VISIONS ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR
FALL 2019
EDUCATING FOR IMPACT Inspiring students to live the prophetic nature of the gospel, with a passion for justice and love for the poor.
ADMINISTRATION
Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. Head of School
Lisa T. Hoban, Ed.D. Acting Associate Head of School and Director of Middle School Kim Burke Director of High School
VISIONS MAGAZINE
Judy Detwiler, Editor Director of Marketing and Communications
CONTRIBUTORS
MISSION STATEMENT
Office of Advancement Jessica H. Turner ’06
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.
issue In this
DESIGN
Tim Conway Conway Design
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kriston Jae Bethel
Maura Wilson Digital Communications Coordinator
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Educating for Impact Connecting Mission to Global Challenges
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Center for Global Leadership Global Learning Experiences
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Rose Garden Restored Space for Reflection and Learning
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Alumnae Making an Impact Non-Profit Ventures Support Communities
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STEM Symposium 2020 ND to Host International Event
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Athletics Fall Sports Updates
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Faculty Insight Mrs. Sue Woehlcke
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Around Notre Dame News and Achievements
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Alumnae Class Notes News and Updates
On the cover: Detail of new stained glass window installation behind the Mansion Chapel altar
A message from the
HEAD OF SCHOOL 2019-2020 represents the final academic year of the Academy’s five-year Strategic Vision, OUR TIME to INSPIRE and Notre Dame has much to celebrate. The 2015-2020 strategic vision of the Academy, solidly grounded in our Mission and the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, has provided both inspiration and energy to Our TIME to INSPIRE and its bold, multi-year initiatives. These include curricular innovations, new technological initiatives and a campus master plan that assures state-of-the-art learning environments within our beautiful 19th century estate campus. Thought Leadership: In six areas, Notre Dame has emerged as a thought leader as a direct result of OUR TIME to INSPIRE. • Notre Dame is now recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative use of technology, one of only 400 schools worldwide with such recognition. • The Center for Global Leadership continues to develop a lively network of high quality, all girls’ schools throughout the world. Recently, we welcomed London’s Notting Hill and Ealing High School as our eighth school partner within an ever widening circle of friendship and commitment to the empowerment of young women on a global basis.
• Arts, Global and STEM Scholars now reflect innovative programs that blend theory and practice with demanding capstone and immersion experiences for our advanced students. 2015-2020 campus improvements represent over $25 million in new or enhanced campus facilities. Many of these facilities enhancements have been made possible through the comprehensive campaign, Our Time to Inspire, and the generous donors who have supported our strategic initiatives. • Construction of state-of-the-art athletic fields • Award winning restoration of the exterior of the Mansion • Riley Center for STEM Education’s TEAL classrooms (technology-enabled active learning environments, first developed at MIT) Foundational Efforts: Included in the 2015-2020 implementation of OUR TIME to INSPIRE are also efforts foundational to a vibrant academic community: curricular mapping, 1:1 MacBook program, new website developments, a five-year financial plan and enhanced security measures throughout campus, to cite a few of the many advances through OUR TIME to INSPIRE. As we start the 2020-2025 cycle of strategic planning, we thank God for so many continued blessings within our Notre Dame community, always grateful for present achievements, as highlighted in this issue of VISIONS, even as we look toward a future of promise and hope. Gratefully, Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D.
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EDUCATING FOR IMPACT
EDUCATING FOR IMPACT
D
uring the 2018-2019 academic year, our community examined what it means to be a global citizen through programs and workshops for students and faculty led by noted author and educational consultant, Ms. Homa Sabet Tavangar. Tavangar is the author of Growing Up Global: Raising Children to Be At Home in the World. Continued discussion on the issues of global citizenship with Tavangar led to the development of the Academy’s school-wide learning initiative for the 2019-2020 academic year: integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout all curricular areas. Seventeen goals form the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2015. These SDGs address the most pressing environmental, economic, health, educational, and social inequalities threatening humankind and our planet. With a commitment to ensuring that “all human beings can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality” and a determination to “foster peaceful, just, and inclusive societies,” the UN Agenda aligns with the principles of Catholic social teaching and Notre Dame’s Mission, which affirms the dignity of the human person and a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. This year, His Holiness Pope Francis underscored this connection at a joint UN/Vatican conference saying, “… after three and a half years since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, we must be even more acutely aware of the importance of accelerating and
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adapting our actions in responding adequately to both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor - they are connected.” At Notre Dame, faculty and students are exploring and reflecting on the SDGs across the full range of academic disciplines. “Integrating the SDGs throughout the curriculum will deepen our students’ sense of global citizenship, empathy, capacity for problem solving, individual agency, and impact potential,” explains Mrs. Nora Moffat, Director of the Academy’s Center for Global Leadership. “Our students can connect the tenets of Catholic social teaching to the challenges of the global community now, in their future studies, and eventually, in their careers. This is the foundation for change. This is what global citizenship means to Notre Dame.” With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, UN Member States vowed to ensure that “no one will be left behind.” Mrs. Pam Devenney’s middle and upper school dance companies interpreted that pledge through choreography that demonstrated how cooperation, at the local or global level, can help move people forward. “We selected the SDG Reduced Inequalities, and during the dance we drop a rope which some can cross and others cannot,” says junior Jaiden Kennedy. The rope represents humankind’s need for connection. Grace Ganley ’22 adds, “Through the dance movements, you see some people get ahead, while others go slower and fall behind.” The dance resolves as everyone connects to the rope. “At the end of the dance the rope disappears, and we are holding hands to support each other,” says Kennedy. The upper school dance company has been selected by audition to perform “No One Left Behind” at the West Chester University Winter Dance Festival in January 2020.
VISIONS FALL 2019
products that do not contribute to global warming. On a larger scale, we can encourage our leaders to take action or to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. This issue needs to be solved soon in order to preserve the earth as we know it.” World Languages classes are addressing Clean Water and Sanitation by integrating an examination of water issues unique to specific countries and languages, including access to fresh water in French-speaking Africa and the importance of bodies of water such as Lake Titicaca in the Spanish-speaking world.
Ms. Julia Tully ’08 and her seventh grade Religion class discussed the SDGs Quality Education and Gender Equality and used board play to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers to education many girls face throughout the world.
Reduced Inequalities was also selected by Notre Dame’s Social Studies and English departments. AP Government students read a personal account of the Flint water crisis, What the Eyes Don’t See, by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. Sophomore Natalie Stuart (above) reflected on the environmental injustice of the crisis, saying, “Flint residents suffer from ‘community-wide PTSD’ because they know that their environment will always be affected by circumstances outside of their control, be they chemicals in the water or racial disparities. Toxic stressors like poverty and inequality can seriously damage a child’s development, and the community of Flint is forced to deal with these adverse circumstances every day of their lives.” Science classes are examining the SDG Climate Action. Students in Mrs. Karen Pauciello’s Environmental Science class studied the damage to the ozone layer due to CFC’s and the negative impact of UV radiation on health. Students tested various sunscreen lotions and fabrics to assess exposure of UV-A and UV-B radiation to skin. Mrs. Kate McTiernan’s eighth grade Physical Science class prepared opinion pieces following a class reading on the issues of global warming and climate change. Alessandra Cherian ’24 wrote, “I believe that climate change/global warming is a serious, yet solvable crisis. On a smaller scale, we can be smart consumers and buy from/support organic and eco-friendly brands and
Upper school English classes are ensuring diversity in the literary canon by including more authors of color from a variety of cultural backgrounds and adding supplemental essays, short fiction, and articles to give voice to the value of inclusion. Ms. Marielle Alexander teaches College Prep and Honors British Literature. “We read many older texts written from a male perspective and often have Socratic Seminars in which we discuss authorial cultural identifiers as well as our own status as readers,” explains Alexander. “How does that influence our understanding/ interpretation of a given text? The discussions allow students to identify inequalities that authors present in their text and to challenge them from an educated perspective.”
