From the President: Dr. Pharr
Mount Mary is a gem that glows brightly from lives transformed. You, our alumnae and our friends, carry our message into the world.
Posted on November 17, 2017
Dear Mount Mary Alumnae and Friends,
As a way of getting to know the University, I have chosen to spend the majority of my time meeting the people who know it best: the faculty and staff, students, board members, alumnae, donors and community members. My meetings have been both rewarding and insightful. As I complete my first four months as President, let me share some of my learnings with you.
“Mount Mary is a gem that glows brightly from lives transformed.”
Christine Pharr, Ph.D.
President, Mount Mary University
Mount Mary has a tremendously talented group of board members who bring great expertise to guiding the institution, everything from financial acumen and facilities management to mission-driven educational experiences and business innovation. Board members and community members alike admire the mission of Mount Mary; many I interviewed spoke of how moving the Mount Mary graduation ceremonies are, with many students being the first in their family to receive a college degree. Indeed, it is apparent that the School Sisters of Notre Dame have laid a foundation upon which the faculty, staff and administration have continued to build.
My meetings with faculty and staff have also been extremely positive. I’ve learned how dietetics will soon require a master’s degree for registration and occupational therapy will require a doctorate. I’ve learned the new food science degree along with the dietetics programs meet the employment needs of the Midwestern food corridor. These majors are resulting in industry partnerships with companies like Sargento
Foods Inc., Palermo’s Pizza, Campbell Soup Company and Miller Brewing Company. I met a faculty member who speaks six languages, learned the history of the Starving Artists’ Show and so much more. What an amazing group of people work at Mount Mary.
I have also spoken to many alumnae via alumnae gatherings, individual meetings and those who visit or walk on campus regularly. We had a wonderful alumnae gathering in Madison and another in Minneapolis. So often as I leave in the evening or stop by on a Saturday I find an alumna walking the circle drive or standing on the steps of Notre Dame taking a picture. Many speak of the “majestic” campus grounds and the sense of peace that they feel when they come to campus. Some tell me it was the best time of their lives, and whenever they return they feel that same sense of serenity and empowerment that surrounded them as a student.
Mount Mary is a gem that glows brightly from lives transformed. You, our alumnae and our friends, carry our message into the world. By your lives of service and your many accomplishments you model the Mount Mary mission far beyond our campus. Thank you for all that you do, and please send more young women our way. Help them understand how a college education at Mount Mary can transform their lives, as they understand and develop the great gifts they bring
to the world.
Related links: