Onyx Spring-Summer 2017

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Spring-Summer 2017

SAILING to SUCCESS Michele “Shelly” Maher Aff ’81 and husband Terry

The Legacy Continues!

The beloved Ring Day Ceremony was held on March 25, 2017. The legacy continues for many of SMWC's families. Pictured above are (L to R): Danielle O'Connor ’11, Christine O'Connor ’17G, Veronica "Roni" O'Connor Kindley ’88,

Kymberli Huet Payonk ’86, Alli Payonk and her dad, Richard Payonk, Steve Beekman, son-in-law to Margaret "Peggy" Grimmer Rolf ’73, Karah Ellis, Christine Pence Ellis ’12G and Kalea Ellis.

Front Cover: Michelle "Shelly" Maher Aff ’81 and husband Terry on one of their houseboats. Story on page 2. (Photos courtesy by Wade Upchurch. ) Highlights Hard Work + Risk Taking = Successful Entrepreneurs Athletic Hall of Fame Becomes Reality New Wall Established in Parents' Memory Voices of The Woods Refer a Student to SMWC

2 4 5 6 8

10 12 14 16

Don’t Miss a Thing! Follow Us on Social Media! /smwcollege @smwcollege Photo Album For the Love of Horses On the Avenue Remembering Sister Marie Brendan Harvey ’51

@smwc

/smwc1840

President’s Message

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

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has defied the odds. The persistent “can do” spirit that we inherited from Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her companions has pervasively infiltrated our character and when “all appearances are against it”, we, like they, dig in our heels and find pathways into the future. You are each part of this same legacy. Thank you for your enduring care for one another, for this College and for our current students. I admire the intentionality with which you live your lives; serving your local community, making a difference in the world and remembering your alma mater. My hope is springtime has blessed you with a renewal of your spirit, regeneration of your forward commitment and above all, peace.

SPRING- SUMMER

Vol. 92

No. 1

Kristy Fry Editor Director of Publications

Sue Weatherwax Designer Associate Director of Publications

Dianne Frances D. Powell Marketing and Communications Specialist Dee Reed ’08 Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Karen Dyer Vice President for Advancement Susan Turner ’14G Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Heather Newman Assistant Director of Advancement Services

God bless you!

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

Contributors: Katie Shane Tiffany Stroud

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

© 2017 by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

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

President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., presented junior Jade Grindle of Terre Haute, Ind., her Woods Ring. Grindle is a campus student and a preschool - third-grade education major.

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

1

Hard Work + Risk Taking = Successful Entrepreneurs BY KATIE SHANE

When Michele "Shelly" Maher Aff ’81 was a student at Saint Mary- of-the-Woods College (SMWC) the thought of becoming a successful entrepreneur didn’t even cross her mind. “Never. I never would have even imagined from where I was then to where I am now,” Shelly says of her career. “When I graduated from The Woods, all the corporations were just getting desktops. My first job was computer programming, and it was not fulfilling.” The opposite could be said for the 1981 graduate now, who found a talent she never knew she had and built multiple businesses along the way. It is difficult for Shelly to pinpoint exactly what she and her husband of 36 years, Terry, do for a living, with numerous responsibilities and

companies they juggle. Shelly and Terry, along with a small group of partners, own three manufacturing companies which produce intracoastal houseboats. Terry works on the engineering side, and Shelly on the design. Their business risks and hard work have paid off, in more ways than one. Shelly laughs when she talks about television specials that have featured the boats she and Terry have created. The Travel Channel has filmed four different segments featuring Terry, Shelly and one of their most luxurious boats, "Aff-ter Hours." Shelly is the first to point out that boating, manufacturing and design is a far cry from her time as a math major at SMWC. But it was that math degree and her time at The Woods that gave her the confidence to go beyond what was expected.

