Maria Dunham Roberts

MDCHS: What do you remember most about the collective spirit of your class at Marian High School?

Maria: Our class was filled with people of strong faith, great minds and outstanding athletes. As a class, we were close, had a very strong school spirit and supported one another as friends and fellow Christians. I met wonderful people at Marian, many of whom remain some of my closest friends. My four years at Marian were truly some of the best of my life.

MDCHS: What was your most memorable moment at Marian?

Maria: My most memorable moments are the all-school Masses, the Friday pep rallies in the gym, being a member of the volleyball, track and basketball teams, as well as many good laughs with friends.

MDCHS: What teacher/person inspired you the most at Marian?

Maria: Mrs. Gabbard was one of my favorite teachers. I learned a lot from her because her teaching method encouraged students to be themselves. I'll never forget on the last day of school during my senior year, Mrs. Gabbard spent an entire hour reviewing with us in detail the words of the Lord's Prayer. We discussed what the words meant and she explained the necessity of always having Christ in our lives. It was the perfect end to my high school years.

MDCHS: What sports and or clubs did you participate in at Marian?

Maria: I played volleyball, basketball and ran track. I also was a cheerleader for three years. Participating in sports helped me understand early in life the benefit of team work. That has served me well for almost 30 years.

MDCHS: What did you enjoy most about attending Marian?

Maria: I loved the Catholic education, being in an environment through those challenging teenage years and into adulthood. The teachers were strict, but loving and the academics provided the preparation we needed to pursue higher education. The bottom line is that my years at Marian, provided the foundation for success in life as a Christian, a wife, mother and professional.

MDCHS: What is one piece of advice that you would give to current Crusaders?

Maria: Always persevere in faith.

MDCHS: Since you graduated from Marian, what career opportunities have you had?

Maria: I attended the University of San Diego and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in 1985. I then went on to law school at USD, graduating in 1988. I have been in private practice in civil litigation since 1988. I was hired as the Director of Civil Affairs for the Diocese of San Diego and General Counsel for the Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego in 2008. Working as an attorney has proven to be an extraordinary career for me.

MDCHS: You currently serve as the director of the office for civil affairs in the Diocese. What aspect of your job do you enjoy most?

Maria: It is an absolute privilege to serve in the Diocese that has been so central to my faith formation from my childhood to the present and which is now providing faith formation for my three children who attend Sacred Heart Parish School.

MDCHS: Throughout your career, what would you say is your proudest accomplishment?

Maria: I do not have a single proudest accomplishment. I have enjoyed a number of accomplishments as a professional, but recognize that all of my successes as a legal professional are the product of God's grace and teamwork with others.