MSJA Winter 2010 Mount Magazine

Winter 2010

A Magazine for Alumnae, Parents and Friends of Mount Saint Joseph Academy

Announcing the Jane Loughran Ryan ’50

Alumnae Room

A Letter From the President

Dear Friends, There is probably no term this winter that got our attention more than the expression, “Nor’easter!” I did more work from home than from my office during February, and I can now confirm, I am someone who enjoys the interaction of people in the work place, rather than emailing or texting my colleagues. I hope by the time you read this letter, spring is just a matter of days away.

Nevertheless, the stubbornness of winter did not deter our students, parents, and Alumnae from contributing to the life of the Mount. As you page through this winter edition of the Mount Magazine you will read about the transformation and dedication of the Jane Loughran Ryan ’50 Alumnae Room. The Ryan family, along with the Class of 1950, former and current board members and invited guests gathered to honor Jane’s memory and her contribution to the Mount. The room is decorated in the school colors and exudes warmth to all who enter.

Speaking of decorating and design, you will be captured by the journey of Jeanne Murphy Curtis ’93 and the birth of Bella! Design for Living, LLC. Her approach to helping people determine their personal style is a lesson for all of us.

There has always been drama at the Mount, and Mount’s Drama teacher and Acadram moderator, Alumna Jean Korey, continues the time-honored tradition she began when she was a freshman with her first role in Acadram.

The Mount has always produced fine writers. Suzin Buzas Carr ’85 is achieving great success with her whimsical children’s book, I Choose, which was illustrated by her nine-year-old son, Chandler.

The strong sense of community that Colleen Farris Weaver ’80, experienced at the Mount brought a new depth of meaning to her life. Colleen and her husband are the publishers of Women, a magazine for patients, care givers and professionals. In her words, “I am again committed to a community of women.” Read her story and see what stirs within your heart.

I wrote in the fall publication of the magazine of my pride in the founders of the SSJ Mission Corps, as they are all graduates of the Mount. This edition will provide you with an update on their work and an invitation to consider joining and expanding our mission as a one-year volunteer.

In late January, the Mount faculty, students and staff turned out to congratulate and show support for Sister Cathie Meighan as an artist selected to show her work at the Woodmere Art Museum. Sister’s talent is an inspiration to her students and a source of pride for the Mount.

There is so much more contained within these pages—pictures, blurbs and stories of women who are living our mission of unity to the dear neighbor. Your support through our Annual Fund, Celebrauction, and participation in all things Mount, affirms your belief in the importance of educating women for service and leadership. Thank you for all you do, and will continue to do, to assist our students in creating their futures.

May your heart feel the warmth of spring as you read these pages.

Warm regards, Sister Kathleen Brabson, SSJ President

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Table of Contents Jane Loughran Ryan ’50 Alumnae Room Dedication........................... 4 Acadram .............................................................................................. 8

Winter 2010 The Official Publication of Mount Saint Joseph Academy 120 West Wissahickon Avenue Flourtown, PA 19031 President Sister Kathleen Brabson, SSJ

Women Magazine...............................................................................11 I Choose............................................................................................. 12 Alumnae Spotlight.............................................................................. 14 Happenings........................................................................................ 16 Firebirds............................................................................................. 22

Principal Dr. Judith A. Caviston, EdD.

Development...................................................................................... 24

Development Office Staff

Alumnae............................................................................................. 26

Director of Development Jill Gregori

Celebrauction XXVI............................................................................ 33

Director of Communications Elizabeth Racine Director of Alumnae Theresa Moyer Annual Fund Coordinator Leigh McFadden Auction Director Lisa Henrich Development Office Secretary Barbara Oldt Phone: 215-233-3177 Fax: 215-233-4734 Website: www.msjacad.org Alumnae Website: www.msjaalum.org Alumnae e-mail: msjaalum@msjacad.org

Celebr auction XXVI “A D’Vine Experience” Photos and Info starting on page 33

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From

the Alumnae Room ... to

I feel the spirit of the school…I felt that spirit in my house.

I feel my mother’s spirit here. I thank you for that.

Carolyn Ryan Healey, daughter

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n May, 2007, the Mount Community mourned the loss of one of their most visible and loyal Alumnae. Jane Loughran Ryan ’50 was a much-beloved Alumna who epitomized the “Mountie spirit.” Jane was an integral part of the Mount community and served on the Board of Advisors from 1993 through 1999. Her leadership was evident through both the Mission for the Mount and Foundations for the Future capital campaigns. In June 2000, Jane was presented with the Fournier Award, which is presented annually to “an individual who exemplifies the spirit of Mother Saint John Fournier, foundress of Mount Saint Joseph Academy.” (See photo at right).

On Alumnae Day, April 12, 2008, Jane was inducted to the Mount’s Hall of Fame posthumously. Each year, Mount Saint Joseph Academy recognizes an Alumna who has exhibited service and loyalty to the school, who has made contributions to the Mount and whose efforts have made a difference in her community. The recipient is a woman who has achieved a level of excellence in her profession or vocation while sharing the values of MSJA and its Alumnae Association, thereby serving as an example for all Alumnae and students of Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Jane was all these things and more.

The Ryan family approached MSJA President, Sister Kathleen Brabson, SSJ, to renovate the Alumnae Room and name it in honor of their mother, to commemorate Jane’s love for her Alma Mater and her active involvement in all things Mount.

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The Alumnae Room, abuzz with activity throughout last summer and early fall, was ready in time for our annual Open House.

On February 21, 2010, the official Blessing and Dedication of the Jane Loughran Ryan ’50 Alumnae Room took place, with over 100 of Jane’s family, friends, fellow classmates and board members in attendance. As we raised our hands in blessing, we felt Jane’s spirit among us, for truly this day was a celebration of Jane’s life and a visible sign of the Mount’s fond remembrance of her lasting impact on her beloved Alma Mater.

Memories of Jane Loughr an Ryan ’50 Anne Branagan Letter ’50: I have fond memories of her all the way back to first grade at Holy Cross in Mount Airy.

I was glad to see her when I came to the Mount. She was always gracious and ladylike.

Jonni Hartmann Bamberger ’50: She was my basketball buddy. She was tall, too, and we were always in the back of the line together! She didn’t live too far away. We lost track during college but reconnected at reunions. This is very special--she deserves a special room. She was very giving of herself and her family.

Patricia McCauley Lane ’50: After graduation we pursued our own careers. When we got together at reunions I especially saw how giving she was with her time, talent, and treasure to the Mount.

Joseph Loughran, Jane’s brother: We watched her blossom in the environment that the Sisters created here. A month ago I came across online six character traits that are the scarcest today. As I read on, selflessness, tolerance, genuineness,

Alumnae Room sensitivity, integrity, and humility, I thought, “Oh my gosh, that’s Jane!” Folks that desire these characteristics seek out others who have these qualities, too.

Joan Calhoun Reynolds ’50: When I started at the Mount in 1946, I didn’t know anyone else. (I didn’t want to be here!).

But then I met Jane, and things got a lot better. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to her than having this room dedicated to her.

Joe Walsh, former board member: Jane was the first Alumna I had met at the Mount. I recognized Jane as intelligent, warm, sensitive… I thought, if Jane is the hallmark of a Mount Alumna, then our daughter, Jordan, is in good hands.

S. Kathleen Brabson, SSJ, President of MSJA: In all Jane did for the Mount, she was a model of grace and dignity. Her memory lives on in the heart of the Mount and in all who will gather in this room.

The following article appeared in the spring 1996 edition of the Mount Newsletter.

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The Alumnae Room

Before During...

After

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Executive and Alumnae Board Members joined in the celebration

Mother

Alumnae Happenings Room

Honoring Our

by Laurene Ryan Daughter of Jane Loughran Ryan ’50

“Why we chose to honor our Mother with the naming of The Jane Loughran Ryan Alumnae Room.”

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rom an early age, my siblings and I knew that our Mother was a Mountie. While we did not grow up in the Philadelphia area, our Mother shared with us wonderful and special memories she had of her years there. Her involvement in school activities and sports at the Mount and the friendships she developed while there were all foundations upon which she continued to build throughout her adult life. She continued to be involved and active with the Mount, participating in her 50th Class Reunion, working on and contributing to several Capital Campaigns for the school and also joining the Alumnae Board of the Mount.

Our Mother felt very fortunate that her parents chose to send her and her older sister, the late Helen Marie Loughran ’46, to the Mount. It played an important role in her life as a young student and in shaping her experiences as an adult, mother, wife and community leader.

It was important to my siblings and me that we memorialize our Mother in a lasting way, and we felt the Mount was an especially meaningful place to do it. We felt the Alumnae Room at the Mount best captured the memory of our late Mother in that it is a multi-generational place enjoyed by current students, future Alumnae and active graduates. Upon entering the room, we were immediately struck by the beauty of the space – its openness, streaming light and the positive energy that welcomes all who enter it--the same feelings commented upon by all who entered the homes of our late parents; their homes were a great gathering place for family and friends, were open with great natural light that brought in the beauty of the outdoors, and had a positive energy that welcomed all who entered through their doors.

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busy with the planning and activities of all decades of Alumnae - - who, like her, enjoyed their student years and were interested in helping expand the Mount legacy.

In introductory comments she made for a Mount Alumnae event, she said: “High School, as we all know, is a time of defining one’s character and developing lifelong skills. I remember well religion being at the center of our curriculum as well as an emphasis on discipline and on commitment (commitment to whatever is at hand). When the road gets rough, there is no doubt that I feel myself drawing on the strengths that I feel were developed as a Mountie.” She went on to further state that she felt that by supporting the Mount, “we help educate Mothers of future generations, but also potential future leaders of this great, great country as well.”

e learned the strength of the Mountie relationship and saw it continually stand the test of time”

We welcomed an opportunity to build upon that same beauty and energy in the space at the Mount, memorializing our Mother with an inviting and lasting space for many future generations of Mounties to gather. It would bring our Mother great pleasure to think the room would be enjoyed by current students and also

Our Mother instilled these life experiences and learnings in us as well. From an early age, we were encouraged by her to engage in not only our academics, but to commit and engage in other life experiences as well – to make quality time with our family and friends, our sports, our extracurricular and community activities.

