Onyx Fall-Winter 2019

Saint Mary-of-the Woods College

Fall-Winter 2019

On the Cover: Members from the Class of 1974 pose with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin during Reunion 2019. The Class celebrated their 45th Reunion.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods C o l l e g e NEWS FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

FALL/ WINTER

2 Enhancing Life at The Woods

Vol. 94

No. 1

Kristy Fry Editor/Designer Director of Creative Services

Sue Weatherwax Photographer Associate Director of Creative Services Karen Dyer Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives

5 Profound

Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05 Director of Alumni Relations

Moments: Building connections through Music Therapy experiences

Dianne Frances D. Powell Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

Dee Reed ’08 Executive Director of Strategic Communications

B.J. Riley ’16 Director of Marketing

6 Fall 2019

Catherine Saunders ’98 Associate Vice President for Advancement

Move In Day

Heather Tighe Assistant Director of Advancement Services

Mikayla Metheny Thomas ’16 Director of Annual Giving

Contributors: Tiffany Stroud

10 Reunion 2019 in Review

Please send correspondence to: Office of Advancement P.O. Box 70 Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876-0070 Phone: (812) 535-5270 Fax: (812) 535-5245 E-mail: alumni@smwc.edu

© 2019 by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

22 Craig Named President of Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce

Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained in this Onyx is accurate.

Photo by Carl Bender

President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., and husband Wayne King ’14G along with members of the SMWC family enjoyed a Rhine Getaway on Viking Longship Eir June 14-21, 2019. Alumni and friends explored castles and cathedrals throughout Europe, from Amsterdam and Cologne to Basel, during the 8-day journey.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Summer flew by, and we are well into another academic year. I continue to count our blessings as small, private colleges struggle to remain relevant and operating in today’s world. Nearly 50 have closed since 2016 and most of those had a faith component to their mission. Our God of Providence has continued to meet our needs as we respond to the educational, emotional and spiritual requirements of our students. So many of our blessings have come from you, and we are so grateful. Just as Saint Mother Theodore fulfilled the needs of students in her day by creating an academy in these rural woods of Indiana, we follow in her steps by responding to the necessities of our generation. We accomplish this in creation of services on our campus and in consideration of majors that we offer. I often ponder the stories that will be shared among future generations of Woods students about our faithfulness during these times. We are excited to not only be growing in numbers, but even more to be growing in our faith and confidence for the future. We will soon announce the second phase of our strategic plan, Aspire EVEN Higher. There are so many possibilities before us, and these Woods continue to be filled with unrealized potential.

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

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ENHANCING LIFE AT THE WOODS Aspire Higher Campaign Fall 2019 Update By Dianne Frances D. Powell Since the leadership phase of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Aspire Higher campaign began in July 2016, this comprehensive campaign has been driving major improvements to campus infrastructure to meet the needs of today’s students. These improvements, made possible by donor support, are making an impact on the student experience. For example, students have started reaping the benefits of renovations to the large student lounge on the first floor of Le Fer Hall, known to most alums as the Green or Sullivan Parlor. The lounge now features its original hardwood floors. It also received improved LED lighting, electrical outlets and all new furniture. “Being able to have a designated, comfortable space to study and work with friends really helps build community,” said Emma Taylor, a junior elementary education major from Greencastle, Indiana. “Being a student here during this time is very eye-opening because I get to see history unfold.” The Sacred Heart Chapel has also been relocated to the main floor thanks to a generous campaign donation from the Class of 1964. The former chapel space on the ground level is now Studio 64, a student flex space providing a practice venue for the new dance team and other activities such as yoga, exercise classes and a meeting space for students. “I go to the chapel a lot. It’s a very peaceful area on campus. It’s a great place to unwind and connect with God,” Taylor, a member of the I Love Le Fer Student Advisory Committee, said. The committee provided the student perspective for the planning of the I Love Le Fer initiative, which is a focus of the Aspire Higher Campaign. Taylor also welcomed the addition of a computer bar on the main academic hallway of Le Fer. Installed this past spring, the computers are adjacent to a nearby printer providing added convenience to the students completing academic work. The computer lab, located on the first floor, has been repurposed into a faculty office. The $22 million Aspire Higher Campaign has three primary focuses: the Woods Fund, endowment growth and a capital project to renovate Le Fer Hall, SMWC’s residence hall that opened in 1923. The campaign publicly launched in February 2018 with strong support from those who love The Woods.

