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Around Notre Dame
Fall Highlights
MOTHER-DAUGHTER LITURGY AND PICNIC
On September 17, 2021, students and their moms/special friends enjoyed music, food, and fun during the annual Mother-Daughter Picnic.
Over 200 fathers and daughters gathered for mass and breakfast at Springfield Country Club on October 24. It was wonderful to see so many Notre Dame families enjoying fellowship!
On September 21, 2021, alumnae, parents, and friends came together for a day of fun and camaraderie at the Golf & Tennis Classic to support the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur.
FATHER-DAUGHTER COMMUNION BREAKFAST
GOLF & TENNIS CLASSIC
The Notre Dame Arts came back this school year with a sold out production of Chicago: High School Edition. The show, performed on November 12 and 13, 2021, in Cuvilly Hall, featured an outstanding performance filled with drama, vibrant costumes and superb vocals. Leading the cast was Julia Youakim ’23 as Roxie, Amelia Mordan ’22 as Velma, Julia Pyfer ’23 as Matron Mama Morton, and Catherine Chapman ’22 as Mary Sunshine.
Alumnae News
After two cancellations, the third time was the charm for Reunion Weekend, in honor of the Reunion Classes of 0s & 5s and 1s & 6s. This long-awaited event, which took place on Saturday, October 16, 2021, was a beautiful day to reunite, with a special Luncheon and Cocktail Reception held in the Mansion and on the Mansion Terrace, respectively.
Reunion 2021!
The Classes of 1970 and 1971 enjoyed reminiscing about the great times they had through the Gates at their milestone 50th Reunion. Pictures are worth 1000 words - sisterhood and friendship.
Members of the Class of 1965 enjoyed the Luncheon and the Cocktail Reception, celebrating their 55th Reunion. Members of the Class of 2011 came together to capture a great memory at Reunion 2021. The Class of 1966 enjoyed the gorgeous day from the Mansion Terrace. The photo booth was a popular spot at Reunion 2021!
Happy to be back together again, the Class of 2001 was all smiles during their long-awaited Reunion. The Class of 2016 had a wonderful turnout for their 5-year celebration.
On December 5, 2021,, alumnae and their families kicked off the Christmas season at Notre Dame’s 2nd Annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. The children had a blast visiting Santa and sharing their wish list!
On December 14, 2021, the season’s celebrations continued with the annual Alumnae Christmas Party at The Union League of Philadelphia.
On December 16, 2021, the Classes of 2020 and 2021 reunited in Cuvilly Hall for lunch and a college panel discussion with Upper School students. The advice they shared was invaluable, particularly to the seniors.
Alumnae News
2021-2022 Executive Alumnae Board Officers and At-Large Members
Megan McNeill Trost ’94 President Cerise Knowles James ’91 Vice President Kaitlin Smith Donnelly ’08 Secretary Samantha Carroll Harris ’05 Treasurer JoAnne DiLauro Alexander ’57 Danielle Dunn O’Connor ’01 Hannah Fuss ’16
We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the members of the Executive Alumnae Board who have worked to advance the Alumnae community and the programming within the Association.
Loretta Salvadore Hartnett ’55 President Janet Salvadore Colella ’59 Treasurer
Rose DeRienze ’55 Frances Casey Hansen ’55 Joan Lotuff Kummeth ’54 Jeanette McGann Lamb ’64 Anne Stevenson McAdams ’57 Patti Devereaux McAleer ’66 Rosalie Foti Morgan ’56 Joan Pacella ’58 Kasey Morgan Price ’60 Irene Ricci Rejewski ’59 Nancy Rigney ’51
SQUARE CORNER SPOTLIGHT:
Frances Casey Hansen, Sq ’55
“Twas the eighteenth of April in 1937 that I made my entrance into this wonderful world of ours. I was the first born in the Casey family, which grew when my twin sisters were born six years later and my brother was adopted 12 years after that.
“At age six, I took two trolley cars to attend the Academy of Notre Dame, Rittenhouse Square. I spent 12 happy years there, before graduating in 1955 as President of the Student Council. I credit my love of embroidery and reading to the Sisters of Notre Dame who taught me in 4th and 5th grades. I find both activities keep me busy in my later years, living in Haddon Heights, NJ.
