President's Report 2020

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2021/Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Magazine

Roadmap to the Future

ONYX Anneau PRESIDENT’S REPORT WINTER 2021

Vol. 96

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 CONTRIBUTORS Lillie Gendel Jen Fredericks Dorsey ’97 Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 Heather Tighe Sue Weatherwax

The 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame banquet, recognizing the 1992-93 and 1993-94 Board of Trustees as inductees, was held in October. These trustees made the vital decision to create scholarship athletics beginning with the women’s basketball team and the softball team. Their decision allowed SMWC students to play competitive sports and was pivotal in setting in motion the growth of athletics with a total of 16 athletic teams today. Pictured L to R: Richard Smith, Carmen Piasecki ’70 , Larry Gildersleeve, Mary Add Baker ’71 , Jeanie Reime Heller ’70 , Wayne Hamilton, Lawrence Ann Liston, SP, ’66 , Susan Eichmuller Hamilton ’66, ’90G , Mary Ellen Backer ’63 and Nancy Kotowicz Williams ’60 .

CONTENTS

Aspire Even Higher - An Intentional Plan for Growth 4 The Good, The Bad and Traveling Jesus 8

ON THE COVER The Roadmap to the Future. Looking down The Avenue with new wayfinding signage. 10

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.

Year in Review 20

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE Woods Today..................................................3 Nota Bena......................................................16 Athletics ........................................................22

ASPIRING EVEN HIGHER A note from President Dottie King

How many strategic plans have been created for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College over the years? My mind trips through the stories of our past with curiosity. The innovative and persistent spirit of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and all of the Sisters of Providence - such an integral part of this College’s legacy - remains with us! The Aspire Higher Strategic Plan was launched in 2015. Our early success in attaining many of the plan’s goals compelled us to enlarge our vision through the Aspire Even Higher Plan in 2019. As you read the latest edition of Onyx Anneau , I hope you are filled with pride in your alma mater. You will read about our campus Master Plan, enrollment numbers, new athletic teams and a fun story about the importance of bathrooms in Le Fer Hall. You are part of a grand legacy that continues to evolve, innovate and persevere through changing times for 181 years. With the blessings of Providence, we are growing, even through the challenges of a global pandemic. I am filled with gratitude for all that is and is yet to be a part of these Woods.

Blessings,

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2021-2022 ENROLLMENT PROFILE Total enrollment as of November: 1127 Incoming campus class: 205 Total campus enrollment as of November: 519

Fall 2021 Total Students (campus, online and graduate)

Puerto Rico

KEYCODE

Campus Online Graduate

Campus, Online and Graduate Campus and Online

The geographic makeup of the total student body as of Fall 2021 includes 41 states, District of Columbia, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco and Vietnam.

Campus and Graduate

Graduate and Online

Incoming class: Nursing, Business Administration, Education and Biology Overall: Nursing, Business Administration, Education, Psychology and Biology

TOP MAJORS

of new students are athletes 52%

Total % of athletes 44%

Total campus % students of color:

19%

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THE WOODS TODAY

“ The small campus experience is truly one of my favorite aspects of the College, as I feel like I am seen and heard during classes. ”

My name is Lillie Gendel, and I am a freshman here at The Woods! Last year, I went through the college application process, and while discussing options with my family, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College was brought up. I have a rich family history at this school. My great aunt was Sister Jeanne Knoerle ’49, who attended the school, was a Sister of Providence and the College president. My aunt, Mary Jeanne Miller ’80, and grandmother, Anne Knoerle Schram ’55, both graduated from SMWC, too. I visited the College when I was younger and remembered how serene and beautiful the campus was. After discussing my options with my family, I decided I wanted to leave California to attend this school. It is safe to say that I am extremely happy with my decision. The Woods is an exceptionally special place that combines history, beauty and the feeling of home. The small campus experience is truly one of my favorite aspects of the College, as I feel like I am seen and heard during classes. Professors really do know everyone’s name and care about each individual. I love watching the seasons change at The Woods. Being from California, I have never experienced such variety in the weather. This year I enjoyed watching the leaves change from green to a multitude of brilliant colors and eventually they fell to the ground and the trees turned bare. Taking in the unfolding of the seasons helps me feel even more connected to the campus.

