College Counselors, Karlen Suga and Courtney Best, faced a rainy spring day with 34 juniors, touring the University of Oregon and Willamette University. They attended information sessions, went on campus tours, had lunch with some SMA alumnae who attend UO, and explored what it might look like to go to these schools in the coming years. It was a great opportunity for juniors to see a large public university and a small private liberal arts university within a few hours of St. Mary’s Academy. 

“At the University of Oregon, we saw some of our class of '22 alumnae during our campus tour.” Karlen reflected on the special opportunity to not only introduce SMA juniors to college life, but the excitement of seeing former students now thrive as first-year students at U of O. 

Our College Counselors build trusting relationships with current students and do their best to stay in contact as students continue in their college careers. This spring, our counselors jumped at the opportunity to visit with SMA graduates around the country, witnessing and celebrating their successes on campus. 

Every alumna Karlen and Coutney had the pleasure of visiting, from Gonzaga to Boston College, attributed much of their college success to their high school education. Courtney, who took an east coast trip this spring, saw how first-year college students “were adequately prepared for college level work, especially college writing, and jump into leadership roles.” She went on to share, “I can see some of the outcomes of our students and understand the lifelong impact of their SMA education.” 

The community of care – not only from college counseling – but from all teachers and faculty, is a testament to the intentional education provided by St. Mary’s Academy. Karlen expressed her gratitude to teachers after her visit with alumnae, “Thank you for all you do to make each student who leaves our doors feel confident, valued, and supported.”