OA FALL 2024 MAGAZINE

FALL 2024/Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Magazine

Brennan J. Randolph Named 17th President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

2024

First Day

NEW YEAR FULL OF ENERGY A note from President Brennan J. Randolph

I want to express how honored I am to be the 17th President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I am blessed to work with faculty and staff who care about our students and this institution as deeply as they do. I appreciate the incredible support I have been given in the past year. As I have said many times, students want to be here. We strive to make their student experience the best possible. The summer was busy with much activity around campus, which began just after commencement to prepare the campus for students’ arrival for the Fall 2024 term. Many faculty and staff moved to create larger classroom spaces to accommodate our sustained growing campus population. The start of the new academic year has been nothing short of exhilarating. Our incoming class was on the verge of breaking a record, and our total campus enrollment is now the second highest in the history of the College. The campus is buzzing with energy and excitement, and our students have swiftly settled into their routines. I invite each of you to visit the campus in the upcoming weeks to witness the magnificent transformation as fall arrives. There is nothing like driving down The Avenue when the trees begin to show their autumn colors and the aroma of fall is in the air. Come visit us in the Corbe House or just simply walk campus and take in the beautiful atmosphere of The Woods. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the unwavering support SMWC has enjoyed from so many alumni and friends. Our success is a testament to our esteemed history and deeply rooted traditions blended with our ability to embrace change and foster innovation. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Here’s to a great 2024-25 academic year!

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ONYX Anneau FALL 2024

Vol. 99

No. 1

Brennan J. Randolph, MBA President Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 Editor in Chief Vice President for Advancement BJ Riley ’16, ‘23 MLD, ‘24 MBA Editorial Director Associate Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Community Relations Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21 Managing Editor Content Marketing Manager Kristy Fry Creative Director Director of Creative Services CONTRIBUTORS Carol Bicknell ‘24 MLD Jessica Bicknell Crawford ‘19 MLD Lanna Martinez

MULTICULTURAL COOKOUT HELD ON CAMPUS The Diversity Council, along with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, hosted the annual Multicultural Cookout at the Knoerle Center. Students, faculty and staff gathered to enjoy grilled hamburgers and chicken, along with all the picnic-type sides. It was a time of games, food, fellowship and fun!

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT READY TO CONTINUE WORK 4 SUMMER HAPPENINGS 10 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING 16

ON THE COVER Brennan J. Randolph named the 17th President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

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 © 2024 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......................................... 3 Nota Bene............................................. 21

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THE WOODS TODAY

When I began my college search in high school, it was important for me to find a school with the right academic and athletic programs. It was my hope to find a school with Kinesiology and Psychology programs that also offered opportunities for me to continue playing softball at a competitive level. Also, I wanted to feel like I could grow and feel supported. As I begin my third year, I know Saint “ The people at The Woods have truly become my second family. They give me guidance and have helped me to be very involved on campus. ”

Mary-of-the-Woods College has not only met these expectations, but continues to exceed them. The people at The Woods have truly become my second family. They give me guidance and have helped me to be very involved on campus. In addition to being a student-athlete, I am also a resident assistant (RA) and a member of Presidential Corps. Just about any day of the week, you can find me working in one of the departments I assist. My parents often ask how I do all these things and still have time for myself, and I tell them that it is because of the support I get from them, my peers and my professors. Yes, my schedule is busy, but to me, it is not a burden. All my activities are things I am passionate about and excited to do.

I never expected myself to grow this much when I first arrived, and I have no regrets for choosing SMWC. This institution is truly a unique expe rience. I am proud to call The Woods my home.

Lanna

— Lanna Martinez Kinesiology and Psychology Double Major Junior Downey, California

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17 TH SMWC PRESIDENT BRENNAN J. RANDOLPH READY TO CONTINUE WORK

By BJ Riley ’16, ’23 MLD, ’24 MBA Associate Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Community Relations W hen Brennan J. Randolph, MBA, stepped to the podium with more than 100 people in attendance in Le Fer Hall’s PK Parlor after being introduced as the 17th President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, he felt a sense of comfort. “In many ways,

it doesn’t feel any different to me,” said Randolph about being named president. He felt the same as when he spoke after being named interim president in June 2023, except that there was a sense of conclusion that the decision had been made.

