Winter Magazine 2024

years

IN THIS ISSUE WINTER 2024

6

14

A CENTURY OF SISTERHOOD

HOME AWAY

FROM HOME

18

UNVEILING GOD’S

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders dedicated to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.”

OLP MAGAZINE

Head of School

Lauren Lek, Ed.D.

Assistant Head of School

Brandy Sato, Ph.D.

Leadership Team

Diana Agostini

Rivka Bent

Jamie Flannery

Aaron Wilker

Ryan Martin-Spencer

Jessica Occhialini

Academy Of Our Lady Of Peace

Tiffany Rajski ’07

David Ritzmann

Christine Wilson ’04

Jennifer Meza

Contributors

Gabrielle McGillis

Nicole Rubio

Jessica Helwig ‘08

Maureen Griffin

Ereny Tanious

Siobán Downing ‘23

Alana Robinson ‘81

Laura Jo Impastato ‘66

Maria Fernanda Kelley

Faye Dauba

Design, Layout and Editing

Christine Wilson ’04

Liliana Casas

Monica Hickey

Fatima Aguilera

Manuela Vargas

Proefessional Photography

Robyn Scherer

Board of Trustees

Dr. Lauren Lek

Chair Timothy Truxaw

Paul Baribault

Francesca Castagnola

Danitza Villanueva ’98

Monsignor Richard Duncanson

Chris Herrera

Dr. Steven Jones

Deacon Lane Litke

Sister Ann Bernard O’Shea, CSJ

Michele Schiele ’85

Dr. Seanna Thompson ’93

Joel Tubao

Alana Wong Robinson, ‘81

Cara Beauvais ’06

Dear OLP Pilot Community,

Since our inception in 1650 Le Puy, France, our story has been forged by bold, courageous, women of faith who would step forth, paving the way for generations of women to follow. Our story would move through time from our first six Sisters of Saint Joseph through the perils of the French Revolution and the bravery of Mother St. John Fontbonne. This would lead to six sisters coming to the United States in 1836, arriving in Carondelet, Missouri. From there, seven would trek across the Arizona desert to Tucson. Our origins in 1882 at OLP would spring forth with 232 prior years of Sisters facing extreme hardship, insurmountable obstacles, and impossible challenges. Through it all, their journey reminds us of the power of faith, the joys of sisterhood, their stalwart hearts, and all of which a woman is capable.

As we celebrate the centennial birthday of our campus here at Villa Montemar, we would be remiss to not equally recognize the indomitable will of Mother St. Catherine Beavers, the Principal of OLP, who purchased the property and moved the school from downtown San Diego in 1924 to our present location today. Her courageous and visionary decision would mark the beginning of a new era for the school.

In 2020, a similar new era commenced with the realization of the Boundless Campaign. Just as our Sisters of St. Joseph teach us to be alert to the needs of the day, the needed structural shift to our beloved campus was evident, even as the spirit of the school remains the same.

If anything, this new era that we welcome would only strengthen the values of our past held so dear, finding space to honor our Sisters of St. Joseph, our Catholic faith, sisterhood, innovation, fellowship, and creativity. I invite you into this edition of our OLP magazine to read the stories about our beloved space here at Villa Montemar. May we together embody the characteristics of our CSJ heritage, with our “eyes open, ears attentive, and spirit alert” to the needs of today’s OLP students.

Together we welcome this new era of learning, steeped in a rich tradition of helping young girls become all of which woman is capable.

God bless,

Lauren Lek, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

A Century of

Sisterhood:

Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Where the Heart Finds Home

As we stand on the brink of celebrating a monumental milestone in the history of Academy of Our Lady of Peace, the essence of our school transcends the mere boundaries of a campus; it is a sanctuary of expression, a home where the heart truly finds its place. Nestled in the heart of San Diego, OLP has been a nurturing haven for young women, fostering a legacy that spans a remarkable 142 years as a school and 100 years at Villa Montemar.

The visionary behind OLP was Father Antonio Dominic Ubach, an early San Diego pioneer.

