Duchesne TODAY DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART–OMAHA SPRING 2017
U PCOM ING EV EN TS 3601 Burt Street Omaha, NE 68131 402-558-3800 www.DuchesneAcademy.org Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic college-preparatory high school for girls of all faiths and backgrounds, is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States. The schools of the Sacred Heart Network share five goals which commit them to educate to: · A personal and active faith in God · A deep respect for intellectual values · A social awareness which impels to action · The building of community as a Christian value · Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
Editor-In-Chief
MAY 24, 2017
OMAHA GIVES! Midnight to Midnight (Details on back cover)
MAY 25, 2017
Prize Day at Duchesne 8:00 a.m. Graduation at the Cathedral 7:30 p.m.
MAY 28, 2017
Preschool Prize Day in the Chapel
SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
Alumnae Association Board Meeting 11:30 a.m.
Mary-Ellen Doyle
Publication Designer Maggie Crnkovich A06
School Photographer Claire Sapone A12
Contributors Molly Atherton Katie Risch Bakhit A94 Margo O'Connor Bieker A71 Meg Huerter Brudney A83 Mary-Ellen Doyle Katie Grudle Lucy Kain A17 Eric Krakowski TJ Mullaney Meghan Conway Rowen A97 Kealy Rudersdorf A01 Natalie Truscott A18 Sara Wachter A79 Liz Johnson Worthington A01 Carrie Pogge Wortmann A01
Printer Aradius Group
Special Thanks Anna Mostek Photography
SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
Grade 9 Parent Meeting 7:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2017
Day at Duchesne: All-School Reunion Please find full schedule on page 15
SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 Back-to-School Night 6:15 p.m.
OCTOBER 4, 2017
Alumnae Association Board Meeting 11:30 a.m.
OCTOBER 6, 2017
Children of Mary Meeting 10:00 a.m. The Performing Arts Center and Chapel
OCTOBER 11, 2017
“Stuart”ship Day Alumnae & Senior Class Service Day All alums are welcome! 8:15 a.m.
NOVEMBER 1, 2017
Alumnae Association Board Meeting 11:30 a.m.
› INSIDE THIS ISSUE ‚ 04 Letter from the Head of School 06 Preschool News 08 School News
10
Sustainable Goals
Duchesne Academy and Preschool adopt new initiatives to make strides towards a more sustainable future.
14 Alumnae News 25 Giving 28 In Memoriam
19
28
Life Lessons: Sacred Heart Values
Young alums reflect on how a Sacred Heart education has prepared them for college and beyond.
Remembering Sister Fitz
The Duchesne community fondly remembers the life and legacy of Joanne Fitzpatrick, RSCJ.
Duchesne Today is a newsletter for the alumnae and friends of Duchesne Academy, Duchesne College and Duchesne Preschool. It is published twice a year. Printed on recycled paper.
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Friends and Alumnae, The Duchesne community lost one of our most beloved RSCJs, Joanne Fitzpatrick, to pancreatic cancer in February. “Sr. Fitz” was my sophomore English teacher at Duchesne and then became a cherished friend for more than 30 years. The authentic way she shared herself, her enduring faith, her love and laughter with each one of us is her enduring legacy. Since her death, I have heard many touching stories about her life that have stirred my soul. I know I am not alone in missing Sr. Fitz dearly.
It was my great honor to attend the memorial services of Joanne Fitzpatrick, RSCJ in Atherton, California. Celebrating her life and being among many retired RSCJ who have committed their lives to bringing the loving Heart of Jesus to all they encounter renewed my spirit and desire to keep the mission of Sacred Heart education thriving in Omaha. We are blessed to have had these incredible women educate generations of Duchesne students. The RSCJ approach life from a place of love, including a palpable desire to preserve our planet and all of its resources for the betterment of humankind all over the world. In the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, a document created by the RSCJ, we are instructed: “to respect creation and prepare our students to be stewards of the earth’s resources.” Our school year theme, Encounter All Creation with an Open Heart, reflects our desire to live out this Sacred Heart goal. My hope is that our young women notice God’s creations everywhere, every day, in every way and are inspired to actively engage in the preservation and conservation of our natural world. We have an engaged sustainability team who is working diligently to increase awareness and change attitudes and behaviors to be a “greener” campus. One example of these initiatives is this publication, which is printed on 100% recycled paper. We dedicate our sustainability efforts to the RSCJ who direct us to be stewards of the earth’s resources. Sr. Fitz loved Lake Okoboji. It was her heaven on earth, with its clear blue water. I believe that by educating our students and acting for the good of the earth, we will keep her beautiful lake clean and lead the way for future generations to respect all God’s magnificent creation.
In the Heart of Jesus,
Meg Huerter Brudney A83 Head of School
4 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
Sacred Heart Commission on Goals–Follow up
I
n order to ensure fidelity to the Goals and Criteria, Duchesne participates in a five-year, cyclical review process with the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals (SHCOG). On October 1, 2016 Duchesne’s SHCOG steering committee submitted the school’s Self-Study to SHCOG, and the school subsequently hosted a visiting committee of five Sacred Heart educators from November 13-16, 2016. At the conclusion of their visit, the committee left Duchesne with a written reflection of their experience. The visiting committee commented that they left “in awe of the special community that is Duchesne Academy and Preschool” and confirmed that the “Goals and Criteria are being lived out in the day-to-day life of the school.” The visiting committee commended:
• The entire school community for the depth of commitment to living the Goals and Criteria • The school for the vibrant sense of community that they experienced from their first moment in the school • The trusting relationships that have been established among all constituencies The visiting committee recommended that:
• The school community explore how to deepen its relationship to the surrounding community in which it lives through service and education
• The faculty accept the task of making recommendations to the Leadership Team to resolve scheduling problems
• The Duchesne Board of Trustees and Head of School continue to develop a plan for growing diversity among faculty and students
In the wake of the visiting committee’s reflection, the provincial team of the Society of the Sacred Heart drafted a response affirming Duchesne’s continued participation in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. Duchesne has also formed an action plan committee to strategize the school’s ongoing reflection and response to the visiting committee’s commendations and recommendations.
The Goals of Sacred Heart Education Goal 1: A personal and active faith in God
Goal 2: A deep respect for intellectual values Goal 3: A social awareness which impels to action Goal 4: The building of community as a Christian value Goal 5: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom SPRING 2017 5
PRESCHOOL NEWS
PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS BY SARA WACHTER A79
Tower Garden
Just like their counterparts at the Academy, Duchesne preschoolers are learning about where the food that they eat comes from working with their own garden. This garden is called a tower garden, and it is an indoor, plastic garden that has been producing all winter long. We have had tons of butter lettuce, gourmet lettuce and chard growing, and the ornamental peppers, bell peppers and tomatoes have begun to grow after our hand pollination. Students were excited to feed some of the grown lettuce to the rabbit and turtle who came to visit recently from Fontenelle Forest! Some parents have remarked that their preschoolers have been more willing than usual to try their vegetables at home, and think this is due to the awareness the tower garden has created.
6 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
Preschool Sustainability
Recap of Preschool Congé
Thanks to Karen Heng, our EC teacher, who has made darling fabric placemats, napkins and wall-hanging from fabric that has The Very Hungry Caterpillar theme on it.
Parents and children came to the event together, but they each had separate parties. The children’s party was held all over the Academy: around Christmas tree, in the parlor, in the “train village room” and in the small gym. Finally, Mrs. Claus and Santa were there, along with all of the Preschool teachers, to spread Christmas cheer.
No more paper napkins, plates or plastic cutlery in the preschool!
This is one way we at the Preschool are working towards being kind to the earth. After eating, children place soiled placemats and napkins in laundry basket. They then place recycling in the bin and trash in the garbage can. Additionally, children and teachers eat with stainless steel cutlery off of real dishes and glasses, which all go into our new efficient dishwasher.
Preschool Congé was held on Sunday, December 11, at Duchesne.
Parents met in the Performing Arts Center and had craft-brewed beer and wine, with heavy appetizers from Espana. All enjoyed a great silent and oral auctions which raised about $34,000! Thank you to all who helped to make it such a successful event.
PRESCHOOL NEWS
Duchesne Preschool Summer Camps 201
JUNE 12-JULY 27
7
Duchesne Preschool is offering four one-week sessions this summer for children ages 3-5.
