VISIONS Magazine Fall 2018

VISIONS ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Notre Dame Honors

RILEY FAMILY Naming of New Center for STEM Education Recognizes Family’s Support for Academy’s Future

FALL 2018

LEADERSHIP FORGED ON THE FIELD Four successful alumnae share how their participation in athletics, at Notre Dame and beyond, positively impacted their careers as leaders and as entrepreneurs.

issue In this

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Center for STEM Education Named Riley Family Honored for Leadership

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Academy Recognized for Innovation Apple Distinguished School

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Forged on the Field Athletics and Leadership

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Center for Global Leadership Global Classroom Connects Students

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Author Visits Academy Homa Tavangar Speaks with Students, Parents

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Student Visits Africa Inspired to Serve

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College Counseling Helping Students Find the Right Fit

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Around Notre Dame News and Achievements

Career Day Students Explore Professions

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Athletics Fall Sports Updates

Advisory Program Connecting Students with Mentors

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Alumnae News Class Notes

Faculty Insight Teaching in the Classroom and on the Field

On the cover: The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur honors the Riley family with Center for STEM Education naming.

A message from the

PRESIDENT

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here is much to celebrate at Notre Dame. God has blessed our community with a vibrant faith, talented students, dedicated parents, loyal alumnae and trustees and a distinguished faculty and staff.

As we continue to implement our 2015-2020 Strategic Vision, we express deep gratitude to all who are making this vision a reality. One compelling example is the extraordinary generosity of Brian and Barbara Phelan Riley ’90; their leadership is now celebrated with our recent announcement of The Riley Center for STEM Education. STEM products and designs heal and enhance the quality of life throughout the world and Notre Dame is at the forefront in preparing young women for opportunities, challenges and careers that transform the world in which we live.

We are also deeply grateful to the many members of the Notre Dame community who have supported the Academy’s comprehensive campaign, OUR TIME to INSPIRE. We invite you to join us in this bold, transformational initiative.

The 2018-2019 academic year saw a record 559 students. While we continue to emphasize a student-centered learning environment with small class sections and a 9:1 student to teacher ratio, we also remain committed to attracting, enrolling, and retaining talented and engaged students.

We continue to have great pride in our loyal alumnae. In this issue, we introduce four alumnae who proudly represent Notre Dame as business leaders and entrepreneurs - women who credit their participation in the Academy’s athletic programs as the solid foundation for strong character traits and the resilience needed to succeed in their professions.

Saint Julie reminds us, “Our life will never be long enough to thank the good God.” We continue to celebrate God’s blessing on Notre Dame and our community of vibrant faith.

Sincerely, Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. President

ADMINISTRATION

Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. President Jacqueline Coccia, MA Principal Kim Eife, MS Director of High School Lisa Hoban, MAEd Director of Middle School

VISIONS MAGAZINE

Judy Detwiler, Editor Director of Marketing and Communications

CONTRIBUTORS

Office of Advancement Jessica H. Turner ’06

DESIGN

Tim Conway Conway Design

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kriston Jae Bethel Maura Wilson Communications Coordinator

MISSION STATEMENT The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school, commits itself to the education of young women of grades 6 through 12 for responsible living in a global society.

The Academy, rooted in the faith tradition of the Catholic Church, and the charism of Saint Julie Billiart, provides its students with a challenging academic curriculum within a rich spiritual community in order to: • inspire them to live the prophetic nature of the gospel, with a passion for justice and love for the poor, • enable them to develop the skills and desire necessary for life-long learning, • empower them to be honorable, compassionate leaders.

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RILEY CENTER FOR STEM EDUCATION

Academy Honors Riley Family with Center for STEM Education Naming

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n December 12, 2018, Dr. Judith A. Dwyer announced that the Academy’s new Center for STEM Education will be named The Riley Center for STEM Education.

quality of life for people throughout the world. We are excited to know that our daughters, their classmates and future generations of students will contribute to these advances as they benefit from The Riley Center for STEM Education.”

“The Academy is deeply grateful to the Riley family - Brian and Barbara (Barb) Phelan Riley ’90 and their three daughters, Madison ’19, Hope ’23, and Paige ’21 for their extraordinary generosity,” said Dwyer. “With the family’s Campaign donation of $3.0 million (a record for Notre Dame), the Academy has been able to advance towards its fundraising goals for our Center for STEM Education. The 30,000 square foot, dynamic learning environment will provide Notre Dame’s students and faculty with vibrant, innovative space for many years to come. We are deeply grateful to the Riley family for this transformational gift.”

The Riley Center for STEM Education will include science laboratories for chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science; lab prep rooms; a robotics classroom and mathematics classrooms. It will also feature areas of flexible and multipurpose space to facilitate collaboration and creative thinking and a centralized area for the faculty. Most importantly, the structure embraces the historic Rose Garden and reserves a special grotto for the Blessed Mother, in recognition of our shared Catholic Faith.

“Brian and I feel very fortunate to be able to give back to a Notre Dame community that has given so much to us,” said Barb Phelan Riley ’90. “Our family’s legacy at Notre Dame began with my father, a 1945 graduate of Notre Dame back when it was coed and located on Rittenhouse Square. I have always had a wonderful experience as a student, coach and alumna of Notre Dame. As a Notre Dame parent, I’ve been able to give to our three daughters the same warm learning environment and community I remember from my time at the Academy. Advances in science and technology have the potential to enhance the

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“This exceptional commitment reflects Brian and Barb’s personal investment in the future of the Academy and their desire to create an unsurpassed setting for Notre Dame’s young women as they develop into leaders in all STEM fields,” said Dwyer. “It is our hope that The Riley Center for STEM Education will propel Notre Dame forward and inspire others to join them in their support for Notre Dame’s students and faculty. Please join me in thanking Barb and Brian for their remarkable contribution at this important time in the life of the Academy.”

VISIONS FALL 2018

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur Recognized as an Apple Distinguished School

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e are pleased to announce that Notre Dame has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2018–2021 for continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the school environment.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use technology to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

“With our five-year strategic vision, OUR TIME to INSPIRE, the Academy committed to providing our students with a dynamic, state-of-the-art learning environment that will prepare them to succeed in an ever-evolving, information-based, and highly technological society,” said Dr. Judith Dwyer. “I am grateful to our Board of Trustees for offering its full support for our technology initiatives, to our faculty who embraced the integration of new technologies throughout our curriculum, and to the team of faculty, staff, and students who participated in the application process. We are excited to receive this recognition as an Apple Distinguished School.”

Mr. Tyler Gaspich is the Academy’s Director of Academic Technologies and served as the project leader for the year-long Apple Distinguished School application process. “Through preparation and submission of an interactive e-book, we demonstrated the innovative ways technology is used at Notre Dame to provide teachers and students with a decentralized, borderless learning experience,” explained Gaspich.

“During the 2016 and 2017 academic years, we introduced a one-to-one MacBook initiative which provided every teacher and student with a MacBook Air,” said Gaspich. “Faculty and students have the technological tools needed to foster and encourage innovation across the curriculum - from participating in global classroom activities with our sister schools around the world; to the use of collaborative software; to on-demand world language learning through our DiLL software.”

“Notre Dame has a long tradition of teaching excellence,” said Dwyer. “With this recognition as an Apple Distinguished School we shall continue to infuse our curriculum with innovative, new programming for creative and collaborative learning.”

Students, faculty, and staff involved in the Apple Distinguished School application process included (left to right): Alyssa Giacomin ’19, Kevin DeCusatis, Tyler Gaspich, Anthony DiGregorio, Kathleen McGuiness, John Roselli, and Hailey Opperman ’19. Not pictured: Bridget Bonner, Fran de la Torre, Kim Eife, Kate McTiernan, Karen Pauciello, Sean Quigg, and Changru Tu.

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ATHLETICS AND LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

FORGED ON THE FIELD A 2015 report issued by Ernst & Young (EY) and espnW compiled research on the advantages of playing a sport for women at all levels – from girls to C-suite executives:

Persistence.

Teamwork.

Confidence.

These character traits, tested and forged on Notre Dame’s playing fields, courts, and in the water, mark a proven connection between female athletes and successful leadership.