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EDUCATING FOR IMPACT
ALUMNAE
MAKING Integration of the UN 2030 Agenda will continue throughout the academic year and beyond. Upper school students in Mr. Tyler Gaspich’s Design Thinking class recently paired with students at The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, New York City, to collaborate on impact-oriented projects related to the SDGs, including No Poverty and Gender Equality. The Mathematics department is using data and analytics in their examination of the goal Good Health and Well Being. Juniors in the College Counseling program are assessing the environmental initiatives of colleges and universities for the SDG Sustainable Cities and Communities. “In 2030, our sixth-grade students will graduate from college,” says Director of the Center for Global Leadership, Ms. Nora Moffat. “By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals throughout our curriculum now, all of our current students will have the SDGs as motivation during their most formative educational years and will be well-prepared to bring about the transformation our planet needs.” To learn more about the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, visit www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org.
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… the injustice that brings tears to our world and to its poor is not invincible. ~ Pope Francis March 8, 2019 Address - International Conference on Religions and the Sustainable Development Goals
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Nora Burkey ’06
“When I graduated from The New Founder and School in New Executive Director York City with The Chain Collaborative my Bachelor’s degree, I traveled to Cambodia to volunteer to teach English,” recalls alumna Nora Burkey '06 (top left). “I had always wanted to work internationally, and this was my first foray into this work. After teaching in Cambodia, I taught in South Korea, but realized my passion wasn’t with teaching, but with international development. I received my Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute. For my research, I went to Nicaragua to evaluate the impact of a micro-finance project that targeted women coffee farmers. It was the perfect match - I had worked in a coffee shop throughout college and became enamored with the drink and I was very interested in worldwide initiatives focused on women’s empowerment. After spending six months in Nicaragua, I realized that I wanted to work on projects that improved the livelihoods of smallholder coffee farmers. I thought it would take a long
VISIONS FALL 2019
AN IMPACT time to land my dream job, so instead of moving up the ladder, I just created the job I wanted, and started my own non-profit organization. The mission of The Chain Collaborative is to invest in the capacity of Change Leaders in coffee-growing regions and accompany them as they drive grassroots, sustainable development in their communities, according to their own visions for change. For us, Change Leaders are people or groups of people who make up the leadership of a community-based organization. At present, The Chain Collaborative works in East Africa and throughout Latin America. One of the biggest problems in development work is the assumption that because “we” don’t have the same problems where we’re from, we somehow have the answers. At The Chain Collaborative, we completely reject that notion, and believe that the communities we serve are the experts on what will support them to reach a thriving future. For that reason, we don’t talk about building capacity in developing countries. We talk about how we merely invest in their local peoples’ existing capacities for change. We don’t say we help our partners. We say we accompany them in reaching the solutions they’ve already designed for themselves. To me, this is the core of environmental, social, and economic justice. We invest in the projects that our partners design, whether they are projects to increase access to education or climate change. We can’t claim to be promoting justice if we maintain the status quo and don’t shift the power to developing communities to self-define their own futures, and their own meaning of development in their communities.
At Notre Dame, my teachers were passionate about their subjects and about thinking outside the box. You need to think outside the box to work with other cultures and work internationally. Coming from public school to Notre Dame, I had to learn to fit in to a culture of wealth that was not my own. My ND experience made it more comfortable for me to experience other cultures and countries in my adult life. I also believe that with great wealth, we have a responsibility to take care of others. The work we do at The Chain Collaborative is important to me because the way the world has to date interacted with developing communities has not been effective. By assuming we have the answers for others, and most notably for people in poverty, we have created more marginalization and more poverty. It is important that we shift the power imbalance and recognize that we don’t have the answers for a community in Uganda, for example. Their own community members do. That’s the most rewarding aspect of my work.” To learn more about work of The Chain Collaborative, visit thechaincollaborative.org.
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We don’t say we help our partners. We say we accompany them in reaching the solutions they’ve already designed for themselves.
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ALUMNAE MAKING AN IMPACT
Christine DiBona Lobley ’09 Executive Director Fred’s Footsteps
“My career journey has been anything but typical,” says Christine DiBona Lobley ’09 (far right). “After an incredible four years at Notre Dame, I went to Lehigh University to study Industrial Engineering. I graduated from Lehigh and took a job at SEI Investments. Life seemed to be going exactly as I planned. Then, after an 18-month battle with kidney cancer, my dad, Fred DiBona, passed away at the age of 53. I was just 23 years old, and my world was shattered. A close family friend discussed the idea of starting a non-profit organization in my father’s memory. The most important thing we remembered about him was the thing we knew we could keep alive - his passion for helping those in need at a critical point in their life. I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my position at SEI to become the Executive Director of Fred’s Footsteps. I did not have any experience with non-profit work, but I had a passion for the mission and a hunger to learn as much as I could through our network of supporters. There was a lot of failure in the beginning, but I always kept my eyes towards the future with the goal of realizing the impact that was possible through the collective efforts of the community. At Fred’s Footsteps, we believe that a child’s health should be a parents’ only worry. Fred’s Footsteps provides financial relief to hardworking families in the Philadelphia region who find themselves in a crisis due to the costs associated with caring for a seriously ill, injured, or disabled child. We help working families stay on their feet through a child’s illness or injury. We provide direct financial assistance for non-medical expenses, such as household bills, to make up for gaps in income as well as one-time extraordinary expenses, like medical equipment or home modifications. Fred’s Footsteps is the only program in the region that provides this type of bridge—not just momentary help—to families during their time of need. In honor of our tenth anniversary in 2015, we launched a fellowship program which welcomes some of the region’s most exemplary young leaders for a year-and-a-half program focusing on servant leadership. Notre Dame had an incredible impact on how I view myself as a part of a greater community. As a student at Notre Dame,
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we learned that committing ourselves in service to others should be ingrained in each and every aspect of our lives. Everyone I interacted with at school taught me that I should approach each aspect of my career and personal life with one question in mind: How can I help? They showed this to me not just through their words, but through their actions. I feel so blessed to be one of the lucky ones who was taught by Sister Nancy. She taught me that life isn’t always fair, but it can always be beautiful - if we look for the beauty around us. I love what I do and feel it is a privilege to do this type of work. We are seeing people at some of the most difficult and vulnerable times of their lives. I often think of the Maya Angelou quote “People won’t remember what you said or what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel”. The interaction we have with the people we work with can have a profound impact in their lives. The financial support we give them is crucial; but the empathy and compassion can help show them that there are good people in the world who care about what they are going through.” To learn more about Fred’s Footsteps, visit fredsfootsteps.org.
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I feel the most fulfilled when a family tells us that we helped them realize that no matter how difficult things get, they are not alone.
