery. The panel included Sister Marcine Quintus N’54, OSB, ’55; Sister Arthur Schramm H’50, N’55, NA’56, OSB, ’65, HD; Sister Marita Kolbeck, OSB, ’73; and Sister Phyllis Hunhoff H’50, N’55, OSB, ’70.
Hunhoff, who has been at the Monastery for 62 years, said, “It is hard to believe that [I have done so
much] in my lifetime ... I am [going to be] 92 in several months, and I am so proud of that number.” Hunhoff grew up on a farm and graduated from Mount Marty High School.
Most people are not born thinking they will enter the religious life. “In my senior year, I gave very little thought to religious life ... Other girls were being called into the principal’s office [and were being told] they would make a good religious [figure].” When she wasn’t getting called, she went in on her own and the rest is history.
Mount Marty is thankful and proud of the Sacred Heart Monastery for all of the sisters’ contributions and accomplishments through their time “on the hill.”
Mountain landscape found traveling from Germany to Switzerland. Photo by Christa Lotz.
GROUP MOMENTS BEFORE BOARDING PLANE TO GERMANY
Eleven students and six campus leaders went on Mount Marty University’s first monastic abroad experience. The trip lasted 25 days and encompassed stops throughout Germany and Switzerland with the goal to enrich the students in the Benedictine way of life, the history of the Sacred Heart Monastery and the history of the countries they visited while recognizing the relationship between Mount Marty and Benedictine monasticism.
The students had many hopes for the trip, but they all desired to enrich their faith and grow in community. Alissa Stephens ’24 hoped “to take away a deeper appreciation for Benedictine monastic life and a deeper understanding of life outside the U.S.”
Day one began at Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska, where the group met with the monks living there for prayer and a blessing. The priory is home to Father Adam Patras ’89, who accompanied the cohort to Germany. The group didn’t stay at the priory long, though, as they took time for fellowship, a hot meal and a good night’s sleep before starting their journey to Germany.
Two flights later the group arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, and traveled to the Münsterschwarzach Abbey in Bavaria, Germany. This abbey is home to the Missionary Benedictines who founded Christ the King Priory. It is here the cohort would stay during much of their time in Germany. “The abbey was absolutely beautiful!” said Brynn Dilly ’24. “I felt a sense of relief after arrival and excitement to start the journey. The monks were amazing. They were so kind and hospitable.” That night the group listened while the monks prayed the Vespers (evening prayer) sung in German. “Vespers was great!” Dilly said. “The monks’ voices echoing in the church were a beautiful sound.” Brother Ansgar Stüfe, M.D., from
the abbey accompanied the cohort through three cities in the upcoming days and guided them with information and knowledge.
On the fifth day of the trip, the group visited the Monastery of the Lutheran Benedictine sisters where they spoke with the sisters and listened to their stories. “After the Second World War,” Patras said, “a group of Lutheran young women wanted to found a Benedictine Monastery, so our monks assisted them in founding the community of Castle Ring.” The sisters served coffee, tea and kuchen (cake), and even with the language barrier, the group had a wonderful time learning from the sisters. “I loved the Lutheran Benedictine sisters’ monastery,” recounted Trey Vande Kop ’25. “We had the opportunity to talk to a few of them and hear about their lives. They talked about the history and creation of the monastery and all the hardships they went through. Talking to them reminded me so much of talking to the sisters at Sacred Heart Monastery.”
The following day the cohort ventured to Würzburg, Germany, and toured the city. “Seeing the immense amount of history throughout Würzburg was incredible,” said Christa Lotz ’26. “Some of the churches we visited are over 500 years old. Just standing in that spot of time was powerful, thinking about what all had occurred in the world since the church was built. It really put our lives into perspective, but also the fact that throughout all those years, people have continued to show up for their faith. That was inspiring.”
The cohort also had the opportunity to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi in Bavaria, Germany. Ethan Warmkagathje ’25 recalled his experience: “At Mass today, we celebrated Corpus Christi, which is the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As a Catholic, it was heartwarming to see so many people celebrating the body and blood of Jesus.” He went on to say this was his favorite part of the monastic experience as it was “powerful” to see so many gathered to celebrate.
As the days went on, the group traveled to the Cistercian Monastery, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Nuremberg where the cohort enjoyed fellowship and learning as they toured beautiful architecture, churches and museums filled with history.
When it came time for the group to leave the Münsterschwarzach Abbey, they traveled to the Dachau concentration camp. “Naturally, you cannot go to Germany and not touch on the history of National Socialism (Nazism) and the tragic happenings of that era,” Patras said. “I think it is very important for young people today to have first-hand experience of this to make sure history does not repeat itself.” This was a very impactful experience for the students, Stephens said, “Visiting and praying with the Carmelite sisters after walking through the sorrow and horrific memories of the Dachau concentration camp was just what I needed to remember the battle that is fought every day and love of Jesus that continues to prevail overall.” The cohort then departed for the St. Ottilien Archabbey in Eresing, Germany.
On June 6, the group visited the Einsiedeln monastery — Bishop Martin Marty’s monastic home — before finding their way to Maria Rickenbach Monastery in Switzerland. “It is important to know the roots of Mount Marty,” Patras said. The Maria Rickenbach Monastery is where the first sisters from the Sacred Heart Monastery came from originally. Almost unanimously, Maria Rickenbach was the favorite location of many of the students with some even wishing to return one day.
While on this monastic experience, the travelers immersed themselves in the Benedictine way. Although their days may have been busy with travels, tours and marvelous food, the group prayed regularly, took time for silence and reflection, reserved Sundays for Mass and a day of rest, and continued to exemplify the core values upon which Mount Marty is built. “One hallmark we talk about with being Benedictine was hospitality,” Austin Vigants ’25.
“We felt hospitality everywhere we went, especially by the monks in the abbey [where] we stayed. I felt as if I were home, and that helped me learn as I was there.” Claire Martinson ’24 said: “When we were discussing hospitality and talking with the refugees and listening to what they experienced, I was reminded of my Benedictine Leadership Institute (BLI) classes and the importance of loving one another. Love conquers all; you just have to see Christ in everyone, even when they don’t look, act, talk or believe like you do.”
The group also learned the beauty of living the Benedictine way through the monks and sisters they visited and will take many of those characteristics back with them to campus. “Balance is huge,” said Stephens. “I appreciate the way that the monks prioritize a balanced life, for it is in balance that peace and virtue can be attained and then lived out.” Lotz said, “They value hard work ... are so dedicated to what their job is, and they always looked happy to be doing it. Prayer is a central part of every day, as well as silence. If it can be done in silence, that’s how they’ll do it. Their hospitality is inspiring, and I hope that is something I can take with me.”
During this immersive experience, the cohort toured or drove through a total of four countries (Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein and Switzerland), visited five monasteries or abbeys, and experienced so many beautiful sights and opportunities for growth in faith, courage and friendship. This trip was made possible by the Monks of Christ the King Priory and Müesterschwarzach Abbey as well as Mount Marty University. “The trip overall was very eyeopening about the monastic and Benedictine way of life,” Vande Kop said. “I am so grateful for being chosen to go on this trip, for all the professors and faculty, the fellow students, [and] the brothers and sisters at all the monasteries and abbeys … for making the trip possible.”
