University of Mary Invites Alumni and Friends to Transform Lives on Giving Day 2025

Annual day of generosity supports scholarships and Vision 2030 capital projects that shape students and campus for generations

BISMARCK, ND — The University of Mary is calling on alumni, benefactors, and friends to participate in one of the institution’s most meaningful traditions of support: Giving Day 2025, held Thursday, November 20. The annual effort invites the community to rally behind four transformative initiatives that continue to shape lives, form servant leaders, and build a vibrant future for students: the Sister Thomas Welder Scholarship, the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers, the Marauders Armada Scholarship, and Phase II of the Vision 2030 Capital Campaign.

With a goal of 275 donors, the university hopes to match last year’s level of generosity—and inspire even more people to make a difference. According to Michael Mortenson, director of Alumni Relationships, every gift, no matter the size, helps lay the foundation for “a new campus for future generations.”

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a Marauder,” Mortenson said. “Every gift counts. It’s inspiring to see how our alumni, friends, and benefactors step forward year after year. Their donations are preparing current and future students to fulfill their educational dreams and career goals, while also helping us create a campus that is truly transformative. We are deeply grateful for their continued support.”

The Sister Thomas Welder Scholarship

Named in honor of Sister Thomas Welder, OSB—one of the most beloved and influential leaders in the university’s history—the scholarship remains a powerful resource for students who embody her legacy of Christ-centered, servant leadership. The fund provides meaningful support for full-time undergraduate students for up to eight semesters, allowing them to pursue their education with confidence and purpose.

Sister Thomas, who served the university for more than three decades and passed away in 2020 after a courageous battle with kidney disease, continues to inspire the spirit of generosity behind Giving Day. Contributions to this scholarship ensure that her example of humility, hospitality, and service lives on in future generations of Marauders.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers

One of the most life-changing initiatives supported on Giving Day is the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers. This residential and scholarship program provides single mothers with the opportunity to pursue their degrees while raising their children in a supportive, faith-filled environment.

More single mothers have graduated from Mary each year since the program began, thanks to the kindness of donors who help alleviate the financial burdens associated with childcare, tuition, and housing. These mothers are entering the workforce prepared, confident, and hopeful—building bright futures for both themselves and their children.

Marauders Armada Scholarship

The Marauders Armada Scholarship continues to play a critical role in recruiting exceptional scholar-athletes who demonstrate leadership, virtue, and dedication both on and off the field. Under the university’s “Greatness through Virtue” model, Marauders athletics has surged in competitiveness and national prominence. 

Building on a long tradition of excellence, track and field and cross country continue to excel, bringing home multiple individual NCAA titles and All-American honors in recent years. This past year, the Marauders wrestling team achieved a 6th-place national finish, produced three All-Americans, and celebrated a national champion, Reece Barnhardt. The program begins the new season ranked No. 14 in the nation. Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team is off to its best NCAA-era start with a 6–0 undefeated record—including a win over a nationally ranked opponent.

Support for the Armada helps sustain this momentum, providing scholar-athletes with the resources they need to succeed academically, athletically, and personally.

Vision 2030: Phase II – Building a Campus for the Future

Phase II of the Vision 2030 Capital Campaign continues to reshape campus life in remarkable ways. The new Marauders Athletics Complex—now visibly taking shape on east campus along Highway 1804—marks a major milestone. A newly completed parking lot and the emerging foundational footprint of the stadium signal the long-awaited transformation underway.

As construction advances, Giving Day generosity assists the final major component of Phase II: the Welcome Center, which will connect to the east side of the Benedictine Center for Servant Leadership. Designed to be the main entrance to campus, the Welcome Center will embody Benedictine hospitality for prospective students and their families. With re-ordered roadways to guide visitors directly to its front doors, the center will house admissions, alumni, residence life, military services, financial aid, and student accounts—providing a seamless, welcoming experience from the moment families arrive.

Donations can be made early, with any gift given between now and November 20 counting toward the official Giving Day total.

For more information or to make a contribution, visit umary.edu/GivingDay.