Chs connections spring2016(online)

CATHEDRAL Connection THE

C AT H E D R A L H I G H S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 6

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS

SCHOOL NEWS

EDUCATOR PROFILES

2016 REUNION

ALSO INSIDE

110th Anniversary Gala Alumnae Profiles Class Notes In Memoriam

THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

INS ID E T H I S I S S U E

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Letter from Our Principal ��������������� 2 School News ������������������������������������� 3 School Updates ������������������������������� 7 Educator Profiles ����������������������������� 8 Alumnae Profiles ��������������������������� 11 Alumnae Update ��������������������������� 14 Annual Reunion ����������������������������� 15 Class Notes ������������������������������������� 18 In Memoriam ��������������������������������� 20

Cathedral High School Administration Ms. Maria Spagnuolo Principal Ms. Rosemary Eivers Assistant Principal for Academics Mrs. Elizabeth Lawlor Assistant Principal for Student Life Cathedral High School Board of Trustees Philip J. Wilker, Esq., Chair Ambar Boodhoo Sr. Margaret Egan ‘56, SC, Ed.D. Hon. Sue Ann Hoahng ‘74 James P. Jalil, Esq. Annemarie McAvoy, Esq Julie McGee Dr. Joseph Muscente Suzanne Schecter Stephen M. Schiller Elinor Sutton, Esq. Adele Vera-Angel ‘68 Bishop Gerald Walsh ©2016 Cathedral High School

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L ETTER FROM OUR PRI N CI PAL

Dear Cathedral Family,

W

e find ourselves at the end of a year full of celebrations in honor of our 110th Anniversary! April’s Gala dinner honoring class of ’76 alumna Ursula M. Burns surpassed all of my expectations. With 200 alumnae, friends and donors in attendance – including an impromptu performance on the drums by class of ’56 alumna Sister Margaret Egan, SC – the evening was a huge success!

In early spring, over 200 alumnae gathered for our Annual Reunion, one of my favorite events that we host at Cathedral. The Class of ’66 attended in force! In late April we hosted our first Alumnae Talk and Tour of the Shrine of Elizabeth Seton to pay tribute to the Sisters of Charity who founded our school.

We’ve also made some improvements to our curriculum this year. In September we invested in our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) programs which included the addition of a Robotics class, a Girls Who Code Club, creating a MakerSpace and 3-D printing studio. Our STEM club grew in attendance to over 140 students! With such a positive response from our young ladies we will be adding a formal Design & Engineering Technology study track next year that will include courses in subjects like Communication Systems and Technical Drawing.

We still have our Business Academy, where students can receive transferable college credit in Business and Law classes, as well as our Medical Gateways program, which places students in well known hospitals and medical facilities to receive hands-on training.

As you look through this latest edition of The Cathedral Connection, I hope you share my pride in all that we have accomplished. And most importantly, I hope you stay connected! Participate in one of our Career Days, become a Student Mentor, guest lecture in one of our classes. Host a regional reception in your state, volunteer as Class Rep, or help lead an alumnae affinity group.

Again we thank those of you who have made gifts to Cathedral, and I ask you to please continue to support the school we love so much.

It’s participation, not the dollar amount that makes a difference.

Please enjoy this issue of The Cathedral Connection and have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Maria Spagnuolo Principal

THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SCHOOL NEWS

Alumna Ursula Burns Visits CHS

By Siara Maldonado ‘17

education, and a strong work ethic.

When all of these values are put together, the outcome is success.

F

riday, March 11, Cathedral High School had the pleasure of having one of the most powerful female business leaders visit its students. Ms. Burns is an alumna of Cathedral High School's Class of 1976 and the Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation.

Ms. Burns' visit marked the first of its kind with a unique question-andanswer session called a "Fireside Chat". At this discussion, Ms. Burns shared great advice and guidance with the panel of students who joined her on stage, but more importantly, to the whole student body and faculty. With her moving and compassionate words, Ms. Burns was able to inspire the minds of all the young women here, at Cathedral.

As a woman in the STEM field,

Ms. Burns has had her fair share of discrimination because of her background, race, and gender. But, Ms. Burns did not let this stop her, and nor should we. An important message she shared during the Fireside Chat was to never give up.

She encouraged all of the Cathedralites present to believe that dreams do come true. All it takes is hard work, commitment, a good

She also reminded all of us what the definition of success is. For many, it may be money or living a lavish lifestyle, but for her, it is reaching ultimate happiness. Happiness should be everyone's goal in life because to be able to do what you love, be surrounded by who you love, and be in an environment that you love is something truly great.

The impact Ms. Burns has left here at Cathedral will last forever. She is a symbol of what it means to break the boundaries. All of us Cathedralites will cherish this memory for a lifetime.

We thank her, again, for all that she has done for our school. We wish her continuous success and hope she will come back soon to visit us.

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THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SCHOOL NEWS

110th Anniversary Gala Alumnae and Friends Gather at Guastavino’s for an Inspiring Celebration

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April 12th Cathedral hosted its 110th Anniversary Gala at Guastavino’s in New York City. Two hundred guests joined us for an evening filled with fond memories, celebration, and a sense of appreciation for the influence CHS has had on the lives of its graduates and supporters.

