St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University took a shared step forward in their growing partnership by appearing together at the National Catholic Youth Conference, presenting a united presence to more than 15,000 Catholic high school students, ministers, and educators from across the country.
Held at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, Nov. 20-22, the conference, commonly known as NCYC, marked several firsts. It was St. Ambrose’s inaugural appearance at the national event and the first time the two Iowa Catholic universities collaborated at a joint booth.
The institutions were represented by Rev. Dale Mallory, chaplain at St. Ambrose; Elyse Keeffer ‘24, coordinator of service and justice at Mount Mercy and Mount Mercy alum; and Izzy Coss ’25, ’27 MA-MFT, Mount Mercy’s student engagement and events coordinator, a St. Ambrose alum, and current graduate student in the marriage and family therapy program at MMU.
For Fr. Mallory, the significance of the moment extended beyond logistics and into what the collaboration represented for Catholic higher education more broadly.
“I think it just kind of reflects more the reality of where Catholic higher education is going,” he said.
A shared presence on a national stage
NCYC brings together Catholic high school students from across the country for faith formation, worship, and community-building, while also introducing them to the breadth of Catholic institutions and opportunities beyond their hometowns.
Fr. Mallory said the event offers students a wider perspective on the Church and their place within it.
“It’s a chance for Catholic high schoolers to come together to learn more about their faith,” he said. “It gives them an experience of the Catholic Church outside of just their local parish.”
That broader perspective extended beyond worship and programming to how students encountered Catholic higher education. By attending together, Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose were able to model collaboration rather than competition.
Throughout the conference, representatives staffed a shared booth, intentionally presenting the universities as partners.
“We were there to raise awareness about our universities and show students what’s available for Catholic higher education in the Midwest,” Fr. Mallory said.
Collaboration in action
The joint booth reflected both institutions, featuring shared branding, materials from each university, and interactive elements designed to spark conversation. Students from both campuses contributed handmade friendship bracelets and prayer cards, a small but meaningful symbol of collaboration.
Keeffer said creating an inviting atmosphere was central to the approach.
“We wanted people to feel welcome,” she said.
Behind the table, collaboration unfolded organically as the representatives leaned on each other’s strengths. Coss said the group quickly found a rhythm when speaking with students and families.
“Fr. Dale had the admissions script memorized,” she said. “He would explain things, then transition to Elyse or me to talk about our experiences, programs, or grad school options. It was a really good balance.”
Keeffer echoed that sentiment, noting how the teamwork allowed conversations to feel both informative and personal.
“Izzy and I were able to add our personal experiences – why we love our campuses and what we studied – and that really helped connect with students,” Keeffer explained.
Together, the trio was able to speak holistically about academics, campus ministry, service opportunities, and pathways between the two universities, reinforcing the value of shared resources and collaboration.
“It was awesome to work with people from both campuses,” Keeffer said. “We could learn about each other’s universities while also sharing what makes them special.”
Conversations that mattered
Although many students initially approached the booth for giveaways or out of curiosity, deeper conversations often followed. Keeffer said those moments were some of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
“Students would come up for a bracelet or something fun, but then we’d start talking and they’d ask real questions,” she said. “That happened a lot more than I thought it would.”
Fr. Mallory observed that interest came not only from students, but also from parents, counselors, and youth leaders – particularly those from the Midwest.
“A lot of students don’t come simply because they don’t know we exist,” he said. “Or they assume private Catholic schools are elite and unaffordable, which isn’t true. Our universities are meant to be practical and accessible.”
All three representatives agreed that the joint presence of Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose reflected a broader vision for collaboration in Catholic higher education.
“Our partnership is actually an advantage,” Fr. Mallory said. “It shows strength, not weakness, and reflects where Catholic higher education is going.”
Coss pointed to the flexibility and opportunity that collaboration creates for students.
“People loved the idea of smooth transitions and shared opportunities,” she said. “It opens doors.”
For Fr. Mallory, the long-term value of the collaboration was clear.
“Even if one student learns they have options,” he said, “that matters.”