• Girls who play sports have greater social and economic mobility, perform better in school, and are less likely to use drugs.

• Nearly 70% of the female executives surveyed by EY stated that participation in athletics was helpful to career advancement because athletics “prepares people to work better in teams.”

• 76% of the female respondents indicated that the behaviors learned in the high performance environments of athletics can be applied to the corporate setting.

• 94% of female C-suite executives surveyed played a sport, with 52% playing at the university level.

In a follow-up report published last year, EY and espnW examined the winning behaviors of female entrepreneurs that are developed through participation in athletics – confidence, unwavering focus, passion, leadership, and the ability to overcome setbacks.

In this issue of VISIONS, four successful alumnae share how their participation in athletics, at Notre Dame and beyond, positively impacted their careers as leaders and as entrepreneurs.

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VISIONS FALL 2018

“I think the competitive spirit and determination to keep improving and never settle is what defines me as an entrepreneur and something that I learned from playing basketball.”

Maria DiDonato Ippolito ’01

After graduation, Maria

DiDonato Ippolito '01 attended

the University of Pennsylvania and later earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Public Policy from Northwestern University.

Ippolito was Director of Marketing and Communications for the Archdiocese of Chicago, the largest private school system in the country, before starting Ippolito Consulting in 2016. Her primary client is the Big Shoulders Fund, a non-profit that supports inner-city Catholic schools through scholarships, leadership development, and programming. “I am grateful to partner with an organization with such a powerful mission and proud that in 2018 our network of schools grew their enrollment for the first time in over five years.”

Ippolito was a starter on the varsity basketball team at Notre Dame from 1998 to 2001 and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. “During my junior year we tied for the Inter-Ac Championship and I scored my 1,000th point. I finished my career at ND as the leading scorer in school history and fourth team All State senior year. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005, where I was captain during my junior and senior year and captained the 2004 Ivy League Championship team that played UConn in the 2004 NCAA tournament.”

“During my junior year at ND we beat two Catholic League powerhouses that no one expected us to beat. The thrill of being the underdog and coming out on top was tremendous. One win ended with a buzzer beater winning shot. Everyone on the team had a special role and we really worked so well together to accomplish our goals.”

“The life lessons I learned from basketball are something that continue to define me in my career and personal life. In high school, basketball gave me confidence, taught me how to be a leader, and the value of team work. At the collegiate level, I learned the value of persistence, determination, and how to be the right leader at the right time.”

“I couldn’t imagine a better coach or role model than Mrs. McNichol, who showed us how to be tough, passionate, and taught us the importance of hard work. All of our coaches balanced their careers and motherhood so beautifully, which is something I really appreciate today having two young sons of my own.”

“It’s a cliché but true, that you learn more from losing than you do from winning. Losing isn’t fun, but after a loss you learn the importance of resiliency, grit, and determination. If you have those three things, you are set for life. Grit, resiliency, and determination are values that continue to shape me.”

“I think the competitive spirit and determination to keep improving and never settle is what defines me as an entrepreneur and something I learned from playing basketball.”

Maria DiDonato Ippolito ’01 was the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur’s all-time leading scorer for basketball.

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ATHLETICS AND LEADERSHIP

After graduation, Carol Ryan Livingood ’89 attended Brown University and earned her JD from Widener Law School.

Livingood is an attorney focusing on estate planning and estate administration with Davis, Bennett, Spiess & Livingood, LLC in Wayne, PA. She serves on Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees and her two daughters are currently enrolled at the Academy and are members of the crew team. “I help guide our clients and their families through complex estate planning issues and advise and counsel clients on a wide variety of legal matters. After my former partners retired, I became the sole owner of the firm. I am lucky to work with three other great attorneys and a paralegal.”

Livingood played field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse at Notre Dame. She played four years of basketball and one year of lacrosse at Brown University, during which the basketball team won two Ivy League Championships. “I’m not sure I have more than a handful of memories from actual games, but I remember all my coaches and teammates. They helped me mature, establish a value system and come to appreciate the extraordinary rewards of being part of a group effort and working towards a common goal.”

“Working together as a team requires commitment, communication, and empathy. I hope that these traits are now evident in my work, as they are integral in managing a law practice, and also effectively counseling and representing my clients in their legal needs.”

“The Notre Dame community helped me to incorporate my Catholic faith and the values my parents taught me into all of my decisions and actions. It was a small community, and everyone seemed to look out for each other. Playing sports kept me out of trouble, kept me in good physical shape, and taught me how to work with my teammates. I realized that I had responsibilities to my teammates and learned lessons that I have needed to work effectively in groups.”

“Although there was a lot of hard work involved in being part of a team, I mostly remember all the fun I had on the court and field. I also remember the support that we gave to each other during practices and games, cheering each other on to do our best, or encouraging each other to do better next time after we lost. The wins and losses have, for the most part, faded from my memory, but what I still treasure today are the friendships created by the common bond of a team. These lasting relationships are, to me, the defining moments of my athletic career in both high school and college.”

“I treasured my time at Notre Dame, and I’m so fortunate that my two daughters are also able to attend this special school.”

“Being part of a team taught me how to provide feedback when things weren’t working right and to accept constructive criticism.

It also gave me motivational skills, confidence, and self-discipline.

I learned how to work with other people who relied on me to do my best. Those skills have translated to my dedication to my clients and their needs. I learned in my sports career that every success was a team effort, and I still appreciate the assistance others provide to achieve a favorable outcome.”

“I learned in my sports career that every success was a team effort, and I still appreciate the assistance others provide to achieve a favorable outcome.”

Carol Ryan Livingood ’89 6

Carol Ryan Livingood ’89 was a three-sport athlete and inducted into the Notre Dame Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

VISIONS FALL 2018

COACH'S CORNER “The beauty of sports is that it serves as a platform for developing grit, resiliency, self-confidence, discipline, and a positive attitude.

Understanding how to work with and motivate others, learning how to fail and get back up again, and committing to something bigger than oneself are the lessons that transcend sports and pave the way for success and leadership in the workplace.”

Lauren Thomer, First-Year Notre Dame High School Varsity Basketball Coach Division 1 and III Basketball Coach

Kim Van Kirk Patel ’00 was a three sport athlete at Notre Dame and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. After graduation, she attended Duke University, where, as captain of the field hockey team, she led the 2003 squad to the NCAA finals and the best team record in school history.

Patel joined Lincoln Financial Group’s professional development program following graduation from Duke and rose to the position of Assistant Vice President. She is currently raising two young sons and is an entrepreneur as an interior designer. “I spent most of my career at Lincoln in the Relationship Management Department which was the best of all worlds for me. It gave me the ability to interact with the sales and distribution teams but also utilize my internal skill sets of organization, strategy, and relationship building with external clients. Now, I am balancing motherhood and building out an interior design business. I view this as an exciting and adventurous stage for me with lots of unknowns but lots of fun ahead.”

“Athletics really teaches you everything you need in life. It's all about hard work, dedication, perseverance, teamwork, knowing your role, knowing your strengths, mental and physical preparation, and readiness. Humility is big in my opinion, especially for me coming from a team sport. At the end of the day, it’s all about how the team does - your individual performance is important, but it’s the collective play that wins championships. Championship teams are built off of humility and confidence. You need to always respect your opponent, but always know that you have the ability and the skills to beat them, especially when you play as a collective unit and you come prepared.”

“I always liked to lead by example. I wasn’t the loudest, most vocal leader, but I liked to show my teammates that I wanted to win by my play on the field, being the one to dive for the ball, doing those small things that I knew could make a difference in changing the momentum of the game and give our team a spark. That’s still how I am today. I don’t love attention, I’d much rather show you how I can make an impact than talk about it - some things never change, I guess.”

“When playing at Notre Dame, what stands out to me is the awesome group of girls I got to play games with, sit on the bench with, or ride the bus with and just laugh until it hurt. That foundation of friendship is something that I will never forget and I will never lose. I learned how to be a great teammate from my excellent coaches at ND and to be a great friend through athletics at Notre Dame. That stayed with me as I went on to Duke and continues throughout my life today.”

