Student Veterans Organization (SVO)

The student chapter of the SVO was established in 2012. The goal of the SVO is to continue to plan activities that emphasize the importance of supporting students with past careers in the military, current students in the military, and students seeking military fields as careers. Ultimately, the SVO wishes to support projects that honor our military (e.g. the Veterans Day celebration). 

Veterans Day Celebration

• Sign the Veterans Day Celebration guest book!

In 2012, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College celebrated its second Veterans Day celebration with the following activites:

 

Roll Call to honor the fallen

On Monday, November 12, 2012, the names of more than 6,600 fallen soldiers were read aloud by students, faculty, staff and volunteers on the front lawn of SMWC's Rooney Library from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Create a Rosary

Several SVO officers helped students craft rosaries that used military camouflage colors.

 

 

Fallen Soldier's Table

A fallen soldier's table was be set up in LeFer as well as Sodexo's dining hall. The following items were displayed:

• One place setting:  A wish that the fallen men and women could be present for the occasion.

• A candle in a simple candle holder: Represents the light of hope.

• Long-stemmed rose: Represents the families who love and keep faith with the men and women who serve.

• Ribbon around vase: A yellow ribbon represents loyally waiting for those who are serving; a red ribbon symbolizes the memory of and search for those missing in action.

• Updside-down glass: Represents the fact that the servicemember will not be able to participate in a happy toast at this dinner.

• Lemon wedge:  Represents the bittler loss of life.

• Salt sprinkle: Represents fallen tears.

• Empty chair at table: Represents missing comrade.

SVO Officers

• Sarha Jones, President
  Questions?  Please email me.
   
  I am a sophomore at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and will be receiving my bachelor's degree in equine business management. I joined the SVO in 2012 as president. I also chair the Military Friendly Advisory Board (MFAB). The MFAB consists of faculty and staff that support our mission.  I am also an active member of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) and the American Sign Language Club.
  

• Jenette Seal, Vice President
  View Jenette's Service Photos

  I am originally from Michigan. At 17 years of age I enlisted in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. I was assigned to the 4^th Brigade, 10^th Mountain Division at Ft. Polk, LA. While there I met and married my husband Anthony. While in the service I earned a degree as a Veterinary Assistant, and after being injured and discharged from the Army, I worked at a veterinary clinic for a few years before moving up to Paris, Illinois. My husband and I purchased a small farm for all of our animals and we welcomed our beautiful daughter Harpe to the family. Not long after I enrolled at SMWC to major in pre-professional/pre-veterinary and minor in equine science. I will graduate in 2014 and plan on going on to earn my doctorate of veterinary medicine.

• Whitney Allen, Treasurer

  I am a senior at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and will be receiving my bachelor’s degree in science and a minor in chemistry. This is my first year serving on the board of the Student Veterans Organization, but I am also a member of the Student Activities Committee, the American Sign Language Club, Discovery Club, and Math Club. I have worked at the Learning Resource Center for four years and have been a member of the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods basketball team for four years as well. After I graduate I plan to go to graduate school and pursue a career in the medical field. 

• Derryn Axtell, Secretary
  
  I am a senior at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I will be receiving my bachelor's degree this coming May for pre-medicine studies with a minor in mathematics. Along with the SVO, I am the vice president of the Student Activities Committee, treasurer of the Discovery Club, and member of the Math and Tennis Clubs. When I graduate I plan on attending graduate school for physician assistant studies. 

  
  

The faculty sponsor is Assistant Professor Frank Whittle.  Questions?  Contact Frank at X5161 or email fwhittle@smwc.edu.