Father Adam Patras ’89 is originally from Neligh, Nebraska, but has traveled throughout the country and world for his education and with Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska. At the priory, Patras and the other monks use the Rule of St. Benedict to guide them in their community and faith life. “I was always a spiritual person and also enjoyed being alone and in community, so the way of life appealed to me,” Patras said. “I never expected to have all the education and experiences that I have had. My expectation going into this way of life was to live a ‘quiet, little life.’ ”
Patras received his bachelor’s degree in religious education at Mount Marty. He then studied at Mount Angel Seminary in Saint Benedict, Oregon, for his master’s degree and did his postgraduate work at the Institute of Saint Anselm in Margate, England, for counseling and human growth and development as well as at the Franciscan Study Center in Canterbury, England, for spiritual direction.
He has a wealth of service experience as he worked in adult mental health case management, was a development disabled specialist as well as a child mental health specialist, and worked with criminal foster children, the mentally ill homeless, and investigated for involuntary commitments to the mental hospital in Washington State.
As a monk, Patras worked with Syrian and Afghan refugees in Germany from 2014 to 2019 and now provides spiritual direction to those who come to the retreat house at the priory in Nebraska. He is currently the cellarer (treasurer) of the priory and subprior.
Mount Marty University participated in its first nursing mission trip to Guatemala over spring break 2024 with seven students and three faculty ready to provide aid where they could. “We went through an organization called Nursing Heart,” said Natalie Reeves ’24. “It’s a nongovernment organization in Guatemala. The organization provides all the supplies, the clinics, and they provide us meals and our housing.”
Kathy Magorian ’97, Ed.D., the university’s dean of nursing and health sciences, has worked with Nursing Heart since 2015 and wanted to partner with them for a meaningful student experience. “The founder of Nursing Heart, Ron Noecker, was a high school classmate of mine,” said Magorian. “It really is about expressing the Benedictine spirit through this work that Nursing Heart does. Their values are humility, trust, respect and hospitality. How much closer can you get to Mount Marty University’s values?”
The group raised funds for about a month and then boarded flights to Atlanta and on to Guatemala City. Reeves was excited for the opportunity as she has been on mission trips before through campus ministry and other service projects in the community,
and she has always had a passion for them. She was grateful for the opportunity to travel and practice her nursing skills.
Another student traveler was Braden Wills ’24. He was ecstatic to do mission work, but also anticipated the trip for another reason. “For me, I’ve taken six years of Spanish already, and I wanted to practice and see what it’d be like because I knew I wanted to do travel nursing. This experience was an opportunity to
see if I wanted to do travel nursing outside the country rather than just going state to state.”
While in Guatemala the group was introduced to Blanqui L� pes and César Santos, who work with Nursing Heart and accompanied them on their journey. “They showed probably the most care and compassion I’ve seen out of anyone,” Wills said. “Their love kind of just encapsulated what most people are like in Guatemala. A lot of people are like that where
they’re just so grateful that we’re there to help. And, that kind of made me feel a little uneasy, because I’m thankful to them for getting to experience the stuff they’re doing for me.” Wills said that the people in Guatemala are relationship-based and more concerned with making meaningful connections. He still keeps in touch with Blanqui and Cesar.
Over their time on the trip, the mission group went to a rural school and performed school wellness checks with 170 children including dental checks, height and weight measurements, skin assessments and listened to the heart and lungs.
They also worked at a foot clinic. Wills said it is very rare for physicians to be on-site more than once or twice a week. Many patients are not seen or cannot get an appointment for an extended amount of time. “Ultimately, there’s a lot of health disparities that just get overlooked because people don’t come in,” Wills said. They also spoke with two groups of midwives and learned about their cultural practices.
The group also visited the city of Antigua. “It’s like an old, kind of historic Spanish heritage,” said Reeves. “It was super pretty, like cobblestone streets. And then you can see the volcanoes in the background.” Three volcanoes were visible; one is active. They also traveled to Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America.
This trip provided more than just opportunities to practice nursing skills and sightseeing, though. Reeves reminisced about the qualities of the people she encountered in Guatemala. “I would just say that I feel like they live in the present moment so much more. They’re just in the moment, and they don’t take little things for granted.” She recounted the moment she was tying shoes for the school children during the wellness checks. “They thought it was the best thing ever and were so grateful for it.” From this experience, Reeves wants to remember to be more grateful.
The adventure confirmed Wills’ desire to travel nurse outside the country in the future. “I want to experience those other cultures and try to help out in places that don’t really get the best health care like we have here.” It also inspired Wills to look at the bigger picture in his day-to-day life. “Experiencing a new culture is something I feel everyone should do,” he said. “It’s very humbling and eye-opening, and I really enjoyed it.”
Mount Marty has already booked trips to Guatemala for the next two years based on this year’s experiences.
Mount Marty hosted its first Steps for Life Walk in January as part of Suicide Awareness Week on campus. The event in the Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse was open to anyone in the Yankton community who felt called to participate. “As an institution we wanted to raise awareness, remember those lives lost to suicide, support those affected by suicide and to provide information on resources available to those who are struggling,” said Lisa Willcockson, director of student engagement and coordinator of the week’s activities.
Jennifer Cliff, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, heads the Mount Marty Mental Health Club and helped organize the event. “I felt it extremely important to incorporate a walk as one of the activities,” Cliff said. “I have participated in similar walks prior to moving to Yankton. It is a powerful time for people to come together. I loved our tagline, ‘Walk together because no one should walk alone.’ That’s what the walk was all about: coming together as a community and supporting each other. We often don’t talk enough about the darker things that happen in our lives. However, when we bring those aspects into the light, we empower and uphold each other.”
Cliff led the walk and her goal was to give people the courage to open up about their own connections to suicide, support those affected, raise awareness and strongly send the message that suicide is preventable. She also read a list of names of individuals lost to suicide who were connected to the attendees. “That was extremely humbling to bring honor to those who are no longer with us,” Cliff said.
The event started with a welcome to campus and a prayer from Father Grant Lacey, the university chaplain, and was followed by two speakers including Elizabeth Main ’27 who has a deep connection with this walk. “The hardest part was finding the right words as it was such an important topic. You don’t want
to mess it up,” Main said. “So, I spent a good week writing and rewriting until an hour before I just decided to wing it. I felt like if I were to just read off a page, it would be disingenuous, and I wanted to make sure that it came from the right place. … It just came from the heart.”
She added, “I was surprised at first with the number of people that showed up, but also the number of people who didn’t come that it still impacted. I had faculty and staff members come up to me that I had never met before who hadn’t been at the
walk, yet they came to me and said, ‘I heard about your speech. Thank you for saying something.’ ”
Suicide Awareness Week will be an annual event each January on campus going forward. “We hope through our efforts of raising awareness, coming together in community and providing education about the subject of suicide, we can make a difference in the life of someone contemplating suicide,” Willcockson said.
Lub, dub. Lub, dub. S1, S2.
Alyssa Keiser ’25 is very familiar with listening for these S1 and S2 heart sounds in her patients as a nursing student, but heart rhythms aren’t the only rhythms she hears as a singer and songwriter. “I’ve been singing since I could talk,” Keiser said “Ever since I was younger, I would sing with my mom since she liked to sing. I just kind of went from there to singing all the time.”
Keiser has been writing songs since she was 14 years old and began recording music her senior year of high school. She found a studio in Minneapolis where she recorded everything from the song lyrics to the piano and drums. She now has more than 20 songs on Apple Music and Spotify and records with Wolvii Records in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after corresponding with people across the country to gather the beats for the songs. “The first time I recorded at this studio was in college,” she said, “and that’s when I started really recording and pumping out songs.”
