OA-Spring 2023

SPRING 2023/Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Magazine

Celebrating 50 years of distance education started by the twelfth President Jeanne Knoerle, SP, ’49

SACRED MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 SMWC’s Department of Music and Theatre hosted a Sacred Music Festival featuring acclaimed guest soloist and Amercian bass-baritone, Marques Jerrell Ruff, a singer, conductor and scholar of Black music. The SMWC Band and musicians from the Terre Haute community performed, featuring new arrangements by Director Dr. John McIntyre and Ruff. SMWC Choirs, local high school singers and teachers, Director Michael Boswell and Ruff also presented sacred choral music with highlighed works written by Cecilia Clare Bocard, SP, ’26 . The festival concluded with Ruff presenting ‘The Evolution of the Negro Spiritual’ — a community discussion on the origins and development of the Negro spiritual from the period of enslavement to present day.

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ANOTHER MILESTONE A note from President Dottie L. King, Ph.D.

Taken in 2012, Jeanne Knoerle, SP, ’49 , twelfth president of SMWC, with Dottie L. King, Ph.D., sixteenth president of SMWC.

The entrepreneurial history of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is quite impressive. From 1840 until now, the ideas brought forward that were ahead of their time are numerous. The innovative spirit of our College, I believe, comes from a need to persevere when times are challenging along with a sincere commitment to mission that compels us to meet the needs of the ever-evolving society that we serve. The Women’s External Degree (WED) program was launched as the second distance education program in the nation. It was quickly recognized as a high-quality program that met the educational needs of students who could not attend full-time, face-to-face classes. While controversy accompanied the addition of WED, it eventually found a home along side of our traditional campus program. Students who earned their degree in this program were included in well-loved traditions of SMWC, such as Ring Day. As the world continued to evolve and other colleges and universities discovered the possibilities of remote learning, our program evolved as well. In 2005, men were admitted as degree-seeking students and the name was changed to Woods External Degree program. Soon after, the moniker of “external degree” was no longer recognizable for students looking for online degrees. I was blessed to discuss the name change from Woods External Degree to Woods Online with the foundress of our program, Emerita President Jeanne Knoerle, SP, ’49 . She told me that the name was perfect in 1974, but it was okay that it was no longer perfect. With her blessing, our new name is now reflective of the realities of today. We continue to add programs that are relevant to the needs of adult learners in Indiana and beyond. SMWC has been delivering distance education for 50 years! That is a milestone about which to take pride. Thousands of students have found personal fulfillment and success in their careers through this innovative program. We have much to celebrate!

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ONYX Anneau SPRING 2023

Vol. 97

No. 3

Karen Dyer Editor in Chief Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives BJ Riley ’16 Editorial Director Director of Marketing Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21 Managing Editor Content Marketing Manager Kristy Fry Creative Director Director of Creative Services CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Mickey Saunders ‘98 Heather Tighe Stephen Thomas ‘20 Sue Weatherwax

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED WOODS GIVING DAY 2023! In 24 hours, 957 donors contributed more than $284,000 to SMWC.

CONTENTS

ESTABLISHING THE SECOND DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM 4 50 YEAR TIMELINE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION AT THE WOODS

ON THE COVER SMWC is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Woods Online, previously Women’s External Degree (WED) program, started in 1973 by Emerita President, Jeanne Knoerle, SP, ’49.

50 TH

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 © 2023 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.

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CONTINUING OUR STUDENT

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE Woods Today......................................... 3 Nota Bena............................................. 32

CENTERED APPROACH 8

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THE WOODS TODAY

“When I walked across the stage in May 2016 to receive my diploma from President King, it was one of the proudest days of my life. I had accomplished what I thought was impossible, and my family was there to see my commencement.” “Life happens.” That was the opening sentence of my essay when I applied to the Woods Online Program (WOL) in 2013. I was 52 years old and had a thriving newspaper career. I had accomplished much throughout my career and was the newspaper publisher for Terre Haute’s Tribune-Star. In the 27 years that I had been working and advancing in the newspaper industry, I had not been held back because I lacked an undergraduate degree. I had to work harder than others with a degree, but the hard work was consistently recognized. I was pretty lucky. I attended college for three years right after high school as a business major and decided to get married just after my junior year. I went to work while my wife, at the time, finished her degree. Once she graduated, I planned to go back and complete my degree. She finished her degree and was pregnant with our first son when she graduated. I found a job working at my hometown newspaper selling ads. In 2009, I became the publisher of the Tribune-Star. In 2010, I met Dottie King, who had become the interim president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. One day she came for a visit, and as President King is known to do, she wanted to get to know me. She spent time finding out more about me as a person rather than me as just the publisher of the local newspaper. After discovering that I had not finished college, she introduced me to Woods Online and encouraged me to return to school. I was intrigued by the prospect of completing my degree, especially one that was designed to work around a busy schedule. I had never quit anything in my life. Even though I was happy with my career path and did not see then the degree as a benefit to my job, I wanted to close the door to something I had yet to finish. Plus, with four sons, I wanted them to see how important getting a degree was to me and that I was willing to do what I encouraged them to do. Interestingly, over the next two and a half years my education taught me a lot about myself while I was learning the course material. I always said I didn’t have time to return to school when I was really just afraid of returning — worried that I wouldn’t remember how to learn and feared failing. When I walked across the stage in May 2016 to receive my diploma from President King, it was one of the proudest days of my life. I had accomplished what I thought was impossible, and my family was there to see my commencement. While in the online program, I was impressed with the support I received from people at The Woods. Today, I am the Director of Marketing at SMWC, and am grateful each day to be here. I am at The Woods today because “life happens.” Recently, I completed my Master in Leadership Development (MLD) and this spring began the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in the inaugural SMWC cohort. Learning has become part of my Woods journey. If not for the WOL program and the degree I earned, I would not have had this opportunity to be at the College. It’s funny how The Woods can bring out the best in people, and has certainly brought out the best in me. B.J. — B.J. Riley, ’16 SMWC Director of Marketing

