Fall 2026

Reunion 2026 was held May 15 - 17, 2026. During the Reunion Banquet, the Frances Murphy Rumely Award and the G.O.L.D.E.N. Oak Award were presented. The Frances Murphy Rumely Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to and leadership within civic, religious or educational organizations. The award is given in memory of Frances Murphy Rumely, class of 1935, whose life was a celebration of the education she received at her beloved Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. In her lifetime, Frances volunteered thousands of hours to her college and community. Established in 2020, the G.O.L.D.E.N. Oak Award recognizes a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Graduate of the Last Decade Engaging Now. The award celebrates professional achievement, continued service and outstanding personal characteristics. The alumni awards program of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College honors achievements of outstanding alumni with four prestigious awards. Nominations are encouraged and accepted from alumni and friends throughout the year. All nominations received on or before January 15 will be considered for that year’s award. Scan the QR code to learn more and to nominate. A lumni 2026 wards A

HAYLIE DAVENPORT ’16 2026 G.O.L.D.E.N. Oak Award Recipient

Haylie Davenport earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from SMWC in 2016. As a student, Haylie was very involved in student organizations, including the Student Activities Committee, Student Senate, Chorale and Drama Club. Haylie also served as manager for the women’s basketball team, a resident assistant and an orientation leader, where she shared her Pomeroy Pride and helped new students get acclimated with life at The Woods. The Woods instilled many skills in Haylie that serve her well today. With a heart and passion for service, Haylie served on the SMWC Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2017 to 2023 and, for five years, chaired the Young Alumni committee, which she helped establish. During her time on the board, Haylie hosted numerous events for fellow alumni to attend, increasing alumni

The Woods, Haylie serves the community of Indianapolis, where she resides, as well. She has made a significant impact through her involvement with Stonewall Sports, a national LGBTQIA+ and allied community-based sports organization. She serves on their Board of Directors and currently holds the role of Director of Communications. Haylie has been described by her friends, family and fellow Woods alumni as a creative and inclusive individual who carries a deep sense of responsibility to her community. As a servant leader, Haylie identifies community needs, builds solutions and inspires others to join her in making a difference. Her work embodies the values instilled at Saint Mary-of-the Woods College and serves as a shining example of how SMWC young alumni can lead with purpose and passion.

engagement with the College. Haylie also volunteers as Class Secretary. In addition to her service and love for L to R: President Brennan Randolph, Davenport and Alumni Association President Christy Pearison ’19, ’20MLD, ’25Ph.D.

ALUMNI NOTA BENE

DEANNA REED ’08 2026 Frances Murphy Rumely Award Recipient

Eileen Rose Bonner, SP ’63 : May 5, 2026. Sister of Brigid Bonner, SP ’62 (deceased). Eileen Dede, SP ’63 : May 25, 2026. Sister of Mary Mark Dede, SP ’64 and Kathleen Dede, SP ’66 (deceased). Rosemary Schmalz, SP ’63, ’02MAPT : September 8, 2026. Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer, SP ’63 : September 7, 2026. Marie Grace Molloy, SP ’64 : July 12, 2026. Joseph Ellen Keitzer, SP ’67 : August 23, 2026. Ann Paula Pohlman, SP ’67 : June 2, 2026. Sister of Betty Pohlman Fentz ’97 (deceased). Kathleen Scott Tichenor ’67 : August 23, 2026. Barbara Dunn Mullins ’68 : June 29, 2026. Sister of Carolyn Dunn McEwen ’65 (deceased). Mary Jeanine Schubert, SP ’68 : May 14, 2026. Regina Brooks Simpson ’69 : July 6, 2024. Mary Beth Roesinger Adams ’71 : August 29, 2026. Mary Agnes Haley Rhoades ‘72 : September 4, 2026. Cheryl Snellenberger Bumps ’72 : October 13, 2025. Paula Kaperak Slinger ’72 : July 16, 2026. Sister of Patricia Kaperak Talen ’73. Madonna Moore Yates ’78 : April 18, 2026.

Kathleen McGrath Barnosky ’83 : July 18, 2026. Geraldine Northam Stelzer ’83 : June 3, 2026. Stacey McGovern ’01 : May 18, 2026. Joyce Nichols ’05 : June 7, 2026.

Cassie Shelton Flynn ‘18 was married to Tyler Flynn on June 6, 2026. MARRIAGES

In 2008, Dee earned her degree in digital media communications from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Woods External degree program, and was awarded the Alumni Leadership and Service Award. She served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2008 to 2010, where she actively engaged fellow alumni and shared news of the College. Following her term on the board, Dee joined SMWC as Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. She continued her professional career and service to SMWC as she shifted to other positions of Executive Director of Strategic Communications in 2019 and Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2020. Her leadership and professionalism served her well on several committees at The Woods and in her interactions with students. Dee certainly left a brilliant mark

Staff Member of the Year in 2013 and the Aspire Higher Award in 2023. Dee’s servant heart and leadership flow beyond SMWC. She fills her interest and love for history by serving as president of the Lost Creek Community Restoration and Preservation Foundation. As a fifth-generation descendant of the Lost Creek settlers, Dee was instrumental in drafting a nomination for listing on the National Registry of Historic Places. Dee strongly believes in community engagement and serves on several boards. Her involvement has ranged from serving on the Wabash Valley Community Foundation Board of Directors to chairing the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program. She also volunteered on boards for Art Spaces, The Vigo County History Center, Terre Haute Human Relations Commission and Second Missionary Baptist Church.

BIRTHS

Whitney Teeters Kuszmaul ‘16 and Kevin - boy, Cohen Reid - May 6, 2026.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES ARE ONLINE

DEATHS

Martha Buskirk Hellmann ’47 : April 14, 2025. Joan Kane Ryan ’49 : August 2, 2026. Eleanor Huguenard Wheeler ’53 : July 28, 2026. Miriam Pollar, OCSO ’55 : May 2, 2026. Barbara Ave McGahan ’56 : May 22, 2026. Sister of Arlene Ave Krieg ’60 (deceased). Adrianne Auvil ‘57 : August 4, 2026. Janice Rapier Brown ’57 : June 26, 2026. Eileen Fleming Doherty ’59 : August 2, 2026. Sister of Mary Fleming Dempsey ’57 (deceased). Joyce Pequignot Boyce ’61 : May 11, 2026. Gail Sitzman Westhoven ’62 : August 8, 2026. Sister of Jane Ellen Sitzman Clark ’69 .

at SMWC, establishing the first SMWC Diversity Council and the Black Student Association, which remain active on campus. During her time as an employee, she received several awards, including L to R: President Brennan Randolph, Reed and Alumni Association President Christy Pearison ’19, ’20MLD, ’25Ph.D.

smwc.edu/class-notes/

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