The music Keiser releases follows two specific genres: pop rock and pop R&B. “It is a weird mix, but it’s very clear when you listen [to the songs] which one it’s going to be.” The musicians she is most inspired by are Pat Benatar and Blondie. The songs she writes are about any number of things, “but the thing I found that makes me the most happy to write about and really proud of are songs that are about mental health or things that are self-aware ... Like self-deprecating, almost. I really like being able to write out what I think and do, and then seeing the patterns … it’s almost like therapy.” Some of the songs she is most proud of are “Damage Control” and “Nashville.”
The writing process Keiser uses is different depending on the song. “For ‘Nashville’ and for ‘Damage Control,’ those ones are about me and it feels like I almost wanted to get those words out. But for some of them I’ll just hear a beat, and it’ll come to me. If that happens, it usually takes 10 minutes to get the melody written and whatnot. [On the other hand,] I wrote a song called ‘Till Tomorrow’ about my friend who ended his own life, and that’s one of those songs that I wrote as a poem.”
The Yankton community has supported and embraced Keiser’s music. She was working at Stringer’s Bar and Grill in Yankton when she was asked to sing, “and it became kind of a hit. Then Cottonwood [and Shipwreck Bar] heard about me, and that’s where it really blew up.” She said she sometimes gets nervous performing at a new venue or with equipment she hasn’t used before, but she learned from doing musicals at Mount Marty that she just needs to get into that first song and then all her fears wash away and she can get lost in it. She usually performs three sets when at a venue with
a total of 40 songs a night, which include covers and a few of her originals. News of Keiser’s voice spread around the community and the surrounding area, including Mitchell and Sioux Falls.
Keiser sets priorities for herself when it comes to balancing her nursing degree and singing.
“It’s just like knowing when I’m going to be busy and knowing if I’m going to burn myself out,” she said. This summer she completed her junior year nursing internship at the Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital. She was excited to be closer to the studio this summer and for all the gigs she had booked.
Spring break for most students is a vacation filled with fun away from educational stress, but for a small group of Mount Marty students it was an opportunity to give back and grow in community.
On March 3, 2024, ten students and two staff members traveled to Holly Springs, Mississippi, for a mission trip through the Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Nursing student Alissa Stephens ’24, attended one of the past mission trips to Mississippi two years ago and enjoyed her time so much she decided to participate again this year. “Last time, we were redoing a roof and doing a lot of outside work on Miss B’s house,” Stephens said. “And then this year, we worked on the inside of Miss Todd’s house. The outside of the house actually looked picture-perfect, but when you walked in her floors were all caving in. This was a really dangerous situation for her.” With this in mind, the group’s mission was to rebuild Todd’s flooring from scratch. Todd lived in Coldwater, Mississippi, a 40-minute drive from their living accommodations.
The group was housed on the property of Sacred Heart Southern Missions in the Gregory House, built to host any volunteers through the program. “It was a nice place to unwind when we were done with each day,” Stephens said. The group cooked their meals together each night and even had a bonfire or two. The chapel on the property was also
utilized as Father Grant Lacey, the university chaplain, provided Mass to those in attendance. The group was housed free of charge as volunteers are in such dire need and appreciated. “It’s not based off of what we can give them financially,” Stephens said, “but what we can give them out of our time and our work.”
On the first day of the mission, students and staff began tearing out the old, warped flooring. Gavin Swanson ’27, a business administration major, said, “The floor was leaning sideways, and there was a wall there where you could see the people standing in the room next door from under it.” The group worked through Wednesday to finish the floor for Miss Todd. “It kind of opened my eyes,” Swanson said. “I was able to
help someone and see the joy that we brought her … She had two new rooms that she didn’t have before. So just to see that, to know that we made a difference in someone’s life just, makes me want to keep doing it.”
The group finished the flooring project ahead of schedule, so they took some time off to travel to Oxford, where they ventured onto the University of Mississippi campus and ate some local barbecue together.
Thursday was the last day of work for the cohort, and due to finishing the floor early, they had the opportunity to garden for the Sacred Heart Southern Missions campus. The Garden Café is a soup kitchen people can serve meals from, and they make the meals using fruits and vegetables from the garden
in the backyard of the building. “It just so happened to be the week that they wanted to plant that garden for the year,” Stephens said.
This trip provided more than just an opportunity for these students to give back; they also developed new mindsets and connections. “I didn’t know about half of the people that were on the trip, and now I can say that I’m pretty good friends with them,” Swanson said. “It’s just really important to me to be able to have all those people that I can say hi to in the hallway or when I’m walking to class, and I know if I need something they’re always there for me.”
Stephens was reminded on this trip that it’s so easy to take things for granted and the “importance of not judging people based on the way they look or by outward appearances, especially after Miss Todd’s house,” she said. “It was picture-perfect on the outside and had a Corvette in the driveway. But, the inside was not anything like the outside. So, just remembering that I don’t always know what’s going on in people’s lives.”
The cohort returned home March 8 with a new outlook on teamwork and blessings, and a greater sense of community on campus.
For first-year and newly attending transfer students, leadership trips, which are part of the Mount Marty Benedictine Leadership Institute (BLI), are opportunities to tour and learn about both the history of South Dakota and the foundation to discover who they truly are and desire to be. It is all a part of the experience called the Great Adventure. As Joe Rutten, director of the Benedictine Leadership Institute and assistant professor of theology at Mount Marty, said, “This experience allows them an opportunity to begin to ask questions of themselves. Who are they? What are the deeper questions that they have in life about goodness, virtue, love, brokenness and about being stripped down kind of like the Badlands? What does it mean to be human when we have things taken away from us? So, this is that opportunity for them.”
In the spring of 2024, a group of 100 students ventured to the Black Hills to make these new discoveries. After a few housekeeping items and a group prayer for good travel conditions and an enlightening trip, they boarded charter buses to explore western South Dakota.
The first stop on the way to the Black Hills was the Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture in Chamberlain. Here, Rutten spoke to the students about the power of dignity for both neighbors and strangers and the importance of this virtue in the world today. The students then pondered times they may have failed or succeeded in treating others with dignity.
From Chamberlain, the buses soon arrived at Badlands National Park. The students, staff and faculty ventured up and down rock formations with one question to ponder as they climbed: Why is community important when we are in the wilderness of life? Ethan Fritzinger ’27 had a profound experience while hiking the valleys and cliffs. “I was hiking on the Badlands, and I came along this crevice that I couldn’t quite get over. So I was there, just a bit stuck, and then all of a sudden another hiker came. He helped give me a boost up, and I also helped him get up as well … That was a great example of community and without it I wouldn’t have been able to keep going. And not only that, when we started walking together, I felt this empowering emotion come over me that helped both of us push each other beyond our limits because we both leaned on each other for things. And that just made me think that it’s a lot harder to achieve the best out of yourself without other people helping you and creating that competition too.”
That evening, the group arrived at the Camp Rapid National Guard base in Rapid City. They would spend three nights on base, participating in small groups to discuss the impact of the day’s events and share in meals and fellowship, whether that be with card games, spike ball or attending evening Mass in the chapel on-site. “I’m so grateful for this experience,” said Noah McDermott ’27, “because I’ve grown closer to friends and professors from Mount Marty.” Students were also excited about the prospect of meeting other students.
