Onyx Anneau President's Report 2020

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2020/Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Magazine

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ASPIRE ^ HIGHER STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW

BRUCKS GIFT NEW OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

NEW Ph.D. PROGRAM IN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

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Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president, is framed by an arch located in the new residence and dining hall. In an effort to create continuity among the Colleges’ historic buildings, three arches were added to the design. The new building is meant to compliment rather than mimic its century-old counterparts.

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18 Decades of Footprints A note from President Dottie King

An academy for girls, post-grammar school opportunities for females for the first time in the Wabash Valley, a liberal arts college for women, professional degrees for women, a pioneering distance education for women, coeducational graduate programs with a foundation in liberal arts and mission, inclusion of men in distance education and inclusion of men in all academic programs are each defining identities for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in a timeline that covers 18 decades. The resilience of our institution is our commitment to core values along with a willingness to change with the needs of our students in shifting times. Can you imagine a roll call of those who have contributed to the growth and endurance of our College through these years? Some names would be well-known to us, along with their stories. Others have quietly made their marks on our future. I am blessed to work where legacy, mission, sacrifice and faith are more than just tag lines. I am thankful for the dedication of those who came before us, for their “footprints” and direction, for the sharing of their passion and gifts, and for their hard work. I am humbled and grateful for the ways that Providence, generous alums and friends, and devoted employees have all contributed to success and renewal in recent years. May God continue to bless Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and may we, who call her home, remain committed to the educational mission with which we have been entrusted.

Blessings,

Dottie L. King, Ph.D. President

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ONYX Anneau PRESIDENT’S REPORT WINTER ISSUE 2020

Vol. 95

No. 2

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

Living during a pandemic and adjusting to a year with strict COVID-19 protocols is an experience most of us are likely to never forget. For Woods students, it has become part of their daily life on campus. Students Gabby Shuler, Regan Hubbard and Alicia Lombardo (pictured left to right) are among several who share their stories on the College’s blog, From the Avenue – read more online at smwc.edu/students-adjust

CONTRIBUTORS L.A. Fraley ’20 Catherine Saunders ’98 Heather Tighe Sue Weatherwax

Contents

NEW Ph.D. PROGRAM 8 GIFTS IN ACTION 12 FROM A PLACE OF GRATITUDE 16

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 18

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 © 2021 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.

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE Woods Spotlight.............................................7 Nota Bena......................................................22 Athletics.........................................................23 The Woods Today......................................24

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Aspire Higher ^ even

Roots. They run deep at The Woods. In this President’s Report, you will get a glimpse into what it takes to create change, stay relevant and continue to provide a stellar academic experience for campus, online and graduate students today. These pages are filled with the amazing and thoughtful work of those who are dedicated to and invested in growing the College – deepening and strengthening our roots with every step, every prayer, every gift and every belief in a bright Woods future.

This report looks at the last 10 years of enrollment and fundraising achievements, explores SMWC’s resilience through the challenging year of 2020 and shares in the excitement of new programs and athletics as the branches of our mighty oak continue to expand upward. Launched in 2019 by Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president, the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan informs College decisions at all levels, engaging leadership throughout the campus community. Expanding academic offerings, growing enrollment, addressing the physical environment and elevating awareness of the College are foundational to this work, the results of which you will see in the following pages. Today, a 40-member steering committee of faculty and staff oversee the implementation of this dynamic and aggressive plan which seeks to provide for the needs of today’s students while creating a strong path for a future yet to be written.

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DIVERSITY IN ACTION

With the creation of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, SMWC dedicated itself this fall to building a culture of inclusion at The Woods – in and outside of the classroom. Programming is centered around creating a shared dialogue between students, faculty and staff as part of a series of events designed to meet the needs of a growing diverse campus. From faculty sessions to learn about “brave spaces” to hosting book discussions and performances, the College has been intentional to invite dialogue, inspire reflection and promote understanding in a proactive and positive environment.

Virtual book discussions helped create honest and respectful conversations about race and diversity. A grant from Indiana Humanities with funds from Lilly Endowment Inc. allowed the College to purchase media materials for students, staff and faculty to utilize as part of the Rooney Library Collection.

Spaces for safe, honest conversations were designated on campus and identified by a new WoodsTalk emblem. Having open and authentic conversations is important now more than ever. WoodsTalk was established to offer students an environment in which they can have respectful dialogues aimed at inclusivity.

Reggie Harris was welcomed as a Visiting Fellow virtually in October. He shared his knowledge of songs of freedom and justice, his upbringing as a black man in Philadelphia and stories of slavery from his family tree.

The College hosted a law enforcement panel to discuss the subject of police brutality and race relations this fall.

