Onyx Anneau Fall 2020

FALL 2020/Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Magazine

GROWTH TRAJECTORY: New Residence and Dining Hall part of an expanding campus footprint Take a closer look inside

PRESIDENT KING reflects on her 10 years

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SMWC alumni share how The Woods prepared them

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A NOTE FROM PRESIDENT DOTTIE L. KING

Anneau, French for ring, is a word that represents a concept that has long had great meaning at The Woods. For me, the word anneau is one of those words that has layers. It represents our beloved Onyx Ring with all the tradition and excellence imbued in the ring and subsequently in the wearer. And, like a centuries old tree with its many rings, it represents the growth of the institution with each year adding both depth and breadth to our Woods story. The English pronunciation of the word may sound to you like anew, which also has meaning as we continue to grow the College, and more specifically, as we relaunch and expand the College magazine as Onyx Anneau. During times of great challenge and especially as we live through this global pandemic, I can see how the concept of anneau also serves to connect us – alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty, staff and Sisters of Providence – as we create overlapping and expanding concentric circles, or rings, of community. Now more than ever, community is so vital to us all. With this in mind, I challenge you to continue to be connected to your Woods community. The Woods is a vibrant, growing institution, and you are a part of that legacy. We are connected forever in our love for this place, in a set of shared values and in the knowledge that we are carrying forward the mission Saint Mother Theodore Guerin began 180 years ago. Until we can gather again safely, the College is planning a number of opportunities this fall and winter for alumni and friends to connect virtually. I will look forward to sharing the good news and exciting future of the institution and to seeing you online soon!

Blessings,

Dottie L. King, Ph.D. President

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CONTENTS

ONYX Anneau FALL ISSUE 2020

ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE PRESIDENT 6 WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP 14

Vol. 95

No. 1

Karen Dyer Editor in Chief Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives BJ Riley ’16 Editorial Director Director of Marketing Marissa Schmitter Managing Editor Content Marketing Specialist Kristy Fry Creative Director Director of Creative Services

ON THE COVER: GROWTH TRAJECTORY 12

A BRIGHT LIGHT 16

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE ANote From President Dottie L. King.......1 The Woods Today...........................................3 Nota Bena......................................................20 Woods Spotlight...........................................23 Athletics Play-by-Play...............................24

CONTRIBUTORS Dee Reed ’08 Lindsey Richardt ’07 Catherine Saunders ’98

Emma Taylor Heather Tighe Sue Weatherwax Jenifer Wright ’17

Capturing the essence of The Woods, a College both on the move and steeped in tradition, was the challenge set forth to the Advancement Team – marketing and communications, fundraising and alumni relations – as we set out to evolve and expand the magazine since the last publication in 2019. Welcome to ONYX Anneau !

FALL2020/SaintMary-of-the-WoodsCollegeMagazine

PRESIDENTKING REFLECTS ONHER 10YEARS

GROWTHTRAJECTORY: NewResidence andDining Hallpartofan expanding campus footprint Take a closer look inside

Why expand? As the College works to elevate awareness of the institution with an eye on what is becoming a formidable growth trajectory, adding depth and breadth to the magazine content and audience will allow the College to grow its stakeholders and brand as we seek to help more and more individuals become invested in the mission of The Woods. Why the new name? The magazine, once a tabloid publication called Alumnae News, has undergone a number of transformations throughout the years. The addition of anneau to the name represents the growth of the publication and the College and our intention to reach out into the world a bit farther. What can I expect? Some things may seem familiar. Some things will be new and fresh, including a section on Woods students today. Sections such as Class Notes will be included in the spring issue, and you’ll be receiving a progress update about the College later this year. Enjoy this issue and know that the goal is to tell today’s Woods story while recognizing and respecting the long and wonderful history of this institution. WOMEN INPOLITICS SMWCalumni share howWoodsprepared them

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 © 2020 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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THE WOODS TODAY

The student experience is one that ebbs and flows with each new era at The Woods. Woods Today will offer a glimpse into the lives of students today from their perspective on campus, online or as graduate students. Hey Woodsies, it’s your senior class president, Emma Taylor, here and I just wanted to congratulate you on surviving a global pandemic! I never would have thought that we would begin this semester wearing face masks, but I am just glad that we have the opportunity to attend our classes in person this fall. While things around The Woods might look a little different, there are still so many ways to get involved, stay busy and enjoy your college experience. I have compiled a list of the top 3 things that I love doing here on campus. Hang out with friends in Le Fer My absolute favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends in the dorm building. Although outside guests and commuter students aren’t allowed on the residential floors this semester, there are still plenty of opportunities to hang out with your on-campus friends! Relax in the Sacred Heart Chapel College classes can become very draining and one way that I like to combat the weight and anxiety of school is by relaxing in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Everyone contests stress differently but growing my relationship with Jesus helps me. Having a strong connection with Jesus has always been important to me and after coming to college I struggled to find a routine. Take a walk or bike ride around campus Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is such a peaceful campus but also full of life. I love taking walks and bike rides around The Woods because I never know what interesting creature I might see next. The 2020-2021 academic year is going to look a lot different than it has in the past, but no one said that has to be a bad thing. As Woodsies we are resilient and no coronavirus, killer bees or masks are going to stop us from enjoying our time at SMWC. Freshmen – get involved. College is only four years and at the end of your time at SMWC you don’t want to look back and only remember sitting in your dorm room binge- watching Netflix until 3 a.m. Put yourself out there! SMWC is a campus full of diverse groups of people and you are bound to find individuals just as unique, exceptional and