“I think what prepared me the most was work ethic,” she explains. To graduate in the math program in just three years, you have to have discipline to do that… in math you have to be logical to do things step by step.” Logical thinking is how Shelly made her way from unfulfilled computer programmer to entrepreneur. After leaving her first job, she took a position with Delco. Assigned to oversee a large office building project, she soon found that her talents went beyond just numbers. Choosing finishes and furniture, she tapped into a creative side. And with a background in math, the logical thinking and ability with numbers gave her even more confidence to excel. With a newfound passion she opened her own design company, while becoming a mom to her children Annie and Aaron. Adamant that women can be

2

successful both at home and on the job, she says the design work gave her the ability to do both. “I really wanted to be a working mother, not just working,” she says. Looking back on the beginning of her career, Shelly credits her math professor Ellen Cunningham, SP, ’61 , now professor emerita, for pushing her while at The Woods. Sr. Ellen provided valuable lessons and a foundation in math that contributed to her becoming a savvy businesswoman. “The Woods provides a superior education to its students, which has not changed. It’s only gotten better,” she explains. “The lessons I learned in math are skills I use every day. I have to be able to think quickly. The math side of my brain and the creative side work well together.” That’s not the only successful collaboration. Shelly and Terry, high

create this,” she says. “We followed our heart, and we were not rigid with our career decisions. I think that is what people need to do. Take chances, not every one of them works out, but the easiest thing to do is stay in status quo and that’s just not fulfilling.”

school sweethearts from West Vigo High School, may have started their careers separately, but found success and happiness as business partners. Terry, who earned a degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Shelly both retired in their mid- 40s, but that did not last long. The couple began looking for a business in which they could work together. They decided to jump aboard the houseboat manufacturing business, operating Stardust Cruisers. Later, to increase their market share and resources, they merged with two other companies. TV stardom and boats that cost more than most houses are impressive, but Shelly stresses that hard work and passion, along with a little risk taking, can bring both personal and professional success, no matter what that may be. “I just feel very blessed to be able to

(L-R): Aff-ter Hours, intracoastal houseboat, featured on The Travel Channel ; Michelle “Shelly” Maher Aff ’81 and husband Terry relaxing on the stern; A view of the beautiful kitchen and living area of one of Aff's houseboats. ( Photos courtesy by Wade Upchurch.)

3

BY DIANNE FRANCES D. POWELL Athletic Hall of Fame Becomes Reality

highly decorated student-athletes in SMWC’s history. Women’s basketball alum Langford is the program’s second all-time leading scorer and USCAA All- Academic honoree. “It’s amazing to be a part of the first class. There have been many deserving athletes more than myself. So to be a part of this first class is exciting,” Langford humbly said. As athletic director, Bradley oversaw the creation of 10 scholarship teams and the growth of the department. For 23 years, she has guided the women’s basketball program, leading the team to five national tournaments and making a difference in the lives of student- athletes. Being part of the Hall of Fame is Bradley’s “greatest honor,” she said. Creation of an Athletic Hall of Fame was a dream conceived a decade ago, but its actual planning began two years ago, Bradley said. Now, it is a reality for all SMWC athletes—past, present and future. Its purpose is to honor individuals who have had an outstanding impact on the College as athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters, Bradley said.

think it [the Hall of Fame] perpetuates my aunt’s memory. She dedicated her life to The Woods.” Doherty, SMWC’s president from 1984-1998, was instrumental in approving the implementation of the “Pomeroy” nickname and the first athletic scholarships at the College. Her open-mindedness and dedication to doing what was necessary for the growth of the Department of Athletics was the beginning of what are now 10 athletic scholarship teams at SMWC. Sisters of Providence General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, ’74 , said the Pomeroy spirit lives in the five honorees and in all SMWC student-athletes as she accepted the award on Doherty’s behalf. “Barbara, like most Sisters of Providence, loves Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College and would do anything in her power to bring students here to take advantage of the wonder of this place,” she said. Each of the honorees reached outstanding achievements during their time at The Woods. Welborn, a softball alum, is one of the most