She and our Dad, the late Frank J. Ryan, passed away 10 weeks apart after more than 50 years of marriage, and prior to their passing had enjoyed time with many Mountie friends over the years. They were the parents of Laurie Ryan, Christopher Ryan, Carolyn Ryan Healey and Bill Ryan and the grandparents of Julia Ryan Healey, Helen Ryan Healey and of Justin Francis Ryan and Isabelle Jane Ryan.

Over the years, our Mother continued to maintain close friendships with her Mountie classmates and it seemed wherever we moved or traveled to over the years, or whenever she entered a room of strangers, our Mother always made a Mountie connection and a new friend. We learned the strength of the Mountie relationships and saw them continually stand the test of time.

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Drama at the Mount Jean Korey, Mount Alumna, Drama Teacher and Acadram Moderator, Continues the Time-Honored Tradition She Began as a Freshman Here

“English and Speech classes have from the opening of the school been supplemented by dramatic productions. But, in 1940, a dramatic club was formed to coordinate the material presented in these classes.

It is interesting to note that a contest was held to choose a name for the newly born club, and “Acadram,” a combination of “Academy” and “Drama,” was finally delared the winning entry.”

Excerpt from the Booklet, “Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Centenary Year 1858 -1958”

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hen Jean Korey first came to the Mount as a freshman, she was expected to follow in her sisters’ footsteps. This meant earning the piano scholarship and playing for the musicals, and, of course, achieving a solid academic record. Her parents never sent her to the Mount to become an actor, but that’s exactly what happened.

During Jean’s freshman year, Sister Jane Matilda, the moderator of Acadram, convinced her to join the drama club and to take a part in their upcoming production.

“They had already cast the show, but someone bowed out and they needed someone to replace her. Sister Jane approached me.

I was always hanging out in the hallway outside her classroom, waiting for my sister to drive me home. We became friends, and it was at her urging that I decided to take the role of the youngest boy in Cheaper by the Dozen.” Jean went on to participate in other Acadram plays under the direction of Mrs. Anders, who moderated the club when Sister Jane became principal. Jean never suspected that one day she would return to the Mount to follow in Sister Jane and Mrs. Anders’ footsteps. But that is exactly what happened. In 2001, Jean became a faculty member, teaching courses in speech, theatre and film; and, also the moderator of Acadram. Sister Jane would be proud!

Jean’s road back to the Mount was a long one. After graduation, she attended West Chester State University as an Elementary

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Education major. Deep down she wanted to pursue acting but didn’t tell anyone. However, she did join the theatre club and everyone at Theatre 208 was so welcoming.

“It was nice because you didn’t have to be a theatre major to be part of their productions.”

Though she auditioned for everything her freshman year, she did not get cast in a show. Undaunted, she worked on the stage crew, involved in everything from painting the sets to doing makeup. She laughs as she remembers whitening the hair of the guy who played the king in one production. Jean’s persistence paid off, and she was cast in Fashion, a comedy by Anna Cora Mowatt. “I played a French maid. To play this part, I needed a French accent, which I had, thanks to Sister Claire Helene, my French teacher at the Mount.” The accent endeared her to the director, William Cope, a mentor. This was followed by a slew of other roles including Hermia in Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well

Photos this page: Left: Head shot—Jean Korey. Center: Jean Korey plays Kate and John Synk plays Petruchio in National Players production of Taming of the Shrew. Opposite Page Jean Korey demonstrates a character’s aggression as Acadram members rehearse for their upcoming play, Women in White.

as roles in The Gingerbread Lady by Neil Simon, Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw and Medea by Euripedes.

The most important lesson Jean learned at West Chester was this: “There were no stars—all the actors worked on crew, too, helping to paint the set, and working together with the crew.

We were a company, an ensemble. There were no stars.” This philosophy drives the Acadram experience.

Though Jean was not a theatre major, her experience at West Chester convinced her to pursue further studies in acting.

However, first she taught seventh grade language arts for two years at Nativity BVM, where she initiated a Creative Dramatics program with the students once a week. Jean credits her mother, Lena, for challenging her to go to graduate school for theatre. “You won’t be happy unless you try,” she said. And her dad was supportive, too, although he had another idea. “If you get a degree, you can always teach at the Mount,” he said. Jean laughed at this at first, but her father’s words proved prophetic.

She applied to Catholic University for their M.A. program in Drama where she played many roles onstage at The Hartke Theatre and toured with their National Players in the roles of Kate in Taming of the Shrew and Lady Montague, in Romeo and Juliet.

Jean stayed in DC for another year and a half, working at such local theatres as the Folger Shakespeare Theater, a replica of the original Globe Theater. Eventually, she moved to New York City and completed a two-year acting program in Meisner technique with William Alderson who was at that time the head of the acting program at New York City’s renowned Neighborhood Playhouse. Jean employs the Meisner technique with her acting students here at the Mount because it helps them to be more authentic. Meisner’s repetition exercises enable them to truly be “in the moment” and learn to behave in a way that is “truthful under imaginary circumstances” —Meisner’s definition of acting.

Students react positively to the technique. This year’s Theater Performance Class is especially receptive to this technique, “It’s a small group of students—mostly juniors and seniors with one sophomore— these girls want to work.

They are on top of it and very dedicated — open and willing to take risks in order to improve.”

Jean is a m e m b e r of both the Actors’ Equity Association (theatre union) and Screen Actors Guild (film union), and has made a number of industrial films as well as a few feature films, including a

taught me

By Maureen Osborn ’07

Happenings Acadr am

Lessons Acadr am

I joined Acadram my junior year at the Mount, and I’ve always regretted not joining sooner. My best memories from my time at the Mount all revolve around the auditorium stage. From rehearsals, to passing free time with my fellow cast members and stage crew members backstage, to the actual play performances, I learned a great deal about myself and the type of person I want to be.

Going into the Mount, I was called an introvert by my family and friends. I was always quiet and only opened up to people with whom I felt comfortable.

Sophomore year, I chose to take an audition class as an alternative to the required speech course. This class sparked my interest in drama; the following year, I signed up for Acadram. The first year I was in Acadram, I played madcap Trixie Martin in the spring production of Daisy Pulls It Off. Trixie, by far, was a completely different person than I was, and I struggled with the role. With the help of Ms. Korey, the director and head of Acadram, I was able to find my inner Trixie and thoroughly enjoyed playing her in front of the entire student body. My senior year, I was elected President of Acadram and held the role of Praxagora in the production of Women in Congress. Praxagora was the complete opposite of Trixie; she was an older woman who dared to take over Congress, under the guise of a man. This character taught me to speak my mind, stand up for my beliefs, and gave me the confidence I needed as a woman.

Acadram played a significant role in my life. Without Acadram, I would still be the introverted, shy girl I once was. Now, I am comfortable to speak to large groups of people and always willing to take on a leadership position. I thank Ms. Korey for pushing me to become a better actress and a better person, and I am forever in debt to Acadram for the lessons it taught me.

Maureen Osborn ’07 went on to win the Theater Award at Awards Night her senior year. She is a junior at Marywood University and is majoring in Hospitality Management. She was just accepted into the Disney College Program for the upcoming fall semester.

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principal role in M. Knight Shamaylan’s Wide Awake (an early film). In addition, she brings to the Mount the wisdom and experience gained from her work with a number of theatre companies, including Philadelphia Drama Guild (now defunct), People’s Light and Theatre, Arden Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company, and Interact Theatre.

Acadram members rehearse a scene from Women in White.

Acadr am’s Women in White

Communications Skills to use in Life Jean believes that the skills students learn in acting class are an asset no matter what field they enter later in life. It’s all about learning who you are and how to communicate with others.

Jean reminisces about students she has worked with over the past nine years. Students who blossomed onstage like Maureen Osborn (see sidebar on previous page) as well as one who stepped in in a pinch. “One year when I fell ill, one of the seniors, Jenna Bryant ’08, rose to the occasion and directed a one-act play so that the show would go on.” Then there are so many others, Samantha Monks, Garineh Panosian, Rachel Ford, Chelsea Hersch, Emily Hunter, Meg Libonati... She regrets that she can’t name everyone here.

Mount Alumna, Meghan Sabia ’07, landed a role in the upcoming movie, The Mighty Macs. She credited Ms. Korey with not only giving her a solid foundation in her theater performance class, but also with a key piece of advice that helped her get a call-back after the first audition: “She told us that if we ever auditioned for a role, to wear something the casting director would remember us by—so when I went to the first audition, I wore a flaming pink shirt!” http://www.themightymacs.com/ The general consensus is, if a student has an essential quality, Jean Korey can bring it out in her. The club gives everyone in the group an opportunity to shine, and it provides for them an avenue to do so. Says Jean, “For the kids who are quiet in their classes, Acadram gives them an opportunity to show what’s inside them. It’s a good way to build confidence.”

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As we went to press, the cast of Acadram was preparing for this year’s play on March 26th and 27th, Women in White, a mystery

by James Reach, featuring an all-female cast. Maria Cilio ’12, president of Acadram, plays Kate Fawcett, Superintendent of Nurses. Says Maria, “The show is exciting—getting to sift through the characters and shake them down to find out who is the murderer. Every one of them has a secret aspect to them, so each one could be guilty.”

Students love the sense of family that occurs while bonding together during long practices; by the end of the show they are all very close.

“Acadram has taught me a lot about acting, certainly,” says Maria. “It’s a great, fun way to learn to communicate with and learn from the people around you.”