Since 1870, he had persistently petitioned the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to establish a local school. The arrival of four Sisters on April 18, 1882, marked the realization of his dream. Thus, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace was born, initially boasting 28 female and two male students.

Under the leadership of Reverend Mother Agatha Guthrie of the Carondelet, Missouri Congregation, the school flourished and moved to a new building at A St. and 3rd Ave. in 1887. It continued to evolve, embracing co-education until the 1890s when it transformed into a women-only school.

As the 1920s approached, OLP, under Sister St. Catherine Beavers, witnessed a growth spurt that led to the search for a new location. On Jan. 25, 1924, the Sisters acquired the enchanting “Villa Montemar” estate in University Heights, overlooking Mission Valley. This estate, with its Italian Renaissance buildings and an observatory, was a testament to the Van Druff family’s interest in geology and astronomy.

Architect Frank Phillips Allen, Jr., known for his work on the Panama-California Exposition and Balboa Park, designed the structures that now constitute OLP’s Carondelet, St. Catherine’s, and St. Cecelia’s buildings. The Sisters spent three years enhancing the estate, ensuring the new constructions blended seamlessly with the existing architecture, a tradition we continue to embrace.

On May 22, 1927, the San Diego Union featured seven photographs of the transformed estate,

hailing it as “perhaps the most beautiful girls academy in the United States.” This marked a new chapter in our rich OLP history, solidifying its reputation not just as an educational institution but as a beacon of beauty and grace.

As we approach the celebration of 100 years at Villa Montemar on January 25th, let us reflect on the rich tapestry of Academy of Our Lady of Peace’s history. The journey from a rented house in New Town (downtown) to the picturesque estate in University Heights is a testament to the enduring spirit of sisterhood, the pursuit of knowledge, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.

Visit our school’s website, aolp.org, to delve deeper into the captivating history that has shaped OLP. Let this centennial celebration be a tribute to the remarkable women who have walked these halls, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy we proudly call Academy of Our Lady of Peace. As we look back, we stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way, and as we move forward, we carry the torch of legacy, resilience, and heart. Academy of Our Lady of Peace, where history and heart converge, continues to be a home for the soul and a sanctuary for the expression of the extraordinary women who grace its halls.

JUNE 17- JULY 19

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

PROGRAMS FOR:

Stargazers - Future 3rd Graders

Pilotettes - Future 4th Graders

Aero Angels - Future 5th Graders

Aviators - Future 6th Graders

Navigators - Future 7th Graders

Limited Spots Available!

Enroll your daughter today!

$1,000 PER CAMPER COMMITMENT

$275 FOR ONE WEEK

(No Camp June 19 and July 4)

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:

Field Trips

STEAM activities

Produce a podcast and video content in a studio

Art

Robotics

Science, including biology, marine science nature, bioscape

Dance

Creative Writing

Social Studies

Mock Trial Debate

Entrepreneurship

Water Activities

Hiking

Sanctuaries of Expression

Every corner of our campus is a canvas for self-discovery, growth, and connection. At OLP, we believe in the power of finding one’s voice, passion, faith, and the joy that makes our hearts soar. In the Pilot Television Studio (PTV), students embark on a journey of self-expression, honing their voices and storytelling skills. The dance studio allows for passion to take center stage, creating a rhythm that resonates with each dancer’s heart. Amidst the sacred spaces where faith is embraced, and on North Terrace, Community Day becomes a tapestry of shared beliefs and connections. These are the spaces where voices are discovered, passions are ignited, faith is deepened, and hearts take flight at OLP.

DANCE STUDIO:

Gabby McGillis Class of 2024

Since the day I stepped foot on OLP’s campus during the open house in 2019, the spot that I immediately gravitated towards was the dance studio. Although it may be small, it is quaint and where I have built my favorite memories over the past four years. As a four-year member of the Varsity dance team and having taken or assisted a dance class during all of my high school years, this space is where I have cultivated the greatest sense of community and belonging. Whether it be through our early morning dance practices, cheering each other on as we choreograph solos in a VAPA class, or sitting in the dance studio to eat lunch on a rainy day, there has not been a dull moment in this space. Ultimately, the dance studio on campus is where I have come to understand the true meaning of sisterhood and the importance of finding a safe space for a creative outlet in my life.

