A year of community: St. Scholastica’s top 25 moments from 2025

From academic innovation to community celebration, 2025 was truly a year of community at The College of St. Scholastica. Since its founding in 1912, the College has remained steadfast in its Benedictine mission, and this year was no exception.

Across campus and throughout the Twin Ports region, Saints came together to launch new academic programs, strengthen community partnerships, champion student success, and uphold traditions that continue to shape the St. Scholastica experience.

New doctoral programs added to the School of Health Professions

This spring, St. Scholastica announced the launch of two innovative doctoral programs: the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Adding to the College’s repertoire of doctoral programs, the DMSc and OTD are designed to equip healthcare professionals with the advanced skills and leadership training necessary to meet the complex demands of healthcare.

Increased professional development opportunities in Twin Ports

The Center for Professional Training and Lifelong Learning is a new initiative at the forefront of professional development in the Duluth-Superior community and beyond. The Center is dedicated to providing individuals with the opportunity to explore their interests, enhance their careers or successfully transition into new professional fields.

“Learning is not just an activity; it’s a journey,” said Director Eric Nordgren (MBA ’24). “At the Center for Professional Training and Lifelong Learning, we empower individuals to embrace that journey. Whether you’re looking to dive into a new topic or advance your professional skills, we have something for everyone.”

Duluth Promise launched to boost regional career readiness

Leaders from local institutions and businesses, including St. Scholastica, introduced Duluth Promise, a program designed to enhance career readiness for students in the Twin Ports. This initiative specifically targets the healthcare, manufacturing, and business sectors to provide tailored educational pathways that align with students’ career goals.

“We hope this collaborative model will provide opportunities for our area and serve as a blueprint for other communities focused on educating, placing, and retaining a much-needed workforce for their regions,” said President Barbara McDonald, Ed.D.

Successful Give to CSS Day held on March 20

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the St. Scholastica community, Give to CSS Day was a resounding success. Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of St. Scholastica students, on campus and beyond.

• 415 donors contributed $158,229.
• The All Saints Annual Fund was the highest-performing fund this year, with 109 gifts totaling $61,000. This fund provides support to the areas of greatest impact around the school.
• 14 generous donors made early matching gifts, leading the way and challenging the community to match their support.
• 36 supporters signed up to be Give to CSS Day influencers and helped spread the word.

CSS Theatre Club presented “John Proctor is the Villain”

The CSS Theatre Club opened Kimberly Belflower’s “John Proctor is the Villain” on March 21, one day after the show began its Broadway preview run. Selected in collaboration with the dean of Arts and Sciences, the Fine Arts department chair, and the Theatre Club and directed by Matthew Singletary, the production was a hit, selling out multiple shows during its run.

St. Scholastica honored by Seed Coalition

On April 11, the College celebrated significant achievements at the Seed Coalition’s annual award ceremony held at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. The College’s Owen Erickson ’26 and the Alworth Center for the Study of Peace and Justice received awards for their commitment to civic engagement and community partnership. Additionally, the longstanding collaboration between St. Scholastica and Essentia Health was honored.

• Student Leadership Award: Owen Erickson ’26
• Civic Engagement Leadership Award: Alworth Center for the Study of Peace and Justice
• Community Partner Award: The partnership of The College of St. Scholastica and Essentia Health

Saints recognized at annual Saints Sports Awards

Saints Athletics hosted its twelfth annual Saints Sports Award on April 21 in the Mitchell Auditorium on the Duluth main campus. Established in 2013, this event recognizes student-athletes for their many accomplishments on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

St. Scholastica student attended inaugural TRIO summit

In a remarkable achievement of advocacy, Owen Erickson ’26 attended the inaugural TRIO Future Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., in April. Erickson joined 29 other exceptional TRIO college students from across the country to focus on leadership development and public policy.

Hosted by the Council for Opportunity in Education, the summit empowered students by enhancing their leadership skills and providing insights into careers in public policy. Each day offered opportunities to connect with influential policymakers, engage in collaborative workshops, and explore pressing issues affecting educational equity. “The connections I made with TRIO alumni and professionals were meaningful, and I am excited to have that larger network behind me as I go into educational policy after graduation.”

HIM faculty member and student honored at MNHIMA Annual Meeting

The Minnesota Health Information Management Association (MNHIMA) recognized a health information management (HIM) faculty member and an undergraduate student for their excellence in the field.

