Women of Marian Society

Jordan Bacon

Jordan Bacon, a graduate of Mater Dei High School in Evansville, Indiana, is one of two students selected this year as a recipient of the Women of Marian Society Scholarship. A member of the Class of 2029, she is pursuing a degree in nursing with a minor in ministry studies and is also a San Damiano Scholar.

Jordan chose Marian because it offers a place where she can integrate her Catholic faith with her career path. She is eager to grow academically, spiritually, and personally as she prepares for a future of service in healthcare and international mission work.

Her journey at Marian is made possible through the generosity of the Women of Marian Society, whose commitment to supporting students ensures that young women like Jordan can grow in faith, scholarship, and leadership.

What inspired you to choose Marian University?

I was inspired to choose Marian University because I knew it was a place that I could integrate my Catholic faith with my career path. I loved the community found at Marian and all of the opportunities to get involved.

What is your field of study, and what are your goals after graduation?

I am majoring in nursing and minoring in ministry studies. My goals after graduation include working as a nurse in a hospital setting and eventually serving in international mission work.

What have you enjoyed most in your first few weeks on campus?

In my first few weeks on campus, I have enjoyed:

Meeting new people

Going to my first Marian football game

Spending time in the chapels

Playing lots of Phase 10

What has helped you feel most welcome so far?

So far, I have felt the most welcomed by the upperclassmen. Coming to Marian, I knew a few students in the grades above me. They have made Marian feel like a home to me.

What did it mean to you to receive the Women of Marian Society Scholarship?

Receiving the Women of Marian Society Scholarship not only financially allowed me to attend Marian University but also gave me a community of women to look up to and be a part of here on campus and in Indianapolis.

At the Summer Luncheon, you joined over 450 students, alumnae, and friends of Marian. What was that experience like for you?

Experiencing the Summer Luncheon was so beautiful. It was inspiring to meet so many women who are passionate about Marian and about the impact that they are called to make both at Marian and in the world. The luncheon gave me just a glimpse of how amazing and impactful the Women of Marian Society is.

If you could share one message with the women who made this scholarship possible, what would it be?

Thank you so much for saying yes to the Women of Marian Society. I am honored to be a part of the society with you all and so grateful for how you've inspired and supported me.

Tanna Tatlock

Tanna Tatlock, a graduate of Southwestern High School in Shelbyville, Indiana, is one of two students selected this year as a recipient of the Women of Marian Society Scholarship. She is pursuing a degree in chemistry on the pre-medicine track and is also a San Damiano Scholar.

Tanna chose Marian for its strong Catholic identity, where faith is not treated as secondary but is deeply integrated into campus life. She is already embracing the Franciscan spirit that makes Marian feel like home and looks forward to serving others through a future career in healthcare.

Her journey at Marian is made possible through the generosity of the Women of Marian Society, whose commitment to supporting students ensures that young women like Tanna can grow in faith, scholarship, and leadership.

What made you choose Marian for college?
I chose Marian because of its Catholic presence. I love that my faith isn't treated as secondary but is integrated into my education. Today, I was hit with a moment of "I am 100% in the right place" while walking to class. Yesterday, InterVarsity had a chalk and worship event at the fountain. I could not attend because I was busy with homework, but this morning as I walked to class I was able to read the chalk, and the one that truly hit me said, "He walks with you," and little footsteps were drawn in the direction I was walking. The Spirit is so strong at Marian, and I love every minute here being surrounded by the love of God.

What are you studying, and what would you love to do after graduation?
I am currently studying chemistry on the pre-medicine route. While my plan is to enter healthcare, I am not exactly sure where I will be specifically! I am currently thinking of becoming an osteopathic doctor (not sure what branch quite yet—maybe family medicine or dermatology), PA, speech pathologist, or dentist! My passion has always been the welfare of the people around me, and it is my calling in life to serve others through medicine. I love seeing an impact through meaningful healthcare and having the ability to see families find peace, whether it is through healing or grief. I want to heal the world through my love of Christ and compassion.

What’s been a favorite class, event, or moment on campus so far?
A favorite moment has been all-campus Mass. It was beautiful and soul-touching to see the church full of people and receiving the Eucharist. I love Mass, and to see a bunch of people (Catholic and non-Catholic) enjoying the service was amazing. Further, Father Rick is awesome! I've always struggled with staying focused for homilies, but he does a phenomenal job of storytelling and keeping my attention—I don't have to worry about trying to pay attention because his homilies are so thoughtful and passionate.

What has helped you feel comfortable and settle in at Marian?
What has helped me to feel comfortable and settle in at Marian is the Franciscan atmosphere. Marian has always felt so homey, but it wasn't until I arrived and moved in that I saw all the opportunities for religious growth, and this is why God was calling me here. Jesus is alive on campus from corner to corner, and I feel his presence everywhere I walk. This has made it so easy for me to move in because I am home—with my Lord walking by my side, I know I can accomplish anything!

How did it feel to be chosen for the Women of Marian Society Scholarship?
As cheesy as it sounds, it felt like a ray of sunshine to be chosen for the Women of Marian Society Scholarship. It was one of my reassuring moments that Marian is where I am meant to be, and I remember feeling so incredibly joyful and peaceful when I read the news. I am so grateful to attend this amazing place for the next four years because of the assistance with this scholarship.

Thinking back to the Summer Luncheon, what was your favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day was the socializing! I loved meeting and getting to know the amazing women at my table. Hearing stories about their lives, receiving advice on how to succeed, and knowing that I have several strong women supporting me through the obstacles I will overcome in these upcoming years was great. One woman told me a story about how, when she attended Marian, the gym class that would swim in Allison Mansion would avoid a specific spot that was freakishly cold because there was a rumor of a ghost! You don't get these stories through Instagram or TikTok, but in live, real conversations with influential people!

If you could tell the women who made this scholarship possible one thing, what would you say?
Thank you. I know it is simple, but there are no words I could possibly say other than those two. Because of this scholarship, I am going to experience so many Godly opportunities and have connections to phenomenal women for the rest of my life. The Women of Marian Society is an organization I am enthralled to be a part of, and I cannot wait until I am in your shoes and also funding the future ladies of Marian because it is truly life-changing!