Imagine the Impact on the Community

Saint Mary’s students are dynamic women determined to change the world. Saint Mary’s provides the academic foundation and spiritual focus they need to build a better tomorrow.You can give them the scholarships and financial aid that sets it all in motion, just like you did for Sarah Dalton ’09…

Sarah Dalton ’09 fell in love with Saint Mary’s College on a warm, autumn day. “I knew that Saint Mary’s was the school for me when I came for Fall Day and heard President Mooney say that there has never been a Saint Mary’s woman who doesn’t work hard and play hard,” says Sarah.

For Sarah, the best part of being a student at Saint Mary’s is being able to make changes on campus. “There aren’t many colleges that give students the chance to impact campus like Saint Mary’s does. From Dance Marathon to the Student Environmental Action Coalition with their recycling program, we are making a difference here and helping make things better.”

She didn’t waste time getting started. Within a month of arriving at Saint Mary’s, Sarah joined Circle K. She helped revitalize the Kiwanis affiliated student service group; increasing membership from 10 to 50 members. “Our club won a lot of awards for the entire state of Indiana. It’s exciting that we were able to rebuild a club that does such great work for others.”

Today, Sarah serves as Circle K president, but she says it’s really a team effort. Any member can suggest projects which range from after school programs, roadside clean-up, and hosting a senior prom at a local nursing home. “You get to meet so many different people, many in situations where they don’t have much,” says Sarah.

Sarah was also a founding member of the Dance Marathon at Saint Mary’s. Along with a group of classmates, Sarah launched this annual fundraising event to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Ind. These Saint Mary’s women have raised $153,000 is three years. They even received the Incentive Award; the highest award given by the Children’s Miracle Network. Sarah’s contribution? Last year, she managed the letter campaign that raised $60,000. “My favorite part of Dance Marathon is the big reveal at the dance when we announce how much money was raised. Families come up and share their story about how Riley’s has impacted them. It’s humbling to think you have helped make that possible for other families.”

For her last year on campus, Sarah is keeping busy with classes and applying to graduate schools. The communications major is excited about her future as a counselor although that wasn’t always her plan. Sarah came to Saint Mary’s to major in business, but changed her mind after a summer job teaching golf to at-risk youth. That experience, combined with Introduction to Communicative Disorders with Susan Latham, opened Sarah’s eyes to new possibilities. “Susan inspired me. She is so passionate about her job and dedicated to her students. I want to have that same passion in my own life,” says Sarah. “Saint Mary’s experience helped me realize I feel a calling to help others through listening and having compassion. And my classes prepared me for it by teaching me to communicate in an effective and caring way.”

One might wonder where Sarah finds the time to do everything. If you were to ask, Sarah would tell you that her scholarship keeps her energized. She received the presidential merit scholarship to attend Saint Mary’s, which made a big difference. “Having a scholarship encouraged me to keep working hard and embracing all the opportunities here at Saint Mary’s. I am very grateful for the financial support that led to me being a part of the Saint Mary’s community.”

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