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Kathleen “Kathy” (Knudsen) DeSantis ’72 recalls how the Mount changed her idea of what was possible for women to achieve. “At the Mount, I was exposed to all these wonderful women professionals who were articulate, intelligent, and impressive. I remember realizing that I could be somebody in my own right. I went on to get a master’s in nursing because of that leadership. Nursing science was just developing, and as a student, I felt like I was part of something more important than myself.”

DeSantis credits these insights as being the driving motivators for the rest of her life, and she is determined to give back to the Mount for giving her the tools to pursue her dreams, whatever direction they took. A member of the Brady Leadership Society and Athenian Circle, DeSantis has been a consistent, longtime donor to the University in areas including scholarships, the Alumnae Annual Fund, the Wellness Pavilion, and, most frequently, to the Mount Fund.

She worked in nursing for about a decade, including teaching for a year at the Mount and at Humboldt State University. A curious learner, she continued her education by pursuing a law degree as the nursing profession was changing and she was intrigued by combining the two professions. Ultimately, she pursued law.

"As a research attorney with the 5th District Court of Appeals in Fresno, I wrote proposed or draft opinions for the justices that sometimes helped shape California case service law. For the final 13 years, I served as managing attorney for the court, using leadership and service skills I honed at the Mount. I found working in the judicial branch of government very fulfilling."

Now retired, DeSantis is looking forward to attending more events at the Mount. She loves the diversity on campus and how the Mount helps so many first-generation students obtain their degrees. She is also very supportive of the Wellness Pavilion. “The Mount is creating all these leaders, but if they have health issues, they’re not going to be as effective,” DeSantis says. “If the Mount can promote positive, lifechanging habits, students will graduate with healthy lifestyles as well as educated minds.

“Mount Saint Mary’s can truly make the world a better place. I feel increasingly confident about that with each passing year. There are a lot of good causes, but Mount Saint Mary’s is near and dear to my heart.”