The night began with a cocktail reception where guests were greeted by current students wearing uniforms from past decades. Attendees posed for photos in front of a 110th Anniversary step and repeat.

The reception began with a welcome by Mistress of Ceremonies, Lynda LaVergne Baquero ’83, Consumer Reporter NBC 4 New York. She CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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introduced Bishop Gerald T. Walsh, Cathedral High School board member, who led us in an inspirational prayer of Invocation.

Maria Spagnuolo, Principal, then took to the stage to formally begin the evening’s program. CHS student Chantel Haigler stood next to her and signed her speech in American Sign Language. Principal Spagnuolo began by thanking all in attendance, our Honoree Ursula M. Burns ’76, and most especially our generous Gold and Silver sponsors: Xerox Foundation, Lazard, Teneo Holdings, and Centerview Partners LLC. After reflecting on Cathedral’s wonderful history, she introduced the evening’s honoree, “The Distinguished Alumna Award was created to recognize an extraordinary alumna who has achieved academic or professional excellence, contributed significantly to her profession or her community, and who positively promotes Cathedral High School and its values of service, leadership and academic excellence. With her generous support of our STEAM program, establishment of a scholarship in her name, dedication of time, and outreach and advocacy on behalf of our mission, Ms. Burns’s commitment to Cathedral has made CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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her a powerful role model and wonderful source of inspiration for our students.”

Before presenting the award to Ms. Burns, Principal Spagnuolo introduced a video featuring some of the faculty, students, and programs at Cathedral entitled, “110 Years of Excellence.”

The program continued with the presentation of the Distinguished Alumna Award to Ms. Burns.

In a moving and motivational speech, Ms. Burns talked about the importance of a quality education, and reaffirmed her belief in CHS’s mission. Before she closed her remarks she invited all CHS alumnae to the dance floor for one wonderful photo capturing a very special moment.

The evening continued with dinner and music from The Café Wha? House Band, who kept the dance floor packed all night. An added special moment was when our very own alumna and board member, Sister Margaret Egan SC ’56, joined the band for an impromptu drum session!

During dessert Principal Spagnuolo introduced Gala Committee Chair and Board member, Stephen M. Schiller.

Mr. Schiller closed the evening by again thanking the attendees and all who supported the Gala, “I truly believe that it is vital for an institution like Cathedral High School to thrive, so that these young women – the women like the ones you saw in the video, and like those who are with us tonight- can become the innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders who can solve the most pressing challenges facing our nation and our world, both today and tomorrow. The funds raised from this evening will help us to continue making a first-rate education accessible for many of New York City’s most promising young women.”

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FOR MORE VISIT

CHSGALA.ORG WATCH video of the short film BROWSE photos from the Gala READ about the honoree and MC DONATE to support quality education

THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 S C H O O L U P DATE S

CHS Students Visit the UN Cathedral High Student Ashley Loor, '18, shares the story of her experience

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ednesday March 9, 2016 the World Youth Alliance (WYA) Club members at Cathedral High school were invited to the United Nations as delegates for North America. We took part in the annual World Youth Alliance International Solidarity Forum with young people from Europe, Mexico and the United States. We discussed the topic of solidarity in worldwide population and sustainable development, and gender inequality. After listening to the amazing speakers explain the work they do, we walked over to the office of the Ambassador to the United Nations from Iceland. There the Ambassador talked about the wonders of Iceland and the work the mission

does at the U.N. He took us to the United Nations once again and gave us a tour from his perspective. We saw many different meeting rooms, including the Security Council. We

took many wonderful photographs.

We want to express our gratitude for the amazing opportunities that were presented to us. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.

S. Margaret Egan to speak at Commencement We are happy to announce that this year's Commencement Speaker will be S. Margaret Egan, SC '56. In addition to being a member of the Cathedral High School Board of Directors, S. Margaret is a Professor of Teacher Education at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. She received her B.A. from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, M.Ed. from Boston College, and her Ed.D. from Yeshiva University. S. Margaret specializes in instructional supervision, education literacy and assessment, as well as use of media technology to enhance teaching. Her work has been published in various media including the International Literacy Association’s Journal of Reading and the Reading Teacher as well as Photography and Reflective Essays published by the Sisters of Charity, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and The Riverdale Press. In Fall 2014 S. Margaret received Outstanding Teacher Educator Award from the New York State Association of Teacher Educators. She is also, quite the percussionist!

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THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 E D U C ATO R P R O F I L E

PROFILE:

JIM PHILIPPS "Christianity is saying we are loved beyond our ability to imagine – and that’s a message that everyone, particularly these kids, needs to hear"

J

im Philipps has two passions – teaching and writing – and has combined them both along his path to help young people understand Christianity better.

Philipps teaches religion to juniors at Cathedral, offering a course on the Sacraments in the fall, and Christian Morality in the spring. He says some people think teaching teenagers about religion is an uphill battle, but Philipps says that as soon as students realize he’s not “giving them the company line,” teens are receptive to hearing what he has to say.