1
Join us for one or all of the following dates:
Session One One Week Camp
June 12-15
2 3 4
Session Two One Week Camp
June 19-22
Session Three One Week Camp
July 10-13
Session Four One Week Camp
July 17-20
Duchesne Preschool will also be offering Kindergarten Jumpstart! This one-week camp is designed to prepare your child for kindergarten. Camper must be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2017. Kindergarten Jumpstart One Week Camp July 24 – 27
Introducing two NEW camps this summer: Art with the Masters and Community Helpers! And back by POPULAR demand, Little Sprouts and Earth Tenders. For more information on Duchesne Preschool Summer Camps: • scan the QR code to the left • visit http://duchesneacademy.org/preschool/preschool-summer-camps/ • email Mary Jo Begley at mbegley@duchesneacademy.org SPRING 2017 7
SCHOOL NEWS
S piritual Opportunites Abound BY TJ MULLANEY
G
oal 1 is alive and well at Duchesne Academy these days! In recent years we’ve witnessed a flowering of opportunities for spiritual engagement across the spectrum of our community, demonstrating both the hunger for an authentic encounter with God, as well as the eagerness of the Spirit to satisfy that hunger. None of these fantastic opportunities would exist without the patient and generous dedication of the Duchesne community: Campus Ministry, Formation to Mission, administration, alumnae and parents.
ASSOCIATES OF THE SACRED HEART The Associates of the Sacred Heart are groups of men and women who get together to learn more about and from the RSCJ, deepen their Sacred Heart spirituality and support one another in prayer and friendship. Anyone with an interest in the RSCJ and Sacred Heart spirituality can join. The Omaha chapter is actively seeking new members and would love to meet you! Currently they gather every 2nd Monday evening of the month, and they’re reading their way through Sophie’s Fire by Connie Solari.
Maintaining their unbroken First Friday devotion, the Children of Mary now gather for Mass during Duchesne’s lunch hour, enabling interested students and adults to participate.
Contact Lisa Pavel (lpavel@duchesneacademy.org) if interested in learning more.
Contact Meghan Rowen via email at mrowen@duchesneacademy.org) for more details.
COR UNUM For over two years now, a generous group of Duchesne mothers have organized a weekly prayer group for students and faculty/staff, meeting before school on Wednesdays. After a long time of anonymity, the group recently adopted the name “Cor Unum” (One Heart), proudly situating itself in the motto of the RSCJ. Membership is open and fluid, but the routine is steady: Scripture, prayer journaling, and intercessory “pray-overs”—all with a complimentary breakfast! Those interested in participating can email TJ Mullaney (tmullaney@duchesneacademy.org).
8 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
FIRST FRIDAY MASSES (CHILDREN OF MARY)
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION While we have always been blessed with the ability to adore Christ in our chapel’s tabernacle, our community now boasts in monthly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Local priests and deacons come to begin and end the experience with the proper liturgical rites; Duchesne parents commit to holy hours throughout the day; both of which allows students and faculty/staff to spend free blocks in adoration of the Sacred Heart. Want to join in? Contact Erin Keller (asknrcv@gmail.com) to get the link to the online sign-up!
SCHOOL NEWS
at
D uchesne
Tackling Stereotypes: NEW Studies Class AT DUCHESNE
Women’s
BY NATALIE TRUSCOTT A18
W
SILENT RETREAT This optional silent retreat invites students and adults for 24 hours of silence at school, including an overnight stay in the Performing Arts Lobby. Teachers, parents and priests preach and offer spiritual direction, as well as simple (but delicious!) meals.
BUSY PERSONS' RETREAT For the second time in four years, this spring Duchesne is offered a “Busy Person's Retreat” for its adult members. RSCJ spiritual directors flew in for four days of prayer and conversation, with a schedule tailored around each individual’s normal (busy!) routines.
hen I first learned that Duchesne would be offering a women’s studies course in the first semester of the 2016-17 school year, I was extremely excited. I have always had an interest in women’s rights and history, and in my sophomore year I started feminist club with another student with the goal of being able to discuss current women’s issues with others, so the decision to take women’s studies was an easy one for me. I was eager to learn about women’s history more in depth in a seminar-style environment. The class, taught by Mrs. Reinhart, world cultures teacher and teacher moderator for feminist club, met twice a week. We began the semester by watching the documentary Miss Representation, which explores the portrayal of women in the media. We watched documentaries on Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, second wave feminism and women in the workplace. Reading from the Seneca Falls Convention’s “Declaration of Sentiments” and Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique helped to provide me and my classmates with insights into pivotal moments in women’s history in the United States. Our final project was to work in small groups and create a documentary on any women’s topic that we found interesting. My group chose to research the effects of education on child marriage, but other groups researched topics such as sexual assault on college campuses, women in Syria, Anita Hill and the wage gap. In my opinion, this was one of the most valuable classes that I have taken during my time at Duchesne. I have been able to use what I learned in women’s studies and apply it to current events in the news, and most importantly, to become a better, more informed feminist. I wish that women’s studies could be mandatory, not only at Duchesne, but at other schools too, including all-boy ones! I am incredibly grateful to have been able to take this class, and I intend to use what I learned in one very short but amazing semester to remain informed and active in current women’s issues.
SPRING 2017
9
SCHOOL NEWS
Sustainability: Duchesne is caring for all of
God's Creation by Eric Krakowski
I
n his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis addressed the need to exercise a greater care for the gift of creation. His message challenged not only Catholics but all of humanity to “recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat [the earth’s] warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it” (Laudato Si’, 23). Later in the document, His Holiness noted that it is “wonderful how education can bring about real changes in lifestyle. Education in environmental responsibility can encourage ways of acting which directly and significantly affect the world around us” (Laudato Si’, 211). As a school of the Sacred Heart, Duchesne Academy is also charged by Goal Three of the Goals and Criteria to teach “respect for creation 10 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
and prepare students to be stewards of the earth’s resources.” In response to the vision of Pope Francis and our commitment to our Sacred Heart mission, Duchesne chose “Encounter All Creation with an Open Heart” as its theme for the 2016-2017 school year. As both a Catholic and a Sacred Heart school, therefore, Duchesne is taking very seriously its responsibility to teach its students the value of being conscientious caretakers of God’s creation. In 2016 Duchesne was honored to receive an Energy Star rating of 95% from the Environmental Protection Agency. Shortly after receiving this prestigious designation, Duchesne announced the launch of its new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) program. In the wake of these notable achievements, two
generous donors stepped forward to help Duchesne continue this momentum by underwriting a partnership with Verdis Group, an Omaha based sustainability consulting firm that has helped develop and implement sustainability plans for many local organizations such as Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College. One of the donors noted, “We are grateful to be able to support the STEAM education of Duchesne students while furthering the Sacred Heart mission in conjunction with the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ to take action on sustainability and integral ecology as central to our faith.” With the help of Verdis Group, all Duchesne students, faculty and staff were invited to participate in a sustainability
SCHOOL NEWS
The photos above are from a recent "waste audit" which was conducted in an effort to measure the effectiveness of the school's current recycling program. The school received new recycling containers as part of a grant; future audits will help gauge success of these new containers.
survey this past fall. With an overwhelming response rate of 76%, results of the survey revealed that 94% of respondents believe it is important for the school to be committed to sustainability and to take active steps to be more sustainable. Another 94% also believed that promoting sustainability directly supports the school’s mission. Participants identified protecting the environment, reducing waste, making responsible choices and decreasing greenhouse gases as top priorities. As a result of the survey, Verdis Group recommended some “next steps” that Duchesne can take. The first recommendation was to re-evaluate the school’s current recycling program to increase visibility and reduce landfill waste. Duchesne received a $3000 grant from the Nebraska State Recycling Association to purchase all new recycling containers and signage throughout the entire campus. In March, the school began a coordinated effort to increase recycling and to renew emphasis on its desire to reduce the amount of waste produced on a daily basis. Other recommendations provided by Verdis included composting some campus waste, transitioning to LED lighting whenever possible and a commitment to turn off lighting when not in use. A sustainability committee consisting of students, faculty and staff has been established to help coordinate these and other sustainability efforts. Verdis Group also directed the annual Duchesne faculty and staff retreat on February 10. This year’s retreat was held at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue and included sessions encouraging the formulation of long-term sustainability goals and their subsequent strategies. Faculty and staff were guided through a discussion to prioritize sustainability goals for the community, and they identified the following as the top three opportunities: energy and emission reduction, waste reduction and recycling and providing locally produced food options, perhaps inspired by our all-school read selection this year, In Defense of Food
by Michael Pollan. Duchesne will continue to work with the Verdis Group to formalize these goals and to create quantifiable benchmarks as well as time frames for reaching these goals. Kim Morrow from Verdis Group commented, “It is rare for us to see such a high rate of support for sustainability initiatives in an organization. Seeing the obvious enthusiasm of students, staff and faculty to connect sustainability with their faith has been inspiring and invigorating. I have no doubt that Duchesne will achieve great sustainability goals and will serve as a model not only for the Omaha community but also for the future generations who will pass through its doors.” As a Sacred Heart school, Duchesne is proud to respond to Pope Francis’ call to address the root causes of climate change and to do its part to take care of our common home. We recognize that all creation is a gift from God and that, as human beings, we bear an important responsibility to preserve creation for ourselves, for future generations and for the poor and marginalized who are often most directly affected by the reality of climate change. The Duchesne community is delighted to open its collective heart to address this important need and to have taken these initial steps in committing itself to being an even better steward of God’s creation. We look forward to continuing to make progress with this exciting initiative, and we invite all of our alumnae, benefactors, friends and families to join us as we “cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents” (Laudato Si’, 14). Want more information on how sustainability serves as an educational tool for the future? Read how one alum's career utilizes sustainable practices to teach children to be stewards of the earth (story on page 22.)
