Event Recap

It was a celebration befitting a 100th anniversary. Nearly 400 guests gathered on campus to celebrate the

Centennial Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, September 19th. The evening began with a reception in Helfaer Hall where guests mingled and viewed a four-paneled painted mural that was created by art students and depicted Mount Mary's history.

The bells of Notre Dame Hall rang 100 times as guests moved into a tented dinner venue set on the front lawn. S. Mary Anne Owens, SSND, Provincial Leader, Central Pacific Province gave the invocation. Jazz music performed by the Larry Moore Trio entertained guests during dinner.

Many community dignitaries and government officials were in attendance including Mayor Tom Barrett, who declared September 19 Mount Mary University Day, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines, and Milwaukee Alderman Jim Bohl. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker submitted a Certificate of Commendation in honor of the 100th anniversary.

Board of Trustees members, SSNDs, alumnae, faculty, staff and friends of Mount Mary were also in attendance.

The Schools Sisters of Notre Dame were acknowledged for their generous gift of $500,000 to support Mount Mary’s new creative campus initiative. S. Mary Anne Owens stated that the gift entrusted to the university underscored the SSND’s commitment to carrying out the vision the School Sisters of Notre Dame had 100 years ago to educate women to transform the world.

Keynote: Billye Aarons

Samon Williams, President of Student Government Association, introduced the keynote speaker Billye Aaron (at right).  Billye, who is an educator, groundbreaking broadcaster, philanthropist and community builder, reflected on the history of women who dared to dream – the Schools Sisters of Notre Dame – and American women whose courage changed the course of our country’s history.  

After a standing ovation for Billye, President Schwalbach recognized Billye for a generous gift she made to the University which seeded the new Billye Aaron Scholarship.  Her husband, legendary Hank Aaron, joined Billye on stage to greet guests and acknowledge Billye’s leadership and support.

Scholarship Contribution Opportunity

You are invited to be a part of the Centennial Scholarship Fund. Learn more about supporting the Mount Mary mission of transforming lives through education or be contribute through our online giving form today.