Since 1840, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has inspired and impacted students to make a difference in their communities, provide growth opportunities and offer hands-on learning experiences. Along with challenging students to think critically, students are encouraged to be involved. With over 20 student-led organizations at The Woods, getting involved on campus is easy.
The Presidential Corps is a student organization held to a high standard among the SMWC student body. Students may be nominated by a faculty or staff member at SMWC. Students in the Presidential Corps are expected to be professional and positive representatives of the College at all times. Along with the strict requirements for the organization, members of the Presidential Corps must hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher and display characteristics of leadership, professionalism, and humbleness, as well as be great representatives of the College.
“The Presidential Corps is held to a higher standard than most students, which makes them a prestigious organization at the College. Whether it be on campus, in the local community, with alumni or trustees or at the Indiana Statehouse with the President, they are always expected to be professional ambassadors of the College,” said Peggy Nash, executive assistant to the President and advisor for the organization.
Since its reestablishment in 2018, the organization has continued to grow into a well-respected group. Each of their meetings involves professional education information, communication, leadership topics and dining etiquette. To articulate the group’s goal in professional settings, each member must wear a uniform for most activities and events.
Every year, the organization holds its induction and pinning ceremony, where the president of the College presents each new member with the Presidential Corps pin. Interim President, Brennan J. Randolph, MBA, shared he was thrilled to be a part of the induction ceremony this year.
“It was a special day for me to welcome six new members to the Presidential Corps this fall, including the first group of men since the organization was created. These leaders represent SMWC in many ways throughout the year and partner with the President on important projects and community engagement opportunities. These students are highly respected on campus, excel academically and are very engaged in our community,” said Randolph.
Top Row (L to R): Interim President Brennan Randolph, Kevin Garcia, Zon-Keith Mendiola, Timothy Leuking.
Bottom Row (L to R): Ariella Engle, Josie Gettinger, Lanna Martinez.
This semester, the organization welcomed six new members:
- Josie Gettinger, from Merom, Indiana
- Ariella Engle, from Brazil, Indiana
- Lanna Martinez, from Downey, California
- Timothy Leuking, from Crawfordsville, Indiana
- Zon-Keith Mendiola, from Tacoma, Washington
- Kevin Garcia, from Houston, Texas
As one of the first men to be inducted into the Presidential Corps, Zon-Keith Mendiola shared he’s excited to be a part of the history-making year. “It’s truly an honor to be inducted into such a prestigious organization,” Mendiola shared.
Polet Horsley, a senior nursing major and president of the organization, shared what a joy it has been to witness the organization grow throughout her time as a student.
“Throughout my time in the Presidential Corps, there has been a lot of change and growth since I became a member. We have grown into a known, prestigious group of students that has helped on and off-campus opportunities and become a part of Ring Day and Commencement. The Presidential Corps thrives in resilience, growth and leadership as a professional group as well as each individual member despite their background or major. Up until now, it has been led by strong, incredible women. Accepting Presidential Corps’ first three male members is historical and exciting as it adds new perspectives and diversity to this prestigious group. It continues to grow to adapt new changes to reflect President Randolph’s leadership for the College. As President, I look forward to working with our new members and how the Presidential Corps continues to aspire to a higher legacy.”
The organization participates in College events like the President’s Gala, the Light Your Way Christmas Parade, banquets and more. Students also receive opportunities to travel with the President. A unique feature of the organization is that members have a required uniform that must be worn at official events —a blazer, dress shirt, black slacks and a pin. The pins are presented during the annual pinning ceremony, where the president of the College pins each member. As for the spring semester, the organization is continuing to make plans to attend over 20 events, including visits to the Indiana Statehouse, Ring Day and Commencement.