SPRING 2016
11
SCHOOL NEWS
A New
N ew Orleans
:
the Rebuilding of The Big easy Continues by Lucy Kain A17
On October 29, a group of juniors and seniors departed for the annual New Orleans service trip to help continue the recovery of the city after Hurricane Katrina. They stayed in a cozy Sacred Heart retreat center, Duchesne House for Volunteers, run by three very kind and hospitable RSCJ. The group, led by chaperones Margy Ford and Kim Kreis, had the opportunity to work with the St. Bernard Project and take part in rebuilding two different homes located in a part of New Orleans that was hit hardest by the hurricane in 2005. Here, senior Lucy Kain tells about her life-changing experience that week.
Back row: Adba Musharrafie, Jordyn Hall A17, Annie Boggust A17, Lucy Kain A17 Middle row: Anna Sambol A17, Morgan Mehochko A17, Emily Woodward A17 Front row: Sr. Bonnie Kearney, Katy Smith A17, Elizabeth Otto A18, Katie Maxwell A17, Kaitlyn Schmit A17, Sr. Anne Byrne
O
ur team was involved in painting the walls and ceilings, tiling and assembling the bathroom in the two houses. We even got the chance to meet the owner of one of the homes, who had been waiting to move back in to her home since Katrina struck, but who faced major setbacks due to contractor fraud. Meeting the woman we were helping and hearing her story firsthand was truly a heartwarming and humbling experience, and it made the service much more personal. In addition to working each day to rebuild the houses, we took in the culture of New Orleans by visiting the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, the Saint Louis Cathedral and even went to a talk by a renowned Mardi Gras Indian. CafÊ du Monde and a delicious po’-boy (a New Orleans sandwich) restaurant were wellloved stops on the trip as well! During the trip, our group was well-educated on the Louisiana wetlands, Hurricane Katrina itself, its effects, hurricane prevention and city-wide rebuilding efforts. We visited the Lower Ninth Ward, which suffered some of the worst damage from the hurricane and learned about the ways in which that area has recovered since 2005. Our time in New Orleans is a prime example of Goal 3 in action. We all gained a valuable social awareness of the tragedy in New Orleans and the way that the city came together to recover after the disaster, and of poverty throughout the US and the world. This experience will impel each of us to future action in the prevention of another US catastrophe to the caliber of Hurricane Katrina, and in reaching out to the poor and forgotten in society. 12 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
Back: Annie Boggust A17, Kim Kreis Front: Jordyn Hall, Morgan Mehochko, Lucy Kain, Katy Smith, Emily Woodward (all A17)
Unfortunately, not long after we returned home, we received news that one of the RSCJ nuns who so generously hosted our group in New Orleans, Sister Anne, had died suddenly and unexpectedly. She is remembered fondly by all in the Duchesne community who were affected by her kind heart. Duchesne hopes to continue annual service trips to New Orleans to carryon the important work that Sr. Anne and the other RSCJ do there.
SCHOOL NEWS
Living goal Three: the
Welcoming
Stranger
by Katie Grudle
O
n Friday, February 24, the Duchesne community helped to provide a new home for a refugee family of four from Myanmar (formerly Burma). Once they arrived in their new apartment, they immediately were welcomed with household furnishings, stocked groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, clothing and shoes, warm coats and activities and toys for the two children. Refugees flee their country of origin for many reasons, some out of fear and persecution. Pope Francis calls on his flock to welcome our brothers and sisters with compassion. Even the two parishes in the Vatican have been housing two refugee families this past year. This family is from the Karen culture in Myanmar, where there has been political unrest and war for decades, with thousands of people currently living in refugee camps. This past fall, our school community was visited by the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals. One of the recommendations given from our fellow Sacred Heart colleagues asked our community to explore how we could deepen the relationship with the surrounding community in which Duchesne lives through service and education. Helping to sponsor a refugee family helps our multi-generational school community learn through giving and receiving. We give to them by providing necessities for daily life in Nebraska. We also receive from
Duchesne students help assemble a bedroom in the new home for a family from Myanmar.
them by learning about the family’s culture and expanding our own world views. Lauren Kubat, A17 is serving at Refugee Empowerment Center (REC) this semester through her Catholic Social Teaching senior theology course. “Helping set up the new apartment for the refugee family made me realize my call to make a difference and directly help someone in need,” she said. Another member of this service group is Vivian Caniglia, A17 who shared how she also benefited from serving and learning about the REC. “Volunteering at the REC has really opened my eyes to the need that refugee families resettling in Omaha and the United States require. Spending time moving a refugee family in and working with REC is a beneficial way of fulfilling my calling to help others.” This truly has been a collective effort from the entire community - alumnae, parents, friends, students and preschool. Thank you for turning our refugee family’s apartment into a home, for helping us to answer Jesus and Pope Francis’s call and, especially, for your continued prayers for our refugee neighbors in Omaha.
Vivian Caniglia, Lauren Kubat, Emily Woodward and Catharine Swartz (all A17) served at REC this semester through their senior theology course and helped set up the family's apartment. SPRING 2017
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ALUMNAE NEWS
a message from
THE ALUMNAE BOARD Dear Alumnae & Friends,
Alumnae Board President-Elect, Carrie Pogge Wortmann A01 and Alumnae Board President, Liz Johnson Worthington A01
K eep in Touch!
Have you or anyone living at your previous residence had an address change?
Are you not receiving our emails?
What are you up to? Keep your classmates informed by sharing your news and announcements with us!
Send any updated information to Meghan Conway Rowen at mrowen@duchesneacademy.org
14 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
It has been a successful year for the Duchesne Alumnae Association Board! We started the year off with a fantastic new event called “Duchesne Back in the Day.” Women from the class of 1949, lovingly referred to as the “49ers,” shared honest, heartfelt and funny stories about what Duchesne was like when they were students. It was a wonderful morning strolling down memory lane. Our annual Stuartship Day (in honor of Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ), in collaboration with Campus Ministry, continues to grow and improve each year. This year we assembled 500 layettes with baby items for 12 different charities in Omaha. Alumnae enjoyed working alongside the senior class, as well as the Duchesne preschool students, on this beautiful day of service. Probably our most meaningful event each year is the Memorial Mass and reception, held each November, in honor of those in the Duchesne community we have lost in the last year. Many families return to Duchesne to celebrate their loved ones with the Duchesne community. There is always so much gratitude from the families for such a special ceremony. Santa came back to visit in December for the Holiday Mass! Kids of all ages were excited to visit with Santa and eat donuts after mass. Particularly for our families with young children, this is a very special gathering. An additional highlight is the miniature train and village that Mr. Mike Kotulak sets up in the art gallery outside the chapel. Another new event this year for the Alumnae Board was preparing and distributing “finals care packages” for all of the students during finals week. Each student received a Duchesne water bottle stocked full of Kleenex, lip balm, pencils, candy and other goodies. It’s our way of saying “we’re thinking of you” to the students during, what we recall as a very difficult week of studying. The care packages were very well-received. We can’t forget about the recent graduates of Duchesne! During Christmas break, young alumnae gather for an afternoon of fun at Duchesne. It’s a great chance for them to catch up with former teachers and classmates. There is so much excitement to return to Duchesne after graduating. Many, I believe, don’t realize how much they love Duchesne until after they have graduated. In April, we will induct all seniors into the Alumnae Association during a special morning breakfast for each of them and their mothers. It’s a first step in transitioning from seniors to alumnae, which always brings a few tears. Hopefully you have received your “Save the Date” for the 2017 reunion. The new date is September 9, 2017, and we have been working hard to develop a new format for this very special day at Duchesne. More details about this fun event are to come! Thank you to those of you who support the Alumnae Association through your annual dues and donations. We could not put on so many wonderful events throughout the year without your contributions. If you would like more information on joining the Alumnae Association or board, please don’t hesitate to contact Megan Rowen. Sincerely, Liz Johnson Worthington A01 Carrie PoggeWortmann A01 President President-Elect
ALUMNAE NEWS
Congrats! A lumnae Weddings Sarah Lehan A02 to Philip Mumm
Day at Duchesne
All-School Reunion 2017 College and Academy alumnae are welcome to join in Reunion 2017 – a day at your alma mater!