New furniture and lighting in student lounge

New study area in student lounge

Resident assistants participate in CPR training in new Studio 64

continued on page 4

Right: Emma Taylor sits at the computer bar in Le Fer Hall studying.

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Enhancing Life at The Woods Continued

LEAVE YOUR MARK You are called to leave your mark at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Your generous gifts to the campaign will further enhance life at The Woods and support the following anticipated projects: • Increasing parking availability on-campus. • Improving traffic flow and way-finding signage around Le Fer Hall and throughout campus. • Refreshing student rooms with new windows and doors, fresh paint, LED lighting and new furniture. • Updating private and community bathrooms to address plumbing, ventilation, fixtures and windows. • Updating the Formal Parlor by restoring its hardwood floors and Inglenook fireplace, refinishing antique furniture, painting, adding LED lighting and new furniture. • Creating landscaped, co-curricular outdoor seating spaces.

Computer Bar

The capital project, known as the I Love Le Fer initiative, so far, has made possible other significant updates to student and community spaces to the first floor of Le Fer. In addition to Sullivan Parlor and the Sacred Heart Chapel, they include: • A new proximity card system installed in Le Fer Hall providing students a safe environment and more modern access to the building and living spaces. • New public, ADA accessible restrooms added to the first floor. • A modern prep kitchen added for food service partner and campaign contributor, Sodexo, Inc. • A computer bar and LED lighting added to Le Fer’s first floor academic hallway. • Modesty walls built at community bathroom entrances. • New hardwood floors installed in McMahon Ballroom. In addition, gifts made to the Aspire Higher Campaign made way for other improvements such as the construction of the Le Fer Lake walking trail, the return of the crosses atop Le Fer Hall, Guerin Hall and the Conservatory of Music, new front doors for Rooney Library, the re-sealing of The Avenue and parking lots, and the establishment of numerous endowments for scholarship and academic programs. But these positive changes at SMWC have only just begun. Continued gifts to the campaign made by the College’s alumni and friends are directing more campus improvements this fall and winter. Among other projects, further exciting enhancements to residential life at The Woods will include: • New front doors for Le Fer Hall. • Carpet installation on all hallways of the resident floors. • A renovation of the community spaces known as “Centers” on all resident floors. This renovation involves increasing and improving lighting in these spaces, a com- plete remodel of kitchens with new appliances, cabinets, lighting and floors, and the addition of new furniture in all community areas. • Free laundry facilities on the resident floors. • Water bottle filling stations on all wings replacing existing water fountains.

$7 Million "I Love Le Fer" Initiative Goal

YOU CAN ENHANCE LIFE AT THE WOODS THROUGH YOUR GIFT.

giving.smwc.edu

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“I chose to take the journey of becoming a music therapist because I have always believed in the power of music in making connections. I felt drawn to the profession and to SMWC as a higher calling." — Natalie Coffin

Profound Moments: Building Connections Through Music Therapy Experiences By Beth Allard Yoder, MT-BC, ‘15

to the profession and to SMWC as a higher calling. My time at Providence Health Care this semester really solidified that for me,” shared Natalie Coffin, a current music therapy student. “I had the privilege of witnessing our clients make connections through the music, with themselves, with each other and with us as facilitators,” she said. The simplest experience—group singing of “You Are My Sunshine,” for example—can turn into a sacred moment for those attending. During one such experience, the children of two of the residents in the group happened to be visiting. A moment a clinician never forgets is looking over during the song and seeing a daughter and mother singing it to each other, her mother’s hand on her cheek. The student leader’s choice of closing together with a familiar tune gave them something the daughter told the clinican she didn’t expect to have again: a chance to hear her mother sing their favorite song.

sensory experiences and songwriting, music therapy sessions become a positive and pleasant space for both the students and residents to create meaningful connections with one another. “Students sometimes have profound moments where they finally experience the power of music to evoke change,” says Sharon Boyle, M.M, MT-BC, coordinator of the SMWC undergraduate music therapy program. “On some rare occasions, we have worked with some residents toward end of life and last year a student, assisted by me, worked with a resident in her final days. At the request of a family member on the unit, the student improvised musically to help calm the resident's breathing as I guided her through the process. It was a very profound experience for all of us, particularly the student, and it seemed to benefit the resident by helping her to relax her body and respiration.” These profound moments are the heart of the work. “I chose to take the journey of becoming a music therapist because I have always believed in the power of music in making connections. I felt drawn