Kim Van Kirk Patel ’00 was a three-sport athlete at Notre Dame and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

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ATHLETICS AND LEADERSHIP

Alexis Brandolini ’97 was captain of Notre Dame's lacrosse and field hockey teams, leading the field hockey team to the Inter-Ac Championship in 1996.

Alexis Brandolini ’97 attended the University of Richmond where she played lacrosse and was voted team captain during her junior and senior years. As an undergraduate, she studied business with a marketing concentration and received her graduate degree in strategic planning from The Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Brandolini is CEO and co-founder of the People Development Group, a consulting firm located in Baltimore, MD that helps organizations equip leadership teams with the skill sets to succeed in the face of adversity.

“Our trainings are very similar to the way practice time makes you a better athlete, teammate, or leader,” explained Brandolini. “My partners are former Special Operations military. We create scenarios and experiences to enable people to practice becoming more adaptive problem-solvers, better able to anticipate obstacles, and work around perceived limitations.”

“Sports have been my training ground for being a leader and teammate. I am the lone civilian and lone woman in my company of Special Operations soldiers.

They are specialists at the unpredictable and throwing you off balance. Because of how I operate and carry myself, I am not seen as an outsider. I am a resource: another perspective made from a lifetime as a female athlete with my own dimensions and layers. I see things differently than they do and that’s what they know they want. Having me there is an advantage for them.”

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“My team is recognizing just how many people have never been part of a high-functioning team. Many people have never experienced what it’s like to have a job to do and know the person next to you is doing their job and has prepared for that moment.

When you’re operating with that level of reliability, dependence, communication, collaboration, support, resilience, grit, perseverance, anything less is unacceptable.”

“When I think about my time at Notre Dame, it wasn’t the loss of a game or season for me. It was the loss of a coach. In 1995, ND hired a parttime assistant coach named Heather Albert. She quickly became a mentor, as she was in the very place I wanted to be as an athlete. We had an amazing season. Thanksgiving break came, and we got the news that Heather had been killed while riding her bike. At her funeral, her amazing family had her favorite poem, Don’t Quit, on her program. That poem would get me through many trying times.”

“If I can impart any message to my friends out there who have been on great teams, it would be to actively recreate what you experienced - whether you are a stay-at-home mom managing your household or you’re in your first or tenth job - remember that not everyone has had that experience. See what you can do to bring that standard into your environment.”

COACH'S CORNER “As part of the field hockey program, accountability is an important trait that we emphasize each day.

The success of our program is not based on talent alone but on players who are willing to commit themselves fully, by taking the responsibility of their role and working together as a team. They understand the importance of teamwork and when challenged they know that collectively as a unit they can pull together and be successful. This has been a huge factor in our team's success over the years.”

Adele Williams, 17-year Notre Dame High School Varsity Field Hockey Coach 11 Inter-Ac and 4 PAISAA Championships

VISIONS FALL 2018

News from the

Global Classroom Connects Students Students in Notre Dame’s Design Thinking class partnered with CHIJ St. Nicholas School in Singapore for a monthlong global classroom project that examined the issues of student stress and academic/life balance. Students from both schools met for an online planning meeting using Google Hangouts to determine objectives and timelines and then met asynchronously for the duration of the project to complete their work.

Using a variety of digital communications tools and following the design thinking process, the students worked as teams to develop recommendations to address the shared problem of academic stress. The project concluded with virtual presentations to their peers and teachers.

“This global classroom project highlighted so many facets of the design process, ranging from effective communication,

time management, gaining empathy with people and cultures outside of your own, and brainstorming solutions that work for everyone involved,” said Mr. Tyler Gaspich, instructor for Notre Dame’s Design Thinking class. “Seeing students solve a problem that two groups at opposite ends of the world face truly embodies 21st century education.”

Mrs. Nora Moffat, Director of the Center for Global Leadership agreed. “What I witnessed were nuanced and authentic learning experiences that had our students expressing unrecognized personal biases, excitement about successfully working with someone from across the world, frustration with the time difference and technology’s limitations, and surprise at the common problems teenagers face in these distant places.

I couldn’t imagine a better outcome.”

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CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

Notre Dame Students Travel the World Through the Center for Global Leadership, students are encouraged to expand their worldview, learn beyond their own borders, explore unfamiliar cultures, and establish new friendships. This summer, three CGL-sponsored student exchanges offered students new insights into the world beyond Notre Dame.

Seven students represented Notre Dame on the Academy’s first exchange to our sister school, San Silvestre, in Lima, Peru.

Caitlyn Hayes ’19 participated in a ten-day cultural exchange camp hosted by Sacred Heart School, Taipei, Taiwan.

The program gathered girls from around the world to learn more about Taiwanese culture, travel through Taiwan, and make new friendships. “While I was there,

I stayed with a host family who welcomed me with open arms into their house,” said Hayes.

“Though our daily classes revolved around learning about the culture of Taiwan, I learned so much more by being with other foreign students who were just as interested as I was in becoming more globally immersed in different cultures. You learn things you can’t learn in a classroom and you will discover more about yourself you hadn’t known before.”

Taylor Brooks ’21 and Michelle Zheng ’20 participated in an academic exchange with our sister schools in Taipei, Taiwan and Zhuhai, China.

Brooks (second from left) researched the history and contemporary issues surrounding the One-China policy while Michelle (right) focused on furthering her study of the Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Both students earned academic credit for their work. The students stayed with host families during their travels.

“When we were in China my host student and I spoke Chinese,” said Zheng. “I was able to improve my language skills, but more importantly, I was able to form a better connection and bond with my host student, Dany.” Taylor was excited and nervous for her first trip outside the US. “It was so surreal to be in a new place and seeing a culture so different from my own. I didn’t let the language barrier between us get in the way and the students were so nice.”

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Sarah Daoud ’20, Ciara Hibbs ’20, Bryn O’Hara ’21, Juliet Marchesani ’19, Meghan O’Meara ’20, Grace Rivers ’20, and Julia Weissman ’19 spent 11 days attending classes at San Silvestre with their host students, visiting museums, and exploring the Amazon rainforest. Marchesani summarized her experience saying, “We’re lucky enough to go to a school that not only recognizes the value in being a global citizen but supports us in achieving this status.”

For Weissman, the trip to the Amazon was unforgettable.

“I gained so much appreciation and awe for the world and nature around us. The creatures and plant life were all so fascinating, I felt so relaxed and at peace.”

Students Recognized at Model UN Nineteen Notre Dame students participated in Temple University’s Model United Nations Conference on October 27 and four juniors, Maeve Pinheiro, Katherine Lanzalotto, Kiera Chambers, and Paige Kieft were recognized as an “Outstanding Delegate.”

Model UN delegates participate in simulations of international issues and events, while learning about diplomacy, international relations, and the work of the United Nations.

VISIONS FALL 2018

“Be a Friend to the Whole Human Race” Acclaimed author and global education adviser Homa Tavangar encourages students and parents to become informed global citizens

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n celebration of International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, Notre Dame’s Center for Global Leadership invited author and educational consultant Homa Sabet Tavangar to share her insights on global citizenship with presentations for students and parents.

Tavangar is the author of Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Grow Up At Home in the World and educational resources on the subject of global citizenship.

She has lived on four continents, speaks multiple languages, and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UCLA and Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. This summer, Tavangar led the Academy’s professional development program for Notre Dame’s faculty and will participate in global citizenship activities with students and faculty throughout the year.

Sharing stories about her own global experiences, Tavangar drew parallels between the characteristics we value in friendship and global citizenship. “The concept of friendship is universal,” said Tavangar. “The Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you - is practiced in some way by every belief system in the world.”

Junior Lindsay Abate, one of the Academy’s Global Citizen Scholars, reflected on Tavangar’s presentation, saying, “By being a friend to all, we may find ourselves doing things that we never would have found ourselves doing. We may build new friendships, learn about the lives and cultures of others, and develop as individuals.”

Author Homa Tavangar met with students who participated in the Center for Global Leadership’s summer educational exchanges to learn more about their experiences.

Fellow Scholar Nora Livingood’ 20 agreed.

“I learned you do not need to be an expert and know everything about different cultures in order to be a global citizen. You just need to show compassion to people different from yourself and be open to new experiences.”

