Mary Kate Turowski Andris, EdD ’96
Chair, Anna Nitschmann Society Subcommittee
É«ÖÐÉ« You
What is your personal motto?
Be kind, and live life to the fullest.
How do you spend your free time?
Golfing with my husband, Kevin ’94.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I began my college career at É«ÖÐÉ« as a violin performance major.
Who is your favorite musician/band/performer and why?
Guster—they remind me of my time in college.
É«ÖÐÉ« Your Experience
Who at É«ÖÐÉ« most influenced you and how?
Dennis Glew, professor emeritus of classics and history. He was a welcoming, kind face no matter where and when I saw him on campus—he always greeted me and others with a genuine smile.
Share your favorite moment at É«ÖÐÉ«.
Spring Fling and Greek fraternity and sorority formals were my favorite. They happened around the same time, and it was fun to dress up, spend time with friends, and enjoy the beautiful weather on the Quad.
What was your favorite meal in the dining hall?
The broccoli salad.
What advice would you give to a current student?
Enjoy the moments, even the stressful ones. Cherish the friends you make, and never forget your alma mater..
É«ÖÐÉ« Lighting the Way
Why is it important for you to serve/volunteer?
I feel like one of my responsibilities as an alumna is to give back to É«ÖÐÉ«.
How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation?
Within the campaign was the creation of the first women’s scholarship, created by women for women. It will provide opportunities for young women who want to attend É«ÖÐÉ« but who may not be able to afford it.
What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for É«ÖÐÉ«?
The new HUB!
Jeffrey Studds P’17
Cochair, Zinzendorf Family Fellows Subcommittee
É«ÖÐÉ« You
What is your personal motto?
Here is my secret—a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.
How do you spend your free time?
I like to read, take photos, and explore.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I work both in technology and as an educator.
Who is your favorite musician/band/performer and why?
I like a wide variety of music: I’ve seen Dave Brubeck, Andrea Bocelli, and the Grateful Dead and loved them all.
É«ÖÐÉ« Your Student’s Experience
What makes the É«ÖÐÉ« experience special?
I’m a big supporter of the liberal arts and believe that teaching and learning are important to the metamorphosis of the child into the adult. É«ÖÐÉ« values each student and has set the success of every student as the benchmark of a successful college experience. É«ÖÐÉ« opened the world to my son and gave him the tools, confidence, and encouragement to go as far as possible in the world after graduation.
Share your favorite memory from your student’s time at É«ÖÐÉ«.
My son was interested in a semester abroad in China and created a program to make that happen. Not only did he take the requisite courses; he ended up in the pit orchestra at the Beijing Opera. He just auditioned and got in for a production. Why? É«ÖÐÉ« had him prepared for every opportunity!
É«ÖÐÉ« Lighting the Way
Why is it important for you to serve/volunteer?
My family has been associated with É«ÖÐÉ« University for many years. As much as we have given to É«ÖÐÉ«, we have received back more. I’ve always believed in giving my time and energy to causes that I believe in.
How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation?
Keeping the endowment solid, making needed improvements, and having the ability to provide new opportunities and experiences is the key to making the É«ÖÐÉ« experience foundational for our students. Lighting the Way will keep É«ÖÐÉ« on the forefront of college experiences.
What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for É«ÖÐÉ«?
I’m excited about the new facilities! Keeping things fresh and welcoming is important.
Danielle Grayuski, P’19, P’21
Cochair, Zinzendorf Family Fellows Subcommittee
É«ÖÐÉ« You
What is your personal motto?
Every day is a great day. Cherish what you have, and never take it for granted. There are no guarantees in life. Embrace the opportunity to learn, and never pass up an opportunity to further your education. Most importantly, be kind—everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy gathering with my family and closest friends to laugh and create wonderful memories. I love spending quality time with my husband as we hike, travel, attend a baseball game, or just go out for a nice, relaxing dinner. I love girls’ time with my daughters where we go to musicals, movies, and dinners. I also find it invigorating to exercise each day. It stimulates positivity, relieves stress, and energizes me. I love early-morning devotional time with a large cup of coffee followed by a daily phone call with my brother while driving to work. Relationships mean the most to me!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a cancer survivor of 15 years. I love to decorate and remodel a home. I’ve tiled, laid hardwood floors, and even hung a ceiling fan or two! I enjoy cooking for large groups of family and friends. I got engaged on top of a mountain, got married in front of an amazing waterfall in the Finger Lakes, and witnessed the spectacular northern lights in Iceland.
Who is your favorite musician/band/performer and why?
Paul McCartney. Love his music! I last saw him in concert at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, at his young age of 80. He has more energy than a group of kindergartners at a sleepover.
É«ÖÐÉ« Your Students’ Experience
What makes the É«ÖÐÉ« experience special?
Small classes and the tight-knit community that is there for the students.
Which part of your students’ É«ÖÐÉ« experience did you enjoy the most?
I loved watching my daughters, Christina and Emily, experience many opportunities to take part in leadership roles, sports, and community activities that taught them how to work as part of a team in addition to preparing them for their respective careers as a nurse (Christina) and educator (Emily).
Share your favorite memory from your students’ time at É«ÖÐÉ«.
I’m proud to say there were so many, from the excitement of moving them into their dorm room to watching new friendships and relationships blossom. One thing was certain: I loved watching Christina and Emily play field hockey for É«ÖÐÉ«. Each season brought my daughters tremendous growth and success. Playing a sport taught them the importance of working together as a team. Whether winning or losing a game, everything you do on the field or in life requires your ability to get along with others.
What advice would you give to a current Greyhound family?
Encourage your son or daughter to get involved in some of the many extracurricular activities that É«ÖÐÉ« offers to its students. Make education your number-one priority! Embrace the privilege of enjoying being part of the Greyhound family.
É«ÖÐÉ« Lighting the Way
Why is it important for you to serve/volunteer?
Never pass up an opportunity to give back. Your treasures lie close to your heart. Strive to give back in appreciation of your own success or good fortune. Help others by giving of your time, talent, and treasures; you will be surprised at how good this feels. And never expect anything in return.
How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation?
We are expanding the tools that will help students pursue a successful career at É«ÖÐÉ«. Any financial assistance we can provide will lessen the burden of financial stress so that students can focus more on their education, which will produce better academic success. This is what É«ÖÐÉ« is all about!
What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for É«ÖÐÉ«?
Giving a platform and strong tools for every student to be successful in achieving an education.
