10 traditions you’ll want to experience at SMWC

Unique traditions at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College make up a well-rounded college education. Here’s a countdown to the top 10 traditions you must experience at The Woods as a student:

10. Acorn Ceremony

Freshmen are officially welcomed by the seniors to SMWC when they receive their acorns. Freshmen begin as acorns and grow into a mighty oak tree after four years here.

9. Orientation Leader

Affectionately referred to as an OL, students who participate as leaders in freshmen orientation have a blast preparing to welcome the new class.

The 2018 OLs stand on the main stairs in Le Fer hall for a group photo

8. Sister Companion

The Sisters of Providence love spending time with students, and one great tradition is having a Sister companion during your time at The Woods.

SMWC student Emma Taylor stands with Sister Ellen Cunningham in the Big Church

7. Writing your name in the tower

If you are one of the lucky few to get to visit the Le Fer Hall tower, you can write your name for future generations to see.

View of the front of Le Fer Hall, looking up at the towers.

6. Mama Teddy statue high five

Students give the bronze statue of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin a “high five” for good luck.

Students touch the hand of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin as they walk past the statue.

5. Porch Dance

Every fall semester, students enjoy a fun night in front of Le Fer Hall with students from other colleges. It always wraps up with everyone singing Jimmy Buffett’s famous song, “Margaritaville.”

4. Midnight Breakfast

In preparation for finals, faculty and staff make breakfast for all the students! At midnight!

Excited faculty members smile from behind the buffet line during Midnight Breakfast

3. Oakleaf Ceremony

It’s the official rite of passage where faculty crown graduating seniors with oak leaves. The seniors are inducted into the alumni association. This ceremony symbolizes their transformation from acorns to oak trees. (This ceremony and the Acorn Ceremony are both inspired by SMWC’s beautiful campus setting — with acorns and oak trees all around).

Group of students wearing their oakleaf crowns pose for a picture in the ballroom

2. Big Little

A fun week where “Bigs” adopt “Littles” and leave special gifts as the beginning of the friendship and support students development for one another. The “Bigs” and “Littles” share a special bond that lasts a lifetime.

Students wearing matching Monsters Inc. costumes hug after a Big/Little reveal

1. Ring Day

The most treasured day of a Woods’ student’s time is Ring Day, where they receive their black onyx ring in a ceremony at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.