“Christianity is saying we are loved beyond our ability to imagine – and that’s a message that everyone, particularly these kids, needs to hear,” he said. “If you present this faith with a certain authenticity, it communicates that.”

Even though Philipps is a relatively new addition to Cathedral’s faculty, having just finished his second year here, he has been teaching Religion in area Catholic high schools for more than 25 years. He started teaching shortly after graduating from Pace University. While in college, he coached the debate team at Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, where he went to high school, and realized he truly enjoyed working with teens. He parlayed that into his first job teaching English and Religion at Saint Francis de Chantel Grammar School in Throggs Neck.

For a short time, Philipps put his teaching career on hold

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and attended seminary classes at the Neumann Residence and then at St. Joseph’s Seminary.

“It became clear to me that while I had a passion for my faith and teaching Religion, I wasn’t being called to the priesthood,” he said. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Theology at the Institute of Religious Studies on the St. Joseph’s campus.

Philipps returned to teaching, holding positions at St. Joseph by the Sea in Staten Island, Christ the King High School in Middle Village, and Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville. He also teaches courses in Spirituality and Social Justice at Molloy College in Rockville Centre.

“This is my first experience of teaching only girls,” Philipps said. “They are terrific students, I’m trying to teach the Gospel and they’ve let me in.” He sees Cathedral’s mission to reach out to girls from diverse backgrounds as a benefit.

“To me, this is what Catholic education is supposed to be -- an opportunity for all of the people, not limited to the people who can pay for it,” he said. He also appreciates that the students laugh at his jokes.

In addition to his teaching, Philipps has a busy second career as a writer for St. Anthony Messenger and U.S. Catholic magazines. He also wrote, and later became editor of, a column for Religion Teachers Journal. He has also written CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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numerous books on teaching Religion and Scripture, the latest of which is titled Teaching the Basics of Catholic Morality.

Philipps and his wife, Rosalie, have two children. Their daughter is studying marketing at Baruch College in New York City, and their son is a sophomore at Syosset High School. He calls himself an “avid” Mets fan since the age of eight years old. He enjoys collecting fossils, traveling to rock formations north of New York City and seeing what he can find in the exposed rock. He’s also a member of a paleontological society.

Philipps said he appreciates how welcome everyone at Cathedral has made him feel since joining the faculty, and he loves being part of its community. Being able to provide his students with a positive message and hope for the future is a major motivation to teach.

“I feel like there is so much fear and cynicism that teenagers are exposed to,” he said. “’The sky is falling, you won’t get work’ – and to really give them a positive message, we’ve always had struggles. It’s not as bad as that.

You’re going to be fine.”

PROFILE:

DOMINIC UWASOMBA " Every class I teach I spend a few minutes to counsel them – what life is going to be."

D

ominic Uwasomba came to the United States as a student, but remained as a teacher, much to the benefit of Cathedral High School’s science department.

Uwasomba, who teaches Earth Science and Living Environment to 9th and 10th graders, was born in Nigeria, and came to New York City by way of London in 1977. While he had a background as a biology teacher in his home country, he earned a degree in Business Administration from the New York Institute of Technology and a Masters in Public Administration from John Jay College.

He started his Catholic school teaching career in New York at Saint Thomas Aquinas School in the Bronx in 1983, and then Saint Helena school.

He also taught business management at Marymount Manhattan College, where he met Sister Francis Heary.

As they got to know each other, he learned that Heary’s cousin was a bishop in Nigeria, and Uwasomba knew him prior to moving to London.

Heary suggested Uwasomba consider teaching at the high school level, and after interviewing with Sister Mary Kilmartin, Cathedral’s principal at CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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deserving ladies.”

the time, he started here in the Fall of 1984.

He has high expectations for his students in the classroom, which pays off when they pursue science in college. “So many majoring in Bio come back and tell me ‘You’re my inspiration,’ and one of them told me recently [that] the way I presented the course scared her, and because she was scared she gave it primary attention and did the most work. She thought high school was all fun, but I made her work. And she did better because of it.”

Uwasomba started out teaching Biology and Physical Science, taking on the Living Environment course after Physical Science was phased out. Other changes he has seen in his years teaching at Cathedral include the addition of technology such as iPads and smartboards, tools that have helped reduce paperwork and improve learning for his students.

Other changes, outside of the classroom, have also made an impression on Uwasomba. The school’s academic awards night is one. In the past, the event included just students, but now parents, guardians, faculty and the larger Cathedral community all come together. “It used to be only a school thing before – only students.

Now it’s a bigger deal, and involves the whole community. We are now involved in recognizing all these

Teaching at Cathedral has given Uwasomba a chance to work with students from many backgrounds. “I’ve been able to teach girls here from all over the world,” he said. “Girls whose parents work at the UN – diplomats – from Egypt, Russia, Asia, Great Britain.

I learned a lot from teaching children with multi-ethnic backgrounds. And also, children whose parents come from Africa.”

During summer breaks, Uwasomba teaches summer school at Saint Nicholas of Tolantine in the Bronx, where he lives with his family. He also makes time to watch English Premier League soccer – he’s a Chelsea fan – and follows the New York Knicks.

