Onyx Anneau Spring 2021

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Virtual meetings keep alumni in touch By Marissa Schmitter

Resilience was shown by students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College during the pandemic, and by alumni who missed Reunion and other alumni events such as Homecoming due to COVID-19. Face- to-face interactions had come to a halt, however connections were still being made, screen-to-screen. Getting in front of a camera, whether by phone, tablet or computer, became a normal occurrence for those wanting to stay connected. Judith Anne Gilberti ’79 found this time of uneasiness an important time to check in with her classmates, which she did by sending notes, cards and hosting a Zoom session, a now widely known platform. “I was trying to make it as warm and welcoming as possible,” Gilberti said. The class used their Zoom time to toast The Woods and classmates. As the world shut down last March, nearly all scheduled events at the College were cancelled or postponed, including Reunion 2020. This was difficult for alumni who were to celebrate as well as the College staff planning the celebration. “I love staying connected with our alumni and hearing how they are doing. Not coming together for Reunion or Homecoming last year was heartbreaking,” Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05 , director of alumni relations, said. “Our world was turned upside down with the pandemic, professionally and personally. No one really knew how significantly it

would impact our lives and work. What did we do? We picked up the phone and began calling our alumni and found a way to connect with them.” The College hosted a series of virtual alumni gatherings, featuring updates from President Dottie King, while alumni hosted gatherings with their classmates and fellow Woodsies — some scheduling regular monthly meetings. In less than one year, the College hosted 20 virtual meetings. Margot Rudge Sullivan ’63 helps keep the Southern California alumni and friends in touch by utilizing Zoom. “We have a wonderful group that has grown quite close even though we are from different classes,” she said. Sullivan said they usually meet in person, but the virtual meetings help to keep each other in the know about both their lives and the College. For some, the use of technology was new, but that was a challenge Gilberti gladly accepted as she sent directions and encouraged her fellow alumni who were still learning. She is hoping to host another session this summer to do what she calls “keeping it special.”

While Zoom and Microsoft Teams created new pathways for connection, Mahady says it cannot quite replace being together in-person. “Seeing everyone at Reunion and Homecoming, reminiscing and sharing stories is a feeling that cannot be put into words,” she said. “I look forward to visiting with our alumni and seeing them reconnect with each other this year in-person as life slowly begins to return to normal following a year of being shut- down and isolated from each other during the pandemic.” Looking forward, Mahady believes that the team has gained new knowledge and practices that will enable the College to continue to connect with alumni who may not be able to return to campus or attend an event. “Our programming will benefit from all that we’ve learned and will continue to include virtual opportunities as we move into a post-pandemic world,” she said. Virtual elements will become a staple for events such as Reunion and Homecoming, allowing more alumni to stay connected to each other and to The Woods.

Reunion will be hosted in-person from May 21 to 23, 2021. The deadline to register is May 1. Virtual events will be held for those who wish to participate remotely — check smwc.edu/alumni/ for updates. The College is following COVID-19 protocols and guidelines closely to allow for a safe and enjoyable Reunion.

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