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DUCHESNE TODAY DUCHESNE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART–OMAHA | SPRING 2021

3601 Burt Street Omaha, NE 68131 402-558-3800 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 and Canada. 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

Editors Margo O'Connor Bieker A'71 Margaret Schropp Schroeder A’06

Publication Designer Brittany Dorner, A'08

Publication Photographer Kevin Boughton

Contributors Margo O’Connor Bieker A’71 Kevin Boughton Meg Huerter Brudney A’83 Laura McKee Hickman, Ed.D A’85 Eric Krakowski Trisha Clark Meehan A’04 Katie Risch Bakhit A’94 Meghan Conway Rowen A’97 Molly Shirazi A'11 Frances Smyth Swanson Dave Treinen Kevin Van Winkle Sara Wachter A’79

Printer Aradius Group

› INSIDE THIS ISSUE ‹

Beloved Sacred Heart Educators Retire Four women look back at their careers at Duchesne Academy and Preschool.

Letter from the Head of School

Feature: Beloved Sacred Heart Educators Retire

Preschool News

Academy News

Alumnae News

Giving

From the Archives

In Memoriam

The Amazing Class of 2021 These students have proven their focus and resilience; they let nothing stand in their way!

Front Cover: Pope Francis has proclaimed 2021 a "Year of Saint Joseph" in his apostolic letter "Patris Corde," (With a Father's Heart). This statue of Saint Joseph erected in 1906 protects Duchesne. Photo credit: Kevin Boughton

The First Ever Virtual Congé Despite COVID, Congé was a massive success. Congé emcee, Eric Krakowski, above.

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.

A Letter From the Head of School

THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR BUILDING Hello Friends, The Courtney Ann Emery Art Gallery is just a few steps from my office; I like to go there sometimes to enjoy the morning sunlight streaming in through the tall windows and to admire student artwork. For much of the year, students' stylized self-portraits hang on the walls. I love the different ways students portray themselves: some images are black and white, others burst with color, while others are abstract. Collectively these works of art tell me our girls are creative, confident, and have hope for their futures. I believe they are ready to make a difference in our world.

2020-2021 School Year Prayer United in the Sacr ed He art, Inspir ed to Act for Justice Jesus, We live in a world with hatred, injury, doubt, despair, and sadness. Let us be a voice of love, pardon, faith, hope, and joy. Enable me to listen to the voices of the marginalized. Guide my heart as I discern how to be an instrument for justice as You are for us. Jesus, help me to make known the boundless love of your Sacred Heart. Amen.

Our world has undergone so much painful change in the past year, but there is a growing feeling of hope. We are fortunate that our faculty was able to receive the vaccine earlier this year and we were able to return to traditional five-days-per-week instruction. Our girls are the heartbeat of this building, and it brought me great joy to see all of them back here celebrating the end of the school year together. We have learned so much more over the past year about the importance of our community, and I am confident our seniors will take this lesson with them as they graduate. They found new ways to live their faith, connect with classmates, make younger students feel welcome at Duchesne and still perform at a high academic level. They truly embody and live our Sacred Heart Goals. Making a positive impact in a volatile world requires determination and creativity, and as I look at the young women of Duchesne, I know they are ready for that challenge. Sincerely,

Meg Huerter Brudney A'83 Head of School

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Duchesne Educators R etire Celebrating four amazing women and their impactful careers

"Give all and you shall find all." – Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat

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THE FINEST ART FOR FIFTY YEARS

Photo by Nikki McDonald

This will be a new type of summer vacation for Jo Bielenberg. It will be the first time in 50 summers she will not prepare to return to teach in the fall. The veteran educator is retiring after spending her entire teaching career at Duchesne.

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Bielenberg taught thousands of students to create and celebrate art beginning in 1972 when she first arrived at 3601 Burt Street. She taught the middle school’s fifth through eighth grade art classes in the Foxley Building, which is now Via Christe. Yes, there was a time that Duchesne’s campus included a grade school, 1881 to 1972. As a young teacher, she also taught home economics on the ground floor of the main building. “We only had five-minute passing periods between classes and, during the winter, the students and I would slide down the icy hill from the Foxley to get to the main building for our next classes,” Bielenberg said. Her classrooms and studios would change a few times over her decades at the school before settling in their current location on the third floor of the main building. Photography students, in particular, were drawn to Bielenberg. She encouraged students to express themselves with cameras. Duchesne’s film program still thrives today, despite the prevalence of digital photography. She fondly remembers when the nuns still lived on campus and would let students into the building after hours so they could complete projects. “It’s easy for any artist to lose track of time while developing film or finishing a big project. You’re simply immersed in your art,” says Bielenberg. The Religious of the Sacred Heart were a large positive influence on her personally and her teaching style. “One thing I really enjoyed about teaching at Duchesne was that I could openly talk about God’s creation and the art in His creation. I could talk about the art I loved and the art of the universe,” she said. Bielenberg’s lessons made lasting impressions on her students and colleagues.

Molly Shirazi A'11, friend, former student, and mentee of Jo Bielenberg is the new art teacher at Duchesne.

In 2020, 110 of Bielenberg's students exhibited artwork in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition, the nation’s longest running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens since 1923. Many of her past students were national Scholastics winners and Nebraska Gold Key winners. "This student recognition is the kind that brings me the most joy.” – JO BIELENBERG

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Feature "Jo’s passion for getting her students to love God’s creation through art is a lesson that students take with them when they leave Duchesne,” said Head of School, Meg Brudney A’83.

BIELENBERG’S PASSION FOR STUDENTS INSPIRES A NEW GENERATION OF TEACHERS By Molly Shirazi A’11, Art Teacher As I walked into my Duchesne final art class with a stack of photo prints and a wide smile – it dawned on me. “Maybe I had done too much? What would Ms. Bielenberg say about this stack of photos when the assignment was to pick and print our five best shots?” As I set them out on the light table, I remember Ms. Bielenberg being surprised I had so many, and she made a comment about how I had a passion for photography. Her encouragement inspired me to continue creating and to never fear I was doing 'too much.' Her passion for her students and our art made me want to become a teacher.

