Board of Director Profiles
President
Marcia Reder Schmidt ’72
Cincinnati, Ohio
Marcia grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. “My sister went to SMWC in 1960 and then became a Sister of Providence in 1964,” said Marcia. “When I came to campus, I knew I wanted to go here. I realized that I could do whatever I put my mind to. I learned to lead and I also realized that learning was a lifelong process. As Board president, I hope to reconnect alums and help them realize how important their support is to the future of the College. I am so thankful for the many great friends I have made during my time on the Board!”
Vice President
Molly Ellsworth ’92
Muncie, Indiana
Growing up in Columbus, Indiana, Molly was first introduced to SMWC through her eighth grade Spanish teacher, Mary Echsner Moore ’73. “I had the opportunity to visit the campus as a high school freshmen; afterwards, I was ready to apply,” said Molly. “The Woods fostered within me life-long critical thinking and communication skills. I want to share these gifts and ensure that the same opportunity is available in the future. My greatest desire as a Board member is to help ensure that the institution continues to grow and develop with the support from her alums.”
Secretary
Nancy Hurrle Emmett ’65
Atlanta, Georgia
Nancy grew up in Rochester, Minnesota. Her mother's best friend was a 1942 graduate of SMWC. "It is because of her that I attended The Woods," said Nancy. "It was the lifelong friendships made at The Woods that always kept me in touch. It's a thrill to be back on campus to see the influence our College continues to have on today's young women.”
Janet Rupp Bates ’87
Indianapolis, Indiana
Jan grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind., and attended Ball State out of high school. After two years she quit, married and started a family. In her early 40s, she decided to go back to school and discovered SMWC’s WED program. “My WED experience was perfect and I was able to coordinate it with working full-time and being a mother,” said Jan. “I joined the Alum Board to give back to my Woods. I have a goal to involve more WED alums in the activities so they feel more a part of this special place.”
Ruth Stockdale Best ’93
White Lake, Michigan
Ruth grew up in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, and wanted to attend an all-girls college. “My parents found SMWC in a college book; we came for a prospective weekend and applied the next week,” said Ruth. “As a student at SMWC, I was always encouraged to strive a little harder. Being successful in college set the foundation for achieving success in my adult life. I wanted to join the Board to again be connected to SMWC and be a part of this evolving school. As a Board member, I am a liaison between the community, alums, and future and current students.”
Rosie Blankenship ’92
Avon, Indiana
Rosie grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. She first visited SMWC while visiting a friend and completely fell in love with the journalism program and the College’s family atmosphere. “My education and experience of the SMWC community have given me tremendous professional and personal strength. I want to give back what I’ve received over the years,” said Rosie. “I would like to help strengthen the ties between the Sisters of Providence, their ministry and SMWC. I think all of the daughters of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin can be helped by greater interactions among these groups.”
Karen Steffen Blesch ’99
Huntingburg, Indiana
Karen grew up in Jasper, Ind., and after high school worked in retail and accounting. Upon discovering the WED program she enrolled and majored in accounting and business administration. "My degree and the CPA and CFP exams advanced my career; and the spiritual quality of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods has strengthened my faith." said Karen. "I am passionate about giving back because my life has changed for the better, and I will do whatever I can to promote The Woods' mission.
Jessica McGuire Blessinger ’00
Knoxville, Tennessee
Jessi grew up in Fairfield, Ohio. As a transfer student to SMWC, she felt welcomed and encouraged after her first visit as a potential student and she knew it could be her place. “I truly believe that my experience at SMWC made me the woman I am today. Woods women are encouraged to question, to think independently and to use their curiosity to shape their own education,” said Jessi. “My goal as an Alumnae Board member is to provide a voice for the younger alumnae, whose new responsibilities may keep them from reconnecting to SMWC. It’s important that all alumnae know that Woods women and men are available to support them.”
Sally Dickson '87
Indianapolis, Indiana
Sally grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where she attended an all-girl academic program prior to attending SMWC. Her mother first introduced her to the College, where she was initially attracted by its beautiful Campus – an attraction later secured by the people. "I joined the Board to effect the positive growth of the College and to help keep alums connected so as to ensure that the College will be here for future generations," said Sally. "My goal is to increase alum participation and support for the College and to promote SMWC in the minds and hearts of all alums."
Marilyn Nichols Doll ’92
Noblesville, Indiana
Marilyn came to Indiana as a new bride. She decided to attend SMWC’s WED program while raising teenage sons and working full time. “I found a deep respect and love for both the WED program and SMWC through my experiences as a student,” said Marilyn. “I accepted the opportunity to be on the Alum Board because I could make the kind of connections I always wanted with other alums – on a level more like the on-campus students had experienced while going to school. I want to help other WED alums make a more meaningful connection with The Woods, other alums, each other, and the amazing on-campus students.”
Amy Frakes ’94
Peoria, Illinois
Amy grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, and was encourage by her aunts, who were SMWC alums, to look at The Woods after she graduated from high school. “That was the best advice I have received. My Woods education has made me the person that I am today,” said Amy. “I knew that just writing a check was not enough to give back to this wondrous place. As a Board member, I desire to help move the College into the future. If I can help keep The Woods alive and thriving for the next generation of women, then I have succeeded.”
