Freshman Michaela Manger of Smithtown, N.Y. moved into Sakac Hall at Mount Saint Mary College on Saturday, August 26. In addition to her Education major, she and her roommate will be playing on the Mount’s softball team.
With a sunny summer morning as the backdrop, Mount Saint Mary College welcomed the next generation of freshmen on Saturday, August 26.
The very next day, hundreds of sophomores, juniors, seniors, and transfer students headed to the college as well, ready to take on the challenges of their next semester. With new friends and academic adventure awaiting them, the students were excited to be on campus.
Freshman Dylan Kelly of Massapequa, N.Y., a Nursing major and member of the college’s baseball team, hopes to make his family proud with his academic and athletic accomplishments. The Mount has “a great baseball team, and for my major, the choice was very easy,” he said.
Mount Nursing students enjoy state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical relationships with top area hospitals. The Mount’s passionate faculty are dedicated to the success of both their undergraduate and graduate students.
Kelly’s scholarly journey at the Mount has been a long time coming, he explained: “I committed [to the Mount] in September of last year and I’m excited to finally get going – really excited!”
Her reason for choosing the Mount was simple: “The Nursing program is great,” said Spencer-Murray.
There were also plenty of Education students starting their Mount journey on Saturday. Anna Felice of Northport, N.Y., Kristen Tellier of Sayville, N.Y., and her roommate, Michaela Manger of Smithtown, N.Y. are all on the college’s Early Childhood Education track. The three freshmen are excited to begin their first steps in their careers in teaching, and Tellier and Manger are also looking forward to being on the college’s softball team.
“The education program is really good,” Manger explained. Tellier added, “I liked the community and the size of the school was perfect for me.”
The college also offers comprehensive areas of study in Business, Math, Information Technology, Sociology, History, and more.
There is much to look forward to in the Fall 2023 semester at the Mount, which will begin on Monday, August 28.
The Mount is offering many new, exciting programs this semester, including:
- Philosophy major: Philosophy majors will investigate the core areas of metaphysics (the study of reality), epistemology (the study of knowledge), ethics, and logic before furthering their studies through advanced courses in one of several defined tracks.
- Theology and Religious Studies major: Students will put into conversation varying topics of scripture, systematics, and spirituality, allowing them to take part in experiential learning: opportunities outside the classroom that include service experience, internships, and retreats.
- New Cybersecurity AAS to BA: Students can now begin their Cybersecurity training at SUNY Orange and finish at the Mount, ultimately yielding a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. SUNY Orange students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Cybersecurity and have earned grades of C or better in all required courses will be guaranteed admission into the Mount’s Cybersecurity program with full junior status.
Mount Athletic Director Drew Brown recently appointed Marion Dietz as the Knights’ new Head Women's Basketball Coach.
Dietz joins the college after serving as an assistant coach at William Smith College and as a graduate assistant at Catholic University.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Marion Dietz to the Mount as our next women's basketball coach," said Brown. “Coach Dietz has experienced great success as both a student-athlete and as a coach at a high level. She brings a strong vision for our program, on the court, in the classroom, and in our community that will build on our rich history of success. I look forward to seeing her develop and mentor our student-athletes.”
Desmond Center gets a new home
The Mount celebrated the grand opening of the recently renovated Guzman Hall – home of the Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness – this summer.
The Desmond Center, overseen by Executive Director Genesis Ramos, Orange County Legislator (District 6), provides accessible and equitable educational, health, and wellness services for community members and families in the local area.
The updated space boasts a large community room that offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River, and a variety of multipurpose classroom-style areas for health screenings, exercise programs, and more. The building also introduces revamped space for Desmond Center staff and other Mount offices.
The new Guzman Hall also remains true to the Mount’s Dominican heritage, with stained glass from the former Founder’s Chapel repurposed and built into the new design. Other elements, such as a large stained-glass panel that tells the story of St. Dominic, have been retained in their original forms and locations.