Onyx Anneau Fall 2020

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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