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totally rad as you! Be yourself because authenticity trumps everything in college and you are YOU for a reason. Seniors – we are almost done! These past four years have come and gone and while 2020 hasn’t been what we wanted it to be, it’s what we’ve got, and we are going to make the best out of it. We are so close to the finish line and while I am excited to graduate, this time is fleeting, and we must experience the unique joys of SMWC while we are still students. So, stay up late with friends, go grab Chava’s at 2 a.m., go star gazing on the soccer field, walk the marble staircase and just be young … adulthood can wait. Emma

Emma Taylor Senior Class President

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Woods Commits to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Q & Awith Dee Reed ’08

Why did SMWC create the office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? At this moment in our institutional history, we are establishing priorities for the coming years through the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan. Diversity is a common thread in the plan. Of course, this is not a new concept for The Woods. This culture of diversity and inclusion are fundamental elements, firmly anchored to our values. However, formalizing this commitment will provide a more intentional and strategic, college-wide approach to inclusion and diversity efforts. With the social justice challenges facing our country, our consistent and deliberate actions will ensure that the College is strong in its resolve to infuse the core values of diversity and inclusion throughout campus life. What excites you the most about your new role? First and foremost, I am grateful to work within an institution that is truly dedicated to going beyond the surface level of diversity and inclusion. The support from the campus community and alums has been outstanding. I look forward to creating opportunities to actively engage our community in the dialogue around challenging issues in our society today – race, gender identity, class, bias and more. I am excited about the transformational work of inclusion. Enhancing an inclusive culture that encourages everyone to feel valued for their unique qualities and contributions and to experience a sense of belonging is at the core of inclusion. Through intentional dialogue, education and introspection, we’ll discover how our identities intersect and how our differences can shape a holistic community. In this environment, we welcome all voices, eliminate barriers and demonstrate value for each other’s humanity. It just doesn’t get any better than that. What steps is the College taking to emphasize diversity? We continue efforts through strategic planning and the Diversity Council. This fall, we offered educational and training sessions, held events that focused on social justice and administered a campus climate survey to faculty, staff and students. A George Floyd Scholarship for Racial Equity was established by alumni to support Black American students — in addition to diversity scholarships we’ve been offering for the last few years. The College works collaboratively with community organizations and government officials and is partnering with local institutions to provide educational and social opportunities for our students. As a recipient of a recent Indiana Humanities grant, what other opportunities are there? The Indiana Humanities grant allowed the College to add books and materials that advance racial equity to the Rooney Library collection. These materials are used to facilitate conversations and promote cultural sensitivity. Funding in support of diversity and inclusion can assist the College in more tangible and sustainable ways from recruiting faculty, staff and students to contributing to anti-racism efforts and developing innovative programming. Additionally, gifts and grants have the potential to provide new opportunities for our community to become active in engaging advocates for diversity where all individuals feel appreciated and where their contributions are respected and appreciated.

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Dee Reed ’08 Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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Resilient Woodsies Rock New Norm By Marissa Schmitter

the best way for the College to ensure we do not have an outbreak.” Recently, the College was able to purchase two high-tech sanitizing sprayers through a grant from the United Way of the Wabash Valley and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. The equipment positively charges molecules as they leave the sprayer. The then-positively charged particles repel each other and evenly spread onto negatively charged, porous surfaces such as tables, chairs, doorknobs, handrails and other touch-points, which essentially sanitizes all areas and classrooms quickly and effectively.

I n March, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) sent students, faculty and staff home, leading to a transition to virtual learning overnight. Looking back on 180 years of history including the bearing of such events as the Civil War and the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, it can be no surprise that The Woods remains resilient through what is now the new normal. The College, which returned to in-person instruction in August with protocols in place to keep students and employees safe, had a relatively seamless transition to online learning thanks to the long- established Woods Online program. Things are certainly different, but Woodsies — resilient and adaptive — are positive and proactive. Students, faculty and staff have figured out their favorite brand of mask and how to mix and match with their outfits. Masks are required inside all buildings and outside on campus when physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Campus students are adjusting to new traffic patterns on stairs and with building doors to comply to physical distancing guidelines. Signage around campus is designed to limit unnecessary contact as the campus community navigates classes and daily work.

“This is such a wonderful tool for a department like ours to ensure students, faculty and staff have a safe and disinfected area to learn and work in,” said Josh Wood, director of facilities. “We are so blessed to have been awarded this grant.” Recently, students shared their experiences about COVID-19 protocols during a virtual panel session for alumni and friends of the College. They talked about what it is like to attend class in person, and how wearing their masks and being respectful of each other is just a common everyday part of their lives. Sophomore biology major and math minor Lyric Krouse of West Terre Haute wanted to attend The Woods since she was a child. When it comes to precautions for campus, Krouse said SMWC is doing what they can to keep everyone safe. “Our campus is doing such an amazing job with COVID precautions,” Krouse said. Encouraged to take the Pomeroy Pledge, she added about her commitment, “It’s us saying that we will do everything in our power to stay safe, from washing hands to wearing our masks.”

