Visions Spring 2025

VISIONS SPRING 2025

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

Empowering Girls Exploring the World

♥ TRAVEL

Juniors & Seniors danced the night away at the Please Touch Museum at the 2025 Prom.

IN this ISSUE

2 Empowering Girls Through the Center

for Global Leadership

6 Alumnae Feature 8 Faculty Spotlight 9 Family Spotlight 10 Around Middle School 11 Around Upper School 12 Upper & Middle School Theatre 13 Art News 14 Athletic News 16 Fall/Winter Events 18 Alumnae News 20 Class Notes & In Memoriam

VISIONS STAFF Editor: ELIZABETH WINTER, Director of Marketing & Social Media Contributors: LINDA BENTON, Advancement Associate MARIA BRECK GUNN, Director of Enrollment Management TRISH KYLE, Director of Advancement ABIGAIL MEROLA, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications JESSICA TURNER ‘06, Art Faculty WENDY WALTMAN, Director of Annual Giving Photography: CAMPLI PHOTOGRAPHY JAY GORODETZER PHOTOGRAPHY MARK TASSONI PHOTOGRAPHY Design: VERONICA UTZ GRAPHIC DESIGN Printing: MCCLAFFERTY PRINTING CO. This issue of Visions reflects information gathered through March 1, 2025. If you have any suggestions for future editions, please email communications@ndapa.org.

ON THE COVER: Every year, Notre Dame students zip up their suitcases and venture BeyoND the Gates to discover new corners of the world. Turn to page 2 to learn how the Center for Global Leadership’s travel programs take students across continents—and bring international perspectives right into their classrooms.

HEAD of SCHOOL

Dear Academy of Notre Dame Community,

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s we enjoy this vibrant season of spring, I am delighted to share with you the latest edition of Visions. This issue is a celebration of our community’s achievements, growth, and the unwavering spirit that defines the Academy.

This year, Hallmark 7 of a Notre Dame Learning Community grounds our work, emphasizing the importance of fostering a community of faith, knowledge, and service. This hallmark is a guiding principle and a lived experience that shapes our students’ journey and prepares them to be compassionate leaders in the world.

We are incredibly proud of our alumnae, whose achievements serve as a powerful inspiration to our current students. The O’Brien Family legacy is one example of connection and impact. The stories of our graduates demonstrate that the values and skills cultivated at Notre Dame extend far beyond graduation. In this issue, you will read about remarkable accomplishments in athletics, which began at Notre Dame and continue at the collegiate level. These alumnae share how the strength of ND’s athletic programs and the Academy’s supportive environment launched them “beyond the Gates” with confidence and preparedness.

In the realm of arts, we are thrilled to feature our talented art teacher, Mrs. Kate Small Rupertus ’93. Her innovative approach and passion for creativity have profoundly impacted our students, encouraging them to explore and express their artistic talents. The contributions of Mrs. Rupertus continue to enrich our arts curriculum and foster a culture of artistic excellence within our school.

This summer, we welcome two new administrators, Ms. Yunga Webb, Director of Inclusive Programs and Belonging and Mrs. Ashley Gartner, Director of Middle School, who bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the leadership at Notre Dame. Their commitment to education and student development aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to see the positive impact they have on our community.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Visions and find inspiration in the stories and achievements shared within.

In peace, courage, and simplicity,

Dr. Laura Hotchkiss

MISSION STATEMENT The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, an independent Catholic school dedicated to excellence in academics and to the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, cares for all people as a reflection of the Good God. Our mission is to guide young women as they grow in faith, intellectual curiosity, courage, leadership, and a passion for serving others.

REVISED IN DECEMEBER 2024

Empowering Girls Exploring the World FOR NEARLY A DECADE, the Center for Global Leadership at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur has given students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to go beyond the Gates and experience the world around us.

In 2016

the Center for Global Leadership (CGL) was founded with a powerful mission: to provide the Notre Dame community with authentic experiences that educate, empower, and inspire them to develop cultural curiosity, humility, and compassion in order to inform their leadership and service experiences in both the local and global communities.

Director of the CGL, Mrs. Nora Moffat has led the center since its inception and explained that the purpose of the center is to help students understand that being part of this planet and being connected through our shared humanity is a spiritual experience.

“When our students feel this interconnectedness, they develop a profound sense of respect and a

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duty to help, lead, and serve others,” Moffat said.

In 2019, the CGL led a two-year initiative across all academic departments to align Notre Dame’s curriculum with the United Nations

Since then, numerous projects have infused global leadership into the classroom and beyond, from travel opportunities to the Global Citizen Scholar Program (GCS), partnerships with all-girls schools around the globe, and more.