AQUINAS AMPHITHEATER:

Nicole Rubio Class of 2024

Aquinas Amphitheater serves as a vibrant location where OLP sisters come together as a community. It’s a special place for shared experiences — a place where masses foster unity, rallies ignite our passions, and cultural celebrations, like Mexican Independence Day, bring joy to our diverse sisterhood.

As a proud Latina, the amphitheater holds a special place in my heart. It becomes a canvas for the vivid colors of my culture during celebrations, with traditional music intertwining with the laughter and camaraderie of my fellow sisters. Aquinas Amphitheater is more than a venue; it’s where I embrace and share my heritage, adding another layer to the rich tapestry that binds us in the collective memories of OLP’s sisterhood.

CHAPEL GARDEN:

Ereny Tanious Class of 2024

From the iconic history memes in Navarra 208 to the meaningful butterflies at the Pointe to the artistic ASB room to the loud event center, OLP has many hidden gems. However, sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring us the most joy, and therefore some of my favorite memories are in the peaceful chapel garden. Other than the stunning flowers and wind chimes, the area has been a friend group favorite, reminding me of the coolest nerds I know. We have stressed out over exams, laughed at dumb jokes, given long hugs, and bonded over deep conversations. The garden has seen our literal blood, sweat, and tears, cultivating a sense of comfort that words are unable to communicate. Now that I’m a senior, I will forever be grateful for such small moments because it was where I found my people, people who weren’t only my biggest cheerleader, but my lifelines, similarly resembling the mural there that depicts the joys of sisterhood.

PTV STUDIO:

Siobán Downing Class of 2023

My very first morning as an OLP student was spent in the PTV studio. At that time I had no idea how much that small studio would impact the rest of my time here at the Academy. During my video production class, I was able to learn so many new things and use my creativity to produce different videos and projects. I was given the opportunity my freshman year to be a news anchor and I fell in love with every aspect of it. I grew to enjoy the class so much that I went on to take it every year. We got a new studio in Navarra my sophomore year and had the ability to do so much more with our broadcasts each morning. Being able to work alongside my classmates to produce videos and segments for our student body was such an amazing experience. I anchored all the way until graduation and also served as an Executive Producer my senior year. Because of all the time I have spent there, whether it be early morning prep, long editing days, or late-night filming, that studio has become my favorite place on campus. The studio is a place where I have grown as a person and learned more about myself and what I am capable of. I have grown so close to my classmates and can say that PTV truly forms a family, and our home is that studio. Now, as an alumna, I look back at my time at OLP and always think of video production and all I was able to do there. The studio is one place I always love to come back and visit when I am on campus!

UPPER PLAZA:

Jessica Helwig Class of 2008

If I had to pick just one place that was my favorite on campus, it would have to be the table me and my friends sat at during our Senior year on Upper Plaza. Our table was the one closest to the Student Library, right next to the tree. Whether I got to sit at the table or down on the ground right next to it didn’t matter, as long as our friend group all got to be together. Break time, lunchtime, after school, before theater performances, and taking a break during Spring Sing practice, you could definitely find us at our “designated” table! Some of my favorite memories of Senior year - and all my 4 years at OLP - are centered around our spot, which ultimately was a place of comfort, friendship, and sisterhood. (PS: I still look at that spot every time I walk onto Upper Plaza!)

THE GARDENS:

Laura Jo Impastato Class of 1966

I started Kindergarten at OLP in 1954, so my perspective has to be based on the layout of the campus then before modernization. I guess my favorite spots were the Chapel, a place of refuge, quiet and prayer at the heart of the campus. I loved the elegant Carondelet parlors but seldom had access because that was the Sisters’ residence. North Terrace, Circle Drive, and the extensive gardens beyond with the swimming pool were very beautiful but my recollections of jumping into the pool at 8:30 in the morning are chilling. Students were not often permitted to meander through the gardens, and North Terrace was for Seniors only. We spent our time on Upper and Lower Courts for athletics, lunch, and assemblies.