For Reilyn Zavesky ’27, he was grateful for the opportunity to make connections with people he doesn’t normally see around campus.
Day two was spent exploring the beauty of Sylvan Lake, Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore. At Sylvan Lake, the group had the opportunity to hike the many trails including Black Elk Peak while discerning their vision for their lives.
Later on, the students and leaders were educated on the history of Crazy Horse along with future goals for the monument. It was here the group wondered how they can better practice justice in their lives. Lastly, the buses arrived at Mount Rushmore where the students met in small groups to discuss what their ideal life would look like followed by adventuring and a few ice cream cones. “I think it’s just been great to see all of the monuments and learn more about them, actually, instead of just coming and looking,” said Zavesky. “Reading all the details is really interesting, and I learned something new.”
Day three included a two-hour bus ride to Devils Tower National Monument in Crook County, Wyoming. Although a number of local students had been to the Black Hills, few had seen Devils Tower in person. The group spent two hours hiking around the trail of the tower with some even climbing to the rock line just below the base of the tower. With this large monument easily
viewable and climbable, the students were sent on their way to ponder what obstacles in their lives they desire to overcome.
On the final day of the trip, the group made one last stop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for Sunday Mass before journeying back to campus. This adventure provided more than just opportunities to connect with fellow classmates and professors or learn about South Dakota’s great history and monuments; it impacted the students’ mindsets and helped them discover who they truly are and what they can bring to their communities. “I’m so grateful for this trip because I’ve gotten to make so many new friends and further the friendships that I already had,” Maci Nemetz ‘27 said. “Beyond that, I had a lot of time to sit and meditate on some big questions of life, and it was a really good experience.”
In 2023, the Mount Marty Alumni Association embarked on a project called Mount Marty Memories, an oral history project with the goal of collecting memories and preserving the voices of our alumni through their stories. More than 1,600 alumni called in to participate in the project, culminating into a book containing nearly 500 stories. These pages are filled with some of our favorites stories.
The Mount Marty University Advancement Office has purchased a physical copy of the oral history project, Mount Marty Memories, for everyone to enjoy. To access a copy of the book, please contact Johanna Jablonoski, Director of Alumni & Family Relations in the Advancement Office.
Story submitted by David “Dave” A. Lyons, Class of 1990
From page 139
“My experience at Mount Marty was truly special. I was practically born into the school, as my dad was a professor and my mother taught there at one point. I was drawn to the school for its personal touch and small professor-tostudent ratio. I studied social science and history, and I was part of the Student Government Association and coeditor of the student newspaper. My favorite professors were Sister Ann Kessler, OSB and Sister Cynthia Binder, OSB. My time at Mount Marty helped me be successful in my life after graduation. I was able to think on my feet and be multidisciplinary and I made lifelong friendships with the nuns and other students. I was even president of the Alumni Association for couple of years and on the board for nine years. My greatest takeaway from Mount Marty is the vision of the sisters who started the school in the 1930s. Their continued involvement has been the key to the university’s success. I’m proud to be an alumnus of such an integral part of South Dakota and the Catholic education community.”
Story submitted by Catherine (Finn) Leonard, Class of 1972
From page 101
“My time at Mount Marty was a memorable experience. I was drawn to the school because it had a nursing program close to home and a Catholic college. One of my favorite instructors was Doris Fields, who taught med-surg nursing. She was very positive and always ready to help. I was able to grow and develop lasting friendships while I was there ... I am grateful for my time I spent at Mount Marty and the impact it had on my life.”
Story submitted by Thomas “T.J.” Joseph Dredla IV, Class of 2004
From page 110 “I had a passion for health care that was instilled in me and by my father, who is a CNA. When I heard about Mount Marty University’s master’s program and the clinical site in my hometown of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, I knew I had to apply. I was accepted and it was the best decision I ever made. The instructors, Larry Dahlen and Bob Putnam, were amazing and gave me the skills and knowledge to practice independently. The campus in Sioux Falls was small with only around 30 students, so it was a close-knit and meaningful educational experience. I’ve been a CRNA for the last 19 years and I owe it all to Mount Marty University.”
Story submitted by Stacy (Dickes) Pfeifer, Class of 2004
From page 35
“My experience at Mount Marty was amazing! I loved the small class sizes and the welcoming atmosphere. It was also special to me because my great-aunt was a nun at the monastery there, and my grandma and aunts and uncles all went to school there. It was like a family tradition! The professors and staff were really helpful and worked hard to get to know their students. I was a music major in addition to my business major, so I got to sing for a lot of events. My music professor was awesome, and we had a lot of fun together. I also got to travel with the choir and stay in hotels with the other choir members. I’ve kept in touch with my classmates over the years, and I still have relationships with people I hung out with in college. If I could give advice to a future Mount Marty student, I would tell them to get involved and make the most of their experience. The teachers really care about their students and are there to support them. It’s an amazing atmosphere and an amazing school to be at!”
Story submitted by Barb A. Gobel, Class of 1997
From page 6
“Here are some of my favorite memories of my time at Mount Marty. We had a blizzard, and classes were called off. This did not stop us from crossing the field to go to Charlie’s for pizza. We had coffee houses where both staff and students put on skits. The majority of us helped with the plays with props, costumes, and lights. Many students worked on the campus radio station, and sometimes someone in the dormitory would unknowingly be on the air. We would walk the stations of the cross by the river and notice the white crosses of the sisters who paved the way for the Mount. We laughed together, cried together, and had fun together.”
Story submitted by Patricia “Pat” L. Aronson, Class of 1956
From page 8
“My experience at Mount Marty was truly special. I chose to attend the Catholic, all-girls school because I wanted to avoid distractions from the opposite gender. I was offered eight scholarships from other colleges, but I chose Mount Marty over all of them. It was only 80 miles away, so I was able to go home each weekend. I was active in a music-related sorority, and I was involved in lots of plays and musical performances. I kept in touch with my classmates and teachers, and I was blessed to have such kind and loving teachers. Everything about Mount Marty was positive.”
Story submitted by Marty Kay (Guffin) Dempsey, Class of 1993
From page 46
“My experience at Mount Marty was life-changing. Growing up in an abusive home, I never thought I’d be able to pursue my dream of becoming a history teacher. After raising 13 children, I decided to take the plunge and enroll at Mount Marty. It took me six years to get my degree, but I was so thankful for the experience. I was especially thankful for my professor, Jane Miner, who was always so affirming and encouraging. She helped me get an A in algebra and pushed me to keep writing. I’ll never forget her. My greatest takeaway from my time at the school was the realization that I had valuable insight to offer. My professor, Mr. Hill, was the one who made me realize this. He was so impressed with my work that he said he’d never seen anyone with the insight I had. I was also surprised to find so many people who were accepting and found my contributions valuable. This experience has stayed with me and I’m now able to help others who are going through difficult times. I’m thankful for the opportunity Mount Marty gave me to pursue my dreams and to help others.”
Story submitted by Kevin Richard Harm, Class of 1996
From page 152
“I’m grateful for my time at Mount Marty. I was a nontraditional student and commuted from Wayne, Nebraska. I had some amazing professors and advisors who really influenced me, like Sister Laeticia, OSB, who was also my prayer partner. She helped me get through my classes and gave me the opportunity to do things I never would have had otherwise. I also learned a lot about computers from Sister Bonita Gacnik, OSB. After graduation, I became a nurse practitioner and have been on mission trips to places like Guatemala and Nicaragua. I’m thankful for the people I met at Mount Marty from all over the world. Mount Marty was a great place to get an education and get my feet wet in the nursing business. I’m thankful for the memories and experiences I had there.”
