Central ND News

The University of Mary has announced the 2025 Homecoming King, Queen, and court during ceremonies held on October 8 in Founders Hall at the Lumen Vitae University Center. The announcement was part of the university’s annual Day of Service, which is recognized as North Dakota’s largest single-day volunteer event. Over 1,500 students, faculty, and staff participated in service activities across Bismarck, Mandan, Fort Yates, as well as at University of Mary sites in Rome and Arizona State University.

Theodore Paul Kariuki was named Homecoming King. Kariuki is from Bloomington, Minnesota and will graduate in April with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems along with minors in Computer Science and Catholic Studies. He has been involved in several campus organizations including the Fraternity of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Marauders Activities, Student Government, Ultimate Frisbee, Knights of Columbus, FOCUS, Catholic Studies Student Leaders, and University Ministry. According to Kariuki: "His service and involvement at the University has gifted him with a habit of radical hospitality, skilled service, and joyful witness, activated by his amazing mother and cultivated by his mentors at the University of Mary and beyond. However his time at Mary will influence his future, Paul is content to wait and see what the Lord has in store for him."

Anna Havelka was named Homecoming Queen. Havelka grew up in Hettinger, North Dakota and is pursuing degrees in Elementary Education and Catholic Studies with a minor in Special Education. She participates in Catholic Studies Student Leaders and FOCUS programs while working for the University of Mary Admissions office. Havelka said: "While her plans for after graduation are unknown, she knows the formation she received at the University of Mary will help her to serve in an intentional way wherever God calls her to."

Other members of this year’s Homecoming Court include:

- Lillian Beauregard from Choctaw, Oklahoma will graduate with majors in history and philosophy concentrating on bioethics. She serves as president of the Dawson Society.

- Brittany Berger is a transfer student from Yakima, Washington graduating with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She serves as Resident Assistant and Vice President of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association.

- Addyson Gilbert from Dell Rapids, South Dakota will graduate with degrees in Psychology and Catholic Studies.

- Emily Schommer from New Ulm, Minnesota will earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

- Ava Yurczyk from Seattle will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy; she plans to pursue medical school.

The university reports that its Day of Service involves widespread participation not only locally but also internationally through its campuses abroad.