In 2024, Mrs.Nora Moffat was named Global Educator of the Year by the Institute for Global Learning.

Sustainable Development Goals.

Homa Tavangar, author, education consultant, and co-founder of the Big Questions Institute, worked with all stakeholders to connect the Notre Dame community with the Sustainable Development Goals.

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Notre Dame’s Global Classrooms model has allowed collaboration in all of our academic departments with students from around the world, including our seven international Sister Schools in Argentina, Canada, Japan, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, and the UK.

The CGL has also partnered with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, The Institute for Global Learning, the United Nations, The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and the National Association of

Independent Schools to provide learning and leadership opportunities to students. There are endless possibilities for our students right now, Moffat said, and they are more than eager to get involved.

Annually, over 120 students participate in 10 domestic and international travel programs.

The trips are centered around leadership, service, academic exchange, curricular enrichment, and cultural immersion. Faculty and staff serve as trip leaders, which then creates meaningful opportunities for professional learning and relationship-building with students and colleagues.

Since 2020, over 50 students have graduated from the GCS program and currently, there are over 80 students enrolled.

Peru

“Students are offered numerous co-curricular opportunities which allow them to investigate the world, collaborate with international students, lead clubs, organize global learning events, and travel the globe,” Moffat said.

Global Citizen Scholar Molly Hughes ’22, currently a student at the University of Mississippi, said she is grateful for the opportunities she had while at Notre Dame, realizing many of her friends in college did not have the same opportunities in high school.

I taly

“When a 7th grader logs onto Zoom at 9:30 pm on a Friday night to make new friends in India and discuss religious celebrations in both countries, they have learned about everything from time zones and virtual meeting etiquette to each other’s spiritual and musical traditions all while developing the social skills to move beyond initial discomfort and make social connections,” Moffat said.

Kampf explained that this experience taught her about how much access to education differs around the world.

“I have learned more about how education differs throughout the world, and that despite the fact that my experience in life may be very different from others, there are so many ways to connect with people through the unique qualities that everyone’s background entails,” Kampf said.

In the summer of 2024, Lila Raiser ’26 joined over 20 other Notre Dame students and traveled to Italy and Greece for a trip filled with history, food, and culture.

Raiser explained how special it was to connect the history she studied in her freshman World History 1 class with the actual locations she was visiting in Greece.

“I was able to overcome language barriers, navigate a different country, and connect with locals. The trip allowed me to be independent without having my family there to support me,” Raiser shared.

“The GCS Program made me more open-minded and empathetic by exposing me to new places and people from various backgrounds and cultures,” Hughes said.

Middle School students had the opportunity this year to participate in a Cultural Exchange with the Carmel Convent School in New Delhi, India. Via Zoom, these students have stepped out of their comfort zone and practiced active listening, cultural curiosity, and introspection, Moffat said.

16-year-old girl who lives on the Main Line and has barely been out of the country. I know my bubble best, I know the culture, the norms, and the people - but there is an entire world outside of my bubble and this experience broke it,” Kampf said.

Inspired by her own personal experience, Elena Herpel ’26 introduced an opportunity for her fellow Global Scholars in partnership with the Konnect Horizon Tutoring Program. From January to late March, students collaborated on lesson plans and delivered synchronous tutoring sessions in English and math to students aged 9 to 11 at the Konnect Horizon School in Nairobi, Kenya.

Julia Kampf ’26 saw this opportunity to tutor students as a way to become immersed in their culture and step outside of the Gates and Main Line.

“I think we often get caught up in our bubbles. We all have a bubble, I am a

Experiences like Raiser’s highlight the transformative power of global education—something Notre Dame continues to champion through its expanding international initiatives.

“The CGL is more than student travel. Over the last decade, the CGL has gone from a concept to a multi-pronged department that impacts various aspects of the student experience at Notre Dame.

Through thoughtful programming and global collaborations, our students and teachers are offered myriad opportunities to develop leadership skills, global competencies, and an informed and empathetic worldview, “ Moffat said.

