37 minute read
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
With the launch of our strategic plan and a transition in leadership, now is the perfect time to consider Merion Mercy Academy’s past, present and future. Join us in reflecting on our history, appreciating who we are today, and envisioning the possibilities of tomorrow, while celebrating the Mercy values and Catholic identity that have carried us through 138 years.
YESTERDAY: VALUES-BASED EDUCATION TO AFFECT SOCIAL CHANGE
The roots of Merion Mercy Academy are known to every student who passes through these doors. Catherine McAuley is a household name. The House of Mercy in Dublin is our home “across the pond.” A true visionary, Catherine knew nearly 200 years ago that education was the key to enable women to make a difference in the world and affect social change.
Undergirding a Mercy education are five core values that speak to us across the generations: • Compelled by Mercy • Educational Courage • Inspired by Faith • Principled Leadership • A Voice for Dignity and Respect
These values are reflected in a call for holistic and integrated education whose goal, Catherine believed, was to “Fit the children for earth without unfitting them for heaven.” The importance was—and is—to focus on the reality in which a person is called to live—a reality that, according to Executive Director of Mercy International Association Mary Reynolds, RSM, “is not just the transient but also the intransient.” Education is not only about imparting techniques and knowledge but empowering a young woman to engage the realities of her life and realities of her world with freedom and responsibility.
“It is our calling,” explains Marianne Grace, Merion Mercy’s Interim Head of School. “We take great pride in maintaining our timeless Mercy values, along with our Catholic identity and decades of tradition, while still preparing young women to thrive in a world that is much different than it was in 1884, 1984, and even 2004.”
Just as we maintain many beloved traditions—Mercy Day, Harvest Moon Dance, Weenie Roast, Carol Night, and Ring Mass—so we embrace our mission to live Mercy and seek justice. What that looks like, however, has naturally and necessarily changed with the times.
RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE Mercy Education GRACE • ADVOCATE INCLUSIVITY A Voice For Dignity and Respect
Compelled By Mercy
Principled Leadership Educational Courage Inspired By Faith
CRITICAL THINK I N G CURIOSITY • PERSONAL ACCO U N T A B I L I TY
MODELING OF JESUS CHRIST & SPIRITUALITY
• ETHICAL & MORALCATHERINE McAULEY
E M O T I ONAL INTELLIGENCE I N T E G R I T Y • L I FELONG LEARNING COMPASSION • EMPATHY
Mercy Education
“A Merion Mercy education is as valuable—as imperative—as it’s ever been.” —Kristen Keating Weeks ’02
Shine Our Light of Mercy Celebration speakers Kristen Keating Weeks ’02, Moira Vaughan ’22, and Ellen Byrnes Willcox ’80, P’12, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
Defining Mercy
In her remarks at the Shine Our Light of Mercy celebration, Kristen Keating Weeks ’02 described herself as “extremely fortunate to have been taught the mercy charism” during such a formative stage in her life. She recalls Mercy as hospitality, a comfortable cup of tea for those in need, a commitment to social justice and an exhortation to be passionate, vocal, and responsible for the vulnerable.
Weeks added, “I strongly suspect it’s harder to teach the Mercy charism today than it was 20 years ago. The world is louder, more divided, and there are so many things competing for students’ attention. I’d submit, for these same reasons, that a Merion Mercy education is as valuable—as imperative—as it’s ever been.”
YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW
TODAY: A PLACE FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION
In March 2022, the Vatican presented its Instruction of the Congregation for Catholic Education that recognized that the Catholic school lives in “the flow of human history” and is therefore called upon to offer an education “appropriate to the present times.”
At Merion Mercy, our call is to respond to increasingly fragmented and often conflicting socio-cultural situations and stand ready to adopt new teaching methods, while remaining faithful to our identity. “We seek to graduate young women who take to heart Mercy defined as loving kindness in action, who, through their love of God, are empowered to seek a just society,” says Grace. It is less about protecting them from the realities of a difficult and divided world and more about preparing them in faith for that which will challenge them.
Recognizing that change is difficult and that Merion Mercy has seen substantial changes over the past few years, Grace reminds us that one of the constants is our commitment to the Catholic faith and Mercy tradition. This commitment is carried out each day by the work of our faculty and staff, and through the contributions and prayers of our parents and alumnae. “Our primary goal,” she says, “is to stay focused on our mission of educating young women to lead, learn and serve.”
We turn to Catherine McAuley who offers “the simplest and most practical lesson…to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.” As we approach all that we do with respect, courage and sincerity, we will remain both in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church and on the right side of history.
Senior Capstone Brings Mercy Critical Concerns to Life
Three years ago, Theology teachers Mike Sims, Kyle Thompson, and Jeff Mayer collaborated to develop Mercy Mystics, a senior capstone project and outgrowth of the previous senior theology course, “Contemporary Christian Women.” Spanning both semesters, students are tasked with building upon the work from their previous Social Justice Leadership course to bring to life the Mercy Critical Concerns—Anti-Racism, Earth, Immigration, Non-Violence, and Women—in a practical and tangible way.