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ESTABLISHING THE EDUCATION PROGR

By B.J. Riley ’16, Director of Marketing

“Mrs. Rumely declared that the Executive Committee will be called to meet in January to discuss the budget, the feasibility of establishing a center for social gerontology and an adult degree program, and to take whatever actions are necessary concerning them.” That was the note in the November 12, 1972, meeting minutes concerning what would become known as the Women’s External Degree Program or WED. Dr. Jeanne

adults as she evaluated the potential of an adult learning program. WED was modeled after the program at Goddard.

through 1979, 276 degrees and 28 certificates were awarded. In the decade of the 1980s, there were 552 degrees and 77 certificates that were conferred on WED graduates. In the decade of the 1990s, those numbers grew to 643 degrees and 167 certificates awarded. Alice Quinlan ’65 was the WED director from 1989

In her convocation remarks, Knoerle added, “It is my personal belief that in the 1980s and 90s, the women who have chosen vocational training during this decade will experience the same desire to complete a degree so that this program is likely to increase in value….The WED program is, I believe, an important expansion of the academic programs of the College and will, I hope, extend the influence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to a range of students otherwise cut off from the intellectual, cultural and spiritual values it offers students.” Knoerle was correct. The first WED students graduated in 1974, with eight women receiving baccalaureate degrees; “We were very innovative, and the program continued to develop. The College offered hybrid courses before the word ‘hybrid’ was ever conceived.” — Alice Quinlan ’65

through 2008. “We were very innovative, and

Knoerle, SP, ’49 , emerita president of Saint Mary of-the-Woods College (SMWC), had the foresight

the program continued to develop. The

College offered hybrid courses before the word ‘hybrid’

Quinlan

was ever conceived,” she said. Students had campus residencies in the early days of WED, and in 1987, the College also began offering intensive weekend courses in an alternative format. “This is how it evolved into a weekend college and was also offered to campus students. There were hundreds of students here on Saturdays and Sundays.” Tia Partain Wilkinson ’08, ’13G, MPhil, Ph.D. , started college immediately after high

to see that a distance education program for women to complete their degree in a flexible learning environment would further the College’s mission of educating women. Knoerle said during a January 1973 convocation introducing the WED program that it was geared towards women who had started, but not finished degrees because life got in the way. This message to the campus community was the culmination of several years of study by the College, led by Knoerle. Goddard College offered the country’s only other distance learning program at the time. Knoerle appointed a committee of faculty members to explore how to develop a program for off-campus degrees for Knoerle

school. While in college, she married and started a family. “I kept trying to find a way to

Wilkinson

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SECOND DISTANCE AM IN THE NATION

return to school.” She tried some distance learning courses in Texas, but it was too difficult and constraining. “I was at a library in Texarkana, Texas, and picked up a brochure about the WED program at SMWC,” Wilkinson said about discovering The Woods. She applied to the program and was accepted. Wilkinson was still determining how she would pay for it, but the people in the WED office told her to come to orientation and they would figure out a way for her to attend. It took her a while to finish as she was raising her family, but she finally completed her undergraduate degree in 2008. “My degree from The Woods allowed me to get the job and career that I really wanted,” a director of operations for an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. From there, she earned her Masters of Leadership Development degree from SMWC, followed by both a Master of Philosophy and Ph.D. in education. She is presently an adjunct professor in SMWC’s education department and has operated her educational consulting firm for 17 years. As the internet evolved and email became a prominent method of communication, more institutions were creating online programs that did

task of creating access to WED courses online. “The world was changing, and the number of online programs available

structure. Students can be full-time by taking two classes every eight weeks throughout the year. This change is helping students complete the program faster. Sara Boyer ’02, ’13G ,

to students was growing,” Hagemeyer reflected. “In order to stay competitive, the program had to change. More students were requesting not to have to come to a residency.” In 2005, the program was renamed the Woods External Degree program and began enrolling degree-seeking men, and in 2011, the program name was changed again to Woods Online. “When we went online, our faculty wanted to keep the interaction with their students, but wanted to create interaction between the students like the residency programs,” said Hagemeyer. Another change which has made Woods Online competitive is the eight-week class “We continue to focus on the value of the education that a Woods Online student receives. Building relationships is a focus of the institution.” — Sara Boyer ’02, ’13G

executive director of student success, emphasizees that although technology and

the delivery method has changed over the past 50 years, the program’s quality has remained intact. “We continue to focus on the value of the education that a Woods Online student receives. Building relationships is a focus of the institution. We can still do that with Woods Online students through our professional advisors and instructors who are constantly communicating with students throughout their journey.” Since 1973, thousands of students have been in the WED/WOL program, helping them realize dreams they never thought would come true. In the last 50 years, almost 3,500 degrees have been conferred, and an additional 1,800 certificates have been awarded. Boyer

not require residencies. Gwen

Hagemeyer ’09G became director of WED in 2008 and took on the

Hagemeyer

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION AT THE WOODS 1973-2023

Fall 1972

Faculty committee researches and plans adult degree program

March 1982 First WED students elected to “Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities”

