A message from the Advancement Officer
By Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21, ’25MLD
The leaves are changing at The Woods, and there couldn’t be a more breathtaking sight. As the semester goes on, you can see students in their full-swing routines as the temperatures drop. The air grows crisp, the days grow shorter, and the world around us is a reminder that change can be beautiful. Fall is more than a season of harvest and colorful landscapes. It is a time to reflect on where we have been, appreciate what we have, and consider how we can make a difference in others’ lives.
At SMWC, the fall season brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. I remember during my senior year at The Woods, I decided to take a photo of a tree on campus every week from the time it began to change color. The vibrant colors shifted from green to yellow and orange, and there was even a touch of “candy apple red” to it. When winter began, I looked at the pictures as if they were a timeline. I still look at those photos today as a reminder that the journey is beautiful, even as it may change over time.
Just as the leaves on our campus trees (and across the state) change color, it reminds us that the cycle continues, bringing new beginnings and growth. Your generosity creates unique opportunities for future generations of Woodsies and Pomeroys. Here is the key, though – generosity isn’t measured in amounts. Every gift, no matter the size, helps nurture The Woods experience.
Fall also invites us to recognize the abundance in our lives and share it with others through time, treasure and talent. Philanthropy is one way we can turn gratitude into action, transforming our opportunities into possibilities for someone else, an SMWC student striving to achieve their dreams.
As we embrace the fall season, I invite you to reflect on your Woods experience. What memories do you carry with you today? What lessons and opportunities are you grateful for? How might you help another student feel the same sense of belonging and gain opportunities to strengthen their academic path?
There are multiple ways to make a gift to the Woods Fund:
- Make a one-time gift by visiting giving.smwc.edu
- Fulfill your pledge by visiting giving.smwc.edu or call 888-769-0013