Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) welcomed the newest members to the Presidential Corps at a pinning ceremony on Sept. 30.
The group serves with honor and responsibility, representing the President and SMWC at a variety of institutional events and activities throughout the year. Members are chosen through a selection process that considers academic achievement, character, leadership potential, professionalism, communication skills and commitment to service.
The new members are:
- Habib Apoudjak
- Anna Boutell
- Olivia Day
- Gabriela Fernandez Maldonado
- Ella Hunt
- Raegan Manhart
- Brooklyn Newbold
- Luciano Tafoya
- Maci Woerner
“I wanted to be part of the Presidential Corps because I saw it as a great opportunity to represent SMWC and be more involved in the college community. As a transfer student, being welcomed to the Woods has meant a lot to me, so I wanted to give back and represent the school positively,” said Fernandez Maldonado, a junior criminology major from Puerto Rico. “I hope to gain more confidence, especially when meeting new people and speaking in different settings, while also building new connections, learning more about SMWC, and gaining experiences that will help me grow, personally and professionally.”
Reestablished in 2018, the Presidential Corps meetings include professional education, communication, leadership topics and dining etiquette. Presidential Corps members attend a variety of SMWC events, including Homecoming, the Light Your Way Christmas Parade and Ring Day, where they wear uniforms to articulate the group’s goals in professional settings.
“Over the years, I have seen the immense impact Presidential Corps has had on students as they grow into confident, responsible leaders,” said Peggy Nash, executive assistant to the president and Presidential Corps advisor. “Presidential Corps gives students opportunities to develop leadership skills through meaningful, real-world experiences. Even our selection process is a learning opportunity, particularly for our current members, as they learn to interview and evaluate prospective members fairly and thoughtfully. The skills they develop through Presidential Corps will serve them well in their careers, but more importantly, they are skills they will carry with them throughout their lives.”