The week before graduating, I stayed after school one afternoon to take a final stroll through the gardens and out to the Point. I needed to say my goodbyes to the special place where I grew up, where I learned valuable life lessons and met cherished lifelong friends. I have always thought the school was perfectly dedicated to Our Lady of Peace. It is--at times-- still a peaceful place.

MY CLASSROOM:

Maureen Griffin Current Faculty Member

I’ll never forget the day I walked up the steps to the second floor of Qualiato and entered into room #231, my classroom. I remember immediately looking out the windows facing the canyon thinking, “Oh my goodness! My classroom is like a huge treehouse sitting atop the beautiful eucalyptus trees growing from the canyon below.” Not only is my classroom located in what I think is the most beautiful spot on campus, but the location provides my students and I with a setting where peaceful learning happens on a daily basis. We only need to look out the windows to admire and be among God’s creation. We only need to open the windows to feel the calming breeze, which my students know I believe is really the Holy Spirit among us as we learn and discuss the beauty of our CSJ charism and lessons in faith. I can honestly say that my classroom is truly my sanctuary. It is an environment which inspires and empowers my students and me to be women of faith, heart, courage, and excellence.

THE CHAPEL:

Alana (Wong) Robinson

Class of 1981

The chapel is one of my favorite places at OLP. I remember with fondness attending lunchtime mass at the chapel. Attendance was voluntary and mass was quick, yet I left with a renewed sense of peace and purpose. My faith formation was deeply enhanced by the ability to worship with other students and receive the Eucharist while at school. When I was a student in the early ’80s, girls were not allowed to be altar servers – except at OLP! This is just another example of OLP empowering young women and providing unparalleled opportunities. Girls would need to wait decades before being allowed to be altar servers in most other churches.

OLP Introduces a Symbol of Unity: The Peace Pole

The Academy Our Lady of Peace (OLP) community proudly unveils its latest addition to our faith markers on campus — the Peace Pole. A physical embodiment of the core principle of “Service Above Self,” OLP aims to further enhance its commitment to creating a culture of unity and peace through this meaningful installation.

Donated by the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary

The journey of the Peace Pole began with a heartfelt blessing on the OLP campus during our Interfaith Celebration, with the presence of our generous donors from the Rotary Club. It now stands tall as a powerful emblem of peace. Its presence in the Chapel Garden invites everyone to reflect on the shared values that bind us together, transcending cultural and linguistic

As we welcome this beautiful token into our school community, let us draw inspiration from its message and collectively strive for a world where peace prevails. The Peace Pole at OLP stands not only as a physical monument but as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, collaboration, and the pursuit of a better

May the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” resonate within the hearts of the OLP community and echo beyond our campus, fostering a ripple effect of positivity and harmony throughout the world!

Dr Lek with members of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club

Home Away From Home

Maria Fernanda Kelley, a junior who journeyed from Brazil to the United States in 2022, shares the profound story of her time at OLP. Arriving for my Junior year, I was essentially on my own, knowing no one outside of family. The much-talked-about “OLP sisterhood” turned out to be my anchor. Throughout my OLP experience, I formed friendships deeper than I could have imagined, finding true sisters who offered comfort during lunch breaks, our Senior retreat, and various classes. They became my chosen family.

OLP is a place where I find peace and build enduring relationships. It provides stability, teaching me the importance of responsibility and consistency in my academic life. In the midst of a challenging transition, my OLP community offered unwavering support, becoming a source

bringing me closer to God. The support I received from wonderful girls, teachers, and my counselor was instrumental in navigating the complexities of adapting to a new culture. OLP not only gave me a sense of stability but also nurtured lasting friendships.

One significant friendship that blossomed during my junior year was with Mollie Baribault. Our connection was spontaneous, and we became inseparable. Mollie embraced my Brazilian culture, listened to my stories, and supported me through the challenges of moving to a new country. Beyond school, we explored San Diego together, and Mollie played a crucial role in making me feel like I belonged both to the OLP community and America.