“Oh, we sound like a choir of angels!” The Sister of Providence sitting beside me grabbed my hand and the hand of the woman next to her and held tight. We had just finished singing the last song of our music therapy session, “Edelweiss,” a group favorite that turned into a tradition. No one loved it more than this sweet lady. Her voice was soft and small when she spoke and sang, but the joy on her face carried across the whole room. “I’m just so happy you came today,” she said. For more than a decade, the SMWC Music Therapy program has fostered a special relationship with the Sisters of Providence. Through both music therapy groups, individual sessions and community outreach led by the Music Therapy Student Association (MTSA), the connection between Woodsies and their Sisters across campus continues to be strengthened by nurturing the tie that binds generations together: music. The work provides much more than practical fieldwork experience to the students. Through the singing, music and movement, instrument playing,

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FALL 2019 MOVE IN DAY

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FALL 2019 ENROLLMENT PROFILE

1082

TOTAL ENROLLMENT • Campus 499 • Online 354 • Graduate 229

NEW CAMPUS STUDENTS 167

TOP FIVE MAJORS OF CAMPUS STUDENTS

B.S. for Nursing -149 B.S. for Business Administration - 45 B.S. for Education - 38 B.S. for Biology - 30 Equine -26

255

TOTAL STUDENTS LIVING IN LE FER HALL

36 states

Undergraduate students

NEW ONLINE STUDENTS 102

TOP FIVE MAJORS TOP FIVE MAJORS OF ALL STUDENTS B.S. for Nursing - 161 B.S. for Education - 114 Certificate for Music Therapy Equivalency - 96 B.S. for Business Administration - 64 B.S. for Psychology - 54

FRESHMEN PROFILE

MEDIAN HS

MEDIAN

MEDIAN

30 states

GPA

SAT

ACT 21

3.35 1010

Graduate students

40%

OF NEW STUDENTS ARE STUDENT ATHLETES

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SAINT MOTHER THEODORE GUERIN AWARD

Emulating the qualities of service by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Janice Searles Vanderhaar ’59 has lived her life as a peacemaker and advocate for justice. She has served humanity through a variety of organizations. She served at Pax Christi, USA, a Catholic peace organization, on the U.S. National Council and with the local chapter. In Memphis, Tennessee, Vanderhaar and her husband, Gerry, founded the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. In addition, they established the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence in Rochester, New York. Their enthusiasm spread internationally to Hiroshima on a peace pilgrimage, the Philippines on a student mission and to Antwerp, Belgium, as staff members at the International Peace Center. Creating cross-cultural education opportunities, Vanderhaar led the effort to bring from students from the Ukraine to Memphis for an exchange program. Her life’s work for peace and justice has received many accolades. In 2003, Christian Brothers University awarded the couple the Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Award for Peace and Justice. In 2006, she was named an Ambassador of Peace for Leadership at the annual Pax Christi U.S. National Conference. In 2007, the Muslims of Memphis recognized Janice as a “World Class Force” for her contributions to interfaith dialogue. She and Gerry were instrumental in establishing the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence at Christian Brothers University. After Gerry’s passing in 2005, Vanderhaar established the annual Gerard V. Vanderhaar Symposium at the university, which features experts and scholars in peace and justice. Today, her commitment to social justice has expanded to the rights and needs of veterans. She and husband, Ed Wallin, work to secure funding for the future West Tennessee Care Home that will serve veterans suffering from trauma and disabilities.

Janice Searles Vanderhaar ’59 received the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Award, which is presented annually to an alumna/alumnus who embodies the spirit and virtue of our foundress.

