Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) alumni and their families, students, faculty and staff embraced the fall weather at Homecoming on Saturday, October 7. Throughout the day they attended athletic events, experienced good food, enjoyed a concert at the Conservatory of Music and ended the day cheering on the Pomeroy sprint football team.
About 200 people were on campus to show their Pomeroy Pride, the Homecoming theme this year, by attending various venues throughout the day. Athletic events included equestrian shows, an alumni softball game and a sprint football game against Bellarmine University.
Brennan Randolph, MBA, interim president, welcomed the attendees, thanking everyone for coming out to enjoy the day and was seen attending all events around campus. Lunch featured a variety of options, including barbeque pulled pork, pizza, tacos and more. Additionally, conversations and laughter filled the Homecoming tent while the crowd mingled and visited tables representing student organizations and a caricature artist. Many alums took a moment to take their picture with the beautiful mural on the side of Les Bois Hall, created by local artist Becky Hochhalter.
Following lunch, current and past Madrigals and Chorale members gathered inside the Conservatory of Music to sing together for the annual Homecoming choir concert. The concert concluded with alumni and the combined choirs and band playing a finale of SMWC College Songs featuring “Go, Woods, Go!” “Our Lady of Providence,” “Alma Mater” and “The Ring Song.”
Many traveled the campus to view the College’s historic buildings, new facilities and improvements. After the concert, alums gathered at The Avenue, in front of Le Fer Hall, at the 1962 Ring Garden for the Ring Centennial Sculpture dedication.
In dedicating the sculpture, Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98, associate vice president of advancement, thanked local artist Bill Wolfe for envisioning it and bringing it to life. “Bill, what you have given The Woods is beautiful. Various features of the sculpture are symbolic of both Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and our state. We have so much to celebrate at SMWC with our growth in enrollment, academic programs and athletic teams. With the excitement in our hearts, we step into the future while celebrating our roots,” Saunders said. The dedication ended with current students and alumni singing the College’s beloved “Ring Song.”
For some, it wasn’t just a Homecoming but a mini-reunion. Chris Simmons ’22, ‘23G, shared how meaningful it was to return to campus for the weekend. “It was really nice coming back to campus and seeing previous classmates and the school. I loved doing all the homecoming activities. It was exciting to catch up with classmates and peers on what they’ve been up to since graduating,” Simmons said, “I love coming back to campus because it feels like I never left.”
Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05, director of alumni relations, was thrilled with the turnout and the energy that filled campus. “We were so thankful to have so many alumni come back home. It was a blessing to reconnect with our alumni and friends,” Mahady said.
From the dedication, Homecoming attendees ventured over to West Vigo High School as the Pomeroys’ sprint football team took on Bellarmine University in a riveting game that went into double overtime. Although the Pomeroys came up just short of a win, the stands were packed as the game had a record-breaking attendance of 875 spectators. Students participated in Spirit Week and the annual Homecoming Cup Games throughout the week. In addition to performing during halftime at the game, the SMWC Dance Team won the Homecoming Cup Games and was presented with the Homecoming Cup trophy. The SMWC Cheer Team also made their debut at the game.
The day concluded with students coming together for a Homecoming Dance in the McMahon Ballroom. It was a day of laughter, memories and Pomeroy Pride.