A second aspect of the project involves reflection as students partner with two spiritual mentors, one living and one historic. By developing and reflecting on strategies for advocacy and solidarity-building via “sacred activism,” students are challenged to live out the Gospel call of justice and peacemaking at the heart of Christian spirituality.
This year’s Mercy Mystics projects ranged from recidivism and worm composting to mental health and microaggression.
YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW
TOMORROW: BOUNDLESS MERCY, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
“On these roots and wings of Mercy, we chart our course for the coming generations of Merion Mercy students,” shared Ellen Byrnes Willcox ’80, P ’12, vice chair of the board of trustees, during the Shine Our Light of Mercy celebration. In the midst of a pandemic, propelled by our Mercy core values, nearly 100 members of our community came together to develop the school’s new strategic plan: “Boundless Mercy, Infinite Possibilities.” Recognizing that a changing world demands new thinking and a clear vision to carry us forward, this plan captures our belief that Mercy is limitless and enduring in its power to transform our students, our community, and our world for the better.
This visionary plan stands on the following five pillars, which will lead us into the future:
Academic Excellence and Transformative Learning
Build upon Merion Mercy Academy’s strong academic foundation to further expand our leading, innovative, and student-centered academic programs.
Principled Leadership
Inspire and empower our students through transformative opportunities in women’s leadership and service in the Mercy tradition.
Dynamic Learning Environments
Enhance our campus facilities to accelerate collaboration, creativity, flexible thinking, and community engagement.
Institutional Resilience and Accessibility
Ensure our sustained vitality by attracting and retaining students, building a strong culture of philanthropy, and promoting Merion Mercy’s unique value.
Faith, Cultural Fluency, and Community
Promote a welcoming, culturally responsive, and spiritually fulfilling community, grounded in the Gospel and Mercy values.
Building Mercy in authentic ways weaves into every aspect of our new strategic plan. This dynamic roadmap for the next five years will activate our community’s sense of faith, purpose, and belonging while developing smart, skilled, healthy, and compassionate women leaders who are uniquely prepared to take mercy into an increasingly complex and interconnected world. We look forward to seeing it brought to life through the work of faculty and staff and the help of the entire Merion Mercy community.
TO ACCESS BOUNDLESS MERCY, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES, SCAN THE CODE.
YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW
Makayla Johnson ’23, Morgan Wolfe ’23, Cara Comey ’23, Lily Denn ’23, Christina Mallon ’06, Lauren Elguicze ’24, Brooke Fagley ’24, Emily Kallmeyer ’24, Grace O’Connor '24
MERCY IN ACTION
Christina Mallon ’06 served as the school’s inaugural Mercy in Action keynote speaker. The Director of Inclusive Design at Microsoft, Christina’s work has received nation-wide attention and been featured on PBS, Vice, Fast Company, CNBC, Vogue, Forbes, and YAHOO!. She has been asked to speak about inclusive design in numerous settings from SXSW to the United Nations.
Christina’s talk, entitled "Design for Good,’’ focused on how her Mercy education influenced how she uses design to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Former Head of School Laura Farrell noted, "There is so much about Christina that is the quintessential Mercy girl. She has achieved success in all the measurable ways, but also ways that are difficult to measure and entirely unmistakable. I see her example over and over again with our graduates whose life and work is filled with passion and purpose."
TO VIEW CHRISTINA MALLON’S MERCY IN ACTION PRESENTATION, SCAN THE CODE.
BOOKENDS OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Meet Merion Mercy teaching colleagues and friends Pat Sack and Carol Restifo.
Patricia “Pat” Sack, a Journalism graduate from Temple University who holds a Master’s in Education in English from Arcadia University, just completed her 23rd year in the English Department at Merion Mercy Academy. With her previous experience in 7th and 8th grades, she has reached the milestone of 35 years teaching. With a bachelor’s degree in History from Immaculata College and a graduate degree from Temple University, Carol Restifo has more than 45 years’ experience in education. Before arriving at Merion Mercy she taught elementary school and later served as a principal at both the elementary and middle school level. After retiring she found herself in a substitute teaching role at Merion Mercy that eventually morphed into a full-time position in the English Department.
COURSES TAUGHT:
Pat: I first taught English and Theology, including Morality and Social Justice courses. Now I teach Contemporary
Literature, British Literature, and Speech.
•••
Carol: I teach Foundations in Literature and Writing (a newly combined course),
American Literature and Speech, and whatever else Pat decides I’m going to teach.
FAVORITE COURSE TO TEACH:
Pat: I can’t choose a favorite, though I do love introducing seniors to contemporary writers in the hopes they find at least one whose work resonates and inspires them to read more.
•••
Carol: I love anything to do with literature, including the history behind what we’re reading, but I also like speech because we teach girls how to become confident speakers.
FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS:
Pat: Zadie Smith and Elif Shafak
•••
Carol: Too many to name. I just love to read.
REQUIRED READING:
Pat: Shakespeare, Whitman, and
Hawthorne. However, I think it is just as important that students discover writers or stories that spark something in them.
•••
Carol: I would just encourage everyone to read extensively and be open to many different voices. There is something that will captivate everyone.