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When he was approached by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Alice Sherfick Shelton ’87 and Trustee Randy Adams, after President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., announced her resignation and departure at the end of June 2023, Randolph did not want to be just a caretaker because he knew there was important work to do. He wanted to ensure that the College kept momentum during the Board of Trustees’ search to find a new president. Enrollment could not be neglected, and facility issues continued due to deferred maintenance on aged and historic buildings. President Randolph has been in higher education his entire professional life. He began his career in financial aid for Harrison College, then known as Indiana Business College. “It was intriguing and interesting to me. I fell in love with it immediately.” As he assisted students and families in navigating the cost of higher education, many of whom were first-generation students, he saw how impactful it was for them, which would continue through their lifetimes. Randolph also taught classes in accounting. “It was

President Randolph speaks to those attending the press conference after the announcement that he is the 17th President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. SMWC Board of Trustees Chair, Alice Sherfick Shelton ’87, and Sisters of Providence General Superior, Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, ’74, with President Randolph.

rewarding to see the lightbulb turn on when the students got what I was teaching them,” he said. During his tenure at Harrison College, he had roles in the accounting office, was the director of education and worked with the registrar and faculty to improve and grow academic programs. He became assistant campus president, and ultimately, campus president of Terre Haute. Randolph worked at Harrison College for 17 years, and he was named Campus President of the Year in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, he accepted the role of vice president for enrollment management at SMWC. He felt that he was called to do something different when coming to The

Woods. It was only his second day on the job, when King announced SMWC would become fully co-educational and accept men into the campus residential program. “I found out how deeply people care for The Woods. I kept reminding President King that there is value in people caring that much and having a voice.” In 2015, the Tribune-Star and the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce honored him as a 12 Under 40 award recipient in the Wabash Valley. Since 2015, the College has added numerous new academic programs, including nursing, kinesiology and exercise science, the Ph.D. in Global Leadership and paramedic science to BSN. He also oversaw athletics and was instrumental in adding several athletic scholarship

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President Randolph speaks to a parent as she enters the gates during Move-In Day. Below: The SMWC Enrollment Team from the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid, as well as President Randolph, prior to The Avenue

welcome on Move-In Day.

sports, including men’s basketball, men’s volleyball, women’s and men’s track and field and sprint football. The combination of academic additions and athletic expansion increased enrollment and diversity. Randolph shared a comparison, “In 2015, the campus program totaled 297; for 2024, it is 623.” During the introductory press conference in August, Board Chair Shelton gave the attendees some insight into Randolph. She described three of his qualities that she believes are vital that he brings to his new role. “Brennan is a man who is humble, and his humility is so evident. He makes decisions through the lens of the students first, always. He is transparent and honest. And, he is a man guided with a deep faith that is very natural for him.” President Randolph remarked to the crowded room, “When you have the right recipe, our students become alums that enter the world to have great success. We work

hard every day to strengthen this institution for you. I am committed to this responsibility, and speaking for faculty and staff, we are all committed to this responsibility.” President Randolph sees a bright future for SMWC in the years ahead. “Students want to be here. We have excellent academic programs and competitive athletic programs. We have a college culture with a family-like atmosphere that embraces students and continues to add to the wrap-around services provided to students, such as our Student Success Center and the Student Counseling and Wellness Center.” His vision for the future includes additional academic programs that fit with the College’s mission and values and meet the needs of today’s students. He also sees opportunities for innovation with Woods Online, the College’s online program that celebrated its 50-year milestone in October 2023. He continues to seek additional

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President Randolph speaks to new students and parents after move-in and during the Blessing of the Class. Below: Three Presidential Corps members, Josie Gettinger, Lanna Martinez and Kevin Garcia pose with President Randolph at the press conference.

partnerships and collaborations. Ones similar to the Mindful College Connections consortium with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and DePauw University, funded by a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant and a student success collaboration led by the University of Indianapolis with four other institutions that the Lilly Endowment Inc. also funded. He plans to explore other partnerships and collaborations to assist with the upkeep of the aging buildings. The need to preserve them from a historical perspective has to be balanced with modernizing some building issues, such as plumbing and other everyday uses. In his closing remarks, Randolph affirmed, “I do not take the role that I have accepted as the 17th President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College lightly. I know that there is a tall order ahead of me.”