According to the UN, International Day of the Girl Child is a movement intended to “help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.” Tavangar challenged students to decide what difference they were going to make in the world. “International Day of the Girl helps us find purpose whether close to home or far away. You have to decide what difference you will make.”

Isabella Langley ’21 is a first-year Global Citizen Scholar. “Asking the question, ‘What problem do you want to solve’ is more beneficial than ‘What do you want to be when you grow up.’ I am not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I can think of numerous problems I would like to solve or contribute to solving in my lifetime. Ms. Tavangar made me think about how, as a society, we should try to focus on creating long-term solutions to global issues and inspiring young people to do so.”

Tavangar closed her presentation by reminding students that everyone has a story. “If you can see or appreciate that there is more to what meets the eye, you begin to build the capacity and empathy to deal with circumstances that will be unfamiliar and different as you go out into the world.”

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FACULTY INSIGHT

FACULTY INSIGHT “A good race doesn’t mean that every stroke was a good one. It’s about the pursuit of getting better at something and trying to get as good as you can. In other sports, you can have one player carry the day and score the points, but rowing is more about having the whole boat figure out the best way to get better together and pursue the common goal. You can be strong and one of the best athletes, but if you don’t show up to practice in a stable lineup with your teammates, you’re hurting everyone, not just yourself.”

Crew Coach Michael Berger

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VISIONS FALL 2018

Teaching in the Classroom and on the Field by Jessica H. Turner ’06

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eaching comes in many forms, from the classroom to the sports field. Notre Dame faculty Mrs. Leah Bowers and Mr. Michael Berger have always wanted to be coaches.

“I’ve always been interested in sports and athletics, and I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” says Bowers, who teaches physical education and health in addition to coaching cross country and track. “It’s wonderful teaching the students what they need to know to be healthy for life.” Bowers started coaching at Notre Dame before joining the faculty. She also coached for the non-profit organization Girls On The Run and loved the all-girls atmosphere that focuses on building self-confidence. “I realized how important it is to help develop young girls into young women, so it makes sense that I would end up here at Notre Dame.”

Berger’s love of math and science made becoming a chemistry teacher an excellent fit. He is also Notre Dame’s head crew team coach. “I started rowing nonstop in ninth grade and continued through college. I wanted to be a rowing coach, which sparked my interest in education.” Here at Notre Dame, he is grateful to have the opportunity to combine both passions.

For Bowers and Berger, coaching a good team means helping the students to focus not just on themselves, but also on how they can help their teammates.

“Track and cross country are similar in that you think they’re only individual sports, but they are still team sports that need every person to help carry one another through the race. You need a lot of mental grit, determination, and drive to succeed,” says Bowers.

“The athletes help push each other along and I love that aspect of it.”

Berger agrees.

“A good race doesn’t mean that every stroke was a good one. It’s about the pursuit of getting better at something and trying to get as good as you can. In other sports, you can have one player carry the day and score the points, but rowing is more about having the whole boat figure out the best way to get better together and pursue the common goal. You can be strong and one of the best athletes, but if you don’t show up to practice in a stable lineup with your teammates, you’re hurting everyone, not just yourself.”

As Bowers coaches her teams, she tries to make sure every person feels important. “Every single person is a contributor. In life, not every person is going to become a CEO but you are still a contributor to what you do. I try to teach them that you are capable of so much more than you think you are if you reach down deep and dig for it. Being on the team teaches them to work with other people you might not interact with on a daily basis.

I love seeing freshmen and seniors training together, the older girls shepherding the younger girls and helping build the next generation. It definitely applies to the rest of their lives, the need to impart wisdom on younger people and in different life stages and see them grow.”

Berger says the takeaway he gets from rowing is a good life lesson, too - it’s not about being good, it’s about getting better. “No one starts as an expert, and you don’t have to be the best. You just have to focus on small improvements every day.” It’s also about being well-rounded: “Some coaches can think their sport is the number one priority, but I tell the girls that once practice is over, it’s over.

Whether it was a good practice or a bad one, you need to move on, do your homework, and get ready for tomorrow. I say the same thing in chemistry: when class is done, it’s done. Good or bad, focus on the next class or task. Everything is not one subject or sport all the time.”

At the end of the day (or a competition), the most important thing Bowers and Berger want their students to know is that they alone possess the ability and drive to be successful.

“Coaches and parents will congratulate me, but I’m not the one running the race! I’m just a facilitator,” says Bowers. I give the leadership and ownership over to the athletes. It’s their class, their team. We give lessons but it’s their effort and ownership that will take them where they want to go.”

“We don’t do this for the glory!” Berger chimes in.

Bowers laughs. “Exactly. We do this because we love it, and we coach sports where you can directly see the results of hard work, and that makes it worthwhile. When they do well, it’s all about them and their efforts. It makes us proud.”

Bowers and Berger both love how their respective sports can teach their students more about life than just athletic skill.

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AROUND NOTRE DAME

AROUND

NOTRE DAME

Mass and Picnic Marks Start of New Year for Mothers and Daughters New and returning students and their mothers marked the start of the new school year with Mass and the time-honored Mother Daughter picnic.

Colorful flags on the Mansion lawn marked each class gathering spot and students enjoyed a morning of fun with their mothers and special guests.

ND Community Walks for Water On September 22, students, faculty, and alumnae gathered on campus to Walk for Water in solidarity with the millions of women and children who walk daily for water. The Campus Ministry event raised funds to support the work of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who advocate for the right of all people to have access to safe, clean water.

Ms. Gallagher Named “Top Teacher”

Parents’ Association Hosts Social Notre Dame parents enjoyed a beautiful evening on the Mansion terrace for the Academy’s annual Welcome Back Parents' Social. The Academy is grateful to the many volunteers who make this a special welcome for our families.

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Social Studies teacher Ms. Sally Gallagher was recognized as one of the area's “Top Teachers” in the September issue of Main Line Today.

Fifteen area educators were recognized for demonstrated excellence in their field and commitment to serving their community. We are proud to have Ms. Gallagher represent Notre Dame’s excellent faculty and the Academy's commitment to serving the poor.

VISIONS FALL 2018

ND Celebrates Annual Father Daughter Communion Breakfast More than 200 ND fathers and daughters gathered at the Springfield Country Club on Sunday, October 14 for the annual Father Daughter Communion Breakfast. Mass was celebrated by Father Bob Murray, O.S.A.

Students Selected for All-Catholic Festival Instrumentalists Eva Kraus ’20, Beatrice Aloi ’22, and Hannah Jackson ’21 placed first-violin for the spring All-Catholic Strings Festival.

Ceremony Welcomes National Honor Society Members On October 16, we welcomed 40 students into the Academy’s Chapter of the National Honor Society. NHS recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Notre Dame adds a fifth area of recognition, faith, to represent our Catholic faith and trust in God's goodness. Congratulations to all NHS members.

Student Council Representatives Installed On September 26, the Academy installed the Notre Dame Student Council for the 2018-2019 school year. Throughout the year, Student Council sponsors school activities and serves as a liaison between the faculty and the students. Students representing Middle School 3 Main are eighth graders Maura O'Reilly, Alexandra McCulloch, and Ava DelVescovo. Seniors representing 5 Main are President Emma Kichula, Vice-President Julianna Recchilungo, Secretary Meghan Boles, Treasurer Siobhan Slattery, and AA President Alyssa Giacomin.

Students Named Diocesan Scholars Seniors Lauren Gaetano and Maggie Quirk have been selected for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Diocesan Scholars program for the 2018-2019 school year. The program honors students who excel academically and who would benefit from the academic challenge of college-level work during their senior year. Each Scholar may take two college courses each semester on the campus of a nearby college or university at no cost and earn college credit.

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AROUND NOTRE DAME

Middle School Students Support the Patrician Society Middle school students gathered in October to prepare peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Patrician Society. The Patrician Society serves the economically marginalized community of greater Norristown. Notre Dame parents, student groups, and sports teams meet regularly to prepare sandwiches for this important community outreach.

Middle School Welcomes Grandparents and Friends On October 5, we welcomed more than 150 middle school grandparents and special friends to campus. It was a wonderful morning filled with engaging activities that gave our guests the opportunity to see a glimpse of ND student life.