WHY I BECAME A TEACHER:
Pat: In high school I was very involved in a Catholic youth organization. I ended up at the diocesan level planning many retreats and leadership training workshops and found that I enjoyed and had a knack for it. I wasn’t thinking of teaching at the time, but by degrees I realized writing and literature were passions and working with people tied in well with teaching. Ultimately, an opportunity presented itself, and here I am!
•••
Carol: I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher since I was four years old. It’s the most wonderful job in the world. It is difficult and challenging, but so enriching.
BEST THING ABOUT TEACHING AT MMA:
Pat: One thing is the community. It’s a community that values education, but is also focused on what that education leads to. It’s rewarding to teach everyday. I love my students and our interactions and following them and seeing what they’re doing in five, 10, 15, even 20 years. It’s just a gift.
•••
Carol: The girls. They are funny, open to learning and fascinating. They are honest, compassionate with one another, good natured, responsive, and responsible. I love watching the transformation from freshman to senior year. On any given day there is something good in each of them.
There’s so much energy and creativity.
ATTRIBUTE SUCCESS TO:
Pat: Having a sense of humor is essential for me, and being authentic.
My enthusiasm for what I teach is genuine and students sense that.
•••
Carol: I just love learning and sharing my curiosity. I think I am successful when I see those “ah ha” moments of understanding, especially after a student has struggled to grasp a concept or nuance.
EXTRA CURRICULAR AREAS OF INVOLVEMENT:
Pat: I moderate the Ricordia newspaper and am one of the assistant moderators of Mercy Mission Corps. I have been involved with service since arriving here.
•••
Carol: I moderate the film club, which was formed by two seniors this year. I am also a co-moderator of Black
Student Union.
MOST MEMORABLE MMA MOMENT:
Pat: There are too many to choose just one. I’ll just say it’s been gratifying to be here long enough to have former students return to MMA as colleagues and friends.
•••
Carol: Memorable moments come almost every day—from the humorous comments of the girls to the tears when they are touched by a passage in a novel or play.
WHAT YOU’D BE SURPRISED TO KNOW:
Pat: I love amusement park rides; the faster, the wilder, the better.
•••
Carol: I have no athletic ability whatsoever. I am an early riser—5:00 a.m. every morning. I’m actually quite shy and don’t like to be in the limelight at all. Also, I hate cooking; I’d rather paint, or garden, or clean than cook; but
I do love to bake.
HOBBIES:
Pat: Reading as much as I can, typically 15-18 books a year. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, and gardening.
•••
Carol: Watching old movies, gardening, singing, and reading.
MUSICAL TASTES:
Pat: I have broad musical tastes; classical is my go-to during reading or grading.
•••
Carol: I love all kinds of music; music that either moves you or soothes you.
HOW I’D DESCRIBE MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE:
Pat: Carol is unflappable. She is generous with her colleagues as well as with her students. She is humble and willing to do whatever is needed in the department at any time.
•••
Carol: My daughter had Pat as a teacher and thinks she walks on water.
Pat is formidable, very funny, and enriching. She knows so much about literature and the things that go into teaching it and bringing it to life. She exudes intelligence and kindness, but is also no nonsense. Pat is demanding, but willing to help girls meet those demands. She sets high expectations and no one wants to disappoint her. I aspire to be her.
FALL 2021
The Mercy spirit was palpable at the Meri-Unions in September and April! In September, we celebrated the classes ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6 whose reunions were canceled due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.
CLASS OF 1970 CLASS OF 1971
Aisha Dunston (daughter of deceased member of class, Marguerite Fulton), Annabelle Logue Curran, Joan Harmer, Roseann Ferrante Murray, Janet Hauserman Ward, Christine Daly Echelmeier, Stephanie Edmonson
Jacqueline Jowers Ellis, Christina Feo Penezic, Ellen Byrnes Willcox, Lisa Cannon Gruchacz
Front: Roz Fulton, Kathy Shelton Greeley, Andrea Phillips Valentino; 2nd row: Reginia Curlett Buttery, Kathy Williamson Doyle, Mary Mecke Borne, Patty Moody, Kathy Dietzler Schuyler; 3rd row: Mary Ellen Edge, Haidee McHale Sullivan, Anne Mecke Mattia, Peggy Owston; Back: Winnie Gissendaner Taylor, Robin Bass
Front: Melissa DiSipio, Christine McCann Sisian, Nicole Thomas DiDomizio, Heather McGlone Carlock, and Denise Griffin; Back: Christie McLaughlin Duggan, Teresa Hillerman Stahl, Felicia Elliot Borghi, Kristin Costello Aponte, Kristyn Rudnick Hopkins, Kristen Baldini Gorman, Nicole Perretta Elguicze
CLASS OF 2011
CLASS OF 1991
Rosybell Maria, Ashley Ethengain, Kaitlyn Votta, Ashani Rubin, Dana Grossi, Samantha Ricchiuti, Mackenzie Halter, Cailin Fogarty
CLASS OF 1980
SPRING 2022
In April, we welcomed back classes ending in 2 and 7 and honored the class of 1972 with this year’s Golden Circle medals, recognizing their 50th reunion.
