Aspire Higher Campaign

Our mission, and the core of all that we do at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, is to provide an extraordinary educational experience for students. While so much has changed during our more than 180-year history, commitment to the student experience has remained constant.

In recent years, The Woods has been blessed with enrollment increases, fundraising successes, new athletic teams, an increase in the size of our physical campus and the launch of forward-thinking academic programs. We have made significant progress, and yet we still have promises to keep and miles to go!

Since 2016, the Aspire Higher Campaign has been an instrumental funding source for the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan, which is focused on increasing recruitment and retention efforts while also identifying pathways of excellence for growth through academics, athletics, community partnerships and institutional awareness. In addition to capital projects, the Aspire Higher Campaign is a comprehensive effort where all gifts are included in support of the pivotal work taking place at SMWC.

The Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan is focused on increasing retention efforts while identifying pathways of excellence for growth.

Alumnae from the class of 1972 present a $154,200 check to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at the 2022 Reunion.

The campaign elevates the College by garnering support for the Woods Fund, academic programs, scholarships, athletics, the endowment and a number of capital project initiatives. Together, these gifts and the alumni and friends who provide them, bring the strategic plan to life.

The age of our buildings bring challenges. Every building has renovation needs.

While the benefits of beautiful, historic buildings are obvious, the age of our buildings bring challenges. Every building has renovation needs. Grant funding has allowed the College to update several science laboratories and classrooms as well as create new, modern spaces dedicated to student learning and faculty resources. Partnerships provide additional growth including the recent installation of 5G wireless access throughout campus. Innovative thinking and collaboration have enabled the institution to begin addressing years of deferred maintenance while renovating spaces to allow for better utilization for present day needs.

Opportunity abounds at SMWC. Woods students are doing great things and transforming their futures. Alumni and friends who invest today help to ensure a bright future for generations of students to come. There are several capital initiatives within the Aspire Higher Campaign where your gifts may truly help the institution to Aspire Higher.