Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) announced today that Homecoming 2020 intercollegiate athletic competitions are currently scheduled to continue as planned while some in-person activities will be altered due to concerns about COVID-19.
Homecoming 2020, which is scheduled for Oct. 3, will look a little different this year as SMWC moves to virtual events in place of in-person activities for alumni, canceling such favorites as the Beer and BBQ tent and the live alumni choral and band concert, as the College seeks to limit the number of visitors and interactions on campus for the safety of students.
“Resilience is our word of the year,” said Dottie King, Ph.D., president of SMWC. “It seems perfect that our theme for this year’s event is taken from the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin quote, ‘A good spirit reigns in our house.’ We’ll be celebrating moderately with our students on campus and virtually with our alumni.”
Student activities such as spirit week and the glow run are scheduled to continue with protocols in place for physical distancing and required masks for participants.
“This year continues to be a challenging one, but we are determined to make the best of it,” said Aimee Janssen-Robinson, Ph.D., associate vice president for student life. “We are planning for the students to have Homecoming, but we are proceeding with care as we ensure measures to protect them while allowing them time to have some fun and take a break from classes.”
Student athletic competitions for women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball and an equestrian show are currently scheduled to continue as planned and will follow strict COVID-19 protocols as laid out by the USCAA and IHSA. In-person, game-day spectator attendance is currently under review by the College.
“We are committed to providing a safe environment for all our student-athletes,” said Deanna Bradley, athletic director. “We’ve put together an extensive plan for our students and facilities that will protect them, our coaches and community.”
A variety of virtual events are being planned, and the College will be looking to increase engagement of alumni, students and parents through social media.
“Homecoming is such a special time for our alumni and their families,” said Sarah Mahady ‘05, alumni director. “We will be working hard to connect virtually, sharing updates and helping alumni to have a special Woods experience without being on campus.”
SMWC postponed its annual reunion activities in May, informing approximately 400 alumni that the College will celebrate with them in May 2021. “When we had to share the news about reunion, alumni were sad, but understanding. From then until now, so many of us have adopted virtual experiences as part of our new normal,” said Mahady. “We’re emphasizing the ‘home’ in homecoming this year and have plans in place for a fun and meaningful time.”