Mount Mary Week promises big celebrations for campus' 104th birthday

It was 104 years ago that the inaugural group of students sat down for college classes at St. Mary's in Prairie du Chien. Since the College grew out of the Institute that Mother Caroline had founded on February 22, 1872, the University reserves the third Thursday in February to celebrate its founding.

The Founders Day celebration combines with Honors Convocation where students are inducted into national honor societies. The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) also present awards to students and employees who exemplify SSND spirit.

Founders Day is also surrounded by complementary events during Mount Mary Week, including:

  • The Coffee Pot - come for the free coffee, stay for the community
  • Campus Service Day - a time for the campus to work together on a special project
  • Disney Tunes and Trivia - You have 3 seconds to name that Disney Tune. Are you up to the challenge?
  • Moving Parade - Geaux Blue. Special judge and special emcees in the style of a "Macy's Parade"

Each event has opportunities for attendees to be entered into a raffle drawing. Full details about events can be found below.

"Our mission is to connect our legacy with the current community. We see this day as a way to celebrate, connect and support the sense of community that the University has provided to everyone for the past 104 years," said Lisa Breitsprecker, Senior Director of Development and organizer of Mount Mary Week.

The community is encouraged to use #MMUDay on social media each day during the week. Social media runs parallel to numerous events, extending the celebration online. Mount Mary Week culminates with a big finale: Mount Mary Day, during which The Promise Within employee giving campaign wraps up and the grand prize winners from the Mount Mary Week raffle are announced.

Feb 21: MOUNT MARY WEEK KICKOFF EVENTS

8:00-10:00am. The Coffee Pot outside the Admissions Welcome Center, 1st floor Notre Dame

Come for the coffee, stay for the community. Stop by for a free cup of coffee to start your day -- every day during Mount Mary Week.

11:30am – 1pm. Table session outside of Alumnae Dining Room

Learn about what Mount Mary Week has planned and how you can be entered for grand prizes by participating in various opportunities, events and social media. Pick up your Mardi Gras parade box to decorate with a team. We’re looking for floats/boxes that personify the Mount Mary spirit. Bring your best float ideas, puns, colors and other creative mediums to the task. Then, bring your finished box to the moving parade during lunch hour on Feb. 27.

2-4pm LinkedIn headshots for students near Haggerty Library entrance

Take 15 minutes for professional development. Stop by and get a free professional headshot for LinkedIn. Photos taken by University Marketing & Communications outside of shuttle heading to Workforce Career Fair.

Feb 22: Be our guest day

8:00-10:00am. The Coffee Pot outside the Admissions Welcome Center, 1st floor Notre Dame

Come for the coffee, stay for the community. Stop by for a free cup of coffee to start your day -- every day during Mount Mary Week.

11:30am-1pm. Disney Tunes and Trivia in Parkway Place

You have 3 seconds to name that Disney Tune. Are you up to the challenge? Be our guest during lunch hour trivia. Prizes to the fastest, most skilled trivia masters. You’ll also have the opportunity to decorate your box for the Mardi Gras parade.

12-12:30pm. Mass in Our Lady Chapel – 2nd floor Notre Dame Hall

Feb 23: Founders Day

8:30-10:00am. Meet President-Elect Dr. Pharr, Stiemke Hall

Welcome the next president in a special community event. Hear brief remarks from the incoming president with a brief reception to follow.

8:00-10:00am. The Coffee Pot in Stiemke Hall

Come for the coffee, stay for the community. Stop by for a free cup of coffee to start your day -- every day during Mount Mary Week.

11:30am – 1pm. Founder’s Day

A significant University event. Today we recognize the courage of our university’s founders as well as honor this year’s SSND Heritage, Mother Theresa and Mother Caroline award winners.

4:30pm. Courtyard outside of Gerhardinger Center. Luminary walk and s’mores. (bad weather=Caroline Hall Lounge)

Community-building event, and a luminary-lit pathway from the arches to the courtyard. All of the university comes together with President Schwalbach to end Founder’s Day with a prayer and special arrangement by the Gospel Choir. Join us for s’mores and fun with everyone.

Feb 24: Campus Service Day

8:00-10:00am. The Coffee Pot outside the Admissions Welcome Center, 1st floor Notre Dame

Come for the coffee, stay for the community. Stop by for a free cup of coffee to start your day -- every day during Mount Mary Week.

1-3pm. Campus Grounds Sparkle and Shine - check in at the Arches for supplies and instruction

We’re awfully proud of our beautiful campus. Spend an hour with us as we beautify where we live, learn, and grow. We'll be picking up sticks, sweeping sidewalks, and window washing (weather pending).

Feb 25: Spread the love on social media

All day. Social Media

Show your Mount Mary pride by liking and sharing on social media. By participating in #MMUDay, you’ll earn points towards grand prizes.

Feb 26: Spread the love on social media

All day. Social Media

Show your Mount Mary pride by liking and sharing on social media. By participating in #MMUDay, you’ll earn points towards grand prizes.

Feb 27: Mardi Gras Parade

8:00-10:00am. The Coffee Pot outside the Admissions Welcome Center, 1st floor Notre Dame

Come for the coffee, stay for the community. Stop by for a free cup of coffee to start your day -- every day during Mount Mary Week.

12:15-1pm. Moving Parade in Alumnae Dining Hall

Parade time is here – calling all decorated boxes. Join the moving parade throughout the Alumnae Dining Hall. Special judge and special emcees in the style of a “Macy’s Parade” commentary table. Prizes given to 1) most creative as determined by special judge; 2) audience favorite.

Feb 28: All about Mount Mary

8:00-10:00am. The Coffee Pot outside the Admissions Welcome Center, 1st floor Notre Dame

Come for the coffee, stay for the community. Stop by for a free cup of coffee to start your day -- every day during Mount Mary Week.

12:30p.m. Raffle Drawing –Prize Winners announced, Alumnae Dining Hall.

Have you turned in all of your raffle tickets? Raffle winners announced during more Mardi Gras fun. You need not be present to win, but you’ll want the 5 minutes of fame.

All day. Social Media                             

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