My decision to come to The Woods has truly changed my life. I know that I am on the right path for my future and that this special place known as The Woods is helping and holding me along the way. Lillie

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Aspire Higher – an intentional plan for growth ^ even A one-on-one interview with Karen Dyer, vice president of advancement and strategic initiatives

Members of the SMWC cabinet smile after they turned a shovel of dirt at the Les Bois Hall groundbreaking in June 2020. Pictured (L to R): Brennan Randolph, Janet Clark, Ph.D., Jaclyn Walters and Karen Dyer.

Q. How is the College progressing with its second phase of the strategic plan?

When we launched the second phase, the Aspire Even Higher Plan, in fall 2019, we had no idea that the world was going to come to a stop just months later. We just created a refreshed logo and had a plethora of plans in the works for the academic year. The Woods, however, is a resilient place. Faculty and staff have continued to be actively involved in the planning with great intentionality, and we have been able to check many tactics off the list on our way to meeting the plan’s objectives. One thing that had to wait until the fall of 2021 was the launch of the new school fight song, “Go, Woods, Go!,” as we could not gather students at games to sing it. Left: President Dottie King recognized Pete Kikta, who composed the music to the new SMWC fight song.

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Q. What has been completed as part of Phase II?

Over the past two years, we have been able to address several capital initiatives. Some of these have been deferred projects from times when the College did not have the resources to complete them. These projects include putting a new roof on the Rooney Library, updating condensate lines for the boiler and tunnels and HVAC controls for a few buildings. Extensive IT upgrades have included replacing old switches, extending Wi-Fi, updating classroom technology and expanding security for students. We continue to renovate student bathrooms in Le Fer Hall as funds are raised for the I Love Le Fer Initiative. Six were completed this summer, and nine more are currently underway. Expanded parking lots, new LED outdoor lighting and better food service were requests from students which were implemented. Installation of wayfinding signage, road signs and the physical addressing of campus buildings helps provide a more welcoming campus for prospective students, families and other visitors. We also brought online a new residence hall, Les Bois Hall, to accommodate our enrollment momentum. In addition to capital projects, the College launched its first doctoral program, a Ph.D. in global leadership and undergrad programs in kinesiology and exercise science, which are very popular. Finally, we fielded the first men’s basketball team in the College’s history.

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Q. What’s on the agenda for this year?

Retention is our buzzword this year. SMWC was fortunate to receive three grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc., $2.5 million of which will provide the College with a predictive model to address retention issues in real-time. These funds, along with a second grant for $250,000 from the Hollie and Anna Oakley Foundation, will support the creation of a centralized student success center on the second floor of the Rooney Library. This center will combine the efforts of the Learning Resource Center, our tutoring center, with other student wrap-around services, including career development. Retention will be an important focus for everyone as we work to help today’s students find success and persist in college. Renovations are also underway in the former college bookstore space in Hulman Hall. It will now serve as a classroom and lab for the popular exercise science program. And the lower level of the Rooney Library is being renovated to create a shared archival space for the College and the Sisters of Providence.

Q. How are these projects being funded?

The Woods is fortunate in that we are seeing an increase in philanthropic giving with the alumni giving percentage on the increase and last year being the best year of giving in our history. Grants are a big part of the funding model for new programs, renovations and expansion projects. One such grant is the Department of Natural Resources grant, which provides matching funds for restoration projects. We were able to secure grants for both the renovation of the main gate, and now, the front steps and stage of the Conservatory. We have something going on or in the queue for nearly every building on campus. We have also been the beneficiary of several bequests, one of which will provide funding for our first-ever endowed professorship and the restoration of the Formal Parlor in Le Fer Hall. HERF III funding was utilized for IT upgrades as part of the federal COVID Relief funding.

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Q. How has the plan been successful?

