Welcoming Dr. Hotchkiss

Ms. Marielle Alexander announces the Spirit Day winner: the green Class of 2022!

ON THE COVER:

ND students Maria Tufaro ’26, Grace Opperman ’22, and Alessandra Cherian ’24 helped welcome new Head of School Dr. Laura Hotchkiss to the Notre Dame community last summer.

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss, Head of School Dr. Liz Willis, Associate Head of School & Interim Director of Upper School Bridget Bonner, Director of Middle School

CONTRIBUTORS

Lisa D’Orazio, Editor, Director of Marketing & Communications Maria Breck Gunn, Director of Enrollment & Institutional Advancement Paula Gaughan, Event Coordinator/Parent Liaison Lauren Power, Director of Alumnae Relations Elizabeth Winter, Digital Marketing Manager

DESIGN

Biddle Design

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Active Image Media | Campli Photography | Jay Gorodetzer

Table of Contents MISSION STATEMENT

2 Welcoming Dr. Hotchkiss

6 Alumnae Educator Spotlight

11 Around Notre Dame

16 ND Sports

The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school, commits itself to the education of young women in 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 lifelong learning • empower them to be honorable, compassionate leaders

18 Fall 2021 in Photos

19 ND Arts

20 Alumnae News and Class Notes

This issue of Visions reflects information gathered through December 15, 2021. If you have suggestions for future features, please share them with visions@ndapa.org.

Message from the HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Notre Dame Community,

Thank you for the warm welcome to the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur community. My husband, Dwight, and I have enjoyed immersing ourselves in all things ND, including exciting athletic contests highlighted by two fall sports championships, students shining on-stage in Chicago, dance performances, academic excellence on display in Hi-Q competitions, and the many ways our community is called to serve.

In addition to sharing the vibrant events from the first half of the 20212022 school year, this issue of Visions celebrates our educators. During these last few school years, teachers have been asked to do more and to reimagine teaching and learning, exemplifying how truly remarkable educators are. I am blessed to be amongst outstanding faculty–people who work tirelessly to provide the best for students, who have a passion for their work, who care deeply about developing community, and who make learning relevant.

Profiles of Notre Dame alumnae dedicated to the field of education as lawyers, teachers, researchers, and advocates are featured in our educator spotlight. These women reminded me of the amazing teachers and mentors who inspired me and played a role in my decision to become a teacher; they continue to influence the ways I connect with students today. I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the teachers in your life who have made a difference.

Reflecting on my 30 years in education, the last two were certainly unique and complex as COVID-19 impacted all areas of school life. The teachers and staff who put students first, designed and redesigned the classroom experiences, created new and innovative ways to build relationships, and provided an excellent student-centered learning environment were my heroes! During our Teacher Appreciation Assembly, Samantha Smoot ’22 spoke on behalf of the entire student body and shared her love of her Notre Dame teachers, expressing gratitude for their hard work, their passion, and their dedication.

Teachers are the heart of Notre Dame, nourishing an environment where girls grow and develop into scholars, artists, and community servants with an appreciation of St. Julie’s mission to serve others and to proclaim through our actions that God is good. As you read about the educators who are celebrated in this issue of Visions, you will hear a recurring theme of gratitude for Notre Dame–the teachers, the experience, and the sisterhood. Please join me in celebrating the outstanding teachers at Notre Dame today and those who served the many generations of students before.

In gratitude and appreciation,

NOTRE DAME INSTALLS Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss

HEAD OF SCHOOL

THE Hotchkiss ERA

It is a new era for the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. Head

of School Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss was given her official welcome to Notre Dame with an Installation Liturgy and Ceremony on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. The Liturgy, led by Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University, and Ceremony took place on Notre Dame's campus, with over 800 people in attendance.