My journey at OLP revealed my resilience, the importance of embracing every aspect

of life, and the significance of a close relationship with God. My OLP sisters taught me kindness and the value of relatability, shaping my worldview. The institution surprised me by emphasizing academic dedication, personal growth, and acceptance of diverse perspectives.

A poignant photo from the Senior Retreat captures the joy and sisterhood with my closest friends, Brooke and Mollie. It symbolizes the happiness and friendship I never thought possible when I first arrived in the U.S. This picture represents hope, love, and true friendship, marking the success of overcoming my toughest transition with the unwavering support of lifelong sisters.

Faye

As an international student, it is difficult to be away from home because I have to adjust to a new environment, culture, and especially the language barrier. In my life, I have always disliked change. I never wanted to change, but OLP made me realize that it’s okay to change since it’s part of life and a part of growing up. OLP has given me the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and aspirations. Through various events and activities, I have been able to form meaningful friendships and build a network of support that extends beyond the sisterhood. The OLP community has not only helped me navigate difficult times, but it has also encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue new opportunities and personal growth. In this way, OLP became my home, and the place where I truly felt I belonged. This picture is very meaningful to me because these people have made a big contribution to my time at OLP. They have been there for me through both the highs and lows, providing unwavering support and understanding. Their presence in my life has truly enriched my experience at OLP, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Dauba Class of 2026

Faye with her friends

This year’s theme is “Big Cities” and will take audiences on a musical journey to four iconic city destinations:

Freshmen to New Orleans, Sophomores to London, Juniors to Las Vegas and Seniors to New York City!

Our talented OLP students have been hard at work preparing for what is sure to be an amazing night highlighting their gifts and talents. Get your tickets today and get ready for an amazing adventure.

Unveiling God’s Splendor

Sacred Art Journey with OLP

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.”

Isaiah 64:8

In 2019, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace embarked on one of the most auspicious capital improvement projects in its 138-year history. In our Boundless campaign, with a new imagining of OLP’s physical presence, we sought to reinforce the very core of what enlivens our school campus and sustains our ministry—the spirit of our faith, and the Catholic women who have traversed the path before us, providing us with guideposts of inspiration and fortitude for our own journey ahead.

At a time when many young Catholics felt more disconnected from their faith than ever before, we saw an opportunity to tell new stories. Too often, our students, and even our world, characterize women of faith in slim categories, failing to see the tremendous depth of all they have accomplished. This was a chance to create the very “real world” connection our youth yearn for in their faith, but sometimes miss.

In 2015, Yale’s Spring issue of Reflections, titled Divine Radiance: Keeping Faith with Beauty, asks, “Can beauty be a way to God? How can art deepen the church’s impact?” Author Megan Mitchell writes in “What the World Needs Now” that “Art is about making space—both physical and mental—for listening, searching, and expressing. Art cultivates the ability to imagine a future and so transcend the present moment. This is inherently hopeful.” Addressing the Heads of Schools in the Diocese of San Diego, Bishop John Dolan stated that “what we put on our walls reflects our values.” His poignant words challenged us to consider the power

of transforming thought and ideas through the images we reflect around us. Indeed, that upon which our eye falls daily creates the pathway for what the mind consumes. We knew we had an opportunity to do something remarkable with sacred art only considered at universities and parishes, but unheard of at such a grand scale at a high school! This would represent a movement that could change the history of high school design, with sacred artwork at its epicenter.

Today, on our walls, in our hallways, and around our community spaces, our campus flourishes with images and artwork that are a literal and figurative reflection of our values as a CSJ community. Each piece was chosen to tell stories, elucidate women of faith, and build connections through art with our young women.

In 1650 Le Puy-en-Velay, France, six women came together to make a profound impact on our world by forming the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. From France, the Order journeyed to Carondelet, Missouri in 1836, and eventually founded OLP in 1882. In their honor, as you enter OLP, you find our CSJ mural (see cover art) featuring six Sisters from modern times who have stood up for civil rights, served as public advocates, fought for human rights, shaped healthcare practices on a global scale, and served as powerful leaders . These were “uncommon women for an uncommon time,” who ask every one of our students, “What will you do, for your world, in your time?”

