Onyx Spring-Summer 2019

NEW COVER TO COME!

Woods Online student Kim Baugh of West Terre Haute, Indiana, received her Woods Ring from President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., during the 97 th Ring Day ceremony on March 23, 2019.

COVER Leaders of The Woods

Sisters of Providence General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski ’74 and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College President Dottie L. King, Ph.D.

Highlights

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A Conversation about the Future Dreaming at The Woods If This Floor Could Talk Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck 1968 Endowed Scholarship On The Avenue Congratulations Class of 1965 The Beloved Woods Ring Parting Shot Alumni Photo Album

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

SPRING- SUMMER

Vol. 94

No. 1

Kristy Fry Editor/Designer Director of Creative Services

Sue Weatherwax Designer/Photographer Associate Director of Creative Services Karen Dyer Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives Dianne Frances D. Powell Associate Director of Marketing and Communications Dee Reed ’08 Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 Associate Vice President for Advancement Mikayla Metheny Thomas ’16 Assistant Director of Advancment and Alumni Relations and Interim Annual Giving Director Heather Tighe Assistant Director of Advancement Services

The SMWC Presidential Corps represents the president and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as polished, professional and articulate students with positive attitudes and diverse experiences. L to R (standing): Campus Minister Josh Winters, Taylor Weber, Olivia Wells, Presidential Corps Advisor Bridget Ireland ’08, 12G (sitting): Bridget Gutish, Kayla Moats, Jessica Moore and SMWC President Dottie L. King.

President’s Message

During the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the recessional hymn included the lyrics “…make us now your living sign. Recreate us for your purpose in this place and in this time” in the chorus. I was moved by the words and they have remained significant in my thoughts. God has blessed Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in many ways; the dedication of our faculty and staff, the love and generosity of our alumni and friends, the prayers of the Sisters of Providence and renewed interest among students are all tangible blessings. I am so grateful. As the spring has progressed, I am reminded of the great power of sacrifice and how God uses our sacrifices for the good of others. The new birth created in the first Easter contains the promise for this mystery to be played out in our own lives and compels us to respond with faithfulness. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is experiencing newness. We are daring to dream new dreams for future generations of students who will be empowered with a transformative education. We are growing. May God be praised and may we continue to move forward with purpose in this place and in this time.

Contributors: Lindsey Richardt ’07 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

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

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

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

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

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A Conversation about the Future

Interview by Dee Reed ’ 08

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s ongoing partnership with the Sisters of Providence is crystal clear in SMWC President Dottie King’s mind. “Together, we shape The Woods to advance positive change. And the culture of the College and the SPs is enriched each by the other,” said King. King and Sisters of Providence General Superior Sister Dawn Tomaszewski ’74 recently engaged in a spirited conversation regarding the future and momentum of the College. This conversation was an insightful look into embracing change and creating meaningful opportunities to work together to strengthen the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods community.

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Sister Dawn One of the greatest gift we Sisters of Providence offer the world is also one of the greatest strengths of Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College: community. SMWC is definitely a strong learning community, but it is also a strong loving community. The individual attention that is given here, the lifelong relationships that are born and nurtured here are among the hallmarks of this institution throughout its history. We Sisters of Providence call this place home but so do students and alums. The education on this campus reflects that. There is an intimacy here. And in a world that prizes individual achievement, community can be somewhat countercultural. So, we need to continue to nurture that here. We have many common bonds with the College not the least of which is this place and our common heritage. But we also have a common mission. We both seek to do what Saint Mother Theodore did in her time—respond to the needs of the time. What do you think are SMWC’s and SP’s strengths? Keeping in mind Saint Mother Theodore’s mission of education, how do you see the College living out her legacy? Sister Dawn Mother Theodore had a very definitive educational philosophy. ‘Love the children first, and then teach them’ is one of her often quoted expressions of that philosophy. This goes back to that idea of community as one of the College’s strengths. In remarks to the attendees of the President’s Christmas dinner, I referred to the renaissance that the College is experiencing. The building of the Knoerle Center, the establishment of the nursing

program as well as the decision to go co-ed have resulted in a renaissance—a rebirth, resurgence, revitalization of this institution. These have been among the ways the College has strived to ensure the future of the College, respond to the needs of the time and thus keep alive the legacy of Mother Theodore. I think both the SPs and SMWC have this personal conviction not to let her down. We need to continue to keep ourselves open to the spirit of God and the spirit of Mother Theodore for guidance.

