Your Generous Impact
Everything good that happens at Saint Mary’s is made possible by people who care deeply about our mission and invest in our students.
We are grateful for our generous Saint Mary’s community. Your gifts create opportunities for students and enrich the distinctive Saint Mary’s experience.
Below, you’ll see firsthand how your support inspires and empowers current and future Gaels.
Thank you for giving the gift of a Saint Mary’s education. These stories are a celebration of your investment in our students and the College’s mission.
An education is more than what happens in the classroom. It’s the people, traditions, experiences, and memories that shape a student’s time in college.
Watch this quick video of thanks from students whose Saint Mary’s experience is made possible, in part, by your generosity.
Thank you for helping make the Saint Mary’s experience possible.
A thank you letter from a newly-graduated Gael
Dear Saint Mary's supporters,
When I walked across the stage as a Saint Mary’s graduate because of support from people like you. Thank you for your generosity and for investing in students like me.
Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in my college journey and allowed me to fully embrace the opportunities and experiences that have shaped who I am today. As a first-generation college student, this milestone carries special meaning for both my family and me.
One of the things that has stood out most to me about SMC is the sense of community. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Saint Mary’s is a place where professors, staff, and peers genuinely care about each student’s success, and that environment gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles, challenge myself academically, and build lifelong relationships.
During my time here, I served as a Resident Advisor and helped create community and belonging for other students. That experience taught me how leadership and service can shape a student’s sense of home on campus. It's been one of the most rewarding lessons here.
The impact of scholarship support has been life-changing. Because of your generosity, I have been able to focus on my education, pursue leadership opportunities, and prepare for my future career.
I studied Kinesiology Exercise Science, and Saint Mary’s helped me discover my passion for helping others improve their independence, health, and quality of life.
After graduation, I plan to study abroad in Spain and work as an occupational therapy aide at La Salle University–Madrid before pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy.
As I prepare to graduate tomorrow, I am grateful for the people who made my Saint Mary’s experience possible and helped me grow as a student, leader, and person.
Your support has had a lasting impact on my life, and I am deeply grateful.
Sincerely,
Galilea Candido '26
Impossible without you
Carolyn Gersten '26
"I'm so proud of the growth and joy I've had at SMC so far.
"As a double major in Media Production and Theatre Studies, I’ve practiced my craft, been inspired by creative classmates, and built my confidence. I'm now taking on leadership roles I never imagined possible.
"One of the most difficult, yet impactful experiences has been Seminar. At first, the intensity of speaking up and getting others to participate in every class felt challenging. But over time, I learned to trust my classmates, be intentional in my words, and invite others into the conversation. Those Seminar discussions became some of the most real and rewarding moments here.
"None of this would have been possible without the generosity of people like you. Your support opened doors for me—and for so many Gaels—to discover our potential and find our voice."
–Carolyn Gersten '26