Story submitted by Timothy Z. Harris, Class of 1975
From page 17
“My journey at Mount Marty was an amazing experience. I was lucky enough to receive a basketball scholarship, and I had a great time there. I made plenty of friends and had a better time than I ever imagined. After graduating, I went to Washington, D.C., as a parole officer and I owe a lot of that to Mount Marty. The degree I earned in sociology was a big help in getting the job. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend Mount Marty.”
Story submitted by Daniel “Dan” G. Dickes, Class of 1982
From page 147
“My time at Mount Marty College was an incredible experience. I majored in chemistry and played basketball, and was lucky enough to have an amazing mentor in the science department, Sister Laeticia Kilzer, OSB. She was an enthusiastic teacher and pushed me to be my best. She was also a very loved professor and I was able to do research at the University of South Dakota through the January interim program. I also had a mentor, Bob Medeck, who taught high school chemistry and summer chemistry at Mount Marty. He was very influential in my life and turned me on to the sciences. Being an assistant was an integral part of my education and allowed me to establish my own niche at college. After graduating, I taught at SIO Center High School in northwest Iowa and was able to develop a strong relationship with the community and faculty. I also got my master of science in teaching from South Dakota State University. Sioux Center was very supportive of education and I was able to bring the modeling program and standards-based grading back to the high school. I’m proud to have participated in many summer programs sponsored by Regent Universities in Iowa. Reflecting back on my time at Mount Marty, my greatest takeaway was the relationships I developed with other students and staff. It was an excellent opportunity to develop my intellect, spirituality, work ethic, and leadership skills. ”
Story submitted by Rev. Rick E. Hazen, Class of 1973
From page 151
“I attended Mount Marty as one of the first male students. I was inspired by two people in particular, Sister Jeanette Klimisch, OSB and Dr. John Lyons. They were both great influences to me in music and theater. I was involved in choir and had a music minor. I was part of some memorable performances, including Jim on the “Glass Menagerie,” “The Imaginary Invalid,” and Neil Simon’s “StarSpangled Girl.” I felt well supported during my time at Mount Marty, as everyone was treated equally. The Benedictine Sisters were especially good to me. I learned to accept and love people where they are. After graduating, I explored broadcasting and ministry. I am most grateful for the sisters and their acceptance and love of all the students. My advice to future generations at Mount Marty is to take their studies seriously and cherish the friendships they make. ”
Story submitted by Kylee Beth Daum,
From page 156
I chose Mount Marty University because it felt like home. It was an hour away from my parents, and the small campus size was much more comfortable than the larger campuses I had visited. I was able to get a more personable experience, and I felt like I was more than just a number. I had a great academic experience, and I was able to form a great community with the people I met there. My professor, Dr. Dana DeWitt, was especially impactful. He was easy to talk to, funny, and laid back, but still made sure I got my work done. I didn’t get involved in many clubs, but I had a great social life and made some great friends. I still stay in contact with a group of 10 or so people I met at Mount Marty. My greatest takeaway from my time there was the feeling of being at home and the personalized experience I had.”
Story submitted by Jill S. (Schmaderer) Orton, Class of 1992
From page 174
“My time at Mount Marty was truly memorable. I was inspired to attend because of my connections with some of the sisters from the school I went to in St. Paul, Nebraska, and my family. I was involved in the chemistry club, tutored, and was part of the admissions connection group. I was able to experience the beautiful Yankton area and the lake, and even married a Yankton boy. The Benedictine value of lifelong learning that I learned at Mount Marty has served me well to this day. I was even honored to be the commencement speaker for the undergraduates a year ago. Mount Marty had an influence on my career by teaching me to serve others and to make a difference in lives, and to believe in something bigger than myself.”
Story submitted by Gary G. Kuchta, Class of 1969
From page 174
“I went to Mount Marty while I was married, working 55 hours per week, and raising two kids. I had no complaints about my experience there. All the nuns treated me very nicely and I never had any bad experiences. I was Catholic, so I felt comfortable there. I was able to utilize the tools I learned in business in my career field, working in the grocery business and as a driver’s license examiner. I learned a lot about how to treat people and it all paid off. I stayed in contact with some of the professors and instructors and I had a positive experience. I’m proud of my success in both of my careers and my 41-year marriage to Velma. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned and the positive experience I had at Mount Marty.”
Story submitted by Sister Lydia G. Armenta, Class of 1976
From page 157
“My time at Mount Marty was greatly influenced by Sister Ann Kessler, OSB, a historian and friend. She was writing a book about Benedictine history and shared her knowledge with me. We developed a strong bond, and I was able to learn a lot from her. She taught me the importance of hospitality and how to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Her teachings have stayed with me, and I am grateful for the time I spent with her. I am a better person because of her and the time I spent at Mount Marty.”
Story submitted by Sean Michael Morin, Class of 2018
From page 163
“I was looking for a college to attend and my private baseball instructor suggested a few small colleges in the area. I looked at the websites, but wasn’t sold on any of them. Then one day, my dad and I were in Yankton and drove by Mount Marty. We decided to stop and see if anyone was there. We were lucky enough to meet TJ Smith, a counselor, who was willing to give us a tour, even though it was almost 5:00 on a Friday. His friendliness and willingness to take the time to show us around really stuck with me. I ended up choosing Mount Marty because of the small community feel and the fact that I knew all my professors, and they knew me. I also had the opportunity to play baseball, and I made a lot of great friends. When I think back on my time at Mount Marty, I’m most grateful for the friends I made and the memories we shared.”
Blast from the Past: Bede Hall was built in 1935 and is still standing tall today.
For Lakshman Chandrashekhar, Ph.D., teaching at Mount Marty University is going back to his roots. “The people here are absolutely nice. I have been away from the Midwest long enough to know how nice the people here are,” Chandrashekhar said.
Originally from Chennai, India, Chandrashekhar has now been in the United States for more than 30 years, much of it in the Midwest. He first arrived in the United States to begin an MBA program at Iowa State University. He later finished his MBA at the University of WisconsinLa Crosse and earned his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University in business administration with a specialization in organizational studies.
Mount Marty University graduated its first class of Master of Science in Biotechnology Management students earlier this year — a good sign for the fast-growing biotechnology industry.
The Master of Science in Biotechnology Management program officially started in August of 2023. The degree is a 30-credit virtual curriculum that’s designed to be completed in a year and to accommodate the schedule of full-time professionals. “It’s a very collaborative environment where there is always discussion and rapport happening, and it really fosters that connection,” said Matthew Holler, who expects to graduate from the program in fall 2024.
“Health on the Map,” a new podcast from Mount Marty University, launched on May 9, 2024, with an episode expected to be released at least once a month. University President Marc Long hosts the program, with providers, policymakers, educators and students joining him to uncover the gaps, challenges and opportunities rural communities face.
“This podcast is an important place to begin the conversation on how to improve rural health care, especially across the Great Plains,” Long said. “Many academic medical centers and big health systems focus on urban areas, but rural and tribal communities have their own significant health challenges. Health on the Map will explore many of those issues.”
Long said increasing access to health care and reducing costs is a driving force behind the conversations in the podcast. “The more we talk about the health care problems in our region, the more Mount Marty can develop providers and leaders to care for residents. I am thrilled to be talking with so many accomplished and compassionate people who want to help.”
