It seems as though it was only yesterday that Le Fer Hall was one of our absolute favorite places to call "home." We lived with 300 other women, running the floors, having slumber parties in the halls, and trying figure out when the next Rose party was going to be. To outsiders, the connection we feel to campus may not make sense, but it doesn't matter because at reunion you'll be surrounded by countless other Woodsies who completely understand you.
Going to an all women's college was hands down the best decision we had ever made for ourselves. There were so many bonuses to attending SMWC, such as women are given a unique opportunity to find their voice, countless leadership opportunities, and hey, you didn't have to worry about always wearing a bra in the residence hall.
Being an alum of The Woods is something to be extremely proud of. You proudly put your ring on every morning before beginning your day, or find yourself admiring it thinking back to your ring day. You still rock your SMWC gear, and jump on any opportunity to speak about your experience. And, lets not forget, you have probably dreamed of the day that your "future daughter" would get to attend The Woods.
After the May 2015 Graduation Ceremony The Woods revealed that the Class of 2015 would be the last class to graduate from the all women's college. Which, was absolutely heartbreaking. The legacy that we all had lived was over... By allowing all genders on campus, future students would not get to experience the all women's college. To this day, we still have a few cracks in our hearts thinking of this decision...
But, it's time. It is time to bandage the cracks, piece back together the broken hearts, and stand proudly behind Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and the current student body. Fighting with current students on Facebook forums needs to end. You, of all people in this world, should understand the sense of pride these students feel for SMWC, they are defending their "Home". The same "Home" that you love so very much. You can't blame them for that.
We all love The Woods. Each and every person involved in this entire debacle loves, and adores The Woods. The hate on both sides needs to be dropped, and The Woods community needs to come together, and support one another.
The reality of the situation is, it does not matter how much research you do, it does not matter what sort of "dirt" you can scoop up on administrators, or what new point of view you are bringing to the table. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is now a Co-Educational institution offering a unique opportunity for everyone to find their voices. And, we, as alums have a responsibility to support The Woods Community.
This is the new Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I vow to always stand by my Alma Mater, current student body, and administration.
I look forward to the day that my daughter, or my son will be able to join The Woods.