institution and His plans for this place, which ties us directly to the Sisters of Providence. How does the recent land sale support SMWC? Sister Dawn How exciting that at this moment in its history, the College needs land! This need for land is a visible symbol of the growth and new life evident at the College right now. It represents years and years of dreaming, taking risks and trusting in Providence. It is as if everything is coming together for good and for the future of the College. There is new energy, new life and the campus is abuzz. I love it! And I believe the decision to sell SP land to the College is a sign that the Sisters of Providence love it as well! President King Indeed, this is an incredible opportunity that benefits us both. Additional revenue will strengthen Sisters’ efforts and help us to establish new growth strategies which could include an expansion of our equine offerings and athletic facilities, among other possibilities. How are you building on the commonalities of the Sisters of Providence and SMWC? The Sisters of Providence and SMWC partner together with intentionality in a variety of meaningful ways: • The new SMWC Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture provides farmers, agriculture educators and citizens with the skills to be responsible growers and the knowledge to make sustainable farming choices. The intensive three-week summer term, is delivered at the SP-sponsored White Violet Center for Eco Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence. • SMWC and the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods announced

President King I agree. She indeed responded to the needs of society in her day. And so, an academy for girls doesn’t make sense anymore. The Woods has been blessed to continually change and evolve in ways that meet society today. I believe we are still doing that. However, we must never think we can do it detached from God and from the way God has used this Above: Sisters of Providence General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski ’74, walks with President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., in Le Fer Hall as they share conversation.

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“The Woods can reach its potential through active engagement, giving back more than we have taken and taking actions today to ensure abundance tomorrow.” — Dottie L. King, Ph.D.

opportunities to share our story and the love of the Sisters of Providence for years and years to come. The Woods can reach its potential through active engagement, giving back more than we have taken and taking actions today to ensure abundance tomorrow. And in challenging times, you cling to your core beliefs. You cling to your faith and the Providence of God. It proves who you are because what you do next is everything. Dottie L. King, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar and an influential leader and serves as the 16th president of Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction/educational leadership from Indiana State University. King often speaks on the topics of leadership, strategic visioning and transformation, and empowering women through education. Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, has been serving as the General Superior of the Sisters of Providence since 2016. She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in communications, and also earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina. In addition, she has a master’s degree in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Sister Dawn dedicates her life to love, mercy and justice to create a more just and hope-filled world through prayer, education, service and advocacy.

the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district consists of buildings and structures owned by each individual entity. Together, SPs and SMWC are planning events to share the history of the district. • Woods Core 100, a required course, focuses on the concept of communities, and how they have influenced societies and education. It introduces the concept of the SMWC community and its mission and values. This course integrates SPs by sharing spirituality and wisdom. Sister Dawn Both entities are being intentional about inviting the other into each other’s space and lives. For example, I love that the SMWC drama and music productions are available to SPs as if we were faculty or students. And I love that the Sisters ask students to attend Taizé [a prayer service offered every second Tuesday of each month]. We just have to keep talking to one another. When we’re making decisions, we need to ask ourselves how will this impact the other. We cannot act in isolation; we must be attentive to all communities connected to this campus. For us that includes Sisters, Providence Associates, Providence Health Care and, of course, the College. Soon, we hope to add those who will join us at St. Mary’s Senior Housing.

President King We deliberately put ourselves in meetings with each other and to make sure opportunities to work together happens. It is indeed worth the effort. Many interactions happen with a lot of planning on our part and some occur naturally and we are excited by it. We have a healthy respect for the fact that we can’t do everything together. There are different needs in an educational facility than in a religious community. We communicate those needs and offer help in different ways. I know we are all operating out of a deep trust in Providence. One of the ways we trust in Providence is in our willingness to dream, innovate and take risks - that is trust in Providence. We are trusting what we heard in the dark can be seen in the light and will come to a good fruitful end. God isn’t sending us the plan. God is sending us the strength to be co-creators. And we need to use the gifts we have been given by this Provident God and get it done. We hold fast to our mission and values. Who we are also includes how we treat one another and the value of community. As the College continues to respond to the needs of the society around it, we are evolving and moving through challenges. I believe it is a difference maker in how we deliver education. Together, we continue to put The Woods on an upward trajectory. Making it a place of distinction and greater consequence is vital. We have such

Left: President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., and Sisters of Providence General Superior Dawn Tomaszewski ’74, at the press conference announcing SMWC's purchase of land from the Sisters of Providence.

