The spirit of community and lifelong friendship was on full display as Mount Saint Mary College welcomed graduates back to campus for Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026.
Alumni from across generations gathered to reconnect, share memories, and look toward the strong future of their alma mater.
Nikki Khurana-Baugh, Vice President for College Advancement, welcomed the crowd back to the place where so many life-shaping experiences began.
“We are absolutely thrilled and excited to welcome you back to your alma mater,” she said, “where you made some great memories and had some incredible experiences.”
Alumni Association President Nick Shannon ’03 reminded attendees that graduation is far from the end of a student's relationship with the college: “It is the beginning of a lifelong connection to the Mount and to one another,” he noted, emphasizing the association’s continued mission to keep graduates engaged through mentorship, volunteerism, and celebration.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Dr. Eileen M. McNeely. Introduced by her former Biology teacher, Tom Sarro, Dr. McNeely was praised for her commitment to learning, exceptional work ethic, and a career dedicated to improving the lives of others. Today, she serves as the founder and executive director of SHINE (the Sustainability and Health Initiative for NetPositive Enterprise) within Harvard University.
Dr. McNeely’s remarkable path began at the Mount, though her journey into higher education was unexpected. As one of ten children, she noted that her family did not initially have the financial means for college. However, a shifting New York State proposal requiring nurses to hold a baccalaureate degree prompted her father to send her to the Mount to pursue nursing.
Reflecting on her time at the college, Dr. McNeely credited the college’s unique, forward-thinking approach to medical education for shaping her entire perspective. She highlighted how early mentors, such as Mount nursing legend Sr. Leona DeBoer, OP, instilled a philosophy that viewed patients as deeply connected to their environments.
“I wanted to say that the Mount was amazing,” she explained. “And it all started – the ripple effect – with Tom Sarro. He showed me I actually really like science, which I didn’t know, and we took it from there.”
Board of Trustees Chair Lou Bach pointed out that nearly 90 percent of current Mount students receive financial assistance, making scholarships the critical difference-maker for many. The community quickly answered the call: Sarro announced a matching fund toward his scholarship, pledging to match any donation up to $2,500 in honor of Dr. McNeely.
With nearly 20,000 living alumni across the globe, the weekend proved that the impact of a Mount Saint Mary College education continues, driven by leaders who remain deeply committed to service and excellence.
To support student scholarships, contact Khurana-Baugh at 845-569-3216 or Nikki.Khurana-Baugh@msmc.edu.