Two of Uwasomba’s daughters attended Cathedral, so he has seen the effects of a Cathedral education as both an educator and a parent. His students have nominated him into the “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” twice, as well as for the “Teacher’s Honor Role.” “My alumnae have never disappointed me,” he said.

“Most who have graduated here have gone on to wonderful colleges. Every class I teach I spend a few minutes to counsel them – what life is going to be.

When they graduate they see what I tell them. They come back and give me a huge hug.”

Keep in touch with your past teachers

V

ery often we hear from our alumnae asking about past teachers that they remember fondly. If you’d like to contact any of the following Sisters of Charity who used to teach at Cathedral, you may send her a note c/o: Sisters of Charity Center, 6301 Riverdale Ave., Bronx, NY 10471. Or, if you would like to visit a particular Sister, you may call Sr. Maryellen Blumlein, Archives Manager, at 718.549.9200, ex. 270, who will help direct you.

SISTERS Margaret Brick (Marian Timothy)

Mary Aquin Flaherty

Rose Frederick Jones

Anne Miriam Connellan

Helen Fleming (David Marie)

Nancy Kellar (Miriam Elizabeth)

Theresa Courtney (Mary Colette)

Joan Freer

Grace Therese Murray

Gloria DeArteaga (Maria Cecilia)

Irene Fugazy (Irene Mercedes)

Clare Regan (Grace Matthew)

Frances Devine (James Marie)

Margaret Mary Hannon (Marie Daniel)

Mary Lou Steele (Elizabeth

Margaret Donegan (Margaret Assumpta)

Doris Heinlein (Mary Bede)

Elizabeth Vermaelen (Grace

Marie Paula Holdman

Elizabeth)

Dorothy Emmanuel (Dorothy Maria)

Marion Hunt (Michael Mary)

Monica Wood (Marie Edwardine)

Georgette Dircks (Marie Campion)

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Maureen)

THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 A LFUEMN ATUARE EP SRTO O FRY ILES

Joan Fabio ‘60 J

oan Fabio ’60 pushed herself to stand out in the business world at a time when not many women held leadership roles.

Fabio remembers that she nearly didn’t get into Cathedral, but not because of bad grades or behavior – in fact, quite the opposite. The sister administering the exam sternly told everyone not to turn the exam page until instructed, so Fabio finished the first page and, following orders, stopped. “Well, I waited,” she remembered. “And then she said the exam was done! I had only completed the first page because I adhered to instructions so well. I didn’t think they’d accept me on one page, but somehow CHS did.”

After graduating from Cathedral, Fabio earned her Master’s degree in Economics from Hunter College in 1972 (as well as her Bachelor’s in 1968). She originally wanted to complete an MBA, but was discouraged. ”The counselor at NYU told me that since there was really no place for women in business, I would be better served to pursue my Masters in Economics and have career in analysis and research. So (like folding my hands for that test) I said ‘OK,’ and believed him,” she said.

ABOVE (L to R): Joan Fabio, Yvonne Lameiro, Dorothy Taylor, Nina Fama, Sylvia Darmiento, and Arlene Sciutto. Donna Ciffo was taking the photo so not pictured.

BELOW: At the 110th Anniversary Gala with Principal Maria Spagnuolo.

Fabio worked her way through college as a secretary at Transway International, a freight transport company. After finishing her Master’s, she planned to move on for a job in her field, but the company chairman offered her a position as a financial analyst. She stayed for 20 years.

Connections made at Transway brought her to Pan American World Airways in 1985 as assistant treasurer, and later, head of the bankruptcy administration division. After the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 A LFUEMN ATUARE EP SRTO O FRY ILES

Maria Cecilia Salazar ‘87

G

rowing up in both Queens, New York, and Colombia, Maria Cecilia Salazar ‘87 appreciated the cultural and social diversity she found when she came to Cathedral, along with the opportunities that community provided. “The school gives these fantastic opportunities and better prepares [students] for college,” Salazar said, “Not just educationally, but also the interaction with their peers where they can learn about so many cultures, backgrounds, socio-economics. It’s a well-rounded education.”

And that education goes further than just what is taught in the classroom, she said. “CHS gives you sense of community, a sense of what is right and wrong, regardless of your religious beliefs. When you’re there as a student, you don’t see that. You only come to realize it years later when you’re in the real world, and you realize and appreciate everything this education gave you.”

Salazar’s successful career in the financial industry has direct roots in her Cathedral education. She landed her first job through connections she made in Cathedral’s Junior Achievement classes, then a pilot program. The class’ business mentor worked for IBM Credit Union, and FABIO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

airline closed, Fabio went to Parsons Brinckerhoff as vice president and treasurer until she retired in 2009.

“I probably worked harder than my male counterparts, but that’s just my style,” she said. “I was the same way in my all-girls’ high school. I cannot ignore another factor which some may view negatively – I’ve always been willing to take on assignments without monetary compensation or promotion because I love learning new things

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a position with the Bank of New York managing relationships in Latin America. She later earned her MBA at Pace University. Salazar moved to her current position at JP Morgan, where she helps companies build and maintain relationships with institutional investors, in 2001. She loves seeing her clients succeed, working with them on everything from initial public offerings through mergers and acquisitions.