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DREAMING A T T H E W O O D S

By Karen Dyer “For many years, the College did not dream. We need to dream again,” said Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, to the faculty, staff and students during focus sessions this spring to identify a vision for the future. “This is a time in our history when all things are possible. We need to put everything on the table and consider our best path, carrying a mission forward that Saint Mother Theodore began 180 years ago.” Dreaming is just what the SMWC community has been doing throughout most of the 2018 – 2019 year to generate ideas, create new pathways for success and capture a vision for the future of the College. A series of dream and focus sessions have been held with various constituents including those already mentioned as well as trustees and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Data from these sessions will be used to help create the next phase of the strategic plan, which is to be named Aspire Even Higher.

a new academic building, expansion of the health science and information technology majors, a second residence hall, increased diversity and 600 campus students by 2025 are all on the list for consideration. “Allowing students to participate in this process from the very beginning sets a clear message that the administration cares about the thoughts, concerns and ideas that students have about the future direction of our beloved College,” noted Nathan Stroup, senior humanities major from Howe, Indiana. “I am even more thrilled to see what future developments and improvements that will be coming to The Woods in the years to come. I believe that with continued conversations between alumni, students, faculty, staff and administrators of the College, we will be able to continue having a strong comprehensive strategic plan that continues our growth!” The goal of the first phase of the strategic plan was to strengthen the institution across all areas and build a

Sherry Schnake, Ph.D., professor of psychology and co-chair of the facilities and IT sub-committee of the strategic plan said of the planning process, “It was energizing to spend time with colleagues generating ideas and listening to one another's perspectives on how we should prioritize the objectives of the new plan in order to positively influence the direction the College takes in the future. “Including the SMWC faculty into the early stages of the strategic planning process allows The Woods to draw upon the expertise of the faculty in their respective fields as well as the lessons we have learned on how best to serve our students during both times of austerity and more recent times of relative abundance.” A list of 400+ dreams have been generated, and from this there are some ideas that might be a bit out there, however there is much that if brought to fruition could launch SMWC into a new era. An athletic fields complex expansion,

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allowed my voice to genuinely be heard by the College. It was neat to hear the positive comments made, gather a unique perspective and contribute ideas that are going to generate change,” said Emma Taylor, a sophomore elementary education major from Greencastle, Indiana. “Our College is growing and with that we must be proactive. Students are aware of our needs, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to have voice.” The Aspire Even Higher Plan will officially launch on Oct. 25 at the President’s Gala. Above: Julia Reich of Stone Soup Creative provided graphic recordings of the focus sessions. Once each session had been completed, the sheets were hung up in the hallway of Hulman Hall for all groups to review and compare ideas and dreams of each other. This recording is from the faculty session.

program is just one way the College is looking to attract more students. “As a new employee, it felt wonderful to be a part of the strategic planning brainstorming meeting,” said Jess Bicknell, SMWC's digital marketing manager. “Being included from day one made me feel valued and more connected to and invested in the institution. “As a current MLD student, being involved with the brainstorming process was eye-opening. As a distance learner, my cohort comes to campus once every eight weeks. It was refreshing to see that the institution cares about grad students, even when they don’t see us day-to-day like traditional campus students.” The Executive Leadership team, in tandem with the steering committee, are providing a framework for the dreams and focus session data which will be centered on pillars of academics, environment and outreach with threads of enrollment growth, spirituality and innovation. “This was a unique experience that

foundation for future growth. “What is clear is that everyone is excited about the possibilities of growth,” said King. “The students are already talking about the ‘next Le Fer Hall’ as we near capacity in the current residence building. Our dialogues are less about fixing deteriorating buildings and more about positioning the College for innovation, vision and excellence in education.” The Aspire Higher Strategic Plan, through the leadership of a 35-member steering committee, has brought significant and sustained growth to the institution since its inception in 2015. With the addition of a nursing program and a mission shift to enroll women and men in all programs in 2015, the College saw an immediate lift in its enrollment. The College leadership, with input from faculty, staff, students and alumni, have continued to push for growth in academics, athletics, fundraising and enrollment. Such moves as adding an all-online modality for the Master’s of Leadership Development (MLD)