“Health on the Map” is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Nursing has traditionally been viewed as a predominantly female profession. But now more than ever men are entering the field and “there appears to be an upward trend in male numbers in Mount Marty University nursing at this time,” said the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Kathy Magorian ’97, Ed.D.
Two years ago, less than 10% of the program was male, and now it is 25%.
“Mount Marty nursing excels at preparing Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing graduates for a variety of areas and especially critical care, which draws many male nurses,” Magorian said. “The university also provides an opportunity for our students to continue participating in extracurricular activities along with succeeding in the rigors of the nursing curriculum.” Magorian said this is not always found at larger postsecondary schools.
Mount Marty nursing professor Krystal Diedrichsen ’04, Ed.D., said, “Having a more diverse nursing class offers a great dynamic in both the classroom and clinical setting. Increasing the number of males in nursing shows younger kids that nursing is a path that fits everyone, not just females. Also, having more male nurses in the workforce provides a more diverse health care team that is providing care. Overall, the need for nurses continues to grow. I hope to see increases in both males and females who are interested in the wonderful opportunities a career in nursing has to offer.”
Jim Reese, Ph.D., Mount Marty professor, has been pen pals with David Sedaris since 2008. “It all started with a letter David wrote to my Mount Marty students. He sells millions of
books and is a ‘rock star’ in the literary world and beyond. He meets all of his fans after each of his shows. I’m not sure I’ve met a more generous writer and a more sincere person who truly wants to help other writers by his actions and words.”
Reese opened for Sedaris’ show, “David Sedaris Live,” in October at the Orpheum Theater Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Reese, an accomplished writer in his own right, is an associate professor of English, director of the Great Plains Writers Tour, and editor-in-chief of Mount Marty’s student literary journal Paddlefish and online news platform Treblehook.
“[Opening for David Sedaris can be described] in one word,” Reese said. “Rhapsody!”
Four theology professors at Mount Marty University had a burning desire to spread the word of St. Benedict. They came together to form the “Benedictine Thought & Action” blog where they can talk about their experiences to help, educate and inspire others.
Stay up to date on their posts by scanning the QR code.
Join Mount Marty professors Paul Anders, Ph.D., Jason Heron, Ph.D., Terry Lafferty, Ph.D., and Joe Rutten as they explore Benedict’s Rule. They will journey through the chapters of the Rule in order to learn more about Benedict’s context and our own. As they listen to what Benedict has to say about prayer, work and community, they hope you will discover just how relevant his work remains today.
The track and field teams traveled to Marion, Indiana, for the 2024 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships which were held at Indiana Wesleyan University in May. The Lancers captured four All-American honors and broke five school records.
Mason Schleis ’24, Marcus Jnofinn ’24 and former student Edwin Nyamutswa ’27 garnered the All-American awards for the Lancers. Schleis finished fourth in the decathlon with a score of 6,624 points. He placed in the top three in three of the 10 events, with second-place finishes in the high jump (6’ 3.25”) and long jump (21’ 6.25”) and a third-place finish in the 400 (49.54).
Jnofinn and Nyamutswa both placed in the 200. Jnoffin placed 5th (20.83) and was followed closely by Nyamutswa in 6th (20.85). In the prelims, both Jnofinn and Nyamutswa broke the school record. Jnofinn (20.93) held
the record for about five minutes before Nyamutswa (20.59) broke it in the following heat. Jnofinn also broke the school record in the 100 (10.25) with his fifth-place finish in the finals. Nyamutsa just missed the final by one spot, only 0.01 seconds away, placing tenth (10.38).
The final school record on the men’s team came from Luke Rettedal ’27 in the shot put. Rettedal threw 55’ 10.25” to place ninth. His record-breaking throw tied for eighth place, but he lost out on an All-American honor by the second-best throw tie-breaker.
Marty Gross, a 1973 Yankton High School graduate with more than 40 years of NCAA Division I basketball coaching experience, will join the Mount Marty University coaching staff this coming season.
“He’s been a huge mentor. He’s one of the best in the business,” said Collin Authier, Mount Marty men’s basketball head coach. “He’s known across the entire country and in the college basketball world. He has impacted my journey tremendously ever since.”
Another school record came from the women’s 4x100 relay. The quartet featuring Aniya Teppo ’24, Sassy Rodriguez ’27, Alexis Even ’26 and Zelie Sorensen ’26 broke the school record with a time of 47.45 and placed 16th.
The Lancers also competed in other events. The men’s 4x400 relay featuring Zavio Prato ’27, Nathaniel Kropuenske ’24, Carl Massa ’26 and Donovan Breckenridge ’25 finished 21st with a time of 3:18.05. Ashinee George ’24 placed 32nd in the 100H (15.50), and Deagan Puppe ’26 placed 32nd in the 110H (16.10).
Gross has been in coaching for 46 years, most recently as director of basketball operations at Missouri State for the 2022-23 season. Prior to that, he had been at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for 10 years as associate head coach.
Gross’ resume includes helping develop 60 players who went on to play professionally, including 12 who played in the NBA. That list includes first-round NBA draft picks Dee Brown and Morris Almond.
Thanks to generous donors, the gym floor in Cimpl Arena was replaced in the summer of 2024. The upgrades will enhance the athletic experience for both players and spectators. The modernized court is poised to elevate the university’s visual appearance and the athletes’ playing surface.
“What an exciting time for Mount Marty University!” said Men’s Basketball Head Coach Collin Authier. “We are so appreciative of all the work that went into this by so many. Finally, a huge thank-you to all the donors for your generosity and making an impact on our student-athletes that will be felt for years to come!”
The new floor installation is the first phase of the project to renovate and enhance practice and playing areas for student-athletes, especially volleyball and basketball. Those interested in learning more about other needs being addressed within the project may contact the Advancement Office.
Beginning this fall, Mount Marty University and Dakota Wesleyan University will play their annual football game under a new name, the Dakota Railroad Rivalry, sponsored by CorTrust Bank. The matchup will continue to rotate between Mitchell and Yankton, South Dakota.
The Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete programs recognize excellence in the classroom by NAIAmember student-athletes who are sophomores or above in good academic standing with a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Students must appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport and have attended one full year as a nontransfer or one full year as a transfer. The awards are given annually to outstanding student-athletes in the various sports in which the program is active, and their respective teams are eligible for NAIA postseason competition.
Mount Marty University had 16 teams with an athlete who received the Daktronics ScholarAthlete Award. The baseball team led the Lancers with 13 athletes receiving this honor, and the women’s track and field team followed with 11 athletes getting the award. Eighty-five Lancer Athletes earned this award in the 202324 school year, an increase of nine athletes from a season ago.
We are thrilled to partner with the Dakota Wesleyan community to build on our exciting rivalry and look forward to the first inaugural Dakota Railroad Rivalry Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Mitchell.
As Volleyball Head Coach Belen Albertos departs from Mount Marty University, Assistant Coach Sophia Lobo Paes ’23 moves into the head coaching position.
“I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have been selected to lead the volleyball program,” said Paes. “Coach Belen will be missed; her contributions to the program have been immense, shaping the very culture we’re striving to uphold. As I embark on my fourth year at Mount Marty, I can honestly say I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this new role, particularly in such a remarkable community with really special people. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Coach Belen and to fostering continued growth within the volleyball program at Mount Marty.”
