University of Mary to Host Life and Dignity Week 2026

Weeklong celebration affirms the sanctity of human life, culture, and faith, concluding with March for Life in Washington, D.C.

BISMARCK, N.D. - The University of Mary invites the public and media to take part in its annual Life and Dignity Week, a series of faith-filled, educational, and cultural events celebrating the inherent dignity of every human person. Life and Dignity Week 2026 will be held January 18-23 and will culminate with the national March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Life and Dignity Week is a hallmark of the University of Mary's Catholic, Benedictine mission, drawing students, faculty, staff, and community members together to reflect on life, justice, faith, and human flourishing. All events are free and open to the public with a University of Mary, United Tribes Technical College or Bismarck State College ID; admission is $5 without an ID.

Sunday, Jan. 18: Midwinter Powwow and Black Elk Mass

Life and Dignity Week begins Sunday with the Midwinter Powwow, honoring the dignity, culture, and traditions of Native American peoples. A Powwow 101 session will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Starion Bank Living Room of the Lumen Vitae University Center.

The first Grand Entry will take place at 1 p.m. in the McDowell Activity Center, with a second Grand Entry at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a traditional Buffalo Feed will be served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Crow's Nest Restaurant.

The day concludes with the Black Elk Mass at 8 p.m. in Our Lady of the Annunciation Chapel. The Mass honors Nicholas Black Elk, a "Servant of God" and Oglala Lakota catechist whose life bore witness to the harmony of faith and culture.

Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (10 a.m. Starion Bank Living Room)

Life and Dignity Week continues with a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance during Monday Morning Mission. Damon Owens, a nationally known Catholic speaker and cultural commentator, will reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. King and the call to uphold human dignity through justice, solidarity, and love.

Tuesday, Jan. 20: Film Screening (6 p.m. Butler Auditorium)

On Tuesday evening, the University of Mary will host a screening of the film "Triumph of the Heart," a powerful story highlighting courage, compassion, and the value of human life. The film screening is open to the campus and local community.

Wednesday, Jan. 21: Community Learning Day (1 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Chick's Place and Hesket Hall)

Community Learning Day features a keynote address by Owens, offering a deeper exploration of faith, culture and the defense of human dignity in today's world. The afternoon will include breakout sessions led by Dr. James Link on gender dysphoria and human dignity; Holly Triska Dally on welcoming refugee populations to North Dakota; Dr. Hannah Venable and Dr. Chris Collins on understanding disability as a reflection of our shared humanity; and John Dinkel on developing well-being across physical, psychological and social dimensions.

Friday, Jan. 23: Convocation for the Unborn and March for Life

Life and Dignity Week concludes Friday with the Annual Convocation for the Unborn at 10 a.m. in Butler Hall. Featured speakers include Brittany Kundra, DNP, FNP-C, clinic director and family nurse practitioner at Bella Health + Wellness in Bismarck, and Lucy Spooner, coordinator for Mission for Life and the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Community for Mothers.

That same day, approximately 200 University of Mary students will have traveled by bus to Washington, D.C., to participate in the national March for Life, held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. The university's presence at the march underscores its commitment to standing in peaceful witness for the dignity of life at all stages.

For a full schedule of events and additional details, visit https://www.umary.edu/LifeDignity.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the University of Mary can do so at www.umary.edu or online.umary.edu, or by contacting an admissions representative at [email protected], or by calling (701) 355-8030. The University of Mary is one of only 20 recommended Cardinal Newman Society Residential Colleges and Universities in the US.

About 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 nearly 60 bachelor's, 15 master's, and five doctoral programs-in Business Administration, Education, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The 20-sport Athletic Department adheres to its Greatness Through Virtue mission under the governance of 18 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctioned sports, one men's hockey team that is a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), and a co-ed clay shooting team that competes in the USA College Clay Target League. With more than 3,900 students, Mary has locations in North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Rome, Italy, as well as vibrant online offerings.