CLASS OF 1962 CLASS OF 1972
Mary Ellen Martin Donnelly, Kathy O’Sullivan Hinckle, Janet Cordivari Vigliarolo, Rita DiSciascio Morley, Denise Brennan Mattia, Jeanne Lane, Louise Drinkhouse Grude
CLASS OF 1987
Front: Maura Carroll Moses, Phyllis Hornung Zinar, Marian Hickey McNaughton, Agnes Shields Finigan, Susie Barton Carroll; 2nd row: Maria Miele Boyd, Susan Whalen Walker, Mary Ellen Gallagher, Susan DeCindis Higgins, Gail DeVecchis Wygant, Ave Marie McDonough Volinsly, Patty McCue; Back: Linda Maychak Krager, Sister Barbara Buckley, RSM, Helen Centofanti Peatross, Kate Sitley Brown, Regina Hauserman, Ginny LaNoce, Mary Cushwa Voss
CLASS OF 2017
Front: Marjorie Lynn Anderson, Allaire Donahue, Jamie Chadwick Back: Stacey Julye, Patricia Tycenski Mastro, Jill Stanczak Halbruner, Christin Hinckle
Many generations of the Williamson family are Merion Mercy graduates, including the “fab four” here who all reunioned together: Janet Doyle Thompson ’97, Amy Williamson DiTrolio ’82, Katie McCreight ’02, Lizanne WIlliamson McCreight ’77 Kristina Sweeney, Jada Smith, Shannon Carroll, Allison Gutleber, Olivia Luciano
CLASS OF 1997
Trustee Dianne Johnson DiCicco ’97 gives a traditional “Merion hug” during the Sign of Peace
CLASS NOTES
Share Your News! Merion Mercy Academy encourages all alumnae to share news in the Class Notes section of Mater Matters. To contribute, send your news to kshimer@merion-mercy.com or write to Kim Shimer, Alumnae News, 511 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066.
(Class Notes may be edited for length, grammar, and content.)
The Fifties
Martie Wolfington Gillin ’55 was awarded an honorary degree at the 2022 Saint Joseph’s University undergraduate ceremony. Martie is an award-winning community leader and founder of SpeakUp!, an organization that partners with schools to bring youth, educators and parents together for courageous conversations.
The Sixties
After 30 years, former MMA Trustee Sister Ann Provost RSM ’64 retired as executive director of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries— the ministry she helped create. Described by many as "an angel in human form," Sister Ann "leaves a legacy of responsiveness—seeing to the needs of the community with compassion and kindness—which will persist for years to come."
The Seventies
Please keep Joan Colasante Green ’77 in your prayers as she is going through a difficult time with dialysis.
The Eighties
Marita Fitzpatrick ’81 was recognized by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association as the state’s Outstanding Secondary Art Teacher of the year. She teaches at Bodine High School for International Affairs, a magnet public school in Philadelphia. Marita says, “I give a huge amount of credit to my art teacher, Sister Ethel Sweeney, and principal, Sister Madeleine Marie Sautter, for all their support while I was at Merion.”
SPOTLIGHT
Allison Walker ’89 started 2022 with a bucket list trip to Uganda where she trekked with gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and with chimpanzees in Kibali National Forest. She says, “It was amazing spending time with our closest animal relatives in their habitat. Throughout the trip we also encountered elephants, vervet monkeys, baboons, bushbuck and some of the most beautiful birds ever.”
In February 2022, Allison became the director of event sales and operations at the Philadelphia Zoo where she enjoys daily glimpses of animals from around the world. It is actually her third position with the organization, where she began as a graduate school intern and was later hired as the promotions and event coordinator, a role she left in 2001. Between then and now, she served in a variety of professional roles before her current position at the Zoo was posted and she knew it was time to return. “It seemed like all of the experience I had gained throughout my career was necessary for me to be successful in this role,” she says.
When Allison reflects on her Merion Mercy Academy experience, she is reminded of the value of mentorship. “When I started working after grad school, I remembered the Big Sister/Little Sister program at Merion. In freshman and sophomore year, you were given a big sister to show you the ropes and help you adjust, and then once you were a junior or senior, you became the big sister. I looked for ’big sisters’ when I was starting out professionally and was lucky to find some great ones.” Now that she is at a different point in her career, Allison looks forward to being that "big sister" for others.
Borrowing her favorite quote from Walt Disney, Allison offers this advice for current students and fellow alumnae: “Keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things...Your curiosity will lead you down the path of success."
Susan Lopusniak Jurevics ’85,
executive vice president, head of international at Audible, Inc., was featured in this year’s HERoes 100 Women Executives List supported by Yahoo Finance! These global lists by INvolve—The Inclusion People—celebrate role models in business who are driving the charge for inclusion.
Jennifer Baldino Bonett ’87 shared, “Thanks to Merion Mercy Academy, particularly the late Mrs. Liane Chapman and the late Mrs. Phyllis Colameco, my passion for writing is my profession.” Jennifer is editorial lead for ChristianaCare, a Delaware-based health system. She says, “I was humbled by the opportunity to deliver up-to-theminute, life-saving information to educate and uplift our community and empower our health care workers to persevere through the pandemic. Ricordia ladies, keep writing and keep sweet Mercy near.”
