Mary Verdun is a freshman Nursing major at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She looks up to her older sister- and best friend- Valerie. Mary calls Val’s unyielding work ethic “incredible”, however her own achievements are to be admired, too. Mary volunteered over 600 hours total during her four years of high school. In addition to her academics, Mary also currently spends anywhere from 20 to 30 hours a week practicing and performing as a clarinet player, with the University of Notre Dame marching band: “the oldest and best university marching band in the nation!” Mary is fortunate to play alongside her sister Val, who plays piccolo.

Mary would like to one day work at a VA hospital, to give back to those who served our country in the military; or at the CDC to help eradicate diseases and ensure a safe and healthy public population. Volunteering has inspired these career interests: “You can see the joy on the faces of those you help, and that’s what makes it so worthwhile!”