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Dr. Trish Henwood ’98 President & Co-Founder
Point-of-care Ultrasound in Resource-limited Environments (PURE)
“My career journey in medicine has been a winding one, but always one drawn to providing emergency care and supporting work in settings with limited resources. I pursued residency training in emergency medicine at Harvard specifically because of their international EM strength and initially anticipated a primary focus in disaster and humanitarian work. During my experience working in a field hospital in post-earthquake Haiti in 2010, I found portable ultrasound to be a transformative technology for patient care in a setting with almost no diagnostic resources. That experience ultimately led to my co-founding of Point-of-care Ultrasound in Resource-limited Environments (PURE) in 2011. PURE initially focused on work in Rwanda and then expanded training efforts to sites in Uganda and Tanzania. At the same time, I went back to work in the humanitarian sphere during the Ebola epidemic in Liberia in 2014 and 2015. Harnessing the power of handheld ultrasound technology again had a significant impact revealing previously unseen pathology in my patients suffering from Ebola virus disease. Thereafter, the PURE team helped initiate an ultrasound training program at Liberia’s national referral hospital in the post-Ebola health system reactivation phase. I’ve continued to focus my career on ultrasound training efforts but also researching novel ultrasound applications in infectious disease. I’m currently working on research projects evaluating ultrasound use for tuberculosis diagnosis in Rwanda and South Africa. PURE is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing ultrasound education, research, and use in the developing world. We work in concert with ministries of health and local leaders in education to develop tailored plans to train physicians and other healthcare practitioners to use ultrasound at the bedside in caring for their patients, as well as help them develop the tools to sustainably transfer ultrasound skills to other healthcare practitioners in their setting.
Over the past eight years, PURE has led ultrasound training efforts for hundreds of clinicians across the globe and successfully trained trainers in the countries where we primarily focus to sustainably increase local capacity. Our current tele-ultrasound training effort with emergency medicine physicians in Rwanda and Uganda harnesses this capacity by having prior PURE trainees who are now local trainers provide in-person training for their colleagues, with remote tele-ultrasound support from PURE trainers located around the world. Improved access to quality healthcare has a series of positive downstream consequences. This is not only for disease management but in promoting and maintaining health, preventing disability, reducing subsequent poverty from healthcare costs and inability to work, and ultimately prevention of premature death.” The focus on volunteerism and service at Notre Dame was foundational. PURE is an entirely volunteer organization that relies on individual donors and foundational funding to sustain our efforts. The reward of seeing tangible skill transfer and increased clinical capacity from our time investment seems to itself compensate the effort. Many of the exposures I had working with underserved communities during my time at Notre Dame contributed to my overall career path. I think it was a combination of so many educators throughout my seven years at Notre Dame instilling a sense that I could do anything to which I put my mind. Sister Nancy had a big influence on me. Her expectations of me definitely brought up my game then, and onward, in my career and in life. I let her know of the scope of that impact in recent years, and while I miss her, I’m so grateful I had that opportunity. To learn more about PURE, please visit pureultrasound.org.
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Many of the exposures I had working with underserved communities during my time at Notre Dame contributed to my overall career path. 7
FACULTY INSIGHT
FACULTY INSIGHT By Jessica H. Turner ’06 Mrs. Sue Woehlcke started teaching Catholic Morality when she first joined Notre Dame over thirty years ago. Since then, she has taught many other courses, but recently she has returned to her roots in morality and social justice. “It was wonderful growing up in the sixties,” she says. “It was a time all about social justice and that has always been a passion of mine.” Woehlcke grew up in the Juniata Park neighborhood of Philadelphia. Today, she returns to her old neighborhood and parish with Notre Dame students for service trips. They visit Holy Innocents, St. Lucy Day School for the Visually Impaired, and St. Joan of Arc. “When I was growing up, Holy Innocents was not a recipient of the kind of outreach we do now with the girls. We went to other parishes in West and South Philly, but now Juniata is very much on the receiving end.” For her students, trips like these are a crucial part of the Catholic and Notre Dame experiences. The Church teaches solidarity and respect for the dignity of all people, and the Sisters of Notre Dame are committed to service as well as educating and acting for justice and peace. The location and recipients of these services may change, but many issues facing the vulnerable have not. “Poverty has always been with us, and some of the problems are different today; access to technology wasn’t something we talked about in the sixties. Food insecurity and sustainable farming weren’t things that we talked about, either, but they were definitely still part of the problem.” Woehlcke reflects on the changes in regions of service: “Gentrification is also an issue that amazes me. We see
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VISIONS FALL 2019
impoverished neighborhoods being built up, and the sad reality is that a lot of those homes are overpriced for the financially disadvantaged, but they still need access to the jobs that are downtown. They’re being pushed out from the central areas of the city, and transportation becomes a real problem. One of my heroes is Sister Mary Scullion. She addresses gentrification by making sure that affordable housing is available, even in areas where real estate and rents have been driven up by a newly affluent population." These topics, among many others, are ones that eleventh grade Catholic Morality students research in the winter. They look for articles on current issues, examine what the Church teaches about them, and study statements by Pope Francis on the matter. “Pope Francis is very involved in social justice issues and brings important topics like immigration to the forefront consistently.” The list of social justice issues has grown over the last several years, and the students often come in with their own ideas. Now, subjects like mental illness and ethical fashion have been added to the ever-expanding list. Once the students narrow their focus on a specific social justice topic, they connect it with one of the United Nations specific Sustainable Development Goals. They look at issues from a local impact level and expand them to a global scale. Woehlcke cites an example: “When it comes to digital divide, students often talk about schools in our own neighborhood that don’t have access to computers, but it’s also a global problem that needs to be addressed.” She is constantly impressed by her students’ passion for and sensitivity to different social justice issues. Each year, the students educate each other inside and outside the classroom on these problems and discuss what they can do to make an impact. No wonder Woehlcke’s favorite thing about being part of the Notre Dame community is the people, from colleagues she has worked with for many years to new students each year. “I love the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Saint Julie’s motto “God is Good!” and the very positive approach to education that is her legacy. I love the honor code. I was shocked when I first started teaching here, but I quickly understood that we are teaching our students not to be honorable just because they are being watched; we are teaching them simply to be honorable.”
was wonderful growing up in the “ Itsixties. It was a time all about social justice and that has always been a passion of mine. ~ Sue Woehlcke
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CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
News from the
Academy Hosts Leadership Workshop In November, Notre Dame’s Center for Global Leadership welcomed four student leaders and two faculty from our Canadian sister school, The Study, for a four-day leadership program for upper school students. Four Notre Dame students also participated in the “Connecting Global Leaders” workshop, which focused on how student leadership in each school can address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The workshop began on a Friday with introductory activities and a viewing of “Freedom Rising” at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The group then headed to the Comcast Technology Center, where they were given a tour focused on sustainability, design, and innovation, which was arranged by Notre Dame alumna and Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Comcast Corporation, D’Arcy Foster Rudnay ’73 P’03’05. The leadership program continued on Saturday with a service project at St. Edmund’s Home for Children, where students learned how the resident children are cared for, educated, and provided with opportunities for growth. The students connected with the children through arts and crafts and forms of therapeutic play. On Monday, the group participated in leadership activities led by Beatrice Bousser, the leadership teacher from The Study. Students discussed the responsibilities of student leadership at their respective schools and explored ways school-wide events and programs, including their weekend experiences can be connected to the UN Global Goals.
Global Partnerships Expand to UK The Academy is pleased to welcome Notting Hill and Ealing High School to our international learning community and the Center for Global Leadership. The school, located in Ealing, London, England, offers an independent education for girls ages 4 to 18. “Notting Hill and Ealing High School was founded in 1873, as one of the first schools in the Girls’ Day School Trust, to provide girls with an academic and extra-curricular education which gives every student the chance to achieve her best and fulfill her ambitions,” says Headmaster Matthew Shoults (above). “On meeting Dr. Dwyer last year, I was struck by the values we shared with the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, in inspiring young women.” “We are delighted to be joining the Center for Global Leadership. There has never been a more important time to teach our girls to be outwardlooking, to learn the benefits of international collaboration, and to develop the skills of leadership to shape the world for the better. Our students and staff are excited to be attending the 2020 International Sisters in STEM Symposium at Notre Dame this summer, and to meet others with a passion for science from around the world.” Eight schools now form an international learning partnership with Notre Dame.