Hannah Gerhardt A09 to Cody Espelund
new Saturday, September 9, 2017
Katie McGuire A10 to Sam Troia
Tentative schedule for the day: (Please note, although events may change slightly, times are set in stone)
Michaela Quinn A06 to Patrick Yearley
Bless these Babies Nikki Ortman Poulos A96, a son, Grayson James Megan McGuire A97, a daughter, Sofie Marie Joslin Bowen Carson A01, a son, Henry Scott
THE
DATE:
10:00 a.m.:
Duchesne doors open! Our bookstore will be open at 10:00 a.m., and you are welcome to walk around the building.
11:30 a.m.:
Alumnae Luncheon in the Caffrey-Ryan Auditorium Guest Speaker: Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A83
1:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.:
Visit the Duchesne bookstore! Self-guided tours
3:00 p.m.:
Megan McVoy Enenbach A01, a son, Conner Johnathan
Guest speaker, Margaret Munch RSCJ in the Chapel
Meghan Spence Hope A01, a daughter, Elizabeth Claire
Mass & Alumnae Awards in the Chapel
Angie Zegers Sheild A01, a daughter, Elliot Ann
Wine & Cheese Reception for alumnae and guests
Molly Boden Winquist A01, a daughter, Genevieve Mary Nicolette Green Kerns A07, a son, George Charles Sarah Wheeler A11, a daughter, Leighton Rose
4:00 pm: 5:30 – 7:30 pm:
• Self-guided tours with Duchesne student ambassadors stationed around the building to answer your questions. • Invitations will be mailed and emailed at the end of May. • We will appreciate your RSVP for all events you plan to attend. Email your address or information changes to Meghan Conway Rowen (mrowen@duchesneacademy.org) This ensures that our database is up-to-date and ready for successful mailings!
SPRING 2017
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ALUMNAE NEWS
The Children of Mary was blessed to have alumna, MONA FINOCCHIARO SNIDER A81, as their guide and guest speaker at the Morning of Recollection and Reflection on Friday, March 3. Several of Mona’s 1981 classmates, as well as Mona’s mother, Dorene Finocchiaro (right), and her daughter, Sophie (left), a sophomore at Creighton University, were special guests that morning. The focus for the audience of 50 women was the Ignatian prayer, the Examen. She led a guided meditation and it was beautiful, allowing the Children of Mary members and friends to reflect on themselves in a quiet, peaceful space. Mona completed her graduate certification in spiritual direction and directed retreats from Creighton University in 2015. She is involved at the Ignatian Spirituality Center in Kansas City where she and her husband, Bruce reside. DALLAS MALHIWSKY JURISEVIC A97 and her husband, Edvin, were honored as speakers for the Referee Roundtable #3 at DJ’s Dugout in March 2017. They are both high-level soccer referees and were present to answer questions and connect with other soccer referees. Dallas has been a soccer referee since 1990 when she was in junior high. Since then, she has worked towards her goal of refereeing at the highest level and has accomplished that by refereeing at games such as the Nordic Cup, the Dallas Cup, the WPS All-Star Game, WUSA combines and various International matches. In November, SANA GOLDBERG A08 gave a TED Talk at Harvard University called "What if You Became a Nurse?" Sana earned her undergraduate at Reed College before graduating from the Accelerated Bachelor of Science program at Oregon Health & Science University’s School of Nursing. Goldberg is a natural speaker who has presented in Switzerland, at her nursing graduation ceremony and most recently, 16 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
H AV E Y O U at a TED Talk. Sana stated, "Duchesne is a beloved community to me and really planted the seeds for my desire to become a nurse. The faculty there greatly impacted my life and career trajectory (particularly Kate Sommer, Mary Moeschler, Meg Jones, Dan Daly, Joan Kathol and Martha Heck)." To view her TED Talk visit: https://m. youtube.com/watch?v=0WnLA6bSmwA MADELINE KRAMPER QUINN A09, has recently been hired as Duchesne’s hospitality coordinator. This is the perfect position for her creative, hospitable heart! She will be taking the place of the wonderful Nancy Mulhall, who is retiring this spring. Madeline is married to Duchesne’s campus minister, Scott Quinn, and they have one daughter, Lucy. MACKENZIE FINDLEY A10, graduated from UNMC in Lincoln in May 2015, obtaining her her R.N. degree. She was hired in June 2015 at Methodist on the cardiac unit. In 2016 she was honored to receive two Meaning of Care awards. This award is given by Methodist Hospital patients and their families. The families donate to the hospital in the caregiver’s name to honor the outstanding care they have received from this person. It is very rare to receive one, let alone two awards in one year. Mackenzie has found her passion in nursing and loves taking care of those in need. She will move to the recovery floor this spring. Well done! ALEX EMIG A10 is now in her second year of Law School at Creighton University. She graduated from Marquette University in 2014 with a political science/English double-major. Alex worked for one year at National Indemnity before starting law school.
CLASS OF 2011 UPDATE BY ELIZBETH ERKER & MACY MULHALL KATIE MCGUIRE TROIA just got married to Sam Troia on Saturday, February 25. Her reception was at the Scoular Ballroom, a throwback to our winter formals! Sara Lang
was her maid of honor and Carly Thelen a bridesmaid. The whole 38th street/St. Cecilia's crew was reunited in Omaha! SARA LANG, ELIZABETH ERKER AND MACY MULHALL live together in Chicago. (Note the corn stalks in the front pots – representing Nebraska.) SARAH WHEELER is in grad school. MERYL HIGGINS is a nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. NARGIZA "GIGA" ERGASHEVA is in medical school in Dominica, so all her Spanish from Señorita Goliber is being put to good use. KAITLIN ROE is finishing up graduate school (master's in speech-language pathology) in San Jose, California. EMILY KLUVER was married in April and lives with her husband, Yousef, in Brooklyn. She works for a local newspaper. JULIE RYAN is in law school at Creighton University - a year and a half to go! REILLY WHITE was just accepted to Creighton Law School, meaning she will be the third generation of her family to attend Creighton University Law School. KATHRYN LUNDGREN is finishing her master’s in education, and will graduate from Iowa State in May. AMY GUZIEC is an obstetrics and gynecology residency coordinator at Creighton University. MALLORY HUNTIMER works for Kiewit
ALUMNAE NEWS
HEARD? handling their corporate aircraft. She also just signed with a charter company to fly for them in her time off. ALEX BILUNAS is in dental school and will be seeing patients starting next year! LIZZY BECKWITH is living in Aspen, Colorado. She founded her own after school program doing STEM work with kids and as a director at a summer camp. LIBBY EVANS is working full-time at the Omaha World Herald in Omaha. ABBY DELONG was just accepted to graduate school and will pursue an advanced degree in education. CATIE FINKENBINER is finishing up her master’s at UNL, then hoping to begin her PhD in Natural Resource Science at Oregon State. ALAINA PFENNING is living in Chicago, finishing her master's while determining where to start her PhD. She’ll squeeze her wedding in this summer! BRIANNA BILUNAS is in the Navy, living in Pensacola, Florida. She’ll be flying jets any day now. JESSICA GORUP FLOHR is a first grade teacher in Hebron, Nebraska. She, her husband and their chocolate lab puppy hope to head back to Omaha this fall so she can start graduate school. MICHAELA MODICA works at a bridal boutique in Omaha (great resource for our class in the coming years).
summer. She also works doing research in the biology department of UNO.
CAITLIN EGAN is living the dream in New Orleans.
KATIE EMIG spent most of last year in Vienna. These days, she’s working in North Carolina while getting her master’s at Duke.
MADELINE CLAUFF works as a media associate in Chicago. She’s still riding the high from the Royals 2015 World Series win.
EMILY LANSPA works as a social worker in St. Louis at a non-profit within a middle school, teaching social emotional learning and sex education. She received her master’s last May.
ASHLEY HASEBROOK is a nurse in Chicago.
PATTY OWENS is living in Nepal doing great things. She recently met the Dalai Lama (left)! CHELSEY WEHRMANN will graduate from St. Louis University this May as a speech pathologist. COLLEEN KRINGS works at Embassy Suites Downtown in Omaha as a banquet captain. She recently started a women’s Bible study. DANIELLE ALVINE is engaged and can be found snowboarding in Colorado with her fiance and two dogs. ELISABETH BARRETT is working at Kaneko in Omaha. CAROLINE BRESSMAN is in law school at the University of Minnesota. CORI HORNER graduated with a master’s in hydraulic engineering from Colorado State University and now works on a river in Nevada, spending her free time climbing.
MEGHAN HERGENRADER works in Elkhorn Public Schools as an elementary special education teacher and is currently working on her master’s.
CECE CAMPBELL (right) is living in New Zealand, working in tourism if you need some help planning your next getaway!
KATIE NELSON is in optometry school in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Finally living her dreams of playing eye doctor and loving it.
CLAIRE KRESKI is living in Chicago, working for Ernst & Young while getting her CPA.