There is a friendly, collegial atmosphere on campus as colleagues and classmates remind each other to log their health daily in the CampusClear app. Using the app, students, faculty and staff provide daily updates on their health. This has helped to keep the campus community safe and raise the level of self-awareness. “The daily check-in allows the College to very quickly make decisions about our community health as it provides data on where individuals are with symptoms, testing or quarantining,” said Janet Clark, Ph.D., vice president for academic and student affairs. “I believe that this measure, the daily check-in, is

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Dottie L. King, Ph.D. 16 th President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

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Photos by Sue Weatherwax

One-on-One with President Dottie L. King LOOKING BACK ON 10 YEARS AS PRESIDENT A fter ten years, President Dottie King reflects on her presidency, the College and its future. to strengthening the College. “I knew we were going to have do small things well first,” she said. By BJ Riley ’16

A visit from Sister Jeanne Knoerle ‘49 shaped her path, however. “Sister Jeanne took my wrist in her hand and asked, ‘Are you going to apply?’ I told her that I had been thinking about it, but likely not,” recalled King, who believed Sister Jeanne and Sister Barbara Doherty ‘53, both having served as president, were bigger than life with shoes to fill of equal size. After much discussion and prayer, she decided to apply and put it in God’s hands. On her first day as interim president, King received a letter from the Department of Education (DOE) claiming that an audit had shown the College to be non- compliant with Title IV funding for the Woods Online program and that the College would have to return $42 million to the government. She worked tirelessly, traveling to Washington D.C. and working with former governors Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence and U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon, to prove SMWC was compliant. In October 2019, the DOE issued a resolution reversing the initial finding and stating SMWC had no financial liability. “It was the first issue I faced after becoming president. It took nine years, and in the end we were shown to be correct. It was an affirmation that we had always been compliant.” With a sound educational foundation and a mission that included a deep care for the students, King began implementing what she called a “small ball” approach

King started with implementing an engagement and advocacy strategy on campus and off, addressing small capital projects in the Library and at Le Fer Lake and strengthening the areas of fundraising, enrollment and external relations. The mantra “Aspire Higher” was born during these early days, which has become a widely embraced phrase by students and alumni alike. Relaunching a campaign to building a sports and recreation center along with embracing the school colors of Pomeroy blue and white were also key milestones. Long a believer in the single gender women’s college model, King wrestled with the knowledge that it was an unsustainable one for The Woods. “I set out to examine the issue, completing five-years of research quietly and treating it like a dissertation,” King explained. She interviewed presidents of other colleges which included other single-gender institutions and colleges that had moved from single-gender to coeducational. “I was gathering data and courage. I needed courage to make the case and data to support the case,” explained King, who brought the data about decades of declining enrollment to the board of trustees in the fall of 2014.

It is not obvious when talking about Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) with Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president, that her background is in mathematics. As granular as a mathematician has to be, King exhibits the ability to look at a broader view to formulate her vision for SMWC. Her favorite quote is from James Kouzes and Barry Posner, authors of the book, The Leadership Challenge. They wrote, “It is the work of leaders to inspire people to do things differently, to struggle against uncertain odds, and to persevere toward a misty image of a better future.” King says about The Woods that she realized early on as president that “if we didn’t do things differently, we would not grow.” She often talks about the College’s future in terms of a misty image — one that is not rigid or concrete. King smiles when she says, “I want the image to always be misty. I might miss a lot of things in the pathway. I don’t like to ignore opportunities.” In June 2010, King was appointed as interim president following the departure of President Dave Behrs, who came to the College in 2007. King, who had been appointed vice president of academic affairs the previous year, said she had no plans to apply for the position originally.

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”I looked at the Linda Sax study on “Who Attends AWomen’s College?” commissioned by the Women’s College Coalition, which reported findings that less than 2% of women nation-wide were likely to consider a single-gender institution. That was eye-opening.” In a historic move, the trustees voted to change the mission of the institution to allow men in all programs the following May. With a focus on growing and strengthening the College, the Aspire Higher Strategic Plan was launched

women from 2012 to the present is just over 50% while the total enrollment has increased 86%. AWomen’s Leadership Certificate program launched in 2020 as a further commitment to the women’s college founding. “The people at The Woods continue to inspire me,” King said. “It’s a special place, drawing people who are special. It makes me want to do more. I know people give so much to this place.” The future is a subject King loves to talk about. “Change and evolution have been a cornerstone of The Woods since