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"IF THIS FLOOR

COULD TALK"

A time capsule found beneath the surface of the McMahon Ballroom paints a picture of life in 1923. By Lindsey Richardt ’07

installation crew were discovered below the floor boards. The most unique discovery was a hand written letter signed by two of the members of the original crew and dated September 1923. Due to age and wear, the only recognizable name is that of Jacob Junker, who the College discovered to be a known carpenter at the time. Next to the letter was a wax paper sandwich wrapper from Ideal Baking Company, a workman’s compensation form from Freitag-Weinhardt, an organization based in Terre Haute, Indiana that still exists today, and a clipping from the Terre Haute Star dated July 12, 1923. Wood encased the letter with a frame he created from pieces of the original flooring. “The items paint a picture of a day in the life of a member of the original installation crew,” said Wood. “Ideal Baking Company was a Terre Haute

would eventually need to be replaced. “The flooring was more than 95 years old and no longer structurally sound. A tongue and groove board can only be sanded so many times before you damage the actual groove or tongue,” said Joshua Wood, director of facilities at SMWC. “John Crispin is the best I’ve ever worked with. He showed me areas of the floor that you could almost step through because it was sanded so thin.” Replacing the floor finally became a priority when a pipe burst on the second floor of Le Fer Hall last winter, causing water to flood the ballroom. “Unfortunately, the area directly under the leak suffered significant damage,” said Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 , associate vice president for advancement at SMWC. “The wooden planks were obviously warped. We could not put off replacing the flooring any longer.” In the midst of removing the old floor, a number of items left by the original

If floors could talk, the 95-year-old McMahon Ballroom floor would have some intriguing stories. Located in Le Fer Hall, the grand Italian ornate style ballroom would tell tales of the finest events held at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), from prominent visitors and elegant balls to student activities and decades-old traditions. What was uncovered during a renovation of the ballroom floor was a different kind of story, a piece of history dating back to 1923. The original maple floor had been maintained with care over the years, but after 95 years of dancing and dining, the ballroom floor had reached the end of its useful life. Ten years ago, when the floor was last sanded and sealed, John Crispin, father of Frieda Crispin ’04 and owner of Hardwood Renovations, informed the College that the wooden planks had become too thin to ever sand again. It was then that the College knew the floor

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Aspire Higher Campaign. The Campaign kicked off in February 2018. The I Love Le Fer initiative is one of the Aspire Higher Campaign priorities focused on campus infrastructure improvements and enrollment. On February 23, 2018, the Le Fer Ballroom was named and dedicated in honor of Anita Tiberi McMahon ’61 and her late husband, William, the first to give $1 million to the Aspire Higher Campaign. In addition to the ballroom floor, the I Love Le Fer initiative has already supported the creation of a prep kitchen and new set of bathrooms near the ballroom. The campaign has also supported the renovation of Sullivan Parlor and Sacred Heart Chapel, the creation of Studio ’64, a student studio for dance, yoga and meetings located on the ground floor, Le Fer tower window

based company that no longer exists. I can imagine that in 1923 it was common for one of the workers to stop by their deli on their way to work to pick up a sandwich for the day.” The installation of the new ballroom floor was completed in January. The floor consists of a mixture of red and white oak, and while darker than the original, those using the ballroom have commented on how the darker hue enhances the ambiance and beauty of the elegant space. The oak has also proven to buffer footsteps and noise better than the maple, improving the sound quality of the room. “The new oak floor is just as durable as the original, if not more durable. We’re confident we’ll get another hundred years out of the new floor. It was a good investment as well as a needed investment,” Wood adds. The new floor was made possible by the I Love Le Fer initiative, which is part of the $22 million comprehensive

replacements, and refurbished the crosses at the top of Le Fer, Guerin Hall and the Conservatory of Music. The next set of gifts to the campaign will be used to enhance the quality of student life on campus through renovation of bathrooms, community spaces and dorm rooms. “Le Fer Hall is more than a building. It has been, and continues to be, a center of living and learning at SMWC. Support of the I Love Le Fer initiative enables us to provide students with the necessary modern amenities they find at other institutions, while they enjoy the beauty of our unique, historic Le Fer Hall,” said Saunders.