“My first job was teaching 3rd grade at St. Monica’s School in Philadelphia, while attending Saturday and summer school at Villanova University to earn a degree in elementary education. After five years at St. Monica’s, I spent eight years teaching in Camden, NJ, both as a teacher and a supervisor of other teachers.
In 1965, I married my husband, Bob. It was a happy union which lasted 42 years until he passed in 2007. Bob and I were blessed with our only child, Clare, who was born in 1967. Clare has been a nurse for 31 years and a great comfort and support to both myself and her father when he was alive. She’s been a loving companion and the most important and valued person in my life.
“When Clare began school, I resumed teaching as a substitute in the Collingswood, NJ, public school system. Although I was active in my parish, Church of the Transfiguration, as a lector and a Eucharistic minister (a role that I still hold today), I became more involved in my faith when I was certified as a chaplain by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains in 1990. This enabled me to work at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, a position I held for eight years. I had the opportunity to visit patients of all faiths in all areas of the hospital. I became a better listener and more tolerant of people and problems. It was a life changing experience.
“Throughout the years, I have actively participated in our ’Square’ Alumnae Association. Along with Anne Stevenson McAdams ’57, I was co-president of our Alumnae Association for many years.
“Even though it has been 56 years since my graduation and the ’Square’ is no longer, my love for the Sisters of Notre Dame and my classmates is alive and flourishing. Thanks to the Academy of Notre Dame Villanova, our Square Alumnae have found a welcoming home to celebrate our yearly Mass and meetings. I whole-heartedly say in the words of St. Julie ’How good is the good God.’”
Reunion Weekend 2022
May 6: Athletics Hall of Fame & Alumnae Awards Ceremony May 7: Reunion Celebration (Alumnae in Classes Ending in 2 & 7) Stay tuned for details via email in the coming months!
Alumnae Class Notes
1960s Barbara Spinozzi Mellor ’68 has been a successful entrepreneur for many years and also possesses a keen interest in piano and jazz.
1970s Patricia Gregg Fanelli ’70 graduated from the Lankenau School of Medical Technology and continued working in the Hematology Lab for 43 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three children and three grandchildren.
Nancy Anne Filano Glessner ’70 earned a Master’s degree in education from Villanova University and began her career teaching French at Notre Dame. After having children and staying home with them, she went on to experience different career paths in banking and the medical field as a cardiac monitor technician. She and her husband, Mike, have two sons, two grandchildren, and another one on the way.
Gail Hackett ’70 attended Pennsylvania State University and received three degrees, including a PhD in Counseling Psychology in 1978. She pursued a career in academia and worked at several universities as a faculty member. She spent 20 years at Arizona State University before taking on the role of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is approaching retirement and has plans to move to South Jersey and spend time with family, her son and granddaughter.
1980s Cheryl Ann Kennedy ’83 is a Traffic Reporter at iHeartMedia. She earned her BA in Arts and Communications from Chestnut Hill College and returned as an Adjunct Instructor, specializing in Public Speaking.
Kimberly Tierney Pegg ’88 former President of the Alumnae Executive Board has started a successful charcuterie business called “Board in Delco.”
Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas ’88 opened a Private Practice in Newtown Square offering inperson and virtual Counseling Services to youth ages 11 and up. Shannon specializes in developing the therapeutic relationship built on the Trauma Informed Care principles of Safety, Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Together she and her clients move through the struggles and instill a new sense of hope. Her practice specializes in using brain-based approaches to identify and reduce stressors, incorporate safety and self-care plans, and teach cognitive-behavioral techniques to help modify thoughts and behaviors to manage anxiety, worry, depression, stress, and other related concerns. 1990s Megan Budd Forgie ’92 is the founder and creator of The Shine Center in Wayne, PA. The Shine Center is a safe, diverse, nonjudging space offering Life Coaching Sessions and Mindfulness Workshops to adults and teens focusing on intention and authenticity. Megan is a Certified Professional Life Coach and a Mindfulness & Meditation Guide. Megan received her BA in Communications from Lynchburg College before embarking on a career as an intern in radio, Account Executive, and Web Designer. Megan and her husband, Matt, have two sons, Jack and Christopher.
Moira Sims Hobson ’93 works at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox Roach. She is a Realtor for The Hospodar Team, which is led by fellow Alumna Dana Sims Hospodar ’80.
