Alex "AB" Supple, U'15
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What have you been up to since graduating from Saint Mary?
Since graduating from Saint Mary, I have been working in education first as a high school ELA teacher and coach then as an administrator and athletic director. I have two children who are more than I ever could have imagined and watching them grow is the joy of my life.
How did your time at Saint Mary prepare you for your career?
The most humbling and critical academic moment of my life was the first "B" that Dr. Herbert handed back to me. That paper, small as it may have been in the grand scheme of things, taught me to take pride in all that I do and that if it is worth doing it is worth doing well; I had slacked and she called me on it. I resolved to never lessen myself again in something I cared about and I have carried that through my professional life. This was one of many times that brilliant professors taught me to expect the most of myself.
What is a memorable experience you had during your time at Saint Mary?
My senior year, I experienced a tough Christmas break personally. I was entering my student teaching and terrified of how I would balance that obligation with cheer and spring soccer, let alone financials. On a crisp January morning, I sat outside with Sister Rieke behind Saint Mary Hall and she held my hand and ask, "can I pray for you, child?" - I had never felt so loved or seen in my life. While this moment was very specific to me with the woman who also walked me for Homecoming Court and my Senior Night, I know it is one of an infinite number of precious moments Saint Mary students have shared with a Sister. How lucky are we?
Have you stayed in touch with any professors or classmates?
Yes! It is one of the best things about being a Saint Marian! There have been so many weddings and babies since graduating and sharing these moments with my former teammates has been so special. Bobbi Hansen (Hinkle) and I just went to Ireland after she and her husband won a trip at Spirefest! Many professors continue to mentor me as I navigate my professional life, especially Dr. Lavender who I now get to work alongside through my professional partnerships.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates?
To current students - what we get to experience at USM is special. You are part of such a tight knit community with mentors who are so invested in your growth, you will never be just an ID number. Take a moment and pause as you climb the winding staircase after lunch, hold your teammates a little tighter in that next huddle, feel the presence of all the footsteps that came before yours as you walk a tunnel to class in January in shorts... just soak in every minute USM is giving you.
Recent grads - let our network work for you! Get involved - come to Spirefest, attend the alumni events, connect with folks who came from the same spaces and have navigated those that you also want to explore.
How do you stay connected with the Saint Mary alumni network?
Being a part of the Alumni Board has been huge. Getting to give back while also voicing the experience of a first-gen college kid has meant so much to me. I cannot wait to be the Board President in 2027 and 2028 and hope it is a time of increased alumni engagement. I also feel very lucky to adjunct for USM supervising student teachers and to serve on the Education Advisory Committee as a stakeholder and partner. I am so excited for USM's future!
What hobbies or interests are you currently pursuing?
I am mostly pursuing how not to kill my plants on an annual basis. I love being involved in my Turner, USM, and Merriam communities and love serving on my city's Parks and Recreation Board.
Do you have any favorite Saint Mary traditions that you still cherish?
I have three -
First, Matriculation. I look forward to these photos every year. What a beautiful symbol for joining our community.
Second, Alumni Soccer. USM Soccer feels like home for me in so many ways and coming back to connect, play, and share Saint Mary with my kids is so special.
Third, Vespers. I describe this event to others as the magic of Christmas and my family looks forward to it every year!