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Summer Exchanges Expand Students’ World View Sophomore Catherine Chapman (shown top right) was one of nine students selected to participate in an academic exchange with the Academy's sister schools in Japan and Singapore this summer. The 15-day trip included family homestays and tours of Hiroshima and classroom experiences with students from the Academy’s sister school, Notre Dame Seishin High School. Students traveled to Singapore to tour and participate in collaborative learning activities with students from the Academy’s sister school, Saint Nicholas Girls’ School. “The homestay experience in Hiroshima was by far one of my favorite parts of the trip,” says Chapman. Being completely submersed in the culture and living as part of a Japanese family was an experience I could not have found anywhere else. I learned that in order to get the most out of any experience, you have to be ready to dive head first into any new situation. It is so important to ask questions, engage in conversation (although it might be hard with the language barrier) and seize each opportunity.” A second delegation of six Notre Dame students traveled to Argentina from June 17-29 to visit one of the Academy’s newest sister schools, Michael Ham Memorial College, in Buenos Aires. The students stayed with host families who introduced them to Argentine culture, academics, and family life. After saying goodbye to their host families, the Notre Dame group traveled to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls. Grace Rivers, one of Notre Dame’s first cohort of Global Scholars to graduate in 2020, reflected on her experience. “The most important thing you can learn from these experiences is how rewarding it is to be yourself while delving into another culture. When I was asked to play soccer, kick a shot on net, or dance and play limbo, I could so easily Students from left to right: Cecilia Quirk ’20, Grace Quirk ’21, Isabel Smith ’22, have said no for fear of embarrassing myself. Grace Rivers ’20, Clare Rivers ’22, Bryn O’Hara ’21 However, when I said yes to taking a shot on net in soccer and it went in, the girls were screaming my name and jumping around with excitement. When I said yes to dancing and playing limbo, they were so quick to play us their favorite Spanish songs and teach us about their culture. What if I had said no? These academic exchanges are so rewarding because you gain the confidence to let go of the what-ifs and truly have the most amazing time just being yourself.”
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INTERNATIONAL SISTERS IN STEM SYMPOSIUM 2020
not only for our students and faculty, but also for regional, national, and international gatherings, such as our International Sisters in STEM Symposium,” said Notre Dame’s Head of School, Dr. Judith Dwyer. During the week, multinational teams of eight students will work on one of four tracks: design thinking and entrepreneurship, environmental science, robotics and coding, and the medical sciences. A special track for faculty will run parallel to the student teams and will address 21st century teaching opportunities and challenges.
Former NASA astronaut Dr. Mae C. Jemison will offer a closing address to Symposium participants on July 24, 2020. More information will be available at ndapa.org in the spring of 2020.
NOTRE DAME PREPARES FOR
GROUNDBREAKING STEM SYMPOSIUM Planning continues for Notre Dame’s International Sisters in STEM Symposium 2020: Enhancing Environments, which the Academy will host from July 19 through 24, 2020. Students from seven of Notre Dame’s network of sister schools will gather on campus to work on STEM-related projects within the Riley Center for STEM Education. Faculty from Notre Dame and our partner schools will also gather for professional development opportunities concerning “best practice” within global education and STEM-related fields. “We now have a state-of-the-art STEM education facility that will serve as a dynamic learning hub for innovation and collaboration,
Guest speaker Lama Nachman will offer an opening address, “Amplifying Human Potential with Technology” to Symposium participants. Nachman is an Intel fellow and Director of Anticipatory Computing Lab in Intel Labs. Her research is focused on creating contextually aware experiences that understand users through sensing and sense making, anticipate their needs and act on their behalf. One of the most notable achievements of Nachman’s career is an Intel collaboration with Professor Stephen Hawking to develop a new software platform and sensing system to help Hawking communicate. Nachman received her M.S. and B.S. in computer engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Highlighting the Symposium will be an address by NASA astronaut and first woman of color to travel into space, Dr. Mae C. Jemison. While aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS-47 Spacelab J mission in September 1992, Dr. Jemison performed experiments in material science, life sciences, and human adaptation to weightlessness. Before joining NASA, she was the Area Peace Corps Medical Officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia and a general practice physician in Los Angeles. Among her many current initiatives, Dr. Jemison leads 100 Year Starship (100YSS), a bold, far reaching non-profit initiative to assure the capabilities exist for human travel beyond our solar system to another star within the next 100 years. Dr. Jemison will offer the Symposium’s closing address on Friday, July 24. The Academy gratefully acknowledges The Edward E. Ford Foundation for their $50,000 matching grant in support of the International Sisters in STEM Symposium and thank Steven and Francesca Molinari P’19 for their generous matching gift. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the Symposium, please contact Mrs. Maria Gunn, Director of Advancement, mgunn@ndapa.org.
International Sisters in STEM Symposium 2020 Participants • Argentina - Michael Ham Memorial College • Canada - The Study • China - Zhuhai Girls’ School • England - Notting Hill and Ealing High School
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• Japan - Notre Dame Seishin Junior and Senior High School • Peru - San Silvestre School • Taiwan - Sacred Heart School for Girls • United States - Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
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AROUND
NOTRE DAME Mr. Andrew Forman Named “Top Teacher” Associate Head of School Appointed Dr. Liz Willis has been appointed Associate Head of School, effective July 1, 2020. She currently serves as the Secondary School Academic Dean at Oakwood School, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Willis brings both stellar academic credentials and sustained independent school experience to the position of Associate Head of School.
Mathematics teacher Mr. Andrew Foreman was recognized as one of the area’s “Top Teachers” in the September issue of Main Line Today. Fifteen educators from the Main Line and Western Suburbs were recognized by the publication for demonstrated excellence in their field and commitment to serving their community. Mr. Foreman cocreated the Academy’s Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship class, where students create businesses and present them Shark Tank-style to administrators. His recognition is a tribute to Notre Dame’s commitment to innovative teaching and service.
ND Community Walks for Water Equity New Middle School Advisory Connects Students and Mentors
Members of the Notre Dame community gathered on Saturday, September 28 to "Walk for Water." The annual event raises awareness of the millions of women and children who must walk daily for water. The Campus Ministry event raises 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.
The Academy’s curriculum for middle school has been enhanced this year with the addition of a teacher-led Advisory period once per cycle. Small groups of students meet with an advisor who guides them in areas such as community building, stress management, goal setting, and global citizenship.
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AROUND NOTRE DAME
Ceremony Recognizes Academic Achievement On November 5, 49 upper and 56 middle school students were inducted as the newest members of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society. This is the first year that academic recognition has been extended to middle school students. Students pledged to “… maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.”
Senior Chosen as Diocesan Scholar Sofia Quagliariello ’20 has been selected as a Diocesan Scholar for 2019-2020. The program, sponsored by the Office of Catholic Education and local Catholic colleges and universities, honors students who excel academically and who would benefit from beginning college work during their senior year. Sofia is taking Introduction to Sociology and Introductory Italian I at Villanova University this semester.
Students Attend Penn Engineer Shadow Day
Annual Social Welcomes Parents More than 300 parents enjoyed a beautiful September evening on the Mansion terrace for the Academy’s annual Welcome Back Parents’ Social. The event is hosted by Notre Dame’s Parents’ Association.
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Juniors Stefanie Bonini and Kyrah Potter attended the University of Pennsylvania Society of Engineers High School Shadow Day in November. The event is designed to “expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion.”