Megan Trost ’94 has begun her second term as President of the Alumnae Executive Board. She also works at the Holy Child School at Rosemont as the Assistant to the Head of School.
Kelly Cunningham ’98 is the Director of Engagement at The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. She is a Business Administration and Marketing & Communications professional with over 14 years of experience managing programs and projects and developing and overseeing innovative communication and marketing strategies.
2000s Lindsey Conan ’00 was victorious in becoming the Edgmont Township Supervisor.
Maya Noronha ’01, a visiting fellow at Independent Women’s Law Center, appeared on C-SPAN on a panel discussing redistricting law. 6 Kathleen Donovan ’04 is a Senior Clinical Veterinarian at Saint Louis University. She received her BA in Biology at Washington University in St. Louis before earning her advanced degree at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Experience. Her impressive resume includes Veterinary and fellowships stints at the University of Missouri, Stanford University, and University of Iowa.
Molly Kelly Joyce ’04 was promoted to Senior Vice President, Head of Social and Influencer Strategy at Brian Communications. She and some of her classmates are pictured below, enjoying their time together. 6
Members of the Class of 2001 (left to right)
Rosemary Connors, Andrea Downs Cooper,
Kiera McKendrick McElrone and Mary Bruch at a gathering in the fall. Rosemary is an anchor and reporter with NBC10. Andrea lives in Wayne, PA, running a household with four children ages nine and under. Kiera is a doctor with Penn Medicine in Chester County. Mary is an attorney with the New York Housing Development Corp. in NYC.
Alex Burtoft Gilroy
’04 and her family welcomed Hayden Ford Gilroy on August 6, 2021. She joins big sister, Rylan.
Kelly Hanna ’04 recently launched her new business, Kelly Hanna Photography, specializing in Personal Branding and Headshots as well as magazine-style portraiture.
Kacy McNichol ’04 and Andrew Cellucci were married on June 25, 2021, at Sacred Heart Church and Radnor Valley Country Club.
Shannon Killeen Schwartz ’04 and her husband Michael welcomed their daughter, Morgan Nancy Schwartz, on April 18, 2021. 6
Valentina Baio ’05 majored in Mechanical Engineering at Lehigh University where she received both her BS and MS degrees, in 2009 and 2011, respectively. During her time at Lehigh, she was involved in the Formula SAE Team, which is how she got her first experience in automotive. She started working at Dorman Products in 2011 as a Product Engineer on their Window Regulator and Door Lock Actuator product lines. Since then, she has worked as an Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, and now as Director of Quality and Engineering Systems, Process, and Analytics. She is also a founding member of the Dorman Women’s Group. She visited Notre Dame’s campus in November of 2021 to speak with STEM scholars.
Sam Carroll Harris ’05
and her family welcomed John Matthew “Jack” Thompson Harris on April 26, 2021. Maggie Cummings ’06 is the new Event Planning Manager at The Bellevue Hotel - In the Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Center City, Philadelphia. While she specializes in corporate meetings and conferences, Maggie also plans many social events and weddings at the hotel.
Jackie McCabe Flanagan, PhD,
’06 and her husband Patrick welcomed a baby boy, Thomas McCabe Flanagan, on September 7, 2021. Jackie, Pat, and Tommy live in Georgetown, Washington D.C., where Jackie is a Partner at Bain & Company, specializing in the Biopharma and Life Sciences industries.
Maggie Mullaney ’07 is living in Miami Beach, FL, and is the Director of Marketing at Batallure Beauty. Maggie studied at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) where she received her BS in Business Administration and Food Marketing. While at SJU, Maggie was captain of the Division-1 Tennis Program from 2009-2011.
Brittany Duffy ’08 lives in Chicago and works at JP Morgan. Brittany married her husband, Ryan Landin, on September 18, 2021.
Alexandra Fenimore ’08 married Kevin Kelly on October 8, 2021, at the Radnor Hunt in Malvern, PA. Alex is the daughter of Susan O’Brien Fenimore ’78 and sister of Molly Fenimore ’10. 6 Kaitlin Smith Donnelly ’08 and her new husband, Andrew, celebrated their wedding reception on Friday, August 13, 2021, at the Ballroom at the Ben. Their wedding ceremony took place on December 30, 2020, at Villanova. Kaitlin and her bridesmaids took their wedding photos on the Notre Dame campus. Her ND bridesmaids included Megan Smith O’Sullivan
’10, Kara Brown ’08, Julia Tully ’08, Mary
Emily Pagano ’08, Lauren Willis Cardone ’08, and Anne Jordan ’08. 6
Garbriela Benner Dokas ’08 and her husband, Michael, welcomed baby boy, John “Jack” James Dokas, on June 13, 2021. 6
Jen Stipa Snopko ’08 and her husband, Alex, welcomed baby boy, Peter Lloyd Snopko, on August 8, 2020.
