Because of you
They’re just three little words, but just like one other powerful three-word combination — “I love you” — we know that three words can hold a lot of meaning.
It’s one reason we chose “Because of you” as a tagline for our university. If you look at the signage around campus, you may read, “Because of you … a new idea will change the world” or “There is a place in the world that will never be the same … Because of you.” These words reflect what we believe our students (because of the amazing people they are) will accomplish with their degrees and even before they graduate.
It’s particularly fitting that we chose this theme for this magazine as we wrap up another record-breaking comprehensive capital campaign. Because of you — our generous supporters and benefactors — we are able to accomplish great things in the classrooms, in our labs, in our athletics arenas, and in our living and learning environment as a whole. Our students and our alumni reflect that. They simply are THE BEST people I have ever met.
So when we talked about who we should interview for this magazine, we thought about people who fit the “because of you” mold. These individuals are special because they make a difference to people. And as we share their stories, we complete the circle as they share what “because of you” stories have inspired them.
Hudda Ibrahim D’25 has worked tirelessly to address housing disparity and inequalities in Saint Cloud — even before she was elected as the first Muslim immigrant woman to serve on the Saint Cloud City Council. Many of her constituents would definitely tell her, “because of you,” our lives our better. Ibrahim tells Saint Mary’s, “because of you,” I am able to better serve my constituents. Education, she says, is the key to opening doors.
Sue Hines M’01, D’07 has helped countless students and faculty in her lengthy career at Saint Mary’s, particularly in faculty development and her current roles teaching in the Ed.D. program and as vice president for academic affairs for Minneapolis/Rochester/Online. So many people have “because of you” stories because of her work. Yet, Dr. Hines believes that the feeling she gets watching one of the graduate students she has mentored cross the stage is the “best thing in the world as a professor.” It’s “because of” this connection, she feels fulfilled in her work.
Philip Emmerich B’16 assisted Saint Mary’s with the previous record capital campaign. We were grateful for how much he shared his story to help the university raise funds for a new science building th then-senior and hopeful cancer researcher would never get to utilize. Thanks to many, including Emmerich, we reached our $73 million goal. Dr. Emmerich continues the fight against cancer and currently works as a medical science liaison on the oncology team at Gilead Sciences and believes “because of” Saint Mary’s, he started on the right path.
Darlene Paulson came to Saint Mary’s in 1976. Immediately, she found herself surrounded by a family, particularly the De La Salle Christian Brothers. She stayed “because of” those relationships. Though her title changed throughout the years, her smile never has, and in her current role with Chartwells, she continues to brighten the lives of Saint Mary’s students every single day. They tell us that “because of” Darlene, they feel like family at this university.
Patrice Henning B’84, M’21 and two other Saint Mary’s alumni from Nairobi founded The Centre of Love Foundation in Kenya. “Because of” them, thousands of people have access to clean and safe water, better nutrition, and valuable knowledge. And “because of” the power of Saint Mary’s connections, even around the globe, great things can be accomplished. Let’s think about how we can work together to do more!
And because of our Catholic Educator Promise, we believe the first of its kind, the impossible is possible for several incoming students in our 2025 fall class. A Saint Mary’s education is now in reach because at least one of their parents has dedicated their career to Catholic education. Hear their stories, and know that, as a Lasallian Catholic university, Saint Mary’s is committed to paying back those who have given so much.
Please continue to share your story, come to events, check in on those favorite people here, and cheer on your Cardinals. Refer a Cardinal. Consider furthering your degree. Because of you, we gro stronger. Enjoy this issue, and know that because of you, we are grateful every day.
Deb Nahrgang
Saint Mary’s Magazine Editor
