The Stanley Family Legacy

Written by Inez Odom, OLP Strategic Initiatives and Research Director

When you speak with Marisea “Cici” (Stanley) Drummond, Ph.D., OLP class of 2001, about her family’s legacy at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, her eloquence as a historian and professor transports you as she describes how her great grandfather labored to provide his family with a better life. You can almost smell the scent of sea salt from the ocean breeze, hear the sound of the fishermen’s voices as they haul their catch into the boat and feel the lapping of the waves. Descended from immigrants who traveled from Portugal in 1938, the Stanley family legacy is one of four generations attending OLP. Her great grandparents, Manuel and Maria Rosa were, in her words, “the classic immigrant story and one of ‘rags to riches’ with hard work and wise investments.” They were dedicated to providing their daughter, Maria (Mary) Rosa ’41, with the opportunity of an excellent education.

Mary (Rosa) Santos ’41, Cici’s grandmother, not only attended OLP but also went on to medical school specializing in hematology. Cici recalls that her grandmother Mary credited her experiences with the science program and gazing through the microscopes in the OLP labs with stimulating her interest in medicine and hematology.

Mary’s daughter, Maria (Santos) Stanley ’70, also attended OLP and later became an attorney, distinguishing herself in the area of immigration law. All three of Maria’s daughters, Marisea “Cici” ‘01, Mariel ’99, and Malissa ‘00, also alumnae, are still rooted locally in the Point Loma community. Cici reflects that the legacy of the names of all of the girls have various derivations that harken back to their Portuguese roots and indirectly pay homage to their great grandmother, Maria Rosa.

In sharing about her conversations that she has had with her grandmother, mother, sisters and her own daughter, current student Eva Rosa Jones ’24, Cici notes the profound impact of an OLP education, sharing that...

“Something unique happens at OLP. Seeing women doing everything has given us the confidence to try anything. And while there is a lot of sacrifice in sending your child to OLP, I really do believe that those who attend look back and understand that the opportunities are endless if you want them to be. I’m personally forever grateful for my OLP experience.”

The Stanley family’s passion for supporting the community is evident and follows the path of “loving the dear neighbor without distinction.” In addition to their commitment to OLP, Cici and her mother are deeply connected with ARC of San Diego, an organization which serves individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.