Q. What’s the vision for future planning? As the nation faces a continued decline in the national number of college-eligible students, commonly referred to as the enrollment cliff, we are working to ensure we can continue to be nimble and relevant to the students we serve. We are so very fortunate to have such a robust online format that allows us to be thoughtful and flexible with our undergraduate and graduate student populations. Athletics growth is a strong enrollment growth strategy for the College as 44% of our campus student body are athletes. We’ll be adding a men’s volleyball team and sprint football next fall, and there are several new sports on the future list for both men and women. We will soon be reaching our maximum capacity for space and are currently looking at how to grow efficiently and effectively while continuing to build momentum over the next five to 10 years. On the future capital projects list is an expansion of the Knoerle Center, new athletic facilities at the north athletic complex, and another new residence hall. In new program growth, the College is actively looking at partnerships that might provide new avenues for academic growth in health sciences and technology areas while building on programs where we have a niche such as equine and leadership. We have a great leader in President Dottie King. Her vision inspires us year after year to find new and innovative ways to move the College forward. A few years ago, she challenged the faculty and staff to start dreaming again. From that time until now, it is clear that Providence has joined our efforts as we continue to be blessed by those who bring something to the plan — ideas, initiative and funding. My job is to be the bus driver — I invite those who want to make a difference to join me, President King and the Cabinet as we head toward a collective goal for the future of The Woods. Our 40-member steering committee has done an excellent job in making sure we continue on our trajectory. She works hard to help make our stakeholders aware of the needs of the College and her vision in the community, state and on a national level. Left: President King poses with SMWC students at the College sponsored Christmas parade for downtown Terre Haute, part of our College Town awareness initiative.

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THE GOOD, THE BAD AND TRAVELING JESUS Campus bathrooms have seen it all

By Jen Fredericks Dorsey ’97

Ask any Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College alum what they cherish most about our campus, and you’ll no doubt hear about the visceral memories deeply rooted in a sense of place. Our recollections of time spent at the College are woven together by the common thread of the beauty of this campus and her physical spaces: cozy rooms in Le Fer, the soaring areas of the Conservatory and O’Shaughnessy, or the earthy grace of the Grotto. Some of the best memories, though, happen in places where you least expect them — like in the bathroom. At first glance, you would not think there is anything exceptional about the restrooms on campus. None are particularly awe-inspiring in their beauty. They are functional rooms meant to get the job done and not much else. But whether you spent your mornings getting ready for class in a Le Fer shared bath or had to wait your turn in the common- area shower rooms, you probably have some fond (or at least interesting)

memories of your time spent in the SMWC bathrooms. Julianne VandeWater ’95 remembers using the massive tubs in Guerin to her advantage. “One summer, I stayed in a two-room with a private bathroom,” she said. “It was big! My roommate and I washed dishes in the tub.” The Conservatory restroom behind the stage was also a memory-making spot, especially for many a Chorale, Madrigal, or theater student who used it to get ready for performances. On one occasion, it also provided shelter to students trying to get some distance from an unwelcome visitor. “I remember a bat suddenly flying toward me in the hallway during a late night at the Conserve,” said Jessi McGuire Of all the buildings on campus, Le Fer Hall is the most unlimited source of bathroom lore and even adventure. Beth Bell Kyle ’00 remembers coming home to find her bathroom ceiling in a most unusual place — on the floor. “My sophomore year, Marcia Eppich-Harris ’98 and I were suitemates, and the ceiling in our bathroom had a leak and caved in during the first week of class,” she said. “Luckily, neither of Blessinger ’00 . “The ‘haunted’ bathroom was my refuge until it went away.”