Salazar started working there during her senior year of high school.

She earned an Associate’s degree from Wood Tobé-Coburn School, then completed her Bachelor’s at City College. She thought she might pursue a career in mechanical or civil engineering, but changed her focus to mathematics when she discovered she had no aptitude for technical drawing.

Salazar assumed she would continue working at the credit union after graduating from college, but her boss encouraged her to try something new. She found several opportunities that would let her use her strengths -- fluency in Spanish and English and analytical skills -- and accepted and that made me more valuable.

For me, it’s always been about the work – doing the job and doing it well, whether it was pricing out the laundry tickets working summers at my father's laundry store or doing the billiondollar financings.”

In addition to her success in the corporate world, Fabio also volunteered her time with organizations such as the Women’s City Club of New York and FRIA, which provided education on elder care and nursing home placement.

Salazar now makes her home in Long Island City with her husband, Gustavo. She devotes much of her free time to spending time with family -- she’s the eldest of six children -- and is passionate about travel and reading. “When I was in CHS, my Religion teacher got me turned on to espionage books -- I read my first Jason Bourne book at CHS,” she said. “My favorite book of all time is Pride and Prejudice.”

“I was reading an article on LinkedIn recently – the greatest bosses are the ones that treat the janitor the same way as the CEO of the company,” she said. “This was something that my education at CHS gave me – everyone deserves a chance, and everyone has the opportunity improve themselves. And we can help each other get there.”

Fabio wants current Cathedral students to know they have the capacity for the same type of success that she found.

“Work hard at whatever you do. It doesn’t have to be a business career, but whatever you do, it should be at 110 percent,” she said. “I never say, ‘I can’t make it today,’ when I volunteer to do something – I treat it like a job.

If you’re going to do something, do it well. Just because you’re not getting paid, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it all you’ve got.”

THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 A L U MN A E P R O F I L E S

Johanna C. Miele ‘08 J

ohanna C. Miele ’08 knew at the age of 13 that she wanted to work in medicine. At the time, having watched a friend’s mother die of cancer and dealt with her own father’s cancer diagnosis, she thought she wanted to be a doctor. “I had one friend who said, ‘I know you’re sad, but try to find a way to be part of the solution,’” she remembered.

That desire to learn and solve health problems led Miele to Cathedral thanks to the Medical Gateways program that caught her attention as she was researching high schools.

Through the program, she interned at Beth Israel Petrie Division (now Mount Sinai) and did rotations in pediatrics, ambulatory surgery, and orthopedics. Encouraged by her teacher/mentor, Ms. Alice D’Orazi, she also participated in as many pre-med preparatory programs as possible.

After graduating from Cathedral, Miele majored in Psychology at Columbia University. “In my sophomore year I took a public health course, and then it really clicked that I wanted to do public health, not medicine. You can treat one patient, but in public health you can make a decision that affects thousands or millions.” She didn’t abandon medicine, though, working as an EMT for several organizations throughout college, including EMS in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where she grew up.

Miele then entered the Public Health Masters’ program at New York University. She interned with the NYC Office of Emergency Management, and got front-line experience working overnight shifts during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. She completed her Master’s in 2014 and began working as a Health

and Medical Specialist for New York City Emergency Management, a city agency that plans and prepares for emergencies, educates the public on preparedness, and coordinates emergency response. Miele’s day-today work focuses on preparing the city for public health emergencies as well as bioterrorism.

Down the road, Miele said she would like to attend law school in order to further her aspirations in public health. “In my experience learning about Ebola, I learned that a lot of public health law just wasn’t there.

It was intriguing to me, this is an evolving sector,” she said.

Miele credits her experiences at Cathedral, being part of a diverse community with constant faculty

encouragement, with giving her a foundation for building further academic success. “I always felt like CHS cared about how we would move to the next step,” she said.

“The environment allowed for students to work together, regardless of their backgrounds. The teachers would do whatever it took to help us, no matter what was going on.

The teachers were invested in us.”

That dedication inspired Miele to stay involved as a young alumna, returning to share her experiences and helping a Cathedral student develop an internship in her department. “A little goes a long way,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be money. There are so many other ways to give back.”

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Alumnae walk explores Cathedral's beginnings

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athedral High School was established in 1905 by the Sisters of Charity. As we celebrate our 110th Anniversary year we hosted an Alumnae Walk and Tour of the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on April 30, 2016, to learn more about our beginning. The day began at The Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in downtown Manhattan.

Sr. Regina Bechtle SC gave a brief presentation about the life and work of Elizabeth Seton, the founder of the Sisters of Charity. Sr. Margaret Egan SC, who is both a Board member and alumna of Cathedral High School, shared a bit about how the Sisters of Charity started our school, and how we’ve continued their mission to this day. Sr. Carol Barnes SC then talked about the current activities and mission of the Sisters of Charity.

