Notre Dame High School Annual Report of Philanthropy 2024
Ora et Labora
A tribute to our Sister Carol Shoup
HONORING A WOMAN OF FAITH WITH A HEART AS WIDE AS THE WORLD PAGE 7
ND Speech & Debate thrives in growth with students and alums PAGE 5 16th Women of Impact with Rue Mapp & Linda Park ʼ96 PAGE 11
Report of Philanthropy for 2024
2 | WELCOME
A message from the Head of School
5 | CO-CURRICULAR SPOTLIGHT
ND's Speech & Debate program has flourished
13 | 18TH ANNUAL ND READS
With artist Ruth Asawa & author Marilyn Chase
17 | HOMECOMING 2024
A tradition in the spirit of Notre Dame San Jose
18 | MILESTONE REUNIONS & BIRTHDAYS
Honoring classes from 1954 - 2019 and 90th birthdays
19 | FINANCIAL REPORT
Money matters for the 2023-24 fiscal year
35 | IN MEMORIAM
Remembering beloved ones in our ND community
CHARITABLE GIVING 2024
FOUNDATIONS 34 ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION
THIS PUBLICATION
PUBLISHER
ND Office of Advancement
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Vikki Bowes-Mok
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Christina Morello
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bacosa Photography, Jose Morales Media, Christina Morello, ND Office of Advancement, ND Alum Relations, ND Co-Curricular Programs, Wayne Hall
Ora et Labora can also be found online at: www.ndsj.org/about-us/publications
Follow us: @notredamesj
Our annual report was created and published by Notre Dame High School in San Jose, CA, to reflect giving from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate and up to date. If you notice an error or have a question, please email communications@ndsj.org.
Jianna Salinas ’15 Evaristo
Mapp & Linda Park ’96
A Message from our Head of School
Happy Women's History Month, Notre Dame community!
I greet you energized about our impressive work as the Center for Women’s Leadership in Silicon Valley. As a result of your support and financial gifts, we ended the year with unparalleled success and recognition—Niche* named Notre Dame San Jose the #1 Catholic High School in Santa Clara County!
2024-25
Board of Directors
Kathy Almazol
FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, SJ DIOCESE
Katie Colin EXEC. DIRECTOR, US EAST-WEST PROVINCE SNDDEN
As I reflect on our collective success, I am reminded that the Center for Women’s Leadership is more than a mere building. It is a mindset—a distinct choice to invest in women’s education with intention and great expectation. It is who we are—a community of students, families, faculty, staff, alums, Sisters, board members and community partners—each enriching the tapestry of our mission. Whether as the only U.S. high school to host Nuns on the Bus or through participation in the nationwide Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, our community boldly enacts our aspirational vision of women’s leadership.
Because we are Notre Dame Catholic and we are emboldened to create women of impact, we do so with an intergenerational lens. We honor our notable leaders of today while cultivating empowered leaders for tomorrow. This sentiment brings to mind our beloved Sr. Carol Shoup—a woman of impact, light and expansive joy. We are grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating her legacy. Her zeal for Notre Dame will irrefutably live beyond this season of loss.
Finally friends, thank you for your ongoing commitment to our mission. With your generosity, we will continue to enhance curriculum, expand co-curricular programming, provide experiential learning and ensure every student has access to our faith-filled, inclusive education designed to elevate women’s leadership.
Until we rally together across the globe for our Day of Giving on Tuesday, April 8, be kind, choose joy and remember, God is good.