A long-time dream for Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College athletics has finally come to reality. Five women who made a profound impact on sports at the College were inducted into the inaugural class of SMWC Athletic Hall of Fame in February. Legendary student-athlete Mary Joseph Pomeroy, SP, ’21 , Emerita President Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53 , Athletic Director and Women’s Basketball Head Coach Deanna Bradley and 2002 graduates Tammy Smelcer Welborn and Brooke Griffith-Langford made up the first Hall of Fame class. Accepting the honor on behalf of Sister Mary Joseph Pomeroy, whose name has been adopted by SMWC athletics, was her nephew, Joseph Pomeroy. Pomeroy spoke highly of his aunt whom he fondly remembers visiting when she was at The Woods. It was “very heartwarming” for him to see Sister Mary Joseph’s name on the Hall of Fame wall. “She would have been very, very proud,” Pomeroy said. “I

4

NewWall Established in Parents’ Memory BY DIANNE FRANCES D. POWELL

and coached college basketball. “My parents went to every game. They never missed,” Decker said. For these reasons – and for their shared love of sports – Decker and Kosowsky felt SMWC athletics was the right place to make their gift. They were also among the first to offer their support for the building of the new Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center, which broke ground in 2013. In an afternoon ceremony on Feb. 4, 2017, the two could not help but get emotional when they unveiled the Athletic Hall of Fame wall. “They would have loved to have been a part of this,” Decker said of her parents.

The new Athletic Hall of Fame wall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) now bears the names of its first class, but the driving force behind the establishment of this honor roll includes a few more names. Susan Decker and Vicki Kosowsky, both administrators at the College, put their hearts and resources toward the establishment of the new feature, which has been dedicated in memory of their parents, Claude and Patty Decker and Nick and Evelyn Kosowsky. For them, it was a way to honor the individuals who instilled in them the value of education, love of sports and the importance of giving back. “ Our parents were very committed to education and encouraged us to become educated,” Decker said.

“They taught us to be good community members. This is an opportunity to honor them while recognizing student-athletes.” Decker and Kosowsky both have strong ties to the College. Educated by the Sisters of Providence, Decker is currently a faculty member and the director of Master of Leadership Development. Her father, Claude, was also a former College employee of the Business Office. Kosowsky, vice president for operations, has served at the College for 22 years. Among her many contributions was her leadership in the growth of the athletics department. Plus, they both love athletics. Kosowsky was a swimmer. Decker was a basketball player, a tennis player

(Left Top, L-R): Those receiving plaques during the 2017 Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet were: SMWC Athletic Director Deanna Bradley; Sisters of Providence General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, ’74 accepting for Barbara Doherty, SP, ’53 ; Joseph Pomeroy accepting for Mary Joseph Pomeroy, SP, ’21 ; Brooke Griffith- Langford ’02 and Tammy Smelcer Welborn ’02 .

(Top, L-R): Susan Decker and Vicki Kosowsky shown with the Athletic Hall of Fame wall dedicated in memory of their parents, Claude and Patty Decker and Nick and Evelyn Kosowsky.

5

Voices of The Woods found on “theodysseyonline.com” BY TIFFANY STROUD

“A lot of times it’s easier to write and read than to engage in conversation,” Dust said. “I have some pro-life blogs. I have some political things, religious topics – things that people are more apt to sit and read than to have a conversation with you about. It opens up avenues for me to truly get my opinions heard in a way that people will react to in a more positive light.” Dust, who is majoring in mild- intervention elementary education, said she is thankful for SMWC helping her find her voice so that she can share it with others. In the past three years, she’s participated in student senate, many clubs and several committees with faculty and staff – taking on leadership roles throughout. “The Woods has helped me become bolder, finding my skills and my self-confidence – knowing I do have something to contribute,” Dust said. “I don’t think I would have taken on writing or any kind of published material work if I hadn’t come here – knowing I can make a difference and do make a difference.” My 6 Wishes for Your New Year. This year I hope you live. ... 1. I hope you say “yes.” I hope you say yes to that invitation to coffee. To that extra thick slice of cake. To the long girls’ weekend in a mountain cabin or the trip of a lifetime that you’re terrified to go on. To read the full story visit: https://www.theodysseyonline. com/an-alum-letter-to- professors