Campus Ministry Recognizes Service In the spirit of the charism of Saint Julie, the Academy’s Campus Ministry serves as the light that illuminates the Gospel at work in our school. On October 3, the ND community gathered to surround and bless the students who have chosen to give their time and service to empower the mission of our school.

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Little Women Comes to ND’s Stage 37 high school cast and crew brought a lively musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic, Little Women, to Notre Dame’s stage in November.

VISIONS FALL 2018

National Merit Semifinalist and Commended Students Honored Eight Notre Dame seniors have been Named National Merit Semifinalist and Commended Students. National Merit Semifinalists represent less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors and Commended students represent less than 5% of the 1.6 million students who took the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October 2017. There are 102 students in the senior class. Congratulations to (left to right) Semifinalists Anna Miranda and Eileen Shelton and Commended Students Lauren Gaetano, Mia Heffernen, Sarah Howton, Rose McDonald, Maggie Quirk (not pictured), and Sophia Skorup. Mia was also recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar for academic achievement.

Middle School Students Explore Science Notre Dame’s labs and classrooms were open to area middle school and ND students on November 10 for our annual Full STEAM Ahead program. The free outreach introduces girls to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts through hands-on experimentation.

During the day, students designed and raced candy cars, created slime, guided robots through a maze, and more. The Academy partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Drexel University, and the IceCube Neutrino Observatory to provide students with real-world science challenges.

Maguire Scholars Recognized for Community Service Twelve Notre Dame students participate as Maguire Scholars at Notre Dame. The mission of the program is to “support and enrich the leaders of tomorrow by providing an opportunity for an excellent education.”

Maguire Scholars are encouraged to dedicate their time and talent to community service. Front Row (L-R) Madelyn Shultz ’21, Mikayla Dever ’20, Michelle Zheng ’20, Sara McDougall ’20, Kathryn McCabe ’22. Back Row (L-R) Jeannia Telfort ’21, Madison Roselli ’22, Caroline Kemp ’22, Taylor Brooks ’21, Jada David ’20, Sophia Pappano ’21, Ciara Rogers ’22.

Denim Day Supports Breast Cancer Awareness The Academy was a sea of pink and denim on October 12 as middle and high school students showed their support for breast cancer awareness. Denim Day is an ND tradition that raises money for breastcancer.org, an important resource for patients, survivors, and families affected by breast cancer. The day is hosted by the ND Student Council and with the donations from the ND community, students raised an impressive $3,000.

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ADVISORY PROGRAM

Advisory Program Connects Students with Faculty Mentors

A

s Notre Dame’s new Advisory Program enters year two, Principal Jacqueline Coccia provides some insights into the program’s goals and structure.

“The Advisory Program is closely linked with goal one of our 2015-2020 strategic plan to provide a superior academic program for young women,” said Coccia. “In the early implementation phases of the strategic plan, school counseling and college counseling were housed in the same department. During the 2015-2016 school year, we created two separate departments under the leadership of highly qualified directors to address the unique services provided by each area. Over the next two years, we expanded the college counseling department as well as learning support services to provide a more individualized learning experience for our students.

“Last year, we introduced the Advisory Program, which adds a new level of personalized support for our students,” said Coccia.

The program helps build relationships by connecting groups of ten or eleven freshmen with faculty mentors. Students get to know their mentor, get to know other students in a smaller setting, and, in the process, learn more about themselves.”

“We worked with Steve Barrett at the Wildwood School, a recognized leader and trainer in the area of student advisory, to develop a program specifically for our students,” said Coccia. At Notre Dame, the advisor offers academic guidance to the students in his or her group and supports their social and emotional development through team-building activities, Socratic seminars, and social activities. Currently, there are 17 trained faculty advisors in the program, which will expand each year as a new cohort of freshmen enter school.

“Our advisors welcomed their freshmen students during the Saint Julie ceremony at the start of the school year and will continue to mentor and support them until graduation,” said Coccia. “As the program progresses, faculty mentors will offer their advisees academic support during course selection and serve as an important contact between the school and their students’ families.”

The Advisory Program is designed to deepen and personalize the experience of every student at Notre Dame and supports the mission of the Academy by providing the guidance and support necessary to enable the students to develop the skills and desire necessary for lifelong learning.

Faculty advisor Jenn Brown, with students Sophia Oliva ’20 and Hendritta Panackalpurackal ’19, welcomed advisee freshman Ciara Rogers during the Academy’s Saint Julie ceremony.

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VISIONS FALL 2018

Student Inspired

by Outreach Trip

Masai women demonstrate their intricate beadwork, a source of income, for Ganley.

Grace Ganley ’22 (in foreground) met students from Alale Girls’ School in Kenya who wanted to learn more about her life in the US.

This fall, freshman Grace Ganley and her mother Kristie traveled to East Africa with the charity COME UNITY to experience first-hand the work of the non-profit to provide basic necessities and educational opportunities for Masai women and communities in the remote Kenyan communities of Kajiado and Pokot.

“I learned about COME UNITY through my dance instructor, Kristin Naylor, who founded the organization,” said Ganley. “We met with them each month for the past year to prepare for the trip.” COME UNITY partners with East African communities to develop sustainable solutions to poverty. Together, with the community, they provide basic needs, education, and help to create opportunities that allow their partners to build self-sufficient lives.

“In Masai communities, education is provided for free only until eighth grade and then families have to pay for high school education,” explained Ganley. “If they can afford it, most fathers choose just to educate their sons. They don’t see any value in educating girls. Many girls in the remote areas of Kenya are married off against their will by the time they are ten or eleven and forced to leave their community.”

support their families. Now, families are starting to see the value of educating girls.” The non-profit also works with their partner communities to provide clean water and on agriculture projects, such as development of greenhouses and dairy cows.

During her two week trip, Ganley met with the sponsored students, stayed with the Masai, and visited Alale and Saint Anne’s schools. “We distributed dignity packages to the girls. The packages include items that are not available in the remote parts of Kenya, like sanitary products, soap, and underwear. Things we take for granted here are considered a luxury.”

Ganley intends to stay involved with the work of COME UNITY and hopes to plan a fundraiser with her dance studio. Ganley and her mother, Kristie, organized a collection of cotton underwear for the students at Saint Anne’s and Alale as an outreach project of the Mother-Daughter Christmas Luncheon.

To learn more, visit comeunitynow.org.

“COME UNITY sponsors girls to attend high schools and some have even graduated from university and are working to help

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COLLEGE COUNSELING AT ND

COLLEGE COUNSELORS Help Students Find Best Fit

T

his year, the Academy added a third college counselor to support students at every stage of the college enrollment process – from introductory meetings with freshmen; to application, essay, and interview preparation; to college acceptance decisions.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Kevin Parsons to our department,” said Mrs. Lauryn Roth, Head of College Counseling. “With his extensive experience as Assistant Dean of Admission at Princeton University, Kevin brings a unique insight into the college admissions process from the other side of the table. This fall, he has been reading applications and essays from the admissions perspective and providing our students with advice and guidance.”

The department includes Parsons, Roth, and Mrs. Laura Losey (shown left to right below).

At Notre Dame, the college counseling experience is individualized to help every student find the right college fit.

“Our parents want to see their children go to a college or university where they can be successful and happy,” said Roth.

“We make sure that their priorities are aligned with their children’s priorities. “There is a lot of open communication between parents and children here, so it is not often that they have completely different goals and ideas.”

Preliminary college search activities begin during the freshman year.

“We don’t want to overwhelm our students, but we start to lay the groundwork with school counselor-led classes in ninth and tenth grade that explore social and emotional learning; learning style, personality and career inventories; and activities that connect careers to majors.” Students interested in pursuing athletics in college receive specific guidance and support beginning in their freshman year. In the spring of tenth grade, students take diagnostic ACT and SAT tests to help determine the best testing instrument for each student.

“With the preliminary work completed in ninth and tenth grade, our students are well prepared to begin the college enrollment process as juniors,” said Roth. At the start of the year, students are assigned to a counselor and participate in family meetings to discuss college goals.

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Throughout their junior year, students are guided through the application process, including college exploration, essay writing, scholarship search, the Common Application, and preparation of recommendations based on each student’s academics and interest. Parents and students participate in college-related programming events.