VISIONS FALL 2019
Religion Classes Research and Select Outreach
Through a new service curriculum implemented by the Religion department and Campus Ministry, students in all Religion classes are researching, selecting, and participating in outreach projects. For example, after discussing service, charity, and social justice, students in Mr. DeCusatis’ first period class chose to assist the Friends Association, which helps homeless or near homeless families stabilize their lives and find or maintain permanent housing. ND students packaged family toiletry bags, spread grass seed, organized a library, and learned more about poverty and homelessness in Chester County.
Fundraiser Supports Breast Cancer Awareness ND students and faculty sported their best pink and denim to show support for Denim Day, an annual schoolwide event in support of breastcancer.org, an important resource for patients, survivors, and families affected by breast cancer. The day is hosted by Student Council, and with donations from the ND community, raised an impressive $2,500.
Notre Dame Marks 30 Years of Service to Women of Hope Since 1989, Notre Dame has been faithfully serving the Women of Hope Ministry as part of the school’s social service program. Each month, students prepare side dishes for a facultyprovided main course, then serve dinner to, and enjoy conversation with, the women who live at the residence, which is run by the Sisters of Mercy.
Middle School Supports Recycling Efforts Middle school students are participating in a school-wide initiative to recycle used markers. ND is partnering with Villanova for The ColorCycle Champion program, which sends out-of-ink markers to Crayola for recycling.
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AROUND NOTRE DAME
Upper School Presents Mamma Mia! The fun and frothy music of ABBA set the backdrop for the tale of a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father in this popular musical. A cast of 41 and 11 stage crew participated in the three-night, sold-out production.
National Merit Scholarship Students Selected Over 1.5 million juniors in nearly 21,000 high schools entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQTÂŽ). The Academy recognizes National Merit Semifinalists Sarah Daoud, CeCe Quirk, and Gwen Pohlmann (top left) and Commended Students Margaret Arfaa, Emmeline Lignowski, and Vivienne Trumpbour (bottom left) for their exceptional academic promise.
Fathers and Daughters Gather for Prayer Fathers or special family members had the opportunity to spend time in prayer and worship with their daughters at the annual October communion and breakfast held at the Springfield Country Club.
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VISIONS FALL 2019
Ceremonies Recognize Leadership On September 25, the ND community gathered to install and ask God’s guidance on the members and leaders of Campus Ministry and Student Council for the 2019-2020 school year. Sixty students were installed into Student Council and 74 students joined Campus Ministry.
Author Inspires Middle School Entrepreneurs Author Diana Kapp spoke with middle school students about her new book, Women Who Run the World: 31 CEOs Who Mean Business. The book profiles women who are breaking barriers by founding and running their own companies. Kapp invited a CEO profiled in her book, Hannah Lavon, to explain how she created her successful company, Pals Socks, which sells deliberately mismatched socks to promote a message of inclusivity and acceptance.
Red Class Takes Spirit Day Trophy The senior class took bragging rights with their Spirit Day skit win on October 25. Students in every grade wore their class colors and participated in activities throughout the day, before cheering on the upper school and their creative skits.
Model UN Continues to Expand Notre Dame’s Model UN club continues to grow, with 70 students participating since the club’s inception two years ago. ND students participated in a November Model UN conference at St. Andrew’s School in Middleton, Delaware. Students debated a range of topics, including arms trade and religious violence. In February 2020, five ND seniors will travel to the Czech Republic for the annual PragueMUN conference, based at the University of Economics, Prague.
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ROSE GARDEN RESTORED
ROSE GARDEN RESTORED Offers Space for Reflection and Collaboration
A gentle cascade of water moves over the stone wall surrounding the statue of the Blessed Mother while students quietly pray the Rosary. Friends, sitting on wide stone benches, work intently with laptops open. Faculty and students gather to learn and collaborate beyond the confines of their classroom. This restful, natural space forms Notre Dame’s fully restored and renamed Sister Corinne Ritchie Rose Garden, offered as a memorial gift by Pat and Diane Croce P’97 GP’24. The Rose Garden is an integral part of the Academy’s Riley Center for STEM Education which opened in April 2019, and offers a protected learning environment with amphitheater seating, a restored statue of Saint Mary, and a landscaped grotto fountain. “The Rose Garden is deeply ingrained in the hearts and memories of our alumnae,” said Dr. Judith Dwyer, Notre Dame’s Head of School. “We have taken great care to ensure that this very special place has not only been preserved, but enhanced, for the generations of students who will find inspiration in this tranquil space.”
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The Academy gratefully acknowledges additional support from the William B. Dietrich Foundation for the restoration project and the gift of two benches, offered in memory of Winnie Buono Atterbury ’59 P’87’89 and in thanksgiving by the Class of 2019. The Rose Garden was the setting for an October 29 recognition ceremony for Eva Kraus ’20 who was a recipient of the Widener University and NBC10 High School Leadership Award. Eva was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to Notre Dame’s FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics team, the Sparks. Through this program, she has encouraged other young female students to explore and become involved in robotics and the STEM fields.
VISIONS FALL 2019
Fall Classic Adds Tennis
Blue skies and sunshine greeted all those who participated in Notre Dame’s 2019 Golf and Tennis Classic on Tuesday, September 24. The day started at Overbrook Golf Club with the Academy’s new addition to the Classic - the Tennis Outing. Twenty-four players took to the courts to participate in clinics, tennis, trivia, and more for a festive start to the event! Applebrook Golf Club was the setting for the afternoon and evening activities. Eighty golfers competed for prizes and the most fun on the links. As the sun began to set, all participants gathered on the Applebrook Terrace for a sumptuous dinner, live music, and auction. Special thanks go out to Golf Classic Chairs: Zach and Mary DeCarlo P’20 and Dave and Michelle Frank P’22 (shown with the Academy’s Head of School, Dr. Judith A. Dwyer), Alumnae Chair, Ashley Maze ’01, and Tennis Classic Chair, Patrice Gallary P’21. We are grateful to our event chairs and their hardworking committees. This day of our community-building would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors - thank you!
Save the date for our 2020 Classic - September 22, 2020.
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ATHLETICS AT ND
ATHLETICS at Notre Dame STUDENTS MAKE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS On November 14, seventeen senior student athletes celebrated their commitment to continue playing their sport at the collegiate level. Volleyball Madeline Donaphon (Northeastern University), Riley Shaak (NC State University); Basketball Allie Lynch (The University of Scranton); Field Hockey Emily Graeff (University of Virginia), Mia Leonhardt (University of North Carolina), Megan Mitchell (Villanova University), Vivienne Trumpbour (Georgetown University); Lacrosse Grace Bleckley (Drexel University), Mikayla Dever (Rutgers University), Riley Gillin (University of Delaware), Georgie Gorelick (Johns Hopkins University), Whitney MacMillan (Rollins College), Morgan O'Brien (Davidson College); Softball Caroline Adams (Catholic University), Grace Jackson (Princeton University); Swimming Madison Kolessar (University of Florida), Kayleigh Olszewski (The University of Scranton). Congratulations!
RILEY SHAAK RECOGNIZED FOR VOLLEYBALL In November, The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced that Riley Shaak, senior co-captain of Notre Dame's volleyball team, was selected as one of the top 150 girls' high school volleyball players in the country. Shaak was named an Honorable Mention All-American to the Under Armour Girls High School All-America Teams. Shaak scored her one thousandth kill of her high school career this season, led Notre Dame's volleyball team to four consecutive PA Independent Schools Association (PAISAA) state championships and Inter-Ac League titles during her Notre Dame career.
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MAGNIFICENT SEVEN FOR THE VOLLEYBALL TEAM The high school varsity volleyball team celebrated their seventh consecutive PAISSA Championship with their win over Germantown Academy, 3-0, on November 1. The game was close, with each set finishing 25-23 in favor of Notre Dame. The victory completed another successful season for the team, and with a record of 19-3 overall, the Irish shared first place in the Inter-Ac League with Germantown Academy, with a 7-1 record. Congratulations to all the volleyball players who contributed to this extraordinary achievement.