Past, present and future Lancers are hardworking, dedicated, collaborative and generous. Together we have the opportunity to strengthen the Mount Marty mission and impact all our students in a positive way.
Staying connected with Mount Marty has never been easier — follow us on social media, read stories online, make a gift or volunteer. All of your continued involvement makes Mount Marty stronger. Visit mountmarty.edu to learn more.
The Mother Jerome Legacy Society honors those who have indicated their intentions to leave a legacy gift for the university. The President’s Society recognizes individuals and organizations who contribute a total of $1,000 or more during the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
Loyal Lancers is a donor loyalty program established to recognize our most loyal supporters. To become a Loyal Lancer, an individual or household must donate to Mount Marty for at least three consecutive fiscal years.
Our e-newsletters keep more than 5,500 friends and family up to date on the latest campus events.
Almost 200 graduates joined our alumni family in May of 2024 bringing our total to more than 10,500
More than 400 donors gave more than $120,000 in 24 hours during the university’s annual giving day, Build the Mount. Save the Date for Giving Day 2025: March 18 & 19.
2023 / 2024
July 1, 2023 - July 30, 2024
3,100
$3.1 M
$1.2 M
Donor-funded scholarships helped approximately 412 in funded scholarships helped support Mount Marty students.
alumni, fans and friends came together to commit around in donations that benefit current and future Lancers. Lancer Club Gregorian Fine Arts Association Mother Jerome Legacy Society President’s Society Loyal Lancers
$40 M students succeed.
Mount Marty endowment that will support future generations of Lancers.
148 members
116 members
48 members
276 members
517 members
Our alumni class notes section is a bustling hub where tales of triumph, adventure and growth converge. Here, you’ll find snapshots of the remarkable achievements and cherished milestones of our fellow graduates — a testament to the enduring spirit of our alma mater’s community.
• Malaya Heine ’21 married Colby Lange on May 20, 2023.
• Jennifer Mitera ’18 married Tate Bruckner ’14 on June 3, 2023.
• Courtney Stewart ’20 married Steven Smith on June 3, 2023.
• Rose Kinyon ’22 married Jeff Wanner ’21 on June 24, 2023.
• Emily Rasmussen ’09 married Tyler Larsen on July 17, 2023.
• Derrik Nelson ’15 married Catelyn Rud on August 19, 2023.
• Mary Schon ’76 married Dale Uher on August 19, 2023.
• Megan Roth ’17 married Tanner Thompson-Moad on September 16, 2023.
• Leighton Mlady ’23 married Holden Thieman on September 30, 2023.
• Alex Kneeland ’17 married Ben Harris on October 14, 2023.
• Rachel Mellem ’12 married Matthew Johnson on October 14, 2023.
• Taryn Urbaniak ’19 married Lucas Mack on November 18, 2023
• Jordan Houdek ’17 married Belen Albertos Asencio ’20 on December 31, 2023.
• Rachel Shippy ’17 married Matthew Huber on April 27, 2024.
• Mychal Bierwagen ’14 married Emily Filsginer on May 18, 2024.
• Emily (Schreur) ’14 and Tom Nelson ’00 welcomed son Aaron Dean on June 2, 2023.
• Sami and Hunter Martin ’19 welcomed daughter Capree Jane on June 6, 2023.
• Chris and Brooke (Swier) Schloss ’04 welcomed daughter Frances “Frannie” Julia on June 8, 2023.
• Katie (Kotschegarow) ’17 and Trevor Hickens ’17 welcomed son Nikolai Lee on June 26, 2023.
• Keaton and Holly (Byrkeland) Carter ’13, ’17 welcomed son Christopher Byrke on July 8, 2023.
• Cameron and Riley Stack ’15 welcomed daughter Harlee Fé Stack on July 8, 2023.
• Noah and Madeline (Ford) Schatzel ’20 welcomed son Joshua George on July 14, 2023.
• Dalton and Miranda (Pribil) Schafer ’16 welcomed twins Xander Jay and Payson Mae on July 17, 2023.
• Brett and Lindsey (Jaixen) Ewald ’18 welcomed son Van Martin on July 18, 2023.
• Johanna and Ethyn Boorom ’22 welcomed son Graham Alexander on July 22, 2023.
• Jared and Mandy (O’Malley) Arensdorf ’17 welcomed daughter Stevie Jo on July 26, 2023.
• Brian and Jill (Jandreau) Vermeulen ’16 welcomed son Watson Henry on August 3, 2023.
• JJ and Rachel (Reiff) Hejna ’18 welcomed son Miles Joseph on August 19, 2023.
• Vincent and Megan (Leader) Humble ’15 welcomed daughter Lilliann Jo on August 21, 2023.
• Tyler and Kim (Kokesh) Pepper ’14 welcomed son Luke Gerald on September 1, 2023.
• Andrea and Justin Siemonsma ’08 welcomed daughter Brynn Lucille on September 05, 2023.
• Wyatt and Vanessa (Laible) Walter ’13 welcomed son Boone Myron John on September 6, 2023.
• Adrien and Kellie (Winckler) Heiter ’17 welcomed daughter Zoey Elsie on September 7, 2023.
• Wyatt and Larissa (Trainer) Tatge ’19 welcomed daughter Adelaide in September 2023.
• Emily (Kelley) ’12 and Zach Wevik ’14 welcomed son Kade Joseph on September 17, 2023.
• Logan ’19 and Kelli (Steffen) Fleming ’19 welcomed daughter Atley Hazel on September 27, 2023.
• Brittni (Bormann) ’17 and Sam Forrer ’16 welcomed daughter Hallie Marie on October 10, 2023.
• Karisa and Nick Kummer ’15 welcomed daughter Juniper Rose on October 15, 2023.
• Mike and Kelly (Amundson) Standley ’16 welcomed son Ryder William on October 18, 2023.
• Jack and Kasey (Novotny) Kerner ’13, ’18 welcomed Hutch Lane in October.
• Cale and Olivia (Rodriguez) Svehla ’18 welcomed son Roman Anthony on October 29, 2023.
• Ramon and Courtney (Miller) Banzon ’15 welcomed daughter Blakely Marie on October 17, 2023.
• Brian and Tiffany (Vandersnick) Tjepkes ’13 welcomed daughter Taya Diane on October 27, 2023.
• Sky and Ellie (Dickes) Humbert ’17 welcomed daughter Roxanne in November.
• Brittany (Healy) ’15 and Samuel Lopez ’14 welcomed son Zander Ezequiel on November 3, 2023.
• Josh and Sarah (Wiechmann) Beeson ’05 welcomed daughter Mashayla Ann on November 14, 2023.
• Rachel (Moser) ’08 and Scott Becker ’04 welcomed daughter Hayden Ray on November 21, 2023.
• Marcus and Beth (Finnegan) Burki ’16 welcomed daughter Avery Michelle on November 23, 2023.
• David and Raelynn (Coldwell) Schmit ’12 welcomed son Aceyn Jaxon on December 1, 2023.
• Andrew and Allison (Berry) Holzwarth ’15 welcomed Madilyn Lucille on December 5, 2023.
• Rachel and Grant Flicek ’16 welcomed daughter Ava Grace on December 19, 2023.
• Kayce (Olson) ’13 and Nick Deering welcomed son Coy Charles Deering on December 19, 2023.
• Sandra (Dickes) ’20 and Aaron Schroeder welcomed daughter Elizabeth on December 22, 2023.
• Hannah (Steffen) ’22 and Seth Wiebelhaus ’22 welcomed son Scotty John on December 27, 2023.
