Mary Rupp's Journey to MSUM's Commencement Stage

Mary Rupp, a double major in criminal justice and psychology, is preparing to stand before her graduating class on Dec. 19 to deliver a commencement speech focusing on heart, grit, and humility – the core values defining the MSUM experience.

The Campbell, Minn., student's journey to MSUM was inspired by family and fueled by personal experience. While Mary's family navigated divorce, she fondly remembers the importance and support of her custody evaluator, Kelsey, who sparked her interest in child protection and family welfare. This life-changing experience inspired Mary's interest in criminal and juvenile justice and psychology.

"I think I will be able to relate to these kids and families and have a positive impact on them," Mary says.

When it came time to choose a college, MSUM felt familiar. Her mother, Desi Kleindl, is an MSUM alumna, but Mary's decision was rooted in more than family tradition. MSUM's excellent programs, sense of community, balanced size, and welcoming atmosphere played a role in her choice.

"It wasn't so small that you knew everyone, but it wasn't so big that you felt like a number," Mary says.

During her time at MSUM, Mary distinguished herself academically.

Her dedication and hard work earned her membership in the National Psychology Honor Society (Psy Chi) and the Criminal Justice Honor Society, where she was nominated by her professors.

Mary says the guidance and support of professors throughout her academic journey, namely Geraldine Sloan, Chad Duncan and Lee Vigilant, were essential to her success. "Dr. Duncan was always encouraging me, telling me I could do it and reminding me that if I ever needed help, he'd be there," Mary says.

Real experience and hands-on learning helped her get an internship in child protection at Wilkin County Health and Human Services. Coursework in classes like "Welfare of Children" taught by Linda Jaeger, engrained concepts and practices she immediately applied in her internship.

The invitation to deliver the commencement speech for the College of Education & Human Services came as a surprise to Mary. At first, she felt overwhelmed. Public speaking before such a large audience was daunting. However, after conversations with her parents and friends, she realized the gravity of the honor and accepted the challenge.

"They reminded me that not many people get this opportunity," she says. "I'm so glad I said yes."

Her commencement speech will focus on MSUM's core values of heart, grit, and humility. Mary plans to highlight how these values shaped her experiences at the university and how she will continue to apply them in her future career in child protection.

Following graduation, Mary will begin a full-time position as a Child Protection Case Manager with Otter Tail County. Simultaneously, she will pursue a master's degree in forensic psychology.