I Am Mount Mary

As graduation approaches, three Mount Mary seniors look back on the experiences that shaped them during their time on campus. Yuliana Juan Gonzalez, Kennedi Lulloff and Mahdia Bita share stories about leadership, studying abroad, finding confidence, overcoming challenges, and discovering who they’ve become along the way. It’s a conversation about growth, resilience, and stepping into what comes next.

President Isabelle Cherney shares the vision behind Mount Mary University’s new Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children, a bold initiative uniting four Centers of Excellence in leadership, human rights, health and wellness, and women in technology. In this episode, she discusses why the Institute matters now, how it is already creating impact, and what to expect from the March 12 launch event, “Carrying the Mission Forward.”

Loneliness has reached epidemic levels in America, affecting everyone from children to older adults. In this episode we speak with Dr. Krishna DasGupta, M.D., and Dr. Xochitl Yadira Gonzalez, Ph.D., keynote speakers for Mount Mary University’s upcoming Voices of Leadership event. Together, they discuss the urgent public health crisis of loneliness and explore how social, psychological, and spiritual connections can help rebuild the bonds that keep us healthy, resilient, and human.

Mount Mary is making history as the first university in Wisconsin to launch reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees—a bold step toward making higher education more affordable and accessible. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Marmy Clason, Chair of the MMU Division of Business, Communication and Technology, to explore how these innovative programs are designed to accelerate student success without compromising academic quality.We also dive into Mount Mary’s distinctive hybrid majors that blend disciplines in fresh, forward-thinking ways, and how the University is leading the charge in high-tech fields that prepare graduates for the jobs of tomorrow. 

In this episode, we talk with  Dr. Andrea Stapleton, Vice President of Mission and Justice, to explore the deep roots of Mount Mary’s mission—beginning with the courageous work of the founding School Sisters of Notre Dame, whose legacy of compassion and advocacy continues to shape campus life today. We discuss how the university community has consistently stood by students during times of uncertainty, offering both support and a sense of belonging. 

From simulation labs with interactive talking manikins to hands-on real world training, the Mount Mary School of Nursing is making a name for itself in southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.In this episode, we talk with nursing chair Jennifer Nowicki and senior nursing major Natalee Inpanat Douangvilay about the unique and exciting things happening in MMU Nursing.

Mount Mary Occupational Therapy professors and students have created a groundbreaking AI generative app that could be used in clinics worldwide to assist in culturally sensitive care.We talk with the app creators Dr. Keri Inda and Dr. Rita Burlingame-Toppen, and two students involved in the project, OT graduate students Jessica Meissner and Johanna Zielinski.

Mount Mary athletics is entering an exciting new chapter! The transition to the NAIA and the Chicagoland Conference marks a transformative moment for the Blue Angels teams. We explore the positive impact of this move and how Mount Mary coaches mentor their players. Plus, inspiring stories from two student-athletes who share how MMU athletics has profoundly shaped their lives—on and off the field.Guests: MMU Athletic Director Natalie Balleto, MMU Basketball Coach Josh Steffen, MMU Student/Athlete Brianna Brown, and MMU Student/Athlete Vanessa Diaz

An innovative leader on a global scale, Kat Esser is Principal, Global Health Innovation for Amazon Web Services Social Responsibility and Impact team. She also has been instrumental as an advisor to Mount Mary President Cherney as the university paves the path forward.Kat talks about exciting changes and innovations in technology and beyond, the role Mount Mary University is playing in those transformations, and her keynote address for the upcoming Voices of Leadership event at Mount Mary: The Magnitude of Choice.

Becoming a Caroline Scholar at Mount Mary University is not an easy task. It takes an exceptional high school GPA and an unmatched dedication to service and social justice. But the award can be lifechanging -- with a full tuition scholarship plus paid room and board. In this episode we talk to three extraordinary Mount Mary Caroline Scholars: Junior Joana Enriquez Lopez, Senior Alexis Cain and Freshman Erica Lee. They discuss what led them to Mount Mary, what the scholarship means to them and how they will use their Mount Mary education to change the world.

