Lillie Gendel ’25 shared these remarks during the Board of Trustees General Session in May 2025
Good afternoon,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Lillie Gendel, and I have had the honor of serving as President of Presidential Corps during this academic year. I’m incredibly proud to share not only what we’ve accomplished this year, but how this program continues to evolve and impact both the college and its students in meaningful ways. I’ve had the privilege of being part of the organization for all four of my years at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
When I first joined Presidential Corps as a freshman, it was just beginning to grow into what it is today. From what I understand, it had recently been revived after many years of not existing. It had formerly been more of a tour group of tour guides that would now be considered student admissions. My freshman year, we focused on a handful of events—Ring Day, Commencement and the Light Your Way Christmas Parade. Fast forward three years, and the transformation is remarkable.
Presidential Corps has always been a group of strong, service-minded student leaders. But over the past few years, it has grown into something even more purposeful. Today, it is not only a team that represents the College and President Randolph with professionalism, but also a development ground for the next generation of values-driven leaders.
Our application process is intentionally rigorous. We want our members to walk away having experienced something that feels like a real-world interview – complete with resume reviews, interviews and critical reflection on leadership and service. We don’t look for perfect candidates, we look for students with potential, a passion for others and a willingness to grow. Those who are accepted are formally welcomed through our pinning ceremony, which symbolizes not only entrance into the group, but the beginning of a journey marked by service, professionalism and personal transformation.
This year, Presidential Corps has remained deeply involved in the life of the College. Our members played key roles in Ring Day, Commencement, Board of Trustees events and major College traditions. We greeted guests, hosted visitors and served as student representatives of the mission and spirit of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Behind the scenes, we worked hard to ensure that every event reflected the warmth, professionalism and excellence of this institution.
But Presidential Corps isn’t only about showing up at events. It’s about building student leaders who will go on to serve their communities and professions with clarity, confidence and compassion. This year, we’ve been intentional about building leadership through experience. Our members had the chance to meet with the CEO of Union Hospital, attend ICI Day at the Statehouse, participate in Avenue for Success and engage in workshops such as resume-building and professional etiquette dinners. In addition, we sat down for a leadership dinner with the Executive Director of CODA (the Council on Domestic Abuse), where we discussed community impact and advocacy. Next year, the group plans to dive into volunteering with CODA because we were so moved by their mission.
This leads me to our strong emphasis on service. From participating in Clothe-a-Child, a community initiative that provides winter clothing for children, to volunteering with the Sisters of Providence, we aim to give back in ways that are meaningful and mission-aligned. Our participation in the Terre Haute Christmas Parade is always a favorite. Our students love bringing holiday cheer to local families.
And while all of these activities help us grow as leaders, one of the most special aspects of Presidential Corps is the community it builds. Throughout the year, we’ve prioritized member bonding through events like a breakfast, dinner and bonding event with Brennan and member bonding. These moments help us strengthen trust and support each other as we grow. The friendships and professional relationships built within this group are ones we’ll carry far beyond our time at SMWC.
Another important element of our organization is our officer structure. Each spring, members have the opportunity to run for officer positions, allowing them to step into formal leadership roles within the Corps. Preparing speeches and being voted on by your peers is an experience that challenges and empowers students to practice leadership in action. These roles come with real responsibility, from planning events and mentoring new members to tracking attendance, running the social media accounts, taking notes and praying over our group and events.
Each of these activities has contributed to our growth, not just as students, but as emerging leaders. We learn how to show up with professionalism, how to serve with humility, how to network with confidence and how to take initiative when it matters. These are not just “college” skills. These are life and career skills.
One of the things that sets Presidential Corps apart is how it blends service, leadership and mission. We’re here because we believe in SMWC and want to give back to the community that has given us so much. We’re here to serve, just like the leaders who have come before us, and we embrace a servant leadership approach, which we have learned from President Randolph and Peggy.
Personally, I can say that this organization has shaped me in more ways than I can count. It has given me a voice, a platform and the confidence to lead boldly and humbly. I know I’m not alone in that. Presidential Corps has a ripple effect – not only for the students who are in it, but for the guests we greet, the children we help clothe and the communities we serve.
So, thank you for supporting us. On behalf of all current and future members of Presidential Corps, we are deeply grateful for your continued support of our mission and leadership development.
Lillie Gendel ’25 earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from SMWC. Although she is a California native, Gendel had a rich history and connection to SMWC before she attended as a student. She is the great-niece of Jeanne Knoerle ’49, SP, the twelfth president of the College. Several of her other family members also attended The Woods. During her time at The Woods, Gendel was very involved on campus in several organizations, including Presidential Corps.
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