Onyx Spring-Summer 2019

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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