Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) welcomed more than 130 alumni and guests back to campus over the weekend for Reunion 2026, a heartwarming celebration of connection, reflection and tradition.
Held May 15-17, Reunion was a weekend of fellowship, reconnecting and reminiscing. The oldest class represented at Reunion was the Class of 1961, and Judith Larkin ’71 traveled the farthest to attend, coming from Bellingham, Wash.
On Friday evening, former Alumni Board members held a reception in PK Parlor. This year, special recognition was given to the Golden Jubilarians of the Class of 1976.
“Congratulations on your golden jubilee. Time goes by so incredibly fast,” President Brennan Randolph said to open the celebration. “I’m sure you’ve already noted that there are so many things that are different about Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College today. This institution is constantly working on deferred maintenance and keeping things as nice as we can. It’s been a challenge, probably since 1840, but what has never changed is the special people that we have served. If you haven’t already, you will see so many of our students working at this event. They’re very special people. They love this place as much as you do, I assure you.”
The Class of 1976 also remembered their classmate, Diane Frances Chandler Hickman ’76, who died of breast cancer in 2025. Hickman’s husband, Frank, was invited to Reunion, including the class reception and dinner, where he talked about the impact SMWC had on his wife.
“She spoke so often about her time here,” Frank said. “What she learned here set her up for how she would conduct herself in life, and her experience here never left her.”
Later that night, the Les Bois patio came alive with music and camaraderie as alumni enjoyed a lively karaoke session under the stars.
On Saturday morning, alumni packed Harvey Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music for a conversation with President Randolph and his cabinet about the College’s progress and vision. At the conclusion of the session, alumni stayed in Harvey Auditorium for the Alumni Association Annual Board meeting.
“It’s been exciting to hear all the stories, traditions and connections that they made here. said Christy Pearison ’19, ’20MLD, ’25Ph.D., president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “Especially as a non-traditional student, it’s so exciting to hear about the true foundations of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and to realize that it is far beyond what we could ever have imagined from an online student perspective. I hope the alums takeaway two things: That they are loved and appreciated, and that without them, we would not be here. It’s refreshing to be here and feel the excitement that Reunion is still here. Reunion is continuing, and we are excited to be here.”
Over the weekend, many of the reunion-year classes made gifts to SMWC in honor of their reunion. As one of its three class gift initiatives, the Class of 1976 generously donated money to purchase a bench for the Guerin Hall Rotunda.
“This is where we started. May we never forget our precious time here,” Lynn O’Linski ’76, an SMWC Board of Trustee and former Alumni Association Board president, told her classmates during her reflection on dorm life in Guerin Hall. “I’m grateful for getting to grow up with you guys. We are the lucky ones.”
After the reflection, the bench was blessed by Maureen Fallon, SP, ’76: “May holy women and men sit upon this bench, and may they enjoy the presence of God in their conversations as much as we enjoyed God’s presence in our conversations when we were here. We give gratitude to the donors, creators and crafters (of the bench), and much gratitude to Mother Theodore Guerin, for whom this building is named.”
Later in the day, alumni gathered in the Church of the Immaculate Conception for We Remember, We Celebrate – an event honoring classmates who have passed away.
On Saturday evening, class photos were taken on the marble steps inside Le Fer Hall, and a banquet was held in McMahon Ballroom. The banquet was kicked off by BJ Riley ’16, ’23MLD, ’24MBA, vice president for advancement.
“Over these past days, I’ve seen countless smiles, heartfelt embraces and plenty of laughter with the words, ‘Hey, do you remember so and so?’ Being gathered here again with friends and loved ones is truly a blessing, and I hope your return to The Woods has warmed your heart and reminded you why this place will always feel like home,” he said. “It is quite a sight to see The Woods once again filled with alumni and friends representing seven decades – proof that while styles may change, friends and campus stories only get better with time.”
The evening’s toast was led by O’Linski: “To those who traveled a distance to be here, those who couldn’t make it and those we have lost, and most importantly, to the unbreakable bonds of the Class of 1976, we ask all of The Woods family to raise your glasses.”
After dinner, President Randolph addressed the banquet audience. “Your support of this institution, whether it be financial, or you being here this weekend, or you engaging us on social media, or the countless ways you can support what we do here and this mission makes a huge difference. You make a difference in the lives of these students, and it is very important. We have important work ahead of us, and you are absolutely a part of the journey still. Your work is not done.”
The Graduate of the Last Decade Engaging Now (G.O.L.D.E.N.) Oak Award was presented to Haylie Davenport ’16. This award celebrates professional achievement, continued service and outstanding personal characteristics.
As a student, she actively participated in more than eight student organizations and served as a resident assistant. Davenport served on the SMWC Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2017 to 2023 and helped establish the Young Alumni Committee, serving as chair of the committee for five years. She is currently the Class Secretary for the Class of 2016. In Indianapolis, Davenport is involved with Stonewall Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies through sports and social activities. She served on both the organization’s Board of Directors and as director of communications.
“The Woods is so special, and we never want our young alumni to lose their spark with The Woods,” said Davenport, who majored in accounting. “During an internship I did as a student with the Office of Advancement and Marketing and Communications, I did a big project proposal to establish a young alumni committee. I presented my idea, and it came to fruition. I was lucky enough to serve two terms on the Young Alumni Committee right after graduation. During that time, we helped SMWC create the G.O.L.D.E.N. Oak Award to help reconnect young alumni. It means a lot to me to have created this award and now receive it at my 10-year reunion.”
The Frances Murphy Rumely Award was presented to Deanna “Dee” Reed ’08. This award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to and leadership within civic, religious or educational organizations. The award is in memory of Frances Murphy Rumely, class of 1935, whose life was a celebration of the education she received at her beloved SMWC. In her lifetime, Frances volunteered thousands of hours to her college and community.
Reed earned her bachelor’s degree in digital media communications from SMWC in 2008 through the Woods External Degree program, now known as Woods Online. That same year, during Commencement, she was honored with the Alumni Leadership and Service Award.
Following graduation, she served on the SMWC Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2008 to 2010, engaging fellow alumni and strengthening connections to the College. She later joined SMWC as executive director of marketing and communications, before assuming roles as executive director of strategic communications in 2019 and associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion in 2020.
She established the first SMWC Diversity Council and founded the Black Student Association. Her efforts earned her honors, including Staff Member of the Year in 2013 and the Aspire Higher Award in 2023.
She has served on numerous boards, including the Wabash Valley Community Foundation Board of Directors, and as chair of the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program. Her service also includes volunteer leadership with Art Spaces and the Vigo County History Center. She also dedicates time to Second Missionary Baptist Church, serving as chair of the trustee board, administrative assistant to the pastor, and an active member of both the Women of God ministry and the Mothers’ Board. In addition, Reed is president of the Lost Creek Community and Restoration and Preservation Foundation.
“To now receive an award that bears the name of Frances Murphy Rumely is extremely humbling,” said Reed, who was an online digital communications major. “It’s a nice recognition of the work I’ve been doing in the community, which is what my mother instilled in me to do. It’s particularly important to stay involved with the College. We’ve made such wonderful relationships here and an excellent education, so we should give back.”
As is tradition, the evening concluded with attendees singing The Ring Song, followed by the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Song.
Reunion Weekend wrapped up Sunday with Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.