Mount St. Mary's University Celebrates Founders Day of Service with Community Spirit

Mount St. Mary's University Honoring Tradition through Founders Day of Service

Mount St. Mary's University recently celebrated its inaugural Founders Day of Service during the Founders Week festivities. On September 27, 2025, the university community passionately participated in a day centered on service, reflecting the core values instilled by its Catholic heritage.

The day began with volunteers planting trees at the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton, nurturing not just the environment but also the spirit of community and sustainability. This hands-on effort was complemented by a chapel and grounds cleanup at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, ensuring the beauty of these sacred spaces was preserved for future generations.

Layton Field, the Vice President for Mission and Ministry, highlighted the significance of Founders Week, emphasizing the celebration's purpose of reflection, appreciation, and recommitment to the university's mission. "This week serves to honor the legacy of three pivotal figures in our history: Father John Dubois, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Father Simon Bruté," he stated. The activities of the week were designed to deepen understanding of the university’s spiritual roots while inspiring a renewed sense of dedication to academic excellence, faith, and service.

Field remarked, "Incorporating a day of service is crucial to embodying the founders’ legacy. Service transcends mere activity; it is a lived expression of our Catholic mission. Through acts of service, we honor the vision of our founders by fostering community, uplifting others, and living out the Gospel call to love and serve."

The day was marked by not only physical labor like tree planting and cleaning but also moments of prayer and fellowship, fostering a deeper sense of unity among students, faculty, and staff. Participants reported feeling a renewed connection to their purpose and a stronger bond with their university and its values.

Through the Center for Service, Mount St. Mary's University builds beneficial partnerships within the community, aligning student learning with real-world impact. The Center emphasizes that such experiences are vital for cultivating a spirit of service that defines the university’s community.

Mount St. Mary's University, located in historic Emmitsburg, Maryland, prides itself on offering over 70 academic programs while nurturing a vibrant campus life committed to social responsibility and community engagement. The efforts made on Founders Day serve as a reminder of the university's commitment to educating well-rounded individuals who care for others and connect with their communities.

In summary, this inaugural Founders Day of Service was not just an event, but a fulfilling journey into honoring the past and committing to a brighter, service-oriented future. As the university continues to embrace its traditions, initiatives like these solidify the relationship between education, faith, and community service.

For more information about upcoming service opportunities at Mount St. Mary's University, please visit the Center for Service website.