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BISMARCK, ND — The 2024 class of Alumni Recognition Award recipients has been announced at the University of Mary. These alumni are coming home to Mary’s annual Alumni Recognition and Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Friday, October 4, 5:30 p.m., at the Lumen Vitae University Center (LVUC) in Founders Hall. 

President Monsignor James Shea says he and the university are grateful for the impact alumni have had on their communities and society as they continue to be role models for current University of Mary students. 

“With warm regards, we welcome back home our alumni and celebrate the many ways you have lived out the Benedictine values that were instilled in you throughout your time at this great university,” said University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea. “Each of you, in your communities and careers, has become a beacon of hope and leadership, a testament to the power of education and faith in action. You have carried forth the torch of knowledge, and in doing so, you have truly become 'The Light of Life' for current students who look to you as role models, examples of what it means to serve with integrity, compassion, and courage as they continue to demonstrate that they too, were made for more. Each alum represents that calling, that mission of the University of Mary and our pioneering founders, the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery.”

The University of Mary Presidential Leadership Award: This award is conferred on individual alumni for distinguished achievements as servant leaders regionally, nationally, or internationally.

Lieutenant Colonel Troy Merkel is an accomplished Acquisition Corps Officer in the U.S. Army with over 19 years of military experience. In his current role, he manages the Electronic Warfare Planning Management Tool program, overseeing a team of 30-40 software engineers from prestigious institutions. Merkel is responsible for the cost, schedule, and performance of this critical software capability used in planning military operations.

At the University of Mary, Troy initially pursued a career in education. As a college football player, however, he was inspired by Pat Tillman's sacrifice and decided to join the Army in 2006 before quickly rising through the ranks. He has completed numerous military education programs, including Officer Candidate School, Field Artillery courses, and Command and General Staff College.

Merkel's distinguished service includes deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning him multiple awards such as the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Badge. In 2022, he was recognized by the Director of National Intelligence for leading the best Program Office in the Department of Defense.

Holding a master's degree in management and leadership from Webster University, Troy is dedicated to continuous professional development. He has achieved DAWIA Level 3 Program Manager certification and is currently participating in a Training with Industry Fellowship.

The University of Mary Bell Banner Award: In recognition of the ideals of the university’s sponsors, the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, the Bell Banner Award honors alumni for modeling the values of respect, hospitality, moderation, service, community, and prayer.

Dr. Rachel Marohl is a dedicated board-certified OB/GYN at Essentia Health Mid Dakota Clinic in Bismarck, North Dakota. Born and raised in Williston, ND, Dr. Marohl always dreamed of returning to her home state to serve and create lasting relationships with the women there. 

As a high school student, Dr. Marohl was emphatically against idea of attending the University of Mary, but thanks to her mother’s ingenuity and some help from the Holy Spirit, her journey in medicine began at the University of Mary, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, learning from mentors like Dr. Jill Nustad and Dr. Marla Boehm while laying the foundation for her future career.

After graduating from the University of Mary, Dr. Marohl returned to Williston before beginning medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Marohl then completed her residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita in 2020. She joined Essentia Health in 2022, where she remains today, now with over eight years of experience as a physician.

Dr. Marohl's professional interests span a wide range of women's health issues, including low and high-risk obstetrics, fertility awareness education, and improving access to gynecologic care for women of all ages. Her commitment to education extends beyond her patients; she serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UND School of Medicine and as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mary.

In January 2024, Dr. Marohl took on the role of Medical Director at the Women's Care Center in Bismarck, furthering her dedication to supporting this community’s women and their families. Her outstanding contributions to patient care and medical education were recognized when she was named Physician of the Year for 2024 by Essentia Health West Market.

The University of Mary Harold Schafer Alumni Leadership Award: This award recognizes graduates who have attained distinction as leaders in their professions while exemplifying the values cherished by the University of Mary.

Lieutenant Colonel Nicolette K. Daschendorf recently retired after a distinguished 24-year career in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Throughout her service, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to her community and country.

Born and raised in North Dakota, Daschendorf's military journey began in 2000 when she enlisted and was assigned to a role with the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion (ECB) in Valley City as a human resource specialist. Her commitment and skills led to her commission as a Quartermaster officer after completing Officer Candidate School in 2007. She served in various crucial roles, including platoon leader, company-level executive, and operations officer; her service culminated in the demanding role of Battalion Commander for Recruiting and Retention.

Her service includes two overseas deployments. In 2004-2005, she deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later, in 2014-2015, she commanded the 231st BSB Logistical Support Element during its deployment to the Middle East for Operation Inherent Resolve/Operation Enduring Freedom.

Nicolette's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Federal Legion of Merit, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, and the Valorous Unit award. In 2017, she was named the ND National Guard Officer of the Year.

Daschendorf holds both a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and a Master's degree in Project Management from the University of Mary. She continues to serve her community through various organizations, including as Chairwoman of the ND Veteran's Park in Sanborn and as a board member of the University of Mary School of Business advisory board.

Daschendorf's passion for leadership and learning extends beyond her military career. She recently began working for the North Dakota Department of Commerce, and she now serves as an instructor of Virtuous Leadership at the University of Mary, where she inspires the next generation of leaders.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at  or  , or by contacting an admissions representative at enroll@umary.edu, or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 15 Recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US. 

SWAG��Ƶ the University of Mary: True to its motto “lumen vitae”—The Light of Life—the University of Mary offers education for the whole of life through cutting-edge professional programs and graduate programs animated by moral courage and leadership in chosen professions and service to the community. A private, co-educational Catholic institution, the University of Mary welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

A Christian, Catholic, Benedictine institution founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Mary offers over 60 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and five doctoral programs—in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 19-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) conferences. With more than 3,800 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.