Left: Chris Lozier, MBA, associate vice president for enrollment management and Darla Hopper ’12 MLD, FAAC, vice president for enrollment management, present the Class of 2028 to President Randolph with a chest of acorns representing each new student in the class.

Right: President Randolph presents an institutional update to faculty and staff during a Town Hall meeting.

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20% OF THE TOTAL CAMPUS POPULATION IDENTIFIED AS A STUDENT OF COLOR

1,317 TOTAL ENROLLMENT FALL 2024

2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5 A c a d em i c Ye a r • Au g u s t E n r o l l me n t ENROLLMENT #S

240 NEW FALL 2024 CAMPUS STUDENTS

TOTAL CAMPUS

NEW CAMPUS

STUDENTS REPRESENT 24 STATES, PUERTO RICO AND 10 FOREIGN COUNTRIES

STUDENTS REPRESENT 20 STATES, PUERTO RICO AND 7 FOREIGN COUNTRIES

103 NEW FALL 2024 WOODS ONLINE STUDENTS

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TOTAL GRADUATE STUDENTS 244

623 TOTAL CAMPUS STUDENTS

450 TOTAL WOODS ONLINE STUDENTS

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MOVE-IN DAY 2024

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Scan the QR code to enjoy the full gallery of move-in photos.

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Although the majority of students were home for the summer, The Woods was filled with activity. Many offices moved to new spaces to accommodate the growing campus population and the need for more and funded capital projects were initiated over the summer. The Student Counseling and Wellness Center moved to the Conservatory of Music’s second floor and houses offices, a waiting area, a small group meeting room and a conference room. The indoor arena at the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies was renovated and will now be known as the Equestrian Event Center. A hospitality room and new classroom were added to the barn. Also, a new athletic complex was built on the north side of campus through grant funding. It provides lockers and showers for the athletes at the softball, soccer and football fields. larger classrooms. Also, several grant

Corbe House, located at the end of The Avenue by the Fountain, is now the College’s primary administration building. It houses the Offices of the President and the Provost as well as other Cabinet officers. Several receptions and events have been held at Corbe House to help employees and students get to know this “new” building that is now part of the College. All are welcome and encouraged to visit.

Student employees, Dylan McGrath of Casey, Illinois, and Austin Petrillo of Kingman, Indiana, assisted with moving furniture during the summer office moves.

The south wing of the second floor of the Conservatory of Music became home to the Student Counseling and Wellness Center. This area allows students to gather and enjoy a variety of comforts.

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SUMMER HAPPENINGS

More than 20 offices moved to new spaces over the summer to provide additional classrooms — three in Guerin, one in Rooney Center, three in the Conservatory of Music and one in the Equine Facility.

The SMWC facilities team was hard at work moving, painting and preparing classroom spaces in time for the August start of classes for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Thanks to the support of Vigo County and its commitment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the outdoor arena received a new exterior this summer. The blue metal, with a clear band at the top to allow for more natural light inside, is just one of many upgrades made to the refreshed Equestrian Event Center. Visitors will enjoy expanded seating and ADA access to the building and viewing area.

The new Athletic Complex houses lockers and showers for athletes using the softball, soccer and sprint football practice fields. The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant provided the funds for this summer project.

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Will donations keep pace with enrollment growth?

By Jessica Bicknell Crawford, ’19 MLD, Advancement Officer

“These challenges have stressed the need for a larger Woods Fund. A $3 million goal will support the College’s growth while maintaining its quality of education,” said Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98, vice president for advancement.

