Kelly Brown, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Class of 1985
We had a chance to catch up with Kelly Brown, Knott Scholar Alumna. Read more to learn about how the scholarship has impacted her life and some great advice she has for our current scholars.
How did you learn that you had won the MBK scholarship?
During my visit to the campus when I applied for admission to what was then the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, the admissions officer told me that I might be eligible to receive an academic scholarship. She told me that the scholarship was for all four years of college, and I told her that I was interested. After a few weeks, I received a letter in the mail from the college stating that I was the recipient of the Marion Knott Burke Scholarship.
What moments or memories stand out as your time as a student at NDMU?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Notre Dame. I loved how small the college was. Everyone knew each other. Class sizes were small, and our professors knew us. My advisor in the Elementary Education Department was Sr. Marie Xavier Looymans. She took the time to build personal relationships with each of her students. She would write each of us notes on our birthdays and put them in our mailboxes, which were in the basement in Gibbons Hall. As an elementary school teacher, I honor this tradition by writing notes to my students. Sr. Marie Xavier always told us to remember that every parent is sending us their very best to educate.
As a college freshman, the recipients of Knott Scholarships were invited to meet Mr. and Mrs. Knott at a reception in Noyes Alumnae House. I remember feeling honored to meet them and to be able to express my gratitude for the gift of my college education.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates based on your own journey?
I followed my dream as a child to become an elementary school teacher. I would encourage current college graduates to follow their dreams while honoring their faith. My faith has been central to the blessings in my life.
How has being an alum of KSF influenced your professional network or opportunities?
Being an alum of KSF has given me the opportunity to serve on the Knott Council for more than 20 years. I have enjoyed meeting other KSF alums and current scholars as well as the Knott family. It has been a rewarding experience to work on the council to plan activities that unite KSF scholars and alums. The service projects that the Knott Council sponsored were a wonderful way to give back to schools in the archdiocese.
In what ways do you stay connected with the KSF community, and how has this connection benefited you personally or professionally?
I have made lasting friendships with fellow council members. I teach at a public school in Baltimore County. One of my former students was a recipient of a Knott Scholarship. I felt immense pride when I got to award him his pin at the Pinning Ceremony because I had the privilege of being one of his teachers.