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E M P O W E R I N G G I R L S E x p l o r i n g t h e Wo r l d

Traveling BeyoND FEBRUARY 2024 1. Model United Nations - Rome MARCH 2024 2. France APRIL 2024 3. Montreal JUNE 2024 4. Smoky Mountains, TN 5. Costa Rica 6. Italy & Greece 7. Peru

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r 8.Denve

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FEBRUARY 2025 11. Model United Nations - Netherlands

5.Costa Rica

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APRIL 2025 12. Montreal

10.New Orleans

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS (2024-2025) 17. Global Scholars - Singapore Pen Pals 18. Cultural Exchange with Carmel Convent School, New Delhi, India 19. Global Scholars - Konnect Horizon Tutoring Program with students in Nairobi, Kenya 20. CGS Be Bold Changemakers, International Entrepreneurship & Leadership Program ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

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JANUARY 2025 9. Ivy League MUN Conference - Philadelphia 10. New Orleans

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DECEMBER 2024 8. Student Diversity Leadership Conference - Denver

JUNE 2025 13. Boston 14. Argentina 15. Iceland 16. Paris

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3.Montreal

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Empowering Girls EXPLORING THE WORLD

the Gates

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20.IC GS Be Bold Changemakers, 6

6.I taly

18 17 19

17.Singapore Pen Pals

18.New Delhi, India SPRING 2025 VISIONS

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ALUMNAE feature

NOTRE DAME’S

Legacy of Excellence in Athletics Notre Dame is proud of our student-athletes who take their passion for sports on the road and impact collegiate programs across the US. We asked a cohort of recent graduates to share their favorite collegecareer moment and how their experience at ND elevated their impact beyond the gates.

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Mia Abruzzo ’2

S W I M M I N G

†††† The lessons I gained at ND have been instrumental throughout my college career. Among these, the significance of community stands out the most. As a leader on our team, my goal has been to cultivate the same supportive culture that I experienced at Notre Dame.

ia de in being a Georg I take immense pri of my favorite e On y. da ery ev Bulldog cond I qualified for my se moments was when 24. The unwavering 20 in e Olympic Trials eived during this tim support and joy I rec the rest of my life. for will remain with me

Paige Kieft ’21

S W I M M I N G

F I EH LO DC K E Y

d University of Marylan

winning in shootouts My favorite memory was homore year to go sop my se acu Syr against just because of not was It r.

Fou l to the Fina resented the rep it e aus bec the result, but of hard work, nce erie exp s behind-the-scene t led up to it. tha nce era setbacks, and persev

††††

orgia University of Ge

Dani Falcone ’21

ND instilled a very strong work ethic and desire to succeed in the Columbia University classroom, on the field, and in the My favorite moment was junior year when defeated Villanova during a rainy home we workplace. My teachers and coaches, game.

It was certainly an upset and such a rewa rding as well as my teammates, provided win for our program and for me as I notch ed four goals in the win. That win helped to an encouraging and motivational propel us forward during the season. environment that allowed me to learn, study, and play productively.

My experience at ND positively fueled my passion to pursue a Div. 1 college career while balancing the importance of my education.

†††† At ND, I learned the importance of balancing ambition with perspective.

Being surrounded by high-achieving teammates pushed me to set high standards, while the community emphasized gratitude, service, and faith, helping me stay grounded.

That balance made me a more resilient athlete and a better teammate.

Ashley Kolessar ’22

S W I M M I N G

†††† ND has impacted my career as a Div. 1 student-athlete in many ways, including knowing how to persevere, be disciplined, and how vital a strong community is to be great. All of these factors have shaped me into who I am today, and I have been able to balance student life with athletics.

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L A C R O S S E

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

UCLA My favorite moments include being able to represent UCLA at the last two PAC-12 conference championships and the first-ever Big Ten Championship in UCLA’s history.

Riya Patel ’23

feature ALUMNAE

†††† Notre Dame gave me the confidence to join a collegiate rowing team, and I learned how to build valuable relationships within athletics and academics.

R O W I N G

Maddie Frank ’22

F I EH LO DC K E Y

††††

college career My favorite moment of my season opener our in se acu was beating Syr t came down to this year; it was a race tha able to beat a being the last few meters, and edibly rewarding. top-ranked team was incr

Annie Greek ’23

S W I M M I N G

B A S K E T B A L L

Susquehanna Unive rsity

My proudest memory is not defined by a single moment. The journe y to playing college athletics and the dedication to show up every day make me pro ud. game is very different from The college hig proud of how I adjusted and h school; I’m gave my best.

’24 Devyn Sargent

S W I M M I N G

†††† Resilience is definitely something I learned at ND that has served me well as a college athlete. Not shying away when things get hard and pushing through tough times is credited to my time at ND. Another skill is sticking up for myself and using my voice in a way that matters.

relays at the Ivy Swimming on Yale’s was an incredible hip ns League Champio mmates cheer tea honor. Hearing my ing for them is a rac from the sides while ver forget. moment I’ll ne

Grace Guerin ’21

Community is everything. No matter what challenges you face or goals you pursue, having a strong, supportive group around you makes the experience that much more meaningful. The community at ND is something I deeply cherish, and it was a guiding factor when choosing a college.