Jan. 1973

Board of Trustees approves external degree program for adult women

May 1982

First SMWC campus students enroll in summer courses through WED

May 1973

25 women enroll in WED program

Jan. 1983

500 th WED student graduates

May 1974

Baccalaureate degrees awarded to eight WED students

Nov. 1987

First WED weekend intensive courses offered

Aug. 1989

2500 th student enters WED program

June 1974

Lilly Endowment Inc. funding supports expansion of WED

Sept. 1990 Men enroll in post-baccalaureate teacher license programs through WED

April 1975

165 women enrolled in WED program

Jan. 1991

1000 th WED student graduates

Sept. 1980 1000 th student enters WED; first associate degree awarded to WED student

Jan. 1992

SMWC begins campus computer networking

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June 1993

90 WED students graduate; 340 enroll in weekend courses

Aug. 1993

First computer course offered in distance format

April 1994

33 WED students receive Woods Rings on Ring Day

Oct. 1995

SMWC education programs accredited by NCATE

Jan. 1996

Campus internet up, buildings networked, new software and email Nine students enroll in first online WED course, Financial Accounting

Aug. 1996

Ashley Downs ’21, Woods Online Graduate

Jan. 1997

1500 th WED student graduates

WOODS ONLINE STUDENT 2023* *Enrolled as of January 2023

Sept. 1997 WED graduate, Carol Rogers Hilliard ‘80 ,

becomes president of National Alumni Board (Now known as the Alumni Association)

May 1998

Faculty develop online courses in accounting, computers and management

Jan. 1999

950 students enrolled in WED

Total WOL enrollment 404 60% Students from 40 states + Malaysia 80% Female Average age 33 Range from 17 to 71 TOP MAJORS MUSIC THERAPY EQUIVALENCY- 25% from Indiana.

May 2000 Oldest (age 80) and youngest (age 19) WED students graduate

May 2002 2000 th WED student graduates

Sept. 2004 Online library databases available to WED students

May 2005 Board of Trustees approves enrolling degree-seeking men in WED

July 2005

WED renamed Woods External Degree program

Jan. 2006

60 courses for WED students available online

July 2006

WED students have SMWC email, access to transcript and catalog online

Aug. 2007 3000 th WED student graduates

Jan. 2008

Desire2Learn adopted as learning management system for WED

Avg. credit hours per term 9.4 45% full-time (12 hours or more per term)

EDUCATION - 37%

May 2009 First male WED student earns baccalaureate degree

July 2011

All courses for WED available online

PARAMEDIC to BSN-5%

July 2011

WED program renamed Woods Online (WOL)

PSYCHOLOGY - 4%

May 2013

A record 115 WOL students earn degrees

HUMAN SERVICES - 4%

June 2015

4000 th WOL student graduates

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - 3%

June 2022 5000 th WOL student graduates

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CONTINUING OUR STUDENT

For half of a century, Saint Mary-of the-Woods College has offered immersive and enriching educational experiences for students who could not take part in the full campus experience. Being a leader in distance education, the College expanded its success after changing the program’s name from Woods External Degree (WED) to Woods Online (WOL) in 2011. Through a number of transitions and changes, Woods Online has evolved into the robust program that the College offers today. As a pioneer in distance education, SMWC found that switching to an online format would be the best overall fit for students who had concerns about the residency requirements. “More students requested not to have to come to campus. Also, more online programs were being offered nationwide, competitive,” said Gwen Hagemeyer ’09G , director of the WED program from 2008 until 2013. “We wanted to maintain our personal connections with students in a fully online environment.” Several students were inspired as the College proceeded with the new format for Woods Online. “I chose WOL because of the flexibility to work full-time and still pursue my education while being available for my family’s needs,” said Jamie Carman, ’16 . “It allowed me to learn in my own environment, which was convenient as a working mother.” Carman continued with her Woods education and will receive her Master of Leadership Development this May. The transition to fully online needed to incorporate characteristics of the residency program, so the administration was very intentional with the program’s and we needed to stay

CENTERED APPROACH

WOODS ONLINE TODAY By Elizabeth Reel ’21, Content Marketing Manager

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direction. “WED was all about personal relationships, so it was vital to carry that

As the world was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, SMWC created a task force that oversaw sending the students home in March of 2020 for the remainder of the semester. “The task force was very intentional and comfortable about the decision to move online. The College was already utilizing the learning management system with students in our campus program to post syllabi, class resources and to turn in their assignments. Our comfort level in our Woods Online Program truly assisted everyone in this emergency transition to give students a positive classroom experience for the

weeks and from the beginning, we were told that we were ahead of the curve. We weathered COVID-19 better academically than we could have imagined, and we owe a lot of that to the solid foundation created through Woods Online.” This year, Woods Online had a boost to its enrollment for Spring 2022-23. Much of the growth is owed to offering the new Paramedic Science to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PM to BSN) Program – just one of two programs in the country. In addition to the unique programs of WOL, the Music Therapy Equivalency Distance (MTED) program is the only program of

high-touch approach into the new Woods Online

program. Our faculty continue to

have the student

centered approach,” shared Sara Boyer ’02, ‘13G , executive director of student success.

“I chose WOL because of the flexibility to work full-time and still pursue my education while being available for my family’s needs.” — Jamie Carman ’16.

