Mount St. Mary's University
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Mount St. Mary’s Ranks Among Top Colleges
This fall, Mount St. Mary's University has been named to several best colleges lists. These include: TIME America's Best Colleges 2026-2027; Forbes’ List of America’s Top Colleges; US News & World Report across categories such as North Region Best University (64th, up 8 places), Best Value College (17th, up 1 place), Best for Veterans (33rd, up 12 places), Social Mobility (137th, up 5 places), and Top Private School (46th, new category); and Money’s latest Best Colleges list.
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Mount St. Mary’s University Launches Maryland Tuition Promise
Mount St. Mary’s University is making its distinctive private, Catholic liberal arts education more accessible to Maryland students through the launch of the Maryland Tuition Promise, a new initiative that guarantees eligible students will pay no more than $12,500 in tuition. For many Maryland families, the cost of attending a private university can seem out of reach, leading students to believe a public institution is their only affordable option. The Maryland Tuition Promise changes that calculation by bringing a Mount education within reach at a price comparable to the average tuition cost at several Maryland public universities. Learn more about the MSMU Maryland Tuition Promise and how to qualify.
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"American Martyr" Movie Release
The nationwide theatrical release of the documentary American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story brought the remarkable life, faith and ultimate sacrifice of Blessed Stanley Rother to audiences nationwide. Narrated by Martin Sheen, the film follows the journey of Father Rother—a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and the first American-born martyr beatified by the Catholic Church. Read more about "American Martyr" and visit rotherdoc.com.
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Mount Partners with Archdiocese of Baltimore High Schools in new Admissions Agreement
Mount St. Mary's University has partnered with the Archdiocese of Baltimore through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) that guarantees admission and a renewable scholarship to eligible graduates who meet specific criteria. The agreement strengthens access to high-quality Catholic education and creates a seamless pathway from high school to university. Read more about the MOU.
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Alumni Ambassadors for 2026-27
Calling all alumni! We are excited to invite you to become a Mount Ambassador for the 2026-27 academic year. Join a dedicated group of alumni who volunteer their time, talent, and enthusiasm to support strategic initiatives at Mount St. Mary’s University. Choose from volunteer opportunities in four communities: Academic and Professional Development; Admissions; Athletics; and Faith, Mission and Service. Visit msmary.edu/alumnivolunteer to learn more and register.
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Two Students Awarded Summer Scholars Research Program Funding from G. Frank Thomas Foundation
Mount St. Mary’s University was awarded a $10,000 grant from the G. Frank Thomas Foundation to support two students from Frederick County for the School of Science, Mathematics & Technology’s Summer Scholars Research Program. Sameera Ashfaq, C’27, and Lulu Sanchez-Chagoya, C’27, were awarded the funds and conducted research this summer under the mentorship of Mount faculty. The grant was co-written by Dean of the School of Science, Mathematics & Technology and Professor of Biochemistry Christine McCauslin, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Biochemistry Michael J. Turner, Ph.D.
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Maryland Soccer Foundation and Mount St. Mary’s University Announce Educational Partnership
The Maryland Soccer Foundation and Mount St. Mary's University have entered into a new partnership designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Maryland Soccer Foundation employees, their dependents, and participants in Foundation programs. Through the partnership, eligible individuals will have access to undergraduate, post-baccalaureate certificate, and graduate degree programs offered through Mount St. Mary's University's campuses in Frederick and Emmitsburg. The agreement also provides significant tuition reductions for qualifying students.
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Read Mount. Think Mount. Engage Mount.
What happens when the expertise and creativity of Mount faculty extend beyond the classroom? The Center for Lifelong Learning has developed Read Mount. Think Mount. Engage Mount., a new asynchronous learning series that will bring Mount education to alumni, community members and lifelong learners. Through short presentations, curated readings and guided reflection activities, participants will have the opportunity to explore the ideas, research and creative work of Mount faculty at their own pace. Whether your interests lie in the sciences, humanities, business, education or the arts, this series aims to make scholarly work accessible, engaging, and relevant to a broad audience while showcasing the depth of expertise found across the Mount community. Interested in continuing your own learning journey? Browse our listings.
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Campfire Stories: Tales of the Mount’s History and Mythology (Fall 2026): Tuesday, October 13, 7-9 p.m.
Celebrate the history and mythology of the first Catholic college in the fifty states. From founder John Dubois epic clash with Maximilian Robespierre in Revolutionary France to his escape to America and discovery of the grotto in 1805 on Mary's Mountain you will find the Mount's history replete with heroes and inspirational stories. Learn more and register for the course.
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Mount Men’s Soccer Caps Non-Conference Slate, Turns Focus to Metro Play
Mount St. Mary’s men’s soccer concluded a competitive non-conference stretch highlighted by defensive grit and multiple clean-sheet draws at Waldron Family Stadium. Key games included draws against Saint Joseph's University and the United States Naval Academy. The Mountaineers now transition into Metro league play. They kicked off league competition on the road with a win at Marist before returning to Emmitsburg where they hosted Iona on September 26, earning a decisive 4-0 victory to move to 2-0 in conference play. Christian Kyriacou finished with two goals, Abou Cherif scored his second goal in as many matches, and Oliver Barta netted his first goal as a Mount player. With early-season tests behind them, the Mount looks to capitalize and make an immediate impact in the conference standings. Upcoming games include a road match against Canisius on September 30, a home match on Saturday, October 3 against Merrimak and an away trip to Bucknell on October 6. Read more about men's soccer.
