Department of Defense honors University of Mary with prestigious ESGR Patriot Award

National Guard employee’s nomination recognizes university’s exceptional support for military service members while reinforcing its longstanding commitment to military students, veterans, and their families

BISMARCK, N.D. — The University of Mary has received the prestigious Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award, a U.S. Department of Defense honor recognizing employers that provide exceptional support to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

The award was presented following a nomination by Staff Sgt. Michaela Granger of the North Dakota Army National Guard, who serves as coordinator of Enrollment and Partnerships in the University of Mary’s Enrollment Services department.

In her nomination, Granger praised the university’s unwavering support of her military service.

“My supervisor has always adapted to the ever-changing demands of my unit,” Granger wrote. “She has gone above and beyond what an employer is required to do to ensure that I have the flexibility to meet and exceed the expectations of National Guard duty.”

Granger also credited her colleagues for creating a workplace that supports service members before, during, and after military obligations.

“When I have been gone for extended periods of time, everyone on the team steps in to do the work to ensure I am not drowning when I return,” she wrote.

In announcing the award, North Dakota ESGR State Chair Sherry Adams says the Patriot Award recognizes employers who provide outstanding support to employees serving in the Guard and Reserve while helping foster a workplace culture that values military service.

“This award recognizes employers, like you, that are providing outstanding support for their National Guard and Reserve employees,” Adams wrote in her congratulatory letter to the University of Mary.

The University of Mary says the recognition reflects a commitment that extends well beyond the workplace.

“Supporting those who serve our country is deeply rooted in who we are as a Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine university,” said Rachael Brash, vice president for Enrollment Services. “Receiving the ESGR Patriot Award affirms what we strive to do every day — supporting military members, veterans, and their families as they pursue their educational and professional goals while preparing to lead and serve others.”

The University of Mary has been recognized as a Military Friendly® institution for many years, offering dedicated Military Services support, flexible online and on-campus degree programs, and personalized guidance for military education benefits.

Building on that commitment, the university recently introduced the new America 250 Military Scholarship, making active-duty military members, veterans, and immediate family members enrolling for Fall 2026 eligible for a $10,000 scholarship toward the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) programs.

The University of Mary continues to welcome military-connected students seeking to begin, complete, or advance their education while preparing for the next chapter of leadership and service.

Visit online.umary.edu to learn more about military education benefits, the America 250 Military Scholarship, and how the University of Mary proudly serves military members, veterans, and their families.