Saint Mary of the Woods celebrates first winter commencement

SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS, Ind. (WTHI) - A local college spent the afternoon celebrating a special event that hasn’t been done in the school’s history.

Saint Mary of the Woods College held their first ever winter commencement on Saturday afternoon, marking a new school tradition.

This is the first winter commencement to take place in the schools 172 year history.

Around 80 students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, and all were very excited to turn their tassels.

Alumna Vicki Kosowsky, who attended the graduation, said the winter commencement provides graduating students with an opportunity to get a head start in the workplace, or to continue their studies at a masters or doctorate level.

The early graduation at SMWC also solved some of the usual overcrowding issues at graduation ceremonies in the past.

Creating two separate graduations gives students the chance to invite their family and friends to the celebration without over-crowding in the spring ceremonies.

Nonetheless, this is one winter graduation for Saint Mary that will go down in the history books.