The Liturgy was a true ND community event, from the banner procession led by students and moms of the Notre Dame Moms in Prayer group to the student and faculty speakers to the beautiful songs performed by the Notre Dame Women’s Chorale. A number of Heads of local schools were in attendance, as were Sisters of Notre Dame and the Executive Director of the National Coalition of Girls Schools Megan Murphy.

Following the Liturgy, Notre Dame Student Council President Kyleigh Calvert ’22 gave the welcome address at the Installation Ceremony. Calvert shared, “We are so excited to welcome someone who inspires us. Someone who empowers us to be confident, female leaders each and every day. Someone who is approachable and works hard to ensure that our voices are heard. It is evident that Dr. Hotchkiss views us as more than academic students; she has a genuine care for us as young women who will grow to embody the hallmarks of Notre Dame. She strives to create personal connections and treats us with respect as we look up to her to become the best versions of ourselves. Her deep understanding of our values of sisterhood and community is evident every day. Dr. Hotchkiss shares a true appreciation for our traditions while also fostering a progressive mindset that encourages us to better our community.”

Anne Schoemaker Vazquez ’99, Chair of Notre Dame's Board of Trustees, officially installed Dr. Hotchkiss as Head of School, presenting her with the medal of St. Julie. Vazquez said, “As Head of School, you will ensure that Notre Dame perseveres and makes available to all students the heritage of the past while preparing them for the future. As the leader of our independent, Catholic girls' academy, it rests upon you the responsibility of ensuring that Notre Dame accomplishes its mission, in keeping with the charism of St. Julie, of teaching our girls ‘what they need to know for life.’ On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Notre Dame community, I welcome you and appoint you as the fifth Head of School of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur.”

After her official installation, Dr. Hotchkiss shared the following remarks, “St. Julie once said, ‘We must have courage in the times we live in. Great souls are needed, souls having the interest of God at their heart.’ I pray for each of you and for our community that we become women and people with ‘hearts as wide as the world.’ Thank you for this amazing day and the welcome I've received in the almost 100 days I’ve been at Notre Dame. I look forward to what's to come, to getting to know each of you, and to being in community as we do this great work at Notre Dame.”

Dr. Hotchkiss’s Must-haves Visions staff and ND student leaders from 5 Main sat down with Dr. Hotchkiss to find out some of the things she can’t live without /some of her favorite things – from meals to TV shows to sports.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT? My books and my dogs

FAVORITE COCO OUTFIT? I love her puffer coat.

WHAT GETS YOU GOING IN THE MORNING? Seeing the students in the drop-off circle and walking in the front door; the joy of being with young people and adults dedicated to their growth.

FAVORITE ND MOMENT SO FAR? At my Installation, I was overwhelmed by looking out from the Mansion steps at all of the students and faculty who were participating in the liturgy as a community and engaged in the ceremony. And, of course, the joy of Spirit Day!

FAVORITE FEMALE LEADERS? That's a really hard question, and it depends on the topic and what I'm thinking about. Some of my favorite leaders in athletics are Lindsey Vonn in skiing and Serena Williams in tennis; one of the most inspirational female leaders is Mother Teresa. FAVORITE BOOKS? As a math teacher and STEM girl: Limitless Mind by Jo Boaler; for pleasure: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens; recent favorite: Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead

FAVORITE AUTHOR? I read anything and everything; I go back and forth from nonfiction to fiction.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: FAVORITE BANDS:

FAVORITE PLACE TO WALK/HIKE? There are many places to explore in the area; for now, I love Valley Forge, but I need to get out to new places. FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN PHILADELPHIA: FAVORITE RESTAURANT ON THE MAIN LINE:

FAVORITE FOODS/MEALS: I love being gathered around the table with family. Some favorite foods are Italian & Sushi.

COFFEE OR TEA? Coffee

FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH: College Basketball - love those Villanova Wildcats! FAVORITE COFFEE? Love a good latte.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS? Cooking and being with family and friends; love to try new recipes, gather around a beautiful table.

