Thriving together has been a collective value of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) since its founding. Whether it be supporting one another through acts of kindness, showing support at events or volunteering for a good cause, students at SMWC are always encouraged to help one another and be united.
To celebrate the College’s Foundation Day, students, faculty and staff gathered in the Harvey Auditorium to reflect and dive into the foundation of SMWC. The day commemorates the institution’s founding on October 22, 1840, and honors the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Classes for the day were canceled so that students could attend a program hosted by Terry Bowe, associate vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and human resources.
The program included an opening prayer from Tim Tesmer, campus minister and the National Anthem being sang by Joynelis Caminero Santiago, a senior music therapy major and member of the Madrigals.
While sharing about the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said, “We are lucky that Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was a prolific writer. She had amazing character, deep spirituality, humor and courage. She built this religious congregation and this academy, which is now a college. She did it, but what I want to emphasize today is that she didn’t do it alone. She did it with help, so together, we all succeed.” Clark then shared readings from Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s journal about her journey and subsequent arrival in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
Bowe spoke about this year’s theme for Foundation Day, “Together We All Succeed.” He explained that the campus community continues implementing programs and initiatives to unite The Woods community. In speaking to attendees, Bowe shared, “We will continue to educate the campus community because the more we work here within our campus community to love and work towards togetherness, the more you all are prepared to be champions for others for togetherness.”
To start the program, Tyree Cuffle shared his story as a student of color and his experience. In his presentation, “Don’t Let Dreams Stay on the Pillow,” Cuffle explained how it can be challenging not to let negative happenings determine your future. Cuffle expanded on his clothing brand, Everybody Love Everyone, and its intent. “I really wanted to express that no matter what someone goes through, you are not alone. As humans, we all go through a lot, and as young people. But just know that if there is hope, you can do anything. Stay strong, keep your faith in God and keep being you,” he said.
Student organizations also participated in the event as they shared what Foundation Day means to them and how they strive to organize events that foster togetherness on the SMWC campus. Organizations included the Presidential Corps, Black Student Association, Pre-Veterinary Medical Association and Music Therapy Student Association.
Nitra Rucker, vice president of DEI and talent at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, was the keynote speaker for the program. Rucker spoke on the art of thriving together and the components of togetherness: learn, listen, lean into differences, laugh and let go. Rucker touched on each of these topics and how it’s important to excel in each of them. “Thriving means to grow and to flourish together. In order to be successful and in order to have a legacy, it takes having other people,” Rucker said.
In speaking to The Woods community, Rucker shared, “I want to encourage you all to make a commitment. I know I talked about a lot of things, and I want to challenge you to do one of those for the next 66 days. So, whether it’s listening more, learning differently, laughing more, loving differently – can you join me in that? If we do this together, think of the legacy we will leave…that you will leave.”
Following the program, students were encouraged to submit service project ideas they plan to implement throughout the academic year. In the spring, the projects will be identified as a reminder to The Woods community that “Together We all Succeed.”
To watch videos from the program, visit http://vxu.9u15.com/foundation-day-of-service-24/