By Karen Aeschliman Hurley, Vice President of the Alumni Board of Directors
Our beloved local SMWC alumni communities around the country have been abuzz with a plethora of vibrant events, each fostering a sense of reconnection, comradery, and celebration. From happy hours to festivals to charitable service projects, SMWC alums alike have embraced these opportunities to connect, engage, and give back. Moreover, amidst the lively backdrop of local events, one remarkable trend has emerged: a significant increase in alumni participation, revitalizing these gatherings and strengthening The Woods bond that ties us together.
SMWC Alumni Association Board of Directors
The Alumni Board launched a grassroots campaign in February 2021 with the objective to reconnect alums with the College after the COVID-19 pandemic surge. After nearly two years of isolation, the Board seized the opportunity to reach out to alums and reconnect them with the College. It was essential to our effort to maintain consistent communications with the alums via social media, the Onyx Anneau, The View from the Avenue newsletter and other mediums. Each board member was charged with planning at least one local area event to reconnect the alums and show appreciation for the engagement to sustain alumni involvement beyond the campaign. By fostering a sense of community, belonging, and highlighting the impact of alumni participation, we aim to inspire a greater level of engagement with our alums to the College.
Diverse Array of Events
Throughout the past year, our local communities have played host to an array of alumni events, each offering something unique to alums from all graduate decades, classes, and interests. From the colorful festivities of our local events, showcasing the rich traditions that make SMWC alums so vibrant, to the exhilarating activities reverberated with infectious energy, there was no shortage of excitement and entertainment.
Charitable service projects also took center stage, rallying support for important causes and demonstrating the collective generosity of our alumni community. These events served as powerful reminders of volunteer service and the impact SMWC can make when we come together with purpose and compassion.
Rising Alumni Engagement
One particularly noteworthy aspect of these events has been the remarkable increase in alumni participation. Alumni have been turning out in force, eager to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, reminisce about shared memories at The Woods, and rediscover the spirit of camaraderie from SMWC that defined their formative college or master’s degree years.
From alumni events to special projects to class reunions and homecoming celebrations, the SMWC alums have been enthusiastically reconnecting and reigniting their ties to The Woods. Their presence has infused these events with a sense of nostalgia and continuity, bridging the gap between past and present and laying the foundation for future young alums and master’s degree recipients to follow.
Young Alums
Several events have been planned for the SMWC young alums, such as “Woodsies & Wine” at vineyards and tasting rooms around the Midwest. Young alumni events, whether at local events or at Homecoming and Reunion, offer a chance to reunite with classmates and friends, reminiscing about college memories and catching up on each other’s lives. These connections can be meaningful both personally and professionally, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Involvement in young alumni events contributes to the overall strength of The Woods alumni network. By staying connected and engaged, it helps foster a vibrant community of Woods graduates who support each other professionally and personally, as well as maintain strong ties with SMWC. Engaging with fellow alums and participating in conversations on various topics can broaden perspectives and stimulate personal growth. These experiences are not only fun, but they can enrich our daily lives.
Building Bridges and Fostering Connections
The surge in alumni participation underscores the enduring impact of Providence and the profound sense of belonging that the onyx Woods ring instills in our alums. By actively engaging with alumni and inviting them to be a part of the ongoing story of our beloved College, we not only honor our legacy and contributions but also enrich the fabric of our shared Woods experiences.
Let us continue to embrace the spirit of SMWC alums and collaboration that defines The Woods. Whether gathering for festive events or coming together to support important causes, let us draw strength from the bonds that unite us and celebrate the diverse tapestry of experiences that make our beloved College truly special. We invite you to participate in the local alumni event where we can come together and continue the rich traditions of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
Alumni Events
May 20, 2023, CHICAGO, IL – The Block Art Museum at Northwestern University and Lunch
July 23, 2023, INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Newfields Art Museum and Lunch
September 13, 2023, WISCONSIN, WI – Sheboygan Yacht Club Luncheon
September 24, 2023, CHICAGO, IL – The Long Grove Apple Fest
September 30, 2023, DANVILLE, IN – Octoberfest
September 30, 2023, INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indy Eleven Game
October 6, 2023, TERRE HAUTE, IN – Young Alums “Woodsies & Wine” Sycamore Winery
October 7, 2023, TERRE HAUTE, IN – The Advancement Committee Tailgate Alumni Tent at Homecoming
October 7, 2023, TERRE HAUTE, IN – Young Alums Beer Tent at Homecoming
November 4, 2023, MONTGOMERY, OH – Stone Creek Dining Event
November 4, 2023, ANCHORAGE, AK – Pacific Coast Zoom Happy Hour
November 11, 2023, LOUISVILLE, KY – Young Alums “Woodsies & Wine” Copper and Kings Rooftop Bar
December 2, 2023, BLOOMINGTON, IN – Young Alums “Woodsies & Wine Oliver Winery
December 9, 2023, ANCHORAGE, AK – Pacific Coast Zoom Hot Cocoa Happy Hour
December 30, 2023, INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Gleaners Food Bank Service Project
January 27, 2024, CHARLOTTE, NC – RH Rooftop Restaurant Luncheon
January 27, 2024, INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Young Alums “Woodsies & Wine” Buck Creek Winery
February 3, 2024, KATY, TX – Hongdae Pocha Restaurant Alumni Gathering
February 6, 2024, TERRE HAUTE, IN – Azzip Pizza and Culvers Gathering
February 24, 2024, INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Murder Mystery Dinner at The Mansion
February 17, 2024, INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Young Alums “Woodsies & Wine” Great Legs Wine Bar in Garage Food Hall
March 2, 2024, FRENCH LICK, IN – Young Alums “Woodsies & Wine” Frenchlick Winery
March 16, 2024, ST. JOHN, IN – Shrine of Christ Tour and Lunch
March 30, 2024, CARMEL, IN – Booth Tarkington Civic Theater, “Driving Miss Daisy”
May 25, 2024, INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indy 500 Festival Parade* upcoming