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2010 E N RO L L ME N T NOW AND T H E N 2020

345 750 148 15% 105

499 369 236 19% 184

Campus Enrollment

Woods Online Enrollment

Graduate Enrollment

Total Campus Students of Color

Campus Fall Class 6 th {

}

Fall 2020 was tied with the sixth largest campus enrollment historically

and total enrollment topped 1,100 for the first time since 2011.

I NCOM I NG C AMP U S 20 20

73.5%

MEDIAN HIGH SCHOOL GPA 3.30

STUDENT ATHLETES

TOP 5 MAJORS

Females

NURSING Psychology

40%

education Business

Males

Administration HUMAN SERVICES

26.5%

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Transforming into an Apple Distinguished School

As part of an initiative to become an Apple Distinguished School, each incoming freshman at Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College received an iPad Air and Apple Pencil. More than 200 devices were distributed in fall 2020. Many classrooms have been equipped with Apple TVs, which faculty and students can use to mirror their devices on the screen for presentations and comprehensive learning. The College began laying an early foundation for this plan three years ago with the introduction of MacBook Pro laptops for all music majors, which will continue.

“This is really a big step toward accomplishing our ultimate goal of having one-to-one technology for all students.” — Frankie Enochs ‘93, associate vice president of information technology

So far, the tech is a success.

“They can collaborate well. We’re learning. The students are learning. But the possibilities are just incredible. We have just scratched the surface.” — Sara Boyer ’03 and ’13G, executive director of academic affairs

Once cutting edge at SMWC, technology has come a long way since the early Macs populated

our computer labs. Moving to one-on-one

mobile technology accomplishes the Woods’ goal of enhancing the student experience.

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SPOTLIGHT ON NEW PROGRAMS

DIGITAL MARKETING Available online and on campus, this program gives students a comprehensive skill set in marketing and its digital delivery. It is an ever-growing field that can produce work for many SMWC graduates.

KINESIOLOGY As the study of human movement, this degree path readies students for careers such as a physical therapist, physician or other health and human performance- related fields.

EMT As SMWC grows its nursing department, the Emergency Medical Technician certification is a natural expansion of the department. This program teaches protocols to stabilize and safely transport patients. Ph.D. IN GLOBAL LEADERSHIP The field of leadership is seeing an increase in need on a global scale. SMWC’s first Ph.D. program provides a competitive hybrid model of study in global leadership.

PARAMEDIC SCIENCE

In response to the high demand for paramedics, this associate degree can lead to careers such as a first responder, ambulance paramedic or working in an emergency room.

SPORT MANAGEMENT

Offered online and on campus, this program will be a game- changer for The Woods as more athletes join the community. It can help students go into many fields related to athletics or fitness.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT A rapidly growing career path, those choosing this program will be versed in material sourcing and how to apply their knowledge throughout their career.

This graduate certificate teaches the fundamentals of leadership and building supportive networks. This hybrid program provides students with face-to-face connection and the flexibility of online.

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CHARTING A NEW COURSE

New Ph.D. program builds on grad level success

By BJ Riley ’16

As the newly appointed Dean of Business and Leadership at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), leadership education comes as second- nature to Lamprini Pantazi, Ph.D. When tasked with taking on a new leadership program, Pantazi was all in. The success of the Master of Leadership Development (MLD) program was foundational in making the decision to include a new Ph.D. in Global Leadership in the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Charting the Future proposal request. With her experience with the MLD program and the new Graduate Certificate in Women’s Leadership, Pantazi was excited to take on the task. “For the past ten years I have been asked about this doctoral program, and I always replied, ‘That time will come.’ I am so excited the time is now,” Pantazi said, donning a big smile and expressing her signature enthusiasm. “The Global Leadership program will be very competitive with other similar programs,” Pantazi says, adding her goal is to offer an efficient, cost- effective program. The curriculum focuses on both academic and professional pathways to provide additional opportunities to Ph.D. graduates for either path with a completion time that is commensurate with like programs. She is very encouraged by the interest she is already receiving from prospective students, and admits, she has begun dreaming of how she might build on what will soon be a new pathway at The Woods in the global leadership arena.

Lamprini Pantazi, Ph.D., MBA, MS Dean of Business and Leadership

“For the past ten years I have been asked about this doctoral program, and I always replied, ‘That time will come.’ I am so excited the time is now.”

Timeline to launch

In September 2020, Lilly Endowment Inc. granted SMWC $1 million to fund growth in academic programs from their Charting the Future initiative. This enabled the creation of the College’s first doctoral program, a Ph.D. in Global Leadership with a concentration in organizational behavior and change.

An advisory board immediately began working on a mission and values statement for the proposed program, ensuring both were reflective of the overall mission of SMWC. Additionally, they wanted to match the vision of the College and Saint Mother Theodore Guerin using “Virtus Cum Scientia,” which translates to “virtue with knowledge united,” as a theme.