In 2017, the College transitioned all online classes to eight-week formats. Boyer explained that this format makes it easier for the College’s professional advisors and students to project a path to graduation. “Our professional advisors focus on the students and their goals by asking questions and learning about them. This allows them to create a feasible course timeline to fit a student’s life.” Although the program has evolved through the years, Woods Online and the campus program remain transfer-friendly to students with previous college credits. WOL also offers students with real-world skills opportunities to earn credit for courses by presenting portfolios through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) or by taking College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. “These assessments and programs really allow students to get credit for their experiences,” Boyer said.

remainder of their school year when other institutions may have struggled,” said Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs.

its type offered in the United States and continues to drive strong enrollments in WOL. Woods Online offers options for 21 bachelor’s degrees, three associate degrees, seven graduate degrees, three certificates and five licensures. There are also 17 minor choices to pair with degrees. As the College celebrates 50 years of leading distance education, it serves as a reminder that SMWC continues to make strides for the future. “The Women’s External Degree program was created to meet the needs of our society in 1973. Its mission has never changed! Woods Online continues to provide access to a world-class education to students with no geographic or time barriers. Grounded in a liberal arts core, the courses are designed and taught by full-time faculty members of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College,” said President Dottie L. King, Ph.D.

Although the pandemic presented many challenges to higher education institutions, SMWC was able to offer students final letter grades in May 2020, whereas other institutions had to use a “pass” or “fail” system. Boyer shared, “We met with representatives from our online learning platform, D2L Brightspace, for several

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Mary Ellen “Panky” Pankau Smith , our secretary, died June 12, 2022, from a long illness. Her interment ceremony was on September 17th, 2022 at Providence Community Cemetery, Saint Mary-of-the Woods, Indiana. Her son, Father David Smith said the mass. I was so grateful I could be there. “Panky” has asked me to replace her. Our 75th Class Reunion is this year. Josephine “Jo” Storto Mago wrote that she no longer travels but likes to eat, so still, cooks and bakes and does puzzles, watches sports and funny shows, and enjoys spending time with family. Jean Noonan Faulkner just had her eighth great grandchild, John Thomas Frey. One granddaughter has moved to Washington, D.C., and the extended family seems to be surviving encounters with Covid. She said she’ll be with us in spirit for our 75th. Therese Roy Light is busy with family, especially the grands and great-grands. Also, she’s been doing an exercise class to improve her walking. Marie Merker Walsh no longer travels but keeps busy with family. Marion Alf Heubusch ’s daughter, Patty, responded to my letter. Marion was very ill but talked about how happy she was at The Woods. She died August 19th, 2022. Rest in Peace, Marion. Mary Nardine Wheeler said she gets to the campus when her daughter visits from Michigan. The highlight is Sunday brunch in Providence Center. Delivering meals on wheels two times a month, answering phones at parish office, playing bridge and euchre, and then doing puzzles in the daily paper keeps me busy. I’m planning to be at Reunion in June, so thanks to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for preparing us so well for life! C L A S S N O T E S ’48 Sarah Ketenbrink Williams 111 Rose Ln Greenwood, IN 46143-2443 (317) 499-2824

I live in my own apartment in Colleen’s home, and she takes me to daily mass.” She does the prayer chain for her parish “I send my love to all our classmates that are still with us” Anne Stack Connell lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and has sight problems. She is with her daughter and son-in-law and is enjoying her first great-grandson, who is one year old. She is in touch with Anne Farley Schemel , who is now living in a memory care home in Wisconsin. Rosemarie “Rory” Roney Eckman lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, and reported not much change with her and Charles. She would like to get out more, hasn’t played Bridge for three years, and is trying to stay well. She and Charles celebrated 70 years of marriage last year! Charlotte’s son Eric lives nearby as does their son Jack. A note too late for our last report from Dan Foley, son of Catherine “Cay” Pert Foley , stated that Cay lives at home with her two sons in Littleton, Colorado, who care for her. She has four children and five grandchildren. She was Jean Murphy McGlinn ’s roommate Freshman year. I received a call from Gloriann Naumcheff Long from Holland, Michigan. She has been living in the same house since 1967 and is grateful she is able to stay there. She has three children and six grandchildren. She retired from teaching first grade after 28 years. Molly Keane Houlihan lives in her own home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has nine children. In an email, received from Julia Rooney Ladner , she advised that she is living in the family home with the assistance of 24-hour care. Due to physical limitations, she uses a walker but is grateful she is without pain. Five of her six children live out of town, but schedule visits often. All six got together in January and planned another in June for her birthday. I am able to live by myself, still driving short distances, and getting help from my son Bill, and daughter, Cathy. My shoulder surgery was a good idea; no more pain! I have my first great granddaughter and she is such a joy, especially for Cathy, her grandmother. I regret not hearing from more of you, and if you are able, I would appreciate it if you or a family member could write or call. Until next time, be happy and stay well. It seems that a highlight of the year for many of the class of ‘54 is that special birthday... who thought that when we were the 69th-anniversary class we would be 90! ... or that people would make a very big deal out of it. Arlene O’Rourke Hamm ’s Christmas card photo included a picture of the family gathered in May at Chincoteague (minus Arlene who had Covid), one with the newest great-grandson Blaise, and one of a birthday celebration with a huge “90” sign. Katheleen Thorne Higgins was with our class two years and we share a birthday. Katheleen’s celebration was very special. Her year was blessed with two new great grandbabies. Sr. Carol Nolan said that their group at the convent has a 90’s and 90’s+ party every year. Her sister Lucille “Lucy” Nolan ’64 will be 94! Sr. Carolyn Kessler is back at Saint Mary-of-the Woods, living in Saint Mary’s Senior Living Center. After 16 years in a retirement community in San ’54 Jane Antrobus 5135 Tarrytown Dr Memphis, TN 38117-2125 (901) 685-7497 jantrobus3@aol.com

