Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Magazine
Your Generosity
Makes it Happen See page 50 to learn more about how your generous commitment is sustaining Woodlands Academy.
M AY 1 3 & 1 4 , 2 0 2 2
Dear Woodlands Academy Community, Newly arrived at Woodlands, I have to say that the spirit of the thoughtful and accessible Goals and Criteria has been palpable from my first days on campus. This remarkable Sacred Heart charism infuses itself in the life of this precious school and is evident at every turn. As an important component of Institute Days, when preparations of every sort are undertaken for the new school year, the faculty and staff immersed themselves in studying the updated criteria attached to each of the five goals, reflected on the characteristics of a Sacred Heart learner, and discussed the aspirations of Sacred Heart graduates. Given particular attention this year is Goal IV – Schools of the Sacred Heart commit themselves to educate to the building of community as a Christian value. The embracing of this goal seems especially timely given the challenges dealing with the effects of the COVID pandemic while maintaining the relationships that are at the core of our school. It has been such a joy to see this dedication to Goal IV play out throughout the first semseter. This intentional dedication to the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria speaks to the need to keep Woodlands’ deeply planted roots well cultivated in order to give us additional opportunity to grow new branches on our Woodlands tree of community. Through our Global Program, rich academics, Boarding School, sports, arts, co-curriculars, and service, we are working diligently to ensure that our overall program is brimming with verve and vitality to fulfill Saint Madeleine Sophie’s vision to form students who will be the best for the world. Sincerely,
DR. DAWN NICHOLS Head of School
Coeur à Coeur is produced by the Marketing Department: ALEX MAEGDLIN C M C O ALEXANDRA STEWART, P R O J E C T M A N A G E R BARRIE FROMME C O O R D I N A T O R JEFF HENDRICKS G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R
CONTRIBUTORS
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KARISHMA BHATARA ’24 NANCY KEHOE, RSCJ, PHD NORA WALSH KERR ’95 BROOKE KEMPER ’93 GREER TALTY ’24 ERIN DREWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY TOM MCDONALD
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N DAWN NICHOLS HEAD OF SCHOOL ROCCO GARGIULO PRINCIPAL MARY KELLY CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
F E AT U R E S TO R I E S
ALEX MAEGDLIN C H I E F M A R K E T I N G A N D C O M M U N I C AT I O N S O F F I C E R , ACTING DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION
CHRISTINE SCHMIDT A S S O C I AT E H E A D F O R A C A D E M I C S A N D S T U D E N T L I F E
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Sacred Heart Family
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You’re Not That Special...
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Transitions
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My Wonderful Summertime College-Prep Experience
GERALDINE WHITE CHIEF FINANCE AND RESOURCE OFFICER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES LYNDA L. MOONEY P’22 CHAIR TIMOTHY ARCHIBALD PAUL J. BARTUSIAK P’13, P’15, P’17, P’19, P’23 MARY C. BERNSTEIN, RSCJ
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Global Academy Online Course Offerings
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Patient Advocate Transition
COLM HEANEY P’20
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New Head of School
JEFFREY W. HESSE P’20, P’21
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Reflections
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Keep Moving Forward
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
THOMAS P. MCMENAMIN P’14, P’18 CO-VICE-CHAIR
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Annual Report
DR. DAWN NICHOLS HEAD OF SCHOOL
PATRICIA COLBERT ‘69 NIALL CULLINANE ELIZABETH M. DOLACK ‘82 CARMEN HEREDIA-LOPEZ P’24 HEATHER A. KOTLARZ P’14, P’15 NANCY C. KEHOE, RSCJ, PHD HON. SUSAN KENNEDY-SULLIVAN ‘70 MICHAEL E. KERNS P’18 CO-VICE-CHAIR M. MARGARET MCDONNELL, RSCJ
STEPHEN PACE P’23 TIMOTHY B. QUIGLEY P’21 ANTHONY RETTINO P’22 ENNEDY RIVERA ‘93 SUSANNE M. SLAUGHTER P’16, P’17 MICHELE M. SPARKS P’22 AIMEE G. WALTERS P’23
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Nancy C. Kehoe RSCJ PhD The academic year 2021-2022 will be, for the Woodlands community, a year of transition. We will live this coming year in the context of the last 18 months in our country which was a period of profound transition – going from what we all experienced as “normal” into lockdowns, isolation, limitation, loss, and change. What we kept hearing was, “when we get back to normal.” In considering transitions, it is important to understand what transition means, how it is different from change, and how the Woodlands community can more consciously attend to issues of transition. In this reflection based on the work of William Bridges, I am not going to focus on transition as it relates to COVID but the perspectives I am offering may pertain to that as well. No matter what changes, the same basic experience is present when one (1) something ends; two (2) there is a period of disease, confusion or distress and three (3) there is a new beginning. The challenge of all this is that in the midst of a change, life goes on and work has to be done. The importance of thinking about transition is to identify our own reactions in the midst of these changes – especially when we find ourselves angry or upset because “this isn’t the way we have done things here.” That is a sign that you have bumped up against the reality of the transition, yet something has ended. Recognition of our emotions and what they are attached to can become a more constructive reaction to difference. The difference between change and transition is that change is simply the end of something. The seasons change – summer ends, fall begins, and children change from one grade to another. Feelings accompany change and we may pay attention to them or bury them. However, transitions deal with the inner process of how our minds and emotions work with the change.