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“It is important to work together to solve global issues and current events show how important global leadership is – perfect timing!”

Mission driven

The global leadership field is seeing a high need, now more than ever, according to Pantazi. “There is a growing demand for a leadership Ph.D. because of the business challenges of today and to help face the complexity of problems in today’s global economy.” The pandemic has helped to emphasize this need, she said. “It is important to work together to solve global issues and current events show how important global leadership is — perfect timing!” There will also be opportunities to study abroad, which will allow students to gain practical, experiential learning while immersed in international cultures. To further strengthen the program, Pantazi will focus a portion of the recruiting on attracting international students through partnerships with Al Akhawayn University (AUI) in Morocco and others. The first fully international cohort is projected to begin in 2023.

“We’ve been very intentional about how to grow the institution, and adding doctoral programs is the next logical step for us. Lilly Endowment Inc.’s grant of $1 million will help bring to fruition a plan to expand enrollment through adding mission-fit programs, which we will deliver with distinction.” — President Dottie L. King, Ph.D.

Pantazi anticipates the approval process through the Higher Learning Commission will allow official recruitment of students by mid-May 2021.

The program will take 42 months to complete in an immersive hybrid format. Much of the program will be taught online, while in-person residency meetings could occur yearly along with creative virtual residencies throughout.

Pending approval, the initial cohort will start in August 2021.

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180 years later and SMWC cont inues to look ahead—ahead to the inf lux of s tudent s , growth of programs and to the cont inued evolut ion of The Woods .

Technology and access ibi l i ty cont inue to grow. New, innovat ive programs prepare s tudent s for meaningful careers . Classroom and s tudy spaces have been renovated and are abundant .

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Through donor funds , SMWC’ s campaign updates have di rec t ly impac ted the s tudent exper ience . Wi th each upgrade , The Woods feel s even more l ike home .

The Aspi re Higher Campaign has produced an incredible legacy of phi lanthropy . Renovat ions maintain the integr i ty of The Woods ’ hi s tor i c spaces whi le meet ing the needs of today’ s s tudent s .

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Gifts of $2.4 million have created more than 20 new scholarships and funds since 2015. The Gibson Family Scholarship for Athletics Nancy Findley Fitzjarrald, 1966 Endowed Scholarship Catherine C. Roney, 1947 Endowed Scholarship Roberta R. and Philip J. Caito Endowed Scholarship Elizabeth O’Connell ‘62 Endowed Nursing Scholarship Mary Alice Shannon Klueh, 1948 and Duane Klueh Endowed Scholarship Anton J. and Adele T. Eichmuller Endowed Scholarship Kathy Kloiber Pacana ‘83 Endowed Scholarship George Floyd Scholarship for Racial Equity Mary Ann Hogan Leusch, 1977 Memorial Scholarship James Patterson Memorial Golf Scholarship Dr. Theresa Gioannini Endowment for Women in Science Endowment for Sustainability The Picardi Harman Family Equine Endowment Nursing Scholarship Mahaffey Scholarship Early Learning Indiana Term Scholarship Indiana Center for Nursing Term Scholarship $2.4 million Mae-Rose Endowed Scholarship Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck, 1968 Endowed Scholarship

A six-car fleet of golf carts were attained through donor funds.

The Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center opened in 2014 with the support of alumni and friends funding the $10.1 million Pomeroy Pride Campaign. A catalyst for enrollment and athletic growth, the building features Hamilton Arena, the top notch workout facilities of Club ’64; and Ariens Atrium, an ideal venue for gatherings.

The Front Gate and Gatehouse restorations made possible with 2020 Indiana Department of Natural Resources DHPA and Wabash Valley Community Foundation funding. The historic gatehouse is now used as a welcome center and rest stop for bikers and trail walkers.

Campus beautification efforts have benefitted from donor gifts as roads and parking lots received coating and unsightly dead trees were removed.

Students sign a wall with scriptures and prayers during the Knoerle Center construction.

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Le Fer Lake and its surrounding trail serves as a classroom for ecology students as well as a trailhead to the Wabash Valley trail system. The Mary and Bayless Butler Classroom , made possible by Morg and Nancy Butler Bruck ’69, provides a unique learning environment and venue. A new firepit area will be enjoyed by students and campus guests for years to come.

A new proximity card system, security cameras and LED lighting throughout add to the safety features of Le Fer Hall.

A family foundation’s gift made the Union Health Clinic a reality for SMWC in 2018.

Safety first. New exit signs have been installed as a first step in the Conservatory’s auditorium renovation campaign. Join us! Once complete, this beautiful space will be renamed in honor of Sister Marie Brendan Harvey ’51.

