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180 Years - Our Journey By Karen Dyer, Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives

The history of Saint Mary-of-the- Woods reads like a well-worn, good book. It begins with the story we all know - a journey into the wilderness of Indiana to establish a school - and, from there, it twists and turns throughout the burgeoning history of the state and our evolving nation.

“It’s clear that the College today has a strong connection to its past, its traditions and its founding – our past is treasured and respected. Our students love Mother Theodore and carry her story with them. I also believe that the College today must meet

‘Know Nothings’ who worked against her in the late 1800s even as she was trying to grow the mission and build other schools throughout Indiana. Mother Mary Cleophus Foley made plans for a campus expansion to add Guerin Hall, the Conservatory and Le Fer Hall as part of the newly inaugurated College in 1909. Did you know that a 1920s

master plan lays out the location for a new library to be built between Woodland Inn and the Grotto? Students wrapped bandages and took first aid classes during World War I. They worried about air raids and were ready to retreat to the Conservatory

bomb shelter (the basement underneath the auditorium) in the 1940s. In

the 1960s, they worked to fight against racial injustices. And there is so much more. “Mother Theodore was a pioneering woman, an innovator and a changemaker – called to a new world to bring the light of education to young women who were uneducated. From that time until now, she set a course for The Woods that we honor today with the launch of each new academic program, building and sports team. We are continuing her work and that of all those who have committed themselves to this mission by making sure that we innovate,” she added.

Its chapters are filled with stories we know and cherish, and many others which have been lost to time. Since 1840, students have persevered through the changing world around them - the Civil War, the fight for women’s rights, two World Wars, a changing higher educational landscape and, yes, two pandemics. Our story is one of commitment, innovation, change and persistence.

students where they are, fulfilling their educational needs, and this too is part of respecting our past,” said Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president. In respecting the past, we must understand that change is in our very nature. Our story has grit and tenacity, too. Mother Theodore endured anti-Catholic sentiment from the

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