Marie Van Ness '62

Over fifty years ago Marie Van Ness '62 graduated from Nazareth, and she has stayed connected to her alma mater ever since.

"I liked the College and made some terrific friends at Nazareth with women who have enriched my life," she says. "We were a spirited class, had lots of fun, and have continued to care about each other. Those friendships are very important to me."

Marie has dedicated her life to service. Now retired after 42 years of social work—27 of those years in the federal government where she finished as chief of Army Community Service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center—she is involved in several volunteer activities in her community.

Honoring the widowed mother who paid for her education is just one reason Marie has remembered Nazareth in her estate plan. She believes "a good liberal arts education is so important to any career" and was herself inspired by professors Sister Mary Lourdes, Sister Magdalen, and Sister Marion Hoctor.

"I believe we need to give back," she says. "I've been very fortunate. I've have had a wonderful and full social work career and life."

"My mother made a big investment in my college education, and I want to honor her as well. I want to show appreciation for my education, the growth of the college, and all my terrific friends."

Marie's planned gift will support Nazareth's highest priorities, which include helping us fulfill our mission to seek students who want to make a difference in their own world and the world around them.