With gratitude,
ASHLEY RAE MATHIS, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Selina Garrison (Alana '23) FORMER DIRECTOR, INTUIT
Jennifer Hall (Madison '20) FORMER HR EXECUTIVE, INTUITIVE SURGICAL
Lisa Quintero '91 Jensen SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, CRAWFORD GROUP
Sister Kathryn Keenan SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR
Rose Que '82 Lue (Amanda '23, Diane '23) VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LEADER
Ruth Ann McNees (Natalie '20) COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, ATTORNEY
Laura Murphy (Sara '20) COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, ATTORNEY
Alex Nguyen '94 ATTORNEY, BERLINER COHEN LLP
Anisha Patel '16 ANALYST, CISCO
Rose Pierro '63 Simmons FORMER OPERATIONS OFFICER, HEALTH CARE
Eileen Tanghal FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER, BLACK OPAL VENTURES
Melinda K. Postle '88 Thompson GENERAL COUNSEL, MIRO
Born to race
Jianna
Salinas ’15 Evaristo’s
unlikely path to becoming the fastest woman in pro stock motorcycle racing
Jianna Salinas '15
Evaristo was almost born at a Goodguys Car Show. Her mom went into labor while her dad was accepting an award, and though they made it to the hospital just in time, it’s fitting that her life began in the midst of a car show.
Born as the third of four daughters, Jianna grew up in a family deeply passionate about cars. Her parents were busy building Valley Services, a company they started by hauling scrap metal and junk cars in San Jose. As the business expanded to include additional waste services, her father began to pursue his passion for racing. Jianna and her sisters watched as their dad transitioned from enthusiast to professional racer, while the family business continued to thrive. It was during this time that they were introduced to junior car racing, but it wasn’t until later in college that Jianna discovered her true calling.
Fast forward to today, Jianna is the National Hot Rod Association’s fastest woman in pro stock motorcycle racing and she was just named one of drag racing’s
brightest young talents in Drag Illustrated’s prestigious “30 Under 30” list.
“What I find most exhilarating about racing is how much you have to push yourself, physically and mentally. You have to be willing to go to the edge,” said Jianna, reflecting on the intensity of racing. “Riding over 200 mph with no seat belt, no parachutes, it takes a mindset where you have to be a little bit crazy.”
That confidence was something Jianna cultivated during her time at Notre Dame High School. Her middle school principal suggested she check out Notre Dame. On her Shadow Day visit, she immediately felt at home, a feeling that convinced her the school was the right place for her. Her parents, who had never attended college themselves due to their focus on building the family business, valued education for their daughters.
“Jianna was a warm and thoughtful student,” said Eran DeSilva, her social studies teacher and now director of teaching and learning at Notre Dame. “I remember when she shared her family’s passion for racing. She brought in a jacket with their team logo for a pop-up museum assignment, and you could see the pride and excitement in her eyes. It’s been a joy to watch her pursue that passion with such hard work and determination.”
—
YOU CAN'T HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT WHETHER YOU BELONG THERE — it’s all or nothing.
Jianna credits the school with teaching her to trust in herself and her beliefs — a lesson she still relies on as she navigates the male-dominated world of racing. Her path to professional racing, however, wasn’t a simple lap around the track.
Jianna attended San Jose State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in child development with a minor in atypical studies. However, just before her senior year, an opportunity to race professionally presented itself — and she knew she couldn’t let it pass by.
“When opportunity knocks, you answer,” said Jianna, who is known among friends for her stubbornness and determination. “I didn’t grow up riding motorcycles, and a lot of people doubted me because of that. But their doubt only fueled my desire to prove them wrong.”
In her final year of college, Jianna juggled a demanding schedule, stacking her classes Monday through Thursday and racing from Friday to Sunday. It was a hectic lifestyle, but her love for racing — and her desire to finish her degree — drove her to master time management and focus.
After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Eldrich, and they became each other’s biggest supporters.
In 2019, Jianna took a bold leap into the world of drag racing motorcycles, joining the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. Today, she competes at the national level,
testing her limits alongside a diverse group of professional racers. Last season came with many changes but “the growth and resilience we’ve shown as a team made this strong finish possible, and I couldn’t be more proud. None of this would have happened without the unwavering support of my family and the dedication of every person on this team. I’m beyond grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together,” she posted on Instagram after the 2024 season closed.
Jianna’s story is a testament to the power of confidence, hard work and embracing opportunity when it knocks. From growing up in a family that loved cars to becoming the fastest woman in professional pro stock motorcycle racing, her journey continues to inspire. •
JIANNA SALINAS ’15 EVARISTO
Speech & Debate program has flourished –
and that’s no accident
Since 2017, Notre Dame’s Speech & Debate program has nearly doubled in size, and that growth is no coincidence.