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ALUMNI NOTA BENE

Mary Jo Hughey Matheny ’51: Aug. 6, 2021. Joanne Sullivan McCarthy ’51: March 3, 2021. Susan Tramontine Abrahamson ’52: Feb. 24, 2021. Barbara Becker Echemann ’52: Sept. 9, 2021. Mary Carroll Kilroy ’57: Aug. 31, 2021. Colleen Joyce Lance ’58: Sept. 5, 2021. Virginia Sherman Collins ’59: Feb. 27, 2020. Kathleen Hayes Markee ’60: Nov. 19, 2021. Twin sister of Mary Hayes McPolin ’60 . Agnes Eugene Cordak, SP ’61: Oct. 18, 2021. Ann Stephen Stouffer, SP ’61: Dec. 9, 2021. Winifred Mary Sullivan, SP ’62: Dec. 3, 2021. Julie Johnson Gaughan ’63: Aug. 31, 2021. Judith Loman Albert ’64: Oct. 31, 2021. Loretta Delgado Bopp ’64 : Sept. 13, 2021. Laurine Haley, SP ’64: Sept. 6, 2021. Kathleen Kelly, SP ’65: Aug. 17, 2021. Priscilla Orlowski Lavery ’65: July 9, 2021. Nancy Franz Raubuch ’65: Sept. 13, 2021. Lucinda Rosner Summers ’67: Sept. 26, 2021. Mother of Elizabeth Summers Huff ’93 . Mary Anne Bishop Gauntner ’68: Oct. 30, 2021. Meg Still ’68 : Oct. 9, 2021. Daughter of Mary Kelly Still ’39 (deceased) . Sister of Louise Still Jackson ’97 . Lynn George Crotty ’71: Nov. 26, 2021.

Suzanne Allen Morgan ’74: Aug. 17, 2021. Ruth Layden Carter ’76: Oct. 7, 2021. Sister of Agnes Layden Davis ’54 (deceased) . Nancy Theders William ’76: April 7, 2021. Juanita Knapschafer LoPresti ’77: Feb. 13, 2021. Marcile R. Moor ’77: Oct. 16, 2020. Carol Shapland Savoie ’84: September 2020.

Tonia K. Babb ’13, ’14G successfully defended her dissertation at Franklin University. She graduated on Sept. 10, 2021, with her Doctorate in Education. She has received honors throughout the process and was the president of the Doctoral Student Association.

MARRIAGES

Joy Bertrand-Moring ’91 was married to Thomas Moring on Nov. 6, 2021. Alexis Rusch ’08 was married to Graceyn Nuhring on Nov. 21, 2021. Jessica Bicknell Crawford ’19G was married to Cameron Crawford on Oct. 9, 2021. Amanda Trimble Lindley ’09 and Danny — boy, Dempsey Ronan - Oct. 14, 2021. Courtney Forsyth Schrink ’11 and Zach — girl, Kira Elise - Aug. 31, 2021. Katrina Dayhuff Stantz ’18 and Will — girl, Amelia Jane - Sept. 18, 2021. Mary Ryan, SP: Aug. 23, 2021. Margaret Loretta Burke Ewing ’44: June 15, 2021. Mother of Janet Ewing Fontaine ’70 . Aunt of Susan Mower ’70 and Karen Mower Clark ’72 . Margaret Burke Nolan ’50: Oct. 6, 2021. Sister of Mary Ann Burke Krach ’54 . Mother of Catherine Nolan Balay ’78 . Jeanette Williams Carroll ’51: Nov. 26, 2020. Sister of Mary Williams Jones ’50 (deceased) . Janice Temborius Clough ’51: July 20, 2021. Mother of Jacqueline Clough Free ’74 and Kimberly Clough Baker ’79 . Sister-in-law of Joan Timko Temborius ’51 (deceased) . BIRTHS ALUMNI DEATHS

Jacquelyn “Kay” Alldredge Henderson ’87: April 10, 2018. Peggy Johnson Coomer ’90: Oct. 29, 2020. Shirley Leitch Louderback ’90: July 21, 2021. Tressa Quigley ’90: Nov. 23, 2021. Rita Bumgarner Nowaskie ’91: July 25, 2021. Cousin of Laura Nowaskie ’80 .

Marilyn Hunter ’93: Oct. 26, 2021. Sylvia Williamson Crawford ’94: Aug. 10, 2021. Erin Shelbourne Miller ’00: July 28, 2021. Erin Terkhorn Paul ’04: Nov. 19, 2021. Anna M. Clark ’09: Dec. 4, 2021. Pamela Vicars ’10, ’11G: Dec. 8, 2021. Michelle D. Blair ’12: Aug. 30, 2021. Delia J. Drisko ’13: Sept. 28, 2021. Dawn Welch ’16, ’18G: Aug. 7, 2021. Geraldine Hoye, OP, ’92G: May 4, 2021 . Evee Dupuis Miquel ’92G: May 22, 2020. Natalie Pugh ’18G: Oct. 28, 2021.