SARAH NELSON is a seventh grade science teacher in Omaha Public Schools (Bryan Middle), finishing her master’s next
BRIGID CONNELLY is finishing the five-year program at Villanova to get her master’s in Spanish.
CLARA HAGEMAN is in medical school at UNMC. JOAN FORBES is in graduate school at St. Louis University for special education.
REBECCA JEFFREY A13 will graduate in the top 10% of her class from the United States Military Academy, West Point with a double major in systems engineering and physics in May of this year. In her years at West Point, she was the captain of the Division 1 rugby team and she was in a leadership role as battalion sergeant major overseeing 300 cadets. After graduation, Rebecca plans to work in medical service which will take her to Ft. Riley, Kansas. MARIS PRICE A14 currently attends the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in graphic design. This talented artist was recently allowed the opportunity to work with famous installation artist, Mark Dion. Mark visited the University this year to present and lecture, and then created two prints with Maris’ advanced printmaking class. They used two drawings that Mark sent to the class earlier in the semester, and they created one into a lithograph and one into a screen print. “It was truly an amazing experience to get to meet him, print with him and attend his entertaining lecture. I was given a lithograph for helping with the printing process, and it’s something I will cherish forever!” stated Maris.
We would love to announce your good news to the Duchesne community! Send photos, wedding or birth announcements along with any changes in your contact information to Meghan Rowen: mrowen@duchesneacademy.org.
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ALUMNAE NEWS
Career Day Brings Alumnae Back to
D uchesne by Molly Atherton
T
uesday, March 14 was the second annual Duchesne Academy Career Day. Duchesne counseling staff collaborated with the Heider School of Business at Creighton University to introduce the girls to the business world, setting out to prove that “jobs in business are not boring.” In the morning, Monnie Markel Biety, A76, presented a keynote address to the student body discussing her exciting career: providing small business loans to women across the world. Classes then divided, with juniors and seniors headed to the Creighton campus for a day of collegiate-oriented activities, and freshman and sophomores welcoming ten Creighton Business faculty and students to our campus to help students produce their very own marketing pitch. Groups wrote pitches for five womenled charities, and the audience voted for their favorite. Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build will receive a donation from Duchesne as the winner of the pitch competition. In the afternoon, freshmen and sophomores welcomed 15 women, 12 of them Duchesne alumnae (see right), to speak with the girls about their careers and the winding paths that led them into the business world. At Creighton, the Duchesne upperclass-women listened to professors speak on topics such as ethics in the workplace, among others, and visited with a panel of Duchesne young alumnae. The girls learned about the various ways women can make an impact on the world and met memorable role models as they begin looking at future careers.
Seraphim Mullins, Meghan Spence Hope A01, Bridget Wilwerding Flaherty A04, Heather Hubbard A89, Marsha Graesser, Mary Ann Bernal , Eryka Hanson Morehead A00, Elizabeth German Langan A01, Willow Head A89, Erin Fogarty Owen A89, Cindy Elston Horning A87, Ann Ambrose A81, Allison Sagehorn, Joanna Kelly Mesenberg A91 Anne Ambrose A81– pharmaceutical sales: Anne earned a BS in business administration with a concentration in marketing. She has worked in the biotech field selling medications made from human DNA for over 20 years. Currently, she is selling a medication to Retina Specialists for age related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, retina vein occlusion and myopic choroidal neovascularization. Cindi Horning A87 (mother of Sami Horning)– corporate management: Cindi has managed over 1500 people and over $500 million in sales for large companies. She worked for Neiman Marcus, one of the best specialty stores in the nation, and Walmart one of the largest retail stores. Cindi graduated from Duchesne and went on to graduate from Colorado College before beginning her career as a market manager. Erin Fogarty Owen A89– executive director of communications: Erin Fogarty Owen is an integrated marketing communications expert with two decades of experience developing winning communications and marketing strategies, locally and nationally, with experience ranging from producing national network television programming to Capitol Hill political strategy; from small business entrepreneurship to higher education communications. Currently, she is the executive director of the award-winning Office of University Communications at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Willow Head A89 – lawyer with her own practice: Willow is a family law attorney and has her own firm. Her day involves anything and everything from appearing in court, to daily contact with clients, drafting pleadings and maintaining a practice. She went to University of Iowa for undergraduate and University of Kansas for law school. Heather Hubbard A89 – coder (Schnackel Industries): Heather works for a MEP (mechanical, plumbing, electrical) engineering company where her job is to create software that assists engineers in designing efficient, cost effective systems. Her time is spent designing programs, programming, and fixing bugs while rocking out to music and eating snacks. Joanna Kelly Meysenberg A91 – educator (St. Margaret Mary): Joanna is in her 22nd year of
18 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
teaching. She currently teaches fourth grade full-time and she has served as the assistant principal at SMM for the past 11 years. Katie Risch Bakhit A94–development director: Katie is the director of development at Duchesne Academy. She possesses a dual master’s degree in social work and public administration and has spent most of her career in non-profit administration, including fundraising. She has been in her current position for 7 years. Her primary role at Duchesne is to engage current parents, alumnae and parents of Duchesne alumnae in the Sacred Heart mission in an effort to match it with the philanthropic mission of our supporters. Eryka Hanson Morehead A00- CEO and president of Collaborative Planning Group: Eryka is the founder of Collaborative Planning Group. She created the company to help wealth advisors manage the risks associated with their client’s financial plans. She specializes in insurance planning (life, disability and long term care) and helps structure client’s estate and business succession plans. Elizabeth German Langan A01 – marketing and communications manager, CPA (DMSi): Liz received an accounting degree from Creighton University and is a CPA. She worked for KPMG in Omaha and Chicago and at Lutz as a senior accountant. In 2009, Liz started working at DMSi software as in implementation analyst. She eventually joined the management team focusing on rebuilding the company’s marketing department and serves as the manager of customer communications and marketing. Meghan Spence Hope A01 – senior creative strategist at Yahoo! Meghan works with premium retail advertisers to optimize their online marketing accounts. She makes recommendations to companies such as Target, Lowe's and Best Buy to maximize their marketing strategy. Meghan graduated from UNO with a degree in marketing. Bridget Wilwerding Flaherty A04 – graphic designer at RDG Planning and Design: People are visual and nothing communicates a message, a feeling or an identity like graphic design. Bridget works to deliver solutions — from brand identity and brochures to supergraphics and signage.
ALUMNAE NEWS
Values to Beyond
tAking sacred heart College and
A great joy at Duchesne Academy is when young alumnae or their parents report to us how well Duchesne has prepared its students for college and for life. “My daughter’s paper was hanging at the front of the Fordham University lecture hall as an example of how an essay should be written, and we owe that to her Duchesne education” is one glowing report a parent has shared about her recent graduate. To illustrate that point, several young alumnae who are currently in college have recently weighed in on how their Duchesne Academy education has set them apart from their college peers and prepared them for the next four years and beyond.
Relationships Of course, Duchesne taught me how to manage my time and study effectively and how to seek out volunteer and leadership opportunities, but having great relationships with all of my teachers at Duchesne also prepared me well for college. If I am having trouble with a concept I am not afraid to go to my professors and seek help.
One thing I learned at Duchesne was that sometimes you need to seek extra help if you are struggling in a class. The teachers at Duchesne were always ready to assist students with questions, and I guarantee if you talk to your professor and ask what you can do to do better in the class, they will be ready to help as well.