Check the Mount Website for details, including photos.

Cast in order of appear ance Gloria Hart Betsy Shore Hester Warren Ann Davis Kate Fawcett Gertie Celia Gray Laurie Henson Elaine Bentley Molly Meeker Sgt.Julia Robertson

Mary Kate Radomski ’11 Allison Potestio ’11 Elyse Cox ’12 Carly Graham ’11 Maria Cilio ’12 Samantha Zaroff ’12 MaryKate Glenn ’13 Rita Jacquinto ’12 Devin Mc Grath ’13 Toni Mascaro ’12 Sarah Killian ’12

Produced and Directed by Ms. Jean Korey Stage Manager Marie Laster ’10 Artwork Elise Taylor ’11

Empowering Women to Take Charge of Their Health Options

Women Happenings Magazine

Women Magazine

By Colleen Farris Weaver ’80 The driving force behind the founding of Women Magazine by Colleen Farris Weaver and her husband, Dr. Charles Weaver, has been to provide women with the tools they need to become empowered with regard to their own health, and to recognize the unique role of women in the overall health of their family and friends.

Women Magazine has been a labor of love to support women in these endeavors.

I“I

am again committed to a community of women.”

What do you remember from your days at the Mount? What experiences stay with you today? How did those years shape your future? In my case, it was the sense of community and the bonds we formed as young women that continue to inspire: as a student I enjoyed the supportive fellowship, and as an adult I still become invigorated by my female friends. Though I have travelled a distance in the 30 years since my graduation, my roots were and always will be in the Mount family of women.

It is the sense of belonging to an empowering family of women that still fuels my life today.

Now, as a wife, mother, and cancer advocate, I continue to call on the resources of those early years. As I work with my husband to bring awareness and education related to women’s health, and specifically cancer, to women and their families, I am again committed to a community of women.

I became intimately aware of the impact of a cancer diagnosis early in my married life. As the wife of an oncologist, my eyes were opened quickly to both my own mortality and to the effect of the disease on others’ lives. The phone calls requesting medical advice have been a constant feature of our life together, and it became clear in my own mind how imperative it is to become educated about your health—when faced with a disease like cancer and, perhaps even more so, before you encounter that challenge.

But my exposure to cancer and the challenges it creates has not been limited to second-hand experiences. When my father was diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer, I was overwhelmed by the personal grief of the diagnosis, but I quickly educated myself about his condition and offered my love and support in his journey. I became very aware, as I accompanied my family on this path, how blessed I was to have not only my husband’s knowledge to call on but also the access to connect with an

experimental clinical trial—which saved my father’s life.

Three years after my father’s diagnosis I was again reminded of the power of education and support when we discovered a lump in my then ten-year-old son’s chest. After testing was carried out, it was found to be benign, but it was our early detection of the tumor and our vigilant research that created the best possible outcome. Again, I was struck with how invaluable education is when confronted with a health challenge. Our commitment to learning about our son’s condition and to discovering which resources were most appropriate led to the best possible outcome.

It’s because I was so intimately aware of the empowering role of health information that I was thrilled to support my husband in his launch of Women magazine five years ago. A quarterly print and online publication that features articles on wellness, nutrition, prevention, treatment, and cancer survivorship, Women is a valuable resource for women and families. As the primary decision makers in our homes where our families’ health and wellness is concerned, we need as much information about these topics as possible. The pages of Women offer stories of inspiration and innovation. We provide women with the tools they need to become empowered with regard to their own health, and we recognize the unique role of women in the overall health of their family and friends.

There is no doubt that the Mount helped shape me into the woman I am today. And, as a result of my belief in the powerful bonds of a community of women, that I want to offer my story to you. We all have the power to educate ourselves and our families, and in the case of our health as in so many other areas, knowledge is power. I hope that as a cancer advocate, I can now return the gift of my Mount education in my work to help improve women’s lives. It has been my pleasure to share with you my passion as an advocate and my mission to inform women about their health choices.

To learn more or subscribe, visit www.awomanshealth.com.

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Stopping the World if Just for a Moment

By Suzin Buzas Carr ’85

Suzin tells us how she came to write I Choose, a “whimsical children’s book about the choices humans make every day,” and the assistance from her son that brought it all together.

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watch our nine-year-old child, Chandler, sleeping with the face of an angel. Sometimes, I cannot take my eyes off him because I am filled with such tremendous love for this blessing that was sent to us. I like to believe that Chandler came to us by way of the Galapagos Islands. He was God’s gift, as it were, for our tenth wedding anniversary, conceived out of great love and hope. I felt deeply connected with his Spirit long before he was even born and have every day since.

imagine.

What a joy this journey has been!

Nobody c o u l d possibly have ever told me what a wonderfully rewarding, life-changing role I would play.

ords seemed to come from “W everywhere and quickly … flooding the page in rhyme.”

On the evening of June 23, 2000, we held this special child; this blessing that I have always known has a clear and definite purpose and who is meant to be here…June 23 is a day for Chandler “our bringer of light.” My husband, Jim, and I were the stereotypical firsttime parents. We watched Chandler’s every move and have the pictures to prove it. We simply could not get enough of this child.

Long before he was born, we made the decision that I would trade my account executive position with a direct mail company for the honor of being his stay-at-home Mom. I accepted that role willingly, knowing that the commitment was going to be way more than I could ever

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I’ve had the pleasure of knowing all the ups and downs that come with raising a small child… teaching him to dress and to tie shoes, listening patiently as he learns to play the guitar, wiping stuffy noses, enduring long nights, and receiving giant hugs. Through it all, our biggest lessons with him have been about God and learning to be independent.

For all of Chandler’s life, his Dad and I have always offered him the opportunity to make age-appropriate choices. Maybe it was which shirt to wear or which vegetable to have for dinner, but always there was a choice. As he got older, sometimes we’ve had to walk him through the “choosing” process when picking a baseball tournament game over a birthday party. It isn’t easy for adults to do sometimes, either. We’ve included him in some of our toughest life decisions like buying a new home or making family budget cuts when necessary. Choices have always been in Chandler’s life.

Life took over and many months later the manuscript was still sitting in a pile on my desk. Chandler was home on school break, and I decided that I would finally commit to begin the illustrations for this book. I sketched for a while, and then along came a voice with, “Mom, I can draw better than THAT!” I decided to let him give it a try.

Before long, right in front of us were the works of a child drawn with a Sharpie marker on copy paper. The results were amazing!

I was speechless. I knew this book was meant to stop the world…just for a moment, to think. To reflect. To remember. Every choice we make, we choose. It is a message for all humans and for a lifetime and belongs in every hand that is open to receive it.

With the help of my behind-the-scenes husband and an old friend who works in graphic art, we sent out our little book to be printed and kept our fingers crossed. Meanwhile, we set up a company called “Illuminated Publishing” named after Chandler and scrambled to find ways to market I Choose. In November of 2008 and just in time for the Holidays, our first shipment came.

By Christmas, we had gone through many of the copies.

For us, 2009 was an exciting year. We are now in our second printing and sell at many local markets and shops, as well as on popular on-line bookstores. We have been featured in newspaper articles and in Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, as well as on Fox News: “What’s Right with Tampa Bay.” It is way more than we could ever have imagined knowing that

our book is in 46 States and 10 countries, including China and Iraq. In May, we had the extreme honor of being chosen as Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s book of the week on national radio. Chandler squealed with excitement as she read the entire book and commentated for over four minutes.

I could not believe my ears, and it can still be heard on our website at www.illuminatedpublishing.com.

We now wait with anticipation as a Finalist for a Royal Palm Literary Award. This is God’s work, and what happens when you listen to the still, small voice inside you.

Happenings I Choose

Lo and behold one night when he was six and finally asleep, I found myself in a quiet and amazingly reflective state after saying “choose again” for the six millionth time. Jim was out with friends and instead of taking advantage of an early night’s rest, I sat down at the computer to type. Words seemed to come from everywhere and quickly….flooding the page in rhyme. Within hours, a simple, yet serious manuscript for a children’s book sat before me. I know I am merely the messenger for these 168 words; this I Choose.

Perhaps for me, the greatest joy is sharing this adventure with Jim and Chandler, knowing that we are following a clear and definite path set before us. Second to that would be the privilege I have of speaking to children in local schools, churches, and various clubs about the importance of personal responsibility and the message of this book. I cannot possibly explain the gratitude I feel for the letters of support and the drawings from little children that come our way in thanksgiving for I Choose. It is a book filled with hope, peace and great love. As you read this, I pray that you will follow the small voice within you, and choose well.

Follow-up: Suzin and Chandler won First Place in the Children’s Category for the Royal Palm Literary Awards given by the Florida Writer’s Association. “It was a surreal moment for us, and I am certain we are doing the work that God has planned for us.” She just finished the manuscript for a second book which is slated to be released mid-summer.

Suzin has arranged for a 15% donation to be made to the Mount for any books ordered through the end of this school year on her website, www.illuminatedpublishing.com. There is a place to write MSJA when ordering. The site offers the option of payment by either PayPal or by sending a check.

Tr affic-Stopping New Look!

Mount’s new sign on the corner of West Wissahickon and Stenton Avenues is generating a lot of positive feedback. Check out our traffic-stopping new look that will continue to get better!! Thank you to D.M. Sabia and Co, and Mount’s Special Events Committee.

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It’s Official : Jeanne Murphy Curtis:

“A Hot Mom Who

Does Cool Things!”

by Jeanne M. Murphy Curtis ’93 The past year was an exciting one for Jeanne and her family. They moved from Minneapolis to a house in a rural community on a lake in Wisconsin. She had her first baby, Evan, and her business, Bella! Design for Living, LLC, was recognized as a preferred hospitality design firm by Marriott International after their successful design and completion of a hotel in New York City. That same hotel was used as a filming location for an episode of “30 Rock” which aired in the fall.