FRANCES MURPHY RUMELY AWARD

The Frances Murphy Rumely Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to and leadership within civic, religious or educational organizations. Anne Longtine ’64 received the 2019 award. Through a quarter century of service as the 1964 class secretary, Longtine continues to keep her classmates connected with one another and The Woods. She has been described as the class’ selfless cheerleader whose passion motivates others. As if that was not enough, Longtine was called on to serve the Alumni Association as a member of the Board of Directors. Her terms provided the College with stability and growth in the Class Secretary and Class Agent programs, as well as a sustained increase to the Woods Fund. Longtine’s efforts to encourage her classmates and fellow Woodsies to provide philanthropic support to SMWC contributed greatly to the Woods Fund exceeding $1 million in 2015-2016 and to its continued success. Longtine’s leadership goes beyond her ties to The Woods. She is a teacher with the heart of a servant leader. Throughout her 46-year teaching career, Longtine always made time for her students. She volunteered beyond classroom hours. She helped many students experience Academic Super Bowl competitions where they learned from her the same values she was able to hone at SMWC—perseverance, determination and hard work. Longtine attributes Saint Mary-of-the-Woods as playing an integral role in her formation as an educator not only due to her experiences as a student but also for her seven years in community with the Sisters of Providence. She credits her growth to the significant influence of the people at The Woods, particularly A lexa Suelzer, SP, ’39 , Cecilia Ann Miller, SP, ’55 and Mary Gregory Jeanne Knoerle, SP ’49 .

Anne Longtine ’64 with President Dottie L. King, Ph.D. Longtine received the Frances Murphy Rumely Award during Reunion banquet.

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IN REVIEW REUNION 2019

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Nearly 250 alums, guests, staff and students participated in Reunion weekend’s activities May 17-19. The Sunken Gardens outside of Le Fer Hall became a battlefield as classes 1964 and 1969 engaged in a croquet match. Other events included a wine tasting by local wineries, the Golden Jubilee Reception for the Class of 1969, an architectural "Woods Walk", class meetings, memorial service, Reunion banquet and more!

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor the College bestows upon a graduate in recognition of noteworthy achievements and valuable professional and personal contributions. L to R: President Dottie L. King with Valerie Dziubek Kuck ’61 and Margaret "Mickey" Kelly Murray ’70 at SMWC's 185th Commencement where they received their awards.

Valerie Dziubek Kuck ’61 Kuck transferred to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in the middle of her sophomore year. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and earned her master’s degree in chemistry at Purdue University. After marrying Mark Kuck, she joined the technical staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. A few years later, she assisted in the drafting of the founding documents for the first women’s support group at Bell Labs and was elected the group’s first president. Kuck was active in the local section of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the largest technical society in the world with 150,000 members. In addition, she completed in-depth research on the training and hiring of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. She determined that women in chemistry were encountering more barriers than in other fields. She presented her findings at universities and scientific meetings including the National Science Foundation, published her research in peer reviewed journals and wrote several book chapters. Kuck has received several awards from Bell Laboratories and from the ACS for her leadership, dedication, and numerous efforts to help women and others in advancing their careers. She authored 41 publications, edited two books and has been granted 24 U.S. patents.

Margaret “Mickey” Kelly Murray ’70 Murray attended Marywood School for Girls in Evanston, Illinois where she was introduced to the Sisters of Providence. She was an active member of the drama club and starred in several student productions. Murray followed her sisters to Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College where she studied theatre arts. Before finishing her studies, she moved to New York City to work in television production. She worked at NBC, as a page, for The Johnny Carson Show and for The Dick Cavett Show, among others. Murray married fellow Chicagoan, Bill Murray. In 1988, married with two small children, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit by opening a rustic home goods shop, Whispering Pines. Later moving to Westport, Connecticut with her two sons, Murray grew Whispering Pines into a nationally-recognized catalog company. She moved back to New York City, where she pursued a second career as a residential real estate agent at The Corcoran Group, one of the largest and most prestigious real estate companies in New York, originally owned by Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank. Murray served for 12 years on the board of trustees at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, Connecticut and Lawyers for Children, a New York City based non- profit that represents children in the foster care system. Recently, she served on the School of Arts and Science advisory board at Fairfield University. She is a member of the Cosmopolitan Club and The River Club and is a Real Estate Board of New York member.

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SMWC welcomes alumni director

By Dianne Frances D. Powell

“I am excited to build relationships and a sense of family among students and alumni,” Mahady said. “I love meeting new alumni and hearing their stories.” Perhaps due to her nurturing personality, Mahady possesses a deep interest in getting to know people. This is the part of her job she enjoys the most. She sees Woods alums as living proof that the SMWC community continues to aspire higher. “If asked who our alumni are, the word family comes to mind immediately,” Mahady said. “I love how passionate they are to be a part of the College after graduating. They are eager to come back home and be engaged in life after graduation. Our alumni are proud and truly want to promote SMWC to showcase the College to future Woodsies.”

