February 2009

Mary Beck
Virgina, MN
Class of 1996
Biology

Tell us about the work you do: For the past ten years I have been a junior and senior high school science teacher at Mountain Iron-Buhl High School. I have taught all subjects in grades 7 - 12. Currently, I'm teaching my first forensic science class and loving it. In the past I developed curriculum for senior Earth and Space Science and Anatomy/ Physiology. During the summer I study neutrinos as part of the Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search (MINOS) project at the Soudan Underground Laboratory.

A source of pride in your life: My former students and, of course, my family are a great source of pride in my life. My family is very supportive. My former students return to visit and update me on their lives since high school. That really means a lot.

Best St. Scholastica memories: There are so many great memories: all of my science classes, especially those taught by the biology professors; driving over to SAHA for the home hockey games; Mayfest; and giving tours of the campus.

Significant influences: Sister Donna's classes, her demeanor and the labs were just what I wanted classes to be like for my students. Dr. C's ability to help us "picture" what he was describing was wonderful. Since graduation Mike Link at the Audubon Center of the North Woods has been a great mentor.

Greatest professional achievement: I was included four times in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" and was twice chosen as the Mountain Iron-Buhl Mentor for Young People. Something unusual about your life: Many of my friends and family can't believe I ride a motorcycle. Also, I spend the three nicest months (weather-wise) a half mile underground at the Soudan Underground Laboratory.

Family ties: Sister Marilyn Micke and Sister Pauline Micke, both at the Monastery, are my aunts.

Further education: I am currently completing a Master of Science in Natural Science and Environmental Education at Hamline University.

Philosophy: "We do not own the earth; we are merely caretakers for a short time" is something I learned from Native American culture and, "The important thing is to not stop questioning" from Albert Einstein.

Impact of the Benedictine values: The love of learning has been with me all of my life. I still enjoy going to school every day. Respect and stewardship for the earth and its resources is also a constant in my life. I have started recycling and clean-up programs at my school and am currently working on some larger scale projects. We can't change history, but we should not repeat it.