Tradition is deeply rooted at SMWC. One of the longest and most recognizable traditions is our beloved onyx ring ... encircling fingers young and ‘round her heart . Share your Woods Ring story, Ring Day memories, special photos and more at alumni@smwc.edu

1 9 2 CELEBRATING THE WOODS RING 1 0 0 Y E A R S 2 2 – 2 0 2

snapshots

2021 President’s Gala • Spirit Week & Homecoming • Women’s and Men’s Basketball

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snapshots

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The Butler Classroom was dedicated. Donors Nancy Butler Bruck ’69 and Morgan “Morg” Bruck were honored

SMWC Homecoming returned with in-person events with attendees enjoying athletic events, games and an outdoor concert featuring choir and band.

The College celebrated at the President’s Gala by honoring Union

ranked 41 — in the top third — for Best Regional Universities, ranked 16 for Best Value for Regional Universities and climbed to seventh for Top Performers for Social Mobility for Regional Universities.

SMWC was again ranked among the best regional universities by U.S. News & World Report in the 2022 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” SMWC

for funding the Mary and Bayless Butler Classroom, named in memory of Nancy’s parents.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2020/2021 Lamprini Pantazi, Ph.D., was promoted to the newly created position of dean of business and leadership. 795 #WoodsGivingDay surpassed its donor goal of 500 with 795 donors during the day — raising more than $230,000. SMWC accommodated 105 ring recipients in two Ring Day ceremonies so campus, Woods Online and graduate students could gather safely during the pandemic. SMWC announced a Bachelor of SMWC celebrated its graduates at the 187th commencement with more than 250 degrees conferred in two ceremonies. Claire Thuning-Roberson ’67, Ph.D. , was recognized at commencement as the 2021 Distinguished Alumna. SMWC announced the launch of the College’s first Doctor of Philosophy program, a Ph.D. in global leadership with a concentration in SMWC announced the addition of sprint football and the formation of the Midwest Sprint Football League along with five other private colleges and universities. It is to be the College’s 15th scholarship athletic team when they take the field in fall 2022. The “Stories From Saint Mary-of- the-Woods Historic District” Exhibit opened at the Swope Art Museum with artifacts and other items on display. The new residence and dining hall, Les Bois Hall , opened with a ribbon- cutting ceremony. Campus and JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH MAY AUGUST OCTOBER

community members enjoyed treats from Bon Appétit, the College’s new food service partner. 205

organizational behavior and change. The program was initiated as a part of a Lilly Endowment grant for $1 million.

Science in computer science program through the RIZE consortium.

Tracy Richardson, Ph.D., MT-BC , was named dean of the newly formed Division of Arts and Social Sciences.

President’s Gala by honoring Union

Dr. Paul Salstrom was honored with the Aspire Higher Award as he retired and launched his book. Sisters of Providence Council for their dedication to the College with the Aspire Higher Award.

The volleyball team claimed the USCAA DI Volleyball National Championship in Virginia Beach.

and paying tribute to front-line workers of the pandemic.

Ty Knott was named the sprint football head coach. He will lead the

Health with the Aspire Higher Award

recruitment efforts as he builds this new athletic team.

This is the first time the College has earned this accomplishment.

NOVEMBER

Janet Clark, Ph.D. ,

The College reported

22%

A record-breaking incoming class was welcomed on

was promoted to the newly

created position of provost.

class in history.

2020-21 was the most successful year of fundraising in its history, raising more than $6.9 million from more than 2,400 donors. The percentage of alumni giving increased to

announced SMWC would receive a $50,000 Historic Preservation Fund grant to help rehabilitate and restore

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Move-In Day as they arrived on The Avenue. President King and the campus community cheered 205 new students upon their

22% from 19% in the last two years.

vice president for academic affairs,

arrival — the largest incoming

The Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology

aspects of the Conservatory of Music.

President King recognized the

SEPTEMBER

recipients for 2020 and 2021. The 2020 recipient of the Frances Murphy Rumely Award went to Betty Borders McAndrews ’65 and the 2021 award went to Connie Kramer, SP, ’64 .

