Grand Opening Of Mary's Mantle Student Resource Center

From Student Vision to Campus Resource: Saint Francis University Opens Mary’s Mantle

New student resource center brings food, professional clothing and everyday essentials together in a welcoming space rooted in Franciscan compassion.

View the full photo gallery: Mary's Mantle Grand Opening at Saint Francis University

LORETTO, Pa. — Sometimes, making a meaningful difference begins with a student asking a simple question: What if we could do more to help one another?  Today, that question has grown into Mary’s Mantle Student Resource Center. This new dedicated campus space, adjacent to Campus Ministry, brings together food, professional clothing, and other essential items to help students navigate personal challenges so they can focus on their studies and pursue career opportunities with confidence. 

The University celebrated the center's opening on Wednesday, October 14, with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the students and employees who helped bring the project to life. 

More than a collection of donated goods, Mary’s Mantle represents a commitment to ensuring that students have access to the resources they need while being treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.  This initiative demonstrates how the departments work hand-in-hand with students to create an environment where every Red Wolf has access to the resources, support systems, and opportunities necessary to flourish personally, professionally, spiritually, and academically.

A Student Idea That Grew Into Something More 

For Student Government Association President Cole Weiland and his fellow students,  the seed for the project began at Conference on Student Government Associations in Texas. 

"Mary's Cupboard came from a trip to Texas for COSGA, which is a conference that the student government goes to every year to discuss ideas of ways to better serve our students," Weiland shared. " I remember one university in particular, talking about how they had a pantry on campus, where students could receive food or donate or volunteer at it. And that idea really stuck with me because at the time we didn't have anything like that at Saint Francis. And given our Franciscan values and emphasis on serving others, I thought it would be a great addition to campus." 

Working with University employees in Residence Life and Campus Ministry, student government began developing what would become Mary’s Cupboard. Approximately a year later, that small "cupboard"  idea has  expanded into Mary’s Mantle, to bring additional forms of student support under one roof. The project reflects the power of student leadership at Saint Francis: identifying a challenge, building partnerships, and creating a solution that can benefit future generations of students. 

Removing Barriers to Career Opportunities 

Another significant  aspect of  Mary’s Mantle is the University's professional interview clothing closet, designed to help students put their best foot forward when pursuing internships, job interviews, and other career opportunities. The initiative began in 2023 when Molly Lindsey of Residence Life and Beth McGregor of Career Services recognized a challenge facing some students: access to appropriate professional clothing. 

Lindsey shared, "In our conversations with students, we started noticing that some of the international students weren't able to pack as much clothing as they would need when they came over, or if a student had a last-minute interview pop up or something that they would need a professional outfit, not all of them had access to that, and they were borrowing clothes from their friends."  These conversations led to the creation of the interview clothing closet in Ave Maria Hall three years ago, built around donations from different departments on campus, and even alumni and friends. 

Its relocation to Mary’s Mantle represents an important step toward making the resource more accessible. Previously, students needed to arrange appointments to select clothing. The new space is intended to provide access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing students to browse available items independently and privately. The goal is simple: No student should have to miss an opportunity because they lack the clothing needed to make a professional first impression. The closet accepts donations of professional clothing in all sizes, shoes, interview accessories, portfolios, and graduation gowns. Lindsey and McGregor will continue overseeing inventory and replenishing items as needed. 

Meeting Needs With Dignity and Compassion 

Mary’s Mantle also builds on the University’s longstanding Franciscan tradition of responding to the needs of others. Melissa Garrity, director of the Dorothy Day Outreach Center within Campus Ministry, emphasized that food insecurity is a national issue,  not limited to the surrounding communities served through the center’s outreach programs. It can also affect college students working toward their degrees. 

"I especially want to thank Cole for his vision for Mary's cupboard, the food portion under Mary's mantle, and for recognizing the needs of his fellow students." she said. We are truly blessed to have students like Cole and others who lead with compassion, put their faith into action, and inspire others through their heart of service. " 

She continued, "At the Dorothy Day, we have the blessing of serving those in need throughout our surrounding communities. But we also recognize that food insecurity doesn't stop at the edge of our campus. There are students right here at SFU who  are facing some of those challenges, and we are incredibly proud to extend our mission and services here. Rooted in Franciscan values, we are called to see Christ and others and serve with compassion, dignity, and love. Mary's mantle is a beautiful example of that calling, providing not only food and professional clothing, but also hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to our students. May this center always be a reminder that no one walks alone, and even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference." Garrity also emphasized that the center is sustained entirely through donations, reflecting the generosity of individuals across the University and surrounding community. 

A Community Effort With a Lasting Purpose 

The October 14 celebration brought together many of the individuals whose contributions made Mary’s Mantle possible. Fr. Stephen Mary Waruszewsk, Director of Campus Ministry, opened the ceremony and conducted tours after the ribbon was cut. Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., president of Saint Francis University, offered a prayer and blessing for the new center, those who contributed to its creation and the students who will benefit from its resources. Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew, he spoke about the importance of asking, seeking and responding to the needs of others. 

He also acknowledged the generosity already inspired by news of the center's opening, including offers of donated items and financial support. The opening marked the culmination of collaboration among student government, Residence Life, Campus Ministry, Career Services and supporters throughout the Saint Francis community. 

According to Don Miles, Associate Dean of Student Development, "Students are best positioned to thrive academically when their basic needs are met, when they feel supported by their community, and when they have access to resources that prepare them for their future. Mary's Mantle embodies this philosophy and reflects the mission of the Student Development Division, which is committed to fostering the holistic growth of every student through intentional support, engagement, service, and care." 

He added  Mary's Mantle is also a testament to the power of consistent collaboration through the partnership of the Student Government Association, Career Services, Residence Life, and Campus Ministry. Together, these Student Development partners identified a need, shared a vision, and worked collectively to create a resource that strengthens our campus community while advancing the University's Franciscan mission."

How to Support Mary’s Mantle

Mary’s Mantle Student Resource Center welcomes donations of food, essential items, professional clothing, shoes, graduation gowns, and interview accessories.  Contributions from students, employees, alumni and community supporters will help sustain the center and expand its ability to serve students. 

Physical donations may be dropped off on the clearly labeled donation shelf just inside the door. 

Those who want to give a monetary gift can donate online  (select " Student Support Fund") or via check mailed to: Saint Francis University Annual Fund for Excellence PO Box 600 Loretto, PA 15940 (indicate "Student Support Fund) in the check memo line. Information on additional ways to donate can find be found here: https://www.francis.edu/advancement-division/ways-to-give.