Message from the President

I am pleased to be able to share with you some of Mount Mary’s most recent moments of pride. The entire campus is currently engaged in the self-study segment of the Higher Learning Commission’s accreditation process. The self-study is part of a two-year process that includes site visits, culminating in what we hope will be another recommendation for a ten-year accreditation. So much work goes into this stage and I am grateful for the full participation of the entire Mount Mary community. I’m also impressed by the energy created in a process that allows us to examine not only what we do, but how well we do it.

Along similar lines, other campus news is generating enthusiasm and energy. Having completed the internal component of reviewing and refreshing the College’s strategic plan, we have moved into the external phase of defining the goals and initiatives that will direct our work for the next five years. One of the initiatives that is already a recognized priority is increasing Mount Mary’s visibility within the local community.

Joining us in implementing the actions plans for that initiative is Lynn Sprangers, who recently assumed her role as Executive in Residence for Women’s Leadership. With her broad experience in the Milwaukee business community, Lynn is uniquely qualified to serve as an ambassador, promoting a fuller understanding of the contributions Mount Mary graduates make in the quality of life in this large metropolitan area. Working collaboratively with our Women’s Leadership Institute, Lynn will also further Mount Mary’s reputation as a key player in the development of women leaders in both the business and political arenas. With her assistance the College will host a discussion series that addresses critical issues in our community. We are very fortunate to have Lynn as a partner in this endeavor.

Following the mid-year commencement of 100+ graduates, the quiet and significantly less crowded campus became the focus of another strategic initiative. Offering a great example of this year’s theme of community, faculty, staff and administrators took on tasks above and beyond the call of duty by rolling up their sleeves for a week-long campus clean-up. This top to bottom effort to “pitch in and pitch out” prepared the campus facilities for a professional cleaning service during the holiday break. I’m very grateful for all that was accomplished during one of the busiest times of the year for all of us.

The months ahead promise to keep a similar pace. Planning is being finalized for the summer renovation of the first floor of the library to accommodate the Student Success Center. A memorable reunion is being planned by the Alumnae Office for this spring, one that will include the annual Fashion Show and a Women’s Leadership event. A number of regional events with alumnae will also have me traveling in the coming months. I’m eager to share the ideas that have already surfaced for the new strategic plan, and to gain an alumnae perspective on what their dreams are for Mount Mary College. And of course, our most important work – educating to transform the world provides the rhythm for everything else that we do.

Thanks for your interest in all the news that I’m so proud to share.

Sincerely,

Eileen Schwalbach, Ph.D.
President of Mount Mary College