Week of Service

To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, the National Alumnae/i Association is joining with the College and Sisters in organizing a Week of Service that will engage alums in their local communities. The Week of Service will be held April 12–18, 2015 in communities around the globe. Regional groups will identify service projects and invite participation of fellow alums and their families and friends. This will provide an exciting opportunity to connect with other alums as we unite in one purpose – “Planting New Seeds” for the future benefit of the common good as we celebrate our roots.
Read More about the Week of Service

What are some service project ideas?

There are multiple ways to participate in the Week of Service. The most important aspect is to do something you enjoy and find meaningful. You are welcome to coordinate your own event or participate in another planned event on behalf of SMWC and the Week of Service. Below is a brief list of service projects:

• Organize or participate in a highway cleanup day
• Volunteer at a local food bank
• Donate items to a local food bank or charity
• Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
• Organize or participate in a blood drive
• Volunteer at the local Humane Society
• Christmas in April
• Volunteer at a local parish
• Saint Vincent de Paul
• Visit a local nursing home and spend time with residents
• Plant flowers or trees
• Cleanup public spaces
• Read to a kindergarten class
• Volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club

Once you have established your event, please email the details to alumnae@smwc.edu. The information will be posted on the 175th Anniversary webpage for others to see.

Share your memories with SMWC!

To help commemorate the 175th anniversary and our first Week of Service, we ask all participating groups take photos and post them on social media using the hashtag #smwc175th. Photos along with descriptions can also be submitted to alumnae@smwc.edu. These photos may be used on the website or in future Onyx article.

What is SMWC doing during the Week of Service?

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will celebrate the Week of Service with a variety of service opportunities. Plans are currently being organized. Alums, current students, staff, faculty and prospective students are welcome to visit campus and participate in the activities. Once plans are finalized, they will be posted on 175.smwc.edu. Visit the website for more information.

How do you get involved?

It’s so easy to get involved and make a difference in your community. We are actively working on finding regional leaders someone who will lead communications, coordinate an event and rally the group to participate in a day of service during the April 12-18 timeframe. Would YOU like to be a regional leader? The time commitment is minimal, and the chance to share your photos, your time, talent and treasure is priceless.

If you are interested in being a regional leader, please contact Veronica O’Connor ’88 at 317-509-6818 or via e-mail at v.oconnor@yahoo.com.