In the main hallway of Navarra Hall, the mosaic of Saint Teresa of Calcutta gazes down on you, with her love oozing off the very piece of

Mosaic of Saint Teresa of Calcutta in Navarra Hall

art itself, radiating compassion and kindness through her prayerful hands, gentle smile, and searching eyes. She is a reminder to love, and that you are loved, all in one!

On the second floor of Shiley Hall, the Diversity of Saints mosaics tell the stories of four different women of faith from around the world. They reflect the unique stories of the diverse young women within our OLP community. On the wall adjacent to these mosaics is a digital display showcasing additional stories and images of other women of faith from all religious traditions,who similarly inspire our young women in their own faith journeys.

St. Marina of Omura, Japanese

The Patron Saint of Japan, sought by persons who were close to having their faith tested and who needed to recover their courage and strength

St. Laura Montoya, Colombian

The Patron Saint of people suffering from racial discrimination and orphans

St. Josephine Bakhita, Sudanese

The Patron Saint of Sudan and for human trafficking

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Mohawk

The Patron Saint of environment and ecology

As you venture out onto Circle Drive, you encounter the mosaic of la Virgen de Guadalupe, with its gold-leaf tiles and contrasting red roses. This is the title of one of five Marian Apparitions in December 1531, when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Juan Diego in Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City. The magnificent artwork captures the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she bends over to touch Saint Juan Diego. OLP was given special permission to replicate the mosaic, originally developed for Our Lady of Guadalupe Adoration Chapel in Fargo, North Dakota. This same design of Our Lady of Guadalupe was also chosen by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for the Respect Life campaign in 2018.

Found within the Chapel Garden is the At the center of campus, looking up at the grand staircase joining Navarra and Shiley Hall, art and symbolism are fused together in the lace railings, a reminder of the continued influence of our Sisters of St. Joseph in the life of our school. Lace was not only an important economical means of support to sustain our first sisters in Le Puyen- Velay in 1650, but it also represents the skills they imparted to young women as a means of livelihood. While we might not have our Sisters on our campus, our architectural lace is the connective tissue that binds together, through art, the stories of our past.

Within the Chapel Garden on the wall of St. Cecilia’s can be found a mosaic of Our Lady of La Vang, or Đú’c Me . La Vang in Vietnamese. During the anti-Catholic rule of emperor King Thinh in the 18th century the oppressed people of Vietnam saw an apparition of Mary that provided comfort, peace, and a promise of protection and relief from their plight. Here too, our students and visitors can find solace in the image of Our Lady of La Vang.

la Virgen de Guadalupe in Circle Drive

Mosaic Đú’c Me La Vang

McRoskey

To the West of campus, the Martha McRoskey Place of Peace and Butterfly Project Installation,completedin March 2020, houses a Vatican-sanctioned replica of Michaelangelo’s Pietà . Our community is also graced by the statue of St. Joseph in Circle Drive, Our Lady of Grace in the Chapel Gardens, and the Holy Family outside of the Event Center.

Finally, this 2023, OLP is blessed to commission perhaps the only statue of the beloved Little Flower, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, portrayed in a wheelchair that once belonged to her father. She spent her final days in this wheelchair, finding solace in the gardens of her convent as she suffered from consumption. In her short life, St. Therese not only struggled with her physical health, but her spiritual health as well – she struggled to pray the rosary.

May the powerful medium of art surround our community with God’s splendor as OLP continues its unwavering commitment to sharing the inspiring stories of people of faith.

Martha

Place of Peace houses

Michelangelo’s Pietà. Pietà gifted by the Mogollan Coppel Family

Mosaic and statue gifted by the O’Toole Family and the Gregione Family

Pictured on the far right is St. Margaret’s Hall, circa 1927. It was first a dormitory for students in the upper grades from 1927-1973. The dormitories were particularly important during WWI and WWII as military families feared for students safety and would have them dorm at OLP. Most boarders came from Mexico, or inland.