V O L L E Y B A L L

Catholic University

r day My proudest moment was at our senio with celebration when I soaked in the moment 6th family and friends. I thought back to my yball and grade self when I started playing volle shaped has sport the much how ded was remin n. me over the years as an athlete and perso

†††† Notre Dame taught me to take pride in myself and to lead with confidence. The empowering community there helped shape me into the strong, capable person I am today.

†††† Yale University

Georgetown University

My favorite moment is starting my first ever collegiate game. My proudest moment is holding Liberty to 1-0 for 75% of our game in 2023. Liberty competed for the Natio nal Championship several times, so I’m proud that I was part of our best defensive performan ce.

††††

lvania University of Pennsy

ND helped me master time management, accountability, and how to communicate with professors. Most importantly, ND instilled confidence so that I don’t limit myself and trained me to pursue a variety of passions in academics, athletics, and community service in college.

ND taught me to never give up and strive for goals that I thought were unachievable. Being able to compete at the highest level would not be obtainable without learning to be determined and hard-working. My coaches and teachers taught me that no goal is out of reach.

Hanna Bodner ’21

L A C R O S S E Marquette University

My favorite moment came this season when my team won a game in overtime and I score eight goals, including the game winner. d In that moment, it did not matter who score d the goal, but that we were all playing to win and were nonstop until the last second.

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FA C U LT Y s p o t l i g h t

Kate Small Rupertus ’93 Kate Small Rupertus is a proud graduate of Notre Dame’s Class of 1993, but her connection to the Academy runs much deeper than just her time as a student. Her ties to Notre Dame stretch back to her childhood, rooted in family history and personal experience. Her father, Vince Small, was a longtime English teacher at the Academy, making Notre Dame a central part of her upbringing. Rupertus and her siblings spent countless hours on campus, immersed in its vibrant atmosphere and building a steadfast appreciation for the school’s values, traditions, and community.

“My students inspire me.

They remind me of the importance of taking risks, being open, and embracing the journey of creating art.”

“I grew up with Notre Dame,” Rupertus reflected. “I have that longtime connection and memories of all of these amazing people who have worked here,

particularly the Sisters of Notre Dame. When people talk about the legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame, I am remembering real people who touched my life.”

Despite her deep-rooted bond with the school, Rupertus did not always envision herself becoming a teacher she followed her passion for art. Over time, her love for creating evolved into a love for teaching others how to express themselves artistically.

Rupertus discovered that the true reward of teaching art was more than imparting technical skills; it was helping students believe in their own creativity.

“I love seeing students realize that art is a skill, not just something you are born with. That moment when they overcome self-doubt and believe in themselves is everything!” Rupertus said.

Rupertus considers herself incredibly fortunate to teach in the bright and spacious Josephine Connelly Arts Center. She recognizes that her classroom is more than a space for instruction, it is a place where students are encouraged to take risks, push boundaries, and develop confidence in their artistic voices.

“My classroom is a space where students can experiment, make mistakes, and feel safe doing so. I want them to leave here knowing

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ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

they matter and that their voice matters, whether it is through a painting or a conversation.” Rupertus shared.

One of her favorite traditions is the annual ceramics auction, an event that allows students to use their artistic talents for a greater purpose. Ceramics 1 students craft pieces such as serving ware and home decorations, which are then sold to benefit a local charitable organization. Beyond teaching craftsmanship, this event instills in students the importance of generosity and using their skills to make a difference in the world.

“Watching students sell their first piece of art is always such a joy,” Rupertus shared. “It is more than just confidence-building. It teaches them how art can be an instrument for good, and how it can help others.”

As much as teaching influences her students, it also profoundly impacts Kate’s own artistic journey. She makes it a priority to carve out time for her own creative work, recognizing the importance of staying connected to her craft. She embraces the vulnerability that comes with sharing art and encourages her students to do the same.

“My students inspire me. They remind me of the importance of taking risks, being open, and embracing the journey of creating art.” Rupertus said.

s p o t l i g h t FA M I LY

The O’Brien Family The Academy of Notre Dame is proud to recognize the O’Brien family for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to enhancing the student experience.

Their recent gift made possible a series of significant renovations to the Fitzgerald Fieldhouse at Launfal, creating a more modern, comfortable, and inspiring facility for our student-athletes.

Thanks to Kristin and Patrick O’Brien’s support, the Fieldhouse underwent extensive upgrades, including fresh paint and carpeting, updated signage, lockers, updated furniture, technology upgrades, and extending the air conditioning to the main lobby.

These improvements have not only elevated the functionality and appearance of the Fitzgerald Field House but also reflect the Academy’s ongoing dedication to providing top-tier facilities that foster athletic excellence and school spirit.

