At St. Mary’s University, the values of education, service, and faith are often planted in the hearts of students—but in the case of alumna Erika Nieukerk and her daughter Catherin, they’ve taken root across generations.
Erika felt the call to education early in life. With a heart for teaching and a deep sense of purpose, she sought a university that reflected her values and would prepare her to lead with compassion. St. Mary’s came highly recommended—especially by educators she admired—and it became the fertile ground where her vocation truly blossomed. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Education, her spirit shaped not only by academic excellence but also by the profound sense of faith and community that permeates campus life.
Years later, inspired by her mother’s journey, Catherin chose to begin her own academic path at St. Mary’s. Though still discerning her career, she was drawn to the close-knit campus and the opportunity to explore her interests through the General Studies program. Encouraged by her mom’s enthusiasm and stories, Catherin found her own spark—especially in history classes, where she was notably inspired by instructor Adam Hill.
For both Erika and Catherin, the experience at St. Mary’s was more than educational—it was transformative. “Every teacher was professional, respectful, and deeply supportive,” Erika recalls. “They modeled exactly the kind of educators we aspire to be.” Both women were deeply influenced by the Catholic Educator class, particularly a discussion of John 15:5—“I am the vine; you are the branches.”
That moment became a cornerstone of faith for Erika, rekindling her relationship with God and strengthening her commitment to serve through love. She began attending campus liturgies, volunteering with Mission Mexico, and found spiritual nourishment even during challenging times. Catherin witnessed her mother’s passion firsthand and soon experienced it herself. “It was clear to me that professors genuinely cared,” she shared. After two years at St. Mary’s, Catherin transferred to Simon Fraser University to pursue criminology, confident and well-prepared thanks to the foundational courses she completed at St. Mary’s.
The mother-daughter bond grew stronger through their shared academic and spiritual experiences. Their family has since become one rooted in lifelong learning and faith. They attend conferences, read together, and often discuss what they’re discovering in their respective fields—a unique bond that goes
beyond the dinner table.
Today, Erika continues to serve her parish and the Diocese of Calgary while pursuing graduate studies in theology. Catherin, now in criminology, carries forward the values of service and inquiry nurtured at St. Mary’s. “We often talk about how special St. Mary’s is,” Erika says. “It’s not just a school—it’s a
community that meets you where you are and helps you grow.”
Their advice to future mother-daughter duos? “Trust the journey. St. Mary’s will provide the support, education, and faith foundation to grow together—and give back together.”