In August 2015, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College had a total campus enrollment of 297 students. Almost a decade later, total campus enrollment in 2024 is 623 students. This surge is a testament to SMWC’s ability to educate students, producinghigh-quality leaderswhoeffect change throughout the world. This growth in the number of students on campus has brought a host of challenges that the institution must address to sustain its momentum. The growing pains SMWC faces affect various aspects on campus, from housing needs and larger classrooms to the increased use of utilities like electricity and water to the need for additional activities on campus to keep students engaged during the weekends. “These challenges have stressed the need for a larger Woods Fund. A $3 million goal will support the College’s growth while maintaining its quality of education,” said Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98, vice president for advancement.

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AGING AND DEFICIENT FACILITIES

One of the most immediate effects of increased enrollment is the overcrowded facilities. Le Fer Hall can no longer house all residential students in their own individual rooms or suites. As of Fall 2024, there are no single rooms in Le Fer. Les Bois Hall was brought online in Fall 2021 and reached capacity in 2023. The former Guest House was made available to students in Fall 2023 as The Lake House and quickly reached capacity. Fall 2024 introduced Le Ponte, the white house across Le Fer Lake, as yet another housing

option for upper-class students. In addition, not only were housing options needed, but the College also required additional furniture. Each room needed a bed frame, headboard and footboard, dresser, desk and chair. Classrooms that were adequate for decades with seating for ten to 20 students now struggle to accommodate the growing student population. During the summer, more than 50 employees relocated to different offices in a space utilization and repurposing initiative to better serve students. Large

offices have become classrooms that accommodate up to 36 students for general education classes. “While the facilities and information technology teams worked deliberately to utilize already existing furniture and technology, some classrooms are equipped with plastic tables and repurposed chairs from the library,” said Frankie Morris Enochs ’93, vice president for institutional technologies and operations. “No new furnishings were purchased in this process,” Enochs added.

ENROLLMENT TO WOODS FUND COMPARISON

623

596

534

511

508 513

Enrollment Climb

390

330

305 302

The Woods Fund

$1,107K

$1,130K

$1,121K

$995K

$1,136K

$1,000K

$1,076K

$1,149K

$1,108K

$1,327K

The orange represents the Woods Fund and the blue represents the Fall campus student enrollment. Although the Woods Fund has gained momentum, it has not kept pace with SMWC’s enrollment climb.

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THE FINANCIAL CHALLENGE

The expansion of the student body inevitably leads to increased operational costs. While tuition and fees contribute to covering these costs, they are often insufficient in fully supporting the necessary expenses incurred by the College. “Just as many are experiencing the rising costs of goods and services in their personal lives, so is SMWC. Services that once were affordable

are significantly more expensive. Electricity cost alone has almost doubled since 2021,” said Enochs. Unlike public institutions, SMWC does not qualify for state funding to update physical spaces on campus. The College relies on competitive grant opportunities and the generosity of alumni and friends to fund the deferred maintenance that has been compounding for

decades. Neglected historical buildings create a plethora of expensive problems for the facilities and maintenance team to solve on shoestring budgets. For example, outdated plumbing, electrical work, masonry, boilers and more, in addition to all buildings needing 21st-century technology upgrades.

FINDING SOLUTIONS

“Raising the Woods Fund goal from $1.1 million to $3 million became imperative for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as it seeks to address its growing pains,” said Saunders

To effectively navigate these growing pains, SMWC must adopt a comprehensive approach. This includes setting ambitious fundraising goals and engaging with alumni, parents and the community to build a strong network of supportive donors and partners. In addition, the College must prioritize strategic planning that considers immediate needs coupled with long-term goals. “Raising the Woods Fund goal from $1.1 million to $3 million became imperative for Saint Mary of-the-Woods College as it seeks to address its growing pains,” said Saunders. Philanthropic support

will help fund the increasing operational expenses such as residential furniture, classroom technology and furnishings, along with the additional utility costs. Saunders continued, “The $3 million goal represents a strategic effort to secure the necessary resources to maintain and expand SMWC’s educational programs, invest in preserving and modernizing the historic buildings, and provide students with the financial flexibility to receive a high quality Woods education.” To remain the beloved institution it is and continue the mission of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin,

