University of Mary Invites Employers and Students to Annual Community Fair

Businesses are invited to showcase career opportunities, services, and resources while connecting with tomorrow's workforce during the event's 25th anniversary.

BISMARCK, N.D. - For 25 years, the University of Mary Community Fair has served as a bridge between students and the businesses, organizations, churches, and nonprofits that help make the Bismarck-Mandan community thrive. Area employers are once again invited to participate in this year's milestone event, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Founders Hall of the Lumen Vitae University Center.

Businesses interested in participating may register at the 2026 Community Fair Registration website. Students may attend the Community Fair free of charge.

The annual Community Fair gives businesses an opportunity to introduce their products, services, employment opportunities, and community resources to hundreds of University of Mary students as they begin a new academic year. For students, the event offers a convenient way to discover local employers, part-time jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, churches, and organizations while becoming better acquainted with the community many will eventually call home.

"It is truly a win-win event for both students and businesses," said Kevin Allan, director of Career Services at the University of Mary. "New and returning students have a chance to become acquainted with area businesses' products and services, nonprofit organizations, and churches. Many students will also be seeking employment and can learn about part-time job opportunities. Employers, on the other hand, are able to introduce themselves to hundreds of students in a short amount of time while building relationships that can lead to future employees."

Many University of Mary graduates choose to remain in the Bismarck-Mandan area after graduation, making the Community Fair an opportunity for employers to begin cultivating connections with the region's future workforce long before students enter the job market.

Now celebrating its 25th year, the Community Fair is already generating strong interest from the local business community. More than 45 businesses and organizations have already registered, and additional employers are encouraged to reserve their space before registration closes on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

"The Community Fair is one of the best opportunities of the year for businesses to connect face-to-face with our students," Allan said. "Whether an organization is recruiting employees, introducing its services, or simply building its presence in the community, this event creates meaningful connections that often continue well beyond the fair itself. Many of our students go on to build their careers right here in the Bismarck-Mandan area, making this an investment in the region's future workforce."

Businesses are asked to respect the University of Mary's mission by refraining from marketing alcohol-, tobacco-, or credit card-related products or services.

For additional information, contact Kevin Allan, director of Career Services, at (701) 355-8050 or [email protected].