Presidential Award Recipients

“St. Mary’s University has not only changed me as an individual but also the way I see others and the entire world, and above all, how I see God in my life. Being a student here influences the way one sees things and people. Not only are you getting a degree, but you are also getting a life-changing experience. You grow as an individual, as part of a community and as a servant leader.” 

“St. Mary’s University has made an unforgettable mark on my heart. St. Mary’s is my second home, my safe space, the place where I can express myself freely and walk through my journey of life with confidence. I am forever grateful for everything St. Mary’s has offered me. I would not be the person I am today without this beautiful experience.” 

“With sincere appreciation, I reflect on how St. Mary’s provided the opportunity for a little girl from Lima, Peru, to grow and demonstrate her capabilities. St. Mary’s offered me the chance of a lifetime, and if given the choice again, I would choose St. Mary’s every time. I am prepared to continue my journey, ready to assist others, and eager for the opportunities to grow, lead and succeed.”  

“My college journey at St. Mary’s University has been full of experiences and opportunities only possible through the school’s support. Not only was my life transformed, but through the Marianist values and the St. Mary’s mission, I am inspired to help transform the lives of others. I move forward with a commitment to service, a dedication to lead, and to educate for justice and peace.” 

“My time at St. Mary’s has been nothing short of transformative. The most impactful times have come from my participation in the Marianist Leadership Program. Through various leadership roles in the program, I was inspired to deepen my faith and help form the faith of others. The lessons I have learned, the experiences I have had and the relationships I have formed will be with me always.” 

“Although the St. Mary’s University campus may be small, the community and family spirit are big. I have been shaped to become someone who is not only inclusive but also accepting, compassionate and understanding. I have learned these characteristics and more from many people at St. Mary’s, whether they are students, faculty or staff. The values and skills I have learned will stay with me for the rest of my life.” 

“When I think of St. Mary’s University School of Law, I think of the small moments — the insignificant acts of kindness and compassion that we often don’t think twice of. Throughout my time at St. Mary’s, I experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Through it all, faculty and peers alike endlessly supported me. I feel compelled to serve my community with the same kindness and compassion it served me.” 

“At St. Mary’s University, I have realized a home is not solely a place; it is mostly the people in the place that create that home. One of the missions at St. Mary’s is to educate in the family spirit and I have been fortunate enough to see how true that is because of my faculty members. I do not know the person I would have become without the people I have met and the experiences I have had at St. Mary’s.” 

“I will forever be thankful to the faculty members who pushed me to do more, believed in me, shaped me into a better law student and guided me. I’ll always be grateful for the classmates, mentors and mentees I met at St. Mary’s University for their support and the lifelong relationships we’ve built. I will be a stronger attorney who projects the University’s mission due to my experiences at St. Mary’s.” 

“St. Mary’s University has changed my life. I walked through the doors of this law school almost three years ago not knowing what was in store for me. I am astonished at the experiences and growth I have had in my time here. St. Mary’s has shaped me as a person by giving me the knowledge, skills and community to build a legal career rooted in service to others.” 

“St. Mary’s University empowers students to believe we can create active change in anything we are passionate about. It fostered in us a deep commitment to be advocates for service, justice and peace. We learned to use our gifts and talents for the betterment of society, and that our voices have the power to uplift the marginalized and create meaningful change. St. Mary’s has cultivated in me a spirit of service, fostered my confidence to be a leader and reinforced my call to serve others with integrity and compassion.” 

“Stepping onto campus on the first day of school, I was struck by St. Mary’s University’s strong connection to uphold the Marianist charism. Faith, Education, Adaptation, Family and Service are guiding principles that have helped shape my character and will be steadfast companions in my commitment to providing compassionate care to my future patients. St. Mary’s is a sanctuary where dreams are realized and cultivated — where the journey is just as important as the destination.” 

“From the start, St. Mary’s University made me feel like everyone was there to cheer me on and help guide me the right way. I was able to become a college graduate and set an example for my sisters to follow. I am grateful for St. Mary’s University because it gave me another place to call home and more family.” 

“I am grateful to St. Mary’s University for the connections and networks I have built. The University provided me a space to find my faith in my own way and people who impacted my life in a way that has set me up to pursue the career of my dreams. This has cultivated the person I have chosen to be, the faith that I choose to guide my life and the career that I will continue to pursue and be successful in.” 

“Throughout my time at St. Mary’s University, one characteristic of the Marianist charism I noticed most and strived to cultivate was community and family spirit. I have never felt more loved or more supported. I would never have believed these four years would lead me to a deeper understanding of myself, a job at an Ivy League university, a consecration to Jesus through Mary, friends who have become my brothers and sisters, and so much more.”