Approximately 140 students participated in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s 168th Commencement Ceremony on May 2, 2009.

During the ceremony, Marlene EchoHawk, Ph.D., a graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and an advocate for Indian behavioral health and adolescents, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College, and she delivered the 2009 Commencement address. During the ceremony, SMWC also recognized Mary Pat Kelly, Ph.D., an author and filmmaker, as the College’s 2009 Distinguished Alumna award recipient.

The Rockwell Medals for Academic Excellence were awarded to Carolyn Louise Ouellet (Campus program) and Robin Louise Grossman Reichard (WED program). The Kappa Gamma Pi St Catherine Medals were given to Carolyn Louise Ouellet (Campus program) and Elaine Mary Engle Bielefeld (WED program). The Alumnae Leadership and Service Medals were given to Carolyn Louise Ouellet (Campus program), Courtney Elizabeth Spear (WED program) and Becky Lu Douglas (Graduate programs).