Sarah Mahady, a 2005 business administration graduate of Saint Mary- of-the-Woods College, is back at The Woods as the new director of alumni relations. Mahady began her role within the Office of Advancement in April. Passionate about SMWC, the director connects Woods alumni, students and friends with one another and the College. During her time at The Woods so far, Mahady has had opportunities to take part in significant College events and traditions such as the Oak Leaf Ceremony and Senior Reception for the class of 2019, and the SMWC Reunion. She has also enjoyed meeting alumni at various club and service events. In addition to being a graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Mahady is a life-long resident of Terre Haute. In fact, she grew up in the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods village not far from campus. She brings to The Woods 13 years of experience in higher education most recently as director of admissions at Harrison College.

Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05

Bottom left: Members of the Terre Haute Alumni Club baked and bagged homemade cookies to welcome new students. L to R: Ann Prox ’73, Lynn Morales ’01, Pam Otte ’00 and Mahady. Right: Mahady at Reunion 2019 with her aunt, Penny Higgins Dunham ’69, as well as alums Judy Curtin ’69, ’95G and Joan Wylie Hall ’69.

To contact Sarah Mahady, e-mail alumni@smwc.edu

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Emotional connection leads Madrigals to championship title By Kristy Fry

The Madrigals brought home the championship trophy and €1,300 in cash prizes. (1,480 U.S. dollars) Back L-R: Kaci Jones, Shea Davis, Catherine Larson, Kristin Foster, Frank Murray (Festival Chairman), Declan Durcan (Festival Producer) Front L-R: SMWC Director of Choirs Michael Boswell holding their trophy, Justine Gibson, Abbie Roberts, Allee Taylor, Sara Langenberger and Valerie Stewart

The Avenue and parking lots were resurfaced as part of the Aspire Higher Campaign campus improvements.

associate professor of music, shared that the piece 'Nocturne' by Eric Tuan was a complex piece and he said, “Our students nailed it. It was truly incredible.” Boswell continued, “When the judges returned, and the runner-up was announced, it was not us. Then they announced the Premiere Competition Champions and the name of ‘The Saint

“We couldn’t have won without Michael, our director,” said junior Madrigal Kaci Jones from Brazil, Indiana. The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals had just returned from Ireland after being named winners of the 2019 Mayo International Choral Festival Premiere Competition – the first international competition for the

Jones said Boswell prepared the Madrigals for the competition by doing whatever he could to get them to feel and connect emotionally with the song. Boswell used analogies in voice lessons like having them throw balls and ride an exercise bike. “We worked on the technical, we really worked on that, but we have to have the

"It's about that spiritual connection." — Kaci Jones, SMWC Madrigal

Mary-of-the-Woods College Madrigals’ never sounded so good!” Jones shared her own observation of their winning performance. “As we finished ‘Nocturne’ —we held the last line as it faded out to silence. He [Boswell] held his hands up still, queuing us to close out the note, but he kept his hands up there. The whole crowd was just captivated in that moment. You couldn’t hear anything except a few whispers in the back saying, ‘Wow.Wow!’ You could just feel the whole room — every single spirit in that room was together – was engaged. It was the strongest human connection I’ve ever felt.”

Madrigals in the College’s history. The Mayo International Choral Festival is held once a year and has two parts: community performances and the competition. The Madrigals performed 11 times in five days. The festival included participation by 35 choirs, 23 of which competed. SMWC competed in two categories: Sacred Music and Four Part Choirs. The winner from each category moved on to the Premier Competition. The Madrigals won the Four Part Choirs category. For the Premier Competition, they sang “Nocturne” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” In the Madrigals’ blog post, Michael Boswell, MM, director of choirs and

emotion or it’s just going to be noise,” she said. “People don’t think, ‘Oh, I hope they sing every note correctly.’ They want to have an emotional connection. They want to feel something. They want to experience beauty and pain and celebration and mourning in a deep way. That is what he was teaching us to do.” "It’s about that spiritual connection. You can’t see it; you can’t describe it fully – it’s just that connection right there. That’s why we do music,” she surmised.

To read more blog entries from the Madrigals trip to Ireland and the competition, visit smwcchoirs.blogspot.com . 14

ON THE AVENUE

As an institution, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College contributes to the advancement of the field of mental health through its academic programs including the graduate programs in music therapy and art therapy. In June, the Independent Colleges Indiana (ICI) announced SMWC among the winners of the Ball Venture Fund competition, which provides ICI colleges and universities with seed funds for innovative start-up projects. SMWC’s $25,000 award will be used to develop a graduate certificate in addiction counseling. This new certificate program will prepare graduates for positions in community mental health centers and for specialization as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) in Indiana.