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College must grow and evolve. Fostering a culture that remains resilient and cohesive amidst growth ensures that students feel connected to the institution and maintain the sense of community for which The Woods is known. The growth of SMWC presents both opportunities and challenges. While the increase in student enrollment is a positive indicator of the institution’s success, it also brings growing pains that must be addressed to ensure continued excellence. The road ahead requires careful planning and support of The Woods community.

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At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, students become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and changemakers. Your support will address today’s growing pains. Your gift will help with: • Operational Expenses – create desireable residential rooms and modern classrooms with technology and furniture upgrades. • Financial Flexibility – assist deserving students in gaining access to higher education, regardless of financial background. Gifts help ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of bright futures. Your gift to the Woods Fund is an investment in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students and their future. Your contribution provides today’s students with the high-quality education synonymous with The Woods. Give online at giving.smwc.edu or use the enclosed envelope. Thank you! Together, We’re Raising $3 Million! • Deferred Maintenance – Preservation and modernization of historic buildings guarantee beloved spaces withstand the test of time.

Woods Students Thrive Through EXPERIENTIAL

LEARNING By Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel, ’21, Content Marketing Manager

Experiential learning has long been a staple for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students. Learning in a classroom is beneficial, but the application and implementation in real settings help students better understand what they have learned. A student-centered approach is a common focus at SMWC. “Students don’t always realize they need real-world experiences, but soon they discover that they’ve applied classroom knowledge while they have gained hands-on learning,” said Martha Reed, director of the career center. This provides an elevated learning experience for the student. Many programs at The Woods include service and experiential learning components in the course curriculum. Instructors believe that this helps better prepare students for when they graduate. Marcia Miller, Ph.D., RN, dean of the Division of Nursing and Sciences, shared that the nursing program has always had a student-centered approach. “Nursing programs often take one of two different approaches. One is the gatekeeper approach to weed out the weak. We decided we were not going to do that. We would be holistic and developmental,” Miller said. She then explained that part of the strategy in coaching students is a spiritual component. Miller shared that the nursing program’s holistic approach enables students to gain skills from experiential learning opportunities throughout the year. SMWC nursing students gain experience through a simulation activity each semester.

The Rural Health Innovation Collaborative (RHIC) simulation center is located at Union Hospital providing students a realistic setting and experience. Students also participate in an annual mock disaster drill on the SMWC campus, including support from the criminology program, several local law enforcement offices, emergency medical service providers and the Emergency Management Agency of Vigo County.

The SMWC Education Department educates students to engage their critical thinking skills through field assignments by teaching in a classroom each year, in addition to completing their student teaching experience during their final semester at The Woods. Ashley Bennett, chair of the Education Department, said, “Student teaching and fields are the ultimate hands-on learning experience. Our students can experience what it is like to have a classroom of their own with the guidance of a host teacher and a clinical supervisor – all before they graduate, which makes a difference. They can apply the methods they have learned from their professors by teaching in an actual classroom. This on-site practice is the best way to strengthen our future educators for the real world.” As SMWC bridges connections across the Wabash River, these relationships add to the student experience. From working with community groups at the Vigo County YMCA and conducting exercise programs with the Sisters

