As the Reunion Banquet is a beloved tradition for every Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) Reunion, this year had an additional item included on the agenda for the class of 1963, who celebrated their 60th Reunion. For several years, the class of 1963 has admired President Dottie King and her dedication to carrying out the mission of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Because of their great appreciation of King, the class came together and requested to honor and acknowledge King and all she has done for the College.
Anne Lenhard Benington ’63, class secretary, shared words on behalf of her and her classmates. She shared how just 12 years ago, the College was shaken when whispers of the institution closing became louder. After King was named as Interim President, Anne shared how it was recognized quickly that King possessed the determination to revitalize The Woods and, as a result, was named President of SMWC after a nationwide search.
“She will be the first to say it was never easy. If she looked at her to-do list, she might have turned around and scurried back down The Avenue. But that is not Dottie King. And so, honoring her has been long overdue. Tonight, the Class of 1963, on our 60th Reunion, would like to do just that, honor a woman that we deeply admire,” Benington shared.
She also shared a few challenges King had faced early on in her presidency, including renovations to multiple campus buildings, navigating declines in enrollment and the College becoming coeducational.
“Through her leadership, the College is experiencing a renaissance with record enrollments, growth in academic programming, an expansion of athletic offerings and a sustained focus on addressing the capital needs of a historic campus,” she said.
Before asking King and the class of 1963 to stand, Benington said, “Dottie King, you have earned the deepest appreciation of all Woods alumni, and on this, the 60th Anniversary of our graduation, the Class of 1963 has been determined to honor you, who have done so much to preserve our sacred legacy.”
The class of 1963 then presented President King with a gold legacy medallion and plaque to symbolize their gratitude. Shocked and honored, President King shared modestly, “I’m rarely speechless. I am speechless. I thank you so much, and I want you to know that I truly appreciate all of the kind words. I also want you to know that without the providence of our God, without a wonderful team, without all of you, I do nothing. Thank you for acknowledging me, but I do stand among many.”