-Nicole Amato A14 (University of Iowa)
-Jackie Petersen A16 (University of Nebraska, Lincoln)
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten through a hard time without leaning on some sort of support from Duchesne. I found my best friends at Duchesne, and they’re the first people I turn to when I need advice. The photos hanging on my wall illustrate how Duchesne sticks with me—a selfie with Dr. Hickman, a photo from prize day with Mrs. Haggas, ring ceremony pictures, costume days with A14. They stand as another reminder to strive to be a faithful, selfless, intelligent, actively engaged individual as I make my way through the world. -Steffi Emig A14 (University of Kansas) (continued on page 20)
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ALUMNAE NEWS
Confidence Duchesne’s commitment to The Five Goals of Sacred Heart Education cultivated a strong sense of self that gave me confidence for college. My time at Duchesne provided a variety of opportunities to explore each of the Goals. As a result, I gained knowledge of who I was, what I was good at and how I wanted to grow. I discovered my strength for community building in Goal 4 and an opportunity to grow in service in Goal 3. I brought this awareness to college, and I have since used the foundation that Duchesne laid to expand on these areas. Duchesne prepared me to manage my time well and engage in the classroom, but ultimately the strong sense of self that I gained from the Goals has proven to be most essential for living confidently and purposefully in college. -Madison Webster A15 (Samford University)
The woman I grew into after Duchesne allows me to fearlessly answer a question in a lecture hall, knowing that I may be wrong. I have relationships with professors and faculty, and I understand the importance of asking for help - both academically and from friends. -Emily Knuth A13 (Texas Christian University)
I have experienced a lot of group work in college, with people I do not know, so being confident in myself and my thoughts and knowing how to effectively communicate has been a life saver. -Maggie Doyle A16 (Santa Clara University)
Academic Success I have been able to write essays with ease and have excelled in my first semester math class. Other students asked for my help solving equations thanks to my Duchesne math classes. My experience there also encouraged learning time management skills and how to juggle a lot of assignments. -Jackie Petersen A16
Duchesne's dedication to academic excellence and integrity is something I rely on. I know that I am prepared well for the challenges of my academic studies. -Ariana Haddad A16 (Santa Clara University)
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Shockingly, college classes are difficult. The coursework is heavy and the pressure is high. Because I took a full course load of difficult classes at Duchesne, I gained the confidence and time management skills to do the same in college. -Emily Crnkovich A13 (Macalester College)
There are so many aspects of my experience at Duchesne that I am thankful for everyday. The first, most recent thing that comes to mind is how prepared I was for the math section of the DAT that I took last summer to get into dental school. And to the students who are memorizing the unit circle now, I know how much I hated doing that, but I still remember it and it came in handy much more than I thought it would. -Olivia Straka A13 (University of Nebraska, Lincoln)
ALUMNAE NEWS
Personal Growth The lessons I learned at Duchesne through learning for the sake of learning and expanding my knowledge, whether it be for an exam or not, and constantly challenging myself and others to reach our highest potential, has set a platform for me to be successful in my business program. The Goals and Criteria instilled balance, self-awareness and growth. Because of these Goals, it is most important to attribute my successes, and failures, to God.
Duchesne gave me many gifts, but some of the most important were the lessons I learned in expanding my world view. By decentralizing my Eurocentric viewpoint and opening my eyes to the incredible diversity of our world, this class pushed me to question the things that I thought were obvious and to put my own closely held beliefs to the test. Being able to open my mind to different perspectives, to look at problems from new angles, has been an invaluable skill in my academic and personal life.
-Emily Knuth A13
-Emily Crnkovich A13
The challenging environment at Duchesne prepared me for the collegiate environment more than I ever could have imagined. However, what I appreciate most is how Duchesne taught me to cherish tradition and values-based living. -Anna Smith A15 (Loyola University, New Orleans)
Life Skills Duchesne gave me the confidence I need to reach out for opportunities around me and has made me a more social and involved person in college than I otherwise would have been. -Kristin Sheridan A16 (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
At Duchesne I learned the study habits and work ethic needed to succeed in college. My teachers also showed me that there is no shame in asking for help, which made me unafraid to get a tutor in college, helping me to succeed. -Melanie Kaiser A16 (Case Western Reserve University)
It’s hard to find friends who are as amazing as your Sacred Heart sisters. It’s hard to find a major that fits. It’s hard to decide what you want to do after graduation. However, what I’ve realized throughout my college career is that Duchesne gave me the perfect tools to handle all of these problems. Above everything else, Duchesne taught me how to have courage and confidence in myself.
And, finally, Duchesne dances and dance parties taught me how to absolutely shred the dance floor, an invaluable skill in making friends and appearing cool in college. -Emily Crnkovich A13
-Nicole Amato A14
photo from NSAAhome.org SPRING 2017
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ALUMNAE NEWS
Sowing Seeds of
K nowledge
by Kealy Rudersdorf A01
A
fter working as an engineer, I decided to stop contributing to the built environment and continue to fill my thirst for knowledge and learn from nature. I spent almost two years living and working on a chocolate farm in Costa Rica. My goal, aligned with the principles I learned during my time at Duchesne, was not only to learn, but also to be of service. When I reflect back, I realize I gained much more than I could have ever given to my beautiful Costa Rican host family. At the farm, I assumed the role of head gardener in a 1-acre kitchen garden and assistant chef making three meals a day from scratch. Much to my host mother’s chagrin, I had almost no gardening experience. I still remember watching my first plants poke through the clay soil and celebrating nature’s success (and watching my host mother shake her head)! Volunteers and student groups came through the farm, and I led them on tours and helped them finish daily farm tasks. I realized these students did not know where their food came from or how to grow their own food either! A large piece of knowledge was missing from our education. When I left Costa Rica six years ago, I was determined to teach children what I had learned in Costa Rica. I quickly and luckily found a job as a garden coordinator for Pre K-5th graders in Washington DC. I built the program literally from the ground up, taking students biweekly to the 4000 sq. ft. garden to enrich their science, math, social studies and English classes. The teachers have continually given positive feedback, appreciating
22 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
the hands-on learning opportunities and the alternative way of reaching their standards that the garden provides. The students have become stewards of the earth, and my efforts have spread into the school community with small home gardens and letters to Santa for compost bins. I have since started to incorporate cooking into my lessons. When students come to my classes, we always go to the garden to either draw our observations, harvest, search for evidence of science-in-progress, write a poem, learn how Native Americans gardened, find the number of seeds needed per bed or weed and water the garden. Back inside, with the fruits and vegetables that we harvest, we cook a small meal together from root soup, to Tuscan kale salad, Native American “three sisters’ tacos” or Vietnamese summer rolls. Cooking together provides us with an opportunity to talk about food choices and different food cultures from around the world. From time in the garden, I believe my students are healthier, wiser and more inspired. I still go back to the same farm in Costa Rica every year to continue to be of service and learn from nature. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about our earth and the food I eat and to share this knowledge with others. I applaud Duchesne in their efforts in joining in the food education movement! Learn more about the Costa Rican farm La Iguana Chocolate and Kealy's experience there by visiting laiguanachocolate.com.
ALUMNAE NEWS
Preserving Duchesne’s
H istory by Margo Bieker A71
W
hen Lucy Hayes, RSCJ and JoEllen Sumpter, RSCJ announced their retirement, Margo O’Connor Bieker, A71 offered to volunteer in Duchesne’s archives a few days per week. Margo had worked in Union Pacific’s Historical Museum for a few years during her 33 years at UP, and she gained experience with UP’s artifacts accession and cataloging systems. But being in Duchesne’s Archives allows her to learn more about the women who walked these halls before us: Duchesne’s Religious, students and alumnae from 1881 onward. “It’s humbling and fascinating at the same time,” said Bieker. One goal is to scan historic photos and attempt to identify the subjects, hoping to have tagging software and photos ready for the "Day at Duchesne Reunion" on September 9. The photo collection is massive and will need a determined, concentrated effort to complete the digitization. Luckily, Margo’s Duchesne connections have come in very handy during this process. “When I run across a photo of someone’s parents, for example, I text the picture to the family member I know. I sent Preschool Director Sara Wachter a picture of her parents attending a Duchesne College formal,” commented Bieker. Another project is to create a quote-per-day calendar for Saint Philippine’s upcoming 200th anniversary. Mary Fogarty Monson, C59 and Margo are collecting Philippine quotes and comments about Philippine. The Religious of the Sacred Heart had previously assembled extensive research materials for Philippine-themed liturgies, prayer services, stories and even a 255-question Trivial Pursuit game about the saint. The information is helpful for creating the calendar. “I had to laugh when I saw the game,” said Bieker. “The RSCJ’s style of teaching was intelligent, thorough and always added an element of fun.” One more example of the nuns’ diligence can be found in the daily-events booklets called house journals. These books date back to 1881 and explain the school’s daily activities, special guests, feast day Masses and notes where nuns would be traveling or attending summer school. The house journals were in French originally, but now are all translated to English.
name and her mother’s maiden name, home address, date of First Holy Communion and Confirmation, date graduated and, lastly, an addition of the student’s married name, if she had wed. All these facts are written in beautiful RSCJ penmanship. “Now all I need to do is transfer this wealth of information into a tidy database for easier access,” said Bieker. The archives also hold a selection of vintage school uniforms. Sister Lucy Hayes talked about someday holding a uniform style show, but there is a lack of Academy uniforms from the 1940’s and 1950’s. If the uniforms can be accurately identified in photographs, then a seamstress could make reproductions. Unfortunately, the Academy yearbooks did not start until 1967. If any Academy students from the 40s or 50s have personal uniform photos to share, the archives could fill-in the blanks of the uniform collection. Duchesne’s Archives are packed with treasures and memories. Most remarkable is the evidence that every student has been tracked, touched and genuinely loved by the Religious of the Sacred Heart since 1881. Before leaving for retirement, Sister Lucy Hayes mentored Margo Bieker in all things archival. Then, the two lovingly explored every box while laughing and learning more Duchesne history. “I can’t believe I’m back at Duchesne, loving it, and wearing my white gloves, museum gloves, that is,” said Bieker.
If you possess items or photographs in good condition that would benefit Duchesne’s archives, please email Margo Bieker mbieker@duchesneacademy.org.