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of Providence, Tricia Pierce, DHSc, ACSM-CEP, associate professor of exercise science, shared that providing experiential learning is a matter of giving students what they need to be successful. “Students have to be exposed to real people, so it’s my job to get them in front of the world’s population. For me, I like to give students as much hands-on experience as possible, and if I can pair that with a service to the community, that’s my gold star,” said Pierce. The first project Pierce organized was assigning student trainers to faculty and staff for a customized fitness and weight loss program as service learning. Pierce, her students and the faculty and staff volunteers found great success in the program. “It evolved from being a recommendation to being a requirement for the students to complete, so I really like that we’re progressing our hands-on learning in several ways,” Pierce said. From collaborations with Indiana State University to completing internships in the Wabash Valley, Pierce explained that these experiences truly set The Woods experience apart from other institutions. Additionally, the exercise science and kinesiology students will embark on new experiences this year, including running fitness tests with the SMWC cross-country teams. “We are practicing and doing the work of a healthcare professional rather than just reading in the classroom. We’re very fortunate to do it in the renovated space we have,” Pierce said. Students will continue to conduct exercise programs with community groups and the Sisters of Providence throughout the academic year. Peirce said it’s about more than teaching in a classroom for her. “There’s magic that happens when you see a student connect a classroom concept to real life. There is a magic between students and clients that can only happen when the student has the professionalism, and the client trusts them – to see that, it’s incredible,” Pierce said. “In the end, I want my students to fall in love with caring for people. In this field of study, you must want to help human beings to have an impact. These experiences show them what that is like.” Since he arrived in 2020, Edward Ferguson, Ph.D., chair of the equine studies department, has witnessed the equine studies program enrollment double. His approach has been to give students knowledge they will retain through

experiential learning. “Lots of animal science programs are known for hands-on experiences, but those are limited to two hours a week for 16 weeks. What I learned here [at SMWC] is that students are required to take 16-week classes that are hands-on entirely. That was impressive,” Ferguson said. From equine care courses that allow students to care for horses to riding courses that educate students while riding a horse, the equine studies department fully embraces experiential learning. “This department is miles ahead of many other colleges and universities in the United States,” he said. For example, by the end of each semester, students can conduct a full ultrasound on a horse and point out different anatomical parts of the horse they’re conducting an ultrasound on – something employers often look for in interns and prospective employees. “Our students have an animal that is dependent on them, which brings a whole level of responsibility above and beyond a lab experiment,” Ferguson shared. Experiential learning opportunities can be found throughout Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s campus. Regardless of the major, faculty and staff always prioritize students’ needs, proving that students truly leave The Woods with more than a degree. Far Left: Nursing students participate in real-life scenarios in the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative (RHIC) simulation center at Union Hospital. Far Right: An education major completes her student teaching in a local school classroom. Left: Kinesiology and massage therapy students conduct weekly massage clinics on campus to apply their skills and provide actual care to clients. Top: An equine student receiving hands-on experience during a riding course.

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“This job is not about writing

parking tickets, but it is about helping students feel safe and secure on campus. It allows students to thrive.” — Greg Ewing

EWING LEADS SAFETY INITIATIVES AT SMWC

By BJ Riley ’16, ’23 MLD, ’24 MBA - Associate Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Community Relations

Before arriving at Saint Mary-of the-Woods College in 2019, Director of Public Safety, Greg Ewing, spent 28 years in the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office. He served the last eight years of those as sheriff, first elected in 2010, then again in 2014. “When I retired, I knew I had to do something.” Several months after retiring, Ewing was notified that the College was looking for a new safety director. As sheriff, he had done a threat assessment at SMWC regarding the campus’ safety and decided to apply. “I had worked with school kids in the sheriff’s office as a school liaison, so I was excited to talk more about the opportunity to work with college students.” His task was not easy – building a department from the ground up. The College had previously contracted security before hiring Ewing and managing it internally. He began by finding the right people to build his team. Today, the staff consists of six full-time and four part-time officers and is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “All of the staff have had first responder training and worked as first responders before coming to the College,” Ewing noted. In less than five years, he has

more than doubled the number of security cameras on campus and implemented a numbering system on exterior building doors used by all first responders. Ewing worked with the Sisters of Providence to develop campus road names that enhanced 911 functions with the county. “You can’t have duplicated road names in the county, so we had to find names that were not in use anywhere else in Vigo County.” He also implemented safety training for students, faculty and staff. Ewing’s connections within the law enforcement and first responder communities enabled him to complete things quickly. He has worked closely with the criminology and nursing programs in performing mock disaster drills to allow students to experience first-hand what working with real first responders is like. Many of these drills are coordinated with the nursing departments of Indiana State University and Ivy Tech – Terre Haute, along with the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, EMS within Vigo County and the Emergency Management Agency in Vigo County. He and the public safety officers have increased their awareness about mental health challenges that face today’s college students. The