For the past 25 years Bielenberg organized annual Duchesne art competitions for all Omaha Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese which recognized many fine young artists and their art instructors. The artwork is displayed all around Duchesne and judged by local artists. The competition welcomes these artists and their families from all across the city into Duchesne. “My thrill was watching parents take a photo of their little artist standing next to their work. While not all art won an award, the parents were so proud to have the art displayed to encourage the child’s craft,” said Bielenberg. Bielenberg leaves a unique legacy at Duchesne, quite literally inspiring Duchesne’s next generation of art educators. Molly Shirazi A’11 will fill Bielenberg’s teaching role. Shirazi says her time with Bielenberg inspired her to become an art teacher. “Every day as I walk the portry steps, I am reminded how lucky I am to be back at the place where I discovered my passion, and I have Jo Bielenberg to thank for all of that,” Shirazi said.

During one of my first education classes in college, we were assigned to write a paper about a teacher who inspired us to become a teacher. I had thought about teachers in my life who influenced me outside of art, but it was Ms. Bielenberg who I kept coming back to. She was always happy to see the drive I had for creating art, and it was something I strived for in my own teaching. The interview was supposed to last just 30 minutes, but we sat for two hours talking about art, her career, and my studies. Anytime I get to chat with her is such a treat, she's such a calm, warm, inspiring presence to be around, and I'm so lucky to have had her as a teacher, a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. “Ms. Bielenberg fostered Goal Five in all of her classes, 'to learn in an atmosphere of wise freedom.' She gave us the tools and the freedom to express ourselves through art. She wanted us to find our own way with art.” 8 DUCHESNE TODAY

– JULIE HASKE OBERLIES A’83

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“I am so grateful to have been in Jo Bielenberg’s homeroom and then to be able to work with her as an art teacher colleague. Jo’s ability to guide art students to success year after year has been nothing but amazing.  Each and every year, her art students all but sweep the awards season! On behalf of all of us Omaha Catholic Schools Art teachers and students, we will miss you and your comradery. Thank you for helping to keep us all on top every year. Congratulations on your long and illustrous career and blessings on your next endeavors.”  – JOHNNA MARCIL ECK A’81

“When I look back to the early 1980s, and all those hours we spent in the photo darkroom having the time of our lives, I’ll always remember Ms.Bielenberg’s extreme patience, grace, and creative guidance toward a bunch of rowdy students who simply loved photography. I’d like to thank Ms. Bielenberg for playing a part in helping me develop my early skill set with photographic and creative critical thinking which would ultimately launch my career as a photographer in New York City. Congratulations on 50 years, Ms. Bielenberg." – JANE KRATOCHVIL A’84

"Many teachers stop being innovative in their later years of teaching. This is especially true for those who lived through the digital transformation of our jobs. Jo Bielenberg, however, embraced the massive changes and used the many new tools to develop new art projects, new ways of producing the school yearbook, and making sure that her students experienced the new digital mediums of art. As Duchesne adopted STEAM learning in Ms. Bielenberg’s 40th year of teaching, she became a leader for her colleagues at Duchesne and for area Catholic school teachers whom she brought to workshops in our new labs." – PRINCIPAL LAURA HICKMAN A’85, Ed.D. SPRING 2021 9

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Ms. Heck – the Heart of Duchesne By Kevin Boughton She was nearly 20 years into her teaching career when Martha Heck felt something was missing. She loved her students at Elkhorn High School, but the job just wasn’t the same since leaving Cathedral High two years earlier, following its closure. When she saw an opening for an English teacher at Duchesne Academy in the summer of 1996, she felt called to apply. “The minute I walked through the doors at portry, my life changed,” she said. After 25 years, she now feels this is a natural time to step away, with plans to take time for herself and spend more time with family and friends. At Duchesne, Heck felt an almost instant connection with her students and the school’s mission and Sacred Heart foundation. “I had never taught in an all-girls school," she said. “I loved the openness 10 DUCHESNE TODAY

and confidence that the young women exhibited in this environment, and I was pleasantly surprised at how willing and eager they were to learn.” Colleagues quickly recognized Heck’s passion for her students and her work. “She has a true Sacred Heart spirit, which has inspired all of us to be better educators,” said Head of School Meg Huerter Brudney A'83. Dr. Laura McKee Hickman A'85 remembers Heck’s first years at Duchesne, working as fellow teachers.“Her gentle presence and love of literature made her an instant favorite among students," Hickman said. Soon, Heck earned a reputation as a firm but loving role model. She was recognized in 2020 as the Omaha Catholic Schools Administrator of the Year. After leaving the classroom for the Dean’s office, Heck found new ways to connect with students. She serves as the

Student Council moderator and often chaperones student trips. “Ms. Heck is a true representation of everything that makes Duchesne, Duchesne. Although her retirement is bittersweet, I am filled with such gratitude for all that she has done for the school as a whole, and the mark she has left on every person she has come in contact with through the years,” said Sophia Harding A’23. Frannie, her goldendoodle, is as much a fixture at Duchesne as Heck. She brought her to school to help students relax. Now, whenever Heck visits, Frannie will tag along. Heck was raised in Council Bluffs and attended St. Albert High School before earning her bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Mary. She also holds a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She says she is a product of Catholic education and believes in what it provides to children beyond regular subject matter. “Catholic education is important to

Feature me because the teachings of Jesus, Saints Madeleine Sophie and Rose Philippine inform everything we do. We can, without any reservations, teach our young women to model Jesus and these amazing women. We can teach that ‘Love is our Mission,’” Heck said. Heck keeps a quote of Madeleine Sophie on her desk that reminds her “to never correct the children when out of humor or impatient; soften your reprimands with kind words; win them by an appeal to their piety.” “Ms. Heck constantly inspires all of us and is a model of caring, leadership, and love. She cares about each individual student and makes us all feel welcomed

and valued. She truly embodies Duchesne and her impact on us will last forever,” said Ina Satpathy A’23. Enforcing rules can sometimes be isolating and Heck acknowledged those feelings in a farewell message to teachers and staff, but she says she found strength in Duchesne’s mission. “Some of those days also brought anxiety, frustration, sorrow, and worry, but they were all part of teaching young women about the world and their bright futures. I cannot think of anywhere else that I would want to spend my days, and I thank all of you for that.”