Antonio it feels very normal. The weather not so much so. I always thought SMWC was the only place one could truly enjoy snow because (back in the day) nobody was driving, we just pulled on the boots and walked where we needed to go. Each of the last three days I have had a surprise phone call... it is so much fun to reminisce with old friends. First I heard from Patricia “Pat” Carbon Etling in Terre Haute, Indiana. She always has such interesting stories about her grandchildren’s doings. One granddaughter is a doctor working in Africa. There is also a prominent quarterback, but I am not sure for which team. She was preparing for a family wedding in Chicago, Illinois. Another traveler is Miriam Courtney Pecora who called me from Florida where she has wintered for years. One of her granddaughters took her on a cruise earlier this year. Miriam says her family now numbers about 35. I nearly failed to answer the phone when the ID said Manor; fortunately, I remembered that was former classmate Rita Gase Manor. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in an independent living facility. She has three children in the Grand Rapids area, who have taken over family dinners and get-togethers. She drives, plays cards, and has fond memories of all the years of organ playing. Lucille Restifo McGrath called from Florida where she is wintering. Another celebrant of 90 years who is enjoying life and grateful for it. Our Canadian classmate, Lois Guertin Doherty . hasn’t quite hit the 90 mark, and being severely immuno-compromised is not rejoicing in the absence of masks and such. During the pandemic she has missed spending time with her nine-year-old twin granddaughters. Lois and her husband Cyril will celebrate the big birthday by ordering a special dinner to be delivered and being grateful they can. There’s a lesson for us all. My 90’s celebrations included visits from nephews and wives from Anchorage and Atlanta, as well as from two in Baton Rouge. It also included many lunch invitations...maybe it’s because the covid precautions had gone on so long, but that was a real treat. Sister Carolyn reminded me that our 70th anniversary is coming next year, and wondered if anyone planned to attend. It sounds like this group is getting around pretty well. Let’s give some thought to that. Five of us made it back to The Woods in May 2022 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of our graduation. Yes, we graduated in 1957! The five: Marilynn Burdick Stadtmiller, Peggy Curl Doak, Mary Howard Brown, Julia Rice King and I enjoyed being together, revisiting special sites on campus and sharing memories. With sorrow, I share that Gertrude “Trudy” Knecht Mazzarella died on January 26, 2023 in Anaheim, California, where she has lived for years. I sent a notice of this to each of you for whom I have an e-mail address. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with Mary Frances “Fran” Fitzgerald Root . Fran wrote: “We all vacationed at Lake Okoboji for a week in August 2022. Little did we know that Emmet would die on September 15, 2022. I am doing well. The family is taking great care of me.” Peggy Curl Doak reports that her health has improved since she was at our May 2022 Reunion. ’57 Martha Ann Jacob, OSU 128 North Peterson Ave Apt 6 Louisville, KY 40206-2338 (502) 338-3331 mjacob@ursulineslou.org

’49 Lois Patton Olzawski 2840 E 23rd St Tulsa, OK 74114-3107 918-747-4844 zawski@aol.com

Greetings from the united 49’ers. There is a dozen of us left. And as we say, there is nothing finer than a 49’er. I lost my son, Vince, in July, and my husband, Tom, was buried in December. I am still in my home, and my daughter, Susan, is in the process of moving in with me.

’51 Mary Hoynes Duhigg 2365 Manchester Ln Avon, OH 44011-1670 (216) 221-7820 mchduhigg@att.net

Happy New Year! Joan Lewis Ingram writes, “Since our last class news, I find that old age has brought some health issues and I now have a somewhat more sedentary life. I enjoy reading and I spend more time on my iPad. I am fortunate to have good help. My daughter and son-in-law live close by and we try to have dinner together on Sundays. I send wishes for a healthy and happy new year.” Angela “Angel” Crowley Kenny keeps busy with family and friends. She regrets the losses of so many over the years. “Our children all live in Peoria, Illinois, except for Sheila in Naperville, near Chicago. I have 43 great-grandchildren who come over for Christmas.

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’58 Virginia Rose Reed (773) 477-6836 vergrose@aol.com

She was having trouble walking at that time but is doing better after treatment. She is very excited that her grandson, Charles Jagusah will play football for the University of Notre Dame. Julia Rice King continues to work at her parish four mornings a week. She enjoys traveling with her family and visiting by Zoom. She and Marty (deceased) were recognized by the Ozark Fly Fishers at a dinner on January 22, 2023. Her theme is GRATITUDE! Mary Howard Brown had another busy year in 2022: the family celebrated Bart’s 90th birthday in February; one grand was married in June; 18th great grandchild arrived, and Mary managed a trip to San Francisco, California, to see granddaughter, Allie, 12, as Alice in her school’s play, “Alice in Wonderland” in November. Janis Rapier Brown (with us freshman year) says hello and sends blessings! She moved from her home in Fort Pierce, Florida, to a nearby retirement community in January 2022. She has nine great-grandchildren, with two more due in the spring. Carol Baker Cardenas and husband, Luis are living in an apartment for retired people in Foster City near San Francisco, California. Their daughter, Marlena, gave them a 60th wedding anniversary party on January 5, 2023. “We are reasonably healthy, with some aches and pains.” Sheila Sullivan McIntyre writes: “After five years, I’m still so happy to be back in Vermont full time and able to enjoy its wonderful outdoor offerings.” She continues to play the Ukulele. “I try to justify my existence on the planet by working with Asylum Seekers from Latin America.” Mary Hayes Garvin keeps in touch with Rosalie McGlynn , who is in an assisted living home near her family. Mary has 18 grandkids and two greats. “Blessings! I think of the Woods and our enriching experience often.” Patricia “Pat” McDonald King had a trip to Alaska with family members in January 2022. She claims 13 grands and four great-grandchildren. She keeps busy tending to the needs of a 97-year-old friend, volunteering at her church and playing “quite a bit of bridge.” I’m doing well, but definitely slowing down.” Camille Grafe Rust reports doing well and enjoying playing with different ukulele groups. Her husband, Bill, has a surgical hip wound that is not expected to close, uses a crutch to walk a bit, but keeps positive. They have three married sons, a daughter and six grandchildren. Marilyn Marschall Antonik continues to live part of the year in “Wilmette, Illinois, near Jolynn and family, and the remaining months in Ashburn, Virginia, near Steve and family.” She continues to be involved in eco-justice, anti-racism and women’s issues. Marilyn became a Providence Associate in a ceremony at the Woods in October 2022. Angela “Angie” Miller McNamara is doing quite well. “My daughter and I take care of each other, with the rest of our wonderful family helping in so many ways. I stay quite busy with the yard, pool and friends, as well as volunteering at our parish.” Nancy Neagle reports, “Nothing of importance happening in Iowa.” She helps at The Catholic Service Board, plus visits residents at the Kahl Home (nursing). Sorry to get news of Trudy—-great gal! I think back and am so thankful for the four years we all had together at SMWC. I am doing well, keeping relatively busy writing a history of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, 1983 to present, and helping wherever I can. Peace and blessings to each of you!