• Distinguished Member: Assistant Professor Pamela Oachs
• Shirley Eichenwald-Maki Outstanding Student: Evelyn Youngquist ’25

Retiring faculty awarded faculty emeritus status

Retiring faculty members Ms. Madonna LeBlanc and Dr. Sheryl Sandahl were awarded emerita status. Faculty emeritus status is awarded to a select group of faculty members who retire in good standing. It requires, among other things, “at least two important contributions the faculty members have made that constitute meritorious service to the College.”

• Ms. Madonna LeBlanc completed 25 academic years at St. Scholastica, retiring as an assistant professor in the HIIM Department.
• Dr. Sheryl Sandahl completed 22 academic years at the College, retiring as a professor and chair of the Nursing Department.

Student Leadership Award finalists announced

St. Scholastica announced the Student Leadership Award recipient, Maddy Ploof ’25, and finalists, Emily Wetzel ’25 and Kelly Crump ’25, at the end of the academic year. We are honored to celebrate their contributions to our shared community.

Ploof received the Student Leadership Award. As the Student Body President, she was a tireless advocate for her peers, opening channels of communication among diverse student groups and helping to navigate complex changes in leadership and policy. Beyond her impactful work in student government, Ploof shone as a talented undergraduate writing consultant in the Rose Warner Writing and Critical Thinking Center. Her thoughtful approach to leadership not only enhanced campus life but also set a powerful example for the entire student body.

2025-2030 Institutional Strategic Plan finalized and approved

In May, the 2025-2030 Institutional Strategic Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees. This plan, which includes pillars and goals for the College’s next five years, is the culmination of an academic year of strategic planning under the guidance of organizational consultant Pat Sanaghan. This highly collaborative planning process involved the work of a strategic planning task force of approximately 40 employees representing all areas of the College, led by four co-chairs.

1,133 Saints graduated as members of the Class of 2025

St. Scholastica congratulates the 1,133 graduates of the Class of 2025. This year’s commencement ceremony was a memorable celebration for the community to gather in honor of their accomplishments and hard work.

• Bachelors: 562
• Masters: 280
• Doctoral: 193
• Certificate: 98

President McDonald announced her summer 2026 retirement

President Barbara McDonald, Ed.D., announced her retirement, effective July 1, 2026. Upon her retirement, Dr. McDonald will have served in K-12 and higher education for nearly 38 years, spending twelve of those years as president and the last seven at the College.

“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve as the president of The College of St. Scholastica and the greatest joy of my career,” said Dr. McDonald. “I am proud of the College’s accomplishments — especially given the many challenges higher education has faced in recent years — and I attribute our success to the deep dedication and commitment of our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students to our Catholic Benedictine mission and to the values that guide our decisions and our work.”

Over 175 alumni returned to campus for the reunion

On June 27-29, St. Scholastica welcomed over 175 alumni and community members back to the Duluth main campus for the 2025 All Saints Alumni Reunion. The weekend was filled with nostalgia and opportunities to catch up with former classmates.

The highlight of the weekend was the Heritage Club Recognition Luncheon, during which the College honored the Class of 1975’s Milestone 50th Reunion year and welcomed them to the Saints Heritage Club. The event also saw the presentation of the following distinguished Alumni Awards:

• The Scholastica Inspiration Award: Glenn Maloney (MA ’16)
• The Sister Alice Lamb Award: Anna Gawboy ’99, PhD
• The Sister Ann Edward Scanlon Award: Ariana Kilgore ’21
• The Sister Timothy Kirby Benedictine Spirit Award: Krista Grote Harju ’95 (MSW ’15)

St. Scholastica hired two new vice presidents

Earlier this summer, the College announced the appointment of two new vice presidents: Dr. Rick Revoir as vice president of College Advancement and Jennifer Carlson as vice president of Finance and Strategy.

Dr. Revoir has served in various capacities at St. Scholastica since 2004, including as a faculty member in the Stender School of Leadership, Business, and Professional Studies and as an administrator as dean of Strategic Development. Jennifer Carlson (MA/MBA ’11) joins St. Scholastica from the City of Duluth, where she has served as the chief financial advisor to the chief administration officer and the mayor. She brings years of experience in accounting and finance with a focus on strategic fiscal sustainability.