A DECADE OF SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES LEADS TO SUSTAINED GROWTH • Relaunched a stalled fundraising effort, rebranding it the Pomeroy Pride Campaign in 2012 • Successfully built and opened the $8.3M Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center in 2014 • Funded the launch of the Nursing Program in 2014 • Launched the Aspire Higher Strategic Plan and began a branding effort in 2015 • Led the College through a mission shift in transition to become fully coeducational in 2015 • Increased enrollment in all modalities beginning in 2015, up 86% in 2020 for campus students • Began work to strengthen the College’s Catholic identity in 2016 • Launched the Aspire Higher Campaign to raise capital funds for Le Fer Hall in 2017 • Expanded campus acreage from 67 acres to 311 acres through land purchase in 2018 • Achieved status as the Saint Mary-of-the- Woods Historic District in 2018 • Reopened Le Fer Lake and walking trail after a full restoration in 2018 • Introduced Onyx the mascot in 2018 • Closed a decade-long issue with the Department of Education over repayment of $42M in 2019 • Launched Aspire Even Higher, the second phase of the strategic plan and a refreshed logo in 2019 • Strengthened fundraising, attained and surpassed the Woods Fund goal for the 6 th straight year in 2020 • Created an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2020 • Broke ground on the first new residence and dining hall for nearly 100 years in 2020 • Expanded athletics to 14 teams beginning with the addition of women’s volleyball in 2015 and soon men’s basketball in 2021

in 2015. With a foundation of spirituality and a focus on diversified enrollment, the plan outlined three pillars of strategic priorities: academics,

its inception and that will clear the path for the future,” she said. “A decade may be a long time at some colleges, but not at The Woods. We have been given this time here to make a difference and provide a sound base for

“It is a special place and it draws people who are special. It makes me want to do more. I know people give so much to this place.” — President Dottie L. King, Ph.D.

facilities and IT, and marketing and awareness. The next steps for the coed transition were to do it well and quickly. “Fundraising immediately increased as the College hit its goal for the first time in six years as alumni and current students rallied around the decision,” King said. “That didn’t mean there wasn’t push back, but we dealt with it with grace. I believed that in admitting men The Woods would be able to enhance our mission of developing female leadership.” The proof was in the numbers. The incoming class in 2012 consisted of 89 new students, all female, with a total campus enrollment of 268. In 2016, the first class to be fully coed, increased to 134 new students of which 115 were women. The total campus enrollment for 2016 was 320. “What I’m proud of is that today we serve many more women than we did during the time when total enrollment had dropped below 300 students. It just was not sustainable,” said King. Of the 500 students in the campus program today, men represent approximately 20 percent. As of the fall of 2020, there were 185 new students of which 137 were women. The increase in

generations to come.” Evidence of growth at The Woods during King’s presidency can be found throughout the campus. The Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center opened in 2014, which has led to the expansion of athletics teams with women’s volleyball in 2015 to men’s basketball in 2021, and now the addition of new majors such as kinesiology this fall and exercise science to launch in 2021. Nursing, which launched in 2014, continues to be the highest enrolled major. This summer, the College began construction on a new residence and dining hall while working to complete renovations on Le Fer Hall. The first doctorate in global leadership studies is set to launch in 2021. “Sometimes I think about what Saint Mother Theodore Guerin would have founded on these grounds if she were to arrive from France in Saint Mary- of-the-Woods, Indiana, today. I think she would build what our students need now, for this time and place. And with that knowledge in hand, I think so shall we,” said King.

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SMWC continued traditions such as Commencement, Ring Day and Homecoming festivities despite the challenges of facing a global panademic. While these events may look different this year, SMWC has adapted activities to comply to physical distancing as shown in these photos from several summer and fall events.

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GROWTH TRAJECTORY: WOODS TO OPEN NEW RESIDENCE AND DINING HALL IN 2021

By Karen Dyer

Imagine. It’s autumn at Saint Mary- of-the-Woods College. The leaves have begun to turn, the sky is a clear blue, the shadows are long and the grounds are as magnificent as ever. There is a crisp, fall feeling in the air. You put on your favorite Woodsie sweatshirt with a matching SMWC face mask as you head outside for a nice walk across campus. Wait, is that a jackhammer? And, what’s that “beep, beep, beep” backing up sound? Yes, it is fall, and it is beautiful. And, that cacophony is a part of the experience of a growing Woods as the grounds are filled with the sights and sounds of a construction project fully underway on the south lawn. The College broke ground in June 2020 on a new residence and dining hall as a significant move to expand on-campus housing with the addition of a 92-bed facility that will offer suite-style rooms with mini-kitchens and living rooms.

The facility is set to open to students in the fall of 2021. “We’re on a growth trajectory at The Woods, and this new facility along with capital updates and renovations to Hulman Hall, Le Fer Hall, Rooney Library and the Conservatory are evidence of our measured, strategic work,” said Dottie King, Ph.D., president. “It’s not just capital improvements — we’ve added new academic programs, new athletic teams and community initiatives, such as our work to connect the campus to the regional trail system, all of which are driving growth. There is not one area across this campus that remains untouched by the progress we’re making as a College for our students and for our future.” Integral in bringing this project to fruition, Jim Schmidt, president of University Housing Solutions, said that he and his business partner, Frank Murphy, became involved with The Woods because of their firm commitment to Catholic education.