Rising seniors have the opportunity to participate in college essay workshops and mock interviews with admissions counselors during the summer. “More than half of our students join us for the essay workshops and our practice interview sessions are always filled,” said Roth. “Our students are very humble and we try to help them verbalize all of the great things they do at Notre Dame.

It’s always great to start with a new class of students because they are all so unique and you learn so much about them. Our students are doing so many interesting things.”

“Our families can count on us to do whatever needs to be done to connect their daughters with the colleges and universities that are the best fit. We’re here to support and encourage them every step of the way,” said Roth.

• In 2018, 96 Notre Dame students matriculated at 56 colleges in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

• 95% of the Class of 2018 are attending colleges that the Princeton Review designates as “The Best 382 Colleges.”

• 10 student-athletes from the Class of 2018 are playing their sport at NCAA colleges and universities.

VISIONS FALL 2018

career opportunities Students Explore

Guest Speakers Share Career Experiences, Advice

Notre Dame parents, alumnae, and area professionals provided our middle and high school students with an inside look at a wide range of career paths during Career Day on November 28. The day opened with a keynote presentation for high school students

by Notre Dame parent and Vice President of Global Corporate

Development, Strategy, and Strategic Partnerships for Teleflex, Mrs. Gwen Watanabe. Throughout the day, students explored careers that included environmental protection, stormwater management, digital marketing, medicine and dentistry, aviation, and broadcast journalism.

In her session, titled, “Engineering is Cool,” Mrs. Debbie Rivers, mother of Grace ’19 and Clare ’22, described her career path leading to her current position as a supply chain professional. The highlight for the students was the opportunity to create “snow” through chemical reactions.

Thirteen alumnae participated in Career Day, including Jessica Bellwoar ’11, Alexandra Bradley ’14, Christen Boas Hayes ’12, Emily Fuss ’12, Dr. Anna McCahon ’10, Tina McCarthy ’05, Jenna Meissner ’12, Dr. Kristin Snyder Miller ’04, Melissa Pohlig ’08, Megan Rosica ’12, Julie Savelloni ’10, Kaitlin Smith ’08, and Jennifer Wagner ’11

Mrs. Gwen Watanabe shared her career experiences with students during her keynote address. She is the mother of Megan Wilson ’19.

“Career Day offered an opportunity to welcome to campus professionals in a variety of careers,” said Mrs. Kim Eife, Director of High School and event organizer. “This extension to our academic program broadened students’ perspectives and allowed them to connect what they learned in their classes to educational and career opportunities for the future. The overwhelming feedback was that students felt inspired and empowered to pursue their passion.”

Students generated energy using magnets, wire, and a battery to create a moving electric propeller as a representative from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division shared research on creating hybrid ships.

Park Rangers from Valley Forge National Park spoke with middle school students about environmental conservation, endangered species, and the impact of invasive species during their program titled, “A Deer in the Park.”

Alumna Anna McCahon ’10 answered questions about her career as a private practice dentist in Newtown Square.

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ATHLETICS AT ND

ATHLETICS at Notre Dame STUDENTS MAKE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS On November 27, twelve student-athletes celebrated their commitment to continue playing their sport at the collegiate level. Congratulations to Lily Allen and Lindsay Barnes who will play Lacrosse at Fairfield, Katie Brennan (Soccer) Washington College, Lauren Curran (Field Hockey) - Boston College, Hannah Gillespie (Lacrosse) -Northwestern University, Claire Gola (Lacrosse) - Boston University, Amanda McGurk (Basketball) - University of Pennsylvania, Belle McHugh (Lacrosse) - Drexel University, Maggie O’Brien (Lacrosse) University of Richmond, Maggie Pina (Basketball) - Boston University, Sophie Pinnie (Soccer) - Dartmouth College, and Jessica Schneider (Track) - University of Notre Dame.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

fall review

The tennis team wrapped up a season with a strong showing at the highly competitive Inter-Ac Championship with a sixth place finish overall. McKenna Bramlage ’19 finished fourth in the first singles flight and Ginna DeCarlo ’20 and CeCe Quirk ’20 finished fourth in the third doubles flight.

The field hockey team started their season with a 3-2 win over the #1 ranked team in the country at the time, Penn Manor.

The schedule put them up against some of the best teams around and they were up for the challenge. Wins against Mount St. Joseph, 4-1 and Villa Maria 4-3 were some of the highlights. With an overall record of 18-3-1 the team finished second in the Inter-Ac to Germantown Academy.

The cross country team had an impressive season this fall.

With many returning runners and many new additions to the team, NDXC had one of its best seasons in recent years. The Varsity team was composed of several new runners including,

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VOLLEYBALL TEAM TAKES SIXTH STRAIGHT PAISAA WIN AND INTER-AC TITLE The High School varsity volleyball team finished their impressive and successful season with a record of 16-2 overall and finished first place in the Inter-Ac League with an 8-0 record. The team went on to win their sixth consecutive PAISAA Championship Tournament when they beat local rivals Agnes Irwin 3-0.

Congratulations to all the volleyball players who contributed to this extraordinary achievement.

freshmen Kyleigh Calvert, Cara Stevenson, and Micaela McCloskey as well as junior Katie Mowatt. Rounding out the Varsity roster were returning runner Lindsey Smith, junior; Paige Riley, sophomore; and senior captain, Madison Gaffney. More than half the team ran personal records despite facing extremely hot and rainy conditions for much of the season. Other highlights included a huge second place finish at the Delaware County XC Championships behind Delco powerhouse Strath Haven. NDXC also came out strong to finish second at the Inter-Ac Championship and PAISAA Championship.

The Varsity team also posted an impressive spread of 50 seconds at the PAISAA meet, the best spread of the season.

The soccer team, under new leadership with head coach Steve Wilman and assistant Bill Bradley, ended their season with a tough loss to Penn Charter in PAISAA play. The team beat Friends’ Central in the previous round 3-1 to earn the right to play Penn Charter. They also recorded an impressive win against Agnes Irwin and played hard in some close encounters throughout the season.

VISIONS FALL 2018

CREW COMPETES AT HEAD OF THE CHARLES The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur crew team had a successful showing at the 54th Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA. In their first appearance at this event, our athletes represented Notre Dame very well and demonstrated their toughness in two very competitive events. The Women’s Youth Four, consisting of Emmeline Lignowski ’20 (coxswain), Caitlyn Hayes ’19, Meghan O’Meara ’20, Grace Wolter ’21, and Grace Quirk ’21 finished 65th out of 84 boats, beating new rivals Villa Joseph Marie and Germantown Academy. The women’s Youth Coxed Quad - Gracie Youakim ’20 (coxswain), Ellen Lavin ’19 (captain), Morgan Muehl ’20 (captain), Maggie Quirk ’19 (captain), Nora Livingood ’20 raced a very competitive field and finished 41st out of 42 boats. This is an event to watch next year!

LAUREN CURRAN ’19 NAMED ALL-DELCO PLAYER OF THE YEAR Congratulations to field hockey captain Lauren Curran for her second consecutive recognition as All-Delco Player of the Year. During the last league game of the season, Lauren scored her 100th career goal and 102nd point. Earlier in the season she was recognized as the NFHCA High School Player of the Month for September. Lauren will continue her field hockey career at Boston College next fall.

ATHLETE RECOGNITIONS FALL MAIN LINE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK Maddie Donaphon Volleyball Riley Shaak Volleyball

FALL INTER-AC ALL-LEAGUE HONORS VOLLEYBALL FIRST TEAM Riley Shaak Maddie Donaphon Lexi Shreiner SECOND TEAM Christine Covello

FIELD HOCKEY FIRST TEAM Lauren Curran Mia Leonhardt Jessica Schneider Emily Graeff

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

SECOND TEAM

The middle school fall 2018 season just finished a few weeks ago and the field hockey, soccer, tennis, and volleyball teams had a great year.

CROSS COUNTRY

The varsity field hockey team ended on a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to AncillaeAssumpta Academy in the Catholic Academy League playoff game and the JV team finished their season with an impressive 6-2-2 record and huge improvement from only winning 3 games last season.