The O’Brien family’s connection to Notre Dame began in 2015, when their oldest daughter, Maggie, started at the Academy. With two more daughters to follow, the family quickly became deeply embedded in the school community. Their passion for enhancing the Fitzgerald Field House stemmed from their daughters’ involvement in Notre Dame’s athletic programs. From competing on the field to forming lifelong friendships, sports were a cornerstone of their experience. Their desire to give back was rooted in gratitude for the profound impact Notre Dame had on their daughters’ lives.

“Our daughters were very involved in ND athletics, and as a family, we spent a great deal of time on campus cheering them on year-round,” the family reflected.

“The girls had many amazing moments while developing incredible, lifelong relationships with their teammates and families. Being deeply involved in athletics from a young age taught them life skills that will serve them for many years to come.”

The recent investment in the Fitzgerald Field House is just one example of how the O’Brien family gives back to the school community. The family has been loyal supporters of the Notre Dame Fund, which provides vital funding to the Academy’s annual priorities. The O’Brien’s are active participants in the PA Educational Tax Credit Program (EITC), which redirects their Pennsylvania tax liability to Notre Dame. The O’Brien family is also generous with their time, as Kristin serves as an active member of the Advancement Committee that oversees the school’s fundraising efforts. Most recently, they sponsored a significant Young Alumnae Challenge during the April 8 Day of Giving, which inspired our young alumnae to give back.

Kristin shared, “Notre Dame provides a great environment to develop life skills and does a wonderful job of developing the whole student in a healthy and communal environment.” She also noted the importance of the broader community to show support. “Notre Dame is in a highly competitive market and the additional support is one of the major factors in the Academy’s continued success.”

For the O’Brien family, giving back to Notre Dame is an extension of the values they have instilled in their daughters—hard work, dedication, and working toward a common goal.

“ND provides a great environment to develop life skills and does a wonderful job of developing the whole student in a healthy and communal environment.”

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ar ou nd M IDDL E S CH O O L

Service at ACCT Shelter

Middle School Campus Ministry students volunteered at ACCT Philly making dog treats and toys for our furry friends.

8th Grade Sets Sail!

The Class of 2029 took a trip aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, where they took in the skyline, enjoyed lunch, and spent quality time as a class.

Junior Model United Nations

Buon Appetito!

Middle School Model United Nations students spent the year exploring topics surrounding diplomacy, culture, and how to be successful delegates.

In their conference in May, they represented China and the United States on the issues of reducing gender inequality and building peaceful societies.

Students have had the opportunity this year to learn different recipes and cooking techniques with classes from our cafeteria staff at Culinart! Scan here to see a video where they made a “waste not” salad with delicious ingredients that would otherwise go in the compost - like broccoli stems!

7th Grade Trip to NYC

7th grade enjoyed a day in the Big Apple visiting Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, RiseNY, and concluded their trip with the Tony award-winning show, The Outsiders, which coincided with their language arts curriculum as they read the novel!

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ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

around UPPER SCHOOL

Shakespeare in Film Class Meets with Renowned Camera Operator

Ms. Alexander’s Shakespeare in Film class met with Kyle Rudolph - camera operator for several of M. Night Shyamalan’s films! Students were able to ask questions about his career, how he got to where he is now, and what set was like on some very famous award-winning films.

Senior Class Trip to the MET The Blue Class ventured into the Big Apple for the annual Senior Class Metropolitan Museum of Art Trip.

ND to VT

Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a weekend in the mountains during the annual ski trip to Vermont.

National Honor Society Hosts Blood Drive Thanks to our incredible donors, ND collected nearly 30 units of blood!

Sydney Batts ’25 & Calleigh Newbert ’26 Awarded for Achievements in Technology

Each year high school students are celebrated for their unique talents, aptitude, and aspirations in technology and computing by the National Center for Women & Information in Technology. This year, Sydney Batts was named a 2025 National Winner and Calleigh Newbert was selected as an Honorable Mention out of over 3,700 applicants!

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A R T news

MEAN

GIRLS

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NEWSIES

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news ART

WINTER DANCE PERFORMANCE

ALL-CATHOLIC BAND and ORCHESTRA

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to perform at the All-Catholic Band and Orchestra!

Izzy Mendoza ‘25 - Concert Band Bailey Jones ‘26 - Concert Band & Orchestra Anna Vigilante ‘25 - Orchestra

TOURNESOL AWARD Tournesol, the literary magazine of the Academy, was named a Superior magazine in the 2024 NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest!

Congratulations to our English and Arts faculty as well as the Upper and Middle School students who worked so hard on the 2024 edition.