“I firmly believe that our team’s success builds on the foundation laid by those who came before us. I wouldn’t be where I am today if my predecessor hadn’t strengthened the team before me,” said Mariel Cruz, director of the program since 2017. “In the same way, our current students are building on the knowledge passed down from previous members. When students succeed in one year, they set an example for the next, creating a cycle of growth and achievement.”
Alums have been integral to current student success as they return to their alma mater to impart wisdom while cultivating Notre Dame's lifelong network. Since Cruz joined as director, Pearlin Liu '17, Divya Nair '20 and Neha Thakur '20 have routinely returned to help coach the program. Fun fact: Divya returned as a coach in 2022 when her younger sister, Nimi Nair '23, was a finalist at Nationals. Also, Madi Lloyd '23 has been a judge at a few competitions and is a member of UC Berkeley's MUN team.
This program nurtures intellectual growth, communication and leadership skills through competitive scholastic events. Students meet twice a week for two hours on average, participating in more than 30 local, regional, state, and national competitions each year. In 2024, Anchal Bhardwaj '24 and Parnika Chaturvedi '24 earned the title of State Champions.
Anchal and Parnika, along with Anika Ganesh '24, achieved qualifier status at Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious national competition for high school debaters.
While the accolades are impressive, the life skills these students acquire are even more valuable.
“I’ve learned that confidence can change everything,” said Aanya ’26, who earned a spot at Nationals, with a speech on rehabilitation in the U.S. criminal justice system. “In debate, even if you don’t have all the answers, speaking with confidence can make people believe you."
The impact of these students' skills extends far beyond the debate floor. Five years ago, Catherine Tong '21 used her speech and debate experience to create a program with the San Jose Public Library, teaching elementary-aged children about social justice and advocacy. What began as a community service project has now become a successful library program, running each fall with new volunteers and an ever-growing group of young students.
“Speech & Debate has taught me how to think critically, communicate my ideas effectively and work collaboratively with my teammates,” said Nimisha ‘25, who appreciates how Ms. Cruz’s encouragement fosters a sense of confidence and teamwork that drives the team. “My favorite debate topic so far has been about single-use plastics. I loved learning about the different economies that rely on plastics and exploring how we can help the environment by reducing their use. It felt so relevant to my everyday life, and preparing for it taught me a lot about sustainability.”
In the end, the success of Notre Dame’s Speech & Debate program is a direct reflection of its commitment to more than just winning competitions. It’s about building individuals who are confident, compassionate and capable of making a difference in the world.
This program isn’t just about teaching students how to argue or speak in front of an audience — it’s about teaching them how to listen, understand and impact the world around them in meaningful ways. And as the next generation of leaders steps up, the legacy of excellence will continue to grow, one speech, one debate, one student at a time. •
ONCE YOU DEVELOP THAT confidence, YOU START TO SEE HOW MUCH IT HELPS IN YOUR CLASSES, RELATIONSHIPS, AND REALLY, in all areas of life.
— AANYA ’26 —
GROWING PROGRAM
2017-18 59 participants
2022-23 86 participants
2023-24 102 participants
FINDING SUCCESS
2024
State Champions & 3 qualifiers to Tournament of Champions
2023
3 qualifiers to Tournament of Champions
2022
State Champions & 5 Qualifiers to National Tournament
Photo source: Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
A Life of Love, Leadership and Presence
Sr. Carol Shoup, SNDdeN 1940-2024
Spirit Week at Notre Dame is always filled with excitement, fun and camaraderie. One of the highlights is when the judges — a group of alums, friends, teachers and staff — are introduced. The students cheer as each person is announced, however, for the past fifteen years, when Sister Carol Shoup, SNDdeN, was called, the roof would jump off the gym. In fact, ASB school councils learned to always introduce Sister Carol last because they knew the enthusiasm and love she inspired in the students would bring the house down.
