The purpose of the University of Mary Development Department is to support the university's "Plan for Growth Through Change and Commitment." In accomplishing this purpose, the development department works to increase scholarship funds available for students and to ensure the future of the university through current and planned giving programs. [
From its beginnings as a four-year college in 1959, the University of Mary has experienced unparalleled growth throughout the past half century.
Mary College was incorporated in 1959 as a four-year degree-granting college, offering programs in nursing and education. Undertaken to provide an academic program with professional preparation built upon a strong liberal arts base, it was the only four-year college in Bismarck, the capital of the State of North Dakota.
It wasn't until 1968 that Mary College had its own campus and its own buildings. The original complex, designed by the world-renowned architect, Marcel Breuer, is located six miles south of Bismarck, overlooking the Missouri River Valley. That first complex of buildings consisted of a classroom-science center, a small auditorium, a student residence, and a college hall and supported an enrollment of 300 students.
Since 1968, the university has continued to grow, adding nine new buildings and completing numerous other student-related improvement projects. Its enrollment has increased each of the past 18 years.
In 2001 the University of Mary unveiled its new vision as America's Leadership University with a weeklong celebration and the implementation of a new Development Campaign of Growth Through Change and Commitment.
The University of Mary now offers more than 40 undergraduate programs as well as master's degrees and a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Enrollment has grown to around 2,900 students taking classes at 16 different locations in five states in addition to the Bismarck campus. The university also offers accelerated online graduate degree programs.
Taking leadership to a new level, in 2006, the University of Mary became a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-Division II, setting a new standard of quality in programs campus-wide. It also launched the Gary Tharaldson School of Business, a new model for the preparation of students for careers in business that is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between the academic and business world.
Dr. Harold J. Miller
Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees
Phone: (701) 355-8300
Neal Kalberer
Vice President for Public Affairs
Phone: (701) 355-8222
Toll-free: (800) 408-6279, ext. 8222
kalberer@umary.edu
Michael Arnegard
Director of Development
Phone: (701) 355-8170
Toll-free: (800) 408-6279, ext. 8170
arnegard@umary.edu
Laura Sturn
Director of Community Relations
Phone: (701) 355-8348
Toll-free: (800) 408-6279, ext. 8348
lsturn@umary.edu
University of Mary
7500 University Dr.
Bismarck, ND 58504
Phone: (701) 255-7500