Scan here to read the 2024 edition of Tournesol d d

CHRISTMAS CONCERT It was a magical night in Cuvilly Hall when our 6th Grade Chorus, Middle and Upper School Women’s Chorale, and Ensemble truly brought the spirit of the season to life.

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A T H L E T I C n ews

TED UNDEFEA in the INTER-AC

Volleyball - PAISAA & Inter-Ac Champs

† Middle School Varsity Basketball finished first in their division!

Students Named Most Valuable Player by the Inter-Ac

Tori Abruzzo ’25 - Swimming Riley Davis ’27 - Basketball Vikki Zelubowski ’25 - Volleyball

† The crew team traveled to Boston in October to race in the Head of the Charles Regatta!

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2025 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Girls Basketball Team:

NFHCA (National Field Hockey Coaches Association) recognized the following players as All-Americans:

Riley Davis ’27 - 1st Team Grace Nasr ’27 - 2nd Team

Kiera Sack ’26 - 1st Team Reese Milone ’26 - 2nd Team

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Delco Players of the Year:

Tori Abruzzo ’25 - Swimming Maeve McGinley ’27 - Field Hockey

n e ws A T H L E T I C

Basketball - Inter-Ac Champs

rd ED 3 RANK the in NTRY COU

Field Hockey ­- Inter-Ac Champs

UNDEFEA TED in the INTER-AC

UNDEFEA TED in the INTER-AC

Temperance England ’25

T Indoor Track - 3rd place finish in Shot Put at PAISAA Championship

Signing Celebrations Congratulations to our seniors who are planning to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level!

TOP ROW: Molly Pegg: George Washington University, Rowing Scarlett Henry: University of Tennessee, Rowing Temperance England: Bates College, Track & Field Mary Kate Daniel: Colby College, Swimming Vikki Zelubowski: Morgan State University, Volleyball BOTTOM ROW: Anya Dunn: Johns Hopkins University, Lacrosse Cate Fox: Coastal Carolina University, Lacrosse Sophia Hall: University of Delaware, Soccer Tori Abruzzo: University of South Carolina, Swimming

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FA L L | W I N T E R e v e n t s

Mother-Daughter Picnic

Father-Daughter Communion Breakfast

Spirit Day 2024 The Blue Class took home the 2024 Spirit Day trophy and reigned supreme in the Seniors v Teachers dodgeball game. The junior class was awarded best song, while the freshmen took home the award for best banner, and the seniors won best choreography.

Scan the QR code to view a recap of the day’s activities!

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ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Mother-Daughter Christmas Shopping & Luncheon

e v e n t s FA L L | W I N T E R

2025 Mission Week Notre Dame gathered in February to watch Sr. Helen Bellew, Sr. Patricia Hanway, and Sr. Jean Keesey renew their vows at the St. Julie Liturgy.

During the week, students celebrated the mission of St. Julie and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur with service, reflection, and prayer.

Advent Angels

Mrs. Fox’s Advent Mother got her some Eagles-themed Christmas decor!

2024 Advent Angels did not disappoint! Holiday cheer was spread throughout the halls at ND leading up to Christmas Break.

Denim Day The ND Community wore their pink and denim best this October to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.

Celebrating the Year of the Snake!

Students celebrated the Lunar New Year by decorating the cafeteria, enjoying traditional cuisine, making dumplings, practicing their calligraphy skills, and even receiving some red envelopes! Scan the QR code to watch the wrap-up video!

National Honor Society & National Junior Honor Society Induction

Three Main

Campus Ministry and Student Council Induction

Five Main

Campus Ministry SPRING 2025 VISIONS

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ALUMNAE news

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa ND welcomed over 300 community members for the annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa event.

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ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

news ALUMNAE

Christmas Party Alumnae joined together again for a merry reunion at the Ritz Carlton for the annual Alumnae Christmas Party.

Virtual Book Club

ND alumnae read over

1,400 PAGES

in book club!

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CLASS notes

1980s

Una Mannion ’83 spent time in Ms. Cirone’s Women & Literature classes this fall. Students read her book, A Crooked Tree, and had the chance to chat with her about her writing and what it is like to be an author.

1990s

Caroline Swift Stansbury ’97 P’30 is the newest member of the Notre Dame Advancement Team.

We are delighted to welcome Caroline Stansbury ’97 P’30 back to the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in her role as Major Gift Officer. She brings to us her love of ND as well as her experience in marketing, communications, and donor relations with a background cultivating in non-profit, government, and corporate settings.