Jeanne’s success attracted the attention of a Midwestern women’s clothing boutique, Hot Mama, which specializes in both maternity and non-maternity wear for women in their 30’s.

Jeanne was spotlighted by Hot Mama in their “Hot Moms Who Do Cool Things” feature last summer. Following is the article about Jeanne which appeared on their website http://www.shopmama.com/. It is used with their permission.

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ou are the founder of Bella! encouragement that empowered me to Design for Living.

Tell move forward and create Bella! Design for us about your business.

Living. It’s been a challenging road, but five Hot Mama is a woman Bella was truly born from the ashes. I years later, I am thrilled to have a portfolio who is truly comfortable started the business as a solo gig in 2004 of wonderful clients ranging from a delightful in her own skin. She after a devastating lay-off in which the firm family in Eagan to a hotel mogul in New York exudes confidence whether it’s where I worked cut over half of its staff. I City. With each passing day and each new bold or quiet and is always ready have always been passionate about my client I help, I receive affirmation that I have to take on the world!” career, giving 110%, so this event really made the right decision. I am passionate pulled the rug out from under me. My about my business; I truly love my life and husband, John, could see that I was a lost my job and count myself among the lucky! puppy and encouraged me to start a design firm of my own. We were newlyweds and had some money from Is this out of your home or do you also have a store our wedding gifts. I thought he was joking at first, but he would location? tell me (and then others) that he thought the best place to invest From the day Bella! opened, I have worked out of my home. it was in me and my business dream. John Some people have a tough time operating and I would often talk about me starting a out of their homes, but it works well for business, but I didn’t see it happening until me. I am blessed with a large studio later in life – ideally my 40s. At the time of the space of 1500 s.f. with lofty ceilings and layoff, I was 29 and still new to the area (having lots of windows in the lower level of my moved here from Philadelphia in 2002), so home. It’s a great space to spread out and starting a business was a scary leap. Initially be creative. And you can’t beat the rent!

I treaded carefully, doing research, contacting One of the nicest things about having Minnesota’s Small Business Association and low overhead is the ability to pass along SCORE for information. What I discovered that savings to my clients, especially in was there were so many people out there today’s economic climate. Since I don’t dedicated to helping individuals start their have a true office location, when I meet own businesses. I had a lot of questions, with clients, I often travel to them. I enjoy and was amazed that for each question I making the process easy and convenient managed to find someone to help me with the for my clients. Traveling to them allows answer. It was an empowering experience. me to review finishes in the correct Looking back, I think it was this series of baby setting, where they will ultimately be steps coupled with my husband’s unwavering installed. You would be amazed at how the

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“A

Alumnae Happenings Spotlight

Photo at right: One of Jeanne’s designs as seen on her website, www.belladesignforliving.com

appearance of a fabric or paint can change in different lights.

So whenever possible, I like to present my designs “on site.”

at exclusive designer showrooms and I pass along my discount.

Oh, and then there’s lunch, too! Who wouldn’t enjoy a day like that?

You work with residential, hospitality and commercial design. Which do you do the most design work for?

This is a tough question to answer. When you look at percentage of projects, my highest percentage is residential, and then it’s a tie between hospitality and commercial. When you look at the amount of work involved, it’s fairly even across the board. Hospitality projects are very involved, require a lot of management & coordination, and one project could take a year or longer to complete. Typically, these projects are the largest I do and consequently also require the most paperwork and documentation. (So for those of you who envy the life of a designer, here is some insider info, it’s not all glamorous!)

Commercial projects typically take less time with the average being 3-6 months. Residential projects can be as quick as a month or can be longer and more involved. While the timeline may be shorter, residential design typically requires much more attention to detail than commercial and hospitality projects. So it’s a little like comparing apples, oranges and bananas. They are all so different. What I can say is that you become incredibly knowledgeable being able to do all three. Like many prominent designers who create designs in different disciplines, I am able to draw on my broad knowledge base and make informed and unique decisions that another designer may not. And I love the variety in my day to day work. Monotony is not my thing.

What are the current trends in residential design?

With all the uncertainty in the world today, the biggest trend I can see is that residential design is becoming very livable.

People want to enjoy their homes and use them. We are all working harder, longer hours and with the economy and job markets as they are, we don’t have much choice. Home is an escape from the stresses of the day to day grind. Gone are the days of “museum” type rooms where spaces sit perfect and pretty and rarely get used. There is still a great luxury market, but fabrics and finishes need to live up to use and wear, and look great.

You help people unveil their personal sense of style and self expression. How are you able to help someone understand just what their personal style is?

Listening is the key. When I first meet clients, I engage them in conversation to get a feel for who they are, what they like, how they interact. This will give me a lot of clues as to what they would want to see in their space and how they will use it. It also gives them a chance to learn about my personality and approach and see if they feel comfortable entrusting their design project to me. There’s a lot of detective work, psychology and interpretation involved, but once a true dialogue is established, it is very easy to “unveil” their personal style. I love the moment when that happens. I call it the “a-ha” moment!

You have a package called “Design & Dine” where up to five friends can spend the day with a personal designer.

What is this experience like?

It’s a lot of fun. It’s girl-time with a design twist. I am a very social person, so it’s a lot of fun for me to meet new people, talk about their design challenges, and help them see their surroundings in a new way. We shop for fun fabrics, accessories, and furnishings

As you build your business, how do you balance this while raising kids?

This was a huge challenge initially. Now that Evan is 10 months old, I feel that I may finally be finding the balance. My husband and I have always been workaholics. We both love what we do and are very passionate about our careers, so it was easy to become engrossed. When Evan arrived, we both felt a shift. We saw that we wanted to be home more, be with him and spend more time as a family. Owning my own business allowed me to adopt a 4-day work week. Consequently, I work Monday through Thursday or by appointment. I pour my heart into the business on my work days and into my family on my days off. I’m an all or nothing kind of girl, so this approach is working well for me and my family.

Do you have any advice for the entrepreneurial mom who would like to start her own business?

Yes! First, be resourceful. Definitely take advantage of all the free help out there. Organizations like Minnesota’s Small Business Association (SBA) and SCORE are fantastic.

The James J. Hill Library in St. Paul is also wonderful. And all of these resources are available free to the public. Second, make sure you are resilient; this will make it easier to bounce back from disappointments (because there could be many). It will also make you more able to adapt to new ideas that will help you tweak and evolve your business into a successful venture. Finally, make sure you have a great support network. Starting a business is exciting, but also an enormous challenge. Having emotional support is so important.

What is your definition of a Hot Mama?

A Hot Mama is a woman who is truly comfortable in her own skin. She exudes confidence whether it’s bold or quiet and is always ready to take on the world!

Jeanne’s website is www.belladesignforliving.com.

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Standing Up for

Life

The late Cardinal Bernardin described the Church’s teaching as a "seamless garment" embracing the totality of life from womb to tomb.

The Mount Saint Joseph Respect Life Club rallied a large group to attend the “Stand Up for Life” Dinner held by the Pro Life Union of Souteastern Pennsylvania at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel on November 22, 2009.

Students and their parents heard inspiring words from the speakers at the event: Lila Rose, a 22-year-old UCLA student, spoke about her work in the Mona Lisa Project, an organization which she founded, that works to shed light on the dark truths of the abortion industry.

Cardinal Justin Rigali gave the Invocation and spoke about how our faith in Jesus will overcome the evils that exist in this world.

The Joy of

Cooking

At the Mount

In the Culinary Arts Classes With Mount’s Executive Chef Dennis K. Littley, the Joy of Cooking is alive and well at the Mount!!

There has been a lot of excitement in the Mount’s kitchen this year (if you can believe it, yes, even more than the normal high excitement about Dennis’ cooking!). An enthusiastic group of students are attending Dennis’ Culinary Arts Classes-- this is not your mother’s home ec class of yesteryear--think of it as Home Ec for Foodies.

Throughout the school year, students have been meeting with Dennis to learn the culinary arts, while the rest of us enjoy the delicious fruits of their efforts, dishes which pop up on the menu that have been prepared by the program participants.

The program at the Mount was developed to teach basic culinary skills and food safety. Each year as the students progress in the

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program their skill levels will be increased; after four years in this program their culinary education will rival that of any culinary program. For those who choose the Culinary Arts as their profession, they will have a great start to their career, while all the others will have learned a valuable set of life skills.

One of the reasons Dennis established this program was to help him stay grounded and to help him remember why he chose this profession. “The smiling happy faces so eager to learn remind me each time of how I felt when I started out. It’s important to remember why you chose to do what you do, and what better way than to share your knowledge and give people skills that will last a lifetime?”

Be sure to check out Dennis’ blog, where he chronicles the class’ culinary adventures, and shares recipes and food prep tips: http://morethanamountfull.blogspot.com.