Blessed Virgin Mary. Her new address will be Carmel Bluffs, Apt. 260, 1040 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003. Laura “Lolly” Trauscht Holland walks daily to stay healthy. In November, Lolly and I visited Rosemary “Roe” Fratto Malec at her new apartment in Mequon, Wisconsin. We enjoyed lunch and shared memories. We learned that Roe and Bruce went to Philadelphia for the baptism of their first great grandchild Beau. Grandson Jack graduated from Notre Dame in May and works in California. Joan Mellican Dickson said they were fortunate in not sustaining much damage from Hurricane Ian. Husband Bob recovered from an infection in his shoulder that was replaced three years ago. In May, they attended grandson Aidan’s graduation from Cornell University. In August they flew to San Diego to witness granddaughter Elisabeth and husband Paul renew their wedding vows. The original ceremony was during Covid and with only her parents and sister present. Janice Searles Vanderhaar writes that it was a blessed year. Pax Christi USA celebrated its 50th anniversary. She has been an active member of this International Catholic Peace group for all those years and worked on planning and attending the August conference in DC. She is also active in the local Pax Christi Memphis group, which partners with the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Rosemary “Roz” Burke Ciaudelli writes that when the pandemic started, she dropped out of Renaissance adult learning classes, Meals on Wheels and choir and never went back. Seven of her eight grandchildren celebrated her 85th birthday in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Oldest daughter Gina turned 60. Roz’s son Joe is on a United Nations Panel, traveling to Geneva, Switzerland twice a year. Daughter Maria Ciaudelli Cholak ’90 enjoys teaching school. Patricia “Trish” Slattery Henry and her family spent ten glorious days in Cedar Park, Texas enjoying family dinners, cousin play dates, late nights and sharing lots of memories. She commented that family gatherings are always enjoyable. Mary Ellen Gase writes that she is enjoying her new home in an excellent location that affords numerous activities. She likes living close to her two sisters. She is upgrading her Saginaw Community Foundation college scholarship started after her retirement. Currently, she is adding two more high schools to the present three schools. One former student sent a $5,000 donation! Two former students are choir teachers. Patricia “Pat” Needham Burns and John avoided traveling during Covid but are doing well. Pat hopes the Washington Nationals Baseball team does better next year. I hope the same goes for the Chicago Cubs! Mary “Maggie” Burns Gage and family spent Thanksgiving in London. Bill Jr. and wife Rachel previously worked there, and Maggie and Bill visited often. In October, she visited Eileen Fleming Doherty , and to celebrate their 85th birthdays, Maggie and Peggy Gardner Gallagher spent a relaxing and fun week in Naples. In June, Peggy traveled to Vail for her granddaughter’s wedding on top of a mountain. At the end of the ceremony, it hailed! In September, she went on a Green Bay Botanical Garden Tour. After that trip, she contracted Covid. In 2022, Peggy rode 1,025 miles on her bike. Her 2023 goal is 1,000 miles. Keep pedaling! Mary Burtch Fetters writes that her wrist is healthy, and she prepared her lake house for winter. She added that the years are passing too quickly. Grace Ann “Dace” Doran McLaughlin feels blessed to live in a continuing care community, taking advantage of many opportunities. Camping and