“We are investing in the mission of the College because we share the same Catholic foundation. We are so excited about our partnership,” said Schmidt, who joined King in turning a shovelful of dirt to mark the occasion in June. Schmidt made a surprise announcement of a $500,000 gift for the project during the groundbreaking ceremony. “Enrollment has been a priority since the launch of the strategic plan, and many of the strategies we’ve employed are helping the College realize the need for expanded facilities across the board for academics, athletics and housing,” said Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment management and institutional technology. The strategic plan, launched in 2015, is now in its second phase as the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan. The foundation of the building was set in mid-September and blessed by King as she placed several significant items in the cornerstone: a cross, an acorn and a small statue of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.

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“This building, that will welcome students for decades to come, is part of God’s Providence, and His plan which you put in motion 180 years ago,” said King during the blessing, referencing Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s founding of the College. “May all who study and live here be blessed. May they be inspired by you. May they be seekers of knowledge and light. May they use their Woods foundation to effect positive change in this world.” The building will also allow the College to enhance the student dining experience by providing a modern space with amenities commensurate with expectations of today’s students. Food separation for allergies and sensitivities,

longer service hours for students with varied schedules, grab-n-go options and a student-union like feel are among the updates that will come with this new space. The College bookstore will be prominently located at the north corner of the new building. The bookstore move from Hulman Hall will create much-needed space for new laboratories and classrooms as part of the expansion of the nursing program, the College’s largest enrolled major. The building’s design includes a Celtic cross imbedded in the light-colored brick and arched windows, tying it architecturally to Le Fer Hall, Guerin

Hall and the Conservatory. The cross is patterned from those located atop several historic structures. “We are making way for a future that is robust and exciting, and I cannot wait to see what we’ll do next” said King. So, as you take that imaginary walk around campus, you might hear “The Bells of St. Mary’s” ringing in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and see the red leaves falling around Le Fer Lake, to take from the Ring Song, in addition to those sights and sounds of construction. And, you may take heart in knowing that the sounds of progress mean the future is bright in your Woods world.

Left: Aerial view of the residence hall construction site behind Le Fer Hall to its southeast. Right: Floor plan of the new residence and dining hall. A new modern bookstore will be prominently featured. Below Left: Jim Schmidt, president of University Housing Solutions, and President Dottie King take a shovel to the dirt during the groundbreaking. Below: Rendering of the front of the new residence and dining hall.

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TONYA PFAFF ‘90 State Representative for District 43 represents her constituents in a session at the Indiana Statehouse. Pfaff photos: Reproduced with permission from the Office of Representative Tonya Pfaff at the Indiana Statehouse.

WOMEN in LEADERSHIP SMWC ALUMNI STEP UP FOR ST TEHOUSE SEATS

Inspired by their experiences at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, two alumni are seeking to break new ground in Indiana by elevating the voices of women in state legislature. O n Nov. 3, State Representative Tonya Pfaff ’90 of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Pamela Dechert ’93 of Indianapolis, Indiana, will grace their local election ballots. In a state where women have been long underrepresented as lawmakers, they are two of nearly 50 women across Indiana whose sights are set on bringing balance to the Indiana House of Representatives. Pfaff, who was initially elected as a State Representative in 2018, is up for re- election this fall. Her interest in running for public office piqued around 2010 when Indiana lawmakers pushed through education reform bills she describes as an assault on public education. As a high school math teacher for 25 years, she felt educators needed better representation at the statehouse. “As a teacher, I didn’t agree with what the General Assembly was pushing through and how they were making decisions about my profession,” Pfaff said. The next opportunity to run came in 2017 when the previous longtime seat holder announced his retirement. For Dechert, the decision to run for public office came after leading a successful capital project referendum in 2019 for the Lawrence Township

TONYA PFAFF ‘90 Pfaff, a Democrat, was elected in 2018 as the Indiana State Representative for House District 43, an area that covers the cities of Terre Haute and West Terre Haute, as well as the village of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Pfaff is the first elected woman to represent this district since World War II. “The Woods gave me confidence, a strong sense of self and determination. I was surrounded by people who want you to be the best version of yourself.”—Pfaff Pfaff is now the ranking minority member of the Natural Resources Committee. She also serves on the Education Committee and the Elections and Apportionment Committee. “I really enjoy the challenge of being a state representative. There are so many issues going on that I was not aware of before. Now, I get the opportunity to meet with people who represent different interests across the state,” Pfaff explains. She describes her life prior to public office as simply “teaching math and raising children.” Pfaff graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) in 1990 with a degree in mathematics and secondary education. She married her high school sweetheart, Chris Pfaff, over 25 years ago, and after living in Germany a short time when he was deployed with the Army, they settled in Terre Haute and raised four children.