The soccer team’s best game was a 6-0 win over Baldwin and the team completed the season with a 0-0 tie with Inter-Ac rival Agnes Irwin. The tennis team celebrated their Eighth Grade Appreciation day along with their last match against Germantown Friends School and finished out the season with a win.

The varsity and JV volleyball teams continue to grow and improve and the JV team celebrated their first winning season!

Belle McHugh

FIRST TEAM Lindsey Smith Kyleigh Calvert SECOND TEAM Paige Riley Cara Stevenson

SOCCER SECOND TEAM Maggie O’Brien

TENNIS FIRST TEAM McKenna Bramlage

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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

Alumnae CLASS NOTES 1960-1969 1968

Carol Zintyl Ryan ’68 is a new grandmother. She is pictured below with her family at the baby shower for her daughter, Cassi Ryan Henwood ’01.

1974 Lisa Schmidt Boiani ’74 was blessed with the trip of a lifetime to an African Safari for her 60th birthday.

Mary Ann Finley Bond ’74 retired last year and spends her winters down south.

Her son Roman graduated from Marist College and is working at ANRO. Mary Cannon Magazzu ’74 is the proud grandmother of five grandchildren.

Mary Kay Joyce O’Rourke ’74 and her husband Mike vacationed with their five children in Utah and Arizona on a National Park trip this past year. On October 6, 2018, their son Michael got married to Clara.

1970-1979 1973

D'Arcy Foster Rudnay ’73 is the recipient of a Leadership Award from the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. D'Arcy was honored on December 12 for her outstanding contributions in leadership and service to the organization.

SAVE THE DATE Reunion Weekend May 3 and 4, 2019 Honoring the Classes Ending in 4’s and 9’s Reunion Committees are forming!

Please contact Lauren Thomer, Director of Alumnae Relations, at lthomer@ndapa.org or 610-687-6561 to help plan the festivities for your class.

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Mary White Packer ’74 became a grandmother in April 2017. Mary is in her 11th year as coach of the Middle School JV Field Hockey Team at the Academy of Notre Dame.

Deb Reiner Shaw ’74 retired in January 2018. She lost her beloved husband, Rick, this past spring after 37 years of marriage, with whom she traveled the country on motorcycle tours. Recently, she and her sister traveled to Spain and Portugal.

1979 Cathy Chermol Schrijver '79 is the executive producer of the HBO documentary, RX: EARLY DETECTION - A Cancer Journey with Sandra Lee. The film depicts the television chef’s battle with breast cancer in 2015, including her early diagnosis and successful double mastectomy. The world premiere of the film was featured at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2018 and it also recently aired on HBO, as part of October's breast cancer awareness. Cathy is an Emmy awardwinning executive producer who spent 15 years as a showrunner for Telepictures.

She has an extensive background in network news, talk, and entertainment including five years at ABC News, where she was the senior supervising producer for Good Morning America.

VISIONS FALL 2018

1980-1989 1981

Elise Bove Nehring ’81, an entrepreneur, started her own floral design business, Lissie B Flowers LLC, in January.

She makes custom floral designs for all types of parties, events and occasions as well as individual arrangements and bouquets. Her work can be found at www.lissiebflowers.com. Elise lives in Malvern with her husband, Roger. They have four sons, a new daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter, Adelynn Elise.

1987 Gina Mazzulla ’87 was honored with the 2018 F. Karl Schauffele Community Service Award from the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, “which is presented to a person whose efforts and good works have impacted the Main Line or areas around the Main Line in meaningful and significant ways.”

Cathy Abi-Khattar ‘97 worked as a consultant on projects with the Department of Defense from 1999 to 2009. In 2009, Cathy accepted a position with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. She leads the Web Branch that provides web content management and other IT services. She is currently leading a project to move FDA.gov from an Oracle management system to Drupal. Cathy is one of several alumnae who have come back to the Academy to participate in the SparksTalks speaker series to share with the current students about her education and career path.

2000-2009 2001 1988

1985 Francesa Monastero ’85 married Reiner Mauer on October 12, 2018, in Paoli, PA. Lynn Joyce Radice ’85 was recently selected as one out of 250 people in the world to an invitation only event in Venice, Italy. The event, Kinnernet and DLD Innovation, garners leaders and innovators from all over the world to meet and discuss the future. Lynn is an accomplished author, speaker, and connector. She also wrote a book Terror

by Rail and credits many of her fellow alumnae for helping her, including Deirdre Flint ’85 and Terri Dempsey McClatchy ’85.

Carolyn Fay ’88, an accomplished author, recently produced her latest short story for children, “Papadum Pizza,” which will appear in the December 2018 issue of Highlights, a children’s magazine.

Shanna Dunn ’01 with her daughter Parker and Gwenn Daniels Nolan ’01 with her son Matthew are pictured below as they vacation in Ocean City, NJ. Parker is the granddaughter of Kathleen Pfister Dunn ’66.

1990-1999 1997 Shannon Patton Huffman ’97 currently works as an outpatient clinical social worker and is the Figure Skating Director and Vice President of Ice Line Figure Skating Club. Shannon fundraises for the MS society and continues to take care of her mother. Shannon is married and lives in Downingtown, PA with her husband and two children, Meghan and Zachary.

Cassi Ryan Henwood ’01 and her husband Alex welcomed Riley Elizabeth on September 27, 2018. Riley is the granddaughter of Carol Zintl Ryan ’68.

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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

Shona McMoran ’01 was recently promoted to Global License Compliance Audit Analyst Manager at Autodesk.

She will be managing a team of analysts located throughout the world which has been her dream job to work with data, travel internationally and lead fellow data lovers around the globe. Shona is currently working out of Barcelona for several weeks, then Munich before she returns home to Denver, CO. The picture below is of Shona and her colleagues from the Autodesk Barcelona license compliance sales team celebrating her recent promotion.

2003 Julie Cloetingh Cady ’03, her husband Joshua, and big brothers, Deacon and Graham, welcomed Lyle Andrew Cady on September 19, 2018.

Katie Martin ’03 recently became a manager with The Pew Charitable Trusts in Philadelphia, PA.

2004 Lindsay Gosnell Green ’04 and her husband Jordan welcomed Lachlan Joseph Green on October 10, 2018.

Jen Harvey ’04 married William Waggenspack on July 22, 2017 at Saint Monica’s Church in Philadelphia, PA. Lauren Seyfried Kirby ’04, Molly Kelly Joyce ’04 and Erin Kelley ’04 served as bridesmaids with many other 2004 classmates in attendance.

Molly Kelly Joyce ’04 and husband Chris welcomed Eleanor (Ella) Elizabeth Joyce on August 21, 2018.

Lindsay McLaughlin ’04 joined Google in San Francisco as a new Creative Events Producer.

Stay Connected with Notre Dame SEND US YOUR EMAIL!

ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

Stay current on all Notre Dame happenings and receive our monthly Alumnae digital newsletter - all we need is your current email. Send an email to Lauren Thomer, Director of Alumnae Relations, at lthomer@ndapa.org so we can update or verify your email address in our records.

The Alumnae Association supports and advances the interests of Notre Dame by fostering a sense of community among its graduates, enhancing their connection to the Academy and promoting individual growth through activities which focus on enriching the spirit, mind, and body. For more information on the Alumnae Association and its programming, please contact Lauren Thomer, Director of Alumnae Relations, at 610-687-6561 or lthomer@ndapa.org.

LINKEDIN COMMUNITY Broaden your own professional and community network through Notre Dame's LinkedIn Alumnae Networking Group. Hear about job opportunities, announce professional achievements and share ideas with Notre Dame graduates. Join today at www.linkedin. com, search Academy of Notre Dame de Namur Alumnae Networking Group.

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VISIONS FALL 2018

Bianca Wilson Tamagnini ’04 and her husband Todd welcomed Elisa Maria Rosa, on August 6, 2018.

2005 Lauren Katona ’05 and Scott Pabst are engaged to be married in March of 2019 in Philadelphia, PA.

Katie Mathisen ’08 and Bryce McManemin were married on June 23, 2018. The wedding reception was held at Katie’s parent’s house in Valley Forge, PA. Corinne Surprenant ’07 was the maid of honor. Jen Cook ’08 and Jillian Rafferty Subbio ’08 were members of the bridal party. Lisa Cook ’11 and Kristy Cloetingh ’08 were guests at the wedding.

