“I chose The Woods because it felt like home,” said Morgan Nobbe from Greensburg, Ind.The front gates of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) were filled with anticipation and excitement as new students were welcomed to campus for the 2016-17 academic year. President Dottie King, Ph.D., along with faculty and staff continued the time honored tradition of greeting each student and their families as they drove on The Avenue to begin the process of moving in.
Nobbe, who will study nursing, added, “I am from a small town and so a small college really fits my personality.”
This fall, The Woods welcomed 130 new students into the traditional campus program – a 27 percent increase from 2015. The class of 2020 are from five countries and seven states. Additionally, the College saw an 11 percent increase in the enrollment of female students and an 18 percent increase in male students.
The Thralls family opened their home to SMWC foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her five companions when they arrived in 1840. Their home later became the first convent of the Sisters of Providence. Thralls, the great-great-great-great grandson of Joseph and Sarah, plans to study psychology.One new student has an incredible connection to The Woods. “I have a rich family history here,” explained Logan Thralls. “When Saint Mother Theodore Guerin came here from France, she came to live with my ancestors, Joseph and Sarah Thralls.”
“When the college began accepting men, I was super excited to know that I could come here,” he added. “I’m ready to take a new step to better myself and my community.”
Ke’Chell Tate will suit up for the Pomeroy’s in women’s basketball and major in pre-physical therapy. Tate, a North Central Conference All Conference selection at Muncie High School in Muncie, Ind., said “I chose The Woods because it is close to home and I really like my teammates.”
All new students will ease their transition into The Woods community with a series of orientation programs throughout the weekend. Programs include opening liturgy, workshops, presentations and social activities to help students acclimate to college life.
In addition, the Terre Haute Alum Club continues another tradition by delivering more than 65 dozen homemade cookies to the students.
“We want the incoming freshmen to feel welcomed by the community of alums to their new life as they start this new journey, said Lynn Morales, president of the Terre Haute Alum Club.
“And we want them to realize this is a lifetime adventure, not just the four years. After they graduate, there will be lots of opportunities to pay it forward!”
Fast Facts about the Class of 2020
Total number of new students – 130
Women – 110
Men – 20
Number of states – 7
Number of countries represented – 5
Top majors – Nursing, Business Administration, Education