In today’s world, everyone wants to be heard. Interaction via social media has become the norm, but with all the different outlets and so many posts to sort through, voices can still get lost in the crowd. Odyssey Online, a website devoted to giving people the chance to share what’s most important to them, is all about making sure everyone gets heard. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is known for helping students find their voice. Some students are sharing it by becoming content creators for Odyssey Online. The goal of Odyssey Online, which has an audience of more than 30 million according to their website, is to enrich readers “with broader, more honest perspectives on topics they care about.” SMWC students are

encouraged to write what’s important to them and their community and share their published articles via social media. Casey Dust, of Rockville, Ind., is currently a junior at SMWC and has written more than a dozen articles for the website in the last year. “Odyssey is a place where typical college-age students or recent grads have an open forum for how they want to express themselves to write about things that are relevant to them or to their community,” Dust explained. “It’s a way to share your opinions more publicly.” Dust said she is not a great public speaker, but writing is a way for her to share her passions. She feels like people are often more open to written word when it comes to controversial topics.

BY CASEY DUST

Casey Dust

6

Beth Allard Yoder ’15

Alum Beth Allard Yoder ’15 , is a music therapist at Rhythm Garden Music, in Jasonville, Ind., but in her spare time she writes for Odyssey. “Because you are open and can write about your own views, you get a lot of different perspectives,” Yoder explained. Yoder said she writes opinion pieces for Odyssey, writing about her experiences at The Woods and about things going on in Terre Haute. Her most popular posts have been “An Alum Letter to Professors,” and “Happy Birthday, McCormick’s Creek State Park,” which had almost 500 shares on social media. “I enjoy putting down thoughts that I don’t get a chance to say elsewhere,” she said. “I love taking moments, imagery or scenes from my life and sharing them with others. I also like getting other people to think. I don’t

like to stir up arguments, but I do like to get people to discuss things.” Yoder said she would love to see more Woodsies writing for Odyssey Online. She said the website is growing and all of the content creators form a very supportive community. “It’s a great way to improve writing skills and get yourself out there,” she said. “If writing is of interest, Odyssey is a great place to start.” In Yoder’s opinion, SMWC students are the perfect fit for the type of content creators that the Odyssey Online website is looking for. “SMWC students are so well prepared for critical thinking, looking at the world in a unique way and using their voices,” Yoder said. “Unlike some other outlets online, with Odyssey you can put your opinion out there and it doesn’t matter what side you’re on. It’s a welcoming community.”

The best part of college was you. DEAR PROFESSORS, It's been almost five years since my first day of college. In that half- decade, I've experienced a great deal of change; some of it was me changing, some of it was the college changing. One thing never changed, though: the best part of college was you. To read the full story visit: https://www.theodysseyonline. com/an-alum-letter-to- professors

BY BETH ALLARD YODER ’15

7

Cecilia Gray ’15

Another SMWC graduate who writes for Odyssey Online is Cecilia Gray ’15 , who is currently attending graduate school at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. She hopes to begin a career in higher education and student affairs soon. For now, Gray, who writes under the name Cecilia Learose, writes for fun. “What I enjoy most about writing is being able to reach another person,” Gray said. “I wrote an article entitled, ‘It’s Time,’ which was very emotional to write, but that piece had a purpose to help bring our community together again. That is what I truly enjoy about writing – being able to make an impact.” Her article shared her disappointment of SMWC’s decision to become co-educational and encouraged forgiveness. She wrote, “It is time to bandage the cracks, piece back together the broken hearts, and stand proudly behind Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and the current student body.”

