OA - Summer 2024

Leading a legacy to serve others and make a difference

By Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel, ‘21 Content Marketing Manager

A s an institution born in sacrifice from the beginning of its time, Saint Mary-of-the Woods College has persevered and inspired thousands of alumni to make a difference in their communities through leadership, service and walking in the steps of foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. During Reunion 2024, three graduates of SMWC were honored with prestigious alumni awards by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Each awardee has embarked on an admirable journey after graduating from The Woods.

Award Winners From Reunion 2024

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Award The Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Award is presented to an alum who embodies the spirit and virtue of SMWC’s foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. As a Sister of Providence and educator, Rosemary Nudd, SP, ’69, Ph.D. faithfully demonstrates devotion through her work, with her community and to her students. Much like our beloved mother, foundress and saint, Sister Rosemary has made the Providence of God tangible to many. As a child, the Sisters of Providence at Saint Joseph’s Elementary in Downers Grove made a great impression on her. She arrived at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for boarding where she honed her writing skills and love for literature. While in formation, she attended SMWC and devoted her time and talents to publishing pieces in the Aurora, singing in the Sister’s Choir and serving as a catechist. She was called to teach and after only a few years she was off to Nashville where she earned a master’s degree in 1976 from George Peabody College for Teachers. Then, with a teaching fellowship at Vanderbilt University, she earned her Ph.D. in 1983. She returned home in 1981 to complete her dissertation while teaching at SMWC, which became the beginning of a more than a thirty-year career she dedicated to teaching Woods students. One of her greatest legacies at the College is a result of her sabbatical research that introduced service learning to The Woods. Sister Rosemary was integral in the creation of what has evolved to today’s values-based education model infusing spirituality, social justice, sustainability and gender equity in the curriculum–our Woods Core. Retirement did anything but slow her down. She shaped the “Journey with A Saint” for visitors, not only as a passionate docent, but as the author of the storyline that wraps the walls of our Saint’s shrine. Her work created a path inspiring others to know God’s Providence by following the footsteps of Saint Mother Theodore, much like Sister Rosemary has followed throughout her life.

Rosemary Nudd, SP, ’69, Ph.D.