Donor Stories

Phyllis Harms Sharp ’70 and Bart Sharp

Phyllis and Bart met in college. She was a Woods student and he was a student at Indiana State University. While their college experiences were different, they share fond memories of their time at The Woods and a deep gratitude for the life it has provided them.

“I see Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College now as I did then—as a community. Its grounds are so overwhelmingly beautiful and spiritual,” says Phyllis. “Now it feels like home. It’s traditional and yet progressive; and it’s always been that way. The College is open to new thoughts, open to allowing its students to become who they are meant to be.” Bart agrees. He became familiar with the grounds when dating Phyllis. Today, the campus reminds him of a retreat. “The Woods is tucked away in nature; its solitude is great,” recalls Bart.

After Phyllis and Bart married, their (geographical) journey took them farther and farther from SMWC. They lived in Indiana, Ohio and finally Florida, where they have lived for 28 years. Though much time has passed, their journey still includes The Woods.

In fact, as more years separate their college days from the present, it seems as though they return more often to the College. “It feels like homecoming to be back at The Woods; I’m rooted there,” says Phyllis. “As I age, I see the importance of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as an agent, challenging me to become my authentic self.”

Bart’s perspective and feelings about the College are different, but equally rooted. Last October, Phyllis and Bart traveled to SMWC. Walking around the campus grounds, they met two Sisters of Providence they had known while attending college – Jeanne Knoerle ’49 and Barbara Doherty ’53 – who were the 12th and 13th College presidents, respectively. “The Sisters remembered Phyllis and I remembered them,” he says. “We’re as close to them as family.”

“We have always felt that in order for The Woods to continue to grow, we needed to support that idea. With every passing year, we’re thankful for the education and experiences I have received from The Woods. Our way of showing gratitude to God and to the College is by giving back financially, and I share my time as well,” says Phyllis.  She has served as a member of the Alumnae Board and is a current Board of Trustee. “Bart and I have always shared part of our good fortune with The Woods by contributing to the Woods Fund. But now we are taking our giving to a new level by remembering the College in our trust and as a beneficiary of my IRA. Bart and I are so thankful for all the College has given us throughout all the years – not just the time spent in college. The Woods experience is a total growth experience for women, and we want it to last for generations to come.”