It is the transition we have control over – how do I want to deal with this new situation? This new person? How can I recognize my sadness at the loss of what was and still be open to the new? How can I name and own my feelings so they don’t interfere with what I am called to do and be? Change happens, but how am I going to approach it so that it is within my power? William Bridges succinctly names this process in four stages: • • • •
Identify what has ended Live in the unknown open to what the new will bring Trust the process of life – growth Mark the ending
Change happens, but how I am going to approach it is within my power? From the moment of our birth we have been in transition. What can help us as a community at this point in time is for each of us to reflect on some major transitions in our life through William Bridges’ approach to transition. To think of how we lived with them and through them and to learn from them how we can live this year. How we can move forward together as a community, recognizing that each one brings a different set of experiences, and that change affects each person differently. The Goals and Criteria call us to be a community and keeps us rooted in the conviction that our Mission is made known to the fact that we believe in a God who loves us profoundly and journeys with us and will be with us in this year of vast transition.
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You’re Not That Special & Thank God for That By Nora Walsh Kerr, ’95 Parents everywhere teach their children that they are special and unique. I know I heard it from my own parents and have shared the same message with my own two kids who are now 11 and 7 years old. I’d delight in their developmental milestones, support them in their struggles, and look them in the eye and tell them that they were special. When I look back though, I think, ‘Was this internalized message of ‘specialness’ doing more harm than good?” If you’re really that special then your life experiences, including your sadness, struggles and failures, must be unique to just you. I know that logically to be untrue now, but it took a major transition and disruption in my life to start shifting this deep-seeded thought process that was ingrained in me from my own upbringing.
In 2015, my dad became very ill. He had been living with cancer for years and we got the dreaded message that it had spread and he had 6-12 months to live. At the time, I had two much smaller children, I was in a job that was unfulfilling to say the least, and my anxiety was at an all time high. Logically I knew other people lost parents, found themselves in jobs they disliked, and felt burned out, but I was too deep in my emotions to think logically. I felt isolated, alone, and unique in my misery. Therapy and other lifestyle changes brought healing, but another surprising thing helped and had long-lasting benefits that changed my life course dramatically. In grasping with the reality of my father’s mortality, I felt driven to preserve a piece of him in some way. I fell back into what I knew and always loved, writing. I’ve often journaled—an act that was first stirred in me during my Woodlands days and further nurtured throughout my college years. I majored in creative writing and completed my thesis on family storytelling. During this time of crisis and upheaval, it was time to get back to that. So, for purely selfish reasons, I set out to capture my father’s story. I asked questions I had never bothered asking before. Since I felt stuck in my career, I asked about his work life. Since I felt disconnected, I asked about his relationships with his parents, siblings, and spouse. I was surprised by his responses. He was a successful VP of a large electronics company, but his outward success did not tell his full story. He made some big and expensive mistakes. As a young kid, he often felt bullied and ignored. This was all news to me.
Nora (Walsh) Kerr is a member of the Woodlands Class of 1995 and lives with her husband and 4 | coeur à coeur
two kids on the northwest side of Chicago.
Any other person might not be surprised to hear that he had as many stumbles and setbacks in his life as the average guy, but to a daughter who was raised thinking her dad was invincible and that she was ‘special,’ this started a series of life-changing discoveries. Through hearing his uninterrupted and unedited story, I felt more connected to my dad than ever before and at the same time started understanding a lot more about my own life. I compiled some of these stories into a book, at first just for me, but inevitably for anyone in our family to read about and learn what made this great man tick. That same year, I started doing things for other families—because, not surprisingly, I was not unique in wanting to learn more and connect with my family on a deeper level. Gone went the career slump I was stuck in and I have created a professional life that I now love and am proud about. Since 2015, I have preserved close to 200 life stories, each as beautiful and surprising, funny and touching, as that first one.
“The single most important thing you can do for your family: develop a strong family narrative.” -The Stories That Bind Us, Bruce Feiler, The New York Times
I’ve since discovered that the power of sharing family stories is backed by research that deserves more attention. According to an article in The New York Times, “the single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative.” Studies have proven that children who know more about their family history grow up more secure and resilient. Even stories as simple as learning where parents or grandparents grew up or how they met can give the next generation a sense of being connected to something larger than themselves. Our immediate and early ancestors have gone through struggle, loss, and pain. They have also experienced great joy. Sharing these life stories is another way of saying, ‘You’re not alone.’ To look at this through the lens of our Catholic faith, we are taught to believe that we are all unique creatures of God, created in the image of Jesus. Now that is special! But it’s important to remember that we are also beautifully ordinary and connected to our fellow humans through our shared life experiences. I’m really not that special, and I thank God for it!