St. Scholastica and Mankato State launched Engineering Dual Degree Pathway

The College of St. Scholastica signed a partnership agreement with Minnesota State University, Mankato, in July to officially launch the Engineering Dual Degree Pathway. This innovative program allows students to earn bachelor’s degrees in Natural Science and Integrated Engineering in just five years.

“Our founding Sisters were pioneers of their own in fields of science, medicine, the arts, and other esteemed disciplines as they paved the way for our learners to excel in responsible living and meaningful work,” President Barbara McDonald said. “This marks a significant step forward in providing our students with innovative pathways to success in high-demand fields. We are proud to partner with Minnesota State University, Mankato.”

Welcomed new and returning students to campus this fall

This fall, the College welcomed the newest generation of Saints with an engaging lineup of events designed to foster connections and ease the transition into college life. These festivities marked the official start to the academic year and invited the Class of 2029 to become part of the St. Scholastica community.

Overall enrollment: 2,822 students

• 1,744 undergraduate
  • 34 countries represented
  • 78% are from Minnesota
  • 30% are first-generation students
  • ~30% receive Pell grant funding
• 1,078 graduate students
  • 18 countries represented
  • 71% are from Minnesota
  • 43% are first-generation students
• ~23% overall student body identifies with at least one BIPOC race/ethnicity
• ~35% are student-athletes

St. Scholastica secured federal funding and celebrated research

On Sept. 24, students showcased their academic research at the McNair Scholars Summer Research Symposium. This event came just days after the TRIO McNair Scholars program faced funding uncertainty; the federally funded initiative supports first-generation college students from working-class families to thrive in research, graduate studies, and advanced careers.

This summer alone saw 12 students diving deep into research through the McNair Summer Research Program, while two participated in prestigious opportunities through the National Science Foundation. Over the course of ten weeks, each student poured an impressive average of 30 hours per week into their projects, including time spent engaging in seminars covering topics such as vocation and calling, academic writing, research careers, personal branding, creating impactful academic research posters, and navigating the path to graduate school.

Celebrated community over the 16th annual Homecoming weekend

St. Scholastica hosted its 16th annual Homecoming weekend on Oct. 10-11. This weekend featured a series of athletics competitions, an on-campus tailgate for the Saints community, and additional alumni gatherings.

“Homecoming is a cherished tradition at the College that brings together our alumni, students, parents, and the broader community for a weekend of celebration and connection,” said Rose Carpenter ’22 (MBA ’24), director of Alumni Engagement.

6 Saints inducted into Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The College was proud to honor the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing six individuals who have left a lasting mark on Saints Athletics through their exceptional achievements and dedication. This year’s class featured four standout student-athletes, one dual-sport star, and a longtime supporter of Saints Athletics.

• Distinguished Service: Dave Cook ’91
• Tom Lyscio ’12 – Men’s Track and Field
• Chelsea (Johnson) Peterson ’13 – Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field
• Kelsey (Kehtel) Peterson ’14 – Women’s Soccer
• Katie (Motley) Price ’10 – Women’s Tennis
• Nina Waidacher ’15 – Women’s Hockey

Participated in biannual Community Day event

Each semester, over 600 students, staff, and faculty participated in service projects throughout the Twin Ports as part of Community Day. A tradition since 1999, Community Day reflects the College’s commitment to fostering student connections with the community, encouraging ongoing engagement and volunteerism.

73 Saints inducted into first-generation honor society

On Nov. 6, St. Scholastica inducted 73 new members into Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha). This national honor society recognizes the academic achievements of first-generation college students, creates enthusiasm for scholarship, and provides support networks for first-generation students within and across college chapters.

Hosted annual Twin Ports Regional Thanksgiving Day Buffet

This Thanksgiving, the College hosted the 36th annual Twin Ports Region Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). This tradition brings together Twin Ports neighbors for a gathering filled with generosity and gratitude. More than 700 volunteers helped prepare over 6,000 meals, with approximately 1,200 of those meals delivered to those in need throughout the week of Thanksgiving.

Music Program presented 13th annual Christmas concert, O Holy Night

Earlier this month, the Music Program presented its cherished annual Christmas tradition, O Holy Night, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. With over 100 student musicians performing, the cathedral space showcased the spirit of the holidays through its lighting and ambiance, featuring choral, brass, and string ensembles that shared the festivities through an evening of music.