The 2020 and 2021 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Awards went to Fran Froehlich ’64 and Carol Jean Kinghorn-Landry ’61, respectively. The inaugural G.O.L.D.E.N. Oak Award recipient was Rachel Leslie ’14G .

SMWC launched its Master Plan . President King shared facility goals to position the College’s physical space to enhance students’ living and learning community, establish a future athletic complex and preserve the historic campus and natural setting. The plan structures objectives for the next five years, ten years and beyond.

the River States Conference .

In-person Reunion returned in 2021, and awards were given to

Intercollegiate Athletics and

The new dining hall was blessed and named the Barbara Doherty Dining Center after the College’s 13th president.

Athletics officially joined the National Association of

JUNE

SMWC was named in two Lilly Endowment grants as

Exercise science is added to

SMWC announced men’s volleyball will begin courses to begin fall 2021.

the College’s majors for

awareness and resources for students. $3.7M SMWC held Pfizer vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff before the APRIL

part of the Charting the Future initiative for $3.7 million. In partnership with University

of Indianapolis, SMWC will work to improve retention and graduation rates for students.

In collaboration with DePauw University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology,

SMWC will improve and expand mental health

in spring 2023 making it the16th scholarship athletic team.

The family nurse

practitioner program

celebrated the College’s second-ever White Coat Ceremony,

commemorating

the start of their

nurse practitioner clinical experience.

end of the spring semester.

MAPPING OUT THE FUTURE OF ATHLETICS By Karen Dyer, Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives

Growing athletics at Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College is about providing students with an exceptional co- curricular experience — an objective of Pillar II of the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan. The plan, which includes transitioning to full membership in the National Association of the Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), provides a map for athletics programming and facilities expansion. The College began full membership in NAIA this fall as it welcomed the inaugural men’s basketball team. “Athletics plays a significant role in our recruitment as 44% of campus students are athletes,” said Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment and institutional technology. “Statistics show that each athlete brings approximately 1.7 non-student athletes with them to college. As we face a nation-wide decline of college-age students in the next few years, athletics growth will continue to strengthen enrollment at The Woods.” When the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center opened in December 2014, the College had seven sports. Since then, the number of teams has doubled to 14, including seven women’s teams, five men’s teams, and two coeducational equestrian teams. The strategic plan calls for one or two new teams added annually, with sprint football and men’s volleyball joining the Pomeroy family in fall 2022. “We are truly blessed to have such a strong student athletics program, where the student comes first in the equation. As an NAIA school, the coaches and athletics administrative team imbed Woods values into the program. We truly provide a student- centered experience for our athletes,” added Randolph.

With a new master plan in hand, the College is mapping the future of athletics. In addition to the Knoerle Center expansion of locker rooms needed to accommodate four indoor sports, the north end of campus has significant growth potential. The plan: • Lays out potential enhancements for current sports, such as adding lights to the soccer and softball fields, which would extend playing time; • Provides for a track and field complex, a new locker room complex, a new concession area and more parking; and • Creates a vision for the next 10 to 20 years for new facilities such as tennis, baseball and sprint football. GROWING POMEROY PRIDE In 2013, the College began using the motto Pomeroy Pride as a campaign slogan for the relaunched effort to spur fundraising for the proposed new sports and recreation center. “It became the first step in fully claiming our athletic identity,” said Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president. “Over the last decade, we have intentionally embraced our Pomeroy spirit.” This fall, the College debuted its first-ever fight song, “Go, Woods, Go!,” which was one of a series of objectives from the plan. “Having an athletic culture on a college campus is so important for all the students – not just the athletes. Students need to have the chance to put on their Woods t-shirt and cheer on their classmates at a game. Between the time the College stopped using the old gym and 2014, our students were missing that tried-and-true college tradition,” said King. King shared that one of the first things she set out to do was claim the