"My anatomy class recently studied the heart and why it is essential to the human body, and I realized that Ms. Heck is the heart of Duchesne in so many ways. For one, every system in the body depends on the heart to get the resources it needs. There has not been a single project I’ve completed at Duchesne that hasn’t received some level of assistance from Ms. Heck. She provides resources and always offers insightful advice to the students running the project. Second, the heart never skips a beat—literally. It works around the clock, year after year, pouring its energy into caring for the human body. So, too, does Ms. Heck dedicate herself to her job. Not only can she spot a student out of uniform a hallway away, but she writes thank you letters, notices when a student is upset, and addresses any problems around the school with sincerity and professionalism. I truly believe Duchesne girls change the world, and it all starts with the ability to say, “I can” and for someone else to say, “I believe in you.” Since my first interaction with Ms. Heck, I know she has believed in and supported me through every step of my high school journey." - Clary Doyle A'21 student body president

Back row: Sophia Turne (seated on right), Martha Heck, Teagan Rossitro, and Sofia Macapinlac SPRING 2021 11

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A History of Greatness: Terri Anania

By Laura McKee Hickman Ed.D, A'85 It’s hard to find a bare section of wall in Terri Anania’s classroom. Posters, maps, and inspirational quotes are everywhere students look. The decor reinforces the history and life lessons Anania has delivered from the front of the room since 2000. Soon, the decor will change as a new teacher moves in and Anania begins her retirement. Anania began her teaching career at Mercy High School in 1987 before accepting a position at Duchesne 13 years later.

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“Duchesne has been my second home for the last 21 years and it has changed my life profoundly!  It will be hard to leave a community that lives out the Five Goals of Sacred Heart education every single day, but I know that I will carry them with me wherever I go,” Anania said. She worked hard to add to the school’s robust curriculum, spearheading the development of a dual enrollment and AP U.S. History curriculum that has earned many students college credit for their work. Terri guided generations of Duchesne women through a deep understanding of the ideas and

events that shaped the world they will inherit. I am grateful for her dedication to teaching and modeling our Sacred Heart goals for so many young women. “I am so grateful for all of my students over the years and their willingness to learn about history, write research papers, take tests and do an occasional Zumba dance. Their kindness, generosity, courage, dedication, and hard work have never failed to inspire me,” Anania said. Anania plans to move to Red Lodge, Montana, where she and her husband, Greg, are building a new home.

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s y a w l a u o y r o f s r e y a ol ve a nd pr a i n a n A s r -M

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Linda Christiani Leaves An Indelible Mark By Sara Wachter A'79 The decision to retire was an emotional one for Preschool teacher Linda Christiani. She has taught and nurtured students at Duchesne for 22 years, nearly the entirety of the Preschool’s history. “Duchesne is a special place which has always felt like a home. I am surrounded by amazing women who are not just coworkers but true friends. The children are filled with excitement every day and eager to learn. They are so giving of their trust and love,” Christiani said. The veteran educator was first hired as a Spanish teacher, a natural fit for someone who grew up in a bilingual home. In her second year, her role expanded to include teaching P.E., and grew again in 2005 when she was named the Pre-kindergarten Lead Teacher.

Christiani says she has cherished the opportunity to work and practice her faith in the same place. “The chapel is a super special place to me, allowing my spiritual side to be nurtured while I work. How many people can say that?” Linda’s husband, Paul, is also retiring from teaching and coaching at Boys Town this spring, and they have plans to travel, visit their sons, and hike part of the Appalachian Trail. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that life is precious. "My emotions are running high: I am excited but also heartbroken at the thought of leaving Duchesne; this place has become my home," said Christiani.

"The children are filled with excitement every day and eager to learn. They are so giving of their trust and love."

In addition to her teaching duties, Christiani served on Duchesne’s Sacred Heart Commission on Goals steering committee and attended formational workshops in Saint Charles, Missouri home of the first Sacred Heart School in the U.S., founded by Philippine Duchesne.

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Linda is an incredibly gifted teacher, a huge cheerleader for children, a steadfast friend to all of her colleagues, and a blessing to any child or parent with whom she interacts. I cried when Linda told me about her decision to retire.

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Left to right: Mary Lou Reynolds, Carol Bilunas, Sara Wachter as Rose Philippine Duchesne, Katie Macias, Linda Christiani

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Preschool News PreschoolNews

" Creativit y

is intelligence having f un . " - Albe r t Einstein

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Preschool News

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Academy News

SENIORS’ GRIT INSPIRES A NEW CLASS OF DUCHESNE ATHLETES By Kevin Van Winkle

2020 Revision of the Goals and Criteria

Getting up after a rough play is one thing, it’s another to keep competing when your entire season feels upside down. Cardinal athletes dealt with challenges no classes had ever seen before on their way to stellar seasons. Seniors gracefully shouldered the task of leading underclasswomen away from competition to build community in addition to leading them during meets, games, and matches.

By Eric Krakowski

Ally Parra and Wendy Pflug, both A’21, led the way as the basketball team doubled its win total from last season. The team also made an inspired run in the postseason before falling to Gross Catholic in the B1 Subdistrict Final.

All members of the 25 Network of Sacred Heart Schools participated in a two-year process to revise the Goals and Criteria, the principles that guide all Sacred Heart Education in the United States and Canada. Since their implementation in 1975, the Goals and Criteria have been revised every 15 years in an effort to respond to the needs of an ever-changing world. Through the guidance of a revision committee, Duchesne faculty and staff participated in this process and offered their contributions for consideration.