Office of Public Safety works closely with the SMWC Student Counseling and Wellness Center to get students assistance quickly when needed. “Additionally, the increased enrollment of international students has presented the opportunity for the staff to understand their cultural differences and help those students blend with our culture,” Ewing said. The hard work pays off for him and his team when they see how students have grown through their four years, cross the stage and receive their diplomas. “When their parents come to you and thank you, it just warms your heart. Putting their daughter or son in our care is a huge part of their comfort. This job is not about writing parking tickets, but it is about helping students feel safe and secure on campus. Our job is to enable students to thrive.” Ewing keeps his office door open, encouraging students, faculty and staff to say hi as they wander past his office. Likely, he has helped each of them in one way or another. His smile is always present, and it is evident that he loves the job and the College. “We are creating good, positive relationships with students, which is a great reward in working at SMWC.”

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Jessica Moore Carone ’21 was married to John Carone on June 22, 2024. ALUMNI NOTA BENE MARRIAGES

Mark Your Calendar! WOODS GIVING DAY FEB. 4, 2025

BIRTHS

Brittany Knapke Pearcy ’11 and Chris - boy, Liam Alexander - July 16, 2024.

DEATHS

Mary Agnes Valentine Early ’45 : July 10, 2024.

Mary Menzie Myles ’49 : July 15, 2024.

Frances Humm Fitzgerald ’50 : May 30, 2024. Mother of Mary Beth Fitzgerald Eisenhard ’78 . Sister of Katherine Humm Mull ’42 (deceased). Aunt of Teresa Mull Mathews ’84 (deceased).

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Elizabeth L. Wimberg, MD ’52 : August 6, 2024.

Mary Philipa Lewis Schwinn ’55 : July 29, 2024. Cousin of Alice Meeks ’75 . Nancy Reid Jutzi ’56 : June 11, 2024. Sister of Betty Reid ’50 (deceased) and Janet Reid Smith ’60 . Mother of Rosemarie Jutzi Martin ’84 and Patricia Jutzi Vega ’86 . Maureen Wilson Clifford ’59 : July 12, 2024. Niece of Mary Garrity Bain 1926 (deceased).

Join us in celebrating the dedication of these incredible donors - because together, we’re Aspiring Higher! Visit the Honor Roll of Donors by scanning the QR code.

Mary C. Keene, SP, ’61 : July 20, 2024.

Leah Orr ’61 : July 29, 2024.

Annabelle Farr Mumma ’62 : July 13, 2024. Daughter of Dorothy Mohlman Farr 1928 (deceased).

Elizabeth Jacobi ’63 : July 24, 2024.

Rosemary Mulhollan Levene ’63 : June 7, 2024. Sister of Margaret Mulhollan Quinn ’59 . Aunt of Karen Quinn Walsh ’82 .

REUNION 2025 May 30 - June 1

Kathleen Palousek ’63 : August 10, 2024.

Barbara Fox Vanek ’65 : June 6, 2024.

Joyce Bates Waters ’66 : May 5, 2024.

Patricia Frawley Cunningham ’71 : July 21, 2024. Sister of Ellen Frawley Geoffrion ’67 .

Nominate deserving alumni for SMWC’s Alumni Awards by January 15, 2025.

Betty Poynter Schwenk ’76 : July 16, 2024.

Patricia O’Connor McCall ’81 : June 21, 2024.

Donna Coller ’82 : July 17, 2024.

Felicity Lolli ’98 : June 28, 2024.

Jennifer Lee Mitchell ’09, ’11G : July 12, 2024.

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