Gray finds purpose in making an impression on her community through her writing – something SMWC instilled in her. She said The Woods provided her with countless opportunities such as being involved in theatre productions and the Madrigals, serving as class officer and even being a resident assistant. “Without The Woods, I don’t know where I would be,” she said. “The Woods made me feel like my voice was important and empowered. Without all of these leadership opportunities, I probably would not have been brave enough to attend graduate school or to publish articles for the Odyssey.” Gray, who has a bachelor’s degree in women in theatre, heard about the website through a Woods student. Her most successful articles have been ‘It’s Time’ and one called, ‘An Open Letter to the Girl I Said Goodbye to After Losing 100 Pounds.’

8

An open letter to the girl I said goodbye to after losing 100 pounds. #WeightLossTransformation

BY CECILIA GRAY ’15

It wasn't that long ago that you were the only version of me that I knew. You were the girl who built who I am today, and for that... I am more thankful than I can ever explain. 100 pounds ago, you were the girl who only had a simple love for life. And, although that love for life carried you through so much, you struggled more than anyone around you could have possibly ever understood. You were always liked by those you encountered, and could make absolutely everyone in the room actually laugh their @%# off. You were beautiful, both inside and out. Even though, most of society wouldn't agree. At this time in your life, your biggest dream was to portray "Tracy Turnblad" in the musical "Hairspray". And, when presented with the opportunity to audition for this dream role, you had the utmost confidence that you could portray the role better than anyone else. You worked your @%# off at auditions, and practiced your audition piece for weeks, only to be crushed with a simple phone call offering a different role as "Mr. Pinky"... It was one of the hardest things to do, to go to rehearsal every day and watch someone else do what you had always dreamed of. You didn't know it at the time, but I was there with you. You had no idea that this was going to be a turning point in your life, and that you were going to be just fine. For years, you carried around all this extra baggage. You covered yourself in extra layers to try and protect yourself from any other kind of hurt, or pain. And, as life rolled on and continued throwing punches, all you wanted to do was hide. You loved to sit at home and eat to cope with the struggles you were facing. As embarrassing as it is to admit,

fat. You set free a soul, that you didn't even realize you had. You let me free. Because of you, because of who you were... You built me. 100 pounds ago you were a young lady who didn't know how to love herself. You were a young lady who didn't have the highest self confidence, and a young soul who was so afraid of being hurt. It was hard saying goodbye to you. It was hard to let go of the fear that you held, and it was hard knowing that I had to let go of you, to be who I am today. But, please, please know that I will never forget you. Your humor sticks around, and your simple love for life expands into so many other aspects of your life now. You taught me how to be humble, you taught me how to love others, but most of all you taught me how to love myself. Pound by pound, step by step, Every. Single. Drop. Of. Sweat... was worth it. Because, you my dear did it. You won your battle. You did not fail. You never dreamed that the gym would be your favorite place to go. You never dreamed of running a mile in eight minutes. You never thought you would ever use the hashtag #WeightLossTransformation. But, here I am. I still have miles to go, and I will always carry you with me, but I will never carry your weight again, my friend. So, to the girl I said goodbye to after losing 100 pounds...Thank you. #BigGirlNoMore

a Big Mac from McDonald's could make you feel so much joy. I remember when you realized you needed to make a change, and that just thinking of starting a diet, or going on a walk wasn't just because society told you to do it. I remember when you realized that you needed to do it for yourself. It didn't matter what anyone else wanted for you, it only mattered what you wanted for yourself. Your confidence was very low, but losing that first 10 pounds built up so much momentum that you didn't want to stop. You began making those small "healthier" decisions, like cutting out soda, or using sweet n' low instead of sugar, because you realized any change no matter how small or big was going to be a positive change. I remember when you realized that you deserved a better quality of life, one where you went out and explored the world, instead of hiding from it, and could learn to love yourself. That my dear, was your biggest challenge. You were terrified to go to the gym, because you didn't want to be the ideal fat girl who would give up in a few months. You didn't want this to be just another audition where you're cast as "Mr. Pinky", all over again. You wanted to do it. You wanted to be the best there was. I remember when you would go on those late night walks around campus to get all your steps in for the day, I remember when you sat on the stationary bike and peddled until your legs couldn't handle another second. You pushed yourself, farther than you ever dreamed you could. Pound by pound you began to reveal me. You began to reveal the woman who was hidden beneath the extra layers of