June Mullen A’24, set new school records for assists in a single game (10) and a season (71), finishing among the state leaders in that category.  Nicky Huss A’23, was among the state leaders in rebounds and 3-point percentage.  Both were named to the RCC All-Conference Honorable Mention team.   In the pool, Anna Kwong A’21, capped off a historic diving career finishing fifth in the state. Her performance, along with Lia Murray’s A’22, top-3 finishes in the 100m free style and 200m backstroke races helped lead the Cardinals to finish as the top-Class B team for the second consecutive year (12th overall). Kwong has committed to dive at Texas Christian University next year.  Blending art and physical ability, the Duchesne dance team relied on team chemistry and long hours in the studio to perfect their choreography. They were heartbroken when they learned they could not dance for their classmates at volleyball or basketball games nor at Mount Michael football games last fall. They did not, however, let their disappointment dampen their spirit. Coaches Sally and Meg Banghard along with seniors Clare Lisec, Dottie Roland, Olivia Soukup, and Mary Testa led the team to a dazzling fourth place finish at the State Pom competition.   18 DUCHESNE TODAY

Duchesne educators continue to implement the 2020 revision of the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria to continue to shape and direct schoolwide progress in such areas as faith formation, recruitment, curriculum, student life, and all aspects of growth and interaction within the school community.

The Provincial Team of the Society of the Sacred Heart unveiled in December 2020, the newest manifestation of the Goals and Criteria. While the Five Goals themselves remain unchanged, some key revisions to the Criteria include the call to “deepen the interior life,” the integration of “innovation and collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving,” the need for schools to “accept accountability for the care of God’s creation,” the challenge to “eradicate outdated social structures, practices, systems, and values that perpetuate racism and other injustices,” and the promotion of “spiritual, intellectual, physical and socialemotional well-being.”

THANKS, COACH!   Please join us in sending our best wishes to Coach Stacey Paladino A’06. She will be leaving Omaha after this school year.   She has coached softball and basketball at Duchesne since 2013 and was our head softball coach for the last six years. She is a member of our Athletic Hall of Fame as an athlete.

Sustainability Update By Eric Krakowski Duchesne has earned a third consecutive Energy Star rating by the Environmental Protection Agency. The achievement is the latest in a series of sustainability milestones for the school. The EPA awarded Duchesne in February an Energy Star rating of 92 for the year 2020. The rating recognizes that the building is more energy efficient than 92 percent of similar properties nationwide, a remarkable feat

for an institution dating back to 1881. Duchesne’s solar panel array continues to provide the STEAM Lab with a source of renewable energy. Since its installation in the fall of 2019, the solar panels have produced nearly 12 megawatts of clean energy. The carbon offset of this effort is the equivalent of planting 161 trees or not driving a midsized car for an entire year.

distributed to students in their socially distanced classrooms. Duchesne mitigated the amount of waste it created by ensuring all containers and utensils used in the lunch program are 100% compostable. Compost is collected twice weekly and delivered to Hillside Solution’s commercial compost facility as part of Duchesne’s ongoing “zero waste by 2030” commitment.

To promote good hygiene during the pandemic, all school lunches this year are packaged in the cafeteria and

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2021 The Amazing Class of

By Laura McKee Hickman Ed.D, A'85 Of course, every class at Duchesne is amazing. We have been blessed every year with some of the top students in the state, top athletes, top artists, and every day we are blessed with the most amazing young women who create a community known around the city for generosity, love, faith, hard work, and sisterhood. But just for a moment, allow me to say wonderful things about the 84 members of the class of 2021: • Forty-one students, nearly half of the class, were honored as members of Cum Laude, our school’s top honor society for their grades, leadership and service. Many more who did not earn Cum Laude missed the selection criteria by small margins. • Seven are National Merit finalists and two are commended scholars. • They founded Duchesne’s UNICEF club. • They organized a Fair-Trade certification for Duchesne. • Two were QuestBridge© scholars. • Twenty earned a 32 or higher on the ACT. A perfect score is 36. • Planners (and then replan) a woman suffrage centennial, including the writing, staging and videotaping of their own film on the topic. • Ninety-six percent of the class raised their cumulative average from junior year to first semester senior year, and the other four percent maintained their cumulative grade point average. • Every senior was on the honor roll first semester and third quarter. • One of two Nebraska seniors selected for the U.S. Senate Youth Program is a member of A’21. • Seventy percent of the class played a sport their senior year; 15 percent of the class plays multiple sports. • At least five students have committed to play a sport in college. • At least ten All-Conference Athletes and 23 Academic All-Conference Athletes have been named, and we expect many more in the spring sports. Most impressively, the class of 2021 accomplished this during one of the most difficult years for education and emotional health for teens. These women have proven their focus and resilience; they let nothing stand in their way!

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Academy News

QuestBridge© Scholars By Frances Smyth Swanson Jayleesha Cooper and Shyenne Starks have together accomplished a feat rarely seen at American high schools: they have each earned full college tuition scholarships through the QuestBridge© National College Match program. Out of an applicant pool of more than 18,500 students just eight percent were selected for a NCM scholarship. Those familiar with the QuestBridge© program say it’s rare for two recipients to be from the same high school class. The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a financial aid package provided by the institution that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and travel expenses. Cooper plans to attend the University of Chicago while Starks will attend Brown University. Each say in addition to Duchesne’s rigorous academic course work, the school’s

service and spiritual offerings gave them added confidence during the application process. “I felt prepared for the service portion of the application because of Duchesne’s dedication to making sure that we complete service hours consistently,” Cooper said. Starks says she gained a perspective about the world while participating in Duchesne’s silent retreat. “I was able to appreciate the beauty around me and to just relax. It was mind blowing and changed the way that I looked at things from then on,” Starks said. Starks plans to pursue a Ph.D in math and computer science and hopes to one day work at NASA. Cooper plans to study sociology and political science and hopes to continue on to law school. Both students credit their Duchesne teachers with pushing them to stay focused and motivated, especially while learning remotely.