College colors. “When I first came to work at The Woods as a math professor, I could not tell what our colors were. I saw black and gold, purple and dark blue. One day, I asked Sister Ellen Cunningham ’61 (RIP) what our colors were, and she said Providence blue. That was it. As we were opening the new gym, we also started using our blue everywhere!” Pillar III of the Aspire Even Higher Plan seeks to raise the awareness and image of the institution — an enrollment strategy. In recent years, efforts to build athletic awareness and culture among students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and the community have included: • Adopting mascot Onyx – both in costume and our new miniature horse; • Purchasing and branding two buses – paid with reallocated budget resources saving the College money; and • Launching a new athletics logo, website, app and a student fan section – The Herd. L TO R: The new athletic logo on a tablecloth used at all athletic events. Lil Onyx, the miniature horse, with stu- dents Alexandra Crabb and Madison Raiser. The Herd student section sponsored by Student Senate is cheering on the women’s basketball team. The Pomeroy Pride motto can now be found on banners, t-shirts, mugs and even Christmas ornaments. Onyx, SMWC’s mascot, dances during game.

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THE WOODS FUND CIRCLE

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By Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 Associate Vice President for Advancement

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Committed alumni and donors have contributed more than $1.1 million to the Woods Fund annually since 2016. The Woods Fund Circle illustrates the trend of donor groups and fundraising efforts contributing to the sustained success. The size of a sphere inside the circle to the right illustrates its significance in relation to overall fundraising results.* There is overlap and intersection of both donor groups and efforts, as very few initiatives are supported solely by alumni. Many donors respond to multiple opportunities, such as a class agent’s appeal and the Onyx Anneau . And some donor groups consist of both alumni and non-alumni, such as the Trustees and SMWC employees. G iving is a uniquely personal experience. What motivates and inspires one person may have no effect on another. Knowing this, SMWC reaches out in a variety of ways throughout the year inviting alumni and friends to join us in supporting today’s students with a gift to the Woods Fund. The Woods Fund Circle tells a story. It identifies who is supporting the Woods Fund and what has inspired giving. With many opportunities to get involved, the Circle features those solicitations and events that continue to garner the most support. It is no surprise that alumni gifts

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account for approximately 70% of the more than $1.1 million that has been donated annually since 2016. Likewise, two of our most successful events, #WoodsGivingDay and 50th Reunion gifts, represent 30% of the total raised each year. Timing plays a key role in one’s ability and inclination to make a gift. Late November and December are consistently the most successful months in fundraising as donors finalize their personal philanthropy during this season of giving. Traditionally, our fiscal year ended with a surge of gifts given at Reunion. This trend is shifting with substantial

gifts arriving earlier in the year thanks to February’s #WoodsGivingDay. Gifts immediately make a difference. The outside of the Woods Fund Circle highlights their effect, ultimately creating an annual cycle of giving. As we strive to build a culture of philanthropy among our students and alumni, continued success will not only support today’s students, but increase our potential in the future. When you consider supporting the Woods Fund, know that every ask is an opportunity to connect, every gift makes a difference and every student is supported.

Did you know that alumni gifts to the Woods Fund at any time during the fiscal year are part of a class gift? Regardless of when an alum donates, or what appeal inspired the gift, Woods Fund alumni gifts are always included in class gift totals. Last year, 1,712 alumni made a gift to the Woods Fund. The collective sum of all class gifts was $761,830!

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CHALLENGE ON #WoodsGivingDay 2022 Tuesday, February 8 th Help secure 1,000 gifts in one day!

Gifts of $500 or more made on Feb. 8 will receive an exclusive 7-ounce soy Woods candle developed by partner Rusted Root Co.

A #WoodsGivingDay favorite is back! Gifts of $50 or more made on Feb. 8 will receive a pair of l imited edition SMWC socks , while supplies last.

Ten lucky donors of any amount on Feb. 8 will be entered to win an exclusive SMWC Clay Plant Road mug . A sneak peek of the mug design will soon be on SMWC’s website.

Support SMWC by making purchases at these local businesses in Terre Haute. Great discounts and exclusive items will be available.

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE! Make a gift on Feb. 8 at smwc.edu/WoodsGivingDay2022

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C OM E H OM E

REGISTER NOW FOR REUNION 2022 May 20 - 22 Reconnect, reminisce, tour campus and enjoy the experience of being together at The Woods once again! smwc.edu/reunion 2022