When Sister Carol arrived at Notre Dame in 2009, she took a part-time position to provide supervision and presence in the Learning Commons after school. What started as a small role soon blossomed into something far greater. Sister Carol’s warmth, joie de vivre and deep spirituality made her a beacon of light for the students, staff and faculty at Notre Dame. She transformed a simple space into a sacred one — not because she was trying to, but simply because of who she was.
“I certainly learned a lot from her — humbleness, leadership and fun — but I didn’t realize the impact she would have on our community,” said Mary Beth Riley, former head of school, who hired Sister Carol and was pleasantly surprised when she accepted the position.
“She truly embodied our mission and today I realize it was a perfect fit for both Sister Carol and Notre Dame.”
Before coming to San Jose, Sister Carol was living in Boston and working at St. Mary High School in Westfield, Massachusetts and High Folly Retreat in the Berkshires. She became interested in moving to California after attending a program at Holy Names College in Oakland in 1992. It was there that she was introduced to Matthew Fox’s work on Creation Spirituality and the Institute of
Culture and Creation Spirituality. Fox, a theologian and former Dominican priest, developed Creation Spirituality as a framework that connects spiritual, ecological and social concerns, drawing on various religious traditions and insights from the natural world. This vision deeply resonated with Sister Carol, who went on to earn a master’s degree at Holy Names and continued to focus her life’s work on a love of creation.
Sister Carol formed deep, lasting friendships. One of those from the Institute of Culture and Creation Spirituality was with Sister Dorothy Stang, another Sister of Notre Dame de Namur who became a martyr for social and ecological justice in Brazil in 2005. Sister Carol would later encourage students and colleagues to embrace a global and local care for all creation.
SHE WAS LIKE A GRANDMA — always so happy.
WHEN I WAS A FRESHMAN, I DIDN’T KNOW WHERE I FIT IN, BUT I FIT IN WITH HER, AND SHE BECAME MY best friend.
— KAYLEIGH ’25 —
I CAN’T IMAGINE A BETTER FINAL CHAPTER FOR my sister THAN BEING SURROUNDED BY STUDENTS WHO adored HER, STAFF WHO respected HER AND FRIENDS WHO loved HER.
— BRUCE SHOUP —
“Losing Sister Carol is a great loss for everyone who knew her; she was essentially a sister of love,” said Lynda Sue Marks-Guarnieri, who met Sister Carol at ICCS. “She was very intellectual, but also quick to smile and always such a good listener. She really listened to those girls.”
And she did — which is why the Learning Commons became such a special place. Sister Carol always set up a table with extra chairs, intentionally creating space for students and staff alike who needed a moment of peace or connection through conversation, jigsaw puzzles or knitting together. Whether it was a shy student seeking someone to listen or a staff member in need of a brief respite, Sister Carol's warm smile and cheerful presence were always there to welcome them.
The space became so beloved that Susana Garcia, then director of admissions and now assistant head of school, would make it a point to bring prospective
families into the Learning Commons. She would often say, “God poured sunshine into a human to make Sister Carol — offering everything from homework help to hugs.”
And those hugs were deeply missed when Sister Carol was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023. The entire Notre Dame community came together to support her, creating an online board where people could post well wishes. It quickly filled with hundreds of messages of love, gratitude and admiration for this cherished mentor — a woman who was not only a prolific storyteller but also a great listener, a gentle soul with a kind heart, and yet a force to be reckoned with when it came to sharing her strong opinions. As Sister Carol faced her diagnosis and treatment with courage, she always kept the students at the forefront of her thoughts, constantly worrying about them and eager to return to school as soon as possible.
“Sister Carol was like a grandma with a twist — completely present with the students, meeting them where they were with no judgment,” said Ruth Burson, social studies teacher and friend, who said they clicked instantly when they met. “She also had a deep intellect and sincere spirituality, which led to many great conversations about the world and nature, topics that truly fed her heart and mind.”