The Nineties
Sadiqa Lucas ’95 (second from left) was hailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer as a “Fixer” for her work at Temple University Hospital’s ER as a trauma advocate. The article lauds her work, stating, “When you enter Temple University Hospital’s ER, trauma advocates will help you with more than your injuries.” 6
Pediatric dermatologist Dr. Kristin Cam Missmar ’98 was named Northern Virginia’s “Top Doc” for the seventh year in a row.
Kate Brennan ’99 was selected as a presenter for Mercy Education’s 2021 Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy. A certified yoga teacher and Thai bodyworker, Kate is also a designated Linklater teacher, MELT hand and foot instructor and creator of five musicals. Her book of poetry elevated thoughts: 100 shadormas from 9,000 ft. was published with Literati Press, and her musical ALiEN8 (cocreated with David Lee White) was published with YouthPLAYS. She created and hosts the podcasts Fair Play and The Brennan Book Blog Podcast and runs The Brennan Book Blog. Kate is a member of VASTA, The Dramatists Guild and AEA and holds an MFA from University of Virginia. She is an associate professor and artistic director of Ignition Arts. Her work, Brennan Check-In, fuses Linklater voice work, yoga, mindfulness and creative exercises to connect people more deeply to themselves and others in order to live more healthy, creative and present lives. Steeped in Mercy since age five,
CLASS NOTES
Kate is a graduate of Waldron Mercy Academy and Merion Mercy and began her voice teaching career at both schools.
Alumna and MMA faculty member Alexis Browsh ’99 was a competitor on the heart-racing quiz show “The Chase.” Fun fact: Alexis was also a contestant a few years back on “Jeopardy!” 6
SPOTLIGHT
In May 2021, Kate Herron Sheehan ’99, was recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by the Philadelphia Business Journal. As senior manager of community affairs for global retail giant Qurate Retail Group (which owns brands including HSN, Zulily, Ballard Designs and West Chester, PA-headquartered QVC), Kate leads the company’s philanthropic efforts, team member engagement, product donation, disaster response and cause marketing. In 2020, Qurate set a goal of committing $100 million in charitable dollars by 2025, including $50 million toward women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. Just two years into the goal, Kate and team have generated over $81 million. Kate was also an integral part of Qurate’s COVID response team, leading a national campaign for the nonprofits No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels.
A career highlight for Kate was launching Partners in Giving, QRG’s first formal workplace giving program, as well as a fellowship program for pro bono employee hours to aid artisan guilds.
Interested in philanthropy from an early age, Kate says, “Participation in Merion’s Ministry Team and volunteer opportunities helped lay the foundation for pursuing a career in the charitable space.” As an undergraduate at Saint Joseph’s University, she served as the campus ministry intern during all four years and volunteered in a number of capacities, including several service trips. Prior to joining the QVC/Qurate Retail Group in 2011, Kate worked for years in nonprofits, from grassroot organizations to her local United Way.
She adds, “All along the way, my Merion connections have continued to run deep, especially when I get to work alongside a fellow MMA alum! Taylor Gregitis ’19 was one of my rock star interns this past year!”
A member of the inaugural class of VISTA Millennial Superstars, recognizing young professionals in Chester County, Kate resides in West Chester, Pa., where she serves on the Board of the Chester County Food Bank. She and her husband Geoff have two children, Emily Rae and Henry.
CLASS NOTES
The 00s
Michelle Noreski Cassidy ’01 (far right) shared this photo of alumnae moms with future Harvest Moon dates! Michelle joined Aubrey Cedrone Emrich ’00 and Erin Foley Hamilton ’00 to pose at their sons’ kindergarten graduation from Little Angels Academy at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Gibbsboro, N.J. She wrote, “They even got to wear Blue and Gold—love that we were able to reunite through our sons!” 6
Gina Troncelliti Daley ’01 serves as assistant vice president of integrated health in L’Oréal’s Active Cosmetics Division. This business development role focuses on advancing access to dermatologistrecommended skincare through innovation and support of various clinicians like pharmacists and oncologists. Gina is proud to work with clinically relevant therapeutic skincare brands like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay that can truly impact patients’ and consumers’ lives in a positive way.
Courtney Dukehart Cione ’02 lives in Collegeville, Pa. with her husband, three boys (Pacey, 13; Ryker, 4; and Dylan, 5 months) and four-legged friend Indy who is a rescue lab/pit mix. After earning her master’s degree in nursing, Courtney became a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, working in the state prison system. She says, “I’ll never forget my years at Merion. It is a place that helped me to build character, confidence, and values. My appreciation is immeasurable!”
Monica O’Donoghue ’08
graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business with her MBA in May 2021. 6
The Tens
Elizabeth MacNeal ’10 was selected as a presenter for Mercy Education’s 2021 Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy. Elizabeth is the head of heritage and spirituality for Mercy International Association in Dublin, Ireland. In her role, she leads pilgrimages, coordinates programs, and works to engage the Mercy community in the life and legacy of Catherine McAuley. Her degree is in graphic design, and she spent many years working in communications and marketing including serving as director of marketing at Mercy Volunteer Corps. Elizabeth recently took her covenant as a Mercy Associate. She is passionate about cultural inclusivity and community service and has led multiple service immersion trips including to Honduras and Ecuador as well as visiting Mercy ministries throughout the world.