School District in Indianapolis, which is providing $191 million in upgrades and improvements for the schools. She describes herself as always having a keen interest in law and public policy, and in early 2020, she felt a deep desire to do more for her community. “It’s our job to serve. It’s our job to take the gifts we have and help make our community better,” said Dechert. During the 2020 session, women constituted less than one-quarter of the Indiana General Assembly, yet they made up 51% of the overall population of Indiana. “We need more women in the Indiana Statehouse. We have a different voice. For me, in particular, I want to represent families, working parents, mothers and children. When more women are at the table, we have better policies for health, education and families,” said Dechert. “Our General Assembly needs to be more representative of the State of Indiana. For the first time in history, more women than men made up the Democratic caucus, but if you look at the legislature as a whole, female representation was 24%. One of my goals has always been equality, especially coming from The Woods, where I gained the confidence to say, ‘Notice me, I’m here and I need to be heard,’” said Pfaff.

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PAMELA DECHERT ’93 ( center) is seeking a seat in the Indiana statehouse. Woods women supporting her at her campaign kick-off were (L to R): Molly Ellsworth ’92, ’10G, Tara Shepard Long ’93, Dechert, Constance Wilhere Vinson ’93 and Beth Spitznogle-Portish ’94.

By Lindsey Richardt ’07

PAMELA DECHERT ’93 Dechert, also a Democrat, is making her first run for public office to represent Indiana House District 88, which spans across northeast Marion County and northwest Hancock County. She graduated from SMWC with a degree in Pre-Law in 1993 where she found professors who reinforced a philosophy she’s followed her entire life: use your talents to leave the world better than you found it. “You can say it’s Providence. There is something to be said about your life having a certain trajectory; I feel like this is what I’m meant to do now.”—Dechert “We are standing in the footsteps of everyone who came before us: Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Alice Shelton ‘87, Angela White ‘86, Kathryn Myers, among many others. Those women taught me and helped me become the person I am today. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College gave me the added confidence I needed to take this big leap and say, ‘I can run for office,’” said Dechert. One of the strongest influences on Dechert’s life, and ultimately on her decision to run for office, was the late Myers, who served as a member of the faculty and the coordinator for paralegal studies at SMWC for 34 years. Myers remained a life-long influence on Dechert, who says she feels as though she’s walking in her shoes. In fact, Dechert wore

Pfaff says she is committed to the ideals of family, education and service as the foundation of a strong community. Her legislative goals include helping address public education challenges in Indiana and bringing greater economic development to Terre Haute and West Terre Haute. “As a teacher, I’ve always been called to serve, and being Catholic, there is a sense of service above self,” said Pfaff. “I think we all have an individual calling, though it isn’t always easy to listen to it. My advice to others is to listen to what you are called to do. For me, after being in the classroom for 25 years, I decided to run for office when I have never previously held public office. It isn’t the easiest thing to do, but getting out of your comfort zone really has a lot of benefits.” She says her experience at SMWC shaped the leader she is today, giving her the assurance she needed to take this bold step. “The Woods gave me confidence, a strong sense of self and determination. I was surrounded by people who want you to be the best version of yourself. The faculty were so supportive and it was a nurturing environment; they encourage you to hold your head high and go after whatever it is you want to go after,” Pfaff adds.

a pair of Myers’ shoes in her memory the night she kicked off her campaign. “I have sincerely appreciated the support and advice from my friends at The Woods who have told me, ‘your entire life brought you to this moment,’” said Dechert. “I’m running for office because I care about my community and long term health of Indiana, and as I turn 50, I’m thinking about how I can help people and leave the world a better place than how I found it.” Dechert made Indianapolis her home 27 years ago. She and her husband, Derek, moved to Lawrence Township 15 years ago where they are raising their 12 year-old son. Her professional and volunteer work has focused on helping nonprofits raise money, advocate and effectively meet their missions. Dechert is focused on making Indiana work for everyone and is passionate about supporting public education, public health, equality, environment and the state’s economy. “You can say it’s Providence. There is something to be said about your life having a certain trajectory; I feel like this is what I’m meant to do now,” adds Dechert.

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BRIGHT LIGHT Sister Barbara Doherty was a ‘swellie’ A

By Karen Dyer

“I always thought of her as a bright light,” said Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College alumna Carmen Piasecki ’70, attorney at Nickle & Piasecki Law Firm in South Bend, Indiana, of Emerita President Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53, Ph.D., who passed away Aug. 17, 2020. Sister Barbara served faithfully as the 13 th president of the College from 1984-1998, and as chancellor of the College following her retirement until her death. “She had such a sense of spontaneity about her. She really brought things to life,” said Piasecki as she fondly recounted a memory of Sister Barbara being an animated and passionate instructor, who would often look for ways to bring her teaching to life. “I remember she was teaching us on a difficult concept. She stood first on a chair and then on the desk, and then promptly put her foot in the waste basket.” “She’s been a part of my life for a long time. She was dynamic and a unique individual, who was easy to talk to,” added Piasecki, whose connections to The Woods and Sister Barbara were as student and trustee. Piasecki served the College as chair of the board of trustees from 1997 to 2000. Sister Barbara, known for making an impact – in the lives of many alumni and in the community – was an author, leader, lecturer, scholar, servant, teacher and theologian, however she may be best remembered for her gregarious personality and as a fierce mentor and friend. “In the late 1980s, when I worked for S. Barbara (or SBD as we referred to her!), we launched a $15 million fundraising campaign in conjunction with the College’s Sesquicentennial. Sister Barbara had promoted me into the position of Vice President of Institutional Advancement at a young age and took a chance on me,” shared alumna Angela White ’86, senior consultant and CEO of Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Together, we visited donors, seized opportunities and faced challenges in order to successfully achieve our campaign goal. What I remember most about Sister Barbara is her leadership style – she demanded perfection, but in the right way: she mentored you, guided you, and always gave