2850 N Sheridan Rd Apt 1221 Chicago, IL 60657-6145

Carole Marzano Bersinger reported that the winter cold spell made the tropical plants suffer but the weather is usually sunny. Ellen Narolewski Lau enjoyed a trip through the Panama Canal and is planning a trip on the Danube River with her daughter, Margaret. Marilyn Caserotti Kostenski enjoyed a visit from Elmer’s daughter and family and is planning to go to our 65th Reunion. Letizia “Tish” Fiore Lowman is also planning to attend with her daughter and granddaughter. Sandra “Sandy” Chabot Landay is in good health, teaches voice lessons and sings in the church choir. Sylvia Dickas Coma and Bob are joyful great grandparents. Mary Catherine “Katie” Miller has no news but keeps in touch. Virginia Senicka Wirtz lives in a senior center, and her son picks up her mail. Carole Lattus Liggett and Jim are still able to drive and enjoy helping others. They have managed to avoid Covid but miss getting together with family and friends. Carole spends time on a scholarship committee. Their parish, like many others, suffers from the shortage of priests. Bernice “Berni” Schmitt Ridgway has moved from Gulf Breeze to Pensacola, Florida. Mary Zavatone Pearl lives with her sister in rural Pennsylvania, rich in colonial history, architecture and cultural opportunities. Jan Lauber Hummel and Jim aren’t traveling these days, but their health is all right. I am feeling well, but the winter weather limits my activities. Friends are always ready to help. With deep sadness, I report that two classmates who were Sisters of Providence passed away in 2022. Sister Catherine “Cathy” Buster died June 26, and Sister Thomas Jeanne “Maggie” Doriot died December 19. Both lived at The Woods for several years. Sister Cathy worked for the Diocese of Venice, Florida, establishing homes for migrant farmers. She also arranged various activities in Rome when Mother Theodore was canonized. Sister Maggie taught English in several high schools in Illinois and Indiana and later taught English as a second language in California for one year. She also worked in journalism for many years. Her final ministry years were in Santa Monica, serving in various roles for the St. John Health Center and its Foundation. Zoa Pol Gonzalez passed away on March 5. She lived at the Villages in Florida for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Juan and the family. Our sympathy to Judith “Judy” Haley Giesen on the passing of husband Jim on Sept. 27. Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease about seven years ago. Judy will be leaving her home of 36 years in March when she moves into an independent living apartment at Mount Carmel Bluffs, the newly remodeled motherhouse for the Sisters of Charity of the ’59 Agnes Piszczek 6410 N Leona Ave Chicago, IL. 60646-4225 (773) 363-4775 (h) (773) 562-2227 (c) agnespiszczek@icloud.com

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canoeing in the Adirondacks numerous times yearly is a favorite outing. Monthly they participated in a Zoom liturgy with the priest they have known since 1970 who lives in a Benedictine Abbey near them, and they attend Mass each Sunday with him. Jeanne Cowden Meyer and Paul avoided Covid and the flu. They visited their son in Delaware and spent two weeks in Puerto Rico. In March, they are taking a Caribbean Cruise and another Puerto Rico trip. While Paul is experiencing the effects of Macular Degeneration, he continues to do well. Camille Filar Kopielski has experienced some health issues, but when Laura “Lolly” Trauscht Holland and I visited her in June, she looked good. Camille continues to be involved in many activities. Kathleen “Kitty” Farrell Zink reported that all their families shared the cottage this year. An added plus was that Kitty stayed with each family as they passed through. In August, with the help of family members, she hosted a contingency of Purdue Freshmen. In February, granddaughter Bernadette gave birth to Leland, her fourth great-grandchild. Daughter Catherine Clare was diagnosed in September with glioblastoma, the same brain cancer that took Kitty’s husband George. Because the cancer was so aggressive, treatment was not an option. She passed away on November 19, 2022, now joining her father and sister, Susan in heaven. We send our sympathy to Kitty and the family. She is grateful for the memories and good times shared. Elizabeth “Liz” Merry O’Daniel and Roger are enjoying their new row house. Liz keeps busy with doll and book clubs. She traveled to St. Louis in August for a doll convention. Staying home provides opportunities for the Guthrie Theatre, operas at the Ordway and orchestras and symphonies throughout the Twin Cities. Daughter Kadi works at the hospital and clinic downtown. Son Lee is recovering from a bike accident that resulted in severe head injuries. Mary Alice Cullen Wimmer produced a print for the Madison Wisconsin Print Club. Her travels included a trip from Amsterdam to Budapest via the Rhine and Danube Rivers. She was surprised at the lack of water in the rivers. Jacqueline “Jackie” Chott Carey and Tim traveled to Hawaii, St. Louis, Canada, Italy, a Switzerland and enjoyed a Viking Cruise on the Rhine. Daughter Margaret and husband Gino enabled the European trip. Jackie’s four children are doing well. Jackie’s brother Bill passed away in November. We send our sympathy to the family. Rosemary “Dee” Cirando Coyne and Mike were grateful for not sustaining damage from Hurricane Ian. They lost power for four days but had no damage to their home. Covid has hampered their usual travel plans, but they did drive to Atlanta in June. In November, they drove to DC to attend a fundraising dinner for the Archdiocese for the Military Services held at the St. John Paul II National Shrine. Carolyn Stower Edelmann retired from D&R Greenway Land Trust on January 11, 2022. After spending 17 years preserving New Jersey open space, she is particularly gratified in surpassing the 22,000 acre mark, saving dense woodlands and small mountains. Her favorite trails wind in dense forests and alongside clear streams, and tributaries of the nearby Delaware River. She enjoys nature adventures with friends in New Jersey, Cape May, Cape Cod and the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Rosemary “Roe” Fratto Malec and Bruce recovered from the RSV virus and bronchitis. They are anticipating becoming great `grandparents for the second time in April. In June, they are planning a long weekend in Door County, Wisconsin, with siblings and their spouses. Family vacations began there, and the tradition continues. C L A S S N O T E S