The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) inducted Athletic Director Deanna Bradley into the association's Hall of Fame. Bradley was selected based on her 28 years of meritorious service to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (1991-Current) and incredible impact on the USCAA. Bradley inducted to USCAA Hall of Fame Top: SMWC Athletic Director Deanna Bradley with USCAA Executive Director Mathew Simms. Right: Bradley, USCAA President Michael Fischer and SMWC Assistant Athletic Director Todd McIntyre.

The Department of Athletics was named 2019 USCAA Director's Cup Champions. The Director's Cup is awarded annually to the USCAA athletic department that achieves the most cumulative success across the athletic program during the academic year. Athletics was also named 2019 USCAA President's Cup Runners-Up. The President's Cup trophy is given to the member institution that achieves the highest academic point total for the year. Department of Athletics honored

Darla Hopper ’ 12G , associate vice president for financial aid and admissions, was honored with the 2019 Aspire Higher Award by President Dottie L. King, Ph.D. Hopper, who has been working at SMWC since 2009, is an asset to the College. During her early years, she implemented new financial aid processes resulting in recent years of clean audits. In addition, Hopper worked with the offices of advancement and enrollment management to restructure the awarding of endowed and merit scholarships to maximize enrollment. She was instrumental in developing an enrollment strategy for Twenty-First Century Scholars and the implementation of the Pomeroy Scholars program. Most recently, Hopper negotiated a partnership with the owners of McDonald’s restaurants to take advantage of the employee tuition program to bring talented McDonald’s employees to The Woods. Hopper receives 2019 Aspire Higher Award

Darla Hopper ’12G with President Dottie L. King, Ph.D.

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On The Avenue continued

Outstanding faculty recognized Five faculty members received high honors during the 2019 Faculty Appreciation Day in April. The ceremony honored Pomeroy Faculty Excellence Award winners Douglas Sperry, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, for scholarship; Bill Riley, MFA, assistant professor of English, for teaching; and Tracy Collings Richardson, ’88, Ph.D. , professor of music therapy and director of the Master of Arts in Music Therapy program, for service. Kathleen Pickrell, an adjunct faculty member in the nursing department, received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty award and Gina Baird, adjunct faculty member in the art therapy graduate program, was honored with the Alumni Faculty Leadership Award. Summer 2019 provided girls and boys, grades 2-12, the opportunity to learn and grow. This year's camps included beginning and advanced equestrian and adventure camp. Youth enjoyed hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and math with emphasis on environmental science. 2019 Summer camps L to R: Campers Mattox Walters and Ave Wrede enjoyed dissecting cow eyeballs during adventure camp.

SMWC receives $28,200 grant

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has received a $28,200 grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. The award is one of 15 federal grants announced Aug. 27 totaling $454,000. The funds will be used to rehabilitate SMWC’s brick, limestone and iron gate, built in 1918. SMWC is on the National Register of Historic Places.

L to R: Award winners Tracy Collings Richardson, ’88 , Ph.D., Douglas Sperry, Ph.D., Kathleen Pickrell and Bill Riley, MFA, with Janet Clark, Ph.D., vice president for academic and student affairs.

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Associate professor receives award

Graduate certificate in addiction counseling In June, the Independent Colleges Indiana (ICI) announced SMWC among the winners of the Ball Venture Fund competition, which provides ICI colleges and universities with seed funds for innovative start-up projects. SMWC’s $25,000 award will be used to develop a graduate certificate in addiction counseling. This new certificate program will prepare graduates for positions in community mental health centers and for specialization as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) in Indiana.

Douglas Sperry, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology has been named a recipient of the 2019 National Academy of Education (NAEd) Spencer postdoctoral fellowship. Sperry, who studies language development in young children, was awarded the fellowship to further develop his recent research on the ambient vocabulary environments of children. Last year, he published research challenging the famous Word Gap claim that children living in poverty and children of color hear far fewer words than their more privileged counterparts.