Happenings Happenings

Welcoming a

New Gener ation

of Mounties

These Freshmen Share Something in Common: Alumnae Mothers or Grandmothers

Standing, from left to right: Alyssa Pagliaro, Gwynedd Kieffer, Madeline Wescott, Anna Tenzinger, Emily Knowles, Madison Searle, Michelle Walter, Jacqueline James, Magaret Mary Rilling, Lauren Seminack, MaryKate Glenn, Victoria Haber, Olivia Gannon, Fiona Kelly, Alison Waters, and Elizabeth Tilger Seated, left to right: Kiera McCloy, Madeline Good, Shannon Gill, Grace Lynch, Devin McGrath, Meghan Mutzel, Kaitlyn McCollum, and Ann Burgoyne

Mother /Gr andmother

Student

Mother /Gr andmother

Student

CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2013

Regina Bondi Bruno ’55* (Grandmother) Kathleen Wenz Burgoyne ’50 (Grandmother) Colleen Kelly Coll ’64 (Grandmother) Carol Swanson Gannon ’82 Regina Finnegan Gill ’84 Norajean Flanagan Glenn ’71 Barbara Jo Cattie Good ’83 Patricia Geppert Haber ’79 Catherine Gilligan Hughes ’61 (Grandmother) Ann Marie Foley James ’79 Margaret Loos Kieffer ’84 Gina Ferraro Knowles ’82

Kaitlyn McCollum Ann Burgoyne Fiona Kelly Olivia Gannon Shannon Gill MaryKate Glenn Madeline Good Victoria Haber Meghan Mutzel Jacqueline James Gwynedd Kieffer Emily Knowles

MaryRose Hasson Lynch ’80 Annemarie McGirr McCloy ’78 Robyn Farrell McGrath ’82 Kimberly Henrich Pagliaro ’87 Maureen Ryan Rilling ’84 Frances Vecchione Searle ’79 Ave Marie Murphy Seminack ’76 Kathleen McNamara Tenzinger ’77 Tracey Doyle Tillger ’84 Mary Stoll Walter ’81 Kathleen Rhoads Waters ’52 (Grandmother) Margaret Taulane Wescott ’85

Grace Lynch Kiera McCloy Devin McGrath Alyssa Pagliaro Margaret Mary Rilling Madison Searle Lauren Seminack Anna Tenzinger Elizabeth Tillger Michelle Walter Alison Waters Madeleine Wescott

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After Matisse

Art teacher, S. Cathie Meighan, SSJ, recently displayed her painting, “After Matisse,” which was accepted in the Woodmere Museum’s Juried Exhibit, Contemporary Voices. The show ran from January 23rd until March 14th. Left to right in the photo above: S. Cathie’s niece, Megan, sister, Mickie, and S. Cathie stand beside her painting at the show’s opening.

Mount Musicians Make

All-Catholic Congratulations to Five Mounties Chosen for All-Catholic Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band Students in the All-Catholic Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band are selected by audition from schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The students play at several special events during the year. Congratulations to the following Mounties for their accomplishments: Standing, Left to Right: Caroline McDermott ’10: Band, Alto Clarinet; Dana MacIntosh ’11: Orchestra, Cello; and Katie Mirabella ’13: Band, French Horn; Jazz Band, Trumpet Seated, Left to Right: Diana Rivero ’13: Orchestra, Violin; Stephanie Rivero ’11: Band and Orchestra, Flute

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Happenings

2009

Christmas House Tour

A Yuletide

Success!!

Thank you to all of our gracious host families.

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hree hundred members of the Mount Saint Joseph Academy community toured six beautifullydecorated homes located in the Chestnut Hill, Lafayette Hill, Fort Washington and Blue Bell areas on Thursday, December 10, 2009, for the Mount’s 2009 Christmas House Tour. Visitors were treated to the sights and sounds of Christmas as they toured homes graciously donated by members of the Mount Community. Event co-chairs Carol Abbonizio, Barbara Hirst, and Theresa Moyer were thrilled with the overwhelming response to this inaugural event, which provided an enjoyable kickoff to the Christmas Season!

In the photo above right, students from Mount Saint Joseph Academy serve as hostesses for the Christmas House Tour: Carly Graham ’11, Grace Lynch ’13, and Bobbi Sutton ’13. In the photo at left, Alumnae Ellen Rosa-Bian Cericola ’82, center, and Jeanette Griffin ’82, right, are joined by friend, Patrice Lynch.

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Congrat

Basketball

Fall & Winter 20 Cross Co untry

d Stephanie Smith ’11

Mary Jo Horgan ’11 an

Margaret B uckley’13, Meredith R Danielle Le e porace ’11 , and Patric iche ‘13, Tori Perri ’10, ia Hoffman ’13

Field Hockey

Golf

Allie Sabia ’12, Ann Burgoyne ’13, Mary Jo Horgan ’11, and Nicole Schuster ’10

’11, ry Elizabeth Entwistle Nicole Mischler ’13, Ma Arena ’11 Gimpel ’10, and Sam

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Emily

All-Stars

tulations

009-2010 All-Stars Swimming

Soccer

Alex Alex Sullivan Sullivan ’11, ’11, Danielle Danielle Kouch Kouch ’10, ’10, Suzy Suzy Lawlor Lawlor ’10, ’10, and and Dana Cinque Cinque ’12 ’12 Dana

Maggie Gottschalk ’11, Alyssa Driscoll ’10, Maggie Gottschalk ’11, Alyssa Driscoll ’10, and Kelly Moran ‘12 and Kelly Moran ‘12

Tennis

Volleyba ll

C rlie Ca arli eK Kir irllll ’1 ’11 1,, M Mic ich ’1 ha ae ela la M McC ’10 cCru 0,, a en n ’1 an rud nd dd dV de Va all S ’10 Sm 0,, P mith ith ’1 Pa atr tric ’11 ice 1 eM Mu ulh lhe ern rn

Back row, le ft to right: C hrissy Stefa Catherine nowicz’10, Baldasano ’11; Front right: Mary row, left to Gorman ’1 3, Bianca P asquel ’10

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Putting the Funds to Good Use Robotics Team Kicks Off the Season

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e recently t o u c h e d base with the president and vice president of the Firebirds, the Mount’s Robotics Team. They were just coming out of their build season, the six-week period of time they are allotted to construct the robot they will be using in the upcoming competitions. It is an all-out effort, with some girls working until 9, 10 or 11:00 every night. On average, it takes about 2-3 hours five days a week per girl, averaging about 30 hours per girl for six weeks. Flexibility is the name of the game in robotics--some girls work around sports practices and come down when they can. To mark the end of the marathon build season, the Firebirds recently held their traditional “end of build season” dinner. The whole team gets together: mentors, team members and their families. It started 10 years ago when the fledgling robotics team had been working without a full meal for six weeks. Mrs. Robin Bonner, mother of Amy ‘00 and Sarah ‘04, and wife of the team’s mentor, Gary, brought her corn chowder to feed the troops (all eight of them in 2000). It’s a tradition now --she still brings her famous corn chowder every year, but since then the menu has grown along with the team.

“The dinner used to be in the basement, and now with 69 girls and their families, we’ve grown to the size of Fontbonne.” says the team’s president, Mary Elizabeth Entwistle ’11.

The Mount’s robot this year is a jack-o-lantern, which they named “Jack Jack” for short. “We decided to name the robot for the new baby of Mentor Bob Gengross, and also “Jack Jack” of the Incredibles, who, if you recall, is the baby who can catch fire—in keeping with the Firebirds’ Theme.” A bit of backstory: originally the team was called “MINT” (Mounties Interested in New Technology). During the team’s inaugural competition, the team’s robot, Peppermint Patty, caught fire during the competition. The year after that, they rose from the ashes and became the Firebirds, like the mythological Phoenix.

Hannah Farrell ’11, VP, says, “We’re very excited about Pittsburgh. We are going for the Chairman’s Award again, but

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in Pittsburgh this year.” In the past, the girls have won the Engineering Inspiration Award and the Regional Chairman’s Award in Philadelphia. They are still aiming for the top prize-National Chairman’s Award. If the girls qualify at the regional competitions, then they can go to the championships at Atlanta.

In this year’s competitions, the challenge is a soccer-like game.

There are two goals to shoot at, with large speed bumps the robot has to get over. There are two alliances, and three teams on each alliance, and one robot in each zone.

The robot uses an electromagnetic kicker, a magnet, and elastic tubing which they stretch, thereby creating a lot of tension.

When they turn off the magnet (which turns off the current) this releases the kicker, which kicks the ball. One point is awarded for each goal; two points if the robot climbs on the the team’s tower, and three points if it climbs on another team’s tower.

In addition to the competitions, the Firebirds participate in several outreaches, including the sponsoring of a robotics team in Camden, NJ, and Ghana, Africa. To support the team in Ghana, the girls have been collecting old robots from the teams in the program, which are then donated to the students in Ghana. They are using the Quizzo funds this year to ship the donated robot parts to Ghana “We have five shipping boxes ready to send to our teammates in Ghana,” says Hannah.

For more information on the team’s Ghana project, or to learn more about the Firebirds, visit their impressive website at www. firebirds433.com.

****Pittsburgh Regional Competition**** Weekend of March 12th (Winners!!)

Philadelphia Regional Competition Weekend of March 25th Hartford Regional Competition Weekend of April 1st Championships at Atlanta April 16, 17, and 18.

Turning Ideas

into Reality

For Others

by Amy Blank ’02

HH

ello! My name is Amy, and I’m a geek. But that’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just that I have a slight obsession with robots. I love everything about them: designing them, building them, programming, using them, watching them work... I even love the sounds and smells of robots. In fact, I love robots so much that I work with them every chance I get. What began as a fun afterschool diversion with the Mount robotics team has turned into a passion and more recently, a career. When I joined the Firebirds in their first year (the team was called MINT then), I had no idea what to expect; I had never worked with robots before. The next six weeks went by in a blur of new ideas, new friends, and power tools. By the end, Peppermint Patty (our first robot) was born, and I was hooked.

The excitement of turning ideas into physical reality took hold, and I have been working with robots ever since. After

Amy with the Whole Arm Manipulator (WAM Arm) from Barrett Technology and the SCHUNK Anthropomorphic Hand. This is one of the robots she will be working with in order to improve control of prosthetic arms.

Happenings Firebirds

A Career

my three years on the team, I chose to study mechanical engineering because of the inspiration I found in merging creativity and academics into robotics. After graduating, I joined a robotics lab at the Johns Hopkins University, where I work now as a graduate research assistant. Here, I spend my days doing research to improve control over prosthetic arms, with the hope of making these robotic arms act more like the real ones they replace. I still use the skills I started learning with the Firebirds: designing robot hardware, programming software, and working with a team. I am also learning an important new skill: designing robots to work with people and improve their lives. This is the unique aspect of prosthetics that drew me to work in this field. More than many other types of robotics, prosthetics spoke to that everpresent Mountie spirit that seeks to help others—it seemed like a great way to take something I love and use it to make the world a better place.