MADELINE DONAPHON NAMED HALL OF FAME WINTER SCHOLAR ATHLETE Senior Madeline Donaphon was recognized as a Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Delaware County Chapter Fall Scholar Athlete following her successful volleyball season. The award is given to senior athletes who excel in their athletics, academics, and extracurricular and community service activities. Donaphon received her award at the luncheon in December. She will be attending Northeastern University where she will be continuing her volleyball career.
SENIORS CHOSEN FOR ALL-STAR GAME Meghan Mitchell, Emily Graeff, Vivienne Trumpbour, and Mia Leonhardt (l to r) ,represented Notre Dame’s field hockey team in the annual Senior All-Star game on November 17 at Bryn Mawr College. Coach Adele Williams represented Notre Dame as a team coach.
VISIONS FALL 2019
UPPER SCHOOL SPORTS FALL REVIEW With a great attitude and never-give-up mentality, the upper school soccer team made great strides this season. Highlighting the season was a 1-0 Inter-Ac league win against Agnes Irwin. Although the team is losing some senior leadership, three freshmen who played a large part in the varsity program this fall, along with rest of the returning players, will continue to move this program in the right direction under the guidance of Coach Wilman and Coach Bradley. Upper school tennis showed evidence early on that ND’s players were hungry and motivated to compete and improve. Nine senior players will graduate this spring and will be sorely missed for their strong leadership and organization skills. The team fought hard against very good competition and we are proud of their effort this season.
and four PAISAA Championships wins. Congratulations to Coach Williams on this amazing achievement. The Notre Dame Cross Country team wrapped up a great season in late October. The team finished the regular season with an impressive 5-1 record and competed exceptionally well in several large meets, finishing third at the Delaware County Championships and fourth at the PAISAA Championship. The team had a fantastic showing at the Inter-Ac Championship where the junior varsity team won their race and the varsity team finished in second place, behind a very strong Penn Charter team.
Notre Dame’s upper school field hockey team had an incredibly tough schedule and matched up against some of the best field hockey programs in the area and the country. The team ended up with a 16-6-1 record, which gave Coach Williams her 300th career win, with a victory over Springside Chestnut Hill on October 28. In her 18 year career as Notre Dame head varsity coach, Coach Williams has an impressive 301-6216, putting her at an incredible 80% win ratio. In those 18 seasons, Coach Williams achieved 11 Inter-AC Championship titles
FALL MAIN LINE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Riley Shaak
Volleyball
FALL INTER-AC ALL LEAGUE HONORS VOLLEYBALL First Team Riley Shaak (League MVP) Madeline Donaphon Christine Covello Second Team Sara McDougall FIELD HOCKEY First Team Meghan Mitchell Mia Leonhardt Vivienne Trumpbour Emily Graeff Paige Kieft Second Team Brianna Odgers CROSS COUNTRY First Team Therese Trainer Lindsey Smith Cara Stevenson SOCCER Second Team Isabella Casale TENNIS Second Team Grace Rivers
MIDDLE SCHOOL ROUNDUP field hockey team made it to the Catholic Academy League semifinals where they lost 1-0 in a close game against Norwood Fontbonne Academy.
The middle school fall sports season came to a close this October with a lot of success and fun across the board.
Middle school varsity soccer completed a competitive schedule with a 2-6 record, but celebrated impressive wins over Barrack Hebrew Academy and Villa Maria Academy. They are looking forward to returning sixth and seventh graders to grow the program next year.
The middle school junior varsity field hockey team finished the season with an 8-2 record, ending with an impressive 3-1 win over Penn Charter. The middle school varsity
Middle school tennis had a new home court this season at Overbrook Golf Club. With eight eighth graders leading the team this year, they will play at the upper school level
next season. The middle school volleyball program continues to remain strong with fifteen players comprising of a varsity and junior varsity team. The sixth and seventh graders look to continue their winning streak next season as the junior varsity team won all but one match!
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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES
Alumnae CLASS NOTES 1947
1980
1997
Lois Stodder Flatley ’47 is celebrating her 90th birthday. She has 10 children, 24 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Teresa Mendoza ’80 is a managing Partner in Client Services at Mendoza Media LLC. She oversees client services, business development and marketing initiatives for this award-winning boutique video communications firm, serving small to mid-sized businesses, large corporate clients, advertising, digital, and marketing agencies, web design firms and nonprofit organizations.
Daniella Gardner Hopkins ’97 owns a photography business called Daniella Bella Photography. She lives in West Chester with her husband and three daughters.
1955 Marianne McGarvey McBrearty ’55 has twenty grandchildren and another one on the way.
1969 Lorraine Iacovitti ’69 earned her Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Behavior from Cornell University Medical College in New York City and completed her postdoctoral training at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She is currently a professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of the Jefferson Stem Cell and Regenerative Neuroscience Center. She is also a research director for the Jefferson Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center. In 2007, she was honored with the Tilker Foundation’s inaugural Outstanding Investigator Award in Stem Cell Research and in 2017 she received Jefferson’s Research Career Achievement Award.
1976 Jeanne Laskas ’76 is the author of eight books, including To Obama: With Love, Joy, Anger, and Hope, and New York Times bestseller Concussion, the basis for the 2015 Golden Globe-nominated film. She is a contributing writer at The New York Times Magazine, a correspondent at GQ, and a two-time National Magazine Award finalist in Feature Writing. She serves as a Distinguished Professor of English and Founding Director of the Center for Creativity at the University of Pittsburgh and lives on a horse farm with her husband and two daughters.
1982 Karen Loftus ’82 has had an eclectic career in media, entertainment, and travel. She launched the Women’s Adventure Travel Company, an all-women’s empowerment and travel experience. She was the keynote speaker for a women’s entrepreneur conference at West Chester University in October. Laura Walsh Forrest ’82 is a Pediatric nurse practitioner at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and a clinical associate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
1983 Karen Kelly ’83 graduated from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in 1991. She is a board-certified, primary care pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience in private practice. She is a fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics, and board member of Heal Autism Now Delaware (HAND).
1984 Beth Naughton-Beck ’84 has been a civil trial attorney for 27 years and a twenty-fiveyear member of the Delaware County Bar Association where she serves on the Women in the Law Committee and Voluntary Mediation Settlement Program.
1991 Dr. Cerise Knowles James ’91 recently joined Ferring Pharmaceuticals as Manager, Medical Value Liaison.
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Erica Wilson ’97 founded Murray Stone and Wilson, a law firm with her two partners in February 2019. The firm will represent individuals who have suffered harm and malpractice from hospitals, nursing facilities and major corporations.
2001 Maya Noronha ’01 works in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services as a health care lawyer. Maya visited the Academy and spoke to current students about her career in October. Angela Desmond ’01 is a physician-scientist, and a fellow in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She is a patient caretaker and also works in the lab on making new vaccines, specifically for herpes simplex virus. Prior to CHOP, she received her M.D. and a Ph.D. in Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School before completing her residency in Pediatrics at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern University in Chicago.
2002 Maria Nerney Sazonova ’02 started a small import company in Montreal, Quebec by the name of From Russia with Love, which imports Russian-made authentic products into Canada. Prior to that, she was working in Russia for a private metal making company. She is currently awaiting the arrival of her second child and pursuing an advanced degree.
