I Am Mount Mary Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:34:23 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2228409 en-us © 2026 I Am Mount Mary yes 1d67b3dc-eeb4-5738-9209-c7b896ccbaaf ishlert@mtmary.edu Mount Mary University episodic false Mount Mary University is a dynamic, inclusive, unexpected school for undergraduate women and graduate women and men. There are so many stories that make up the fabric of this 110 year old institution. Meet the fascinating people that proudly say 'I Am Mount Mary.'
New episodes often!!

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Mount Mary University ishlert@mtmary.edu https://storage.buzzsprout.com/fvv0fcc4c9lici77r6sa9zyzrnq4?.jpg I Am Mount Mary President Cherney -- The Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children President Cherney -- The Institute for the Advancement of Women and Children 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.”

]]> 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.”

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-18671600 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1436 2 10 full false The Loneliness Epidemic - Voices of Leadership 2025 Keynote Speakers The Loneliness Epidemic - Voices of Leadership 2025 Keynote Speakers 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.

]]> 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 University Buzzsprout-18052220 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1777 2 8 full false New Reduced Credit Degrees New Reduced Credit Degrees 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. 

]]> 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. 

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-17775614 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1181 2 9 full false Mount Mary VP of Mission and Justice - Andrea Stapleton, PhD Mount Mary VP of Mission and Justice - Andrea Stapleton, PhD 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. 

]]> 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. 

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-17087455 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1073 2 6 full false Mount Mary Nursing Mount Mary Nursing 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.

]]> 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 University Buzzsprout-16747912 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1088 2 5 full false Culturabot - Generative AI App Created by Mount Mary Culturabot - Generative AI App Created by Mount Mary 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 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 University Buzzsprout-16330687 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1145 2 4 full false Mount Mary Athletics Mount Mary Athletics 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

]]> 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

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-16129832 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0600 1271 2 3 full false Kat Esser - Amazon Web Services Executive and MMU Voices of Leadership Keynote Speaker Kat Esser - Amazon Web Services Executive and MMU Voices of Leadership Keynote Speaker 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-15939542 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0500 1325 2 2 full false Caroline Scholars Caroline Scholars 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-15769077 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0500 1441 2 1 full false UX Design + Medical App Project UX Design + Medical App Project 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-15286274 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -0500 1386 1 19 full false Commencement Keynote Speaker and Mount Mary Alum Veronica Bethel Parker Commencement Keynote Speaker and Mount Mary Alum Veronica Bethel Parker 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.

 

]]> 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.

 

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-15035835 Wed, 08 May 2024 15:00:00 -0500 1190 1 18 full false Fashion Business - with Assistant Professor Trish Kuehnl and Students Mu La Soe and Spi Paw Fashion Business - with Assistant Professor Trish Kuehnl and Students Mu La Soe and Spi Paw 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! 

]]> 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! 

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-14935877 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0500 996 1 17 full false Dr. Kathy Boyle and Jewel Scholar Maham Umar Dr. Kathy Boyle and Jewel Scholar Maham Umar 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-14763268 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500 1092 1 16 full false Dr. Cheryl Bailey - Dean of Graduate Health and Professional Programs Dr. Cheryl Bailey - Dean of Graduate Health and Professional Programs 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-14586869 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0600 952 1 15 full true MMU Alum and Plus Size Fashion Designer Sasha Walton MMU Alum and Plus Size Fashion Designer Sasha Walton 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.


]]> 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.


]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-14451246 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0600 1166 1 14 full false Lakiesha Russell - Clinical Director of Mount Mary Counseling and Wellness Center Lakiesha Russell - Clinical Director of Mount Mary Counseling and Wellness Center 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-14356070 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0600 879 1 13 full false MMU Student and Trinidad and Tobago Native Jodi Cunningham MMU Student and Trinidad and Tobago Native Jodi Cunningham 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.

]]> 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 University Buzzsprout-14176317 Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0600 878 1 12 full false Donna Ricco - Fashion Designer/Mount Mary Fashion Program Executive Fellow Donna Ricco - Fashion Designer/Mount Mary Fashion Program Executive Fellow 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-14044114 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0600 1211 1 11 full false Finding Your Authentic Self - April Hansen, Voices of Leadership Keynote Speaker Finding Your Authentic Self - April Hansen, Voices of Leadership Keynote Speaker 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.

]]> 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 University Buzzsprout-13963622 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0600 903 1 10 full false Dr. Jason Meyler - Leadership for Social Justice Dr. Jason Meyler - Leadership for Social Justice Mount Mary Associate Professor Dr. Jason Meyler talks about the unique MMU class 'Leadership for Social Justice,' and how it impacts students and community.

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

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-13920863 Mon, 06 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0600 926 1 9 full false Food Science 101 - Dr. Anne Vravick Food Science 101 - Dr. Anne Vravick 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!   

]]> 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 University Buzzsprout-13846733 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0500 915 1 8 full false Mission Trip to the US/Mexico Border Mission Trip to the US/Mexico Border 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 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 University Buzzsprout-13811360 Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:00:00 -0500 1037 1 7 full false Student and Afghan Refugee Mahdia Bita Student and Afghan Refugee Mahdia Bita 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-13752112 Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0500 963 1 6 full false School of Nursing Dean Dr Julie Maher School of Nursing Dean Dr Julie Maher 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-13703092 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0500 947 1 5 full false Sister Joan Penzenstadler - Part 2 Sister Joan Penzenstadler - Part 2 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 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.

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-13659548 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0500 891 1 4 full false Sister Joan Penzenstadler - Part 1 Sister Joan Penzenstadler - Part 1 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. 

]]> 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. 

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-13612147 Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0500 849 1 3 full false Mount Mary President Dr. Isabelle Cherney part 2 Mount Mary President Dr. Isabelle Cherney part 2 Dr. Cherney talks about her vision for Mount Mary and the exciting plans for the future of the university.

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

]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-13533596 Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0500 983 1 2 full false Mount Mary President Dr. Isabelle Cherney part 1 Mount Mary President Dr. Isabelle Cherney part 1 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.


]]> 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.


]]> Mount Mary University Buzzsprout-13389969 Fri, 11 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0500 865 1 1 full false