Alumnae Spotlight

Laura Forbes '08

College of Saint Mary allowed Laura Forbes ’08 to grow into the person and professional she wanted to be.

“I was so much more than a number at CSM,” she said. “The faculty and staff have continued to be a consistent part of my life as mentors and friends since graduation. My classmates, teammates and friends pushed me to grow, forced me to speak up, and helped shape the person I continue to grow into.”

As a student, Laura learned to be a leader and captain of the Flames soccer team, which taught her to be flexible and driven. She also participated in the leadership launch program, highlighting that leadership takes many shapes and all can be effective.

“It helped me realize that in order to lead others, I had to first understand my own strengths,” she said.

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in theology and secondary education in 2008. After graduation, she was hired as a theology teacher at Mercy High School in Omaha. At Mercy, she volunteered as a soccer and goalie coach for two years before being hired officially for two years.

In 2014, Laura became a Mercy Associate. The Sisters of Mercy had made an impact on her life, too.

“The Sisters of Mercy modeled a lifelong commitment to justice and serving the common good,” she said. “The Sisters have repeatedly acted as a touchstone as I move through life, pointing me in the right direction, regardless of where I am.”

Laura later moved to Chicago, serving as an educator, the director of campus ministry, and the head of the theology department at Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart. Today, she teaches theology at DePaul College Prep in Chicago. She also coaches one of the junior varsity soccer teams.

 Laura was awarded the Alumnae Achievement Award during Homecoming on Sept. 23.