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SMWC Junior Receives First Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck 1968 Endowed Scholarship

By Dianne Frances D. Powell

matter the circumstance or the person,” Pam’s husband, Paul, said. “She completed me; she gave me the confidence to find my voice and be true to the highest of values,” Paul said. “She enriched my soul which enhanced my capacity for empathy and she loved me unconditionally.” Sarah said her mother was an avid storyteller who taught her the power that lies not only in stories but also in how they are told. The mother-daughter shared the mantra: “words matter.” And the words being used to describe Pam Hollenbeck illustrate a life lived with great love for Paul, her daughters Corey, Emily, Annie, and Sarah and others who crossed her path. It would appear that those whose lives she touched had a story about her. “I called her Mamabear because that title captured her spirit—she was my nurturer, my comforter, and my most ferocious advocate. And this was true not only for my sisters and me, but for the circle upon circle of friends who make up our ‘family,’” Sarah said. Two years after graduating from The Woods, Pam earned a graduate degree

application essay. “As a student, I am committed to facts. As a friend, I am committed to empathy. I see a world where we open our doors instead of closing them …” she wrote. Throughout her life, Hollenbeck opened doors — and hearts. Her activism began in the 1970s when she joined protests of the Vietnam War. Through the years, she joined countless efforts for causes she believed in often with her husband and daughters. She called out injustice where it stood. “As we go through her papers now after her death, I’ve stumbled upon so many journal entries along with letters to the editors, letters to teachers, companies, etc. that express outrage over injustices large and small—from some infraction on the playground to larger issues of world peace and global politics,” said daughter Sarah Hollenbeck. This activism, however, appears to have come from Pam Hollenbeck’s caring and empathetic nature. She is described by her family members as a great listener who never met a stranger. She made connections everywhere she went. “She was always fully present no

Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck ’68 and Catherine Elizabeth Larson share a connection. They are joined together by student experiences at Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College, a love for the arts strong enough to pick a major in the field and their burning desires to make the world a better place by working toward peace and social justice. Larson, a current music student at SMWC, and Hollenbeck, a proud 1968 theatre graduate, may have never met in this life; they are nonetheless connected. Larson, a junior, is the first recipient of SMWC’s Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck 1968 Endowed Scholarship which was established by the Hollenbeck family last year in honor of the alum who is remembered for her eloquence, compassion and beauty — inside and out. The scholarship is presented annually to a junior or a senior with a demonstrated financial need and who exemplifies the values of peace and social justice. “Peace and justice are not just words, they are emotions I feel everyday,” Larson wrote in her scholarship

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Top left: Composite photo of Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck , Class of 1968 Center: Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck '68 with her granddaughter. Right: Catherine Larson, an SMWC junior from Highland, Indiana, with Paul Hollenbeck after receiving the first Pamela Hodapp Hollenbeck 1968 Endowed Scholarship.

set her free to make a difference in the lives of so many,” Paul said. Pam arrived as a freshman with qualities that included intellectual curiosity, a love of life, and an unmatched kindness of soul. SMWC enriched her gifts of eloquence and spirit as she evolved into an impactful model and passionate voice for women’s rights, environmental protection, peace, and social justice. Her obituary describes how she expressed her love for The Woods at the end. “In her last days on earth, Pam slipped her SMWC class ring on her finger, affirming how much she cherished the memories and friendships made during those years.” Through this scholarship, Pam’s spark continues to burn bright. In Larson’s words, “The benefit of the Hollenbeck Scholarship for me was motivation and inspiration. I was inspired to do more activities with the Peace and Justice Committee and share more love and peace around my community.”

from Miami University. Her professional life took her inside schools, organizations and hospitals yet she remained rooted in art and education. Inside her high school classroom, students were taught to see the big picture and consider connections. “As I move through the world without her, I am so aware of how Mom listened to children,” Sarah said. “Whether it was her own grandchildren or students in one of the many classrooms she visited as a teaching artist or storyteller, I never saw her get frustrated or give up on a kid. She understood that how we treat our children is how we build the future we want to see in the world. I think she knew this her whole life, as an older sister caring for her siblings, as a student at SMWC, and onward.” Pam was born in Syracuse, New York in 1946. She passed away on March 23, 2018 and shortly after, the scholarship was established as a tribute to her distinct qualities and a lasting connection to her beloved alma mater. “She so loved her SMWC years, the aura of the place, her lasting friendships made, but maybe most importantly she found a sense of independence and confidence of self that

Interested in establishing a scholarship for SMWC students? Contact the Office of Advancement at 812-535-5270 or email advancement@smwc.edu.