A Lilly Endowment Inc. grant helped usher in Nursing, now the most popular major, at SMWC in 2015. The Hollie and Anna Oakley Foundation and an anonymous donor provided funds to add a master’s program, classrooms and labs.

The Athletic Hall of Fame recognition wall was added to Knoerle Center thanks to the support of Susan Decker and Vicki Kosowsky. An anonymous alumna’s gift provided beautiful trophy cases to display Woods championship trophies.

hanks to the SMWC facilities team, we can do more with campaign gifts. Stretching donor dollars to achieve maximum impact is at the forefront of every capital project decision. With their help, deferred maintenance of historic buildings continues to be addressed, and SMWC buildings and grounds grow more beautiful.

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A renovated Sacred Heart Chapel, now located on the first floor of Le Fer Hall, provides a quiet place for worship for all.

Capital investments have evolved the Rooney Library to better meet student needs. In addition to donor- funded front doors and a new roof, made possible by R. Adams Roofing, Rooney has benefited from a RJE Business Interiors’ donation of furniture, transforming a dated meeting space into a comfortable conference room equipped with Apple technology.

Digital billboards help the College share campus events and information in almost every campus building, including the residential floors of Le Fer Hall. Students also now have access to community printers on residential floors.

Donor support has restored treasured faith symbols atop Le Fer, Guerin and the Conservatory. New steel crosses were installed and dedicated in 2017 thanks to Nancy Payonk ’81 and Martha Leinenbach Moore ’61. Only one of the original concrete crosses survived its removal intact; now it welcomes visitors as part of the Guerin Cross Garden made possible by Payonk.

A $1.9 million Department of Education Strengthening Institutions grant funded significant classroom technology updates as well as renovations in the chemistry lab and Hayes Auditorium in Hulman; the Learning Resource Center was relocated to a modern, renovated space in Rooney.

Want to see more Aspire Higher Campaign progress and campus improvements? Visit smwc.edu/campusimprovements to enjoy videos of completed and in-progress projects throughout campus.

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Construction of the new residence hall progresses in preparation of opening in Fall 2021 with 92 beds. With this building comes the generous Campaign commitment of $500,000 from our partner and developer, University Housing Solutions.

Le Fer Hall student kitchens were renovated, making it feel even more like home. Updates include a new refrigerator, range, microwave, cabinets, flooring, LED lighting and tables for prep and eating.

Le Fer Hall community spaces have seen a complete face lift with new carpeting, paint, furniture and LED lighting.

$2 million Whether you knew it as the Green Parlor or Sullivan, donor support has helped us transform this beautiful space both physically and in name. Soon to be blessed as The 1840 , students enjoy studying, meeting and hosting events in this unique room adorned with a mural featuring Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and celebrating our beloved alma mater and ring song.

In Le Fer Hall , $2 million has gone a long way to improving the student experience. Structural upgrades such as elevator shaft repairs, masonry work, ADA bathrooms on the main floor and new front doors were critical, but typically go unnoticed.

Miles to Go… The final phase of the Aspire Higher Campaign’s Le Fer Hall Initiative will address remaining renovation elements which include plumbing upgrades, student and community bathrooms, exterior masonry repair, the Formal Parlor, lighting and sound system upgrades for the McMahon Ballroom which received a new floor in 2018.

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By Karen Dyer n FROM A PLACE OF gratitude

Their Rose-Woods story began on a blind date, and nearly 55 years later, includes two endowed scholarships, a laboratory and an outdoor classroom spanning two campuses and a lifetime of commitment. Their story is one that is written from a place of gratitude for their parents, God and the educations they received from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT). “Every time I turn on to the Avenue, I feel such contentment,” said Nancy Butler Bruck ’69, who was fortunate to celebrate her 50th Reunion in 2019. “The Woods is a very special place, as we know, and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it. The spirituality, beauty and friendships will always be with me.” So, when the opportunity came up to help bring an outdoor classroom building to fruition, Nancy and husband, Morgan (Morg) Bruck, a 1969 RHIT alumnus, saw this as a way to invest in SMWC and remember Nancy’s parents. “I feel very strongly about supporting the College and will continue to do so. Even a small amount can make a difference. It is not the level of giving, but the support that is important,” said Nancy. “My parents were very committed to The Woods, and I wish my father could have been there when I got my ring and when I graduated. We have tried to honor them with the scholarship, and now the classroom.” Morg saw firsthand how much alumni giving meant as he worked his junior and senior years in the RHIT Alumni Office and also as a class agent after graduation. Morg added that his parents and Nancy’s believed strongly in a college degree, so they made it a priority to honor that commitment by giving to their alma maters. Nancy and Morg established the Bayless V. Butler and Mary R. Butler Endowed Scholarship at SMWC and the

Morgan “Morg” Bruck and Nancy Butler Bruck ’69 “The Pentateuch instructs on three tithes and, as God has blessed us, we have tried to follow these. Our church gets the first tithe and the second goes to SMWC and RHIT.” — Morg Bruck

Nancy Butler Bruck ’69 and Morg celebrating her 50th Reunion in 2019.