To learn more about her life story book company including do-it-yourself tips on capturing your own stories, visit http:// memoirforme.com.
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The BVM statue saved from the choir loft of the former Barat College Old Main building’s chapel was temporarily placed in The Chapel of the Sacred Heart upon arrival at its new home, Woodlands Academy.
She began her effort by consulting with Irma Patricia Reiss, RSCJ, who was at Barat College at the time. Then, with the blessing of Sister Patsy, as she is belovedly known to so many at both Barat and Woodlands, Sczygielski-Anders said she had the BVM statue moved to her parents’ home in Waukegan, where it remained for 15 years. “It was quite a conversation piece, as my parents had it lovingly displayed in their living room,” Sczygielski-Anders added. “It remained
Sacred Heart Family Statue of Mary Returns to the Woodlands Campus
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hanks to the determination of former Barat College Director of Residence Life Lauren Sczygielski-Anders, an artifact from Old Main was
spared and now is back with the Sacred Heart family – this time at Woodlands Academy. Its journey across the ravine took a detour through nearby Waukegan, Illinois, and about 15 years to complete. When Barat College closed in 2005, a beautiful, old statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in excellent condition was left behind, abandoned in the chapel’s choir loft. Woodlands Academy did not claim it at the time, and no one from Barat wanted it. In addition, the future of Old Main, which opened in 1904 as Woodlands Academy’s original Lake Forest home, was uncertain at the time. These factors prompted Sczygielski-Anders to ensure the statue would not remain in the building should it face demolition (Old Main eventually was razed in 2013).
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in its same excellent condition during that time.” After both her parents had passed away, Sczygielski-Anders felt it was time for the statue to return to its Sacred Heart family. “I hoped Woodlands Academy would like her, as she was part of the Barat community for decades,” she said. “During a recent mini-estate sale at my parents’ home, the statue was the most popular item. I could have sold her 10 times, which I would never do. She rightfully belongs to the Sacred Heart community.” As she began arranging for its return to the Woodlands Academy campus, Sczygielski-Anders fondly recalled how having it in their house brought so much joy to her Catholic parents. “Both of them were afflicted with serious health conditions and they would pray to the BVM daily. We were glad to be Mary’s caretakers, but I was happy to reunite her with her Sacred Heart community,” she said. When the statue arrived at Woodlands Academy late in the 2020-21 term, it was placed temporarily in The Chapel of the Sacred Heart and then removed prior to the traditional year-end events held there. Meanwhile, various locations for the statue’s permanent home at Woodlands were being considered over the summer. One strong contender is the area of the Susan Saint James PAC and choir room near the entrance to the 100 Wing, which would provide a presence like that of the Mater statue near the 400 Wing. However, a final placement had not been made as of this writing.
My Wonderful Summertime College-Prep Experience By Isabel Rettino ’22 Transitions are the time in between two things. This summer, I was lucky enough to participate in a pre-college program to start the transition to college. I attended the Summer Scholars program at the University of Notre Dame, taking a collegelevel class while earning credit. This program intends to allow its students to explore an area of learning that interests them and challenge themselves. The program also gave students information on the university to explore what they as a university offers. I took a class titled Identity and Popular Culture. In that class, my classmates and I were introduced to cultural studies frameworks such as critical race theory, intersectionality, and theories of representation. When deciding what program to apply to, this class caught my attention because I like to be critical of the media and the open Harkness discussion format of the course pushed me out of my comfort zone. As my professor said, “I learn as much from you guys as you do from me.” My professor’s take was an accurate reflection on the course. I learned from my professor as well as my classmates. They gave their insights and experiences with the media. This class allowed me to gain confidence in myself. I was intimidated at first to take a class with strangers, but I soon found friends that I still keep in touch with after the program. I proved to myself that I could hold my own in a collegelevel discussion and class. I carry this valuable confidence now in my senior year and will take it when I start college
next fall. The program was the perfect transition for me. I would recommend this program and any others like it to any rising seniors because it is ideal for catapulting you to think about your future like where to go to college and what you want to major in. I want to go into marketing, but this class also allowed me to communicate with people and critically analyze the media industry I might fall into. I was able to study on campus, and just like in a college setting, I had the flexibility to manage my own time. Wherever I go to college I will now know how to manage time based on my class schedule which is a skill usually learned by students during their first semester. The program included Course Facilitators who are current Notre Dame undergraduate students and young alumni who acted as mentors to the students. These mentors allowed me to ask questions about what to expect when applying to college and at college. This program has most definitely set me up for success during my senior year and as I transition into college. I will cherish the memories and personal growth made during those two weeks of pre-college.