NOMINATE A WOODS FAMILY MEMBER! DEADLINE JANUARY 24 SAINT MOTHER THEODORE GUERIN AWARD AND THE FRANCES MURPHY RUMELY ’35 AWARD The awards program of the Alumni Association honors the achievements of outstanding alums. These awards recognize individuals for their commitment to the College and to their communities. WWW.SMWC.EDU/NOMINATE-ALUMNI

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Fr. Bernie LaMontagne remembered fondly

During his 81 years on this earth, The Rev. Lucien Bernard "Bernie" LaMontagne, STL, affectionately known as Fr. Bernie, touched many lives at Saint Mary-of-the- Woods and his home state of Rhode Island in the service of his creator. It’s unsurprising, then, that news of his passing on Aug. 24, flooded social media with loving comments about and fond memories of the priest and educator. “He was a wonderful professor. I looked forward to receiving his cassette tapes full of comments and fabulous insight! He will be missed,” Theresa Osterholt Dirig ’11 wrote on Facebook. Another alum, Judy Drummond ’81, wrote, “Fr. Bernie and I continued to write to each other for many years after I graduated, and I always made a point of spending some time with him when I visited the campus. I learned so much from him, in

and out of the classroom. Most memorable: there is nothing so sacred you can't laugh about it. I won't repeat any here, but does anyone else cherish their "Bernie jokes"? LaMontagne taught classes in the campus, distance and graduate programs, and served as academic adviser to theology majors at The Woods. He also developed courses for general studies and the theology major. Among the classes he taught were theology, scripture and several languages. In addition to teaching, he was involved in plays and musicals produced by the music and theatre department. In recommending him for professor emeritus, Vice President for Academic Affairs Janet Clark, Ph.D., said, “Many people are aware of the special attention that students in our distance program receive from Bernie when they take a course with him. Bernie responds on cassette tape to

each and every assignment and he spends approximately 45 minutes each time making those recordings.” LaMontagne started teaching

at SMWC in 1975. He was chaplain and assistant professor of theology at SMWC for 38 years before retiring and being awarded the title of professor emeritus in 2013. The Roman Catholic Priest with the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, reflected well the values of The Woods by serving the local community after retirement.

Alumni and friends may make memorial and honorary contributions in recognition of beloved classmates, faculty and Sisters of Providence. By making a gift that honors the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, it is an investment in the educational mission and vision of The Woods. Gifts may be made online at giving.smwc.edu or by calling 1-888-769-0013.

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What are your favorite Sisters of Providence up to?

Find out at FindaSister.SistersofProvidence.org

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FAMILY Album THE WOODS

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1. Judith “Judy” Kresach Galligan ’75 met with Beth McElhone ’75 in Lansing, Mich., for lunch last summer. They had not seen each other since graduation over 44 years ago! 2. Amanda Romas Twombly ’10, her husband Dale and their son Hugh, age 2 1/2, welcomed daughter, Adelaide Rachel Marie Twombly into their lives on June 28, 2018. 3. Rachel Eberle Ambrose ’64 celebrated the 10th anniversary of her retirement from The AP (mostly Los Angeles and starting in Indianapolis) with a 2-week road trip through Utah. She also ventured on a llama trek through some of Capitol Reef National Park. Achieved with a recalcitrant Paxton. 4. Cheryl Hite Fritsch ’94's son Brodie who will be a freshman in the fall and daughter Jacqui who will be a 7th grader with one of their pets. 5. Eleanor Grace is the granddaughter of Katherine “Kathy” Berger Hager ’67. 6. Addison Grace Braggs, granddaughter of Barbara A. Graham ’73 , was born on May 31, 2018. 7. Karen Kelly Kiss ’70 daughter’s wedding at Bunker Bay, Western Australia on Feb. 15, 2019. L-R: Peter Kelly (brother), his wife Robyn Kelly, Lee Isensee (son-in-law) and young David Isensee (grandson), Michele Kiss (daughter), Karen Kelly Kiss ’70 , Jamie Behl (son-in-law), Maureen Kiss (daughter), David Kiss (husband), Maureen Kelly (sister), Patty Weick, Kristine Chitkara (niece), Nevine Chitkara. 8. Kathleen "Kathy" Wentland Lubeznik ’80 wanted to encourage her class to come to Reunion 2020. L to R: Kathleen Desautels, SP, ’60 , Kathy , Jean Fuqua, SP, ’55 and Denise Wilkinson, SP, ’68 . 9. Alice Margevich Dockus ’67 shared her beautiful wedding photo from 50 years ago. 10. Class of 1960 friends: Dorothy Wilson Felix , Sheila Rooney Funk (Row 2, L to R) Andrea Unruh Linde , Mary Janice “Jan” Robertson Jaqua and (Top) Nancy Kotowicz Williams . 11. Jayne Ann McMullen Virostko ’92 and daughter Emily are pictured in front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France in November, 2018. 12. (Center) Nano Cloghessy Dubish ’63 celebrated her husband's, Richard Dubish, 80th birthday surrounded by family. 13 . Sarah Marratta Hannon ’85 in her role as assistant principal at Sullivan High School with Abigail Wardell, incoming freshman at SMWC, on graduation day 2019. Abbey will be on the soccer team at SMWC. 14 . A large family reunion was held for Jacqueline “Jackie” Brady Sartore ’67 and Al’s 50th wedding celebration.

