OA-FALL 2023 MAG-LINKS 1

HOPE

A note from the Chair of the SMWC Board of Trustees, Alice Sherfick Shelton ‘87

“It is astonishing that this remote solitude has been chosen for a novitiate and especially for an academy. All appearances are against it.” From the Journals and Letters of Mother Theodore Guerin

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin offers an observation about the place we now know as Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. One has to know Mother Theodore to understand her to be sharing insight about the importance of hope. Public opinion would have us believe it is time to sunset four-year education after high school as a way to fast-track skill development in an effort to hurry earning potential. Certainly, there are complex ideas and concepts involved in this perspective. I offer an alternate view about the importance of education, in particular, a Woods education.

The work of any college or university is about building human persons. Those engaged in what takes place at The Woods are passionate about this work. The growth and transformation which occur in students who attend The Woods is not accidental or transactional. Quite simply, our Woods community is about full participation in our urgent mission. Students continue to choose a Woods education in record numbers. No human endeavor survives without great hope. I find myself best able to be a person of hope when I surround myself with others who hold this in common. Hope allows creativity, risk taking, courage and openness to change. These are recognizable characteristics of our foundress and of many individuals who have committed their personal and professional gifts to continuing the mission of Our Woods. You have my encouragement to share your Woods education and experience as a way of offering hope. If you have a Woods Ring, please wear it. In whatever way you pray, include the mission of the College. Find ways to mention the College in your daily conversations and interactions. Return to the campus and experience the daily life of today’s Woods student. If you cannot return, visit the website and engage with what is happening. Enjoy time spent savoring this issue of Onyx Anneau , our college magazine!

Alice