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Global Academy Continues its
Robust Online Course Offerings Formed in 2020 to meet specific needs created by COVID-19 constraints, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest and Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, Washington, continue their partnership by offering more of its robust online Sacred Heart Global Academy (SHGA) courses this summer and fall. During its inaugural year, the program featured eight courses grounded in the Sacred Heart mission that provided opportunities for international and domestic students to participate with each other along with teachers from both schools. This summer, SHGA offered two courses. “Ethics in International Relations” tackled ethical dilemmas in international affairs relating to issues such as human rights, just and unjust wars, poverty, environmental protection, and global governance. Meanwhile, a 9th-grade boot camp welcomed incoming Woodlands Academy and Forest Ridge freshman to the Sacred Heart community. SHGA’s summer courses were followed by four more in the fall – “Global Photography and Media Studies” and “Hispanic Literature and Culture,’ taught by Woodlands Academy faculty, along with “Comparative Mythology” and “Visual and Verbal, Seen and Felt: Exploring the
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crossroads of poetics and visual arts,” taught by Forest Ridge faculty. These courses are the first ones available to additional schools in the Sacred Heart’s worldwide network. Students enrolled in “Hispanic Literature and Culture” build their Spanish language skills while exploring the literature and cultures of Spain, Latin America and U.S. Latinx communities. There is a strong focus on developing intercultural understanding and making connections that will help students gain a deeper appreciation of their own perspectives and place in the world. “Global Photography and Media Studies” participants refine photography techniques while expanding the knowledge and competence of advanced photographic processes. The course also provides an overview of media studies via screenings, lectures, discussions, and readings. Those taking “Comparative Mythology” learn about several ancient cultures from around the world and examine how the geography, historical events and cultural values of these civilizations shaped their mythological narratives. As a culminating project for the semester, they will write or produce an original myth or hero story either in print, video, or audio format.
Students explore the “Crossroads of Poetics and Visual Arts” in this fall SHGA course offering. As they learn about ways in which art has inspired poets and writers and how the written word inspires artists, participants will write poems, create visual poetry, and compare similar themes across visual art and verse. In addition to these courses, SHGA is offering two virtual exchange opportunities through a partnership with sister schools worldwide. “Sacred Heart Global Exchange” gives students a way to develop their global mindset by learning more about other cultures while strengthening their international language skills. Participants meet monthly in small groups with peers from across the global Sacred Heart community. Groups are organized based on the international language their members are studying. “Solidarity and Sustainability” brings students from network schools across North America together monthly to discuss global issues centered around equity, open communication, and the building of community.
Sacred Heart Global Academy got its start prior to the 2020-21 term with discussions between the heads of school at Forest Ridge and Woodlands Academy about ways of jointly providing excellent educational opportunities to students unable to attend classes on the campuses of the two all-girls college-prep schools due to the pandemic. During the innovative program’s inaugural run, educators soon discovered a variety of other advantages and benefits to its virtual programming. More details about SHGA and course registration information are available on the websites of Woodlands Academy, Forest Ridge and the other network schools joining them this fall.
We are providing opportunities for international and domestic students to participate with each other
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Patient Advocate Transition
By Brooke Kemper, ’93
the bedrock of human existence. How one handles change governs life’s transitions and the evolution of a person. While I was at Woodlands, my life was charted. I would optimize my time there, participate in sports and hard-core focus on academics. I would get into the competitive college of my dreams, score a solid job, escalate through the ranks, and chip away at glass ceilings. I hoped to meet someone along the way who would measure up to my rigid criteria for a perfect mate. We would have two children, a house in the city in which we would live forever, and nary a care in the
A
hot buzz word these days is “pivot.” If the global Covid-19 pandemic has introduced us to one thing it’s “pivot culture.” Expectations no longer
world. I was pumping positive things into the universe and surely this would come back to benefit me. The universe gifted me abundantly. The course I charted
dictate reality. There is no script for a global pandemic just
was the one I achieved. Sometimes there were hurdles or
as there is no real script for life. While many people felt their
detours, but I was undeterred. I carried my Woodlands and
first truly significant disconnect between plans and outcomes
college experiences with me as I transitioned into adulthood.
during the pandemic, others have felt seismic shifts at other
I harnessed the self-confidence I fostered at Woodlands. Self-
times in their lives.
assured, I easily negotiated any forks in the road and secured
These seismic shifts are more appropriately billed as transitions. Transitions are not just change, but transformative change. Sometimes changes are welcome. Sometimes they are not. Sometimes changes are anticipated. Sometimes they are not. What I’ve learned over four decades is that changes are
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a job and home I loved. I even found my perfect match in my husband. The vision of two kids, house in the city and carefree existence took a slightly different direction. We had our two children, a house in the suburbs, but our lives were far from carefree.