Some Mount Mary students are making a difference for arthritis sufferers. A group of UX majors collaborated with Alivio Technologies, to help make its 4alivio app more user friendly. Recent MMU grads Ann Tran and Winla Vang talk about the challenges and excitement of working on a popular national app. They're joined by UX Design assistant professor Mary Burton and Alivio Technologies Founder and President Caitlin West.

When Veronica Bethel Parker graduated from Mount Mary several decades ago, she never would have imagined that her life would come full circle. The California native returns to her alma mater as the May 2024 commencement speaker, after a long career in politics and public service. Veronica founded the first women of color organization at Mount Mary and she speaks candidly about her time at the university and how MMU helped to shape her life. 

Fashion is more than just designers, models and runways. It's a multi-billion dollar industry, and Mount Mary fashion business students learn the ins and outs of the exciting career. Assistant Professor Trish Kuehnl shares her insight into the popular major, along with two fashion business students who tell their fascinating stories. Find out how two Hmong first generation nursing majors became fashion business experts! 

The STEM careers have historically been lacking in women and underrepresented groups. But the Mount Mary Jewel Scholars Program is changing that in a big way. MMU is educating the next generation of scientists. Program coordinator Dr. Kathy Boyle, along with current Jewel Scholar Maham Umar,  discuss the exciting strides and their quest to discover the next life-saving antibiotics right in their own backyard.

Dr Cheryl Bailey talks about her exciting work at Mount Mary and how she keeps the university on the cutting edge of new technology. She also speaks candidly about her upbringing as part of a missionary family in South Africa during Apartheid.

From walking the halls of Mount Mary to the fashion runways of Paris and London, Sasha Walton has accomplished a lot since graduating from MMU.  Sasha talks about her incredible journey and what's ahead.

Lakiesha Russell has overcome a number of obstacles in her life to become an inspiring and motivational expert on mental health issues.We talk candidly with Lakiesha about how she juggled life as a Mount Mary student and a single mother of two, and how she now uses those experience to help current MMU students.

A Mount Mary University family legacy compelled student Jodi Cunningham to leave her tropical home to study at MMU.  Hear her unique perspective on the university and why Mount Mary is so important to her family.

Mount Mary graduate Donna Ricco talks about her journey to the top of the New York fashion world with her own popular clothing line and how she now shares her insider knowledge with Mount Mary students.

From small town nurse to tech entrepreneur to leader of a multi-billion dollar organization,  Wisconsin native April Hansen has had a steady climb to the top. The TEDx speaker captivated the attendees at Mount Mary's Voices of Leadership event. Now we dig deeper with April, learning the keys to finding your authentic self,  why you shouldn't 'round your edges,' and why she thinks Mount Mary students are so unique.

Mount Mary Associate Professor Dr. Jason Meyler talks about the unique MMU class 'Leadership for Social Justice,' and how it impacts students and community.

It's one of the only major where you can eat your work!  And it's a fascinating, fun and lucrative career.Food Science Graduate Program Director Dr. Anne Vravick explains the unique  Food Science major at Mount Mary, and the interesting research taking place in the food lab -- from  caramel apples to wall-adhering cheese!   

Mount Mary Director of Campus Ministries Theresa Utschig and student Laysha Puga talk about their eye-opening trip to the US border with Mexico and how the experience has changed their perspectives. 

Mount Mary student Mahdia Bita shares her harrowing and compelling story of escaping from Afghanistan during the Taliban takeover and the journey that lead her to Mount Mary University.

Dr Maher talks about Mount Mary's new School of Nursing, her background and the unique way Mt Mary prepares students for a career in a field that is in high demand.

Sister Joan continues the conversation about the rich history of Mount Mary -- with compelling stories of savvy sisters and watchful gargoyles! In addition she touches on the unique blending of faiths that makes Mount Mary so special.

Sister Joan Penzenstadler shares stories of the rich 110 year history of Mount Mary University. From its founding to its early days. Amazing tales of grit and perseverance by the university's founders -- The School Sisters of Notre Dame. 

Dr. Cherney talks about her vision for Mount Mary and the exciting plans for the future of the university.

A candid conversation with Mount Mary President Dr. Isabelle Cherney. We talk about her life, her winding journey to Mount Mary and and why she loves MMU.