Sr. Regina then led our group on a walking tour of locations in lower Manhattan that were significant to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. We visited Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s Chapel and St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

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ANNUAL REUNION On

March 19th, 2016 nearly 200 Cathedralites gathered for our Annual Alumnae Reunion. While all alumnae are invited to attend, this year we especially celebrated all classes ending in ‘1 and ‘6. Following a Noon Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the alumnae returned to the school for lunch, tours, and a fun afternoon filled with memories and laughter.

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C L A S S NO TES

‘45

Patricia Howell Ross writes that she and her husband moved to California in 1961. They had one son who gave her 2 grandchildren who have since given her 3 great grandchildren. She has been a widow since 2000 and now lives in an Assisted Living Facility.

‘48

Ella Holzman Klein writes, “Still Alive!” She still can recall some wonderful times with her friends at Cathedral.

‘49

Marie R. Sicilian Traetta writes, “God Bless Cathedral High and its Alumnae.”

‘52

Charlotte Neff Vaughn writes that upon graduating in 1952 she entered St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing (which is now closed). She attended the 60th Reunion in 2012. She has worked as a Nurse for 45+ years. Charlotte raised 4 children with her husband who sadly passed away in May 2015. She remained close friends with another CHS grad Josita McGuire (Cavagnaro) ’51 who passed away in 2014. They became friends in Charlotte’s Junior Year through their work as library pages.

‘53

Barbara Cahill Law writes that she and her husband Walter will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary on August 6, 2016. Walter is a Cardinal Hayes Alum Class of 1959. They have been blessed with 3 children and 3

grandchildren and remember fondly their high school experiences.

Sister Patricia Markey writes that she is a Carmelite Sister for the Aged and Infirm. She is very happy in her vocation. Their communities have Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities in several states. They do great work and should love if more people were to learn about her order.

God Bless to All of You. Rosemary E. Flood Cappola writes that she is 81 years old having raised 3 children (2 boys and a girl) and has 8 grandchildren. She is says that God has blessed her with a wonderful Catholic family.

Eileen Fitzgerald Meyer writes that she graduated from the St. Joseph’s Annex in 1953 and is currently living in North Carolina. She and her husband Donald have been married for 49 years.

Their two children (Ann and Scott) have blessed them with 6 grandchildren Christopher, Daniel, Matthew, Timothy, Meghan and Allison.

‘51

Jacqueline A. Murphy, RSHM notes that in April 2015 she celebrated her 60th Anniversary of Religious Profession as RSHM (Religious of Sacred Heart of Mary).

SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE In 2016 did you…Receive an award? Get a new job? Receive a promotion? Move?

Publish a book? Do service work around the world or in your state? Get married?

Have a baby?

We want to know and so do your friends.

Email us with your news at rcialone@cathedralhs.org to be included in the next Cathedral Connection.

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Members of the Medical Gateways program visit St. Patrick's Nursing Home.

THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

C L A S S NO TES

‘55

Helen “Pat” Reilly Caicedo writes that she has 3 grandchildren. The eldest, Brian recently graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. She has a grandson in college and a granddaughter who is still in high school. She has many happy memories from Cathedral!

‘57

Anna Marie Tesoriero writes that she never thought she would live in Shell Point Fort Myers, Florida where she currently resides. She is blessed that she can visit with family and friends and they are able to visit with her.

Rose A. Wenke Nolan writes that she had four children, Judi, Vickie, Chris and Joe, ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren from here to California. She currently lives in Mantua, Ohio and has been married to Joe for 59 years. She has been a hospice volunteer for 20 years and enjoys it.

She finds it so rewarding helping people in their time of need. They lost their son Chris in 2003. Her and her husband are retired now, but she notes work never ends when you own a house and property. She had open heart surgery in December and is doing fine today.

She would like to hear from those who graduated in 1957 who knew her.

‘60

Sylvia Santos Carraro writes that now that she is retired she is enjoying time with her two youngest grandchildren ages 4 and 1. All together she has 7 grandchildren ages (22, 18, 16, 15, 14, 4 and 1) who are the greatest joys of her life. Her prayers are for peace and love throughout the world.

Young Alumnae panel discussion.

‘62 Elizabeth Flanagan writes that she has lived in California since 1967. Five years in San Francisco, 16 in the Los Angeles area and 26+ years in Santa Barbara. She traveled west right after graduation from Fordham University where she received a degree in Elementary Education.

‘63 Noreen Lyons Flugger was looking forward to the Gala in April!

‘64 Selma Wilthew DeLeon is living in Bethesda, MD and retired after careers in public health and the travel industry. She is in good health and living near her family. She is proud to be a Cathedralite!

‘66

Mary E. McTernan Garvey says hello to all of her 1966 classmates. She looked forward to the 50th Reunion in 2016!

‘66

Pearline Zuniga Myvett missed this year’s reunion, but she would love to hear from classmates and friends.

Please contact the Development Office and we will forward your information.

‘69

Maristela Grzinic Rossini writes that she has been working at H.H.C Elmhurst Hospital as an Administrative Assistant for the last 33 years. She and her husband, John, just celebrated their 43rd Anniversary.