The days of early parenthood were halcyon. Despite a
me as she was walking up the stairs to her house that
difficult pregnancy and pre-term labor, our daughter,
evening. Dr. Suskind assured me that Cole was “born in
Parker, arrived full-term, healthy and vivacious from the
the golden age of hearing.” She assured me that my baby
day she was born. My second pregnancy followed an
would be absolutely fine and without limits. From that
identical path with our son, Cole. Despite our best efforts,
day forward, Dr. Dana (as she’s known to Cole) and the
Cole was born four weeks early. Expecting an uphill
University of Chicago Pediatric Cochlear Implant team
battle, Cole beat the odds. The only issues he faced on his
held our hands every step of the way as Cole was implanted
birthday were slight jaundice and a little fluid in his ears
with Cochlear Implants. Through surgeries, mappings
and lungs. Cole failed his newborn hearing screening, but
(Cochlear Implant programming) and ear infections, Dr.
we were told that it was due to the fluid in his ears and it
Dana and her team have been our partners and cheerleaders
would resolve in time. We were jubilant. Our family was
throughout Cole’s journey. God gave us that gift.
complete, and we had two beautiful, healthy children. While finding the best surgeon and audiology team was That jubilation was short-lived. Cole beat the odds again.
vital, many other things needed to fall into place over the
When the fluid in Cole’s ears didn’t resolve naturally, it
years. There are unyielding insurance companies and rigid
had to be surgically drained at 12 weeks. Cole received
Early Intervention procedures. Schedules and career plans
tubes too….and a shocking diagnosis. He had bilateral
shifted to facilitate intensive therapy sessions and audiologist
severe to profound hearing loss. Our son was deaf.
appointments. There are meetings with teachers and coaches and the maintenance of all the Cochlear Implants’ parts and
Thus began the most important transition of my life—
pieces. There is maternal worry in new situations.
from mother to advocate. Life transitioned from scripted to completely unscripted. The transition was abrupt but
Yet all of this is an absolute privilege for me. Why? Because
instinctual.
my son is happy, healthy, and filled with joy. Cole is just an all-American, 11-year-old boy. He loves playing sports,
Cole’s surgeon left us empty-handed with very little
watching sports and dreaming of sports. He is a great
explanation, information, or hope. From there, we did
student and is mainstreamed at an area Catholic school.
all the googling, calling, and praying two parents could
He spends hours outside swimming, playing basketball,
do. The day Cole was discharged from his tube surgery
football, and outdoor games with a group of neighborhood
at a different hospital, Dr. Dana Suskind, Director of
pals he sees daily. He also enjoys playing video games with
the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program at University of
friends, watching Dude Perfect and other sports highlight
Chicago, returned a desperate email I sent her. She called
videos---over and over and over.
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One transition led to another. While I’ve spent the last eight
came full circle when I took a position in Development
years in legal marketing consulting, I recently began a role
at A.G. Bell. In this role, I support the CEO in A.G.
in Development for a hearing organization. When Cole was
Bell’s efforts to grow its donor base and help expand the
a baby and toddler, Alexander Graham Bell Association for
association’s international footprint. I joke that they just
Listening & Spoken Language (A.G. Bell) was a tremendous
can’t be rid of our family!
informational resource for us. Cole later received a scholarship to help fund therapy and school. A.G. Bell is an association dedicated to ensuring children have access to listening and spoken language. It provides training to certify therapists to work with deaf and hard of hearing children to achieve spoken language by relying on their technology and environmental cues (lip reading, peer actions). The organization helps educate, train and advocate to enable deaf and hard of hearing children to talk and hear—children just like Cole.
While Cole’s diagnosis was shocking and the journey arduous, it introduced me to truly beautiful life transitions. Through principles instilled in me at Woodlands, I leveraged my faith, self-confidence and call to service to optimize these transitions. I truly am a more evolved and empathetic person and better mother because of the uncharted path. Life may not always take you down the path you dreamed but it’s the path you’re meant to be on. God has had a hand every step of the way, through the thick and the thin. Have faith and be proud of your path.
Because A.G. Bell had helped our family, my husband and I wanted to reciprocate. We held annual Kentucky Derby parties to benefit the association. My ties to the association
If you or anyone you know have questions about hearing loss, Cochlear Implants or A.G. Bell, please feel free to reach out to Brooke BALHOLM@AGBELL .ORG
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Woodlands Academy Transitions to a
New Head of School In her June 11 “farewell” email to Woodlands Academy
school in Austin, Texas. During that time, she improved
faculty and staff, outgoing Head of School Meg Steele
the school’s relationship with the diocese of Austin,
said, “It has been wonderful to get to know Dawn
stabilized enrollment and launched a successful capital
Nichols over the past weeks as we transition, and I am
campaign. Previously, she was head of school for 16 years
so excited about the future.” Steele was referring to her
at Visitation School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, an
work with Dawn Nichols, Ed.D, preparing the way for
independent Catholic all-girls school with students in
the new head of school to take over July 1. This effort,
grades 6 to 12. There she strengthened enrollment, was
plus Nichols’ prior knowledge of Woodlands Academy, set
deeply involved in two successful capital campaigns, and
the stage for a smooth transition.
