Building Momentum
Over the past decade, Vision 2030 has reshaped our campus and community — and we're not about to stop.
When Monsignor James Shea announced a $272 million capital campaign in the fall of 2015, the goal was not only audacious, but completely unprecedented. In its entire history, the University of Mary had never garnered financial support at that scale — nor had any other institution of our kind in the region.
Our president was undaunted. “We are ready for this challenge,” he said. “This is our time."
The effort has transformed every aspect of life at Mary, from academic offerings and enrollment to facilities and student life. The Lumen Vitae University Center quickly became the beating heart of the campus and the Warford Grotto, one of its most beloved landmarks. The new Hamm School of Engineering — home to eight state-of-the-art degree programs — graduated its first students, and the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences and the Larry and Eileen Weigum Division of Nursing were renovated and renamed.
In addition, scarcely a roadway, parking lot, or element of university infrastructure has been untouched by the Master Landscaping Plan, in preparation for the construction of the new Marauders Athletics Complex, Saint Joseph’s Residence Hall, and Welcome Center, all scheduled for completion in the next two years.
“We have come a long way, but we’re not slowing down,” says Executive Vice President Jerome Richter, who oversees Vision 2030 planning and execution. “We’ve been given great blessings, and we need to execute as the Lord has provided.”
Monsignor’s words have proven true: This is our time — and we are seizing the moment.