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ON THE AVENUE

Duke Energy invests in science education Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s restoration efforts around Le Fer Lake received support from statewide partners. Duke Energy Foundation has awarded the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) a $15,000 grant to assist in the creation of an outdoor laboratory on Le Fer Lake, a welcoming natural habitat for a diverse set of wildlife on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College campus. The IWF will provide materials and expertise to the College through this project for landscaping using conducive methods and plants native to the area. In the end, it will serve as a venue for research and learning for SMWC’s students and scholars in life-science education, environmental education and other science and sustainability programs.

Above L to R: SMWC Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives Karen Dyer; District Manager for Duke Energy Rick Burger; SMWC President Dottie L. King, Ph.D.; Indiana Wildlife Federation Executive Director, Emily Wood; SMWC Director of Facilities Josh Wood; Duke Energy Director of Environmental Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Dan Weiss; and Indiana Wildlife Federation Habitat Programs Coordinator Aaron Stump.

Whitkanack named Coach of the Year

The Men’s Cross Country Head Coach Zach Whitkanack was selected as the 2018 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year. The announcement came at the USCAA National Awards Banquet. SMWC's men’s cross country team placed third in the USCAA National Championship in 2018. Whitkanack also serves as an admission counselor, the women’s head cross country coach, as well as the women’s and men’s track and field head coach.

USCAA Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Zack Whitkanack

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Sustainable seating Benches, picnic tables and trash receptacles made of plastic caps collected by members of SMWC’s community and the Wabash Valley can now be found throughout campus with the delivery of 40 of these items in January. The furnishings were placed in the athletic fields, the equine facilities, tennis courts and along The Avenue. SMWC has formed a partnership with the Vigo County Solid Waste Management District and its ABC Promise Program in the Caps to Benches project, an SMWC initiative recycling plastic bottle caps and lids into outdoor furnishing. The initiative started a couple of years ago with the intent of producing several benches for Le Fer Lake, and has evolved from the overwhelming plastic cap donations to a program to increase the College’s sustainability footprint.

Above: New plastic benches, picnic tables and trash receptacles were donated. The items can be found near Le Fer Lake, the athletic fields and the equine facility.

Woods Online alumna honored

Dee Reed , a 2008 graduate of SMWC’s online program, was named one of the 2018 Women in Business by Terre Haute Living Magazine. During the Women in Business breakfast and award presentation, Reed said she was honored to be counted among accomplished and outstanding women in the area. She emphasized the value of community. “We mentor each other, we inspire each other and we empower each other. Most importantly, we do those things so that others can follow in our footsteps,” she said during her acceptance speech. Dee Reed ’ 08 is the current executive director of marketing and communications at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

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ON THE AVENUE CONTINUED...

New Hall of Fame inductees On Saturday, February 2, 2019, The Woods inducted three extraordinary student-athletes to the Athletic Hall of Fame. Sara Goelz ’12 (Softball), Ginger Griffin ’00 (Women's Basketball), and Stephanie Runyon-Thomas ’13 (Women’s Cross Country) were honored during the Hall of Fame game at half- time and at the 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. L to R: Ginger Griffin ’00 , Stephanie Runyon-Thomas ’13 and Sara Goelz ’12

Mari Hulman George legacy lives on Mari Hulman George showed her support of the College in many ways. Last fall, she passed away at age 83. At Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College, her name will always be remembered for the transformational gift she made in 1989 establishing one of SMWC’s signature programs, the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies. In addition, the Mari Hulman George Thoroughbred Adoption, which matched retired thoroughbred track horses with new homes and second careers, was also conducted by the equine studies program. Her legacy lives on through alums and students. “Mari Hulman George made herself a significant part of the Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College family,” said President Dottie L. King in a statement. “Our shared love of horses and commitment to education provided a natural fit that added to our connection through family."

Above: President Dottie L. King and Mari Hulman George. Right: Mari loved horses and shared a moment with this one at the stables.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 1965!

