Introduction
Mount Saint Mary’s University (MSMU) is a private, Catholic university located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Founded in 1808 by Father John Dubois, MSMU has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence, service, and social justice. The university is home to over 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, and offers a variety of majors and programs across its four schools. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fun facts about MSMU that you might not have known before.
Fun facts about Mount Saint Mary’s University
MSMU’s Historic Campus
MSMU’s campus is steeped in history, with buildings and landmarks dating back to the early 19th century. The university’s most iconic building is the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in 1834 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The chapel features stunning stained-glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and a beautiful pipe organ. It’s a popular spot for weddings and other special events.
Another notable building on campus is Bradley Hall, which was once a Civil War hospital. Today, it houses classrooms, offices, and the university’s archives and special collections. The building is named after Major General George H. Bradley, a Civil War veteran and former MSMU president.
MSMU’s Commitment to Service
Service is a core value at MSMU, and the university offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in their local and global communities. One of the most popular service programs at MSMU is the Campus Ministry Service Corps. This program allows students to volunteer at local non-profit organizations, schools, and hospitals, and to participate in service trips to places like Guatemala and Haiti.
MSMU also has a strong partnership with the Maryland Food Bank, and hosts an annual Empty Bowls event to raise awareness about hunger and poverty. Students, faculty, and staff create and sell hand-crafted bowls, and all proceeds go to the Maryland Food Bank.
MSMU’s Famous Alumni
MSMU has produced a number of notable alumni who have gone on to make a significant impact in their fields. One such alumna is Catherine Pugh, who graduated from MSMU in 1974 with a degree in Business Administration. Pugh went on to serve as the mayor of Baltimore from 2016-2019.
Another famous MSMU alum is Mark Teixeira, who played Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Yankees. Teixeira, who graduated from MSMU in 2002 with a degree in Business Administration, was a three-time All-Star and won five Gold Glove Awards during his career.
MSMU’s Unique Traditions
MSMU has a number of unique traditions that have been passed down through the generations. One such tradition is the university’s annual Grotto Lighting ceremony, which takes place on the first Sunday of December. The ceremony involves lighting thousands of candles around the university’s Grotto, a peaceful outdoor shrine that is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Another popular tradition at MSMU is the annual May Day celebration. This event, which dates back to the early 20th century, involves the crowning of a May Queen and the dancing of the Maypole. The celebration also includes a parade, a fair, and various other activities.
MSMU’s Athletic Achievements
MSMU has a proud athletic tradition, and has fielded teams in a variety of sports over the years. One of the university’s most successful programs is its women’s basketball team, which has won 14 Northeast Conference championships and has made six appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
The MSMU men’s soccer team has also had a great deal of success, with nine Northeast Conference championships and three appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The university’s baseball team has also had a strong showing in recent years, winning three Northeast Conference championships and making two NCAA Tournament appearances.
In addition to these team accomplishments, MSMU has produced a number of successful individual athletes. One such athlete is Kelly Albin, a former women’s basketball player who holds the university record for career rebounds with 1,239. Another notable athlete is Tyler Herro, a former men’s basketball player who went on to play in the NBA for the Miami Heat.
MSMU’s Innovative Programs
MSMU is always looking for new and innovative ways to educate its students and prepare them for the challenges of the modern world. One such program is the university’s Data Analytics program, which prepares students for careers in fields like business intelligence, data science, and marketing research.
Another innovative program at MSMU is the Incubator for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which provides students with the resources and support they need to turn their business ideas into reality. The program offers workshops, mentorship, and even funding to help students launch their own startups.
MSMU’s Environmental Initiatives
MSMU is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives on campus. One such initiative is the university’s Green Revolving Fund, which provides funding for energy efficiency and sustainability projects on campus. The fund has already supported projects like the installation of LED lighting and the replacement of old windows with energy-efficient ones.
MSMU has also implemented a number of recycling and waste reduction programs on campus, including a composting program and a move-in/move-out program that encourages students to donate or recycle unwanted items instead of throwing them away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mount Saint Mary’s University is a unique and special place with a rich history, a commitment to service and social justice, and a dedication to innovation and sustainability. From its historic buildings to its successful athletic programs, MSMU has something for everyone. Whether you’re a current student, an alum, or just someone interested in learning more about this wonderful university, we hope this blog post has given you some fun and interesting insights into what makes MSMU such a special place.