VISIONS FALL 2019
2003 Kate Jordan ’03 married Michael Michalak in a beachfront ceremony in Brigantine, NJ on October 20, 2018. Her sisters, Genevieve Jordan ’06 and Anne Jordan ’08 served as maids of honor, and Emily Garrett, daughter of Eleanor Walmsley Garrett ’03 served as flower girl. Also in attendance were Jenna Rackovan Dufresne ’03, Tara Fleming ’03, Mary Emily Pagano ’08, Krista Funari ’08, Kaitlin Smith ’08, Julia Tully ’08, and Torie Miele ’08.
Alyse Fiori Stach ’03 attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School and practices as a commercial litigator at an international law firm. Alyse, her husband Kevin and son Frankie welcomed Bruce Patrick Stach on March 27, 2019. They recently relocated from New York City and live in Berwyn, PA.
Shannon Killeen ’04 married Michael Schwartz on August 31, 2019 in Atlantic City, NJ. Shannon’s sister, Lauren Killeen Boyle ’07 was the matron of honor.
2004 Melissa Bemer ’04 married Stephen Boerner on September 27, 2019. Their ceremony and reception was held at Overbrook Golf Club and the wedding photos were taken at the Academy (see more photos on page 27). Lauren Seyfried Kirby ’04 is a Senior Civil Society Specialist at USAID Africa Bureau. She is committed to advancing democratic governance and women’s empowerment through use of technical and programmatic expertise, initiation and implementation of data-driven analytical research, and development of detail-oriented policy and programmatic recommendations.
EITC & OSTC
PA TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS Your Business and Personal PA Tax Dollars Can Provide Financial Aid for Notre Dame Students! Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) allow business owners and individuals to earn tax credits when they make a donation to the Academy of Notre Dame for student scholarships.
FOR BUSINESSES:
FOR INDIVIDUALS:
Tax credits are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Renewal applications for businesses that made a two-year commitment are accepted beginning on May 15, 2020. New business applicants must submit their digital application on July 1, 2020.
Individuals with a qualified PA tax liability can earn tax credits too! Notre Dame is partnering with BLOCS (Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools) who can walk you through the simple process of participating in their LLC program so you can designate your tax credit for scholarships.
Join our growing list of companies and individuals who provide scholarship support through these impactful programs! For more details on PA tax credit programs, contact Maria Gunn, Director of Advancement, at mgunn@ndapa.org or 610-687-3867.
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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES
Cristi Farrell Garfield ’04 was married September 1, 2018 to Roger Garfield of Northville, Michigan. Alumnae were in attendance including her sister, Lauren Farrell Moran ’01, the matron of honor, Katherine Corkhill Barthelmeh ’04 and Michelle Markwith Berlin ’04 read The Eight Beatitudes during the ceremony. Melissa Bemer ’04 and Courtney Collins ’04 were also in attendance. The ceremony was held at Cristi’s hometown church of St. Anastasia in Newtown Square followed by the reception at The Sheraton Society Hill in Philadelphia.
Regina Shannon Linganna ’06 is a cardiac anesthesiologist at Jefferson Hospital. Lianne Pennacchia ’06 recently celebrated ten years at Lockheed Martin where she works in Business Development.
2008 Kristin Kersavage ’08 received her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in May of 2019. Bridget McLaughlin ’08 earned her degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in May 2019 and has entered a small animal practice in Allen, Texas.
2010 Carly Pennacchia ’10 is a Community Relations Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles.
2011
Laura Graham ’04 was accepted into the Peace Corps and departed for Kyrgyz Republic on July 5 to begin training as an English Language Teacher volunteer. After graduating from The George Washington University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History, she was a Youth Services Librarian for the Portland Public Library and an intern for the Study of the Middle East and Africa, The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission at the Library of Congress, Feminists for Life of America, Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, Congressman Curt Weldon’s Office and The White House.
2006 Lauri Graziano ’06 is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. She and her team work with non-profits and foundations in the greater Philadelphia area to empower organizations to invest with purpose by aligning their investments with their personal passions and their foundations’ overall mission.
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Samantha Baldassari ’11 is the Postsecondary Coordinator at C.B. Community School, a private school designed to serve Philadelphia youth in the foster care system. Kristen McNeill ’11 and Graeme Nicholls were engaged on July 19, 2019 in Fitler Square Park in Philadelphia, PA.
2012 Courtney Mangano ’12 started a business called The Hive Company, selling handmade all-natural beeswax products, primarily candles and lip balms.
2013 Shannon Robinson ’13 is a legal receptionist for Silver and Silver.
2015 Cori Cichowicz ’15 graduated from Ursinus College in May. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and was a double major in History and Politics, while minoring in Applied Ethics and Legal Studies. She completed an internship at the Law Offices of Stanley J. Ellenberg in Philadelphia, and worked as a legislative intern for State Senator Daylin Leach. She plans to attend law school.
Sophie Graeff ’15 graduated from Cornell University in the spring of 2019. She is currently working for Marsh & McLennan in New York. Meredith Hughes ’15 recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in French. She moved to the Washington D.C. area to work as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer at The Boeing Company. Katrina Seykora ’15 graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology before becoming an Analyst at Heidrick & Struggles.
2016 Erin Boyle ’16 is set to graduate from Boston College in the spring of 2020. She completed an internship at Ernst & Young this past summer and has already committed to working for EY after graduation in spring 2020. Natalie Burns ’16 is a Pennsylvania State University senior studying Advertising, Digital Media Trends and Analytics with a Global International Studies Minor. Elizabeth Devenney ’16 is currently student teaching while at St. Joseph’s University and working on fall programming for the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support. She recently led a group of scholars and volunteers at the Dragon Boat Races which raises $1000 annually for the Kinney Center. Hannah Fuss ’16 will be working in Human Resources at JP Morgan upon graduation from the University of Delaware in the spring of 2020. Mikayla Schneider ’16 worked as a Student Lab Assistant at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She is currently attending the University of Notre Dame.
VISIONS FALL 2019
2017 Merry Gu ’17 participated in the University of Pennsylvania’s GRIP program (Global Research & Internship Program), spending her time in Rabat, Morocco. She worked in a multilingual environment for Jossour Forum des Femmes Marocianes (FFM), which partners with the United Nations and is deeply involved in promoting gender equality and women’s rights in Morocco and the Middle East North Africa region.
Noelia Ortiz-Landazabal ’17 is a current student at the Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University. This past summer she traveled to Tanzania, making an impact on the young girls in the community, with a focus on sustainable change. She worked with an organization in Tanzania called Modern Girl.
Cami Osborne ’17 is a current student at Georgetown University and spent last summer as Social Media Intern for the Philadelphia 76ers, working alongside Kristen Bandos ’12 and with the Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment Company.
Annual Report 2018-2019 Addendum
Send us your news! We would love to include your news and accomplishments in our publications. Visit www.ndapa.org/alumnae/ submit-a-class-note.
OSTC Donation Chris and Lauren May P’23 Gates Legacy Society 30 or more years Joan Sammartino Turner ’77 P’06 FS 20 or more years Gerard and Moreen Dearie Brady ’89 P’19’23 10 or more years John and Judith Benner P’08 Carla Cavanaugh Kameros ’79 Lina Sestokas Scroggins ’01 Alumnae Donors Moreen Dearie Brady ’89 Marilena Lelli Downing ’76 Class of 2019 Gifts Shannon Brady ’19
SAVE THE DATE Reunion Weekend May 1 and 2, 2020
We can't wait to celebrate Notre Dame's classes ending in 0's and 5's! Reunion committees are now 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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ALUMNAE STAY CONNECTED
SUMMER SOCIAL REUNITES ALUMNAE
Notre Dame alumnae, parents, and friends gathered for an informal sunset social on August 8 at The Reeds in Stone Harbor, NJ. Dr. Judith Dwyer, Head of School, greeted the 110 guests in attendance and shared a photo with graduates from the Class of 2016.
