Simone Tatum '23

Simone began her college journey in 2019 with many changing variables in her life— the joy of a newborn daughter, the heartbreak of a recent family death and the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic. Despite these challenges, she remained focused on one constant: That Mount Mary would help her see it through. 

“I chose Mount Mary because they showed me from the beginning that they would do anything to help me succeed and get this degree, no matter my circumstances.” 

Simone, who graduated with a degree in Biology, credits the support that she received at Mount Mary. She was a Jewel Scholar program that supports budding scientists and a member of the MMU Promise Program, which helps first-generation and limited-income students succeed.  

While a student at Mount Mary, she became involved with the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society, helping to coordinate the group’s annual blood drive. After graduation Simone entered into a master's program in nursing, with plans to eventually become a nurse practitioner. 

“I had so much help from my awesome advisors, support from professors and even free resources here that assisted in helping me academically, financially and even mentally,” she said.