By Isabella Vargas
As Mount Saint Mary’s University approaches its centennial celebrations, the Mount Traditions Club plays a vital role in preserving its rich history and fostering connections between alumni and current students.
“The Mount Traditions Club was inspired by the desire to honor and promote the rich heritage of Mount Saint Mary’s University,” said Katheryn Lozano, the president of the Mount Traditions Club.
The club, led by student Katheryn Lozano, is a joint venture with Alumni Relations focused on honoring MSMU’s traditions while staying closely connected with current students.
“MTC works closely with Alumni Relations, and at that time, they wanted to recognize the need for a student leader dedicated to this mission.
"Alumni Relations chose a student leader on campus to make this club possible,” said Katheryn.
Despite having a student leader, the Mount Traditions Club wouldn’t be the same without the support of Alumni Relations. Alumni return to share traditions from their time at the Mount, offer guidance, and connect with current students.
“Alumni can share valuable insights into the career paths and academic experiences, helping students navigate challenges and make enforce decisions about their futures,” said Katheryn.
Many need to be made aware of the traditions valued on campus by the community. Having a club like the Mount Traditions Club spreads awareness and helps freshmen understand how important many of these traditions are. It is a great way to connect with the Mount community and the university for the first years.
“Especially the first years who are coming into the Mount not knowing all of the traditions or any of them and wanting to find something that could bring them closer and having a deeper connection to the university,” said Alexis Fernandez, the programming chair for the Mount Traditions Club.
While valuing the rich history and traditions of the university, MTC gives students a sense of belonging. Participating in different traditions and celebrating the university’s legacy allows the club to promote the strong values of The Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Carondelet while also making students feel like they have found their place on campus.
“The club emphasizes engaging students in campus traditions, creating events that build a sense of belonging, and promoting the values of The Sisters of St. Joseph,” said Katheryn.
From the Haunted Halloween Campus and the Lighting of the Circle to the Mass of the Holy Spirit, students learn about these traditions and feel a sense of belonging. As classes come and go, the Mount Traditions Club brings in new and sparks back up old traditions.
“It is really all about reminding people that we have events and traditions that we want to keep going, like passing on the torch,” said Alexis.