They love to spend their summers sailing the Long Island Sound with their 8 grandchildren and 3 children on their 40’ sailboat “Escapade”.

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THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 F E ATU R E S TO RY

I N MEMO RIAM

IN MEMORIAM: Dorothy Ann Schmidt Dorothy Ann Schmidt ‘39, a longtime resident of Pequannock, died Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains with her family at her side. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Dorothy was the daughter of Harry and Anna Yockel. She was a 1939 graduate of Cathedral High School in New York and during World War II worked for the Signal Corps in Monmouth, NJ. While working in engineering she met Charles R. Schmidt, an electrical engineer. The two fell in love and on May 28, 1949, they married. The couple soon settled in Pequannock, where they raised three children. Finding the sport of golf changed everything for Dorothy and her children joke that once she took up the sport, her life

Sr. Miriam Helen Callahan, SC (Margaret Mary) ‘35 Agnes Burns Garrity ‘37 revolved around it. She was an original member of the Pequannock Women's Golf League. Dorothy was deeply loved and admired by her family and was an especially strong role model for her granddaughters, one of whom is following in her grandmother's footsteps as an engineer.

IN MEMORIAM: Maureen Kirk Conway Maureen Kirk Conway ’43, passed away February 24, 2016. Maureen Kirk was born in County Monaghan, Ireland in 1926 and grew up in New York City, where she graduated from Cathedral High School and was a parishioner of St. Vincent Ferrer Church. After marrying Jim Conway in 1945, they lived briefly in Florida, where Maureen worked in the office of a POW lumber yard. Maureen and Jim had six children, lived on Long Island, New York, and moved to the West Island of Montreal in 1965. Maureen spent her last months at Château Pierrefonds. Maureen is remembered with great affection by all her knew her for her unconditional love, honesty, intelligence, creativity and humor.

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The Cathedral High School community extends its deepest sympathy to the loved ones of recently deceased alumnae and friends. Please remember them in your prayers.

Sr. Anne Rita Cullen, SC. ‘39 Agnes Cross Peace ‘39 Dorothy Ann Yockel Schmidt ’39 Eileen O’Reilly Hanrahan ‘40 Rita McKenna Meehan ‘40 Marion H. Morris ‘42

IN MEMORIAM: Mary T. McKeon Flynn Mary T. McKeon Flynn ’46, passed away on July 12, 2007 at the age of 78. She was married to Harold F. McKeon Sr. since 1951.

Together they had eight children who gave them 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They raised their family in Flushing, NY and lived there in retirement. For most of her married life Mary was a homemaker.

THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 F E ATU R E S TO RY

I N MEMO RIAM

Mary Kirk Conway ’43

Sr. Maria Consilia Mantello, ASCJ ‘49

Bernadette McCrodden Pronuck ‘58

Mary H. Hill ’44

Madeline Buonocore Rispoli ‘49

Virginia Martinez Muller ‘59

Gertrude Fox ‘45

Joan Madden Schultz ‘50

Madelyn E. Marco Demorit ’60

Eileen M. Meagher Boyle ’46

Mary E. O'Shea ‘51

Donna M. Allies ‘64

Mary T. McKeon Flynn‘46

Sister Pauline M. Cinquini ‘51

Sr. Rita Elizabeth Moon, SC ‘46

Mitsu Marie Fujimoto Papayoanou ‘53

Carol A. Uzzolino ’46

Helen Tausch ‘53

Claire Monette Suriani Brabex ’47

Domenica Mele Fahey ‘54

Margaret A. Newman ’47

Sr. Grace Megna, SC ‘54

Elizabeth A. Tierney ‘47

Lee Chamberlin (Alverta LaPallo) ‘55

Marie Carey ‘48

Frances Maisano Ciglan ‘55

Mary Armstrong Ward ‘49

Mary Frana Errante ‘55

Mary C. O’Hara Hamilton ’49

Sr. Mary Howley ‘55

Sr. Patricia Brady R.C.D.

Sr. Agnes Regina Hughes (Jean Marie), SC ‘49

Kathleen Jordan Leonard ‘55

Kathryn Casetta

Florence Keegan Fallon ‘57

Sr. Regina Elizabeth

Sr. Caroline McGinn, SC ‘49

Angela Arinoldo Powers ‘57

Dolores Pesce

Linda Palladino Kushins ’65 Kathleen C. Cannatello Lepore ’66 Barbara A. Reddington ‘67 Kathleen Hession Murtha ’68 Aimee Chu ’85 Sr. Mary E. Kenny ‘86 Sally Narain ’91

IN MEMORIAM: Sister Rita Elizabeth Moon

IN MEMORIAM: Sister Pauline Cinquini

Sister Rita Elizabeth Moon, SC ‘46, who taught in elementary schools and parish religious education programs across the archdiocese, died Jan. 10 at Schervier Nursing Care Center in the Bronx. She was 89. Her first assignment was teaching second grade at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Scarsdale, and in the parish religious education program there.