Rosetta DePaul ’09 and Shane Doherty had their engagement photos taken at Notre Dame, choosing the Mansion as the location as a nod to the role that Philadelphia and its suburbs play in their relationship. Rosetta credits the Class of 2009’s five-year reunion in 2014 for realizing that Shane, who was her “plus-one” that evening, was “The One.” Rosetta and Shane live in
Boston, MA. Shane proposed on September 19, 2020, at The Sagamore Resort in Lake George, NY, and their wedding is scheduled for May 14, 2022, at Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester, MA. 6
2010s Kristen McNeill Nicholls ’11 and her husband, Graeme, welcomed Madison Quinn Nicholls on June 23, 2021. 6
Katie Gerzabek Salem ’11, a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, earned a Master’s degree from Temple in Educational Leadership and Administration. This year is Katie’s first as a collegiate head coach, taking the helm of the Field Hockey program at Rhodes College! At Maryland, Katie was a standout and NFHCA All-American. As a captain her senior year, she led the Terps to their first Big Ten Regular Season Championship. Katie went on to be an assistant coach at both Temple and Syracuse (for 3 years each).
Notre Dame at The Reeds
On August 5, 2021, the Notre Dame community gathered at The Reeds in Stone Harbor to welcome Dr. Laura Hotchkiss, our new Head of School, and celebrate the beginning of a new era at the Academy.
Madeline Tague ’11 has built a successful cooking business and blog called “Mad About Food.” You can find her delicious recipes and more on her website: madaboutfood.co.
Jennifer Wagner ’11 began a new position as Direct Hire Senior Recruiter - Accounting and Finance at firstPro, Inc.
Caroline Powers ’12 works in New York City in investment management at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Mikayla Spurlock ’13 is living in Charlotte, North Carolina Senior and worked as an Analyst at Valuant before becoming a Senior, FSO at EY. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance and a Master of Accountancy. She is a certified Public Accountant.
Megan McGurk ’13 is living and working in New York City as a Sales associate for WisdomTree Asset Management. Megan graduated from Bucknell University in 2017 and enjoyed a successful career playing for the Women’s Basketball program for four years, earning numerous player and academic awards. Erika Westlake ’14 will graduate from the Sydney Kimmel College of Medicine in May 2022.
Hattie Schroer ’16 graduated from Sewanee, The University of the South in 2020, majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. Hattie spent the last year working at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center as an Administrative Care Technician. Upon applying to nursing school, her Sewanee advisor informed her about the Health Service Resource Administration’s (HRSA) Scholarship opportunities, which require commitment to providing care for underserved communities. In February 2021, Hattie was accepted into Vanderbilt’s two-year accelerated Master’s of Nursing program. Hattie spent time at Sewanee working in free medical clinics and is currently a Patient Assistant Program Coordinator in Vanderbilt’s free primary care clinic. Hattie earned the HRSA scholarship, which includes a full scholarship, living stipend, and additional school costs to nursing students who agree to work in a Health Shortage Facility in primary care after graduation for two years. Marion Boyd ’17 graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communications at the Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism and a minor in Music Industry at the Thornton School of Music. During her time at USC, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, studied abroad in London, and was in the Communication Honors Program. Marion completed a thesis entitled “The Underrepresentation of Females in the Music Industry,” highlighting the barriers women face while working in the music industry. Her work experience includes interning at iHeartRadio in NYC for Katie Couric’s podcast “Next Question with Katie Couric,” working for BEKIND. by ellen for the Ellen Show this past year. Her plan is to stay in LA and work in the music industry.
Victoria Carlini ’17 graduated from the Catholic University of America with a major in Nursing and a minor in Spanish, a special program at Catholic called Spanish for Healthcare. She also ran track for four years. Vicky will be staying in Washington, D.C., as she has accepted a position at the Children’s National Hospital on the Hematology/Oncology Unit.