The student registers also date back to 1881 for the Omaha students, both borders and day pupils. Here the nuns recorded each student’s Duchesne start date, her birthday, her father’s SPRING 2017
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Your gift makes a BIG difference!
ALUMNAE ANNUAL DRIVE
S.T.E.A.M.
Retreats
Tuition Assistance
Technology
If each alumna gave
$1
$1
$5
$10 $20
$37
we’d meet our annual fund goal of
$150,000.
Performing Arts
Athletics
Sustainability/ Conservation
13% of Duchesne alumnae donated to the annual fund last year.
2.3 out of 5
Your gift to the Alumnae Annual Fund supports the
329
current students and sustains the Sacred Heart mission set forth by our foundress, Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat.
of our families receive financial aid (46% of the student population).
Will you make a difference at Duchesne Academy by supporting the Alumnae Annual Fund?
donate.duchesneacademy.org/annual-giving Are you planning to support your favorite non-profits by participating in Omaha Gives this year? Make your gift through Omaha Gives on May 24, and your contribution will be put towards the Alumnae Annual Fund! See back cover for more details.
24 DUCHESNE ACADEMY
GIVING
Congé Banks on this Mother-Daughter Team
F
or over twenty years, formerPhoto by Anna Mostek Photography Duchesne parent Julie Kuchta has volunteered to work at the bank at Congé. Over the years, she has seen many changes in how the event is run, especially technology-wise, and has worked along-side a host of Duchesne volunteers, including her own daughter, Megan Kuchta Christensen A01, who after graduating from college nearly a decade ago, has faithfully joined her Julie Kuchta and Megan Kuchta Christensen A01 at mom as co-anchor of the bank team. Congé this past January.
Julie first began working with Sr. Sumpter as bank volunteer in 1997. She had volunteered previously at the used book sale and decided that helping at Congé, because it is on the weekend, was another opportunity for her to be able to help out. “I like to give back to Duchesne for the good education Megan got while there,” Julie says. The biggest change in event banking over 20 years has been the change from the low-tech way the event used to be run to the use of current day iPads and cutting-edge software. Back then, Julie says, “We hand wrote everything and used triplicate paper on the tables. The white copy stayed on the tables, the pink stayed at the bank and then yellow went each person at their table at the close of silent auction.” Julie adds that at the end of the night, they would add all of the tickets up on adding machines and manually slide the purchaser’s card through a machine that would press and make an imprint of their credit card. “It used to be that Sr. Sumpter would get a hotel room and stay in the room with the money overnight, and in later years, we'd wrap it in bubble wrap and send with the Armored Knights. Today, we have the computer and express banking,” Julie says, which has cut down on the need for “guard duty” of the money. In the years since Sr. Sumpter’s Congé retirement, Julie and Megan have enjoyed working with Trisha Kult A94 and Paula Sharpe, from the development and business offices at Duchesne. “They really streamlined the banking process from paper to a high percentage of Congé attendees utilizing express banking online,” Julie says. When asked why they choose to volunteer for this event year after year, Megan says “I want to give back to Duchesne. Plus, I enjoy seeing my classmates and former teachers each year.” Julie concurs, “It's always a joy to meet up again in January and catch up with old friends. I have recruited my friend Amy Melville from work, whose mom attended Duchesne College, who has helped for the past seven years. I love being able to support the Duchesne community.” Thank you, Julie and Megan, for your faithful service and help these past two decades which has allowed Congé to be so successful! SPRING 2017
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GIVING
Another Record Breaking Congé!
The 2017 Congé Co-Chairs Kara & Joe Spitzenberger, Julie & Mark Oberlies, Julie & Steve Kenney, and Molly & Toby Schropp with head of school, Meg Huerter Brudney and husband Jim Brudney (center).
-By Meghan Conway Rowen A97-
W
hat a night!! Another record-breaking year for Duchesne’s annual fundraiser which took place at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Congé 2017: DASHing Through the Snow was a huge success bringing in $477,000 net profit for the school. Duchesne parents, Julie and Steve Kenney (parents to Ruby A18), Julie and Mark Oberlies (parents to Catherine A18), Molly and Toby Schropp (parents to Liz A17) and Kara and Joe Spitzenberger (parents to Elizabeth A17) served as cochairs for the event. The program began with a video of our adorable Duchesne Preschool students saying their daily morning prayer – “I am a Child of the Sacred Heart” – definitely a memorable start to the night! The theme, DASHing Through the Snow was all about Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (DASH) and reminiscing about the very first few Congés titled “Winter Carousel.” The tables and chairs were covered in
Congé 2017 was held at the Embassy Suites Convention Center.
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white, and the theme was carried out with centerpieces using glittered pinecones, miniature “snow-covered” houses and sparkling lights to create the perfect ambiance. The stage set the winter wonderland scene, with a large backdrop of snow-covered trees, as well as real branches, puffy white “snow” and an old-fashioned snow sled. The guests truly felt as if they were “walking in a winter wonderland!” Another highlight from the program was a crowdpleasing performance by Assistant Principal Eric Krakowski and Master of Ceremonies Julie Kenney, who sang “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” with lyric changes written by Krakowski for Congé. This excerpt from the song, featured in the Omaha World Herald article after the event, is from the middle of the tune: “Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket/While you’re at it go buy four or five/Silent auction’s done at 8 o’clock sharp/Just make sure to keep that bidding high!” Popular live-auction items were reserved seating in the front-row pew for Duchesne’s graduation ceremony, 100 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock, a tour and trip to Martha Stewart’s Turkey Hill Estate in Connecticut and a Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trip in Ely, Minnesota. In the silent auction, popular items included a week-long stay at Lake Okoboji, a diamond tennis bracelet and a framed photo of the Duchesne senior class, taken by local photographer Paula Friedland Boggust, mother of senior Annie Boggust. Overall, Congé 2017 was a grand success, raising funds from various avenues of the year-long event planning process to support our ever-growing tuition assistance needs, as well as our operating budget. Thanks to all who donated, planned, designed, attended and participated in the most successful Congé to date!
SCHOOL NEWS
Photos by Anna Mostek Tetrault (Anna Mostek Photography) SPRING 2016 27
IN MEMORIAM
A Great Life:
Sister F itz's life and Legacy by katie risch bakit a94
A
fter a short battle with pancreatic cancer, Sister Joanne Fitzpatrick, RSCJ, entered eternal rest on February 16, 2017. A religious sister for sixty-four years, Joanne was born in 1932 in St. Joseph, Missouri as one of five children. She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart in St. Joseph, Missouri and, shortly after, entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1953. Lovingly referred to as “Sr. Fitz” by all who knew her, Joanne was a proud alum of Duchesne College, 1961. In addition to studying at Duchesne, Sr. Fitz served for twenty-six years, between two different stints, as a faculty/staff member. She returned to Duchesne for the first time after graduation in 1969 and stayed until 1983. During those years, she was a teacher, academic counselor, advisor and spiritual mentor for her students. She later returned to her alma mater in 2002. During her later years at Duchesne, she served as the formation to mission director, Sodality coordinator, and Children of Mary leader. Upon her retirement in 2012, she transitioned from active ministry to the Oakwood community, a retirement community for religious sisters in Atherton, California. As written in her obituary, “This past fall, it was determined that Joanne had what appeared to
be a possible cancerous tumor of the pancreas. Joanne did not want a biopsy and did not want surgery or treatment. She told her doctor, ‘I am 84 and have had a good life.’” Indeed Sr. Fitz lived a good life; one that was punctuated by a profound faith life, ongoing prayer and a genuine love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sr. Fitz also cared deeply for people, especially the young students of Duchesne, whose lives she so lovingly impacted. Joanne’s influence was profound and touched so many in the Sacred Heart family. As Cristina Hiddleston, director of formation to mission says, “I had the great privilege of sharing the job of formation to mission with Sr. Fitz for the last few years she was here. Her daily example taught me so many ways to make known the love of the heart of Jesus. Her presence and wisdom were irreplaceable gifts, but her legacy undoubtedly lives on here at Duchesne.” In March, Duchesne hosted a memorial service for Sr. Fitz in the Duchesne chapel. It was a beautiful celebration of her faith-filled life. In honor of the love and deep devotion that Joanne demonstrated towards her beloved alma mater, the Duchesne community is renaming the room that is currently called the Stuart Art Gallery to reflect Sr. Fitzpatrick’s name (the student art gallery on the 3rd floor will be called the Stuart Art Gallery). Additionally, the Sr. Joanne Fitzpatrick endowed scholarship is in place that reflects Sr. Fitz’s commitment to academic excellence.
