Download the 2011-12 Annual Report - Saint Mary's College of ...

Dear Saint Mary’s Community,This year we honor the sesquicentennial of Saint Mary’s College of California — theYear of the Gael. In celebrating our 150th anniversary, we chose to focus on our diversecommunity of scholars, staff, students and alumni because we believe the energy ofour community, and the individuals within it, are what make us most distinctive.When we look back at the College in its early years, when nine Brothers arrived in1868 to take over a school with fewer than 40 students, we see that a remarkabletransformation has taken place. Today, we have the largest enrollment and mosthighly qualified students in our history. A new recreation center is taking shapeand a new library is on the drawing board. We attract nationwide accolades for ourunique academic programs, such as January Term and Collegiate Seminar, and forour successful model of engaged student learning in both our undergraduate andgraduate curricula. Our student-athletes are second to none.We also have remained true to the values that were present at our beginning. TheCollege continues its mission of expanding opportunities for all students. Thirtyonepercent of our undergraduates are eligible for the Pell grant. We are providingexpansive support for first generation college students, and our graduate programsmeet the needs of working professionals. Our students and faculty are an activepresence in our local community and in communities around the globe.Go Gaels!In Saint La Salle,Brother Ronald Gallagher, FSCPresident2YEAR OF THE GAEL