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Rose-Woods couple makes classroom a reality

The Mary and Bayless Butler Classroom will open in the spring of 2021 as a place for students to learn and practice science. The classroom is located adjacent to Le Fer Lake, and will serve as a hub for learning with special emphasis on environmental science and sustainability. It will also provide a new recreational space for all students as it will include a large fire pit area for gatherings.

Arthur A. and Jennie M. Bruck Scholarship at RHIT

the same year. They also invested in both the I Love Le Fer Hall initiative and provided funding for the

construction of a new outdoor classroom at The Woods. Last year, the couple supported the naming of the Bruck Flow Lab in the new Kramer Innovation Center which opened in 2019 at Morg’s alma mater. They have been committed to supporting both institutions equally. The Bruck’s gift to build the classroom helped the College fulfill a nearly nine- year-long endeavor to restore the Le Fer Lake habitat. The project began with an initial gift from the Hollie and Anna Oakley Foundation and was brought to fruition with gifts from the 181st Intelligence Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard, Duke Energy, Vectren, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Sister Mary Moloney ’61 and the Vigo County Solid Waste Management District. “The Pentateuch instructs on three tithes and, as God has blessed us, we have tried to follow these. Our church gets the first tithe and the second goes to SMWC and RHIT,” said Morg. “I am so proud of how far The Woods has come and how it continues to grow. There is a very special place in my heart for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods,” said Nancy. Nancy retired from the Dayton Metro Library after 30 years of service in 2014. Morg retired from Marathon Oil Company in 2010, after which he started his own company, Hydraulic, Measurement, and Inspection Consulting, LLC which he still runs today. The couple have four daughters and five grandchildren.

Morg and Nancy at the SMWC Senior Ball in May of 1969. Back to that blind date.

“It was truly a blind date,” recounted Morg. “We didn’t even share photos, although we talked several times on the phone. I had attended a couple of mixers at The Woods, but only in the Le Fer first floor rec room. I had never seen the Guerin rotunda, which was impressive, and to say the least, eye-opening. Then my friend Dave Crossan and I had to wait for the ladies to be informed that we were awaiting them, which seemed like an eternity. I began to wonder what I’d done.” “But, there was Nancy in an ‘Alice Blue’ cocktail dress descending the stairs. In my eyes her feet never touched marble all the way down,” said Morg with a catch in his throat and a tear in his eye. ‘Alice blue’ is a pale blue color, favored by its namesake Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, who helped to launch it into pop culture fame as both a fashion sensation and hit song called “Alice Blue Gown.”

Karen Dyer is the vice president for advancement and strategic initiatives at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

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MARCH As the uncertainty of COVID-19 set in, officials made the decision to send students home to finish the semester virtually.

APRIL Powerlifting and cheerleading were added to the club sports list. Extra-curricular activities have continued to grow for more student involvement.

JANUARY Like other institutions, SMWC became

test-optional for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT for admission. This process allows Admissions to consider students based on factors other than test scores.

2020 A YEAR OF GROWTH, CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPH

The legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was carried out on Foundation Day as students and employees completed

service around campus. This included outdoor and community projects.

OCTOBER It’s HOMEcoming – as alumni were not able to visit campus, many traditional homecoming events were virtual to engage with alumni and the community.

JANUARY 2021 Campus students returned to start the spring semester with in-person classes. Thanks to thoughtfully responsible students and employees , The Woods completed the fall semester safely.

A $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fund advancement in academic programs was received, allowing the College to add its first Ph.D., kinesiology and exercise science.

Alumni are at the core of the College. In a year with limited travel, President King still found ways to make connections with many this year. Brady bunch style Zoom meetings were the norm.

Not much had to change for the Big/Little reveal , where an upperclass Woodsie takes a freshman under their wing.

SEPTEMBER The Sunken Garden was the venue for this twist on a

traditional Ring Day ceremony. It was a long-awaited day for juniors who had to go home in the spring.

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Because students couldn’t participate in the traditional Midnight Breakfast, Pomeroy Care Packages were sent to students during finals week.

JUNE Enzley Mitchell IV, Ph.D. was announced as the first men’s basketball coach in Woods history. Mitchell is versed in growing basketball programs and will be a fundamental part of the team.

MAY While perspective students

couldn’t go to campus to register, a virtual registration day was held. Students and parents were able to meet with College employees to take their next step in education.

As students were disrupted from their norm, SMWC distributed $319,000 in cash grants to all campus- based students as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act.