“Please let yourself know as you view your life in retrospect – with whatever distance of years lies behind you – that the reason you are here today, in the place you are in your head and heart – the reason you have not been swallowed up in your own pain and struggle – is because the purposes of God are riding on your existence, the power and the Providence of God are riding on your existence. With this knowledge, you cannot fail.” — Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53

13 th President Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53 Dec. 2, 1931 – Aug. 17, 2020

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Top L to R: Mary Ellen Long, previous Chief Development Officer, President Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53 and Angela White ’86, previous Vice President of Institutional Advancement at SMWC. Bottom: Sr. Barbara assisted in a fun game of tug-of-war with student mothers and their children on the campus lawn in 1997.

you a smile and an encouraging word or phrase.” White added, “And, she always called me ‘kid’ – and did so until the last time I saw her in February 2020 when I last visited The Woods. I know that my career path and my personal path in life have been shaped by Sister Barbara. I am forever grateful for that chance that she took on me! To use one of her frequent phrases, ‘You are SWELL!’ May she rest in peace.” Dottie King, Ph.D., president, shared that Sister Barbara as a faculty member and as president, was an inclusive and strong leader. “I have come to know, through the recollections of so many alumni, that she

I wear mine proudly, now with a tinge of bittersweet emotion, I am fully aware that my life’s path was forever enriched to have found The Woods during the time of her leadership and vision for the College.” Her many accomplishments as president of the College include establishing a

the way she supported us and led the staff is why our sports programs are so successful and have the backing that they do today.” The Woods now boasts 13 women’s and men’s athletic teams and will add men’s basketball in fall 2021. Sister Barbara was honored by the College with the Mother Theodore Guerin Medallion in 1992, as a Distinguished Alumna in 2015 and as an inaugural member of the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. She was awarded honorary doctor of letters degrees from Indiana State University and Dominican University. Doherty attended Providence High School in Chicago, where she met the Sisters of Providence. After graduation, she entered the Sisters of Providence novitiate in 1951. She held a bachelor’s degree in Latin, English and history from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s degree in Sacred Doctrine from Saint Mary’s College and a doctorate in Theology from Fordham University. The Sisters of Providence held a virtual wake on Aug. 26 from the Church of the Immaculate Conception followed by a Funeral Outside Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara Doherty SP ’53 Endowed Scholarship online at giving.edu or by calling the College at 812-535-5270.

residential student mothers’ program, a women’s small business development center, an exchange program with Providence University in Taiwan and founding the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies. Among these accomplishments was one that would lay a foundation for future growth of athletics at The Woods. In 1994, Sister Barbara established the first scholarship athletics program in the history of the institution. Although SMWC had a long history that included a variety of sports teams such as golf, archery, riding and basketball prior to this time, a scholarship athletics program was a huge transition and would be a key enrollment strategy, creating a pathway for recruitment and growth for more formalized athletics programming commensurate with other private and public institutions throughout the nation. In 1994, the only other sports teams were in the equestrian program. Alumna Angie King Keith ’98, controller at PMC Regional Hospital in New Albany, Indiana, remembered the excitement Sister Barbara had for the players on the new basketball team. “She made us feel that each person on the team had such a significant impact that we were completely valued as a Woodsie and team member,” recounted Keith. “The impact that she had on the teams that were just starting is one of the reasons I continued my education and played basketball at SMWC. I have no doubt that

was beloved by the students of the College. She made classes in theology relevant and interesting, and she took the time to know the students well.” “I knew her during her retirement years and found her to be kind and sensitive. She held on to a wonderful sense of humor even in the midst of health challenges,” said King. “I counted her as a real friend!” According to alumna and SMWC trustee Beth Herzog Michel ’94 and ’09G, Sister Barbara was a gracious, kind presence on campus, who was always encouraging and calming. “I have never forgotten that it was she who blessed our Woods rings. As Sr. Barbara poses with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin in the Guerin Hall Rotunda in 2014.

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THE WOODS Advancing By Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 TRADITIONS AT OUR COEUR

2019-2020 SMWC Honor Roll of Donors Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is proud to announce the current Honor Roll of Donors, recognizing generous gifts received in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Not only will you find Annual Giving Societies, Lifetime Giving Societies and the Legacy Guild, but the Honor Roll is once again recognizing Class Gifts by listing all donors to the Woods Fund by class year. New this year, the Aspire Higher Society — Le Fer Hall recognizes gifts of $5,000 or more supporting the renovation of Le Fer. Gifts made In Memory Of (IMO) or In Honor Of (IHO) individuals will now be listed in the Honor Roll instead of the Nota Bene section of the magazine. Donors enable The Woods to carry Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s mission forward. SMWC continues to educate students and effect positive change in the world. Together, we are building future generations that will sustain Saint Mother Theodore’s legacy. Please visit smwc.edu/giving/honor-roll-donors and celebrate the continued and growing support from Woods alumni and friends.