We learned from husband Tom that Margaret “Madge” Busher Spreitzer passed away on December 11, 2021, after being in poor health for several years. They lived in Philadelphia and had two children and three grandchildren. Using the name Carol in her writings, she wrote a children’s book Duncan and the Blueberry Challenge. We express our sympathy to the Spreitzer Family. Ann Boersig Harrigan writes that her life has gone to the dogs! Her five-year-old Westhighland White Terrier, Rosie, monitors her every move. It gets her walking on a mile path around the Catholic Church across the street. Since husband Dan isn’t doing well, traveling is not possible. Their big social event is Sunday family dinner, a tradition for over 20 years. Their two daughters and two grandchildren live nearby. Ellen Cooper Riddle is recovering from spinal surgery. It has been a long recovery, but her family has been very helpful, and some aides come daily to assist. Prayers are always welcome, as are emails to ellenriddle3@gmail.com or calls to 317-446-5264. Barbara “Barb” Roubik Hasbrook and her husband, John Lytie, went to France this past summer along with Barb’s kids. She came home with Covid. The family is all fine, John’s too. His four plus the grands and Barb’s daughter are all in California ‘forever’. Two of her grandkids will finish high school in June. But that doesn’t make her feel old. Life is good. I continue to serve on the boards of Maryville Academy and Loyola University of Chicago Alumni. To stay healthy and keep moving, I attend water aerobics classes at least three days a week. In January I spent a week in Boca Raton, Florida, with my sister Margaret “Peggy” Piszczek Kloempken ’62 . Following the visit, I took a two-week cruise through the Panama Canal, sailing from Miami and disembarking in Los Angeles, California. Please remember to continue to support The Woods. Mary Simmons Murphy shared that she and her husband, formerly of Albany, New York, had moved to a new home in Cincnnati, Ohio. They live near their oldest daughter and family. She now attends the SMWC monthly luncheon meetings and really enjoys that since she didn’t have that in Albany. Nancy Kotowicz Williams has been staying close to the hospital where her dear son, Chris, has been for some time. He was put on a ventilator but is now breathing on his own. Before he fell ill, Nancy and husband, Carl, visited Madrid and Bilbao. Dolores “Dodie” Hoss Pflumm writes that it has been an exciting year for her and Basil. Their youngest daughter, Mary Ellen Pflumm-Schmucher ’87 , who graduated from SMWC, raised four sons as a single mom for eight years and remarried this Christmas season in Las Vegas, Nevada, to a fellow they all love. The day after the wedding, they and many friends celebrated with a Christmas meal and a “White Elephant exchange” for charities. Had a great conversation with Donna Narolewski Bahadur , who now lives in Sun City, South Carolina, a retirement community. She plays lots of bridge and spends winters in Jensen Beach, Florida, where she engages in many activities. Donna is a widow of eight years. Mary Catherine Morley, SP , wrote, “after 47 years of living in Cincinnati, I decided to move back to The Woods.” She resides at St. Mary’s Senior Living Center, and the greatest thing is that Mickey, ’60 Mary Janice “Jan” Robertson Jaqua 52203 ETerra Fern Dr Sandy, OR 96055-7415 (503) 318-2104 janjaqua@gmail.com

her little canine friend of nine years, can live with her. She also shared that Kathleen “Kak” Desautels, SP , also moved back to The Woods in June 2022 because of medical problems with her back. Kak asks for your prayers as she continues her healing process. (Kak’s address is Mother Theodore Hall, 1 Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana 47876 1007) Andrea “Andy” Unruh Linde lost her sweet husband, Harry, this past year, and she has moved into an independent senior living community where she can be involved in many activities and still play golf frequently. She spent Thanksgiving with son Gary and had a hilarious plane trip in which they were delayed for hours and even had to “arrest” a passenger. Jeanne Smith Rielly writes, “we are buried in snow, finally, in Maine. Reading a zillion murder mysteries, still helping a bit to feed the homeless.” She recommends these authors to us: Timothy Radcliffe, Brian Doyle and Kathleen Norris. Also, Tim Egan’s Pilgrimage to Eternity, a travel book. Dorothy Wilson Felix is doing well recovering from lymph node surgery after chemotherapy. Her family is well. Grandson Dan graduated from Loyola with a master’s degree and is now the director of the David Dharst retreat center in Chicago and Josh is a junior at Oklahoma State University! Time marches on! Mary Anne Schraffenberg Burger wrote that she and husband Bill moved to Helena, Montana, to a retirement center near their daughter. New address: 2801 Colonial Dr. Apt 317, Helena, MT 59601. “We are alive and reasonably well – our daughter is our support system, and we try to keep busy and happy. We lost our eldest son to cancer in July of 2021. A rough period but many blessings too.” “I just celebrated my 84th birthday on Jan 17th and am trying to wrap my head around that number,” writes Lois Leinenbach Mootz . (Ed. Note: You and whole bunch of us octogenerians. It can’t be possible, can it?) Pete and I are moving along and enjoying life in Estero, Florida in spite of Hurricane Ian. Thankfully, we were not affected. On March 28, 2021, we were blessed with the arrival of Marcus Callan Cadger, our first great-grandchild! My sister, Martha Leinenbach Moore’61 spends the winter in Naples, Florida, so we get together often. We also have dinner planned with Vivian Larkowski Kozak and her husband Al.” Had a great phone conversation with Mary Alice Conboy Kelly “of SMW lounge Scarlett Ribbons fame.” She lives in Chicago, Illinois, and is doing well – but has no computer or text, so we will have to correspond by phone. Please call me if you need her number! Also talked with Georgia Spaetti , who is living in Evansville, Indiana. Everything is good with her. My most recent conversation was about an hour long “catch up” with Mary Ellen Greubel Coates. She has always loved to garden and knows a lot about it! Recently she had her night-blooming cactus flower, Cereus, open, and Aconites were growing in the garden, a harbinger of spring! She’s having some health issues, but all and all, she’s enjoying life in her Indiana family home, where she’s lived for nearly 50 years now. Aurelia Duralski Costanza was invited by her daughter to spend the winter in Arizona. She did not have to worry about shoveling a long driveway on a ski hill. Volunteering helps keep her busy and socializing. She is very active with the Ogden Dunes Historical Society, voted Best society in the state, working at the church food pantry and continuing to be active in the associate chapter of Tri Kappa of Gary. Jeff and I are, again, empty nesters! Last February, our son and his family, who had lived with us for nine years, and Jeff’s mom, Doris, who had lived with us for 15 years, moved. Our son bought a home, and

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