Most Popular Posts on Mount Social Media in 2022

The excitement level was high at Mount St. Mary’s in 2022, with the opening of new buildings, the introduction of programs and the switch to a new athletic conference. The heightened energy was evident on the university’s social media channels and captured on the new Instagram feature, Reels.

Here’s what clicked with Mounties near and far. Be among the first to know what’s happening at the Mount in 2023 by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Mounties worldwide rejoiced in July when the beloved 26-foot statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary returned to her pedestal atop the Pangborn Campanile after a year-long sabbatical during which she was being refurbished in Virginia. Now she is expected to watch over campus with her loving gaze, outstretched hands and motherly heart for multiple future generations.

The renovation and expansion of the Knott Academic Center, completed in August 2022, includes technologically advanced collaborative spaces, additional classrooms faculty offices and a Bloomberg Classroom Laboratory as well as the Robert W. Bream Academic Commons and the John F. Donovan, Ph.D. Seminar Room. One of the finishing touches as construction neared completion was the placing of a crucifix in each classroom.

At the heart of the AC is a student-run Saxbys Café. Every day since the grand opening on the second day of academic year 2022-23, the café has been abuzz with students studying and engaging in conversation with professors and each other.

Also in August, Frederick Health and the Mount today cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art healthcare facility on campus. The new urgent care center greatly expands students’ access to quality health care and also serves the local community.

It’s a bit ironic that the head coach of an NFL football team earned his bachelor’s degree from a university without a football team. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles was awarded his B.S. In youth and community development through the Mount’s Center for Accelerated and Adult Education this fall. He was introduced to the Mount by his longtime agent Anthony Agnone, C’75. 

In May the Mount announced an educational partnership with the Washington Commanders. Under the agreement, university students have the opportunity to work directly with and

for the NFL team through semester-long internships and experiential learning projects. Commanders’ employees benefit from leadership training from Mount faculty and discounted access to undergraduate and graduate business courses offered online or in person through the university’s Division of Continuing Studies.

Also in May, the university joined the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). In making the announcement, President Trainor said: "In joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the Mount gains the opportunity to compete with some of the finest Catholic colleges in the Northeast, elevating the university's brand as well as the level of competition for our nearly 600 student-athletes and coaches."

Through the MAAC’s partnership with ESPN, the Mount now broadcasts home athletic events through ESPN channels and platforms. The new ESPN Broadcasting Studio in Lower McGowan is student-run and state-of-the-art. The studio provides a hands-on learning experience. Students handle a range of functions, including running cameras, creating graphics, and overseeing real-time production.

The Mount community celebrated an especially joyous day on May 14 as the university hosted the 214th Commencement exercises honoring the achievements of 609 graduates. The ceremony was the first graduation held in Knott Arena since 2019. “Our education has given us the tools we need to help fix or dismantle these systems, and chart our own courses into a world irrevocably altered by the current events that have marked our coming of age,” said student speaker Elizabeth Busch, recipient of the 2022 Edward J. Flanagan Memorial Prize, awarded to the member of the senior class who best represents the tradition of the university in scholarship, conduct, and leadership. 

There also was plenty of joy as the university celebrated Bessie Andrew’s 60th work anniversary. Her love for the Mount has blessed students now for six decades. An experience that has connected alumni through the years is approaching the bakery in Patriot Hall or the lower sub, receiving a warm smile (and sometimes a hug!) from Bessie, and often having their favorite treat already waiting for them. She makes a point to get to know her “regulars” and their orders. "I love you all," Bessie said. "I hope to be here for a few more years, but not 60!"