dramatically increased the school’s endowment to more than $20 million. For several years, Nichols chaired the
In announcing her one-year appointment, Board of
Board of Trustees for ISACS, the premier accrediting body
Trustees Chair Mary Clare Pollard White said Nichols’
for independent schools in the Midwest.
became familiar with Woodlands seven years ago in a very special way. “Dr. Nichols chaired the visiting committee
“I am thrilled to join the Woodlands Academy of the
for the school’s ISACS [Independent Schools Association
Sacred Heart community – one I know to be vibrant,
of the Central States] accreditation,” Pollard White
dynamic and warm,” Nichols said. “The education the
said. “Our school and the mission of Sacred Heart left a
school provides to its students is exemplary, and I look
positive lasting impression on her, and she developed a
forward to diving in and supporting the great work
genuine affection for Woodlands.” Pollard White describes
of the faculty and staff, administration, and board of
Nichols as a highly successful educational leader who has
trustees, all on behalf of the students.”
worked in public, independent and Catholic schools. Steele, who served as Woodlands Academy’s head of Associate Head Christine Schmidt worked with Nichols
school since 2015, left at the end of the 2020-21 term
on the school’s 2014 accreditation. “I found her to
to become head of schools at Sacred Heart Schools on
be an astute, dedicated and talented leader,” Schmidt
Sheridan Road. Looking back, Steele said she is proud to
said. “The report she and her team put together was
have overseen a period of much growth and development
foundational for many of the improvements we made
at Woodlands Academy.
in the subsequent seven years. I am thrilled she will be leading us into Woodland Academy’s next chapter.”
With an eye firmly on the future, the Head of School Search Committee continues its work to find the next
From 2016-2021 Nichols served as head of school at
dynamic leader of Woodlands.
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, a co-educational high 2021 | 13
REFLEC By Greer Talty
Greer Talty is a day student from Winnetka. She plays volleyball and basketball. Additionally, Greer is a member of the Baking Club, Sophie’s Singers, Model UN, Poker PowHer, and Spirit Club.
O
ctober 19, the entire Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart community celebrated our class of 2024 with our Mater Admirabalis ceremony. It is a Woodlands tradition that all sophomores receive a medal depicting the image of Mater. Mater, the Mother of God, is a woman who inspires all of us to be courageous and strong. The sophomore class spent some time growing to understand Mary through reading and discussion in their Christian Scripture classes and on their own. Sophomores were asked to think of a woman who embodies these qualities. Below you will find personal reflections from Greer Talty and Karishma Bhatara on these qualities from women in their lives.
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I am surrounded, every day, by empowering woman who inspire me to be a better person. I have my mom, sister, Mrs. Martin, and my teachers who are all helping me to grow and achieve amazing things. A woman in my life who always pushes me to strive and accomplish my goals is my grandma. My grandma is the definition of strong, she never settles and has a strong will, which is an important characteristic to have. There is nothing else she loves more in life than her children and grandchildren. She would do anything just to make us happy and I do not think she knows how much we love and appreciate her. She was young when she had her first child, my mother. At only 18, my grandma made huge sacrifices raising my mom and did it two more times just a couple of years later. She gave up so much to take care of and raise three beautiful children. Just as Mary was, my grandma definitely had to feel scared having kids so young, but since they both put their faith in God’s hands, they were able to experience the wonderful miracle of life. My mom raised my sister and me to our full potential. She taught us how to be polite, content, and she nurtured us admirably. She taught us how to stick up for ourselves and be independent living in this world we live in. My mom teaches me the importance of self-worth. She never fails to make me feel good about myself and always looks for the best in people. She has this energetic, positive spirit about herself that everyone loves. I am so lucky to have her in my life; she has always been my biggest fan, supporting me every step of the way since the day I was born, whether she is on the sidelines cheering me on or helping me study for a test, I know that the love I have for my mom is unconditional. My sister is my best friend who is always there to listen to me; she gives me the best advice and is always there to drive me to get ice cream late at night. I never laugh as much as I do when I am with Jane. Even on my worst days, Jane knows how to put a smile on my face. I am so blessed to be so close to my sister, and I hope we never lose the relationship we have. She is off to college next year. For once in my fifteen years, I will not have her by my side and with me every step of the way. I do not know who else I will sit next to at dinner or whose closet I will be able to raid, but I know she is off to amazing things, and I am so proud of her. I thank all the women in my life for making me the person I am. I look up to Mary every day and strive to be more like her. She has set the example for all young girls like me to look up to God. She is always there to help me get through challenging times; I will always admire Mary.