Moira Pannepacker ’12 was the speaker at the Class of 2022’s Senior Farewell Assembly. Moira graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a degree in global studies. After graduation, she continued to follow her interests in global development and nonprofits, and has since held positions in nonprofit consulting and higher education global program management. This past spring, she earned a graduate degree in nonprofit leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and moved to New York City where she is working at a large technology company, collaborating with small nonprofits to improve their tech to better serve their missions and drive impact.
Congratulations to Liz Sack ’13 who joined the field hockey coaching staff at Georgetown University in summer 2021 after four years as a coach at Saint Joseph’s University. With the Hawks, she helped guide the team to the first three NCAA Tournament berths in program history.
Meghan Rafter ’14, a 2021 Villanova Law graduate, spoke at MMA’s 50th Annual National Honor Society induction, sharing with the students how MMA was pivotal to her growth in the NHS pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. 6
Emily Crawford ’17 graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. in business management and a minor in dance. She is now making her dreams come true and opened Emily Rose Dance Creations in Newtown Square.
Kelsey Farkas ’17 was named to the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team. She also received the Connie S. Maniatty Award, which is given annually to the top senior male and female studentathletes in recognition of their outstanding Columbia University careers. Kelsey graduated from Columbia University in 2022. 6
CLASS NOTES
Allison Gutleber ’17 recently began work as a meteorologist in Toledo, Ohio, at NBC 24. 6
Pilar Jackson ’17 graduated with her bachelor’s degree in public health and moved to Atlanta to work with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities as an African-American and Latinx health disparities project coordinator.
Jennifer Ramirez ’17 graduated from Boston University this May, completing a four and half year joint BA/MA program in which she earned a master’s degree in international affairs and bachelor’s degrees in both international relations and history. She was selected as a member of Pi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society for Political Science and International Relations, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. A large part of Jennifer’s time at BU was dedicated to research, and she spent her sophomore year completing a capstone project on policy recommendations for countering vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. She received the 2019 Linda Bondy-Ives Award from the Boston University College of General Studies. In her final semester, she successfully completed and defended her master’s thesis titled “Populism, Propaganda, and Power: Anti-Migrant Rhetoric as a Political Tool for Populist Parties in Europe.” Her research was collected first-hand during her study abroad year in London. In London, she also worked with the non-profit Operation Black Vote, which advocates for the rights of minorities in the UK. She plans on continuing her work with Operation Black Vote after graduation. 6
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION
The Alumnae Association Board would like to thank our outgoing 2020-22 Executive Team: Debbie DiMarzio ’77, Mayla Henderson Jackson ’02, and Kirsten EchelmeierSams ’99. We are so grateful that even during the difficult pandemic years, they were dedicated to promoting programs to keep alumnae engaged in MMA.
Planning is now underway for the 2022-24 term, and the Board is seeking new advisory members. Members of the Alumnae Advisory Committee will be responsible for organizing and actively participating in the committees of the Alumnae Association. These committees can change depending on the focus of the current Alumnae Leadership Team.
If you are interested in finding out more about the position, please contact Barbara Colantuono Harrison ’82, bharrison@merionmercy.com, or at 610-664-6655, ext. 120.
CLASS NOTES
SPOTLIGHT
As an honors athlete playing basketball and running track during her tenure at GESU School, Jada J. Smith ’17 was disappointed that there were no awards recognizing female athletes. Feeling called to acknowledge young women who work exceptionally hard in the classroom and in their sport, she created the school’s Jada J. Smith Distinguished Student-Athlete Award. In 2019, that award grew into her nonprofit S.W.A.G.—Scholars With Athletic/Academic/Artistic Goals. At a spring meeting with MMA administrators, Jada described how the organization has expanded to providing college book awards, tuition program scholarships, mentorship and free workshops for young women. Next on her agenda is launching her eponymous scholarship at Merion Mercy Academy.
Jada is a Philadelphia native and basketball scholar-athlete. She graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is currently completing her Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling. Her goal is to eventually earn her doctorate and open her own practice as a clinical psychologist. She says, “I plan to focus on trauma with adolescents and advocate for breaking the stigma around mental health in the African American community.” Jada will continue to serve as a motivational speaker and eventually plans to lead her own TEDTalk.
With God at the center, the help of her family and village, hard work and diligence, Jada has been molded into the person she is today. Devoted to giving her time and service back to the community, she roots her philanthropy in advocacy, mentorship, and scholarships with a primary focus on female athletes and African-American youth.
Though she started her first scholarship program before attending Merion Mercy, she recalls that the compassionate sisterhood supported her efforts and helped them grow beyond what she thought was possible. “I embraced the mindset that you can support a sister and bring her up while you are growing yourself.”
When asked what she wants her legacy to be, Jada states, “I want people to say that I impacted the world by helping remove financial barriers that lead to disparities in opportunities and that I was an advocate for racial, gender, and socio-economic equality.”
