Public Can Help Fund Scholarships and Phase II of Vision 2030 Capital Campaign During Annual Giving Day
Save the date — University of Mary prepares for its seventh annual Giving Day event Thursday, Nov. 21
BISMARCK, ND — The University of Mary is calling on alumni, friends, and benefactors to join in one of the most impactful events of the year, Giving Day 2024, set for Thursday, November 21. The annual celebration will help fund four essential components that shape student experiences and elevate the campus: the Sister Thomas Welder Scholarship, the Marauders Armada Athletic Scholarships, the new Welcome Center, and the new Marauders Athletics Complex.
With a goal of 275 donors, the University of Mary is optimistic about the community’s continued generosity. Michael Mortenson, director of Alumni Relationships, sees Giving Day as more than a fundraising event, but a time when “we have the opportunity to truly change students’ lives. Past supporters have shown us the profound difference they can make, and this year, we extend a heartfelt invitation to all who can contribute. Together, we can surpass our goal and make a lasting impact—from academics to athletics, to creating a welcoming, transformative campus for all.”
Each of the Giving Day initiatives plays a unique role in fostering student success and enhancing the campus. The Sister Thomas Welder Leadership Scholarship, the first priority, honors Sister Thomas Welder, OSB, a beloved figure in the university’s history known for her Christ-centered, servant leadership and commitment to student development. The scholarship, available to full-time undergraduate students, supports them for up to eight semesters. Sister Welder, who served the university for over three decades and inspired countless lives, passed away in 2020 after a courageous fight with kidney disease. Her legacy of selfless service continues to guide the university’s values and mission, and this scholarship is a lasting tribute to her profound impact.
A second area of focus, the Marauders Armada Athletic Scholarships, supports the university’s mission of instilling greatness through virtue. Rooted in the University of Mary’s strategic plan, Greatness Through Virtue, the Marauders Armada is an essential component in helping scholar-athletes grow into well-rounded individuals through virtuous leadership and character formation. The Armada scholarships have enabled the Marauders to be competitive in recruitment, offering some of the most generous scholarships within their division. “Athletics is about more than winning; it’s about forming friendships, building character, and practicing virtues that will shape our athletes for life,” says Mortenson. Contributions to the Marauders Armada help sustain these goals, empowering athletes and strengthening the university’s athletic culture of virtue.
Giving Day 2024 also seeks support for the university’s forthcoming Welcome Center, a critical element in its long-term Vision 2030 Capital Campaign. This facility, designed to greet new and prospective students, will serve as a hub of Benedictine hospitality and ease the transition for students and visitors alike. Located on the east side of the Benedictine Center for Servant Leadership, the Welcome Center will be the main entrance, offering direct access to essential offices, such as admissions, alumni relations, military services, and financial aid. According to Mortenson, “This space is dedicated to creating a welcoming experience from day one. It is where prospective students will first experience the university’s commitment to their success and where they will feel the warmth and hospitality of our community.”
The Marauders Athletics Complex is another significant focus of Giving Day donations. As part of Phase II of Vision 2030, this new complex will enhance the university’s athletic facilities with modern, multi-functional spaces that enrich both student and community life. Plans include a state-of-the-art football stadium, scholar-athlete academic support spaces, the Research Performance Center (RPC) with stadium seating, the Multipurpose Sports Dome for soccer and softball, and an outdoor eight-lane track for all the track and field events. These facilities will serve a variety of sports, support academic needs, and provide a recreational space for all students during North Dakota’s colder months. Located on campus, the complex will foster a stronger sense of community, offering fans and athletes alike a vibrant home-field advantage and enriching fan experience. With improved seating, classrooms, and amenities, the Marauders Athletics Complex is designed to be a space of athletic achievement and community-building, embodying the university’s value of Benedictine hospitality.
Donations to any of these four areas can be made early, with official Giving Day contributions accepted on Thursday, November 21. Mortenson and the university community invite everyone who has been touched by the University of Mary to support Giving Day and make a meaningful difference. “This day is about more than just raising funds,” he shared. “It’s about coming together as a community, remembering what makes this university so special, and helping ensure that our students have the resources they need to thrive.”
Through their generosity, donors will have a hand in ensuring the growth of the university’s mission-driven culture, the success of future generations, and the development of a campus that reflects the university’s dedication to excellence, faith, and service. For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.umary.edu/GivingDay.