Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05
Director of Alumni Relations
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.)
I am blessed to work with both the College’s current alumni and future alumni as the director of alumni relations for the Office of Advancement. There is not a day that goes by that I do not have the opportunity to collaborate with another department on campus. I have the pleasure of organizing and coordinating alumni engagement initiatives. Those include local, regional and global affinity groups, alumni communications, fundraising, alumni recognition and awards, reunion, homecoming, travel programs, alumni area clubs, class secretaries, alumni-owned businesses, Future Alumni Association and other special events.
I work directly with the College’s Alumni Board of Directors. The board’s primary work aligns with the goals of the College’s regarding the advancement of the College, the growth of engagement of young alums and carrying on the legacy of our foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, through special projects such as Celebrating Service.
I have the pleasure of working with our future alums as the Senior Class Advisor. Through this role, I have the honor of carrying on the long-standing College traditions such as the Acorn Ceremony, Senior Dinner and Senior Class Gift; is one that is a pinch-me moment. With the Future Alumni Association, I also have the pleasure of working with all SMWC students. The Future Alumni Association involves campus, online and graduate students. It offers them the opportunity to learn more about the culture of philanthropy through their time, talent and treasure both on campus and in the community. I can be found at the majority of student organization and athletic events, as well as in the audience in the Conservatory.
2. What do you enjoy most about SMWC?
It is hard to put into words what I enjoy most as there are so many things that I get to do that I love. With my involvement on campus, I have the best of both worlds. I absolutely love working with the alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and SMWC friends as well as my role in the community. I absolutely love having an Avenue moment every time I drive on campus.
To hear the stories and see photos from our historical traditions, many that date back more than 50 years, brings me pure joy. To know we are walking the same halls they walked is a feeling that cannot be put into words. There is so much joy in seeing life on campus and seeing our College grow is breathtaking for me to know how far the College has come since 1840.
3. Tell us more about yourself? (Hobbies, family, community involvement, etc.)
Growing up in the Village, I was on campus often and now being here in my role is full circle for me. Being a first-generation student, my mother made attending The Woods a reality. After graduating in 2005, I have stayed in higher education for the past 17 years.
My husband, Brandon, and I were married in the Church of Immaculate Conception 12 years ago. We have two beautiful daughters. Our girls keep us very busy with year-round sports. Our oldest, Madison, just started her freshman year at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. She is a member of their STUNT team. Our youngest, Lillian, is a 5th grader at Dixie Bee Elementary. She is a member of the Wabash Valley Elite AAU travel basketball team out of the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center. She is easy to find on campus and at many athletic events as she is the ball girl for the women’s basketball team. We also have a four-legged family member who cannot go without her own introduction. We took in our yorkie, Lucy, just two years ago and she has quickly become the boss of the house. Our love for animals goes beyond being a pet owner. You can also find us at the Vigo County Fair as both girls show alpacas and llamas from the White Violet Center.
In the Wabash Valley, I serve on the board of directors for Junior Achievement. I am a member of the League of Terre Haute. I also volunteer at my church, St. Mary’s Village Parish Rectory, and have been a catechist there for eight years.
4. Why should people become engaged with The Woods?
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has had tremendous growth in just a short time. Despite all this growth, the students still hold the traditions and legacy of The Woods close to their hearts. While their college stories may not include sneaking in after curfew, their love for The Woods and their time spent here are the same.
Since joining The Woods in 2019, I have watched the opportunities for alumni to connect with one another increase yearly. The opportunities to be a part of The Woods exists on many different platforms for all ages. Alumni located in Qatar can connect with alumni here in the states via monthly Zoom meetings. Alumni are able to socialize locally with alumni club gatherings at restaurants, painting parties, picnics and more! If you are wanting to get involved, but are not sure how, please let me know! I am always happy to connect alumni with the College and with each other.
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