Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) welcomed more than 150 alumni and guests back to campus over the weekend for Reunion 2025, a heartwarming celebration of connection, reflection and tradition. This year’s theme, “Woodsies and Pomeroys Forever!”, captured the spirit of enduring friendships and shared memories that define the SMWC experience.
The weekend was filled with meaningful events and joyful gatherings. On Friday, guests enjoyed a special session titled “A Visit with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin”, led by Susan Paweski, SP, in Hayes Auditorium. That evening, alumni gathered for two receptions: a former Alumni Board reception in the historic 1840 Room of Le Fer Hall, and a Young Alumni reception on the back porch, where laughter and stories flowed freely.
A highlight of Friday evening was the Golden Jubilee Reception and Dinner in the PK Parlor, honoring the Class of 1975. President Brennan J. Randolph opened the celebration with a heartfelt toast: “Today, we gather to raise our glasses in celebration of a remarkable milestone—your Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since you walked the hallowed halls of The Woods as the Class of 1975. This is a moment to reflect on the legacy you’ve built, the bonds you’ve forged and the impact you’ve made in the world.”
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 gathered in the Harvey Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music to hear comments from President Randolph and the Cabinet. Attendees heard about academic expansion plans, advancement updates, enrollment management updates and the state of the College. A robust Q&A session followed, allowing alumni to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the College’s future.
At the conclusion of the session, alumni stayed in the Harvey Auditorium for the Alumni Association Annual Board meeting, where Alumni Association Board President Lynn O’Linski ’76 shared the group’s activities over the past year.
On Saturday afternoon, the classes gathered in the Church of the Immaculate Conception for “We Remember, We Celebrate.” This service enables each class to remember and honor the classmates who have passed away during the past five years.
Class photos were taken on the marble steps inside Le Fer Hall, followed by a reception in the 1840 and PK Parlor.
The Reunion Banquet was kicked off by Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98, vice president for advancement, who welcomed banquet attendees. “I have witnessed countless smiles shared embraces, laughter and the presence of so many friends and loved ones. It is truly a blessing to be gathered. I pray that it has filled your heart to return to The Woods and to be together again.” And with that, she introduced the Class of 1975, celebrating their Golden Jubilee 50th reunion as they paraded to the Carol King song, “You’ve Got a Friend,” waving and cheering as they marched to their seats.
Kathy Finley Olsen ’75 led the toast to the Class of 1975. “To all of us who survived 50 years and to those we’ve lost along the way, Cheers to 50 years! The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Class of 1975 still rocks!”
After dinner, President Randolph addressed the banquet audience. “As you celebrate this Reunion, may you cherish the stories you share, the memories you rekindle and the new connections that you forge. Let this gathering remind you of the strength of your community and inspire you to continue living out the mission of The Woods with grace and purpose.”
Recent campus graduate student Allison Cloutier ’25 gave a student’s perspective to the group. “What makes this college truly special are the values that it stands on.” She added, “Together, these values taught me that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It happens in our choices, in our communities, and in the kind of people we strive to be.” Allison has chosen to continue her education at The Woods, enrolling in the MBA program, which will commence in the fall.
Representing the Alumni Association Board of Directors in her role as president, Lynn O’Linski presented the Graduate of the Last Decade Engaging Now (G.O.L.D.E.N.) Oak Award to Mary Alvanos Deady ’19. This award celebrates professional achievement, continued service and outstanding personal characteristics. In accepting the award in front of friends and family, Deady said, “Thank you to the College for being much more than a place of learning. I am especially grateful for being part of the volleyball team, for the friendships, the professors and the lessons both in and out of the classroom. This college has truly shaped who I am.”
As is tradition, at the conclusion of the evening, the Reunion 2025 attendees sang The Ring Song, followed by the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Song.
Sunday morning began with Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, followed by breakfast in O’Shaughnessy Hall.
Saunders remarked about the weekend, “It was so good to see the love for SMWC ignited in these alumni as they gathered on campus. The Woods is truly a special place and holds special meaning for each student who comes here, whether they graduated 65 years ago or just last month. It was a wonderful weekend.”
Reunion Photo Gallery
View photos from the weekend!