Born in the Bronx, she attended Holy Name School, Cathedral High School and the Baby Nurse Program at the New York Foundling Hospital in Manhattan.

She entered the Sisters of Charity of New York in 1947 and made final vows in 1951. All those who encountered Sister Rita remember her with a pleasant smile on her face, compassion in her heart, always kind and loving with small children as well as the elderly, and listening to all with a cheerful disposition.

Sister Pauline Cinquini, SC ‘51, who was the liaison for Charismatic Renewal in the archdiocese, died Dec. 24 at the Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer in Scarsdale.

She was 82. Sister Pauline, along with several other sisters, began the Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Scarsdale in 1975. A talented musician and singer, she provided music for more than 100 retreats and missions.

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THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016

I N MEMO RIAM

IN MEMORIAM: Helen Tausch Helen Tausch ’53, age 79, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Southwest Christian Care in Union City. She was born November 26, 1935 in Offenburg Germany to the late Joseph Tausch and Theresa Tausch. She was buried at Saint Raymond Cemetery in Bronx, New

York. Helen always spoke fondly of her years at Cathedral High School, and is remembered as a very kind and generous person. Helen made a planned gift to Cathedral High School, and her memory will live on with her donation.

IN MEMORIAM: Linda Marie Palladino Kushins Linda Marie Palladino Kushins ‘65, of St. James, passed away on July 20, 2015, at the age of 68 after a long struggle with cancer. Beloved wife of Eric M. Loving mother of Sean, Brandon (Leyla) and Chad. Cherished grandmother Sera and Kylah. Devoted sister of Dolores “Deedee” and Bob. Dedicated employee and parishioner of Sts. Philip & James R.C. Church.

IN MEMORIAM: Lee Chamberlin (Alverta LaPallo) Lee Chamberlin (Alverta LaPallo) ‘55, passed away on May 25, 2014 in Chapel Hill, NC from metastatic cancer. Lee was among the original cast members of the hit PBS show, “The Electric Company.” From 1983 to 1995, she was the supportive mother of the character played by Debbi Morgan on the ABC soap opera “All My Children,” her longest recurring part. She also appeared on sitcoms like “Diff’rent Strokes” and “What’s Happening!” and dramas like “N.Y.P.D. Blue.” Lee grew up in Manhattan and graduated from New York University. She married Daniel Edward Chamberlin in 1960. In 2010, she founded the Playwrights’ Inn Project in Paris.

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THE CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2016 C H A R I TA B L E G I VI N G

Join The Sr. Mary Raymond Legacy Society A Tax-Saving Way to Help Cathedral High School and See Your Generosity in Action

If

you are 70½ years old or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Cathedral High School and receive tax benefits in return. You can give up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as ours without having to pay income taxes on the money.

This law no longer has an expiration date so you are free to make annual gifts to our organization this year and well into the future.

Why Consider This Gift?

• Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.

• You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.

• If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions I've already named Cathedral High School as the beneficiary of my IRA. What are the benefits if I make a gift now instead of after my lifetime?

By making a gift this year of up to $100,000 from your IRA, you can see

your philanthropic dollars at work.

You are jump-starting the legacy you would like to leave and giving yourself the joy of watching your philanthropy take shape. Moreover, you can fulfill any outstanding pledge you may have made by transferring that amount from your IRA as long as it is $100,000 or less for the year.

I'm turning age 70½ in a few months.

Can I make this gift now?

No. The legislation requires you to reach age 70½ by the date you make the gift.

I have several retirement accounts— some are pensions and some are IRAs. Does it matter which retirement account I use?

Yes. Direct rollovers to a qualified charity can be made only from an IRA. Under certain circumstances, however, you may be able to roll assets from a pension, profit sharing, 401(k) or 403(b) plan into an IRA and then make the transfer from the IRA directly to Cathedral High School. To determine if a rollover to an IRA is available for your plan, speak with your plan administrator.

Can my gift be used as my required minimum distribution under the law?

Yes, absolutely. If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution, the IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of

that requirement. Contact your IRA custodian to complete the gift.

Do I need to give my entire IRA to be eligible for the tax benefits?

No. You can give any amount under this provision, as long as it is $100,000 or less this year. If your IRA is valued at more than $100,000, you can transfer a portion of it to fund a charitable gift.

I have two charities I want to support.

Can I give $100,000 from my IRA to each?

No. Under the law, you can give a maximum of $100,000. For example, you can give each organization $50,000 this year or any other combination that totals $100,000 or less. Any amount of more than $100,000 in one year must be reported as taxable income.

My spouse and I would like to give more than $100,000. How can we do that?

If you have a spouse (as defined by the IRS) who is 70½ or older and has an IRA, he or she can also give up to $100,000 from his or her IRA. It is wise to consult with your tax professionals if you are contemplating a charitable gift under the extended law. Please feel free to contact Regina Cialone at 212.688.1545 x232 or rcialone@cathedralhs.org with any questions you may have.

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The Cathedral Connection is published by the Office of Advancement and Alumnae Affairs 350 East 56th Street New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-688-1545 ext. 225 Fax: 212-754-2024 Email: rcialone@cathedralhs.org