Seniors Shyenne Starks (left) and Jayleesha Cooper (above) have both earned full college tuition scholarships through the QuestBride © National College Match program. SPRING 2021 21

Alumnae News

CLASS NOTES Sarah Stormberg A'05 is the founder of parental leave startup company called Nutshell that helps people navigate benefits. She realized expecting parents struggle to cobble together shortterm disability insurance, employer paid leave, PTO, FMLA and quickly expanding state paid leave legislation. After many interviews, it was clear this was a massive headache for big and small companies. The confusion is costly and when she learned working parents were missing out on thousands of dollars and precious time bonding with their newborn, she pitched a “TurboTax for parental leave” startup idea to TD Ameritrade executives. Two years later Stormberg leads a digital product development for one of life’s most important financial moments, the birth of a new baby. The solution offers users a customized parental leave plan to help parents spend more time bonding with their newborn, save money and increase wealth for their household - starting with the assurance they’re receiving maximum parental leave benefits. Nutshell is currently designed to help expecting parents in New York State, but looks forward to being able to expand across the country. On the side she is helping with “FamTech startups” (businesses that join forces to support families) with UX research and marketing, in the hope of helping busy parents raise happy and healthy kids.

Chelsea Mann Burdic A'08 was recently promoted to Central Receiving and Distribution Manager at Borsheims. Chelsea started her Borsheims career in 2011 as an associate in the Central Receiving Department, progressing to senior associate and supervisor before this promotion to manager. Chelsea attended Creighton University and is currently attending Bellevue University for an MBA. Chelsea is also obtaining her Graduate Gemologist certification. Chelsea reflects on how Duchesne impacted her career: "My education at Duchesne played a big part in the development of my confidence and sense of self which have contributed to my 22 DUCHESNE TODAY

successes in life. When I evaluate where I am and how I got here, I cannot overlook the presence of strong women and female empowerment. My mom, first and foremost, has role-modeled for me what it means to be an accomplished woman, both at home and at work. My boss at Borsheims, Devon, an amazing woman in her own right, has been a mentor and true friend to me throughout my career. Underlying it all is the education and formation I received at Duchesne. Duchesne was more than just a high school for me, it was a place that I could learn and grow and where I always felt supported. Through the years, Duchesne faculty members and fellow classmates have continued to champion me and for these bonds, I am forever grateful."

Joan Kathol Sabott A'95 and Julie Wilwerding Gortemaker A'01 volunteering at COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Grand Island, NE

Alumnae News

CLASS NOTES Olivia Gardiner A'14 was part of a three-member University of Minnesota Law School mock trial team that recently won the American College of Trial Lawyers/Texas Young Lawyers Association Region 12 mock trial competition. The team will advance to the national competition and will compete against the best trial advocacy programs in the country. The ACTL/TYLA National Trial Competition is the largest law school mock trial competition in the nation, attracting teams from more than 140 law schools and involving more than 1,000 law students each year. Olivia is in her last semester of law school.

College seniors Lauren Kubat A'17 and Olivia Stanek A'17 became part of a long-standing tradition when they were selected for UNL’s Homecoming Court 2020. Applicants were required to submit their achievements in one of three areas: academic success, athletic contribution and impact, or leadership in organizations within or outside the university community. Competition was intense. Only 20 men and women were chosen out of the thousands who applied. The Court was elected by the student body in late October and recognized during halftime of the Nebraska-Penn State football game on November 14. Olivia, whose parents are Mark and Amy Stanek, is in communications studies. Lauren, daughter of Barry and Michelle Kubat, chosen Queen of the Court, is a double major in accounting and management. Both students aspire to continue their studies in law school upon graduation. Congratulations to two very outstanding Duchesne alums!

Hannah Lingo A'14 was recently elected President of the Pharmacy and Health Professions Student Government (PHPSG) at Creighton University. Hannah obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions from Creighton in 2019, and is working toward her Doctorate of Physical Therapy with plans to graduate in 2023.

KEEP US UPDATED! Send your news and photos to: Alumnae Relations Director, Trisha Clark Meehan A'04 at tmeehan@duchesneacademy.org

Save the Date | September 10-11

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Alumnae News

Young Alumnae Reflections Gibby and Lexie Ryan A'15

The twin Ryan girls both completed their first two years of schooling at University of Nebraska-Lincoln prior to completing their BSN degrees at UNMC. Gibby and Lexie now work in the Cardiac Care Unit at Children’s Hospital. Their journey to nursing was inspired by Gibby’s own health history with a complex heart issue and many surgeries and medical procedures. Gibby and Lexie were chosen by Frieda Rothman jewelry to represent their Women of Faith campaign, with some proceeds from the jewelry sales going to Children’s Hospital, Saint Margaret Mary’s Church, and Duchesne. Gibby says, “Duchesne prepared me for my career in more ways than I can count. Duchesne taught me time management and confidence, among many other skills. All of these skills go hand-in-hand with the Sacred Heart goal of "Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom." I have had to gain confidence in an ICU atmosphere so I can advocate for my kids who cannot advocate for themselves. I am also a lead on our stepdown unit, and I've had to quickly learn how to organize our morning rounds while also being a helping hand for the other nurses on the unit. I

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continue to grow these skills everyday at work, but I am grateful for the foundation Duchesne provided me.” Lexie reflects, “I would not be the nurse that I am today without the foundation I received at Duchesne. I remember my first year of college seeing a lot of my classmates and friends struggling to study or write papers when I was always confident in my work. High school was not easy for me, but because I had to work so hard to maintain good grades while being a student athlete, it taught me how to be a good student, good at time management, and good with my communication. Now that I am a nurse, my whole job is time management, critical thinking, and good communication skills. Duchesne is where I was able to build a strong foundation not only in school but also work. I’m so lucky to have had the experience I did from Duchesne. Duchesne is a place and still is a place where women are able to be unique and smart and faith-filled and whatever else without any repercussions. I remember going to school with some of the most strong-willed, intelligent women and I’m thankful for every one of them for making me who I am today!”

