Fall 2026

“This is the path traced by Providence. And I follow it.” — Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

June 1840, Mother Theodore Guerin and five sisters of Providence set off from France

FAITH IN OUR FUTURE: The Power of Belief and Generosity

By BJ Riley ’16, ’23MLD, ’24MBA Vice President for Advancement

“Do not give way to uneasiness about the future.”

The theme of Saint Mary-of-the Woods College’s strategic plan, Faith in Our Future, resonates throughout every aspect of campus life. It is a fitting theme as the College reflects on the 20th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, whose extraordinary vision and perseverance laid the foundation for what The Woods has become today. When Mother Theodore arrived in Indiana in 1840, the future of the fledgling institution was anything but certain. In her journal, she wrote, “It is astonishing that this remote solitude has been chosen for a novitiate and especially for an academy. All appearances are against it!” Yet even in the face of daunting circumstances, she remained steadfast in her faith and mission. Long before her journey to Indiana, God had prepared Mother Theodore for what seemed an impossible calling. Her experiences in France as an educator, caregiver and leader taught her resilience, adaptability and trust in divine providence. Upon arriving at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, she and her companions were greeted with the words, “Come down, Sisters, we have arrived.” Mother Theodore later recorded her reaction: “What was our astonishment to find ourselves still in the midst of a forest, no village, not even a house in sight.” What she saw that day was wilderness. What she believed in was possibility. One hundred eighty-six years later, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College continues to advance the mission Mother Theodore began, serving students and transforming lives through education rooted in compassion, courage and faith. The College exists today because several generations have shared that

same faith in the future. Our donors may not be the wealthiest individuals, but they are among the most loyal and dedicated. Many have supported The Woods consistently for decades, with some giving for nearly 60 years. Their generosity is driven by belief in the transformative power of a Saint Mary of-the-Woods education and in the students who walk these paths today. That commitment is especially evident during Woods Giving Day. Each year, alumni and friends eagerly What she saw that day was wilderness. What she believed in was possibilities. answer the call to support students, often sharing a common sentiment: “I want to invest in today’s students just as someone invested in me when I attended The Woods.” Their gifts help ensure that future generations can experience the same opportunities that shaped their own lives. This growing confidence in the College’s future is reflected in the numbers. Over several years, support for the Woods Fund has increased

dramatically, rising from more than $1.3 million in 2023-24 to more than $3.5 million in 2024-25. Donor participation has also grown, surpassing 2,700 contributors, while alumni giving reached 21%, up from 18% the previous year. These milestones represent far more than financial success. They are tangible expressions of belief in the mission, the students and the future of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. As the 2026-27 academic year begins, the Woods Fund has set an ambitious goal of $3 million. Preparations are already underway for another Woods Giving Day, and excitement continues to build among alumni, friends and supporters across the country. Mother Theodore could never have imagined all that would emerge from a small clearing in the Indiana forest. Yet her faith allowed her to see beyond the obstacles of the moment and trust in a future she could not fully see. That same spirit continues to guide Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College today. Every gift, every scholarship, every volunteer effort and every act of support is an investment in the next generation of leaders, educators, healthcare professionals and changemakers. Together, our community is ensuring that a mission begun in 1840 remains vibrant and relevant for future years. Faith built The Woods. Faith sustains it today. And with the continued dedication of our alumni, donors, friends and students, faith in our future will continue to light the path forward for generations to come.

October 20, 1840, reached Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana

“The sea was no longer beneath our feet, we were on the soil of America! Impossible to describe what passed within our hearts at that moment.”

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“It is astonishing that this remote solitude has been chosen for a novitiate and especially for an academy. All appearances are against it.”

Academy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for girls, July 4, 1841

1846 - Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College granted first charter for higher education of women in the State of Indiana

“Mon Dieu! How happy I should be if I could see you become someday what you ought to be!”

Canonized Saint Theodore on October 15, 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI becoming Indiana’s first saint.

Her remains lie in The Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

“I sleep, but my heart watches over this house I have built.”

186 years later, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College continues the mission

set forth by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Alumni continue to support her legacy and the education of future generations.

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