Judith Coulup Hund ’87
Fishers, Indiana
Judy grew up in Vincennes, Ind., and attended Catholic schools all her life. Her aunt, Sr. Mary Imelda Coulup, is a Sister of Providence. “SMWC taught me to be my own person, to speak and to write well, and to be open-minded and confident in myself both personally and professionally,” said Judy. “My innate desire to be on the Alum Board is to do something active and outward to help provide for and allow the same opportunities for today's young women. It’s also in an effort to continue my personal commitment to Saint Mother Theodore, the Sisters of Providence, The Woods and all her constituents, and to help forward an equal and just education for women.”
Suzanne Mohr Jones ’72
West Terre Haute, Indiana
Throughout her entire elementary and high school education, Suzy was instructed and encouraged by the Sisters of Providence in Terre Haute, Ind. “My family has been blessed with SMWC experiences,” said Suzy. “My aunt attended the College in the 1930s, I graduated in the 1970s, my sister earned her second degree from the WED program in the 1990s, and my daughter is currently enrolled as a senior student. Our educational journeys were all enhanced by committed faculty members whose dedicated spirit and generous effort have had a profound impact on our lives. As The Woods continues to develop, it too must grow in its number of supporters. I am most grateful for the past and desire to be involved in the advancement of this high caliber institution.”
Karen Skinner Lafkas ’65
Cincinnati, Ohio
Karen grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and each summer attended Fort Scott Camp, a Catholic camp. Her counselor one summer was Mary C. Morley, SP, '60 and a fellow camper was Martha Dilger '63. “Because of these women, I visited The Woods and made my instant decision to attend,” said Karen. “At SMWC we were blessed with exceptional, dedicated professors who instilled within us the knowledge that we could accomplish whatever we set out to do. The added bonuses to our academics were the lifelong friendships created and the mantle of Providence that would guide our lives. The Alumnae Board is a strong connection between alums and the College in order that we may involve more alums in its future strength.”
Ellen Morley Matthews ’68
Indianapolis, Indiana
A native resident of Indianapolis, Ellen was taught by the Sisters of Providence from elementary through high school. “I believe that my decision to attend SMWC was Providential,” said Ellen. “The years that I spent at SMWC were four of the most important years of my life in all ways – educationally, spiritually and emotionally. My SMWC experience has influenced my decisions regarding work, interpersonal relationships, my world view and my place in the world community. My decision to serve on the Alum Board is based on my desire to give back to the College in all the ways that I am able. It is my goal to contribute as much of my time and energy as possible, while also supporting the College financially.”
Beth Herzog Michel ’94, ’09G
Huntington, Indiana
“From the moment I first stepped onto the campus during a visit with my dad, I knew this was where I was meant to be,” said Beth.“The education I received at The Woods taught me to how to be an independent woman, strong in my beliefs and committed to a lifetime of learning.The opportunity to serve on the Alumnae Board is an opportunity to give back to this special place and to serve as an advocate for SMWC in my community.”
Judith Higgins Price ’79
Terre Haute, Indiana
Judy grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended a small all-women's high school. "My mother loved it here for the two years that she attended The Woods. I used to look at her yearbooks often. I made a campus visit and fell in love with the atmosphere," said Judy. "My Woods education has created within me an appreciation for seeing issues from many vantage points. It has taught me to look for opportunities and not to wait for them to come my way. As an alum board member I want to help people understand that they can make a difference no matter what their circumstances are. Every alum has wonderful skills and talents to share in some way with the College. Alums are a very important part of potential student recruitment."
Barbara Reder, SP, '64
Brownsburg, Indiana
Sister Barbara grew up in Cincinnati and learned about The Woods at a college fair at her high school. “I loved the atmosphere from the moment I visited,” said Sister Barbara. “The Woods did change my life as I decided to become a Sister of Providence after my graduation. I have had many opportunities to share God’s Providence, especially in California where I ministered for 32 years. I hope to represent the Sisters and encourage alums to become involved in recruiting others so they could benefit, as we have, from all that it means to be a Woods graduate.”
Robert Straub ’05G
Fort Lee , Virginia
Bob grew up in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, and attended Catholic schools from grades first through twelfth, and college. He spent twenty years in the US Army, retiring in 1995, and is now back working for the Army as a Government Civilian. In 1999 Bob began a diaconate program in the Richmond, Virginia, diocese; and he completed his MA through the MAPT program at The Woods. "SMWC opened my eyes to new educational opportunities," said Bob. "Through the College, I've met many new and diversified people and I desire to participate more in-depth with them. I want to help SMWC grow!"
Mary Hogan Weber ’75
Mattoon, Illinois
Growing up in Mattoon, Mary and her family attended many functions at SMWC. It was then that she fell in love with the College. Both her older and younger sister attended SMWC. “I’ve learned that it is not only my responsibility to serve others, but a privilege as well,” said Mary. “I can't think of a more rewarding way to give back to The Woods than to serve on the Board. My goal is to collaborate with fellow Board members to carry on meaningful work, to listen and to bring forward ideas from alums, and to develop new and creative ways to serve SMWC.”