Alumnae News

Grace Helton A'19

After graduating in May 2019 with my class at Duchesne, I started the new, exciting and definitely scary journey of my gap year with AmeriCorps. I left the day after my 18th birthday, and my long flights down to Mississippi gave me time to think back on my four years at Duchesne, as well as the unknown path I was quickly approaching. Soon I received a reality check with what my new life was going to be. I turned in my full dress days for a tool belt and a pair of steel toed boots. I was selected to be a part of the construction team, and as soon as our training was complete in Mississippi, seven strangers and I were sent to Florida to work in the grueling sun for two months with Habitat for Humanity. I was named Assistant Team Leader (ATL) by my Team Leader (TL), which gave me more of a managerial position on the team and made me his second in command. When needing to have difficult conversations with my fellow team members, I looked back on the skills and advice I was given by Mrs. Cristina Hiddleston in Conflict Engagement. To use the skills I was taught and developed at Duchesne was a fairly frequent practice for me, even if it was just remembering to wear the right uniform attire as Ms. Martha Heck always so fondly reminded me to do. As my time continued in AmeriCorps, those seven strangers became my family as we travelled across the U.S. together. Whether it was trying to stay warm working in a blizzard on the coast of Massachusetts, fostering a stray dog together in Kentucky, or returning to Florida for a second time and all sleeping on cots in one room.

Too soon our journey came to an end, as many others did last year, when COVID-19 sent us home right before we were to go to Mobile, Alabama. Too soon I found myself on a flight back to Omaha thinking back on my time in AmeriCorps, just how I had done 8 months earlier thinking back on Duchesne. When returning back home, I received the unexpected news from my TL that I had won Corps Member of the Year. I was selected due to nominations from sponsors in different states, staff on campus, my team leader, and my fellow Corps Members. It was rewarding to be able to receive something for my sleepless nights, my paperwork filled weekends and, in a sense, a service to the impoverished communities in America. While my time in AmeriCorps was extremely challenging, nothing could have prepared me more than my four years at Duchesne. Goal Five, "A personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom," was the main goal I carried with me through my experience with AmeriCorps. Not only was it a motivation to continue to grow into who I was becoming as a young woman but, it was a constant reminder that I would always carry a little bit of Duchesne with me wherever I went. There are so many connections I could make between Duchesne and AmeriCorps, but I simply do not have enough space. However, I will leave you with this. I am eternally grateful to every single person who makes Duchesne, Duchesne. I am the woman I am today because of what Duchesne ensures us with our first step into the building.

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Alumnae News

Duchesne Families Celebrate a

Windshield Wonderland   By Trisha Clark Meehan A'04  When kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas they are not supposed to be wearing a seatbelt. But like nearly all things in 2020, a visit with Saint Nick and Duchesne’s annual Holiday Mass had to be reimagined.    The Alumnae Board Holiday Mass committee (Lori Kennedy Schmaderer A’90, Kristin Stoesz Pratt A’00, Colette Hughes Martin A’99, Carolyn German Silliman A’10, Elisabeth Barrett A’11) redesigned a safe, family friendly event so children could still see Santa and alumnae could return to see Duchesne decorated for Christmas.   Families arrived for a drive-by donut and a socially distant Santa wave. Before the event began on Sunday, December 6, 2020, our Duchesne community received a fun surprise

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in their email inboxes: our friend Kevin Schneider, S.J., reading A Nativity Story.   The Alumnae Board provided Pettit’s Pastry donuts for families to enjoy while they wound through the parking lot waiting to see Santa. Along the way, they stopped to donate a new toy to Child Saving Institute and receive a “Duchesne Winter Bucket List” handout.   The last stop was Santa! We were delighted to welcome our usual Santa Wes, and he was thrilled to have the opportunity to see our kids this year after most of his usual events were cancelled. Children were able to say hello to Santa in a safe way and hand deliver their letters to him. Each child received a reply to the letter just in time for Christmas.   It was truly a magical event.

Alumnae News

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Alumnae News

G e n e v i e v e M a l isz e w sk i A’04 Z ach a ry S locu m

M er edit h P e n tz i e n A’09 to C hr istoph er Wa l dr e f

Alumnae Weddings

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Alumnae News

Alumnae Babies b Stephanie Bruckner K ar abatsos A’00, a son, Stavro c Lauren Dahlquist Lier A’10, a daughter, Nor a Elizabeth d K athleen Connor Parizek A’07, a son, Michael Patrick e Mary Evans Ritzdorf A’07, a daughter, Genevieve Margaret f Jenni Pick Rudersdorf A’98, a son, Julien Robert

F D B

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Alumnae News

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Alumnae News

MEET THE 2020-2021 DUCHESNE COLLEGE AND ACADEMY ALUMNAE BOARD

PRESIDENT Elisabeth Barrett A'11 PRESIDENT-ELECT Julia Robinson McCarville A'04 SECRETARY Dorian Hill Stanfield A'90 TREASURER Jane Zents Kelley A'65, C'69

By Trisha Clark Meehan A'04 Last issue we featured the Alumnae Board Leadership; meet the rest of the Alum Board . . .

ALUMNAE DIRECTOR EMERITA Mary Pat Ryan, RSCJ, C'56 LIAISON TO SCHOOL – ALUMNAE RELATIONS DIRECTOR Trisha Clark Meehan A'04 BOARD MEMBERS: Emily Friel Barr A'05 Kathleen Guilfoyle Brady C'70 Erica Brown Bryant A'97 Sarah Langdon David A'75 Katie Dixon Desantis A'96 Alex Emig A'10 Bridget Wilwerding Flaherty A'04 Paige Peterson Hardy A'96 Alicia Smith Hollins A'97 Kate Nelson Holthaus A'11 Stacia Kulas Hoover A'90 Charon Pound Kupfer C'70 Kathryn Lundgren A'11 Colette Hughes Martin A'99 Molly Minturn A'91 Trish Nipp A'78 Kristin Stoesz Pratt A'00 Maureen Meyer Raynor A'04 Jenni Pick Rudersdorf A'98 Elizabeth Fairchild Schaben A'91 Lori Kennedy Schmaderer A'90 Carolyn German Silliman A'10 Jessica Steffen A'01 Julie Dineen Swartz A'91 Maggie Crnkovich VanMoorleghem A'06 Elizabeth Walsh A'14

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MEET THE 2020-2021 DUCHESNE COLLEGE AND A Emily Friel Barr A’05

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I have so many memories of my time at Duchesne, so I was excited to come back and be engaged in a different way. Who was your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher was Mrs. Mary Moeschler.