9

1

2

1

4

5

7

8

10

The Class of 1981 was inadvertently left out of the Fall issue of the Onyx. Our apologies are extended to the Class of 1981. Drake and Sadie are the children of Ashtynn Gore ’12 and Craig. The Class of 1981 celebrated their 35th Reunion and enjoyed some fun: (L-R: Front to Back): Rose Brady Mills , Helen Killeen , June Karabinos Didier , Saint Mother Theodore Guerin , Theresa Laquerre , Mary Wade Kiscaden , Beverly Groeber Williams , Nancy Payonk , Corinne Kreiner-Bardgett , Kristen Sickafoose Loxley , Connie Land Beasor , Marie Ayer Roberts and Dorothy McGuire Duncan . Friends of the Class of 1961 visited the Georgia Aquarium. (L-R): Mary Jo Stewart McPherson , Connie Hickey Farrell , Barb Bittorf Brennan , Patti O'Dowd Scholl , Nan Albers Bechert , Alice Steers Lingenfelter , Jean McGregor Lauth and Nell Steers Dana . These ladies gathered for a visit (L-R): Lois Rumely, daughter-in-law of Frances Murphy Rumely ’35 ; Peggy Piszczek Kloempken ’62 ; Joan Mellican Dickson ’59 ; Agnes Piszczek ’59 ; Dee Cirando Coyne ’59 and Joan Monaghan, daughter-in-law of Mary Cunningham Monaghan ’33 . Class of 1964 attended a mini-reunion/ winetasting in Bridgman, Michigan. (L-R): Gay Gallagher Scherrer , Katharine Yang , Juliet Muro Oeffinger , Noreen Gorman Perrone , Anne Longtine , Peggy Kelly Deputy , Barbara Reder , SP , Mary Ann Kelly Hellmann , Becky Caufield Peloff , Bev Snyder Thompson and Rachel Eberle Ambrose . Five ’65ers got together in Utah. (L-R): Katie Ryan Doughtery , Nancy Hurrle Emmett , Barbara Roguski Mandal , Kate Krider Satchwill and Cathy Cunningham . Patricia Mohney ’93G lives in Moscow, serving as director of communications for Agape Unlimited that provides medical care to “forgotten” people in remote Russia and ministers to widows and orphans. Pat, center with black jacket, is with the Agape staff and orphans, in Moscow Oblast, Russia, in September 2016. Barbara Dieter Momper ’66 and Jim celebrated 50 years of blessings in 2016. They are pictured with their family. PHOTO ALBUM

1

2 3

3

4

5

6

6

7

8

9

9

11

For the Love of Horses Professor Creates New Course Based On Industry Trends

BY KATIE SHANE

Debra Powell, Ph.D. assistant professor of equine studies, demonstrates massage therapy.

12

At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, degree programs are as unique as the students pursuing those degrees. Students can take traditional routes like biology and accounting or can follow more specialized paths like music therapy or equine studies. SMWC is the only equine program in Indiana to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies. Additionally SMWC is one of approximately 20 equestrian colleges in the U.S. to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies. The Woods is also becoming known for creating learning experiences based on student need and bringing students unique courses based on industry trends. In Summer 2017, a new certification will launch, the Equine Massage Certification Course. Created by Debra Powell, assistant professor of equine studies, the course gives students more than 300 hours of hands-on experience in the growing and lucrative career. “Equine massage therapy is a non- invasive technique,” Powell explains. “This is a technique used on humans for more than 20 years and on the equine side for the last few years. It is really good for maintenance. These horses are athletes…you can’t just expect them to perform and not have maintenance on their bodies.” Powell explains that trainers and owners often call a therapist before calling a veterinarian. Not only does this cut down on unnecessary invasive procedures, but it also reduces medical costs. The technique can also be used as maintenance on a horse, just as massage would be used for a human athlete. Powell, who came to The Woods nearly two years ago, brings her own experience and knowledge to the unique certification. She credits herself as an international writer, certified equine and canine message therapist and the owner of her own company Powell’s Equine and Canine Therapeutic Services (PECTS). With a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, Powell has traveled the nation working in animal

