Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College celebrated another successful fundraising year with $1,147,264 million in gifts to the Annual Woods Fund during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2008 – a 13.8 percent increase over last year's record of $1,008,115 million. SMWC President David G. Behrs, Ph.D., said broad participation by the College's alumnae/i, parents and friends accounted for the results.

“I continue to be impressed by the ongoing commitment and generosity of the Sisters, Trustees, alumnae and alumni, faculty, staff, family and friends of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College,” Behrs said. “Their exceptional support and investments in our strategic goals and priorities means that the College can increase the accessibility and affordability of all of our educational programs while also providing our students and faculty members with the best resources for learning and teaching.”

During the year, 2,316 donors made gifts to the Annual Woods Fund. The Woods Fund touches every corner of campus – providing funding for student scholarships, facilities, faculty and staff development, technology, student support services and athletics. It advances the mission of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, enhances the teaching and learning environment for the members of the College community and preserves the spiritual beauty of the campus.

“I am tremendously grateful to every donor who added his or her gift to this record-breaking total; we extend our heartfelt thanks to all,” Behrs said. “The College truly cherishes each individual who believes in our mission and adds an investment to furthering the quality education that we provide here. This level of support is a compelling expression of the commitment that the SMWC community has to the College, the mission and our vision for the future.”

For more information about giving opportunities at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, contact the Office of Development at 812-535-5270. More information is also available online at giving.smwc.edu.