LACEY, Wash. — Saint Martin's University is honored to announce that it has once again been named the Gold winner in the Higher Education category in the 2026 Best of South Sound awards. Chosen entirely through community voting and presented annually by The Olympian, the award recognizes organizations making a positive difference that have earned the trust and support of residents across the South Sound.
Receiving the Gold distinction for the third consecutive year reflects the University's enduring commitment to academic excellence, student success and service to the community.
"We are grateful to everyone in the South Sound who voted for Saint Martin's University," said Bill Brownsberger, S.T.D., president of the University. "To be recognized by our neighbors in this way is especially meaningful because it reflects the relationships we have built over generations. Every day, our faculty, and staff are dedicated to helping students grow intellectually, professionally, and personally, while living out our Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and service."
Founded in 1895 by Benedictine monks, Saint Martin's University has served the South Sound for more than 130 years, offering a values-centered education grounded in faith, reason and service. Guided by its Catholic, Benedictine tradition, the University provides students with a transformational educational experience that emphasizes academic excellence, personal attention and meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities. Small class sizes, accomplished faculty and welcoming campus environment help students develop the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed on campus and beyond.
"This recognition belongs to our students as much as it does to our University," said Patty Lemon, dean of admissions. "Every student who chooses Saint Martin's becomes part of a community that is committed to their success from the day they enroll through graduation and beyond. We are honored that the South Sound continues to recognize the difference that kind of personalized education can make."
Saint Martin's serves a diverse student population that includes first-generation college students, military-affiliated students, international learners, working adults and more students of many varied backgrounds pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Through accredited, award-winning programs in engineering, business, health and the arts and sciences, the University equips graduates with the skills, values and leadership need to thrive in today's world.
Saint Martin's University extends its sincere appreciation to the South Sound community for its continued confidence and support. The University is proud to be part of a region that values education and looks forward to continuing its mission of preparing graduates to lead lives of purpose, service and impact.
About Saint Martin’s University:
Saint Martin’s University is an independent coeducational university, with undergraduate and graduate offerings, located on a wooded campus of more than 380 acres in Lacey, Washington. Established in 1895 by the Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 13 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University empowers students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment through its 31 majors, 11 master’s programs, one doctorate program and six certificate programs spanning the arts and sciences, business, counseling, education, engineering, nursing, and leadership. Saint Martin’s welcomes more than 1,300 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds to its Lacey campus, and more students to its extended campus located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
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