therapy, including therapy for animal athletes at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Powell says she sought a position at The Woods because of the many student offerings in equine studies, including small class size and capacity for hands-on training. “T his is a small college, and it’s very intimate,” she explains. “The one thing I have found is that the faculty are very in tune to students' needs. For some it’s the first time they have left home, and SMWC is just a great fit for them.” Powell crafted the Equine Massage Certification Course because she saw the need for students to learn the technique and what it could offer them in their careers. “W hat I hope to do is bring my experience and knowledge of the industry,” she explains. “What I bring is my hope that these kids, and I call them my kids, is to have them realize the abundance of opportunities out there.” After years in the horse industry, Powell says she’s learned that although the industry is small, careers in the horse industry are plentiful. Powell explains many of the lessons she teaches cannot be found in a classroom or book. She wants students to know about specific opportunities and career paths. “Only a small amount of institutions offer the certification,” Powell says, adding that the number is around 20 across the nation. A handful are three-day online programs, which Powell says cannot begin to virtually teach the techniques needed. She adds that the SMWC program gives students more training and hands-on hours. After the course, students will be able to take the national board exam, which will open additional doors says Powell. “There are a lot of lessons in this course,” Powell says speaking in a broad sense. “It’s a really interesting field.”

13

SMWC brings new Christmas parade to downtown Terre Haute Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, in partnership with Miracle on 7th Street, presented Terre Haute, Indiana’s first “Light Your Way” Christmas parade in December 2016. Thousands lined the streets of downtown for the parade, which included more than 60 entrants. The parade showcased the Christmas spirit with holiday lights illuminating from the floats and marching bands. Under the leadership of Rachel Leslie ’14G , SMWC vice president for external affairs, two SMWC students, sisters Karah and Kalea Ellis of Terre Haute, organized the event. SMWC Holds “A Woods Christmas” SMWC, in partnership with Miracle on 7th Street, brought a unique Christmas celebration to campus on Dec. 3, 2016. Attendees were treated to a story with Saint Nicholas, heard the beautiful voices of the Madrigals in the historic Guerin Rotunda, experienced a skit in the theatre, and watched a live Nativity scene, complete with camels, a donkey and sheep. Students help local daycares write application for United Way grant Sophomore professional writing majors helped several local daycare agencies write applications for a 24-month, $50,000 a year grant from United Way of the Wabash Valley. It was a final project assigned in the course by Bill Riley, assistant professor of English. Students gained valuable grant writing experience and helped childcare agencies in the Wabash Valley. Their eyes were also opened to the plight of others in the community. English Language Institute (ELI) The College launched the ELI program as one strategy to diversify the College population and to expose the campus community to global opportunities. Enhancing student experience through international connections is part of the College’s strategic plan.

Nearly 90 SMWC students, staff and faculty, including the equestrian teams, attended the first downtown Christmas parade sponsored by the College

Students, faculty and staff, along with a few guests, assisted in the live nativity scene held in the courtyard of the stables.