If you would like honor Sr. Fitzpatrick with a memorial gift to one of these efforts, please contact the development office at 402-810-9989 or visit Duchesne's giving page donate.duchesneacademy.org
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IN MEMORIAM
Remembering Duchesne Alumnae, Friend and Champion,
Jo Witt
Duchesne lost a special friend when Josephine “Jo” McGinn Witt passed away on November 5, 2016. A 1950 alumna of Duchesne College, Jo embodied all that is Sacred Heart, both in the way she cared for her family and the manner in which she carried out her numerous volunteer commitments. Considered by many to be a “legendary alumna,” Jo played an integral role within the Sacred Heart community, locally, nationally and internationally. Serving on numerous boards and planning national conferences, Jo’s committed philanthropy and volunteerism were recognized throughout the years, even receiving the 1995 Cor Unum Award, a national award established by the Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart to pay tribute to alumnae and alumni who have embraced the philosophy of the Sacred Heart in their everyday lives. It is probably an accurate statement to suggest that Jo filled nearly every Sacred Heart volunteer leadership position. She chaired Congé, lead both the local and national alumnae boards, served on the Duchesne board of trustees and was otherwise ready and willing to jump in and help whenever she sensed a need. Jo’s faithful involvement was especially meaningful during the 70s and 80s when enrollment was low, finances were tight and leadership was having to make a decision about whether or not to move west along with the rest of the city. As Jo’s dear friend and former principal at Duchesne, Sr. Shirley Miller said, “Jo was a steady presence during an unsteady time.” The following information and quotes about Jo’s life were taken from excerpts of the eulogies written and presented by granddaughters Jenny Witt Medinger A95
and Betsy Tampke. Despite a real concern that the tuition would be unaffordable, as a young woman, Jo had a strong desire to attend Duchesne College. After her hardworking parents somehow managed to make it work, her granddaughters said, “Duchesne was the turning point in her life…she was very ambitious and worked hard.” Following her days as a college student, Jo married Gene Witt and together they raised six children, three of whom were daughters who attended Duchesne: Diane Witt Taylor, A72, Karen Witt German, A75 and Marilyn Witt Tampke, A79. Jo was also the proud grandmother of four Duchesne alumnae. Spending time with and supporting her family were among Jo’s greatest priorities. Her home was comparable to a vacation destination for her 14 grandchildren, and she was known to have crystal bowls filled with Hershey kisses as a sweet treat for those who visited. Her granddaughters report that Jo’s most cherished moments were on Christmas morning as she’d watch each of her grandchildren tear open the mountain of gifts she had for them. Although the toys and games were fun for all, the “favorite part about Christmas was the fact that grandma brought everyone together.” Jo Witt loved a good party and demonstrated a sense of hospitality that has been matched by few. In addition to family, “Jo was known to have a special love for babies and butter...and, regarding the butter, Josephine would place butter on a saltine when waiting for food to arrive at restaurants while saying, ‘a little butter won’t hurt you.’” Josephine was a true disciple of Christ. She served the poor, she cared for her husband, children and family, she modeled the faith and she had a deep trust in and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Jo Witt with daughters Marilyn Witt Tampke A79, Karen Witt German A75 and Diane Witt Taylor A72
Gifts in Memorial Gifts may be made to Duchesne in memoriam or in honor of a loved one. Memorial gifts are oftentimes a source of comfort during an otherwise difficult time as they help carry on the legacy of a loved one who has passed away. You may also make a donation in honor of a loved one's birthday, anniversary or other occasion in celebration of a momentous event. Please include the name of the person you wish to memorialize or honor in the notes section. To make a gift, visit: donate.duchesneacademy.org
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In Memoriam
ALUMNAE DEATHS
DEATHS OF RELATIVES
Alice Nemec Bewersdorf A35/C39
Daniel Atherton, brother-in-law of Molly Atherton
Mary Watsabaugh Bishop C51, sister of Kathleen
(academic counselor)
Watsabaugh Kratochvil C56; aunt of Suzy Kratochvil A76, Margaret Kratochvil Rowe A78 and Jane Kratochvil A84
Joseph Barmettler, brother of Patricia Barmettler
Mary Sweetman Borman C60
William Sullivan Beans, father of Katie Beans
Anne Byrne, RSCJ Mary Lillis “Mollie” Campbell C57 Joanne Fitzpatrick, RSCJ C54
Fairchild A49/C53 and Ann Barmettler Hug C64; great-uncle of Liz Fairchild Schaben A91
Leskovar A86
Joe Beninato, father-in-law of Erin O’Brien Beninato A98
Diane Bruns, aunt of Cristina Wilwerding Hiddleston
Susan Mary Jones Hamilton C68
A93, Remy Stoffel Kaslon A98 and Erin Stoffel Hagedorn A00
Myriam Gatier McGinnis A68
Catherine Casey, grandmother of Regina Casey A19
Colleen McMahon C51
and Samantha Casey, sister-in-law of Martha Koeppen Casey A57/C60 and Carolyn Casey A66
Lois Pritchard C53, sister of Dolores Pritchard Wolf
Thomas Feeney, husband of Celia (Babe) Stryker
C50
Feeney A59
Valerie Herek Rombach C60
Jack Fitch, uncle of Lynn Allen McWilliams A77
Mary Christine Howard Stidham A55
Dennis Gerrity, brother of Ellen Gerrity McGoron
Monica Sheil Stryker C58, mother of Katie McBee Weinert A81
Josephine McGinn Witt C50, mother of Diane Witt
Taylor A72, Karen Witt German A75 and Marilyn Witt Tampke A79; sister-in-law of Marilou Witt Kirkland C50; grandmother of Jenny Witt Medinger A95, Liz German Langan A01, Catherine Witt Boucher A03 and Carolyn German Silliman A10
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A71
John Higgins, father of Jenny Higgins Micek A79,
Julie Higgins Sgroi A81 and Jill Higgins Egan A84; brother of Dorothy Higgins Long A53/C57; grandfather of Caitlin Egan A11, Caroline Egan A15 and Elizabeth Sgroi A18
Tim Huston, great-uncle of Anna Boor A19
November 2016 - March 2017 Helen Jenkins, mother of Molly Jenkins Cohen A80
and Cathy Jenkins Walsh A85; grandmother of Katie Walsh A18; aunt of Nina Ryan Muraski A82 and sister-in-law of Katie Jenkins Ryan A52
Thomas Kiefer, father of Elizabeth Kiefer A04
The Honorable Richard J. Spethman, brother-in-
law of Lois Holbrook Ord A48/C52, Marty Holbrook Smith A59; uncle of Lisa Smith Cimino A83, Julie Smith McGuire A91; great- uncle of Lindsey Cimino A13, Jamie Cimino A15 and Megan Smith A18
Judy Wellendorf, grandmother of Elizabeth
Harry Knickerbocker, father-in-law of Charlie Collins (Duchesne faculty) and grandfather of Meg Collins A14
Wellendorf A14, Annamarie Wellendorf A17, Claire Wellendorf A20, and mother-in-law of Kristina Kowal Wellendorf A87
Catherine Martin, grandmother of Megan Carroll
Frederick “Jim” Wiles, grandfather of Victoria
A07, Erin Carroll A09 and Catherine Carroll A13
Baltimore A14 and Mary Baltimore A21
Mary Ann Maxey, mother of Mary Maxey Krause A74 Gus Wolf, husband of Diane Wilson Wolf C58 and father of Katy Wolf Sykes A77
Steve Metli, partner to Kathy Van De Walle C64
Clayton Yeutter, grandfather of Valerie Yeutter A14
Mary Elise Millus, daughter of Nancy Rehmann Millus A80
Mary Therese O’Connor, grandmother of Margaret O’Connor A10 and Mary Clare O’Connor A20
W.F. (Frank) O’Neill, husband of Sheila Kelly O’Neill C56 and father of Catherine O’Neill Chant A82
Bill Ramsey, father of Peggy Ramsey Ehrhart A86 and father-in-law of Eileen Harvey Ramsey A78
Esther Read, great-grandmother of Raleigh Kreis A20 John Rosse, father of Michelle Rosse-Giroux A77 and grandfather of Isabella Rosse A07
Carolyn Schartz, grandmother of Emma Schartz A20 Catherine “Cat” Schroeder, aunt of Tori Geis A19
We apologize if there are any omissions or misrepresentations in this memorial list. Thank you for continuing to inform and update Duchesne. -The Alumnae Office
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3601 Burt Street Omaha, NE 68131 DuchesneAcademy.org Parents: If this issue is addressed to a daughter whose permanent address is not at your home, please contact the Alumnae Director, Meghan Conway Rowen with her new address.
Support Duchesne on
May 24, 2017
On May 24, from 12:00 a.m. through midnight, Duchesne will be participating in a 24-hour charitable challenge coordinated by the Omaha Community Foundation called Omaha Gives! This endeavor is an online fundraising event to bring the community together to support local non-profits. At any time on May 24, please visit omahagives24.org (or scan the QR code) and make a gift of any size designated to Duchesne. You may also schedule your donation now. Scheduled donations will not be processed until May 24.
Non-ProďŹ t Org. US Postage PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 161