Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2021

24 25 SPRING 2021 EDITION SPRING 2021 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD CANOPY The Mighty MARIA-NOEL BERGMANN THE GIVING COMMUNITY Some people encounter an obstacle, turn around, and return to the comfort and familiarity known to them. Others, like Lindenwood University alumna Maria-Noel Bergmann, face the obstacle head-on and use it as motivation towards future achievement. In Maria’s case, that next success came faster than most, which she attributes to her upbringing, education, and a viewpoint to see work in action. Bergmann and her family moved to St. Charles County from Germany when she was 14 years old. A working family, her parents consistently modeled the need to make positive contributions to society and most especially play a significant role within the family. When her father passed unexpectedly, this emphasis on family and community became increasingly important. The need to contribute to the family became a top priority, and Bergmann entered the working world alongside her mother to help pay the mounting bills from her father’s medical interventions. There was no money for furthering her education, despite being her parents’ intention, and of particular importance to her father, who taught in St. Peters until his passing. “While not everything is all rosy, be appreciative for what you have and where you came from,” Bergmann said. As she worked to support her family, she learned to balance life in a multitude of ways. She ultimately found a way to devote energy to both work and education, balancing the needs of her family and her dreams of impacting the world. Enter Lindenwood University. Bergmann, who picked up a few classes at a local community college, found Lindenwood’s online degree programs not only appealing but compatible with her busy lifestyle. She transferred to Lindenwood and began studying business. Immediately, she recognized that studying business was the right choice, knowing firsthand the importance of work-life balance and the need for support from an employer during challenging times. Her desire to tackle obstacles in an uncertain world and the program offered at Lindenwood was exactly what she needed. She completed her bachelor’s degree with honors and entered the master’s program at Lindenwood. Simultaneously, she was promoted to an HR Director for the company she worked for —all before turning 23. “Pay attention to the details—check them more than twice, because you never know who will see them and when they will be sought after,” she said. Life continued to put obstacles in front of Bergmann, including some personal ones. Still, like every other challenge she encountered, she confronted it, found creative solutions, and used it as motivation to reach the next level. Not even a layoff during the pandemic could hold Bergmann back. “It is essential to own your actions, as excuses only sound best to ourselves, not to others,” she shared. She leaned on the lessons of life and the importance of family, not to mention those learned at Lindenwood, and took action. Ever determined, she found herself in front of the CEO and founder of a $3 billion wealth management firm in Clayton, Mo. Through six interviews, she answered questions about her experience, education, and how she could meet the firm’s needs. She demonstrated passion, work ethic, a can-do attitude, and even little stubbornness, according to Bergmann herself. Her persistence paid off, and she accepted a C-suite position within the firm—before turning 27. Appreciation is a word Bergmann uses often. While her parents profoundly impacted her, the lessons learned at Lindenwood are just as powerful, and she is grateful for those who supported her journey. Whether it was the program’s flexibility, which allowed her to balance life, work, and education, or the ability to interact and engage with fellow students, Lindenwood has prepared her for the next challenge that lies ahead. When she’s not working, attending class, or volunteering with the German School of St. Louis and the Criminal Justice Ministry, Bergmann enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, working out, and preparing for her upcoming marriage. Bergmann reflects on her Lindenwood journey—which culminated with receiving her master’s degree in May—vital to her success no matter what obstacles lie ahead. With her father looking down with pride, her journey is far from over, and she continues to make positive contributions to society and, most especially, to her family. THE GIVING COMMUNITY MARIA-NOEL BERGMANN Pay attention to the details—check them more than twice, because you never know who will see them and when they will be sought after