After establishing protocols, admissions and financial aid employees were able to meet with incoming students for an in-person registration event.

The Avenue to Reopening Plan allowed for students to come back in-person for the fall semester. This plan was created by the COVID-19 Taskforce.

DECEMBER Students and employees were able to decorate the Christmas tree in the Guerin Rotunda. However, to keep from having large crowds, the annual Blessing of the Christmas Tree was done virtually.

The College made history by breaking ground on a new residence and dining hall . This will be in addition to Le Fer Hall and will provide 92 beds in suite-style rooms.

We can all use some love from a golden retriever. Sadie, a certified therapy dog , joined the staff at The Woods to visit students and bring a calm presence.

JULY The traditional nurse pinning ceremony was held with friends and family. Although it was not held in the Church like usual, being able to hold the pinning was meaningful to nursing graduates.

Shifting from the norm, Commencement and Ring Day (for graduates) were held in-person allowing for physical distancing. Although these events were late due to the pandemic, they were not forgotten.

AUGUST The Avenue welcome for in-coming students was a success! Students and their families had staggered times to move in to keep everyone safe.

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Join us for a day filled with fun opportunities to support the Woods Fund. Be a part of the shared passion for SMWC while coming together to show your love for The Woods in support of today’s talented students. Engage your friends, family and all those who love The Woods to join in on #WoodsGivingDay. Make gifts online at giving.smwc.edu or by phone at 888-769-0013 . JOIN US! #WoodsGivingDay February 9, 2021

LEGACY RING AND RING SCHOLARSHIPS

With growing student enrollment, Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College has seen an increase in financial need related to the much-loved Woods Ring tradition that binds students and alumni to one another and this sacred place. Legacy Rings and Ring Scholarships are awarded annually to deserving students – helping make Ring Day a reality for those who otherwise might miss out on this tradition. Please consider supporting the Ring Scholarship Fund or to arrange for your Woods Ring to be donated to the Legacy Ring Program in your estate plans. For more information about either student assistance opportunity, please contact the Office of Advancement at 812-535-5270 or visit smwc.edu/legacyrings.

FEB. 9

Give at least $50 and receive a pair of socks.* (*supplies are limited)

Help SMWC reach the goal of unique donors! 500

Follow us!

@smwc

@smwcollege

@smwcollege

REUNION May 21-23, 2021

The Office of Alumni Relations continues to monitor the pandemic as SMWC follows guidance from the state, county and College COVID-19 Taskforce. More information will be shared by email and at smwc.edu/reunion once plans for Reunion 2021 have been finalized. It is our hope that we may come together safely, reconnect and celebrate special milestones. Plans for virtual opportunities are already underway and will be incorporated into the weekend so that all may celebrate regardless of ability to attend or location.

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College Town Terre Haute

WE’RE ON THE MAP

OUR RANKINGS SAY IT ALL For the twelfth consecutive year, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best colleges for 2021 . The institution ranked in three categories: Best Regional Universities, Social Mobility and Best Value . U.S. News & World Report also ranked SMWC in its 2021 Best Online Programs list for Woods Online . Other rankings, just to name a few, include Best Nursing Schools in Indiana by Best Nursing Colleges, Best Teaching Degrees by Best Value Schools and Best Online Psychology Degree Programs by Ed Smart. To see a full list of distinctions for The Woods, go to smwc.edu/recognition

Venues for performing arts, notable nightlife and restaurants and reasonable rent, helped Terre Haute rank fifth on the 10 Best College Town list in the U.S. by College Gazette. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Ivy Tech Community College all call Terre Haute home. Terre Haute’s reputation as a college town began in the mid- 1800’s with the founding of three of its institutions before the turn of the last century while it was still considered to be the wilderness

of Indiana. Established in1840, SMWC was the first.

The College Gazette went on to recognize the abundance of greenspace that helped move Terre Haute to the top of the list. More than 1,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses and numerous other outdoor recreational opportunities including the world- class LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course, the award-winning Griffin Bike Park, the National Road Heritage Trail and the city’s designation as a “Tree City USA” town.

WOODS PART OF WEST CENTRAL INDIANA 21 ST CENTURY TALENT REGION Terre Haute and SMWC became part of the newly designated West Central Indiana 21st Century Talent Region during its formation in 2020. The talent region empowers communities to put in place an action plan connecting local governments, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits and economic and workforce development partners to improve quality of place. This includes attracting, developing and connecting Hoosier talent, which provides opportunities for Woods students to stay in Indiana following graduation.

