By Dottie L. King, Ph.D, president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
During this season of Lent, I have been concentrating on the actions of our God. This morning, my thoughts involved Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
God had a plan for a school in the midst of rural Indiana. He sent a bishop to France. The French congregation exhorted Mother Theodore. Mother Theodore and her companions came. The Academy was planted and survived many hardships. The country continued to evolve and change and so did the Academy. Courses in higher education were approved for the benefit of the Sisters. The Academy moved to Indianapolis and the College began to grow in The Woods. Majors were added to the traditional Liberal Arts offerings to elevate women to new opportunities. Enrollment grew through six decades. Vatican II and the turbulent 1960s changed everything. As enrollment in the traditional program plummeted, Jeanne Knoerle, SP, ’49, found a creative and brave solution. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College piloted a distance delivery program. The Woods External Degree (WED) program grew quickly both in numbers of students and numbers of majors. Unique and innovative graduate programs were added to the offerings. The total enrollment of the College peaked in 2004 with over 1,700 combined students.
Declining enrollment of traditional students in the Great Recession and intense competition for distance education students were a new reality. Downsizing of programs and personnel, strict budgets and deferred maintenance were the new norm. The years were hard and yet there remained a seed of remembrance that our College was part of a grand plan. We still believed!
A grant led to a nursing program. A board member with marketing expertise got involved. We built a sports and recreation center with the support of thousands of donor gifts. SMWC admitted men into all programs. Giving grew and we met our annual fund goal for the first time in many years. Enrollment grew and we welcomed the largest incoming class in the history of the College. I believe that God continues to have a plan and still works through us to create an ever-new reality in these Woods. We, who are blessed to understand, still have miles to go and promises to keep.
What story will future generations tell of our time? Will they give witness to God’s work through us? In the words of Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, SP, ’74, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is enjoying a time of renaissance. Renaissance from God! The mission before us is worthy. It has been sustained for nearly 180 years through sacrifice, innovation, hard work and belief. God, help us to carry on with your plans.
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