OA SPRING-SUMMER 2025 MAGAZINE - with links

A YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION AND TRIUMPH AT THE WOODS A note from President Brennan J. Randolph

ONYX Anneau SPRING/SUMMER 2025

Vol. 99

No. 2

Brennan J. Randolph President Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 Editor in Chief Vice President for Advancement BJ Riley ’16, ‘23MLD, ‘24MBA Editorial Director Associate Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Community Relations Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21, ‘25MLD Managing Editor Advancement Officer Kristy Fry Creative Director Director of Creative Services

ON THE COVER

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College awarded its first doctoral degrees on Saturday, May 10, 2025, during the 191st Commencement Ceremony. Graduates of the Ph.D. in Global Leadership Program receiving their doctoral degrees were (L to R) Karen Dyer ’25Ph.D.; Kourtney Barrett ’25Ph.D., leadership program specialist to the Dean at SMWC; Christina “Christy” Pearison ’19, ’20MLD, ’25Ph.D. and Meredith Williams ’25Ph.D., assistant professor of business at SMWC.

CONTENTS

2025 Faculty Awards 4

Building a Culture of Care: Mental

As Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College approaches its 185th anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable year we’ve just concluded—a year filled with growth, resilience and celebration. Each August, as I join our dedicated faculty and staff in welcoming students to campus on Move-In Day, I’m filled with anticipation. Watching students arrive on The Avenue, I often wonder how their lives will be transformed over the next four years. What discoveries will they make? What passions will they uncover? As they find their voices, what tone will they carry, and what values will shape their perspectives? I also recognize the mix of excitement and nervousness in the eyes of parents as they help their children take this next step. It’s a powerful moment—one that never loses its magic. Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of handing diplomas to the very students we welcomed in 2021. When they arrived, the impact of COVID-19 was still fresh, and none of us knew exactly how it would shape their college experience. Together, we adapted. Together, we redefined what “normal” could look like. And together, we grew. Commencement Day was a celebration of that growth with a record number of graduates. The arena was filled with proud families and friends, all gathered to honor the achievements of our graduates. It was also a historic moment for SMWC, as we awarded diplomas to our first-ever doctoral graduates—trailblazers who earned their Ph.D. in Global Leadership. Their perseverance and dedication are a testament to the spirit of The Woods. We also celebrated the first graduates of our innovative Paramedic Science to BSN program. This fully online pathway allows working paramedics to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing while continuing to serve their communities. For many, it was a dream they never thought possible—until now. None of these milestones would be possible without the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff. Despite daily challenges, they show up with purpose and passion, always placing our students at the heart of their work. Their dedication is why so many students describe SMWC in one word: “Home.” As we look ahead to our 185th year, I am filled with gratitude—for our students, our faculty and staff, and the enduring mission that guides us for students to receive a values-based education. The Woods continues to be a place where transformation happens, where dreams are realized and where every voice matters.

Health & Wellness 14

Nursing Pinning Ceremony & Commencement 8

The Art of Building a Culture of Philanthropy 18

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 © 2025 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.

2024-2025 Year in Review 12

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE Woods Today....................................... 11 Nota Bene............................................. 22

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

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