Mary Margaret Gayhardt ’17 graduated from Boston College and moved to New York City where she now works as a Research Associate at Dynamics Search Partners.
Kathryn Hallinan ’17 served as a missionary for a Catholic nonprofit organization called “The Culture Project” speaking to middle and high schools on human dignity, sexual integrity, and social media rooted in Saint Pope John Paul II’s teachings of the “Theology of the Body.”
Catherine Oliver ’17 is a Fund Investment Analyst at Hamilton Lane. Catherine graduated from Duke University with a degree in Economics and a minor in Education. Over her four years, she was involved in Project BUILD, a community service focused pre-orientation program which she participated in as a first-year and then returned to as a crew leader for two years and as the director of entertainment one year. Additionally, Catherine was a part of DUU, Duke’s largest event programming and media body. She was a first year intern, chair of the Special Events committee, chair of Last Day of Classes committee, and also the Chief Financial Officer for the organization during her senior year.
Casey Phelan ’17 double majored in Human Development and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a minor in education at Binghamton University (BU). She was a Residential Advisor at BU and the Vice President of applications and training for her school’s mental health helpline called S.E.E.K. Casey is in a program called Urban Teachers and is student teaching in an elementary school in Washington, D.C., while working on a Master of Education from Johns Hopkins University.
Tess Phillips ’17 graduated from the University of Notre Dame and is working in Manhattan as a Programming Coordinator at Overtime Sports.
Taylor Rush ’17 graduated from Gettysburg College with majors in Political Science & International Affairs. She is now attending Vermont Law School to obtain her Juris Doctor and her Master of Environmental Law and Policy.
Recent Notre Dame graduates, including Sarah Jane Quigley ’18 (Syracuse), Tina D’Anjolell ’18 (Michigan), Lauren Curran ’19 (William & Mary), Meghan Mitchell ’20 (Villanova), Mandy McGurk ’19 (UPenn) and Emma Kichula ’19 (Michigan), came back to volunteer at Notre Dame summer camps in summer 2021.
Kate Biedermann ’18 graduated from Hamilton University and joined Partners Group in its financial analyst program. While at Hamilton, she was a history research assistant and minored in Economics.
Taylor Stokes ’18 became the first African American President of the student body at St. Joseph’s University! She is also the President of the Black Student Union. Taylor will graduate in May 2022 with a degree in criminal justice and ethics in the law. She plans to go to law school and study discrimination law. Her life goal is to develop her own diversity training program. 6
Katie Brennan ’19 is a junior at St. Joseph’s University, pursuing a degree in marketing. She is a social Media Marketing Intern at Coco + Dani.
Lauren Curran ’19, a junior on William & Mary’s Field Hockey Team, was named StudentAthlete of the Week, presented by the Virginia Lottery as voted on by the Tribe’s fan base via social media polls. She led the Tribe’s field hockey team in goals and points for the season. Last year, Lauren was named to the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. Ashley Snyder ’19 joined the lacrosse team at St. Andrew’s and was nominated to be a captain and co-coach for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. In preparation for her role, she decided to join the Scotland national lacrosse team and participated in the inaugural World Lacrosse Sixes event titled ’The Fly,’ a three-day event which trialed the proposed format of lacrosse, should it be added back into the Olympic Games. Ashley is studying psychology and is also a member of the St. Andrew’s Surf Club and a volunteer for the Wave Project, a UK-based charity which uses surfing as a way to provide therapy to those with mental health issues or special needs. 6
2020s Lauren Gunn ’20 was one of four undergraduates selected as a Leadership Ambassador at Northwestern University (NU). The Leadership Department at NU held a panel presentation in November 2021 for interested students and they asked Lauren to moderate the panel. Lauren is a second year student studying Theatre in Northwestern’s School of Communication. Alongside the Undergraduate Leadership Certificate, Lauren is pursuing a minor in Business Institutions and the Integrated Marketing Communications Certificate in the hopes of refining her leadership persona in both the theatre and business worlds. In addition to finding her onstage performing, Lauren is currently Secretary of Willard Residential College, Co-Director of Advertising for Northwestern’s 79th Annual Dolphin Show, Marketing Director of Northwestern’s Purple Crayon Players, and is a member of Northwestern’s Women in Business. 6
