SMWC welcomes Class of 2029 as 2025-2026 school year begins

More than 200 new students welcomed

Saint Mary of the Woods, IN (08/15/2025) — A Pomeroy Pride party awaited Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College students as they entered through the gates of The Avenue on Friday.

President Brennan Randolph, along with staff, faculty and students, prepares to welcome new students and their parents as they enter The Avenue for Move-In Day.

Administrators, faculty, staff and fellow students offered a show of support for the Class of 2029 with pom-poms and cheers blasted through megaphones during the annual tradition that kicks off move-in weekend every fall semester.

President Brennan J. Randolph added a personal touch, greeting each student as they entered their home away from home.

President Randolph greets a new student and their parents as they enter the gates of The Avenue for Move-In Day

"We recognize that parents are bringing their kids here and leaving them with us to start this next stage of their lives," Randolph said. "Heading off to college is a right-of-passage for students, so we want to show them that we provide wrap-around services for students starting right now."

The total campus enrollment for fall 2025 is 605 students, including 217 new students.

Here's a snapshot of SMWC's fall enrollment:

29 U.S. states, one U.S. territory and 17 countries make up the student body

More than 70 percent of the students are Hoosiers

Twenty-eight percent of incoming students are students of color

Graduate program enrollment is 165 students - including 47 new students

260 students enrolled in Woods Online program - including 75 new students

There are 365 total student-athletes on campus

Sixty-six percent of incoming students are student-athletes

Men's volleyball player Sutton Reed, of St. Louis, said he knew SMWC was the place for him soon after he connected with the college's volleyball coach.

"I took a campus visit and really loved the team," said Reed, a kinesiology major. "I liked the small campus and how everyone knows everyone. I'm excited to get to know the team. It's been a fun experience so far."

For Reed's parents, though, it's all bittersweet.

"We have three boys and Sutton's the last one we're sending off to college," said Reed's mother, Robin. "We're excited to watch Sutton start this next chapter of his life."

Marketing major Emma Call, of Greencastle, Ind., said she's ready for all the new experiences waiting for her at The Woods.

Emma Call and her parents in Le Fer Hall, checking into her dorm room

"I'm excited to take new classes and meet a lot of new people, especially meeting up with the golf team again," she said.

As Call made her way to her dorm room, her mother, Michelle Boller, said her biggest wish for her daughter is that she finds a community at The Woods.

"She's our baby," Boller said of her daughter. "We just want her to find that support system after we get her settled in and acclimated today."

There's a sense of excitement in the air when students return to campus. It's something Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Chris Lozier always looks forward to in August.

"We work hard to build relationships with our students and their families, so this is always a fun time for us as we start a new year," he said.

After the morning Avenue welcome, the campus community, new students and families packed the Conservatory of Music for the blessing of new students.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Darla Hopper (right) watches as Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Chris Lozier presents President Randolph with more than 200 acorns representing the students in the Class of 2029

"The excitement has been growing on campus," said Tim Tesmer, campus minister, during his blessing of the class. "You're not alone in the journey. We're here for you."

During the ceremony, Darla Hooper, Vice President for Enrollment Management, officially presented the class of 2029 - symbolized by more than 200 acorns in a special box - to Randolph.

"We call this 'The Woods' for obvious reasons," Hooper said. "At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, we recognize the potential and strength of these acorns. Watch over them as they grow over the years to come."

"It's a very special day for the campus community," Randolph said as he received the box. "We're here to cheer you on through graduation."

Move-in began a few weeks ago with student-athletes. Returning campus students will move back on Saturday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17. First Monday is August 18, when students finish up any registrations and financial aid, and classes will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

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