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Mount Women’s Soccer Tests Early Metro Slate Following Non-Conference Slate
Mount St. Mary’s women’s soccer concluded a competitive non-conference stretch with high-energy battles at Waldron Family Stadium. Key matches included a strong second-half push against George Mason—featuring first career points for Aayla Burgo and Caoume Valle—alongside a 0-0 draw against Richmond. The Mountaineers kicked off Metro Conference competition with a draw against Iona and picked up back to back road wins against Saint Peter's and Rider. Upcoming games include an home matchup on Saturday, October 3 against Marist and an away contest at Niagara University on October 7. Read more about women's soccer.
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Mount Men’s Rugby Battles Through Early Rugby East Slate, Eyes Road Clash at West Point
Mount St. Mary’s men’s rugby navigated a demanding opening month to its Fall 2026 15’s campaign, diving straight into premier Rugby East competition. The Mountaineers opened conference play on the road with a gritty come from behind victory over Southern Virginia. In their return to Echo Field on Saturday, September 26, the Mount dropped a hard-fought 31-26 battle to Mary Washington, led by sophomore man of the match Raylon Murry who tallied two tries and a team-high 12 tackles. The Mount now prepares to take on one of the top programs in the country as they hit the road to face Army at West Point. Read more about men's rugby.
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Mount Cross Country Rounds Out September Meets, Prepares for Aubrey Shenk Invitational
Mount St. Mary’s men’s and women’s cross country teams navigated a fast-paced September slate to open their 2026 campaign. The Mountaineers kicked off the season on home turf at the 20th annual Mount 5K Duals, where the men’s squad took third and the women placed fourth, highlighted by top-10 finishes from true freshmen Mary Kate Zollers and Jack Nebbia alongside sophomore Chloe McCarthy. The Mount carried that early-season form into regional road competition at the Stevenson Invitational and the JMU XC Invitational, where Jack Nebbia took second place individually in the men's 8k alongside top-ten finishes from Gio Medrano (6th) and EJ Villaver (9th), while the women’s team earned an impressive second-place finish paced by Riley Bell (11th) and Audrey Musmeci (12th). Looking ahead to October, the Mountaineers make the short trip up Route 15 to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to compete in the Aubrey Shenk Invitational on Saturday, October 17. Read more about cross country.
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October 19-25 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week
National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW) is October 19-25. Having a will or estate plan is a powerful way to protect your loved ones and support the causes that have been close to your heart. If you’re wondering why you should be thinking about your will, we’re here to debunk the most common myths about making estate plans:
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“It’s too early for me to think about my will!” We hope you won’t need to use it for many years to come, but it is never too early to start planning ahead. Whether you are eighteen or eighty, having a will can give you peace of mind that your wishes and loved ones are taken care of, no matter what.
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“I wrote my will a couple of years ago, so I’m set.” Have you acquired property? Do you have children? Life changes fast, so it is recommended that you update your will at least every five years.
If you have any further questions about NEPAW, or if you want to learn more about how you can support the Mount in your will, please feel free to email Dr. Joseph Regan, CFRE, at j.c.regan@msmary.edu, or by phone at (301) 447-5401 (office), (301) 573-6733 (cell).
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Vianney Cup Victory for the Seminary
This year the Mount hosted the annual Vianney Cup, which welcomes seminarians from across the region to compete in a soccer tournament. We began the day with Mass, and then the various seminaries face off to see who will take home the Vianney Cup! The Mount seminarians went head-to-head with the Dominican House of Studies. The game ended in a 2-0 win for the Mounties! In our championship game against St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, the Mounties kept the Vianney cup with a 1-0 victory! Thank you to all who came out to support the Mount, and a big thank you to all the seminarians who traveled from across the region to make this tournament possible. Events like this draw our men studying for the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, closer together! View photos from the day.
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White Flowers for Our Lady
The National Shrine Grotto invites everyone to honor and celebrate Our Blessed Mother by adorning the grotto with white flowers throughout the month of October. Each flower is $5 and gifts can be made online or in person at the Miller Family Visitors Center. Our goal is to decorate the cave, chapel and grounds with white flowers in honor and thanksgiving to our Blessed Mother during the month of the Holy Rosary.
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In Memoriam
We remember the legacy of our fellow alumni who have passed on, and we keep them in our prayers as we strive to live our own lives in the spirit they have left behind. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace, Amen.
If you learn of an alum's passing, please email the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@msmary.edu with information. We remember alumni who have passed or who we've learned of their passing since the last edition of Around the Mount. Alumni are listed by class year in ascending order to most recent and alphabetically by last name.
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Upcoming Events
Save the Date: Athletic Hall of Fame and Winter Homecoming
February 13
Save the date to celebrate athletic excellence at the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony. Then, head to Knott Arena to cheer on the Mount men’s basketball team as they take on Sacred Heart. Registration will become available in October.
Join a Reunion Committee
While all Alumni are welcome to come to campus for Reunion, each year we celebrate milestone class years based on graduation anniversaries that occur every five years. This year, we are recognizing alumni from classes ending in 2 and 7, as they are celebrating milestone reunions such as their 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and beyond. To make reunion 2027 a success, we're looking for volunteers to join their Class Planning Committee. Join a Reunion Committee.
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In-Season Athletic Schedules
Select a team below to view upcoming game times, meets, and tournament slates.
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| Mount St. Mary's University
Office of Alumni Engagement
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
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