Home Away From Home: Hospitality Program Brings Students and Yankton Together

Hospitality and community—two of Mount Marty’s core values—come together in a new program that connects students from afar with community members. Launched last fall by a committee of Yankton business leaders, volunteers, Mount Marty, and Yankton Thrive leadership, the Hospitality Program connected over 60 students with families in its first year. 

Tianna Bumbaca-Kuehl, a senior criminal justice major from Brookdale, CA, was matched with Wayne and Jantina Nelson-Stastny and their two children, Clay and Leona. 

"I absolutely enjoyed all my time with my hospitality family,” says Bumbaca-Kuehl. "Their support and love that they give me has bettered my experience at Mount Marty significantly and brought so much light to my life."

The Nelson-Stastnys attended Tianna’s soccer games and track and field events, met for coffee, delivered goodie baskets around holidays, and hosted meals with her friends. Bumbaca-Kuehl interned with the Sioux Falls police department, making sure to visit her Yankton family at least once through the summer. 

"Every relationship is different,” says Lori Stephenson, a founding member of the Hospitality Program. "The community of Yankton really cares about these kids. The families are at ease that their children have a support system in Yankton, too.” 

The connection goes both ways, according to Stephenson. "Some of the families have never been to a Mount Marty event and this gives them a reason to do that. And they really enjoy it! That connection to Mount Marty is just as important as the students to Yankton.” 

Community members interested in joining the Hospitality Program can contact Johanna Jablonoski, director of alumni and family relations, at (605) 668-4020 or johanna.jablonoski@mountmarty.edu.