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ALUMNI NOTA BENE

Margaret Hatcher Wier ’63 : October 7, 2020. Joan E. Slobig, SP ’64 : August 16, 2020. Dorothy Drobis, SP ’65 : October 15, 2020. Barbara O’Dea ’67 : August 23, 2020. Kathleen Echle Rice ’68 : September 23, 2020. Marlene Kalbfleisch Tsareff ’69 : August 11, 2020. Gene Marie Hogan ’71 : October 27, 2020. Sister of Mary Hogan Weber ’75 and Kathleen Hogan Callahan ’79 (deceased) . Rita Osowski Tatum ’71 : September 6, 2020. Sister of Bridget Osowski Sovinski ’74 and Carmel Osowski Alby ’77 . Theresa Booker Bryant ’72 : October 16, 2020. Glenna Earp Sanders ’80 : April 25, 2020. Priscilla Van Horn Walker ’81 : September 21, 2020. Martha Rosner Nickol ’86 : December 24, 2019. Sister of Theresa Rosner White ’63 . Flossie Jordan Price ’87 : August 27, 2020. Mother of Maria Price ’87 . Jeana Swopes ’94 : October 17, 2020. Margaret Marberg ’97 : December 8, 2019. Mariann Kelly: October 22, 2020. Mother of Mary Pat Kelly ’67 and Margaret “Mickey” Murray ’70 . Aunt of Kathleen Williams McManus ’68 and Patricia Williams Essig ’71 . Edward J. Mundy: September 28, 2020. Brother of Mary Mundy, SP ’69 . Ethan Williams: October 24, 2020. Grandson of Mary Ellen Hughes Dodson ’71 . Lorraine Trzaska: September 23, 2020. Mother of Jacqueline Trzaska Zapf ’72 . Marilyn Patton: September 16, 2020. Mother of Deborah Patton Gildea ’74 . Paul Niles: September 26, 2020. Father of Theresa Niles Arness ’77 . Rosemary Niles: October 2019. Mother of Theresa Niles Arness ’77 . Kevin Schafer: October 6, 2020. Husband of Diane Orr Schafer ’83 . DEATHS OF RELATIVES AND FRIENDS David Patrick Ciaudelli: August 31, 2020. Son of Rosemary Burke Ciaudelli ’59 . Brother of Maria Ciaudelli Cholak ’90 . Mary Ann Trauscht: September 22, 2020. Sister of Laura Trauscht Holland ’59 .

Faye Weger: October 23, 2020. Mother-in-law of Jeanine Kuykendall Weger ’03 . Monica Evelyn Green: August 11, 2020. Grandmother of Sherry Bube Binversie ’14, ’18G . Marsha Ruddell: August 15, 2020. Aunt of Claire Pierce ’17 . David Bailey: January 20, 2021. Emeritus trustee, serving 1993-2002 and 2005-2014.

Cathy Deskins Canny ’88 received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indiana Paralegal Association (IPA) on October 21, 2020. Canny is one of only nine paralegals in Indiana who have received this award.

MARRIAGES

Stephanie Richardson Dawson ’18 was married to Logan Dawson on July 5, 2020. Cassie Shelton Robertson ’18 was married to Joey Robertson on October 17, 2020. Katrina Dayhuff Stantz ’18 was married to Will Stantz on October 17, 2020. Marykay Jones Burch ’43 : August 21, 2020. Sister of Loretta Jones ’45 (deceased). Evelyn Campassi Demilio ’47 : August 2, 2020. Theresa Borowski Ehlke ’47 : September 26, 2020. Joy Raine-Thrash ’49 : August 4, 2020. Rose Kuhn Sanderson ’49 : December 1, 2019. Patricia Hannan Sermersheim ’49 : August 10, 2020 Trustee Emeriti. Wife of trustee emeriti Mike Sermersheim. Sister of Anna Louise Hannan ’48 (deceased) and Lillian Hannan Jacob ’50 . Cousin of Mary Fran Kneer Hannan ’48 (deceased) . Michaeline Triola Santarcangelo ’50 : August 13, 2020. Mary Margaret Walker Wilcox ’52 : May 1, 2020. Barbara Doherty, SP ’53 : August 17, 2020. Sister of Patricia Doherty Finnegan ’56 . Cousin of Margaret Lynch, SP ’66 . Niece of Dorothy Mary Noe, SP ’47 (deceased) . Carol Beha Nicklies ’57 : August 2, 2020. Sister of Alice Beha Frerman ’66 . Rosemary Ward, SP ’58 : October 21, 2020. Rose Marie Maysey Wright ’58 : October 10, 2020. Daughter of Regina Galligan Maysey ’28 (deceased) . Niece of Rose Galligan Davis ’30 (deceased) . Cousin of Nancy Jean Davis ’60 (deceased) . Anita Wehmer Philpott ’59 : August 14, 2020. Arlene Ave Krieg ’60 : September 24, 2020. Sister of Barbara Ave McGahan ’56 . Patricia Talarico Meachum ’61 : May 24, 2015. ALUMNI DEATHS

You can stay informed by connecting in a couple new ways with The Woods. Stay in Touch!