Alumnae Educator Spotlight

Teaching is a lifelong career for the vast majority of individuals who are called to the profession, and in these times, teachers are not only taking on more, but the ways in which they are delivering content are ever-changing. Dr. Laura Hotchkiss, Head of School, shares, “In these times, educators are being asked to do more to serve our young people. For teachers who already see teaching as a calling, they are eager and excited to support the learning and well-being of their students. There is so much joy in our classrooms, on the stage, in the hallways, and on the field and an authentic desire to build relationships and community. At Notre Dame, the teachers go above and beyond to provide care and attention to the girls. They show up, they listen, they nurture, and they challenge — all while juggling the many demands of their own lives.”

Whether due to the influence or inspiration of a particular Notre Dame teacher, a passion for working with young people, or a combination of those elements, a significant number of graduates of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur become educators after they leave the Gates. The Visions staff recognizes and dedicates this piece to the many alumnae working in education today, including the ND graduates who are currently serving as faculty and staff at Notre Dame. Read some of their stories, highlighting why they decided to enter the field of education, the individuals who had an influence on their career path, and what they enjoy most about working with students, below.

Dr. Gina Henry ’81

Teacher, HS2 Academy | Former Special Education Specialist, San Jose Unified School District | BA, University of Pennsylvania JD, University of Virginia Law School | MEd, College of William & Mary | PhD, University of Michigan

For Gina Henry, it’s all about connections–connecting passions with career choices and connecting ideas across disciplines. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English Literature, Gina chose to pursue a law degree to capitalize on her verbal strengths. “I started out pre-med but had difficulties with math, making it impossible to continue. So, I went to my other strength: language,” she shares. “I read my first novel in first grade: Jubilee by Margaret Walker. By high school, it was obvious that language was my greatest talent.” Gina credits Sister Mary with recognizing her talent, saying “She really encouraged me.”

A high point of Gina’s love for language occurred when Gina was awarded a place in Penn’s study abroad program. She studied English Literature at King’s College, University of London. Her next step was UVA Law, where she discovered that about a third of her law school professors were also PhDs or MDs who studied the overlap of law with sociology, medicine, or economics. “After I finished law school, I took six months off, went home, sat in Penn’s library and asked myself what really mattered to me. I remembered that I had enjoyed reading to the other kids in my kindergarten class since my mother had taught me to read when I was three, so it was obvious: education. I’m a person who believes that just about everything impacts just about everything else. That’s what my brain does–it looks for connections,” she explains. “So, the idea of studying how law affects education–something that has always been important to me–was appealing.

After finishing her Master’s in Education, Gina studied for and passed the Pennsylvania bar exam. She began a PhD in 1992, focusing on the overlap of law and education as it relates to students with special needs and exit exams. After completing classes and laying the foundation for her dissertation, Gina began her teaching career in Oakland County, Michigan in 1995 at a school that was “the last stop before juvenile detention.” She then decided to return to the San Francisco Bay Area, which she had first visited while completing her master’s degree. Gina taught with the San Jose Unified School District for 13 years, winning multiple awards for service before retiring in 2011.

Since 2011, Gina has worked for HS2 Academy, an after-school private school founded by Harvard graduate Ann Lee, whose idea was to recruit Ivy League graduates to educate and guide students through the college application process. At HS2, Gina has taught everything from test prep courses and essay writing to time management, study skills, and public speaking. Gina explains, “With a teaching degree and 13 years of experience, I wound up being the backbone of this exciting organization here in CA.”

Professor of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Chief, Epilepsy and Sleep Division, Columbia University Irving Medical Center | BA, University of Pennsylvania | MD, University of Pennsylvania | MPH, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University

The importance of community and giving back are at the core of Alison Pack’s college and career choices, two life lessons she credits Notre Dame with instilling in her that she still carries with her today.