Students filling the hallways and classrooms is a recognized privilege today. Enjoying campus events and building college memories will never again be taken for granted by this generation after the truncation of spring 2020. Many factors make this reality possible, not the least of which is donor generosity. Annual support of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) contributes to the ongoing operations of The Woods.

Woods traditions and stories and welcome students with an acorn pin that will be matched by a crown of oak leaves upon graduation. • September 12 — Ring Day Postponed in March, campus, Woods Online and graduate students celebrated a unique fall Ring Day Ceremony. Because the Church of Immaculate Conception remains closed to the public for the safety

“Remember what makes this place like no other... Knowing the history and grit of this place will guide you through anything. Lean on providence with all of your weight and your worry, and you will be well supported.” — Elaine Yaw ’95

of the Sisters of Providence, students celebrated in the Sunken Garden of Le Fer Hall with family, friends and faculty. • October 2020 — Big/Little Week The tradition of welcoming new students and building lifelong friendships continues through Big/Little. Embracing male students in the fall of 2015, Big/Little continues to be one of the most anticipated fall traditions in the campus program. More than 115 new students registered for a “Big” and are eager for a week filled with surprises and the revelation of their “Big” in late October. Students will engage in Woods traditions — old and new — as the academic year continues. Your continued support helps enrich the student experience.

Donors often look for tangible results of their philanthropic investments. Gifts to SMWC directly benefit our students through their experiences, inside the classroom and beyond. The continuation of Woods traditions is just one example of how gifts to the Woods Fund make a difference and effect the student experience. Being blessed to have in-person instruction has allowed students to enjoy a number of time-honored traditions this fall. • September 2 — Acorn Ceremony One of the newer traditions started in 1997, Seniors led new students to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto for a candlelight ceremony where they were welcomed as the newest members of The Woods family. During the ceremony, seniors share

Your Woods Ring is a Legacy Gift your ring to a future student by making arrangements in your estate.

The December Onyx Anneau will feature philanthropy at work with an update on the Aspire Higher Campaign and the many donor-funded campus improvements taking place in Le Fer Hall, Hulman Hall, the Conservatory of Music and more!

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2019-2020 WOODS FUND GOAL MET

$818,248 $1,149,128

Our alumni and friends helped surpass the $1.1 million Woods Fund goal last year! Thank you for believing in SMWC, supporting the mission and investing in our students. When President King learned of the successful completion of the Woods Fund campaign, she said, “My heart is full! I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our alumni and friends in a year marked by a global pandemic.” SMWC exceeded the goal and alumni gifts to the Woods Fund increased by almost 10%. After a three-year decline in alumni giving, SMWC ended the year with 19% alumni participation, consistent with the 2018-2019 giving record.

2019-2020 TOTAL

71.2%

Alumni

11.3%

$129,540

1,428 alumni supported SMWC ALUMNI GIVING 2019-2020 19%

Corporations/Foundations

7.2%

$82,531

Friends Organizations

6.12%

$70,662

1.9%

$21,900

Trusts

1.2%

$13,831

Parents

1.1%

$12,416

Staff

Faculty/

0

WOODS FUND DONORS

Coeur of the Woods Fund

is French for heart. We know that our alumni and friends ARE the heart of the Woods Fund, as evidenced last year when our donors helped the College exceed the goal during difficult and challenging times. This year, we will explore the core of our Woods Fund – the Coeur – where you will learn more about how your investment is making a difference in the lives of students, growing our campus and influencing our communities. For five years #WoodsGivingDay has made a significant impact on SMWC, the Woods Fund and our alumni participation. Previously held on Giving Tuesday, the national day of giving on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, it is time to set ourselves apart from the nationwide giving effort! Our fundraising goals will remain consistent – we are just moving to a new month. I am excited to share that #WoodsGivingDay will be held Feb. 9, 2021. Mark your calendars and join us in February as we share exciting

SMWC updates and support Woods students on this unique day of giving, The Woods Way. Although I have been here only a short time, I know I am part of something special at SMWC. The Coeur of our Woods Fund is you. Students shared their hearts and thanked 2019-2020 donors in September during a virtual panel. I learned so much about the campus, online and graduate experience that evening. Please take advantage of future opportunities to connect with us virtually! Join me in support of the Woods Funds to help the College meet and exceed a new $1.1 million goal by June 30, 2021. The investment of our alumni and friends continues to be vital, now, more than ever.

By Jenifer Wright ’17 Director of Annual Giving

Our traditions, connections and service to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College are strong and resilient as we kick-off a new year and a new Woods Fund effort! We have learned a great deal throughout 2020, not the least of which is that new ideas and forward thinking while adapting to challenges can and will effect positive change. As I begin my work with SMWC as the new Director of Annual Giving, I am inspired by this year’s Woods Fund theme Woods Coeur or core, which

SAVE THE DATE! February 9, 2021 #WoodsGivingDay

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