Aspire Higher Award presented to Union Health
October 22nd marked 181 years since Saint Mother Theodore Guerin arrived from France with her five sister companions to establish a learning institution for women in Indiana. Her mission has evolved into what it is today – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
SMWC celebrated Foundation Day with the President’s Gala, an event to celebrate and honor the community of support for the College. President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., hosted close to 300 members of the community, past and present members of the Board of Trustees, and faculty and staff. The night paid tribute to nurses and healthcare workers, the area hospitals, front-line workers, teachers, parents and students, for their resiliency and strength during the recent and ongoing challenging times. A video was played featuring the images of some of the people that pushed on during these times. Michael Natt, a senior music major from Terre Haute, IN, sang Rise Up as the video played.
President King then welcomed the audience and announced the most recent winner of the Aspire Higher Award. The award is one of SMWC’s highest honors, acknowledging individuals, corporations and organizations who demonstrate a passion for using the present to create a better future to Aspire Higher. The award was presented to Union Health for leadership and service in the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. As King presented the award, she said, “I recognize Union Health… for being dedicated, for being steadfast and for your deep care for this community.” Stephanie Laws, vice president and administrator of Union Hospital Clinton, accepted the award. “Thank you for helping us stay resilient and helping us see the future is going to be brighter.”
President King remarked on how far the College has come in the last 181 years and how far SMWC must go in the next 100 years. “We have accomplished much in 181 years. In the last few years, we have grown, and you are a part of that. Thank you for your ongoing support of this institution,” King told the audience. A video depicting the story of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College was played for the attendees, highlighting the origins of the College to the accomplishments over the recent years.
