Together, the Marian University community persevered through 2020 and emerged as an even stronger community. From the 100 percent medical school match rate, to being named one of the Midwest region's most innovative universities, to the launch of our E. S. Witchger School of Engineering, here are nine times Marian University made history this year.

1. Our incredible students, faculty, and staff came together as a community and quickly adjusted, adapted, and persevered as the world first faced the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Of the 154 medical students who participated in "Match Day," 100 percent received information about where they will complete their post-doctoral specialty training, commonly referred to as a "residency."

3. Our students graduate career ready, and 2020 didn’t stop that. Four of our students earned prestigious post-graduation honors. Andrea Stanley ’20 and Melissa Duong ’20 were accepted to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for recent graduates. Elena Horen '21 and Kayla Fisher ’21 were named Orr Fellows.

4. We welcomed our largest incoming class ever.

5. We announced a collaboration of mission and operations with Ancilla College.

6. We jumped to #3 in US News & World Report’s annual rankings of Most Innovative Midwest Regional Universities. We also ranked #5 in the “Best Value” category and finished #28 overall in the list of Midwest Regional Universities, rising spots in both categories.

7. We continued to expand our academic programs with the launch of the E. S. Witchger school of Engineering, set to welcome its first class in the fall of 2022.

8. Despite uncertainties during the season because of COVID-19, our women’s soccer team was named Crossroads League Tournament Champions.

9. Because of the generous efforts of the Marian University community, we beat our Forging Leaders: The Legacy We’re Made For campaign goal of raising $150 million by 2021, providing programs, facilities, and scholarships to our growing student body. Our new goal is to raise $250 million by 2025.