Congratulations to Caitlin Farkas ’18 on her graduation from the University of Vermont. 6
Savanna Urban ’18 graduated from Fordham University in May with a B.S. in computer science. She was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as a surface warfare officer and will be stationed in Mayport, Fla., assigned to the USS Jason Dunham. 6
Boston College field hockey player Margo Carlin ’19 was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer for raising $30,000 for Covenant House.
CLASS NOTES
ALUMNAE ROWERS
MMA alumnae were proud to field an Alum 8 in the Head of Charles in the fall of 2021. L. to r. Joe Malone, head crew coach and marketing & communications manager, Sara Romano ’11, Kate DeVlieger ’15, alumna friend, Morgan Sherman ’17, Nolan Campbell ’14, Maggie DeVlieger ’13, Ellie Romano ’15, Maggie Collington ’15, Alison Kane ’13, and Stacy Gallagher, director of development. Not in photo: Erin Parker ’15
Emma Braun ’18, Phoebe
DeVlieger ’20, and Caileigh Grimes ’21 connected at the Lake Wheeler Invitational in North Carolina. 6 Hope Johnson ’19 and Katherine Convery ’21 enjoy rowing for Loyola University Maryland and posed together for this "Mercy girl moment" at the Head of the Occoquan Regatta. 6 Alumnae Alison Kane ’13 and Erin Welch ’19 serve as stellar coaches and role models for Merion Mercy crew. Here, they bookend the Freshmen 8+ after the boat’s second place finish in City Championships. 6
CLASS NOTES
ALUMNAE CAREER CONNECT
Career Connect gives Merion Mercy students exposure and access to our alumnae who can serve as inspiration and resources to introduce them to college majors and potential career paths. In December, we introduced ALUMNAE FROM THE FIELDS OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE:
In April, Career Connect welcomed ALUMNAE WITH BACKGROUNDS IN ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATIONS:
Mary Paschos Latran ’14 graduated from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art with a B.S. in facilities management. She has worked for SAP’s Global Real Estates and Facilities Team as a space planner and designer and is currently a self-employed artist.
Alyssa Pizzi ’16 is a 2020 graduate of Syracuse University with a B.A. in art history and a B.S. in civil engineering. She was a summer research fellow for Historic Deerfield, Inc. and currently works for TranSystems Corp. as a structural engineer. Deanna Rosini ’14 graduated from Catholic University of America with a B.S. and M.A. in architecture. She has interned at NorthEast Collaborative Architects and HYL Architecture and is currently employed as an architectural designer at Meyer Design Inc., in Ardmore.
Robin Vernon ’19 completed one year at St. John’s University as an accounting major, earned a carpentry certification from Delaware County Community College, and is currently studying software development at The Flatiron School.
Amanda Alvarez ’12 earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, and applied communication with a concentration in political science from Boston University. Amanda is the global social media lead for Chevrolet at Weber Shandwick.
Dana Grossi ’11 teaches English language arts to seventh and eighth graders. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University with a double major in English and secondary education, and a minor in creative writing. She also earned a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in English and communications and obtained her reading specialist certification through Slippery Rock University.
Katie Kavanaugh ’11 graduated from Pennsylvania State University with degrees in public relations and journalism. She is a marketing and corporate communications specialist at Ventas, a real estate investment trust in the healthcare space, located in Chicago.
Francesca Gunning LaMonaca ’05
works with AmerisourceBergen’s external communications team and has nearly 15 years of experience in public relations. She graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in communications and a concentration in public relations.
Danielle Bullen Love ’01 has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in writing studies from Saint Joseph’s University. She works as a content marketing strategist for AmerisourceBergen and has experience in magazine and website writing and editing, social media management, and non-profit marketing. Kelly McKelvey ’04 is a three-time Emmy award winning television producer working for “Inside Edition” with previous experience at “NBC News” and “Good Morning America.” She graduated from Fordham University in 2008.
Patricia Noonan ’03 is an actor, singer, writer, and educator. She has worked as a guest artist at several universities and as a teaching artist in NY and Philadelphia public schools. Patricia is an alumna of Boston College’s Presidential Scholar Program where she double majored in English and theater arts.