CTIONS By Karishma Bhatara This reading [(John 2:1-12)] from the wedding at Cana shows how Mary supported Jesus. Without Mary insisting that Jesus help the bride and groom solve their problem, Jesus would have never shown his greatness. Just like Jesus’ inspiration, my inspirations have always been there to push me when things get hard or when I need to get a little bit out of my comfort zone. Inspiration quite literally means to develop a feeling that strikes a type of creativity or desire to do and achieve something, and today when asked “which female figure in my life inspires me,” I don’t have one answer; instead, I have 3. Throughout my life, three women have been with me. From catching a small cold to winning a big award, they have been there for all of it. My inspiration, today and forever, will be my Mom, my Dadi Ji (my paternal grandmother), and my Nani Ji (my maternal grandmother). These three women have achieved so much in their lives, it’s amazing. Not only are they family women, but they are also working women. My mom is a practicing physician who takes care of elderly veterans. My Nani Ji, a practicing anesthesiologist, has been in the operating room her entire career. Finally, my Dadi Ji served as a CEO of a hospital, a village head, a nurse, and much more. She didn’t stop caring for people until her last breath. Each has taught me the importance of an education, of a family, and the value of your culture and background. My mom taught me how to balance life, when everything goes crazy and feels like nothing will work out. My Dadi Ji and Nani Ji taught me the importance of my culture, my religion, and my mother tongue. They are also the first ones to stand there with a plate of food and cup of tea during those late-night study sessions.
Karishma Bhatara is a day student from Lake Bluff. She is a member of Chess Club, Kaleidoscope, Girls Recreation Association, MathCats, Model UN, Poets & Playwrights, Service Club, Spirit Club, STEM Club, Theatre, Yearbook, and student government.
These women have accomplished so much; they have created families, they have created a name for themselves, and they have created their own identity. If there is anything I hope to do in this lifetime, I hope to be just like them. Thank you to my great grandmothers who were ahead of their time, thank you for instilling in your girls that we are no less than anyone, thank you for teaching them that they should achieve as much as if not more than what a boy can, and thank you for spreading that from generation to generation. To Dadi Ji: I know wherever you are, you are looking over me, sending your love, and blessing me. Thank you for making my childhood special. I love you and miss you a lot. To Nani Ji: thank you for being my guiding light and helping me understand what is right and what is wrong. And last but not least, a very, very special thank you to Mamma. Mamma, thank you for always being there for me, no matter what goes on, you are always there and I can’t thank you enough. Love, Karishma 2021 | 15
BAY L O R U N I V E R S I T Y
Keep Moving Forward
Class of 2021
BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE BOSTON COLLEGE BRYN MAWR COLLEGE BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAKE COUNTY C O L L E G E O F T H E H O LY C R O S S DENISON UNIVERSITY DEPAUL UNIVERSITY DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
We are incredibly proud of the resilience of our class of 2021 and thrilled to share they have matriculated to the following college and universities.
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ECOLE HOTELIERE DE LAUSANNE
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
U N I V E R S I T Y O F I L L I N O I S AT C H I C A G O
ECOLE HOTELIERE DE LAUSANNE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY T H E C I TA D E L TULANE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON V I L L A N OVA U N I V E R S I T Y WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY W E S L E YA N U N I V E R S I T Y WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
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2021
CLASS NOTES
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1 CHELSEA WHITE HACKBART ‘09
C AT H E R I N E L E V E R T O H LW E I N ’ 0 1 *
Doctoral Fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, where she now
Schizophrenia in 2020 to honor Catherine’s sister, the late Lauren LeVert
shares that she recently moved to Missouri with her fiance for his Post works as a Lab Manager focused on mitochondrial dysfunction. Chelsea
and her family established the Lauren Marie LeVert Foundation to Cure ’99, and her struggles with Schizophrenia. The Lauren Marie LeVert
and her husband tied the knot on June 11th in Lake Geneva.
Foundation is focused on working in tandem with the medical community
2 NICOLE SMITH ’06
knew her, and her legacy lives on in the Foundation’s important work. To
to find the cure for Schizophrenia. Lauren’s life was a blessing to all who
and her husband, Alex, welcomed their daughter, Eleanor Mae Brumley,
read more about their efforts, visit their website lmlf2cs.org/about.
in November 2020.
MARY LACY ’58
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shares that she lives in Arizona, where she is blessed to be surrounded by
and the love of her life, Eric Boleaga, got engaged on March 1, 2021.
her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
MARIAN DEE ROGERS ’59
5 THERESA BOROSH HUNTER ’05
shares that she and her partner, Gary Sanford, met a year ago and now live in Lakeland, FL together, where he works as an architectural designer.
and her husband Andy Hunter were married on April 24, 2021. Her sisters Christine ’06 and Lisa ’11 were part of their wedding party.
Marian shares Gary’s passion for creativity, having designed and built her own home in Virginia and substituted in many design classes over the years.