2006 Nikki Sims Smith ’06 joined the faculty at Germantown Academy as a grade 7 and 8 science teacher.

2011 Megan Rosica ’11 spoke with students in the Academy’s SPARKS Robotics Club in November about her career in the STEM field. After graduating college, Megan began her career at Jacobs Engineering, one of the top design firms in the world, as a Traffic / ITS Engineer in Philadelphia.

She currently supports public-sector clients in traffic and ITS design, planning, analysis, modeling, and project delivery from Jacobs’ Center City office.

Tory Gosnell ’06 recently became the Charge Nurse at Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square, PA, working in LongTerm Care. She is also working toward a Master in Education and School Nurse Certification at Eastern University.

2008 Katie Kuester ’08 was promoted to Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at her alma mater, St. Joseph’s University.

The former basketball standout, who was recognized on the All Philadelphia Big-5 Team has transitioned into a successful coaching career, with prior experience at Lehigh University, University of North Carolina, and Loyal University.

Michelle Spada ’08 studied International Development at Vanderbilt University and East China University. She is currently the Program Manager at Princeton in Africa.

Prior to that, Michelle was the Director of Family Services at Habitat for Humanity in Montgomery and Delaware County.

2010-Present 2010

Adrienne Ashton ’10 is beginning her second year as an elementary school teacher at the Grace Episcopal School in Alexandria, VA.

Regina Burns ’08 and Jeffrey Nurk were married on September 15, 2018. Helen Mashmeyer ’08, along with Regina’s sisters, Bridget Burns ’10 and Natalie Burns ’16, were members of the bridal party.

Meghan McCullough ’10 is a consultant, based out of Philadelphia, PA, with expertise in quality management, operational strategy and excellence, organizational change management, and system implementations. She is currently working as a SAP S/4 HANA Training Lead, assisting a global medical device company with a system implementation.

Meghan volunteers with the Girls Who Code non-profit and she is passionate about teaching and promoting STEM to middle school and high school girls. Meghan received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Sollecito ’11 married Warren Pace on September 8, 2018, in Fairfield, PA, close to where they met as undergraduates at Gettysburg College.

Alumnae bridesmaids included Marianne Gorsky ’11, Jacquelyn McClellan ’11, and Gianna Spigonardo ’11. The bride and groom are taking the groom’s late grandmother’s last name, Zorzopian, to honor her memory.

2012 Kristen Bandos ’12 joined the Philadelphia 76ers organization, as a new manager of marketing partnerships.

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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

Alexandria Bruner ’12 recently moved back to the Philadelphia area after working for two years in Boston, MA at Ernst and Young. Beginning her third year with the firm, Alexandria works in the financial services sector providing audit and assurance services to a large, public insurance company in the area.

2014 Marissa Laws ’14 graduated summa cum laude from Lafayette College in May with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience (with honors) and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. While at Lafayette, Marissa had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Germany and a January term in New Zealand, as well as an Alternative School Break service trip to Honduras. She is currently enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience at Georgetown University, pursuing her Doctorate of Philosophy.

Send us your news!

We would love to include your news and accomplishments in the next issue of VISIONS. Visit www.ndapa.org/ submitnotes.

MaryKate Neff ’17, fresh off of her rookie of the year campaign at Princeton University, has led the field hockey team on a spectacular run in her sophomore year. Some of her individual accomplishments include an acrobatic game-winning goal against #4 nationally ranked, Duke, along with earning Ivy League player of the week honors.

MaryKate is a sophomore at Princeton.

New Arrivals Shanna Dunn ’01 and her husband Abe Gleason welcomed their first child, Parker, on April 29, 2018. Parker is the granddaughter of Kathleen Pfister Dunn ’66.

Gwenn Daniels Nolan ’01 and her husband Michael welcomed Matthew on February 28, 2018.

Cassi Ryan Henwood ’01, her husband Alex welcomed Riley Elizabeth on September 27, 2018. Riley is the granddaughter of Carol Zintl Ryan ’68.

Julie Cloetingh Cady ’03, her husband Joshua, and big brothers, Deacon and Graham, welcomed Lyle Andrew Cady on September 19, 2018.

Molly Kelly Joyce ’04 and husband Chris welcomed Eleanor (Ella) Elizabeth Joyce on August 21, 2018.

2017 Kaitlin Daugherty ’17, a decorated crew student-athlete, has served as the coxswain for the Fairmount Rowing Association, recently winning the men’s 60+ Eight event at the Independence Day Regatta in Philadelphia, PA. She has also made her mark at UCLA, where she is one of a select few female athletes who are competing for the men’s rowing program. Kaitlin is a sophomore at UCLA.

Lindsay Gosnell Green ’04 and husband Jordan welcomed Lachlan Joseph Green on October 10, 2018.

Bianca Wilson Tamagnini ’04 and her husband Todd welcomed Elisa Maria Rosa, on August 6, 2018.

In Memoriam Deborah Podson Hodgson ’77 - November 7, 2018 Judith Devereaux Ianieri ’57, sister of Patricia Devereaux McAleer ’66 and grandmother of Kaleigh Ianieri ’20 - October 7, 2018 Diane Lawson Lisi ’63, predeceased by sister Deborah Lawson Antshel ’64 - August 23, 2018 Mark Robert Nicoletti Jr., brother of Megan Nicoletti ’13 - August 1, 2018

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Harriet Finegan, grandmother of Kathleen Finegan-Moser ’02 and Elizabeth Finegan ’05 - September 14, 2018 Suzanne Kennedy, grandmother of Lauren Yeagley ’14 - September 25, 2018 Melvin Boyd, grandfather of Marion Boyd ’17 - October 8, 2018

Joseph Anthony Hayden, father of Mary McConnell ’92, Patrice Meagher ’97, Tara Buchakjian ’01, and Stephanie Hayden ’06 - October 9, 2018 Patricia Joyce Maguire, October 28, 2018 and Joseph Maguire, November 24, 2018, parents of Maeve Maguire ’09 and Bridget Maguire ’11

VISIONS FALL 2018

Academy to Preview 46th Annual

FINE ART SHOW & SALE January 25 - February 3, 2019

The works of nearly 100 artists will be featured at the Academy’s annual Fine Art Show, beginning with a catered preview reception with the artists on Friday, January 25 in the Mansion.

The show will continue from noon to 4:00 pm daily beginning Saturday, January 26 through Sunday, February 3. Denick Herrin P’18’23 is chairing the event.

This year’s featured artist is Delaware resident, Shawn Faust.

Faust is currently recognized as one of the premier equine artists in America. His work hangs in many prestigious corporate and private collections. Recent honors and awards include 2018 and 2015 Official Poster of the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, 2017 and 2015 “Best of Show” at the Devon Horse Show and National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society International On-Line Exhibition.

The Fine Art Show will feature works in a wide variety of mediums, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, ceramics, metals, and glass. To purchase tickets for the preview reception, visit www.ndapa.org/artshow.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR NOTRE DAME Your year-end gift to Notre Dame impacts every aspect of the Notre Dame experience, from recruiting a talented and diverse student body, to supporting professional development for faculty, to providing an innovative, learning environment and world-class curriculum. Give online at www.ndapa.org/makeagift or Venmo us @AcademyofNotreDamedeNamur.

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560 Sproul Road Villanova, PA 19085 610.687.0650

2019 Calendar of Events 46th Annual Fine Art Show & Sale Preview Party with the Artists

Friday, January 25 Art Sale Open to the Public Saturday, January 26 through Sunday, February 3 Noon to 4:00 pm The Mansion

Alumnae Luncheon Saturday, February 2 The Mansion

Experience ND Day Wednesday, March 27 Notre Dame Campus

Reunion Weekend May 3 and May 4 Notre Dame Campus

Eighth Grade Graduation

Follow ND Online

Thursday, May 30 Aimee Willard Gymnasium

NDAVillanova

Class of 2019 Baccalaureate Mass

NDVillanova

Friday, May 31 Aimee Willard Gymnasium

ND1856 ndapa.smugmug.com

Photo by Catherine Speers ’20

Class of 2019 Graduation Saturday, June 1 The Mansion Lawn