Lower court, was built in the 1970's, following the construction of St. Joseph’s Hall in 1965. This provided additional space for students to gather, a basketball court, and connected the academic buildings with the north side of campus.

Starting in 1973, St. Margaret’s became a Physical Education facility and then in 1984 a Retreat center. It then add Counseling services in 1986.

St. Margaret’s was renamed in 1994, and henceforth became known as Qualiato Hall, thanks to a generous gift from Sandra (Qualiato) Brue ‘62. At such time it transformed into housing 7 new classrooms, a dance studio, physical education facility and a faculty lounge.

At the time of the construction of the Holy Family Event Center in 1997 the school added a final renovation to lower court, transforming it into an amphitheater. Although it was used intermittently over subsequent years, it saw its greatest use during COVID as it became the most frequented space for all school liturgies, rallies, and assemblies. Today, Aquinas Amphitheater is actively used on a monthly basis for class meetings, all school liturgies, and community gatherings.

ST. MARGARET’S HALL

Invest in Her:

Empowering the Future through OLP’s Endowment

In the heart of the Academy of Our of Peace (OLP), a story unfolds - the resilient journey of Veronica Imelsa Mahlmeister, known as Sister Anne Lorraine Mahlmeister, class of 1948.

Orphaned at a young age, Veronica found solace with the Sisters of Nazareth in San Diego, cultivating a desire for religious vocation. Transferring to OLP as a sophomore, she overcame financial hurdles through work arrangements. Inspired by Sister Anne Lorraine’s commitment, OLP honors her in striving to provide opportunities for current and future students.

Reflecting on stories like Sister Anne Lorraine’s, OLP asks: How can we ensure every girl’s opportunity to attend OLP? The answer lies in investing in her—the students, the future. OLP’s endowment assets has grown from $250,000 to over $3,000,000 in 11 years through board designated strategic investments and generous donations. It symbolizes a commitment to accessibility, echoing Sister Anne Lorraine’s spirit in supporting financial aid and scholarship recipients.

Endowments play a crucial role in sustaining excellence and providing opportunities in education. OLP’s endowment assets has seen rapid growth, thanks to recent donors like The Persichetti Family. Every contribution matters, and OLP hopes families, alumnae, and the community will ask: What more can we do to ensure all girls have the opportunity to attend OLP?

An endowment is a lifeline for OLP’s girls, ensuring their growth as women of heart, faith, courage, and excellence. It transcends capital needs, focusing on investing in her—the center of every story. With support, OLP can continue creating spaces filled with unifying love, empowering students to find their home away from home.

Investing in the OLP Endowment is investing in her—shaping a future where accessibility, excellence, and opportunities are a reality for generations to come. Join us in securing a future where every student finds her sanctuary, her home, and herself.

Bringing together top women leaders to share their insights and pathways to success

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace’s Milestone 10th Annual Women’s Symposium on March 8th, 2024, is a celebration intertwined with the spirit of Women’s History Month! This momentous event promises an immersive experience, inviting you to explore an array of captivating panels and speakers across diverse domains such as sports, media, law, STEM, business, health, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Over the last nine years, we have welcomed 350 speakers and panelists to our Women’s Symposium to share their stories and successes. From seasoned professionals to rising stars, each speaker brings a unique perspective, contributing to a collective celebration of strength and unity. This event is not just about individual achievements; it’s a symphony of voices rising together.

Join us in creating a day that goes beyond the ordinary, where the collective energy propels us towards a future where ‘Together We Rise’ isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a rallying cry for empowerment and a call to celebrate the trailblazers who are making a difference in the world.

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE INVITES YOU TO JOIN US

FRIDAY,

MARCH 8, 2024

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

EVENT TICKETS

Complimentary - Non-OLP students, Educators, and Military

$30 - General Admission $25 - OLP Alumnae

Event will be held on our historic campus

Funds raised from this event support education at the oldest all-girls’ high school in San Diego, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP)

FRIDAY, APRIL 19 11:30 AM – 5 PM