Mary Ellen Horwath, B.A., Class of 鈥�68, traces her lifelong commitment to political activism and community engagement to Hallmark Number 4: We commit ourselves to community service.
鈥淚t started when I tutored students at Ravenswood School as a sophomore in the mid-1960s,鈥� Mary Ellen recalls. 鈥淭hat experience was followed by a summer with VISTA, teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Kentucky.鈥�
She describes those experiences as transformative. 鈥淚 was the proverbial protected only child,鈥� she says. 鈥淪erving others at 19 was a real awakening. It opened my eyes to lives and challenges far beyond my own sheltered world and inspired a lifelong commitment to making a difference.鈥�
For Mary Ellen, the seven Hallmarks reflect NDNU's strong moral compass, emphasizing lives of purpose, service to others, and an education that empowers people to make a positive difference in the world. They attract students who share those values and help shape the graduates for whom NDNU has become known.
The Hallmarks also connect NDNU's 175-year legacy to its future. As she explains, 鈥淭he Hallmarks remind us that while we continue to evolve, our core values and mission remain unchanged. Our essence stays the same.鈥