Newsletter: After a brief hiatus, the newsletter, rebranded as The View from the Avenue , is back. Keep up with the latest news, events and updates from the College in your inbox. You don’t receive the newsletter? Sign up here to stay in the know: smwc.edu/stayintouch

Vlog: We invite you to watch SMWC Insider , in-depth and exclusive interviews with the change-makers at The Woods. The first edition featured a one-on-one interview with Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president. In the future, we will sit down with a key player of the Ph.D. program, as well as a member of the Office of Advancement to gain insights on the inner workings of fundraising. Find these updates throughout the year on social media, YouTube and our website: smwc.edu/tag/smwc-insider/

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LET’S GO! POMEROY ATHLETICS LEVELS UP

I n October, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College was approved for membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) effective July 1, 2021. “Joining the NAIA is an exciting and progressive step for SMWC and allows us room to grow,” said Athletic Director Deanna Bradley. “This national affiliation will assist The Woods with building a more competitive program when it comes to recruiting and will provide post-season opportunities for all programs while focusing on the holistic development of our student-athletes and staff.” The College will be dually affiliated with NAIA and USCAA during the 2021-2022 transition year. Introducing our first conference

M WC S POMEROYS

• Carlow University, Pittsburgh • Point Park University, Pittsburgh

• Ohio Christian University, Circleville • University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande

• Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College • Indiana University East, Richmond • Indiana University Kokomo • Indiana University Southeast, New Albany • Oakland City University, Oakland City

PENNSYLVANIA

NN

OHIO

N

N

INDIANA

N

N

N

WEST VIRGINIA

• West Virginia University

N

Institute of Technology, Beckley

N

N

N

N

N

N

KENTUCKY

SMWC was also approved as a member of Rivers States Conference (RSC) in October, following NAIA approval. Athletic Director Deanna Bradley expressed enthusiasm about the positive transition to the first athletic conference membership since scholarship athletics began at the College. Above marks the institutions SMWC will face. SMWC will be eligible for NAIA postseason competition in 2021-2022 and RSC postseason competition during the 2022-2023 academic year.

• Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes • Asbury University, Wilmore • Brescia University, Owensboro • Midway University, Midway

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THE WOODS TODAY Here I sit on an unusually warm Sunday afternoon in November watching my husband and boys throw the football in the yard, and I can honestly say I look forward to the future. Our world is changing and challenging. And our country is in need of the kindness, courage, leadership and ingenuity fostered in students who dare to aim for more led by an institution of learning that knows where to push and where to nurture. I’m a proud alumna of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Her faith, intellect, commitment and influence shine brightly.

The choice I made to finish my degree was one of my best to date. At age 34, I imagined expanding my real-world experience by reflecting on my past growth and developing my future potential. It wasn’t an easy decision. And I was nervous. I mean really nervous. Could I do it? I had no idea what to expect. A lot had changed since my sophomore year of college in 2005. I mean, how would I navigate school and parenting for starters? Thank God for online learning. After a great deal of research, I felt confident SMWC was the right place for me. Working with an advanced online platform and exceptional writing program, I embarked on my degree in professional writing. So where did my degree take me? I have a full-time job at a well-respected and storied company. As a digital content writer at Helzberg Diamonds, I bring not only my sharpened skills and developed talents, I bring a collaborative spirit and disciplined work ethic — all things I credit to my education. Mine is a success story. I was

determined to go to school, get my degree, and find a job that fulfilled me. I did those things, but not without the support and heart of SMWC.

L.A.

L.A. Fraley ’20 Woods Online Graduate

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GET CREATIVE

As the Aurora literary magazine celebrates 150 years, we thought it would be appropriate to celebrate our creative minds. So, we have a challenge for you: submit an original haiku poem that will be featured on the Onyx Anneau website at smwc.edu/onyx-anneau

Here is an example of a haiku from the 2020 edition of Aurora by Linda Keat Renzi.

In furrowed trenches, battle-worn leaves hope for rest; then, a whirl of wind.

HOW TO

Don’t worry, it’s easy. Here’s how to do it:

All you need to know is 5-7-5. Five syllables for the first line, seven syllables for the second line and five syllables for the last line. Typically, these poems are about nature, but you make it your own. Go to smwc.edu/onyx-anneau to submit your poem.

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Ways to Give giving.smwc.edu 888-769-0013 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST Send your check payable to SMWC PO Box 70 Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876 Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA

Support of the Woods Fund is at the heart of SMWC’s transformational experiences. YOU and your gifts are the COEUR of the Woods Fund.

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