Caroline and her husband, Rob, are proud parents to Scarlett, a member of the ND Class of 2030, and her twin brother, Evan. As a parent, she has been involved in the Notre Dame community through her service on the Parent Association, Mission Committee, Parent Leadership Council, Enrollment Advisory Board, and as a parent liaison for the Middle School Squash Club.

“I am truly honored to dedicate my time to the Academy of Notre Dame, Saint Julie Billiart’s mission, and to all of the young women who have found their voices under the gold and blue.” shared Caroline.

Dr. Patricia Henwood ’98 recently spoke at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women.

Dr. Henwood drew from her extensive experience to speak on the topic of Leading with Purpose: Wellness Strategies for Driven Women with Demanding Roles. Dr. Henwood is the Chief Clinical Officer for Jefferson Health and is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University. Pictured is Mrs. Bonner and Mrs. Pauley with Dr. Henwood and Sally Brosnan Smith ‘04.

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ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

2000s

Felicia Leicht ’00 performed in “The Thanksgiving Play” at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community.

Claire Howard ‘01 is the inaugural Hansjörg Wyss Curator of Modern Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She moved to Boston in September 2024 after spending the last fourteen years in Austin, Texas, where she worked as Associate Curator, Collections and Exhibitions, at the Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin (UT). She received her PhD in art history from UT in 2020.

Tory Gosnell ’06 married Sean Barr on October 19, 2024 at Villanova University’s Chapel. The reception was held at Springfield Country Club and the happy couple honeymooned in St. Lucia. Tory was accompanied by her sisters Erica Leigh Gosnell Jackson ’10 and Lindsay Gosnell Green ’04.

Lianne Pennacchia Maddocks ’06, along with her husband Ryan, welcomed a daughter named Reese Catherine in August.

Lauren Willis Cardone ’08 and her husband, Nick, welcomed a baby boy, Andrew “Drew” Nicholas Cardone in November.

DeAnna SuppleeEvans ’08 recently starred in the CBS series Elsbeth.

notes CLASS

2010s

Kerri DelCollo ’13 and her husband tied the knot just before the New Year.

ND alumnae from the Class of 2010 gathered at the Mansion for a photo on the wedding day of Mary Mulholland Bianco ‘10 in early May 2024. Congratulations to the Bianco’s!

Mary Davis Gregory ’11 and her husband Paul welcomed their bundle of joy Jack in November.

Kelly Goodman Gaus ’12 and her husband, LCDR Thomas Gaus (USN), welcomed their second son, Philip Francis Gaus on November 20, 2023. The Gaus family currently resides in Norfolk, Virginia.

Kirsten Jerla Jeffries ’12 and her husband, Joe, welcomed their first baby, Adeline Joyce, on May 7, 2024. Adeline is a very happy, smiley girl and all are doing well!

*Information gathered from September 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025

Shannon McCabe Sta Ana ’13 recently got married. On November 2nd, she and Glenn Sta Ana tied the knot at Greenville Country Club, and it was an unforgettable day. The ceremony was beautiful, with their closest friends and family gathered to witness their vows. It felt so special to have everyone they love there to celebrate this new chapter in their lives. In attendance were Brianna Williamson ’13, Francesca Simms ’13, Devon McCabe Murray ’14, Cathy Starrs ’13, Carlianne McCabe Ward ’12, Grace Spellacy Moses ’13, Jennifer Starrs McLoone ’14, and Mary Boylan McCabe ’84. Devon, Cathy, and Grace were all bridesmaids.

Jillian Battista ’14 successfully defended her dissertation in March 2025 and completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She will be moving on to work at a medical affairs company, specializing in science communication.

SPRING 2025 VISIONS

21

CLASS notes

Caitlin Livesey ’15 married Quinn Rhodes on September 28, 2024 at St. John Vianney Church in Gladwyne, PA. Alumnae Maura Dougherty ‘15 and Mary Kate Moran ‘15 were in the bridal party. The couple resides in Philadelphia, where Caitlin works as an architectural historian for AECOM.

Julia Dambly ’16 graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and matched at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School in OB/GYN. Rachel Weber ’16 is now a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA)! This milestone represents years of dedication, countless study hours, and many challenges along the way. She is extremely grateful for the unwavering support of her family, friends, and colleagues.

Rachel is very proud to officially add FSA to her name and excited for the next chapter in her professional journey!

22

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Brooke Spino ‘17 earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in May 2024.

2020s

Meg Arfaa ’20 recently graduated from University of Pennsylvania and left this fall to pursue her master’s degree at Oxford University. Before leaving the states, Meg had dinner with Dr. DaCrema and Mrs. Woehlcke.