Kathleen Guilfoyle Brady C’70

Educator

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I believe in the tradition of Duchesne. A strong alumnae association is critical to the success of the school. Who was your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher was Mother Connie Campbell.

Erica Brown Bryant A’97 Interior Design, Small Business Owner

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I wanted to give back to a school that formed me, in part, into the person I am today. Duchesne taught me to always keep learning and growing and to keep my faith close.

Sarah Langdon David A’75

I am retired from nursing at present. We have lived in Lincoln for the last 28 years.

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I love Duchesne. My mother went to college there. My sister graduated from there as did both my sisters-in-law, as well as my nieces. It is a special school. Who was your favorite teacher? Of course, Sister Joanne Fitzpatrick was my favorite.

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MEET THE 2020-2021 DUCHE

ACADEMY ALUMNAE BOARD

Alumnae News

Katie Dixon Desantis A’96

Business Owner- Vitality Bowls Superfoods Cafe Why did you join the Alumnae Board? It’s great to be back in Omaha to re-connect and give back to the Sacred Heart community. Duchesne’s focus on connections and community have stayed with me since I was a student.

Alex Emig A’10 Associate Attorney

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I love the sense of self that I developed at Duchesne through the school and faculty's focus on developing the whole person.

Bridget Wilwerding Flaherty A’04 Graphic Designer

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I joined the Board to be more active in the Duchesne community and to give back to the institution that taught and gave us so much. How has Duchesne changed since you were a student? One thing that has changed since I was a student at Duchesne is the school's above and beyond commitment to sustainability.

Paige Peterson Hardy A’96

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I joined the alumnae board to stay engaged with the Duchesne community. Who was your favorite teacher? I was inspired by so many of the teachers during my time at Duchesne. Some of my most memorable teachers would be Mr. John Kasel or Mr. Tom Deeds!

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MEET THE 2020-2021 DUCHESNE COLLEGE AND A Kate Nelson Holthaus A’11 Optometrist at Vision Specialists of Omaha

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? When I’m surrounded by women with a similar love and connection with Duchesne my heart bursts with joy and I get this renewed sense of pride in wanting to make this home of mine even greater for those living in it now. Who was your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher was Mr. Jake Hervert. (I loved Physics and Math!)

Stacia Kulas Hoover A’90

Administrator, UNMC, College of Public Health

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? To foster social awareness and help grow the Duchesne community. What has changed since you were a student? The Sustainability Program is a creative, innovative and timely resource for Duchesne!

Charon Pound Kupfer C’70 Retired teacher and counselor

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? Duchesne helped me develop my personal goals, educationally and spiritually. It also helped me connect with more like-minded women who have become supportive, caring friends and colleagues, as they seemed to have had a great effect on our culture and society!

Kathryn Lundgren A’11

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Creighton University

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I wanted to reconnect with the network that I love! Who was your favorite teacher? My favorite teachers were the entire English Department: Mrs. Mary Moeschler, Mr. Dan Daly, Mrs. Cristina Hiddleston, Mr. Thomas Becker, and Mrs. Kate Sommer!

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MEET THE 2020-2021 DUCHE

Alumnae News

ACADEMY ALUMNAE BOARD Colette Hughes Martin A’99

Regional Vice President at Arbonne International Why did you join the Alumnae Board? To stay connected to a school I love dearly. Who was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Carol Classe; she was one of our biggest cheerleaders on and off the court.

Molly Minturn A’91 Public Health RN

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I appreciate the opportunities Duchesne gave me and love that we have a Sacred Heart school in our community. It truly is a blessing. Being on the board affords me the chance to give back.

Trish Nipp A’78 Registered Nurse

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? To get more involved with Duchesne after being away for so many years What has changed since you were a student? Academically, it is a lot harder than when I was there. Admission requirements are stronger, which is good.

Kristin Stoesz Pratt A'00

Marketing

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? Duchesne does such a wonderful job creating a sense of community, and I am excited to be part of an alum group that actively continues this tradition. My heart holds a very special place for Duchesne! How has Duchesne changed since you were a student? The STEAM Lab is new and very impressive.

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MEET THE 2020-2021 DUCHESNE COLLEGE AND A Maureen Meyer Raynor A'04 Employee Relations Manager - Kiewit

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I wanted an opportunity to be able to stay engaged with and give back to a place and community that means so much to me. How has Duchesne changed since you were a student? Duchesne has added impressive new spaces for learning such as the STEAM Lab, which I’m sure the students appreciate.

Jenni Pick Rudersdorf A'98

Former Teacher

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? Duchesne helped me grow into the independent woman I am today. At Duchesne, I blossomed into an independent, self-assured, strong woman. I am so thankful for all the Duchesne community gave me. I hope many young girls can follow!

Elizabeth Fairchild Schaben A’91 Education Specialist

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I wanted to give back and help my wonderful high school! Who was your favorite teacher? Miss Molly Carpenter; she challenged me to improve my writing skills and discover a passion for English I never had before.

Lori Kennedy Schmaderer A’90

Outpatient Neurology Physical Therapist at Nebraska Medicine

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I was looking to volunteer and was drawn back to Duchesne. It has been such a great opportunity to give back after all these years! Who was your favorite teacher? Without a doubt Miss Mary Jo Martin. She was tough, she challenged me, and she had a great sense of humor!

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MEET THE 2020-2021 DUCHE

ACADEMY ALUMNAE BOARD

Alumnae News

Carolyn German Silliman A’10 Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I joined the board as a way to get more involved at Duchesne and connect with other alumnae. How has Duchesne changed since you were a student? The new performing arts addition but no matter the physical changes the heart of the school remains the same!

Julie Dineen Swartz A’91

Public Relations Specialist and Duchesne Congé Silent Auction Coordinator Why did you join the Alumnae Board? I wanted to join the Board because it would help me be involved as a parent (Cat A’17 and Caroline A’23) and I wanted to give back to the school that has given me so much. Who was your favorite teacher? I loved all my teachers when I was a student, but I adored Sister Shirley Miller and Sister Kathy Buschman.