14

SMWC receives state grant to help prepare Hispanics for healthcare sector A pioneer of distance education, Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College, in partnership with other agencies, has received $60,000 in state funds to provide online English- As-A-Second Language (ESL) training to 100 Hispanic participants of a program aiming to bridge the skills gap in Indiana’s healthcare industry. VP of Enrollment and two Master of Leadership Development alums honored with 12 Under 40 Awards A servant-leader at heart, SMWC’s Vice President of Enrollment Brennan Randolph was selected for this year’s class of 12 Under 40, an award given to a dozen young professionals by the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and Tribune-Star. Randolph has extensive involvement in the community including his service in the United Way of the Wabash Valley’s board of directors and its education division, the Terre Haute Rotary Club, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce board, and the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative board. He has also led several service projects to benefit the community. Also receiving a 12 Under 40 Award were two SMWC alums, Courtney Richey ’08, ’12G and Kristin Jostes Craig ’03 , ’16G . In 2012, Richey graduated from the Master of Leadership Development (MLD) program and now serves as the regional director of the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center. Craig graduated from the MLD program in 2016 and is the vice president of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Both are very active in the community as well. SMWC earns nursing accreditation SMWC announced its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program recently received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in its initial eligibility as a new nursing program. The College’s rigorous nursing program provides the quality academic preparation and training to practice nursing at a high level. An online RN-to-BSN completion program is also offered at The Woods. 95th Ring Day Held On March 25, more than 100 students and graduates received Woods Rings from President Dottie King, Ph.D., in a poignant ceremony to celebrate and reflect on their academic journey. Keynote speaker and alumna Michelle Barrentine ’78, ’16G shared with recipients, “I encourage you to wear the ring daily for the rest of your life to remind you of the College’s vision to use faith and leadership to transform ourselves, our communities and our world.”

(L-R): Courtney Richey ’08 , ’12G , Kristin Craig ’03 , ’16G , and Brennan Randolph with President Dottie King after they each received a 12 Under 40 award from the Tribune Star and Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.

SMWC nursing students have access to the Rural Health Innovative Collaborative (RHIC) off-campus simulation center. It houses computer-driven high-fidelity mannequins that bridge the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice.

Amy Sonderman Woods ’90 , co-presented for her niece, Shannon Sonderman with her great aunt’s ring. The ring was from Mildred Sonderman Sturm , a member of the class of 1932.

15

Remembering Sister Marie Brendan Harvey ’51

were re-recorded onto a CD to support the Woods Fund. “Bless this House” was a collection of songs by the Sisters of Providence and Harvey, accompanied by Sister Mary Lourdes. “Songs of The Woods” was performed by SMWC Chorale and Madrigals and directed by Harvey.

Many will recall the beautiful soul and voice of Sister Marie Brendan Harvey ’51 . Harvey died on December 27, 2016. She was born in Chicago, Ill., on January 2, 1926. On February 2, 1946, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence. Harvey graduated from Saint Mary- of-the-Woods College in 1951. She began teaching at SMWC in 1954, where she taught voice, chorale and chant for 18 years. In 1958, she founded the College Madrigals. She also served as the director of the Office of Alumnae for nine years. In 1982, Harvey received the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Award, and in 2016, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College.

Over the years, Harvey would return to The Woods during Reunion or other events and share her voice. Her rendition of “Bless this House” or “Danny Boy” were often favorites. She also believed deeply in supporting the College. Even in her final months of life, her two record albums, “Bless this House” and “Songs of The Woods”

ALBUMS: BLESS THIS HOUSE and SONGS OF THE WOODS

with MARIE BRENDAN HARVEY, SP, ’51 and the CHORALE & MADRIGALS

Anyone who gave a gift of $30 to the Woods Fund on #WoodsGivingDay received a copy of the CD. If you give a gift of $30 or more to the Woods Fund between April 21- June 30, 2017, you will receive the CD (while supplies last) .

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

16

Your gifts strengthen our momentum

Give today! giving.smwc.edu

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Office of Advancement 1 St Mary of Woods Coll Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876

Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876 Permit No. 3

ONE WOODS Many Paths

REUNION 2017 June 16 - 18

Register today. www.smwc.edu/reunion2017

Save the Date Return to The Woods

HOMECOMING 2017 October 7

More details to come. Visit the website at www.smwc.edu