Beth Jones, U'88
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Why did you choose to attend Saint Mary, and what made it stand out from other colleges
you considered?
I had family members who had gone to Saint Mary, my Grandmother really wanted me to go there. I moved from Texas and when I arrived, the campus was so beautiful and peaceful. I was a Texas girl three states away from anyone I knew, and I was ready for an adventure. I made friends fast and it quickly felt like home.
What have you been up to since graduating from Saint Mary?
I went on to earn another degree at Illinois State University and did some grad work at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. I have two sons both currently in college.
What is your current job or role, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I work for Our Kids at Heart and raise close to a million a year to keep the poorest of the poor in Catholic Schools. I am also the Board President for a MUD District (Water Utility District) in my community. I love building and maintaining parks and the deeds in my community. I love helping people and giving my time to the community keeps me busy.
How did your time at Saint Mary prepare you for your career?
The Sisters prepared me for my career. They believed in me and taught me life long skills I still use today.
What is a memorable experience you had during your time at Saint Mary?
One of my most memorable moments was with two of my besties. We stayed for Thanksgiving and we made ourselves dinner in the red room. We each came from states far away. One Montana, one Wyoming, and myself Texas, so we did our best and made ourselves a great dinner. We invited a few sisters to join us. It was a lot of fun.
Have you stayed in touch with any of your professors or classmates?
Yes, Sister Kathleen Wood has been my mentor and like my Mom for many, many years. I have also kept in touch with many classmates, just like my sisters.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates?
My best advice is to carry Saint Mary with you wherever you go. The Sisters of Charity who have led this place, and the classmates you've lived and learned beside for four years, have given you more wisdom than you probably realize right now. Even if you don't go on to more school, like I did, you can take what you learned about service, community, and caring for people and let it shape how you show up in your jobs, your families, and your neighbors for the rest of your life, and as you go, do not forget where you came from. When you are able, give back to Saint Mary so other students can have the same chance you were given.
Are there any achievements or milestones you would like to share with the Saint Mary community?
Within a few years of leaving Saint Mary, I built and operated a daycare center. From there, I went to work at my church and started a Mothers of Young Children program that has now lasted more than 20 years. Since then, I have continued to work with children and families and now work for Our Kids at Heart, where I help raise over $1 million a year so the poorest of poor can receive a Catholic education. I also serve as the Board President for a water utility district, where I help oversee water systems, build parks, and build community, giving back where I can. I also volunteer my time at a senior center close to my home, where I help make sure residents have church on Sunday and that they feel loved and cared for. I do this a few days a week because I truly believe in giving back, and because Saint Mary gave so much to me, I have been able to achieve the milestones I'm sharing with you today.
How do you stay connected with the Saint Mary alumni network?
I stay connected by serving on the Alumni Board for Saint Mary. I also use Facebook to connect and keep up with my classmates.
What hobbies or interests are you currently pursuing?
I love to travel, and I love photography.
Do you have any favorite Saint Mary traditions that you still cherish?