Maggie Crnkovich VanMoorleghem A’06

Communications and Design Specialist, Faculty Development, UNMC

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? After working at Duchesne for more than five years, I wanted to stay connected to the community and give back to the school that gave me so much. What has changed since you were a student Duchesne's STEAM program is so impressive and something that I would have really enjoyed during my time as a student. The STEAM Lab provides access to programs and software that students may use in college; this advanced exposure allows students to hone their skills and expertise early on.

Elizabeth Walsh A’14 Masters Student

Why did you join the Alumnae Board? To give back to the school that gave me so much. Who was your favorite teacher? My favorite teachers were Mr. Eric Krakowski, Mrs. Margy Ford, and Mrs. Heidi Reinhart.

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Giving

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CONGÉ CO-CHAIRS: Angie and Neil Lisec Jen and Chris Mangan Anna and Jim Nubel Laura and T.J. Pattermann 38 DUCHESNE TODAY

Giving

CONGÉ 2021: ONE SACRED HEART is One of Duchesne’s Most-Successful Events Despite COVID By Kevin Boughton In May 2020, Duchesne Academy’s building had been closed less than two months, but it was time for Events Director Meghan Conway Rowen A'97 to make a tough decision: would the school make the large deposit to secure a ballroom for Congé, the school’s annual fundraising gala? “We wanted so badly to be able to commit to an in-person party, but our Advancement Team ultimately decided it would be safest for our community if we transitioned to a virtual event,” Rowen said. Rowen, the parent co-chairs, and Silent Auction Coordinator Julie Dineen Swartz A'91, immediately went to work collaborating on how to transform the 500-guest event along with the series of patron parties that take place in the preceding months. “We were confident we could put something together but would have to be creative to pull it off,” Swartz said. Working with parent co-chairs, Angie and Neil Lisec, Jen and Chris Mangan, Anna and Jim Nubel, and Laura and T.J. Pattermann, they elected to host a virtual silent auction, raffle, and tuition assistance drive over the course of a week. This would allow alumnae and past parents from anywhere to participate. The new plan would raise awareness and excitement for the reinvented event.

“The co-chairs were wonderful partners. They championed each event and reached out to parents to make sure our events were successful,” Swartz said. The co-chairs were part of a large publicity campaign that encouraged people to sign up for the virtual silent auction, buy raffle tickets, and participate in the Raise the Paddle for tuition assistance. It worked wonders. Congé 2021 was one of the most successful events ever for Duchesne, far surpassing initial expectations, and netting $560,000. It also engaged nearly double the number of registered bidders for the online auction, many of whom live in other states. “Duchesne is a very special place and attending this school changed my life. To be able to ensure this wonderful Sacred Heart education is accessible to as many girls as possible means a lot to Julie and me,” Rowen said. Rowen and Swartz, along with most supporters, hope Congé will return to an in-person gala next year with some crowd-favorite elements, such as the drive-by wine pull and the nationwide auction, from this year’s event. “Stay tuned,” Rowen said.

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Giving

By Katie Risch Bakhit A'94 Since 1881, generations of women have received a Sacred Heart education at Duchesne. If our alumnae were asked to describe what makes a Sacred Heart education so impactful, the responses would likely vary. One response, however, that would surely be echoed repeatedly is that a Sacred Heart education is one of mutual respect, compassion, and trust shared between an educator and student. In the absence of the RSCJ at Duchesne in recent years, lay men and women have devotedly assumed the roles of “Sacred Heart educator.” These professionals believe their role is a vocation, a calling. While blessed with dedicated teachers, the school’s costs to educate young women increase yearly. To attract and retain the most qualified, dedicated, and inspired teachers, we must make faculty salaries a priority. We are able to do this while avoiding steep increases in tuition through the Sophie Society, an endowed fund that earns interest which helps fund faculty salaries. Members pledge $5,000, paid over five years and may enroll themselves or honor a loved one or, in some cases, a favorite teacher. Member’s names are engraved on a plaque which hangs just outside Duchesne’s chapel in the main hallway. Consider this honor for your special graduate or as a wedding gift for a loved one.

If you would like to learn more about the Sophie Society, use the QR code below or contact Katie Risch Bakhit kbakhit@duchesneacademy.org or 402-810-9989.

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To Be Named To Be Named Ava Liebentritt Emily Stratman Breanna Strunc Sunny Washington Vivian Caniglia Hannah Pflug Annmarie Vazquez Halle Cook Emma Fisher Shelby Massow Emily Dickas Margaret Marx Sarah Porter

Maeve Cavanaugh Samantha Corey Tess Doyle Megan Smith Anna Becker Lauren Hedrick Maizie Jensen Kelly Brooks Colleen Halpin Ellie Soltys Allison Dudek Catherine Hasterlo Emily O’Donnell Elizabeth Beck Kayla Heimerman Morgan Seier

Cara Gomez Cally Pflug Paige Slavik Mary Wulff

Katie Liese Hilary Pflug

Bridget Lillethorup Laura Wiehl

Mayah Delgado-Walker Mary Clare O’Connor Katherine Speer

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

past winners

Giving

Duchesne Alumnae Benefit by $572,000 from Special Scholarship By Dave Treinen In 2008, past parents launched the Coeur de Jesu Scholarship Program to offer funds for “last mile” costs to help deserving Duchesne seniors to attend the college/ university of their choice. This scholarship is for graduates of Duchesne Academy, and is fully funded by both past parents and alumnae. With this program, the Duchesne community continues to support its alumnae well beyond their academy years. Since its inception, the program has awarded scholarships to 42 graduating seniors from the classes of 2008-2021, for a total of $572,000. The average award has been $13,600 ($3,400 renewable for four years). The program now grants two seniors each with $20,000 scholarships ($5,000 renewable for four years). In lifting some financial burden from the awardees, these scholarships have made it possible for many young women to attend schools they otherwise could not have attended. Each year, the selection committee finds there are more deserving applicants than there are scholarship funds to award. To make this program sustainable for many decades to come, the founders are actively adding sponsors. If you would like to join the sponsors of this unique scholarship program, please contact Dave Treinen at davidtreinen@outlook.com.

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