• Logan (Wagner) ’17 and Dalton Bornholdt ’22 welcomed son Jax Valor on December 30, 2023.
• Kristin (Mahony) ’19 and Max Hunhoff welcomed son Noah Patrick on January 18, 2023.
• Sarah (Brandt) ’18 and Alex Irvine ’16 welcomed daughter Rosalee Elda on January 25, 2024.
• Trey and Danieka (Novak) Heckenlaible ’16 welcomed daughter Briar Ann on January 28, 2023.
• Jace and Kelsey (Schmidt) Buford ’15 welcomed son Johnse Ken on February 7, 2024.
• Brandon and Breanne (Kuehler) Talaro ’17 welcomed daughter Maya Luwana on February 5, 2024.
• Grace and Mitchel Steffen ’19 welcomed son Christian Alan on February 18, 2024.
• Hannah and Reece Mimmack ’19 welcomed son Callum Eugene on February 25, 2024.
• Cody and Emily (Broman) Wilken ’19 welcomed son Parker Hayes on February 28, 2024.
• Carly (Manahan) ’17 and Dylan Weitzman ’18 welcomed son Calvin Errol on February 28, 2024.
• Trevor and Kari (Peterson) Tibke ’14 welcomed daughter Tessa June on March 1, 2024.
• Jordyn (Hudelson) ’16 and Jordan Pater ’14 welcomed son Noah Darrin on March 8, 2024.
• Devin and Kelsey (Mitera) Knoblauch ’18 welcomed daughter Kacey Sue on March 15, 2024.
• Jennifer (Nelson) ’14 and Ben Harmon ’14 welcomed son Westley Robert on March 25, 2024.
• Kaylyn (Kuhl) ’14 and Dane Hansen ’12 welcomed daughter Thea in March.
• Paige (Kramer) ’20 and Evan Steiner ’20 welcomed daughter Willa Kay on April 1, 2024.
• Brock and Jena (Mueller) Nelson ’18 welcomed son Koy Alvin on April 16, 2024.
• Mason and Samantha (Blake) Lindholm ’16 welcomed son Reid Theodore on April 18, 2024.
• Amber Jo (Dysthe) ‘17 and Luke Loecker ’16 welcomed Beckett Ray on May 15, 2024. Babies welcomed continued
• Taylor (Carpentier) ’18 and Garret Hofer ’18 welcomed daughter Mia Grace on April 19, 2024.
• Christina (Rowbotham) ’12 and Spencer Yackley ’12 welcomed Ramsey Lowell on April 26, 2024.
• Joshua and Katie (Holzbauer) Sauter ’07 welcomed daughter Talia Jo on Monday, April 29, 2024.
• Patrick and Kassandra (Lewis) Carney ’13 welcomed daughter Madilyn on May 1, 2024.
• Eric and Krista (Radke) Hunstad ’17 welcomed son Harvey Eric on May 8, 2024.
M= Mount Marty Model School
H = Mount Marty High School
N = Sacred Heart School of Nursing
• Mary Ann Reinhart-Williams NA’53 - June 11, 2023
• Dean Specht (Former Mount Marty Athletic Director & Dean of Students) - June 15, 2023
• David Greckel ’83 - June 15, 2023
• Colleen “Lena” (Schaefers) Leer ’77 - June 16, 2023
• Judy (Jungers) Byer ’66 - June 29, 2023
• JoAnn (Sandal) Miles H’54, ’58July 3, 2023
• Margaret (Alley) Beer ’62 - July 7, 2023
• Deborah (Dose) Klasi ’72 - July 22, 2023
• Priscilla (Hamilton) Van Veldhuizen ’78 - August 28, 2023
• Frances (Murray) Flaherty ’76September 17, 2023
• Madonna (Potts) Reifenrath H’49 - September 22, 2023
• S. Bernadette McGowen ’64, OSB, - September 25, 2023
• Charlotte (Sudbeck) Bohlin N’63 - October 4, 2023
• Mary (Toombs) Dunphy ’54October 7, 2023
• Matthew Westbrock ’93October 15, 2023
• Steven Dykeman ’87 - October 26, 2023
• Gladys (Connolly) Walsh H’53, ’54 - October 30, 2023
• Susan (Mossberg) Bremer ’63 - November 14, 2023
• Patricia Brown ’75 - November 21, 2023
• Colleen (Ellis) Schmaltz ’69December 22, 2023
• Adolphia “Delphine” (Cuka) Kokesh ’42 - December 23, 2023
• Brandon Schuknecht ’19December 27, 2023
• Maureen Birgen H’53, ’57January 3, 2024
• Marie (Novak) Syring ’56January 19, 2024
• S. Erin Colgan, OSB (Registrar’s Office 1994-2004)January 20, 2024
• Douglas Heiberger ’85January 21, 2024
• Mary Ann (Binder) Kohoutek H’49 - January 23, 2024
• Mary Ann (Zavadil) Schulte H’54 - January 27, 2024
• Marie (Otto) Auch ’05February 12, 2024
• Geraldine (Heine) Remmes H’55 - February 17, 2024
• Jo Ann (Boehmer) Omafray ’51 - November 29, 2023
• Elizabeth (Chamberlain) Imm N’43 - December 15, 2023
• Ken Varilek ’05 - March 3, 2024
• Deacon Leon Joseph Cantin ’99 - March 14, 2024
• Bernadette (Dangel) Westegaard H’48 - March 16, 2024
• Marjorie (Schmidt) Chapp N’53 - March 23, 2024
• Sharon (Leise) Wieseler H’61April 23, 2024
• Mae Ann (Loecker) Donovan H’46 - April 29, 2024
• S. Jane Francis Garcia H’44, OSB - May 15, 2024
• DelRae (Weinandt) Dickes H’48, N’51 - May 27, 2024
September 15 - 22, 2024
Lancer Days
November 7 - December 15, 2024
Student Art Show
November 8 - 10, 2024
The Spitfire Grill
November 12, 2024
Bede Lecture
December 7, 2024
Vespers
January 17 & 18, 2025
Alive and Kicking
March 18 & 19, 2025
Giving Day
March 28 - 30, 2025
The Play That Goes Wrong
April 11, 2025
Research & Scholarly Showcase
April 15 & 16, 2025
Stations of the Cross
April 17 - May 8, 2025
Student Art Show
April 26, 2025
Watertown Commencement
May 3, 2025
Yankton Commencement
FRIDAY 9.20.24
Lancer Days Open House
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
MMU Welcome Center
“Night with The Lancers”
Athletics Hall of Fame
5:30 PM Social | 6:00 PM Event
Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse
Coronation
7:30 PM
Marian Auditorium
SUNDAY 9.22.24
Alumni Mass
10:00 AM
Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel
Fine Arts Hall of Fame
11:15 AM Social | 12:00 PM Event
Marian Auditorium
View registration information by scanning the QR code.
SATURDAY 9.21.24
Lancer Days Parade 9:30 AM
Meridian District, Downtown Yankton Theme: Lancer Luau
Alumni Honors Luncheon
10:30 AM Social | 11:30 AM Event
Meridian Venue, 109 E 3rd St.
Lancers Volleyball Game vs. College of Saint Mary
1:00 PM Cimpl Arena
Lancers Football Tailgate 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Memorial Park
Lancers Football Game vs. Waldorf University 4:00 PM
Crane-Youngworth Stadium