Quizzo

Returns to the

OO

Mount

ver 355 parents, Alumnae and friends of the Mount filled the gym on January 29th for the Fourth Annual “Quizzo” event. Challenging questions from emcees Dave Cavanaugh (father of Courtney ’05 and Mackenzie ’07) and Kent Roman (father of Kerry ’06, Corin ’09 and Lisa ’13) made for quite a competition this year.

Congratulations to Robotics Table #1 which came in first place: Maron, Rafferty, Burke, Robb, Certa, Devenny, Hassett. Two tables tied for second place: Robotics Table #2 - Foell, Bonner, Paviglianiti, Entwistle and Table #26 - The Grady Family. In third place was Table #22 – Begley, Devery, Dearolf, Gillespie, and Patterson.

Special thanks to Victoria Koc ’10 for her musical talents in providing the clues for the music questions. We are grafetul to Sue Maron (mother of Kerrie ’09) for helping to organize the event and for donating the gifts for the winners. Over $6800 was raised from this fun evening, and the proceeds were split equally between the 20/20 program and the Robotics club.

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2009-2010

Annual Fund Annual Fund Goal

$375,000 $300,000

$200,000

76%

$100,000

We are presently at 76% of our goal of $375,000 We have just a few months left to this year’s Annual Fund Campaign which will end on June 30th. As of press time, we have received $286,029 toward our goal of $375,000.

Gifts to the Annual Fund are essential to the day to day operations of the Mount. Revenue generated from tuition only covers 81% of the actual cost per student. The generosity of our alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends helps to make up this difference and make the dream of a Mount education a reality for many young women.

We appreciate those who have already given to this year’s Annual Fund campaign. Thank you for making the Mount a priority in your charitable giving! If you haven’t already done so, please send in your Annual Fund donation today. All gifts, regardless of size, have a direct and immediate impact on our students.

Your support helps the Mount provide an excellent education foundation to our young women. Thank you for your participation and generosity!

Senior Annual Fund Drive

Leaving a Legacy

Our second Senior Class Annual Fund Drive was a tremendous success. The Drive was led by Senior Class Agents, and the girls came close to achieving their goal of 100% participation. More importantly, they realized that their gifts make a difference for the future of The Mount.

A celebration Ice Cream Sunday Party was held for the seniors on Friday, December 17th.

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Dear Alumnae, Rooted in the Sisters of St. Joseph as outlined in our mission statement, “ON THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN LARGELY DEPENDS THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY,” the Mount continues to grow while maintaining its core Catholic mission. Just as our alma mater has grown and developed, so too has the Alumnae Association, which continually strives to develop new programs and events. With the formation of our three new committees: Career / Mentoring, Membership and Development, we hope to increase participation and support from our vast group of experienced, professional Alumnae.

Happenings Alumnae

A Letter from the Alumnae Association President

Thanks to your continued support and dedication, our fall and winter events have been a tremendous success. Lunch with Santa was such a festive day. It brought together Alumnae, parents, grandparents and children back to the Mount to celebrate the holidays. The excitement and expressions on the children’s faces were priceless as Santa made his appearance. In conjunction with the Parents Association, we co-hosted a Christmas House tour. Six Mount families opened their beautifully decorated homes to all members of the Mount community. Their warm hospitality and stunning decorations left us all with a warm Christmas spirit.

With the help of Facebook, the College Age Social set record attendance. The college age Alumnae gathered during their Christmas break to catch up with former classmates and teachers.

Quizzo continues to be a popular, action-packed evening with many Alumnae sharing their trivia knowledge.

As we went to press, plans were underway for Alumnae Day on Saturday, March 20, which welcomed back the graduating classes from years ending in 0s and 5s, and honored the newest batch of Golden Girls, the Class of 1960, at the day’s events. The annual Spring Fling shopping event will be held Sunday, April 25. This continues to be a popular event bringing students, Alumnae, families and friends to the Mount for an afternoon of shopping. It’s a great opportunity to purchase that novel gift not found in the malls.

Please remember the MSJA ANNUAL FUND when making your giving decisions this year. If we can increase our participation to the Annual Fund (no matter what size gift), we can help future generations of Mounties share in the “Hope of the Harvest.”

I thank all of you for your continued support,

Trish Zugay Burkholder ‘74

Purple & Gold and Harvest Club Donors,

Mark Your Calendars!!

You will soon receive an invitation to the annual Harvest Club Dinner being held at the Mount on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. This wonderful gathering is our way of saying “thank you” for your generosity to the Mount. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Online: Follow the Mount on Facebook and Twitter! Visit www.msjacad.org for more information.

These postcards were sent out to our collegeage Alumnae. Please check out our website to view and apply for Summer Internships!

Looking to Serve Others?

SSJ Mission Corps

II

f you or someone you know is interested in making a difference in the lives of others by giving a year of service, you might want to know about the SSJ Mission Corps.

This volunteer program, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, provides an opportunity for young women between the ages of 21-35 to work with those who are materially poor in the Philadelphia area. The young women who join the SSJ Mission Corps live together in a community which is grounded in the values of justice, spirituality, community, and simple living. The women partner with the Sisters of Saint Joseph in furthering the gospel mission of active inclusive love of God and neighbor without distinction. We are now accepting inquiries and applications for the 2010-2011 volunteer year beginning in August 2010. For more information call Sister Rose Andrea at 215-248-7239 or email her at rloughery@ssjphila.org. You

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can also check the volunteer link at http://www.ssjphila.org/ SSJMissionCorp2.html Efforts to recruit SSJ Mission Corps volunteers for 2010-2011 are already underway, thanks to the generosity of our current missioners and Sisters who have been attending colleges to meet and speak to interested students about our program. The SSJ website serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the program. http://www.ssjphila.org/SSJMissionCorp2. html. It contains links to current information on such specifics as: mission statement, program benefits, application for 20102011, bios/photos of the current Mission Corps members, as well as the newest Volunteer Newsletter.

Thank you for all you are doing to support this work of the Spirit!

Happenings Alumnae

O

Annual Lunch with Santa

n Saturday, December 5, Mount Saint Joseph Academy hosted its annual “Lunch with Santa” for the families and friends of its Alumnae, faculty and staff. Approximately 300 people attended, including 150 children who got to visit with Santa Claus. The children enjoyed making (and eating!) gingerbread houses and decorating Christmas ornaments for their family Christmas trees. In addition, the children were delighted by the appearance of our Magician who, with the help of talented audience members, performed astonishing feats of magic.

Tradition

The children shared in a special day with their families that helped to bring out the Christmas spirit in all.

the Mount’s

CollegeAge Social The MSJA Alumnae Association welcomed its College-Age Alumnae, graduates from the classes of 20062009 to the annual College-Age Social, held on January 5, 2010.

We are grateful for the assistance and hard work of our Co-Chairs, Kelly Clarke ’05, Jess Mulhern ’06, Erin T. Connelly ’07, and Amanda Nolan ’08. Thanks to their hard work and success in getting the word out, a record number of Alumnae “Came Home to the Mount” and reconnected with each other, faculty and administration.

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Alumnae

News Christy-Hunt who was visiting relatives. Barbara Holm Quinn and Chyllene Quinn Waters (not pictured) also joined the ladies. Fun was had by all and best wishes for a Happy Holiday.

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1935 Phyllis Sillivan Stacy was thrilled to see the Grecian robes this past year. Her class was the first to wear them. Phyllis took a great trip from Budapest to Romania (RiverCruise) and was able to buy a fabulous icon in Bucharest. She hopes all classmates are well. Her e-mail is Phedstacy@yahoo.com.

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1946 Virginia Mitchell O’Neill and her husband enjoy traveling.

They sailed to and from England on the Queen Mary 2, last June. Virginia volunteers her time at the local library teaching computer classes.

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1947 Mildred McGuire Bagnall is in good health and moved three years ago to a very comfortable and active retirement community, Greenspring Village, with 3,000 members, in the Washington, DC, suburbs. She is still traveling and works as a Grief Counselor with Haven of Virginia, and is active in Pro-Life programs. She also belongs to a choral group and enjoys her three children and two grandchildren.

Helen Cahill Whiteman has a growing family! Adding to 21 grandchildren, she is blessed with two great-grands, Jack, 2 1/2, Regan 1 1/4, who are children of grandson Bob and lovely wife Sara Whitehead. Bob is the son of her daughter, Maryellen, who passed in 2003.

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1949 Helen Lambert Kuser is still enjoying a wonderful life with her dear husband of 55 years, Jim Kuser. They were just blessed with their first great-grandchild.

1950 Elizabeth Rouse Miller is looking forward to her 60th Class Reunion, on March 20, 2010.

1951 Joan Yates Carroll is happily retired in Virginia Beach.

1954 Gloria Garcia-Velez Arazoza thinks often about all of you.

She has been traveling this year and enjoying her family.

Hoping to be able to see you next year.

1955 Margaret Conroy Jordan is attempting to keep busy with grandchildren, to deal with the loss of her dear husband, who passed away this past May. 1956 Jeanne Shelton Crouch shares that her ’56 classmates had lunch at Solaris in Chestnut Hill with Barbara Cappola

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1959 Marion Ann Williams Berry retired from teaching Latin in 2005. In 2007, she moved to Florida and is a docent at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and reads for two Book Clubs. Marion and her husband, Vince, are on the road often visiting their children and four grandchildren, three girls and one boy.

1960 Patricia Cassidy Bergquist would like to share that she is the mother of six and grandmother of 13, ages 19 years to 8 months. She enjoys catering parties, especially in peoples’ homes, and travels extensively to cater. Patricia loves spending time with her grandchildren.