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When submitting photos, please send a high resolution file of at least 300 dpi. Photos my be sent to alumni@smwc.edu.

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The first woman to lead the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce as president is a proud Woods alumna. Kristin Craig, a 2016 graduate of the Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College Master of Leadership Development (MLD) program and 2003 graduate of the campus journalism program, made history in the Terre Haute area and the 106-year-old chamber when she assumed her new position on July 1. A native of Argenta, Illinois, Craig has worked for the chamber since 2002. She serves on the board of several organizations, including Art Spaces Inc., United Way of the Wabash Valley, Terre Haute Young Leaders, Wabash Valley Leadership Institute and Rediscover Clinton. Craig was recently named by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives as one of the top 40 under 40. She lives in Clinton with her husband, Scott, and three daughters. The following is a Q & A with Craig about her new position and her Woods journey: What are your thoughts/ feelings as you move into your new position? Excitement. Energy. Gratitude. There is nothing quite like a new start and the excitement and energy it brings. That is also what makes the Chamber a special place to work, no day is ever boring, there is always something new and exciting happening. And I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to our board of directors for having faith in me and allowing me this opportunity. It is going to be full of challenges, but I wouldn’t want it any other way! Craig named president of Terre Haute Chamber By Dianne Frances D. Powell

of the first times I had been able to fully concentrate on my studies and coursework and it was empowering. Then, years later, I had the same experience with the MLD program. I was able to find that inner focus again and dive into the coursework. Learning has always been a way for me to find inner strength and I am grateful that The Woods has afforded me so many opportunities. You’ve previously mentioned that your MLD experience was an important step in your journey. Why was it important? Going through the MLD program was really a turning point for me. I had always considered myself a leader and knew that is the type of position I wanted to hold, but the coursework and experience from the MLD program gave me the tools to make that happen. More than anything else, it was an empowering experience. I learned so much from not just my work and instructors, but also my fellow students. I met some amazing people who are doing amazing things and was inspired by their stories and drive. What did you gain from MLD you believe you have been able to use in your career? That you can never stop learning. It is so important to continue to question things, look at issues from different perspectives and deepen your understanding of the world around you. Complacency is really one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, but always, always push yourself to be better and do better. What’s your advice to emerging leaders? Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You know that old adage, “They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you?” That is something I think about often. Everyone, no matter what type of position or office they hold, is just another human being trying to figure it out along the way. Don’t be overwhelmed, just break it down into manageable pieces and attack. Sure, you might make a wrong decision along the way, but again, have confidence in yourself and your abilities to keep

Kristin Craig ’03, ’16G

What are your thoughts/ feelings about becoming the first woman Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce president? It is a great honor, especially right now with so many other amazing women in leadership positions throughout our community. As the mother of three daughters, this is especially important for me to show them that as a woman, you can be in leadership positions. What is your vision and what are your priorities for the Chamber? The Chamber holds a critical role in the community. We’ve been around for 106 years with the same basic mission: supporting the business community. My vision is to continue to grow this role and improve our ability to advocate for business growth and development. It doesn’t matter if you are a start-up or one-person operation or a manufacturing company with over 1,000 employees. My goal is to ensure the Chamber is supporting your business and growing our community. How did your time at SMWC, particularly in the Master of Leadership Development (MLD) program, prepare you for this role? I’ve had several turning points on the SMWC campus. When I first arrived on campus in 1999 to start my undergrad courses, I remember feeling a sense of calm and ability to focus. This was one

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Parting Shot

Pure joy! English Professor Emerita Rosemary Nudd, SP, ’69 and Frances Froehlich ’64 give each other a warm embrace at Reunion 2019.

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