Amy Weiss Hernley ’14 to John Hernley on June 21, 2020 6
Erringer Helbling ’08 to Brian Miranda on September 25, 2021 6
Carolyn Heinerichs ’10 to Johnny Gregitis on May 7, 2022 6
CLASS NOTES
WEDDINGS
Mary Paschos-Latran ’14 to Grant Latran on May 1, 2021 6
Kelley Martin ’14, Cathy Gormley ’14, Taylor McElwee ’14, Bridget Manion ’14, Molly Lord ’14, Morgan Iacovella ’14, Grant Latran and Mary, Jodi Garvey ’14, Maggie Gorman ’14, Aislinn Flynn ’14, Maura White ’14, Jane Burke ’14, Becca Borish ’14
Caroline McShane DiIorio ’08, Molly McShane Stefanski ’05, Bonnie McShane Regan ’12, Ann McShane, and Maureen McShane Chrest ’01
Gabrielle Heinsinger ’16, Amy Weiss Hernley ’14, Rachel Weiss Clark ’16, Alyssa Pizzi ’16, Kimberly Baxter ’16
Bonnie McShane ’12 to Tyler Regan on January 21, 2022 6
Rachel Weiss Clark ’16 to Collin Clark on May 29, 2022. 6
Joseph and Courtney Dukehart Cione ’02, a son, Dylan
Joe and Emily Benton Corbett ’05, a daughter, Josie Ann
Eugene and Monica Tassoni Cryan ’06, a son, Eugene
Darius and Moriah Mifka Hughes ’08, a son, Cairo Nasir
Patrick and Elizabeth Martelli Jeffries ’05, a son, Colin Phillip
Mark and Elana Mele Kachhi ’03, a daughter, Raquela Lakshmi
Josh and Tina Horvath King ’96 (Former Faculty), a daughter, Emily Judith
Stephen and Katrina Pisch Koffel ’10, a daughter, Riley Katherine
Grant and Mary Paschos-Latran ’14, a daughter, Josephine Marin
James Michalove and Christina Mallon ’06, a daughter, Margot
Dan and Elizabeth McCauley McCall ’04, a daughter, Grace
Ken Hillerich and Mary Kathryn McCreight ’02, a daughter, Greta Mary Martha
Steven and Killeen Shuda Murphy ’00, a daughter, Luca Grace
Chris and Caitlin O’Shea Palmer ’06, a daughter, Nell Maryann
Matt and Elena Benton Potts ’07, a daughter, Chloe Lucia
Alfredo and Lindsey McClennen Silva ’02, a daughter, Dakota Xoco
Ben and Jessica Shields, Faculty, a son, Theodore
Dan Liang and Meagan Sloan ’06, a son, Miles Elliott Liang
Katherine and Ben York, Faculty, a son, John (Jack) Augustine
CLASS NOTES
ARRIVALS
Josie Ann
Colin Phillip
Josephine Marin
Greta Mary Martha
Chloe Lucia Eugene
Raquela Lakshmi
Margot
Luca Grace
Dakota Xoco Cairo Nasir
Riley Katherine
Grace
Nell Maryann
Theodore
classnotes In Memoriam
Loved ones submitted the names of Merion Mercy Academy alumnae, parents, and faculty/staff. The MMA community extends its sincere condolences to their families and friends.
Melvin Aria P ’01 Barbara McCormick Atkins ’63 Ellen Barton P ’88 Rosemary Smith Barton ’82, P ’12, ’15 Ann Claire Baxter Brecker ’48 Bahir Browsh P ’99 Thomas Bruder P ’86, GP ’19 Ann Hogan Connor ’65 Maureen Daly Cooper ’67, P ’95 Gerald Curran P ’21 Dr. Bernadette Naughton DeArmond ’62 Joan Gallagher DiMarzio P ’77, GP ’07, ’09 Thomas W. Doyle P ’79, ’81, ’82, GP ’21 James Duffy P ’77, ’88, GP ’02, ’04, ’07, ’09, ’10, ’12, ’17 Margaret Mary Kienlen Edge ’48, P ’71 Dr. Charles Egoville P ’88, ’03 Angelina “Angie” Falcone P ’87 Joan Byrne Fiorile ’66, P ’01 Michelle Fuller ’73 Marley Goldschmidt ’09 Robert Healey P ’02, ’04 John Hughes P ’96 Rinaldo Iacovella P ’14 John W. Irvine P ’81, ’83 Patricia Bruder Irvine ’56, P ’81, ’83 Harriet James P ’89 Darryl Johns P ’98, ’03 Gloria LaNoce P ’69, ’72, ’74 Carolyn Coady Lea ’49 Margaret Kung-Ting Liu ’50 Sharon McNamara P ’03 Angela McCabe P ’16 Patricia McCall P ’97 Eileen Denney McLaughlin ’50 Ann Scattergood McDevitt ’55, P ’78, GP ’10 Patricia Morris Mead ’61 Sister Mary Christella Mitchell, RSM F Elaine Moody P ’71 James (Seamus) Anthony Mullarkey P ’94 Joseph “Joe” Murray P ’93 Sister Ann O’Connell, RSM ’62 T Sister Mary O’Connell, RSM ’55 Gemma Pompizzi ’60 Sister Rita Powell, RSM F Robert L. Ridarelli P ’92 Joan M. Ryan P ’79, ’86 Susan Maguire Stefan ’82 Mary Thomann ’02
Prayer for The Eternal Rest Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.
THE MAGAZINE OF MERION MERCY ACADEMY Mater Matters
MERION MERCY ACADEMY
511 Montgomery Avenue Merion Station, PA 19066
Welce He Meri-Union 2023
197 s
1960s
2010s
Reunion Weekend 2023: Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29
We are expanding our traditional reunion to now include an opportunity for reunion classes to spend the day with us Friday, April 28. Saturday, April 29 will be Meri-Union—all-class, faculty, and staff are invited to a Mass and reception. Classes ending in 3 and 8, this is your year! If you are interested in helping plan the reunion for your class, please email Barbara Colantuono Harrison ’82, Alumnae Relations Coordinator, at bharrison@merion-mercy.com.
