ONYX ANNEAU - FALL 2025

As Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College continues to invest in students who are pursuing their aspirations and careers, one question has been, and continues to be, asked: What is your “why”? It is always a question that calls on students to pause and reflect on what keeps them going: friends, family, dreams, breaking a cycle by being a first-generation college student, etc. When looking back on the history of SMWC, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her companions ventured out from their convent in France with all odds stacked against them and their plans to form an academy for women. Facing uncertainty of the future, the Sisters only had faith to lean on as they worked to ensure the education of young women. The long-held lesson of leaning on faith through challenging times, continues to serve the College well. From the 1800s through the transformative decades of the 1960s and 1970s, innovation in education was nothing new at The Woods. Guided by visionary leadership, the College consistently responded to the evolving needs of its students. As the Sisters of Providence embraced the call for justice and renewal following Vatican II, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College faced new challenges in educating women whose priorities had shifted from family and caregiving. Recognizing this emerging reality, Jeanne Knoerle, SP, ’49—the College’s 12th president—introduced a groundbreaking solution: the Women’s External Degree (WED) program. This initiative became the country’s second distance education program and a lifeline for women seeking both academic and personal fulfillment. The program continues today, now known as Woods Online, giving students the opportunity to earn their degree while maintaining their busy life-style. Exactly one decade ago, Saint Mary of-the-Woods College’s leadership made the decision to fully transition to a co educational institution by making the campus-based program co-ed. Although it was a time of uncertainty, The Woods community leaned on faith to meet the growing needs of students and the institution. Studies show that female students are more likely to choose a By Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21, ’25MLD Advancement Officer

co-educational institution instead of a single gender school. As a result, the College has educated record numbers of female students in the last ten years. Five years later, SMWC navigated a new challenge with the 2020 pandemic changing the educational landscape. From updated tools and appliances to renovated classrooms or earning a values based education, the needs of today’s students continue to increase and evolve. A common question is, “How can I help?” The answer is simple – support the Woods Fund. “We value our donors and their call to support SMWC. Of course, a donor is welcome to designate their gift to a specific cause, whether it’s a scholarship, facility, or passion project,” said Catherine Saunders ’98, vice president for advancement. “But the greatest need of the institution is unrestricted giving – the Woods Fund,” she explained. For ten years (between 2014-15 and 2023-24), the campus student population has continued to grow, more than doubling since 2015 while the amount contributed to the Woods Fund has remained consistent, averaging $1.1 million annually. “Enrollment growth has created a need for more of almost every resource,” said Frankie Morris Enochs ’93, MBA, vice president for IT and operations classrooms. “There is increased use on current spaces, tools and equipment. Classroom needs just aren’t the same as they were decades ago. Students require equipment and technology that have an ever-growing cost. Contrary to what many might think, donors significantly impact our ability to update spaces and replace items as needs rise,” Enochs added. Today, The Woods is part of “the why” for more than 1,400 students. Support from the 10,000+ alumni who have gone before them and the many family and friends who sustain SMWC philanthropically is critical to their successful experience. Your gift to the Woods Fund helps answer their “why” while making their dreams a reality. “Perhaps, instead of asking ‘Why should I give to The Woods?’, we start asking ‘How can we support the needs of Woods students today?’” Saunders concluded.

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