Fall 2026

CELEBRATIONS A note from President Brennan J. Randolph

ON THE COVER

ONYX Anneau FALL 2026

SMWC students stand with the statue of the College’s foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Twenty years ago, Mother Theodore Guerin was canonized as a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 15, 2006. CONTENTS

Vol. 102

No.1

L to R: Vice President for Enrollment Management Darla Hopper ’12MLD, FAAC, with President Brennan Randolph and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Chris Lozier, MBA, at the Welcome event on August 14, 2026. President Randolph received the chest of acorns, per tradition, representing each new student for the 2026-2027 academic year.

2 Move-In Day 2026 Photo Album

Brennan J. Randolph President BJ Riley ’16, ’23MLD, ’24MBA Editorial Director Vice President for Advancement Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21, ’25MLD Managing Editor Advancement Officer Kristy Fry Creative Director Director of Creative Services Betsy Simon Writer Brand Marketing Manager CONTRIBUTORS Maša Pešić

4 Enrollment Profile for 2026-2027

Puerto Rico

KEYCODE

Campus Online Graduate

ALL - Campus, Online and Graduate Campus and Online

Online and Graduate

Campus and Graduate

Since classes began in August, our campus has been alive with energy, activity and purpose. Few sounds are as inspiring as the buzz of conversation and the laughter that fill the halls between classes. These familiar echoes have resonated throughout our buildings for generations, connecting the past to the present while creating new memories and laying the foundation for our students’ futures. Every day, we are reminded that Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a place where lives are transformed and dreams take shape. This fall has brought much to celebrate. As you will read in this edition of Onyx Anneau , our August enrollment of 280 new students set a new institutional record, and our total campus enrollment exceeded 623 students, just shy of the College’s all-time high. Our students come to The Woods from 30 states, Puerto Rico and 19 countries, enriching our campus with diverse experiences, perspectives and talents. Their presence reflects both SMWC’s growing reputation and the enduring appeal of our mission-centered education. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin by Pope Benedict XVI. Her remarkable legacy continues to inspire all who call The Woods home. From the day she stepped from her carriage on October 22, 1840, until her death on May 14, 1856, Saint Mother Theodore founded nine schools, two orphanages and two free pharmacies, all while overcoming immense challenges. In just 16 years, she built a ministry that transformed countless lives and established the foundation upon which we continue to build today. Homecoming was especially meaningful this year, bringing together students, alumni, families and friends for a wonderful celebration of the SMWC community. From the football game at McMahon Field to the induction of our newest Athletic Hall of Fame members, the weekend was filled with pride, tradition and camaraderie. Alumni enjoyed a variety of activities alongside equestrian events, women’s volleyball and alumni competitions. The enthusiasm and spirit shared throughout the weekend served as a powerful reminder of the lifelong connections formed at The Woods. You will also learn more about our new strategic plan, Faith in Our Future . Building on the momentum of Aspire Higher and Aspire Even Higher , this plan provides a clear vision and strategic direction for the years ahead. As higher education continues to evolve, Faith in Our Future will guide our efforts to strengthen academic excellence, enrich the student experience and ensure the long-term vitality of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I am excited about what lies ahead and deeply grateful for the faculty and staff whose dedication makes our mission possible each day. Finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our alumni, donors and friends for your continued support. Your generosity and commitment help ensure that future generations of students can experience the transformative power of a Woods education. As autumn settles across campus and the leaves begin their annual display of color, I invite you to visit The Woods and experience firsthand the beauty, history and spirit of the institution that Saint Mother Theodore Guerin established more than 185 years ago.

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Celebrating 20 Years of Sainthood for Mother Theodore Guerin

15 Faith in Our Future Strategic Plan

FU URE FAI H in our

18 Student Ariana Cruz Shadows Doctor

Please send correspondence to: Office of Advancement PO Box 70 Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876-0070 Phone: 812-535-5270 E-mail: alumni@smwc.edu © 2026 by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained in this magazine is accurate.

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE Woods Today................................................................................................................7 Nota Bene....................................................................................................................23

Brennan J. Randolph, President

CLASS NOTES ARE ONLINE smwc.edu/class-notes/

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