Jessica Bicknell Crawford ‘19G
Advancement Officer
Office of Advancement
1. Explain your role at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College? (What’s your daily routine, what’s your role in big events on campus, what is your role with students, etc.)
My role as the Advancement Officer for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is to build relationships with our alumni and friends in an effort to raise money for SMWC with a special focus on the Woods Fund. What is that? Great question! It’s the simplest and most important way for donors to ensure SMWC is able to provide an educational experience that is both exceptional and affordable for today’s students. Gifts to the Woods Fund offset current operating costs and touch every corner of campus providing funding for student scholarships, facility enhancements, faculty and staff enrichment, technology advancements, support for student services, athletics and more. In addition to the Woods Fund, I also work to inspire gifts in support of various capital projects, including Le Fer Hall, the Conservatory of Music, the Knoerle Center and Guerin Hall.
As one might guess, Woods Giving Day is a significant event in my role. I am responsible for overseeing every aspect of the day. From the social media posts to the website to the volunteers making calls to the challenges, I make sure it all gets done! Woods Giving Day is a fun and exciting time on campus, and I am happy to help play a role in making it a success.
2. What do you enjoy most about SMWC?
What I enjoy most about SMWC is the campus. Whether I’m looking for a quiet place to contemplate a tough problem, or looking for laughter and friendship, I can find it at The Woods. I love how the advancement team is so supportive of one another on a personal level. I come to work knowing that this group of professionals aren’t just my co-workers, they’re my friends.
I also love learning about the history of SMWC and the impact this institution has had on her students and the Wabash Valley.
3. Tell us more about yourself? (Hobbies, family, community involvement, etc.)
My husband, Cam, and I have been married just over a year. We enjoy going on hikes with our two rescue dogs, Charlotte and Sammy. When we’re not outside with the dogs, we love to ride bikes, visit local restaurants and support the Pomeroys. I am not a Terre Haute native, but grew to love this community as a student. I love to give back to this community in a variety of ways. I love to volunteer during the United Way’s Serve the Valley and give back to the Wabash Valley. Currently, I serve on the Board of Advisers at the Sheldon Swope Art Museum and was named one of the 2022 12 Under 40 award recipients.
4. Why should people become engaged with The Woods?
I graduated from the Master of Leadership Development program in 2019. I was not a traditional campus student, but I felt a pull to this place. I now know that was Providence leading me to work at The Woods! I have learned about the traditions and what makes SMWC so special. That doesn’t go away after you graduate. The promises made on Ring Day ring true several years later. If you’ve lost touch with SMWC, we would love for you to re-engage and hear about all the good happening here! When you’re engaged with SMWC, you get to know our students and all the wonderful plans they have for the future. The world is a brighter place with Pomeroys in it!
Also, to make my job easier. 😊
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