Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) alums serving in their own communities across the nation and the world – that is the vision behind the Week of Service, which will take place April 12-18, 2015. As part of the yearlong celebration of SMWC’s 175th anniversary, the National Alumni Association is joining with the College and Sisters of Providence in organizing the Week of Service that will encourage alums to participate in community service projects in their respective areas.
“The College was founded on service,” states Molly Ellsworth, 1992 graduate of The Woods. “The College’s foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, answered a call to service and continues to lead us by her example. One of my favorite quotes from her is ‘We are not called upon to do all the good that is possible, but only that which we can do.’ And I think this week of service is a way for all of us to reconnect with our roots at The Woods, to do something. This week of service is the alumni’s way of supporting the College’s mission in lifelong leadership and social responsibility.”
The Week of Service will provide an exciting opportunity for alums to connect as they unite in one purpose – “Planting New Seeds” for the common good as SMWC celebrates its roots. Regional groups will identify service projects and invite participation of fellow alums and their families and friends.
“The Alumni Board is very intentional about representing and including all graduates of SMWC,” states Ellsworth. “We wanted everyone to have the opportunity to participate in the festivities of the 175th anniversary.”
To reach all alums, members of the Alumni Board are contacting class secretaries and designating regional contacts. These contacts will then reach out to their local community of Pomeroys.
The ultimate goal of the Week of Service is to better communities around the world. As part of the College’s mission, service and social responsibility are emphasized on campus and beyond through students and alums. No matter how big or small the contribution, together these alums will make positive changes around them.
“We don’t have eradicate illiteracy but we can volunteer an hour to read with kindergartners. We don’t have to cure a disease but we can volunteer at a children’s hospital,” explains Ellsworth. “The College is rooted deeply in Catholic tradition and as stewards of our alma mater we embrace the principles of giving of our time and talents.”
To bring it all together, alums are also encouraged to share photos and updates about their community projects by using #SMWC175th on social media.