2021 Year in Review

This story appeared in the 2021 President’s Report of Onyx Anneau.

January

Lamprini Pantazi, Ph.D., was promoted to the newly created position of dean of business and leadership.

#WoodsGivingDay surpassed its donor goal of 500 with 795 donors during the day — raising more than $230,000.

SMWC accommodated 105 ring recipients in two Ring Day ceremonies so campus, Woods Online and graduate students could gather safely during the pandemic.
SMWC announced a Bachelor of Science in computer science program through the RIZE consortium.
The family nurse practitioner program celebrated the College’s second-ever White Coat Ceremony, commemorating the start of their nurse practitioner clinical experience.
SMWC was named in two Lilly Endowment grants as part of the Charting the Future initiative for $3.7 million. In partnership with University of Indianapolis, SMWC will work to improve retention and graduation rates for students. In collaboration with DePauw University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, SMWC will improve and expand mental health awareness and resources for students.

SMWC held Pfizer vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff before the end of the spring semester.
Exercise science is added to the College’s majors for courses to begin fall 2021.
SMWC announced men’s volleyball will begin in spring 2023 making it the16th scholarship athletic team.

SMWC celebrated its graduates at the 187th commencement with more than 250 degrees conferred in two ceremonies.
Claire Thuning-Roberson ’67, Ph.D., was recognized at commencement as the 2021 Distinguished Alumna.
SMWC announced the launch of the College’s first Doctor of Philosophy program, a Ph.D. in global leadership with a concentration in organizational behavior and change. The program was initiated as a part of a Lilly Endowment grant for $1 million.
SMWC launched its Master Plan. President King shared facility goals to position the College’s physical space to enhance students’ living and learning community, establish a future athletic complex and preserve the historic campus and natural setting. The plan structures objectives for the next five years, ten years and beyond.
In-person Reunion returned in 2021, and awards were given to recipients for 2020 and 2021. The 2020 recipient of the Frances Murphy Rumely Award went to Betty Borders McAndrews ’65 and the 2021 award went to Connie Kramer, SP, ’64. The 2020 and 2021 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Awards went to Fran Froehlich ’64 and Carol Jean Kinghorn-Landry ’61, respectively. The inaugural G.O.L.D.E.N. Oak Award recipient was Rachel Leslie ’14G.
The new dining hall was blessed and named the Barbara Doherty Dining Center after the College’s 13th president.

Athletics officially joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the River States Conference.
SMWC announced the addition of sprint football and the formation of the Midwest Sprint Football League along with five other private colleges and universities. It is to be the College’s 15th scholarship athletic team when they take the field in fall 2022.

The “Stories From Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District” Exhibit opened at the Swope Art Museum with artifacts and other items on display.
The new residence and dining hall, Les Bois Hall, opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Campus and community members enjoyed treats from Bon Appétit, the College’s new food service partner.
A record-breaking incoming class was welcomed on Move-In Day as they arrived on The Avenue. President King and the campus community cheered 205 new students upon their arrival — the largest incoming class in history.
The Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology announced SMWC would receive a $50,000 Historic Preservation Fund grant to help rehabilitate and restore aspects of the Conservatory of Music.
Janet Clark, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, was promoted to the newly created position of provost.

The College reported 2020-21 was the most successful year of fundraising in its history, raising more than $6.9 million from more than 2,400 donors. The percentage of alumni giving increased to 22% from 19% in the last two years.
President King recognized the Sisters of Providence Council for their dedication to the College with the Aspire Higher Award.
SMWC was again ranked among the best regional universities by U.S. News & World Report in the 2022 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” SMWC ranked 41 — in the top third — for Best Regional Universities, ranked 16 for Best Value for Regional Universities and climbed to seventh for Top Performers for Social Mobility for Regional Universities.

SMWC Homecoming returned with in-person events with attendees enjoying athletic events, games and an outdoor concert featuring choir and band.
The Butler Classroom was dedicated. Donors Nancy Butler Bruck ’69 and Morgan “Morg” Bruck were honored for funding the Mary and Bayless Butler Classroom, named in memory of Nancy’s parents.
The College celebrated at the President’s Gala by honoring Union Health with the Aspire Higher Award and paying tribute to front-line workers of the pandemic.

Ty Knott was named the sprint football head coach. He will lead the recruitment efforts as he builds this new athletic team.
The volleyball team claimed the USCAA DI Volleyball National Championship in Virginia Beach. This is the first time the College has earned this accomplishment.
Tracy Richardson, Ph.D., MT-BC, was named dean of the newly formed Division of Arts and Social Sciences.
Dr. Paul Salstrom was honored with the Aspire Higher Award as he retired and launched his book.