Double the hospitality

"There are so many different things that make being a hospitality family special," said Becky Altman of Yankton. "First is the opportunity to get to know and learn from a student who is from another country or area of the United States. It was such an enlightening and joyful experience not only for my husband and I but especially for my kids." 

The Altman family became part of the Hospitality Family Program in 2024 and was the hospitality family for two Mount Marty students: Jeffrey Musgrove '28 and Catalina Herrera '28. The Altmans know college can be overwhelming for students occasionally, and they enjoy giving support and a sense of home to their students when they can.

Musgrove is from Nassau, Bahamas, and has found a "second family" with the Altmans. Musgrove said, "I even catch myself slipping up sometimes and saying, 'Oh, that's my mom,' on accident completely. And, at first, it was a weird thing for me, but they are just so genuine and so nice. It's crazy." The Altmans check in to ensure he is on top of all his classes, are there whenever he needs to talk, and provide a comforting connection to the Yankton community and its resources. Musgrove mentioned that, being from the Bahamas, he was unprepared for a South Dakota winter. The Altmans assisted in getting Musgrove appropriate winter apparel, and Musgrove was so grateful. "I can't explain it. They were just so nice and genuine with everything they do."

Herrera is from Bogotá, Colombia, and signed up for a hospitality family because it can be challenging for an international student to adapt to a different culture and routine. "For me, it means that I'm not alone," said Herrera. “And even though I've always been independent and like to be by myself, adapting to a different environment becomes really hard when you're alone."

Becky and Dan Altman have two kids, and the family enjoys spending time with Musgrove and Herrera. The Altmans' daughter, Sutton, said, "I like to play basketball with Jeffery, and Cat is so cool!" Sutton even taught Musgrove a few things about playing the piano for a class he had last year. The Altmans attend Musgrove and Herrera's events, whether it be sports or extra-curricular, invite them over for a homecooked meal or take them around Yankton to explore the town and new restaurants, assist them with getting to and from the airport over school breaks, and invite them over for family events. The Altmans said, "Both students have been very thankful and appreciative of the time and support. If a student doesn't have a car, it can be difficult at times. So, being able to help with that is great. Riding in a car is also a great opportunity to get to know them, and we have enjoyed those times at the airport or just exploring Yankton." The Altmans especially enjoyed having both students over for Thanksgiving as they got to share their traditions with them, and Musgrove and Herrera were able to share theirs as well. "Sharing traditions gives them a little piece of home when they cannot physically go home at times," said the Altmans. “It is a unique opportunity to show and receive hospitality to students who are starting their next life chapter."

Although some activities the Altmans do together with their students, they also make sure to give each student individual time and attention. Musgrove mentioned having great fun with the Altmans watching the University of South Dakota versus South Dakota State University basketball games, and his favorite memory with the Altmans was attending their family Super Bowl party, as it was his first time watching the Super Bowl. The Altmans have also supported Herrera at her theatre productions and said, "It was amazing to see her soar at something she loves to do too." Something the Altmans do that means so much to Herrera are the kind and simple gestures during difficult times like midterms, like sending her a gift basket with candy and other goodies. 

Musgrove and Herrera are beyond grateful for the Altmans' support and hospitality, as are their families back home. Herrera said her mother is especially thankful for the Altmans. "Her knowing that I have a connection here has helped her to feel comfortable."

For the Altmans, this whole process began as a way to fill a need and provide hospitality, but they have gained so much more than they thought from this opportunity. "I think having two students gives us double the experience. Two students provide an awesome, unique perspective about life and campus, and it gives our family another opportunity of hospitality."

The Hospitality Family Program can be a source of joy and fulfillment for anyone at any stage of life. The types of things that a family and student do together or what a family provides for a student varies tremendously, and there are no expectations for program participants other than checking in once a month. If you're interested in learning more about Mount Marty's Hospitality Family Program or would like to sign up, visit our website at mountmarty.edu/hospitality-families. 

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.