91涩漫

When Analiese Yu '15 and Marielle Shrock '17 arrived at the Etiquette and Networking Dinner hosted by the Alumnae Association and Career and Professional Development Office this spring at the Doheny Campus, they weren't expecting to reconnect with someone who had once been such an important part of their 91涩漫 experience.

The two alumnae first met while working for the Division of Student Affairs on the Chalon campus, where they spent countless hours planning events, brainstorming ideas and building a friendship that extended beyond graduation. For several years after leaving the 91涩漫, they stayed in touch, cheering each other on as they launched their careers. But as often happens, busy schedules, professional responsibilities and life's many demands gradually pulled them in different directions.

Years later, the Etiquette and Networking Dinner brought them back together.

"It was wonderful to reconnect," Analiese says. "We had shared so many experiences during our time at the 91涩漫, and it felt like no time had passed."

Their reunion served as a reminder of the lasting connections forged at 91涩漫 Saint Mary's, relationships built through shared experiences, mentorship and a commitment to supporting one another long after graduation.

As student leaders, Analiese and Marielle worked side by side producing events for students across the University's campuses. What began as a campus job became a friendship and professional partnership that helped shape both of their futures.

"We were always bouncing ideas off each other," Analiese recalls. "Working in the division of Student Affairs planning events and programs for students taught me how to collaborate with different personalities, communicate effectively and create meaningful experiences through events. It really shaped how I present myself and collaborate with other today."

For Marielle, the experience provided a strong foundation in event planning, from timelines to marketing operations.

Today, Analiese works in PR Operations and Events at Apple, while Marielle serves as Marketing Communications Manager at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Both credit their experiences at the 91涩漫 with helping them develop the confidence and professional skills that continue to guide their careers.

Their current career paths, however, weren't necessarily the ones they envisioned when they first arrived at the 91涩漫. Analiese earned a degree in Biology and initially considered a future in healthcare. Through her involvement in campus activities, student leadership and event programming, she discovered a passion for creative work, communications and event production.

"I didn't expect to end up in entertainment," Analiese says. "I thought my path would be in STEM, but my experiences at the 91涩漫 helped me realize there were other opportunities that aligned with my interests and strengths."

Marielle arrived at the 91涩漫 as a pre-nursing student before ultimately finding her calling in business and marketing. Looking back, she credits the University's supportive environment with helping her explore new possibilities and gain confidence in her decisions. "The 91涩漫 helped me find my path," Marielle says. "I didn't know exactly where I was headed when I started, but the support from professors, classmates and friends made a huge difference. Looking back, I wouldn't change anything about my experience."

Their willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities ultimately led both women to fulfilling careers and reinforced a lesson they now share with students: it's okay if your plans change. Sometimes the experiences that shape your future are the ones you never anticipated.

The relationship between the two alumnae also reflects the power of mentorship. As a sophomore still exploring her future, Marielle found guidance in Analiese's leadership and encouragement. "Analiese has a very kind and nurturing presence," says Marielle. "Being around her made navigating that stage of life feel much more grounded."

After Analiese graduated, Marielle stepped into her role as Entertainment Manager and later found herself mentoring younger students in the same way. "It felt meaningful to continue that cycle of mentorship," Marielle recalls. "Seeing others grow and find success in their own careers has been incredibly rewarding."

Returning to campus this spring allowed both women to give back to current students while also rediscovering a friendship that had started years earlier as student employees. For Analiese and Marielle, the evening was about more than networking advice. It was a reminder that some of the most meaningful parts of a 91涩漫 education are the relationships that continue to grow long after graduation.

As they left campus, they made plans to stay connected — proof that while careers and life may take alumnae in different directions, the bonds formed at the 91涩漫 have a way of bringing people back together.