This year, the Class of 1965 reached the highest participation for a class ever to donate to the Woods Fund and #WoodsGivingDay. An anonymous donor challenged them to attain 65 percent participation on #WoodsGivingDay for a challenge match of nearly $11,000. Thank you to the committee members Mary "Bobbie" Barrett, Jo Marie Wolf Charlson, Mary Helen Walker Clayton, Barbara Martin Fossum, Karen Skinner Lafkas, Barbara Roguski Mandal, Katherine "Kate" Krider Satchwill, Elizabeth "Liz" Benstent Tuttle

and Patricia "Pat" Pratka Womack. Their combined efforts resulted in 85 of their 130 classmates investing in The Woods.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students, faculty and staff thank the Class of 1965 for their dedication and support of The Woods!

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The new floor of McMahon Ballroom in Le Fer Hall. 18

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Parting Shot

These Master of Arts in Art Therapy graduates share their smiles after the 2018 Commencement in December. L to R Top: Andrea Sutrick, Deborah Mach, Kourtney St. Clair, Ami Fair, Elisabeth Drewry, Kathyrn Downey, Jessica Halferty, Johanna Mongell, Ann Zakaras, Kaitlyn Puskarich, Kimberly McGhee and Tori Charles. L to R Bottom: Jan Saathoff, Jordan Conner, Catherine Rich, Joan McGarry and Mercedes McBrown.

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Happy 80th Birthday to Mary Alice Cullen Wimmer ’59 ! Her family surprised her and gathered together to celebrate the special occasion. PHOTO ALBUM

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Nancy Kuzmich Hillenbrand ’66 and husband Gus enjoyed the blessing of being together with their large family at Christmas.

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Mary “Bobbie” Barrett ’65 and her siblings wait outside a favorite stop in Ireland. Inside, they “sat by a warm peat and coal fire to enjoy a pint” and shared an Irish story of Biddy O’Barnes’ daughter Rose Callaghan and her dedication to praying the rosary. These members of the Class of 1993 enjoyed the 2018 Reunion banquet together. Standing: Tara Shepard-Long, Valerie Harbert Haggerty, Wendy Fries Brown, Diane "Dede" Vicory Rehmel, Molly Elsworth (’92), Chandra Dorsey, Pam Pankiewicz Dechert, Constance Wilhere Vinson, and Susan Yochum Sitting: Dana Smith-Warner, Amy Whitaker Kissell, Lori Stalker Brown and Jennifer Hudock Payne.

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Susan Yochum ’93 and partner Finn Burdette at their house closing on April 30, 2018.

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PHOTO ALBUM CONTINUED

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The family of Jane Frayser Edmonds ’61 gathered together to pose for a photo at Christmas.

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Handsome Ian Engle, grandson of Regina Dailey Engle ’74 , visited Santa Claus.

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This beautiful family belongs to Lili Li Lim ’61

Ruthanne Schoettlin Otto ’65 and Tom “didn’t have much time for a honeymoon in 1966 and promised ourselves we’d go to mark our 5 year anniversary, but we had 2 kids and no money!” Finally, after 52 years, they honeymooned in Hawaii.

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Sheila McBride Beaupre ’66 with her husband, Glenn.

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Mary Holtz Hathorn ’66 and husband Larry pose with their family.

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The family of Mary "Maggie" Burns Gage ’59

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Mary Kay Campbell Watson ’69 and Al Watson at son Lee Lazzara’s wedding to Corry Nye at Moon Mountain Lodge in September 2018 in Alger, WA.

Gathering together in Cincinnati were Woods friends from the Class of ’55. L to R: Evelyn Di Trapano; Joan Kirkpatrick, SP; Jane Michael Mueller; Dorothy "Dot" Hein Schultheis and Jean Learn Conway. Mary K. Teal Sher ’62 and husband, Marty, had this photo taken with their two sons, daughter-in-law and two grandsons. The family was on a Caribbean cruise celebrating Marty’s 80th birthday!

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To submit a photo to your class secretary or to alumni@smwc.edu, it must be a 300 dpi digital photo or an original photo to be scanned. Photos must be a high resolution to be considered for inclusion. Thank you.

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HOMECOMING

OCTOBER 5, 2019 Homecoming is a great opportunity to reunite with friends and make new connections; remember the past and create new memories.

SAVE THE DATE

It will be a day filled with activities, food, laughter and more! #SMWCHomecoming