4 MARY MICHELLE SCALISE ’79,
MARY CLARE SCALISE ’19, AND MARY RILEY ( A L U M N A - B A R A T, S H E R I D A N R O A D )
celebrate the graduation of Madeleine Scalise ’21.
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6 REMY O’NEILL HART ’09
and her husband Philip welcomed their first baby, Hugh Kind Hart, to the world on May 28, 2021. Hugh, nicknamed “Huey,” came very close to sharing a birthday with his mom and the Feast of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat!
7 SUE ABDERHOLDEN ’72 shares that she is now a community faculty member for the
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University of Minnesota School of Social Work, teaching graduate students a class on mental health and health policy, while continuing to work full-time. Sue was also recently awarded the 2020 Esther Wattenberg Policy Award and named one of the 100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician. Sue is second from the right.
LISA STOKES SEIFRIED ’76 an Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) certified Docent, is now serving on an exploratory committee to form a Greater Chicago Docent Consortium where Volunteer Educators can share information and ideas within their field. Lisa has held various roles within the AIC and presented at the National Docent Symposium in Cincinnati in 2015.
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8 ANDREA ODEGAARD GIRALDI ’10 married William Edward Giraldi in a small ceremony on May 15, 2021, surrounded by friends and family. The ceremony was
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held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hamilton, NJ and the reception was at the historic Nassau Inn in Princeton. The couple now lives in Pennsylvania. Andrea also was confirmed in the Catholic Church on September 20, 2020, and she passed her comprehensive exams for her PhD in February 2021. She is continuing to teach and work on her dissertation at Princeton Theological Seminary in their history department.
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In Memoriam (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) Peter Alsberg, father of Sasha Alsberg ’15 and Marisa Alsberg ’15 Dr. Robert Patrick Arnoldt, former faculty member Joseph Cairo, father of Carolyn Cairo ’01 Constance Ducey Coleman ’58, sister of Joanna Ducey Lawton ’55
Suzanne Hickey Howell ’51, aunt of Toddy Hickey Dyer ’89; sister of Past Trustee Jerome Hickey Sandy McDonald Jones ’71, sister of Lisa McDonald ’77 Maureen Kleiderer, mother of Bridget Kleiderer ’83 (d) Claire Ann Biggam McQueeny ’60
Maureen Gallagher, mother of Maureen Gallagher Burns ’81 and Moira Gallagher Minielly 83’
William Merritt, son of Katharine Bick Merritt ’61
Caroline Gladson Collins ’51
Betty Carr Morand ’52
John Graham Conley, husband of Past Trustee Margaret Mary Barry Conley ’49; father of Marita Conley ’69, Anna Conley Vanek ’70, and Kathy Conley Johnson ’77; stepfather of Margaret O’Neill Stoetzel ’70 and Elizabeth O’Neill Hamlin ’74; Margaret Conley Wade ’75
John Gately Ryan, father of Meg Ryan Nelson ’86
Peter Godfrey Danis, Jr., father of Laurie Danis Quill ’83 Frances Duffy Fanning, mother of Kathleen Lojkovic ’75 Nancy Finn, RSCJ, former faculty member and Dean during the 1960’s and the 1980’s; Past Trustee; and aunt of Nancy Clark Brophy ’83, sister of Past Parent Nancy Clark
John F. Sandner, husband of Past Trustee Carole Sandner; father of Kathleen Sandner-Gialamas ’87, Angela Sandner Stensrud ’99, and Allysann Sandner ’05; grandfather of Hannah Sandner- Gialamas ’17 and Margaret Sandner-Gialamas ’13 Joan Russell Sparrow, mother of Jennifer Sparrow ’76 Suzy Bell Trowbridge ’59, sister of Bonnie Bell Pacelli ‘63 Jamie Pierce Tuttle, former faculty member
Mary Ann Ford, mother of Sally Ford Baine ’65, Susie Ford Versey ’67, Mandy Ford Holmberg ’77, Julie Ford Backer ’80, and Amy Ford Keohane ’81
Ann Marie McConville Walsh ’62, sister of Mary McConville Joyce ’55 (d) and Connie McConville Pierce ’68; aunt of Dodie Joyce Swift ’87, Cathleen Joyce Staley ’86, and Julie Joyce Kenary ’80; great aunt of Sarah Staley ’17 and Martha Swift ’19
Timothy Gassert, brother of Elizabeth Gassert O’Keefe ’65, Sally Gassert Toland ’79, and Marguerite Gassert Mueller ’80
James C. Wenzel, husband of Pam Lombardi Wenzel ’67; father of Margaret Wenzel ’97
Paul John Gerlach, father of Anne Gerlach Friday ’75, Virgil Gerlach Howland ’76, and Susan Gerlach Clabby ’79
William Windisch, father of Karen Windisch Moore ’82
Patti Perkins Glaub ’64, sister of Pamela Perkins Short ’63, Kathryn Perkins Conway ’68, and Christine Perkins Caron ’70
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