1961 Joann Nicolella Berkley announces that her son and his wife are expecting twin daughters in February 2010. They will be her first grandchildren.

Diana DeGregorio Oebbecke is charmed by Emerald Isle, North Carolina, where expansive beaches and warm ocean temperatures in October find her and her husband walking and reading on the beach. Wally, her dog, drops five of his 13 years when his paws hit the sand. Their four grandchildren relish the beach activities during frequent visits.

1962 Patricia Condon McDonough is holding with 11 grandchildren ages three to 13 years, “Joy!” She is also still working in Merion part-time as a massage therapist. Her involvement in the HIV AIDS ministry is in its 19th year, 14 years with Siloam, and husband Bill is great.

1967 Alice Crane Loveman announces that grandchild number six, John Paul “Jack” Loveman, was born, April 24, 2009, and joins his sister, Catherine Siena, in this growing family.

1968 Diane Finore Hurd and classmates celebrated their 2nd Annual Fall Weekend in Stone Harbor during the last weekend in September. Pictured from left to right, standing: Emmy Del Rossi Gehring, Barbara Kraft Woodbury, Bernadette “Beatle” McNicholas Travers, Marcia McMenamin Davis and Nancy Duffey Cattie. Seated: Phyllis Tagliatella Galvin,

Minnesota and North Dakota. Jeanne has had an exciting year with her husband, John, being promoted to Director of Coaching of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. She moved from Minneapolis to Wisconsin, and had her first baby, a boy named Evan John, born November 23, 2008, a happy, healthy and talkative little boy. Her business, Bella! Design for Living, LLC, (www.belladesignforliving.com) was recognized as a preferred hospitality design firm by Marriott International after a successful design and completion of a hotel in New York City. That same hotel was a filming location for an episode of 30 Rock which aired in the fall. She is hopeful that both events will lead to new business and even more success in the hotel and restaurant design markets. She shares these happy tidings with the school that helped to shape the woman she has become.

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Alumnae Happenings News

Chickey Alba Williams, Linda Porretti Morano, Diane Finore Hurd, and Cathy DeWan Pitts. Not pictured is Kathy Killen, who owns Celtic Shores in North Wildwood, who was participating in Irish Weekend. In 2010, when most in the group turns 60, they have a commitment from the Captain of Miss Avalon, LLC, who will take them on a Back Bay Sunset Excursion. It is the hope that classmates who are not in touch might plan on joining them!

1971 Judith Burger Dysart is thrilled that her daughter, Dana, will graduate from the Mount this June 2010, and will join the Mount Alumnae with her and her aunts, Joan and Marie, and her cousins Jennifer, Jodie, Julie and Joanie (King)!

1979 Cheryl Werner DeSimone is still living in San Francisco Bay area, but gets back every Christmas and summer to the Jersey Shore. Cheryl and her husband, Chris, are getting ready to be empty-nesters as Emily will graduate from Carondelet High School this year, and Tim is a sophomore at Cal Poly in San Luis, Obisbo.

1982 Jean Mohrbacher Nelson announces the birth of her second son, Oliver Berggren Nelson, on September 9, 2009. Brother, Luke, is thrilled and they realize how blessed and lucky they are to have a healthy, happy baby.

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1984 A. Christine Litman McEwan and husband, Sean, and daughter Gracie (4-1/2) welcomed Jake Stephen, on June 24, 2009.

Cynthia H. Pilipczuk married Mark Wieczorek on July 11, 2009, in Philadelphia. She is currently the Math Department Chair at Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware.

1994 Megan Morsell Crow and husband, Kevin, welcomed a baby girl, Marykate Claire, on August 24, 2009. Her two-year-old big brother, Brady, cannot kiss her enough. Megan got together with classmate, Kelly Quinn Geary, for a play date over Thanksgiving. Pictured left to right: Megan, Conlan Geary, Brady Crow, Marykate Crow, Hannah Geary and Kelly.

1988 JoAnne Labrum was recently promoted to Principal with the Management Consulting firm of Booz Allen Hamilton. JoAnne provides program management support to several U.S. Government Intelligence Community clients in the Washington, DC area.

1991 Cynthia Gallagher-Dowling and husband, Joe, welcomed a daughter, Olivia Myra, on December 18, 2008. Olivia’s two older sisters, Tore (15) and Hannah (8), love her dearly. Cindy currently resides in Erdenheim with her family. She has started a private practice in Chestnut Hill, providing individual, couple and family therapy.

1992 Kathleen Palm Reed and husband, John, welcomed Colleen Reed on May 14, 2009.

1993 Victoria Makarewicz Clark with husband, Bob, and son, Benjamin, welcomed the newest addition to their family, a boy, Joshua Joseph, born on September 30, 2009.

Shannon Criniti and her husband, Tom, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Elena, on November 22, 2009. Shannon and Tom also just bought a house in South Philadelphia. Shannon is working as a program administrator and researcher for the HIV division of Drexel University College of Medicine, and is halfway through a doctoral program in sexuality education at Widener University.

Jeanne Murphy Curtis would like to share exciting news for this past year. Her interview was chosen as a feature, published by a women’s clothing boutique called Hot Mama. The boutique specializes in both maternity and non-maternity wear for women in their 30’s, with stores in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan,

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Joanne Fischer Ey graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, in July 2008, with a Masters of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership. Joanne is currently the Manager of Organizational Planning and Governance Activities at the American College of Physicians.

1997 Kathryn Wieckowski Jarrett, MD, graduated from Drexel University School of Medicine in May. She is currently a surgical resident at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pennsylvania, and makes her home in East Falls in Philadelphia.

Karen Lannutti Perone and husband, Brian, welcomed their first child, Anna Claire, on August 23, 2009. Her family resides in Sacramento, California, where Karen teaches and chairs the Mathematics Department at Christian Brothers High School.

1998 Nicole Crumpler has attained a BS in Molecular Biology at Hampton University and an MS in Biotechnology and Business

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Administration from John Hopkins University, and is now employed by NIH, National Institutes of Health, in Maryland •

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Therese DeLisieux McGrath Gillespie and husband, Bill, welcomed their first child, Catherine Mary, on September 10, 2009. Terri is an associate in the Labor and Employment department at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP, in Philadelphia.

teacher and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Wilmington University.

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1999 Lauren Wall wed Adam Decker, on January 16, 2010, in Philadelphia. Bridesmaids included Mounties, Angela Kang

• ’99 and Sarah Schmalbach ’99. Other Mounties in attendance were Lauren Goldbeck ’99, Elizabeth Guise ’99, and Carole Hayes ’99.

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2001 Jennifer Uricchio and Christopher Bax were married on September 12, 2009, in a ceremony at Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church with a reception at The Lake House Inn. Fellow mountie Jacqueline Syrnick was the maid of honor.

The couple honeymooned on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

2004 Jill Heinly announces her marriage on October 3, 2009, to Ryan Baxter at Saint Agatha Saint James Church in Philadelphia. In attendance were maid of honor, Kara Garrity ’04, bridesmaid, Ponney Palanisamy ’04, Mary Sasso ’04, Mia Genuardi ’04, Amy Cherry ’03, Grace Malley ’04,

2000 Cory Ann Raieta Heacock announces her marriage to Shawn Heacock, on June 13, 2009, on the beach at the Indian River Lifesaving Station, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Mounties in attendance included (clockwise from left) Jane Milton

Polto ’00, Colleen Dwyer ’00, Dede DiDonato ’00, Sara Fitzsimmons Kelly ’00, Kristen Lashinger ’00, Alexis Sneff ’00, Susan Kilgore ’00 and Stephanie Raieta ’02. Cory and Shawn live in Milton, Delaware, where Corey works as a biology

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Elizabeth Pendley ’04, Marissa Smith ’04 and Jackee Nowicke ’04. Also in attendance was another Mountie, Kara’s mom, Rosemary O’Hara Garrity ’70. They had a wonderful time! Jill is working as a biomedical engineer, and Ryan is pursuing his PhD in biomedical engineering. They recently bought a home in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood of South Philly.

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Angela Lucarini is in her second year at the University of Pennsylvania Dental School.

Regina McKenna is a second-year law student at Rutgers, with an internship at Madden & Madden, in Haddonfield, New Jersey.

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In Memoriam We extend our sympathy and prayers to the families of the following Alumnae:

Mary Pat Tumelty graduated from Drexel University in June 2009, with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.

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2006 • Alexandra Bono and Casey Pollock (from left to right) had fun catching up and shopping in Washington, DC, and found fashionable adaptations of the Mount Winter uniform.

Patricia O’Malley Pfizenmayer ’40 Elizabeth Lang Cushman ’42 Kathleen Bennis Lahiff Faunce ’43 Margaret DeStefano DeRisio ’47 Nancy Keeley ’47 Blanche Palacio Kammer ’48

2007 • Erin T. Connelly made the Dean’s List of Distinction at the University of Tampa.

• Carly Gardner, a Washington College sophomore lacrosse defender student-athlete, has been named to the Centennial Conference’s Academic Honor Roll for spring sports. To be named to the Academic Honor Roll, a student-athlete must be a sophomore, junior or senior; a starter or key reserve on her team; and carry at least a 3.40 cumulative grade-point average. Congrats Carly!

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2009 Amanda McKenna is a freshman at the College of Charleston, South Carolina, as a Hotel & Resort Management major.

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Parents Corner Mr. and Mrs. David G. McBride announce that their daughter, Catherine ’00, was married on December 27, 2008.