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 mind, body, and spirit. For more information on the Alumnae Association and its programming, please visit our website at ndapa.org/alumnae..
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 2019
Arrivals
In Memoriam
2003
2005
Mary Josephine Sheridan ’60 – April 24, 2019
Alyse Fiori Stach ’03 and her husband Kevin welcomed Bruce Patrick Stach on March 27, 2019.
Amanda Zajdel Perwien ’05 and her husband, Benjamin, welcomed James Robert on September 16, 2020.
John Curtin ’38, grandfather of Alex Curtin ’11 and Haley Curtin ’13 – September 29, 2019
2004
2006
Carol Behler Coady ’04 and her husband Matt welcomed a baby girl, Avery Grace, on March 4, 2019.
Marielle DuBovec Mazda ’06 and her husband Jason welcomed their new son Rhett on June 23, 2019.
Alex Burtoft Gilroy ’04 and her husband Shane welcomed Rylan Dorothy on May 4, 2019.
2008
Jennifer Harvey Waggenspack ’04 and her husband Will welcomed their new daughter Sloan Marie on October 29, 2019.
Kara Schultheis Brown ’08 and her husband David welcomed their daughter Savannah Riley on June 7, 2019.
CHERISH YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH PHOTOS AT ND The stunning arches and architecture of Notre Dame's Mansion and picturesque grounds are the perfect backdrop for your wedding or engagement photos. To learn more about scheduling your photography, please contact Lauren Thomer, Director of Alumnae Relations, at 610-687-6561 or lthomer@ndapa.org.
Adele Angelucci ’42, mother of Adele Kelly Keegan ’71 and grandmother of Christina Kelly ’94 and Elizabeth Kelly ’98 – October 1, 2019 Margaret Tate Prendergast ’62 - October 27, 2019 Elizabeth Jane (Bee Gee) Hall Walton ’57 - October 30, 2019 Brian McHugh, father of Chandler McHugh ’81 and predeceased by daughter Tracey McHugh ’85 - March 10, 2019 Ray Freedman, husband of Jeanne Bruno ’63 - April 27, 2019 Jack Veatch, husband of Louise Koch Veatch ’57 - June 4, 2019 Elma Jones, mother of Cristy Jones Stack ’97 and Stephanie Jones ’03 - June 26, 2019 Bruno M. Fontanot, father of Marissa Fontanot Connor ’06 - July 25, 2019 Thomas Conti, father of Cristina Conti Giannandrea ’87 - September 8, 2019 Nancy Jane Pease, mother of Lauren Pease ’14 - September 17, 2019 Richard DePiano Sr., father of Cindy DePiano McKernan ’88 and grandfather of Danielle McKernan ’14 and Cara DePiano ’17 - October 3, 2019 Jeff Bond, husband of Mary Ann Finley Bond ’74 and brother of Lynn Bruder ’80 - October 24, 2019 Luke DePiano, nephew of Denise DePiano McTaggert ’81, cousin of Cindy DePiano McKernan ’88, Danielle McKernan ’14, and Cara DePiano ’17 – November 10, 2019 Douglas Meissner, father of Tara Meissner ’07, Alexa Meissner ’09, and Jenna Meissner ’12 - November 14, 2019
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ALUMNAE NEWS
NOTRE DAME
ALUMNAE NEWS ALUMNAE SHARE CAREER EXPERIENCES Four alumnae visited campus in November to share their experiences in the medical profession with students in Ms. Marielle Alexander’s Modern Literature and Human Experience class following their reading of Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science by Atul Gawande. The reading and panel discussion aligned with the United Nations SDGs Good Health and Well Being and Reduced Inequalities. Alumnae shown from left to right: Angela Desmond ’01,
Alexis Brandolini ’97 (at right) returned to Notre Dame to speak to athletes about her experiences as an athlete at Notre Dame and at the University of Richmond where she was voted captain of the lacrosse team during her junior and senior years. She shared her career background and current role as CEO and co-founder of the People Development Group, a consulting firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Brandolini’s firm helps leadership teams develop the skill sets needed to succeed in the face of adversity. Brandolini is shown with her sister, Krissy Brandolini Edginton ’98.
Would you like to share your career experiences with Notre Dame students? Please contact Lauren Thomer, Director of Alumnae Relations, at lthomer@ndapa.org or call 610-687-6561.
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fellow in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Laura Walsh Forrest ’82, a pediatric nurse practitioner at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and clinical associate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; Maya Noronha ’01, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services lawyer; and Gina Shannon Linganna ’06 a cardiac anesthesiologist at Jefferson Hospital.
Meghan McCullough ’10 returned to campus as a guest coach for the upper school basketball team in preparation for the start of their season. A decorated athlete during her time at ND, Meghan went on to Captain and lead the University of Pennsylvania women's basketball team to an Ivy League Championship in 2014.
Alumnae Association Announces Board Members President - Megan McNeill Trost ’94 Vice President - Mary Clare (Molly) Kelly Joyce ’04 Secretary - Jennifer Harvey Waggenspack ’04 Treasurer - Samantha Carroll Harris ’05 Notre Dame thanks outgoing President, Kim Tierney Pegg ’88, and Secretary, Angela Guarino ’00, for their tireless work on behalf of the Alumnae Association.
VISIONS FALL 2019
Academy to Preview 47th Annual
FINE ART SHOW & SALE January 31 - February 9, 2020
The works of more than 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 31, 2020. The show will continue from noon to 4:00 pm daily beginning Saturday, February 1 through Sunday, February 9. Rita LaRue P’25 (shown at left) is chairing the event. This year’s featured artist is Elizabeth Sabine (shown with artwork), a freelance artist based in Ocean County, New Jersey whose work is distinguished by its eloquent simplicity. Ms. Sabine possesses a versatile talent that results in stunning pieces in oils, acrylic, watercolor and mixed-medium art. Largely influenced by the impressionist movement, she brings to life the light and atmosphere that each unique moment in time possesses. Elizabeth’s work is emotional and personal, inspired by colors of nature that are intensified through her work.
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.
LIGHT THE PATH Light the path for our students with your support of The Notre Dame Fund, the Academy’s most important fundraising initiative. When you make your gift to this fund, you join hundreds of members of our community who believe in continuing Notre Dame’s mission of delivering a world-class educational experience to our middle and upper school school students.
Every gift matters and every donor counts! Please join in by supporting The Notre Dame Fund with your gift today. For more information, contact Mimi Koelle, Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship at mkoelle@ndapa.org or call (610) 971-4919.
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2020 Calendar of Events Alumnae Association Meeting Wednesday, January 22 Notre Dame Campus
47th Annual Fine Art Show & Sale Preview Party with the Artists Friday, January 31 Art Show Open to the Public Saturday, February 1 through Sunday, February 9 Noon to 4:00 pm / The Mansion
Alumnae Luncheon at the 47th Annual Fine Art Show Saturday, February 8 The Mansion
Detail of the Rose Garden Grotto Fountain by Adleen Francis ’21
Experience ND Day Wednesday, March 18 Notre Dame Campus
Rittenhouse Square Alumnae Reunion Saturday, April 18 The Mansion, Overbrook Golf Club
Alumnae Association Meeting Wednesday, April 22 Notre Dame Campus
Reunion Weekend, Celebrating Classes Ending in 0 and 5 May 1 and 2 Notre Dame Campus
Day of Giving Tuesday, May 5
Eighth Grade Graduation Thursday, May 28
Class of 2020 Baccalaureate Mass Friday, May 29
Class of 2020 Graduation Saturday, May 30
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