Alison showed an interest in science at an early age. She was also drawn to “connecting with others and helping people. My experiences at ND, through the emphasis on community service, fostered the importance of these experiences. Medicine provides me opportunities on a daily basis to connect with and make a difference in the lives of others. I realized early in my career the importance of my teachers, professors, and mentors. When I was finishing my own training and choosing a path, I wanted teaching to be an integral part of my career.”

Now a Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center and Chief of the Epilepsy Division, Alison says, “I was fortunate to get the opportunity to be an academic neurologist at Columbia University Medical Center where I have multiple teaching responsibilities. I teach medical students both in the classroom and clinic setting. I mentor neurology residents and epilepsy fellows. I began a nationally accredited Epilepsy Fellowship at Columbia.”

“I owe a debt of gratitude to the ND community for providing a strong foundation. I left ND with a sense that if I worked hard I could accomplish my goals. I also left with a broad understanding of the importance of multiple aspects of life including the value of education, community, and service.”

Alison’s decision to work in both medicine and education was influenced by family members and a number of teachers and classmates. Her parents both worked in medicine — her father is a physician and her mother is a nurse. She fondly remembers ND teachers, including Sr. Patricia Kaupus, Sr. Mary Augusta, Mrs. Vera Suppa, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Charlotte Hyer, who “all brought a unique energy to the classroom and instilled a joy of learning … an ND education provides you with an outstanding foundation, a thirst for learning, and understanding of the importance of community. Classroom discussion pushed us beyond the facts.”

This push to discover truth “beyond the facts” is a helpful tool in Alison’s toolbox, particularly in her clinical work of treating patients with seizures, “from the young person with their first seizure to the woman with epilepsy who is considering having a child to the person who has been suffering with uncontrolled seizures for years.” In her educational work, Alison is able to do the same for her own students while teaching them about “the presentation and care of patients with epilepsy.”

About her work with students, Alison says, “I love sharing what I have learned from my own education and experiences. In addition, being an educator is a reciprocal experience. I learn so much from students through their questions and different perspectives.”

Carlson Professor of University Studies, Professor of Philosophy, & Director - Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, Wake Forest University | BAH & BA, Villanova University | PhD, Rice University

Ana Smith Iltis ended up in academia because she chose her passion - exploring ethical issues related to healthcare and biomedical research. Ana is the Director of the Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, and Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University. It was in learning the ropes of how to be employed as a philosopher and mentoring students that she realized how much education mattered to her. “I can't say that I set out to be a teacher, but I am so grateful that teaching found me,” Ana says.

As someone who has mentored a great deal of student research, Ana says she is often part of the joy of a student discovering new passions or the excitement of a student getting to publish or present a paper for the first time.

In collaborating with scholars in her own field and other fields around the world to understand and address a wide range of topics in bioethics, Ana is constantly learning. “I get to be a student for life, but I largely control what I learn and think about. It's the best of all possible worlds,” she says.

While at Notre Dame, Ana explains that she was given the space to forge her own path and march to the beat of her own drum. “Knowing how to be creative and do things a bit differently and being confident in making my own way, have been vital to building a meaningful career that combines my interests in science, health, and ethics,” Ana shares.

While she could never name all of the Notre Dame teachers or classmates that had a significant impact on her, Ana says that Sr. Nancy Bonshock changed her life as a writer. In fact, during her first year at Villanova, Ana and fellow ND alumna Mary Kate Alexander ’92, were both pulled aside by a professor and commended for how well they were taught to write in high school.

Most of Ana’s career revolves around writing her own research papers, proposals, presentations, and teaching students to write clear and well-organized papers and theses. The constant practice of writing, getting feedback, and writing some more, made college and beyond that much easier for Ana. It was in English class her sophomore year that she understood just how much time and work Mrs. Ellen Lipschutz put into helping each student succeed. “I did not realize during my time at Notre Dame that we were being afforded opportunities that would make us be so well-prepared for college and that would make us stand out,” Iltis said.