New Arrivals • • • • • • • • •

Jean Mohrbacher Nelson ’82, a son, Oliver Berggren A. Christine Litman McEwan ’84, a son, Jake Stephen Cynthia Gallagher-Dowling ’91, a daughter, Olivia Myra Kathleen Palm Reed ’92, a daughter, Colleen Victoria Makarewicz Clark ’93, a son, Joshua Joseph Shannon Criniti ’93, a daughter, Elena Megan Morsell Crow ’94, a daughter, Marykate Claire Karen Lannutti Perone ’97, a daughter, Anna Claire Therese DeLisieux McGrath Gillespie ’98, a daughter, Catherine Mary

Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the following alumnae: •

Helen Gross King ’47, on the death of her husband, Gene Paul King

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Jeannine Patchell McGarvey Mulholland ’47, on the death of her husband, William J. Mulholland

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Kathleen Wenz Burgoyne ’50, Madelynne Burgoyne Connolly ’57, Ellen Burgoyne Hubrig ’77, Kathleen Burgoyne Carlisle ’90 and Ann Burgoyne ’13, on the death of their husband, brother, father and grandfather respectively, Joseph F. Burgoyne, Jr.

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Mercedes Palacio Pannone ’51 and Joan Palacio O’Rourke ’52, on the death of their sister, Blanche Palacio Kammer ’48

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Eileen Donnelly Williams ’51, on the death of her sister, Sally A. Donnelly

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Ann Brennan Toner ’55, on the death of her husband, David L. Toner, Sr.

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Judy Aquilani Shea ’58 and Eileen Aquilani ’62, on the death of their father, James Aquilani, Sr.

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Eileen McGill Meko ’60 and Julie Meko Ascher ’88, on the death of their brother and uncle respectively, J. Raymond McGill, Jr.

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Sister Margaret Drueding, SSJ ’64 and Taylor Drueding ’11, on the death of their aunt and grandmother respectively, Catherine “Kay” Drennan Drueding

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Joanne Matteucci ’68 (deceased) and Barbara Matteucci ’70, on the death of their father, Walter V. Matteucci

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Edythe Fluehr Merritt ’68 and Andrea Fluehr Albert ’70, on the death of their father, Joseph A. Fluehr, Jr.

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Ann Zambrano Fischer ’69, on the death of her mother, Josephine E. Zambrano

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Bonnie O’Rourke ’69, Mollie O’Rourke Menapace ’71 and Caroline Anne Menapace ’08, on the death of their mother and grandmother respectively, Kathryn A. Summers Conway-O’Rourke

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Norajean Flanagan Glenn ’71 and MaryKate Glenn ’13, on the death of their mother and grandmother respectively, Mary Dempsey Flanagan

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Rita Kelley Schmidt ’72 and Kelley Schmidt Flynn ’98, on the death of their mother and grandmother respectively, Rita Mary Ciliberti Kelley

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Amy Mahoney Matteini ’93, Lisa Mahoney ’99 and Beth Mahoney ’01, on the death of their grandmother, Nancy Mack Mahoney

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Donna Nicoletti Ferrier ’76, Lori Nicoletti Peruto ’79, Christina Ferrier ’05, Gabrielle Ferrier ’07 and Samantha Peruto ’07, on the death of their mother and grandmother respectively, Beatrice “Bea” F. Ludovici Nicoletti

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Sommer Pio ’95 and Lindsay Pio Blank ’99, on the death of their grandmother, Jeanne Infantino Pio

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Erin McClafferty ’96 and Sara McClafferty ’99, on the death of their grandmother, Rose A. Murrin McClafferty

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Andrea DePaul Naticchione ’76, on the death of her father-inlaw, Nello M. Naticchione, Jr.

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Erica Graf ’98, on the death of her grandfather, Otto W. Graf

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Patricia Geppert Haber ’79, Johanna Duff ’09 and Mary Duff ’10, on the death of their cousin and aunt respectively, Mary Katherine Duff

Margaret Melchionni ’02 and Robert Melchionni (former Board Member), on the death of their grandfather and father respectively, William P. Melchionni, Sr.

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Mary Bowen Owens ’79, Catherine Bowen Medeo ’83 and Cristina Bowen ’93, on the death of their father, Gerald Leo Bowen, Sr.

Elizabeth Wood ’03, on the death of her grandmother, Loretta M. Looby

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Kristin LaGreca ’05, Kelly LaGreca ’08 and Melanie LaGreca ’11, on the death of their grandfather, Donald Curran

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Mary Sabia Ciammetti ’80, Andrea Mullen ’97 and Coeli Ciammetti ’09, on the death of their father-in-law and grandfather respectively, Pasquale “Pat” P. Ciammetti, Sr.

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Elizabeth Pacheco ’06, Emma Pacheco ’09 and Laura Pacheco’12, on the death of their grandfather, Joseph F. Damis

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Margaret Egan Sukonik ’83 and Mary Egan Goggin ’84, on the death of their father, Thomas C. Egan, Jr.

Kimberly Smeltzer ’06, on the death of her grandmother, Marie F. Donoghue Smeltzer

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Emma Harnitchek ’10 and Amelia Alameno ’12, on the death of their grandmother, Grace Marie Severino Alameno

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Stephanie Henrich ’11 and Lisa Henrich (staff), on the death of their grandfather and father-in-law respectively, William J. Henrich, Jr.

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Julia Mustin ’13, on the death of her grandfather, William C. Liss

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Dr. Judith Caviston (Principal), on the death of her brother, Michael J. Caviston

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MaryBeth Morrissey Stefanowicz ’84, Kelly Stefanowicz ’09 and Christine Stefanowicz ’10, on the death of their motherin-law and grandmother respectively, Carol J. Lubaczewski Stefanowicz

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Kelly McCreavy McAvoy ’85 and Jacqueline McCreavy ’12, on the death of their brother and uncle respectively, Timothy M. McCreavy

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Genevieve Noderer Lynch ’91, on the death of her grandmother, Dorothy Steele Thompson

The Sister Claire Helene Society ...

Your Will Makes a Difference!!

If you are like most of the readers of the Mount Magazine, you keep up to date because you believe in our mission and vision and want to see the Mount continue to grow and prosper. What if you could make an enduring difference in strengthening that mission and vision? Great news….you can!

When you create or revise your will or trust: - Include Mount Saint Joseph Academy in your will or trust for a fixed dollar amount; or - Name Mount Saint Joseph Academy to receive a percentage of the residue of your estate – the amount left after the bills and specific bequests have been distributed; or - Bequeath a gift of securities.

When you include the Mount in your estate, you can either: - Make the gift unrestricted, thereby giving to the area of most need; - Restrict the bequest to our endowment, which supports financial aid and faculty enrichment If you are interested in including the Mount in your estate plans and joining the Sister Claire Helene Society, please contact Jill Gregori, Director of Development at 215-233-1859 or jgregori@msjacad.org. Thank you for your consideration and continued support of the Mount.

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A D’Vine

Experience Celebrauction XXVI, held on March 6, 2010, was a great success, raising over $250,000 for the Mount!

This D’Vine evening was filled with excitement, fun and friendly competition amongst the bidders. Featured in the photos on the inside back cover with Sister Kathleen Brabson, SSJ, are Auction Chairs Eileen and Bob Fabiszewski who, with their outstanding committee, student volunteers and Auction Director Lisa Henrich, transformed the Mount into a delectable vineyard, making Celebrauction XXVI a D’Vine Experience.

Happenings Celebrauction

Celebrauction XXVI

Sponsors

Premier Event Sponsor FIRSTRUST Bank

SAFE AND SOUND FOR 75 YEARS.

Platinum

Gold

C-Jay L.L.C. – Carl and Yunnie Jenkins Thomas J. Paul Company – Denise and Jim Paul

BPG Properties, Ltd. – Art and Gail Pasquarella Creative Financial – Jim and MaryAlice Cleary ’76 Jack and Louise Gavin Global Packaging – Tony and Eileen Maginnis

Silver

Aramark B K Forensics – Bill and Peg Jeitner Cozen & O’Connor – Suzanne Mayes ’84 and Herman Fala Bob and Eileen Fabiszewski Grant Thronton, LLP – Jim and Maureen Welsh

Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer – Bill and Mary Pugh

& Liz and Tom Troy Meniscus Limited – Lois Trench Hines ’60 and George Hines Mount Saint Joseph Academy Board of Directors

Bronze Berko Family – Mary Berko ’48 Boenning & Scattergood – Lou and Maliz De Paul Michael and Beth Brown Carr & Duff – Bob and Joanne Duff Don and Ellen Cericola ’82 Tim and Cathi Clarke D. M. Sabia & Co., Inc. – John and Ginger Sabia Dechert, LLP Deloitte – Steve and Anne Gardner De Paul Contractors – Donna and Dave Bartynski Dennis and Audrey Durkin Teresa Esperdy ’77 Fenningham, Stevens & Dempster – John C. Fenningham Fox Rothchild – Jacqueline M. Carolan Bob and Patty Hendel

Dave and Lisa Henrich Hunter Douglas – Norm and Nancy Malone Jones Apparel Group – Joe and Kathy Donnalley Law Offices of Daniel L. Thistle – Dan and Chris Thistle Brian and Shelia Mc Laughlin ’84 Mc Neil Consumer Healthcare – Bob and Peg Havard Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company – Faith and Fran McGorry Philadelphia Park Casino – Tony and Helen Ricci Remax – Tony and Peg Rizzo Eileen Heck Slawek ’48 John and Mary Pat Steinmetz United Rentals – Roger and Alice Barr Wells Fargo Advisors – William Michetti 33 Wells Technology – Clayton and Phyllis Wells

Celebrauction XXVI

Celebrauction XXVI A D’Vine Experience

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Mount Saint Joseph Academy 120 West Wissahickon Avenue Flourtown, PA 19031-1899 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Join the Fun

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID BENSALEM, PA PERMIT #118

Invite your family and friends for a wonderful afternoon!

Sponsored by the Alumnae and Parents Associations

Please see your invitation for RSVP information or call 215-233-3177 x334