Congratulations to Allie Lynch ’20 and Lizzie Halligan ’24 and the Scranton University Women’s Basketball Team on their 10th landmark championship title!

notes CLASS Maddie Tantillo ’20 graduated from Syracuse in May with two degrees in English and Secondary Education. She is currently teaching 10th grade American Literature at Devon Preparatory School.

Maggie O’Neill ’20 opened her own franchise of JuicePod in Havertown and found the love of promoting a healthy lifestyle by drinking juice, eating clean, and feeling amazing.

Bianca Rosato ’20 founded Bee Haven Hoodies - Bee Haven is more than a brand; it’s a mission to support women in need.

She hopes these hoodies provide comfort to consumers and contribute to creating a sanctuary for those who need it most.

A portion of the proceeds will support survivors of Domestic Violence. Follow them on IG: @beehaven. hoodies *Information gathered from September 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025

Kiera Chambers ’21 (a senior at UVA double majoring in Media Studies and American Studies) recently had an incredible experience as an intern with SNL! Due to the AP credits she earned as a student at ND, she already had enough credits to graduate, which made the task of splitting her time between UVA and NYC possible. She has been taking two classes at UVA this semester, attending them early on in the week, and then traveling to NYC for the remainder of the week to work at her internship. On the day of the live 50th-anniversary show, Kiera worked in the music department, setting up dressing rooms for musical guests and walking band members through 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Pictures include Kiera outside of the studio and with her aunt, Erin Doyle Schechtman ’03, who is a producer at SNL. Megan MacFarlane ’22, a current Environmental Studies major at College of the Holy Cross, had the privilege of completing a 10week internship with Senator Tom Carper’s office on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC this past summer.

SPRING 2025 VISIONS

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CLASS notes

In Memoriam

Sister Dorothy (Dorothy Joseph) McCormick, SNDdeN ’59 December 9, 2023

Robert Michael Poole, MD, father of Madeleine Poole ’09 and Grace Poole ’12 November 2024

Mary Jane “M.J.” Kiely Collins ’75, mother of Courtney Collins ’04, sister of Maureen Kiely Hogan ’77 and Aimee Kiely Weise ’86, aunt of Kathryn Weise ’22 December 12, 2024

William Tierney, father of Kimberly Tierney Pegg ’88, and grandfather of Kiley Pegg ’22 and Molly Pegg ’25

Ann “Nancy” Rilling Shaughnessy Sq ’64 January 3, 2025

Eileen Downs, mother of Phyllis Downs Hart ’85, Colleen Downs ’87, Joanna Downs Miller ’89, Alicia Downs Rhodes ’94, Diana Downs Dauer ’97, Andrea Downs Cooper ’01, and Juliann Downs ’08, grandmother of Audrey Hart ’16, Jillian Hart ’22, Sabrina Hart ’23, and Scarlett Hart ’23

Bernadette Ann Fortune Pettine ’47 January 22, 2025 Alicia Foote Deem ’88 January 22, 2025 Susan Ann McStravog Strohmetz ’64 February 23, 2025 Mary Beth Shay Adams ’71, sister of Kathy Shay ’70 March 2, 2025

Cynthia (Cindy) McDevitt Burton, ’83 March 25, 2025 Sister Gloria Coleman, SHCJ, former ND Junior School principal December 20, 2024

November 28, 2024

December 5, 2024

Mary Ellen Hyland, mother of Tricia Hyland Humpton ’04 December 13, 2024

Edwin J. Tedeschi, grandfather of Ryan Rischitelli ’20 and Lauren Rischitelli ’23 December 17, 2024

Anna Rita DiFelice, mother of Antonella DiFelice Guarneri ’03

Anne Marie “Dede” Seidner, mother of Kristin Seidner Sherman ’97 and grandmother of Sydney Sherman ’29

September 19, 2024

December 21, 2024

Bruce N. Gilbert, grandfather of Riley Gillin ’20

John H. Coneys, father of Samantha Coneys ’20 and Alexandra Coneys ’21 February 11, 2025

October 22, 2024

Richard N. Winfield, husband of Deborah Winfield ’55 October 22, 2024

Karen Fiori, mother of Alyse Fiori Stach ’03 and Grace Fiori ’12 October 23, 2024

Please keep all of these loved ones in your prayers

Joseph Andrew “Sonny” McGlynn, father of Deirdre McGlynn Kelly ’84 October 23, 2024 Eric A. Corkhill III, husband of Helen Huggler Corkhill ’75, and father of Katherine Corkhill Barthelmeh ’04 and Emily Corkhill ’07 October 27, 2024 John R. McConnell, Jr., father of Katy McConnell Malonoski ’08 October 27, 2024

24

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

*Information gathered from September 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025

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