A Year of Milestones and Momentum

Back in person, back in action: fifteen stories from 2022 that capture landmark events and surprising moments for the Saint Mary’s community

by Hayden Royster | December 23, 2022

The year 2022 was one of renewal for Saint Mary’s College of California. After four semesters altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year saw the return of so many beloved traditions: packed bleachers at home games with rivals, first-year students scaling the hill to paint the SMC, a full slate of performances at LeFevre Theater, and campus-wide celebrations of diversity and the arts. As President Richard Plumb, PhD. put it in his inaugural address in April, “All Together More” helps define the Saint Mary’s community. It certainly felt good to be all together again.

At the same time, 2022 brought with it so much that is new. That includes a new president with a dynamic new vision for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive College. With a sense of community, faculty, students, alumni, staff, and friends are forging new opportunities—from creating new on-campus clubs for previously underrepresented groups to designing groundbreaking new programs to meet the needs of a changing world. 

As we look toward the College’s 160th anniversary in 2023, here are a few stories that capture the spirit of ’22: both the return to tradition and a sense of what’s to come.

All Together More: Saint Mary’s Inaugurates Richard Plumb as 30th President of Saint Mary’s College

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Pres. Plumb

On April 8, 2022, Saint Mary’s celebrated the inauguration of President Richard Plumb, PhD. He outlined a six-year strategic plan of inclusive excellence, innovation, and collaboration—with important initiatives already underway.


 

Saint Mary’s Ranked Among the Best in the West Once Again

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US News Award

Onwards and upwards: U.S. News & World Report placed the College at No. 4 among its list of Best Regional Universities in the West. SMC President Richard Plumb credits staff and faculty for “the hard work and dedication put forward on a daily basis.”


 

Saint Mary’s Commitment to Sustainability Earns a Nod in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges

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Ann Drevno

Programs in sustainability and green practices bring well-deserved recognition. That’s thanks to passionate learners and committed citizens—with students leading the way.

 


 

Lauryn Nazareno ’23 Recruited for Philippines’ National Rugby Team

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Lauryn Nazareno

Just one year after picking up rugby, Lauryn Nazareno ’23 was recruited to play for the Philippines’ National Rugby Team. She says it’s a unique opportunity to connect with her Filipino heritage and “put Saint Mary’s on the map.”


 

Commencement 2022 — Together Once More

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Undergraduate Commencement

In May, Saint Mary’s graduates and their families came together for the first in-person commencement in two years. It was a ceremony like no other. See some of the moments of Gael joy captured that day.


 

Professor Sonya Schuh and Her Research Students Featured on HBO Max Docu-Series “Not So Pretty”

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Sonya Schuh
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Francis Tatem

In April, HBO Max released a four-part docu-series “Not So Pretty,” featuring Professor Sonya Schuh and her team of student researchers. The series highlights their research on the effects of harmful toxins found in skin care products.

 


 

River of Words Celebrated its 27th Annual Youth Art and Poetry Celebration

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River of Words

For decades, this international competition—hosted by The Center for Environmental Literacy in the Kalmanovitz School of Education—has sparked educators and students to create work inspired by nature. This year’s contest drew the most entries ever!

 


 

Moraga Madness: Gaels Take Down No. 1 Gonzaga

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MBB vs Gonzaga

Saint Mary’s Men's Basketball beat No. 1 Gonzaga in February 2022. Final score: 67–57. Has the UCU Pavillion ever been louder? In a record-breaking streak of wins at home—23, in fact—this one was probably the sweetest.


 

Insights on Business, Marketing, and Happiness: Professor Michal Strahilevitz, Director of Elfenworks Center for Responsible Business

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Michal Strahilevitz

From Forbes to the Washington Post to USA Today, news outlets tapped Michal Strahilevitz for commentary and expert analysis. Hear her speak to KTVU TV about the trend of "quiet quitting" and work-life balance.


 

How One Student Ignited a Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe as a Week-Long Saint Mary’s Tradition

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Ballet Folklorico OLG

After two years impacted by COVID, the largest student-run event on campus returned full force. This community cultural and spiritual celebration has flourished thanks in no small part to one determined student: Yadira Guerrero-Garcia ’15.


 

Mahershala Ali ’96: Inspiring SMC Students to Reach Their Full Potential

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Mahershala Ali speaking to students

Before his Oscar wins, renowned actor Mahershala Ali ’96 was cast in his first play—right here at Saint Mary’s. In March, Ali returned to campus, participating in a wide-ranging conversation with students about art and finding their higher self.

 


 

KQED and San Francisco Chronicle: Ryan Coogler Honored at SFFilm Awards Night—and He Honors Professor Rosemary Graham

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Ryan Coogler and Rosemary Graham

The director of the Black Panther films and Fruitvale Station was honored at the 2022 SFFilm Awards Night in December. He invited a special guest: Professor Rosemary Graham, who taught at SMC for three decades—and encouraged Coogler to pursue film.


 

The Military Made Lucas Maas and Mike Pineda Better Students. They’re Making Saint Mary’s Better, Too.

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Lucas Maas

Lucas Maas and Mike Pineda both enlisted as teenagers. Now, after multiple tours of duty and years in the workforce, they’re undergrads at Saint Mary’s, using their wisdom to foster community and bolster resources for student veterans on campus.


 

Saint Mary's Takes Center Stage at MLB All-Star Game

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Gonsolin Burnes

The 2022 All-Star Game featured a pair of Saint Mary's standouts—Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers and Tony Gonsolin ’16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Saint Mary’s Baseball Coach Greg Moore said it best: “You can get anywhere from Moraga.”

 


 

Enterprise Technology Trailblazer Kalina Bryant ’14 Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30

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Kalina Bryant

Her work pioneering inclusion for people of color and advocating for pay equity in the tech industry earned Kalina Bryant ’14 a spot on Forbes’ list. It was at SMC that she discovered she could make a career out of her commitment to inclusive excellence.


 

Professor Matthew Zapruder Chosen to Edit Best American Poetry 2022

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Matthew Zapruder

MFA in Creative Writing and English Department Professor Matthew Zapruder was asked to select the year’s best poetry for the annual volume. What he found: “These poems are active, full of a spirit of questioning, searching for a different way of being.”

 

 

 

Hayden Royster is a staff writer with the Office of Marketing and Communications. Write him.