Sister Carol grew up in a home filled with intellectual curiosity, deep faith and an appreciation for nature. Born in Cleveland Heights, OH, she was the second of five siblings. She made the decision to enter religious life toward the end of her senior year in high school and joined a semi-cloistered community of the Sisters of Notre Dame that had sponsored her high school education. She remained with that order for 22 years before transferring to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the religious congregation that was founded by Saint Julie Billiart and Françoise Blin de Bourdon.
“Carol was a wandering soul, interested in everyone she met, but she truly came into her own when she arrived at Notre Dame High School in San Jose,” said her younger brother Bruce Shoup, who affectionately referred to her as his “sister-sister.”
Sister Carol's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her — a legacy built on love, kindness and an unwavering commitment to the sacredness of creation and the people around her. •
Women of Impact
Honoring Rue Mapp & Linda Park ’96
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Marvell
GOLD SPONSOR
Build Group, Inc.
SILVER SPONSORS
Berliner Cohen LLP
Michaela Brody & Paul Benke (Stephanie ’02)
Elco Electric
NBC Bay Area
Telemundo
Marianne & Carl Salas (Carmen ’07)
Spencer Fane LLP
The 545 Group at Morgan Stanley
BRONZE SPONSORS
Crawford Group
Paredes Justo
Pedro's Restaurant & Cantina
Santa Clara University
Rose Pierro '63
Simmons & John Simmons
On the International Day of the Girl, the Notre Dame community celebrated two powerful women at the 16th annual Women of Impact.
Linda Park ′96 and Rue Mapp were honored at a sold out luncheon with more than 400 community members in downtown San Jose.
Linda Park ′96 stepped on stage with ease and confidence, which is no surprise since her acting career began as a student at Notre Dame. It was then that she became an advocate for helping build a strong theater program at Notre Dame.
“The greatest skill I learned is confidence because that’s the bedrock of leadership,” an elegant Park told the crowd. “Not only confidence in myself but in something bigger than me; confidence in what I believe in, what I’m passionate about contributing to the world.”
After high school she attended Boston University’s Conservatory Theatre Arts program, including a semester abroad studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art as well as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Her credits on television, film and stage are long but she’s best known for her portrayal of communications officer Hoshi Sato in the television series Star Trek: Enterprise.
The community honoree, Rue Mapp, is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a national not-for-profit that reconnects Black people to land, water and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation and conservation. This movement started as a blog at her kitchen table and has grown to include nearly 100-plus volunteer leaders who guide nature activities in up to 60 cities for 60,000 people annually.
“When I started Outdoor Afro, I knew clearly it was my own navigational north, and I committed early and consistently to do everything I could to help fulfill its mission,” said Mapp with a bright smile. “The last 15 years have taught me so much, and I want to be of service and honor that experience in the best way possible by passing on any wisdom I can to the next generation of leadership for their success and positive impact for the world.”
Suzanne St. John-Crane, mother to Hannah '22 and Ruby '25, is concluding four years as event chair and said, "I had a chance to attend this event several years ago and was so moved by the spirit and stories, I wanted to get involved. It was infectious!"
This annual fundraiser supports financial assistance at Notre Dame, which benefits 25% of our student body and helps broaden access to STEM programs on campus.•
RUE'S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, DIVERSE CAREER PATHS AND HOBBIES REALLY RESONATED WITH ME. SHE REMINDS US THAT YOU DON’T HAVE to be just “one thing” AND SHE DOESN’T PUT BOUNDARIES ON HER INTERESTS.
— SUZANNE ST. JOHN-CRANE
18th annual ND Reads
Author and journalist Marilyn Chase chronicles artist Ruth Asawa’s captivating life and career
The 18th annual ND Reads event with Marilyn Chase, acclaimed journalist and author of Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa, invited the Notre Dame community into the power of storytelling, art and women’s leadership.
Each year, ND Reads identifies a book that explores and deepens a culture of Education for Justice and Leadership at Notre Dame. This year, the event is part of year-long programming in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Woman’s Place Project, which honors trailblazing women around the globe from centuries past to the modern day.
In her compelling biography, Chase brings Asawa's story to vivid life, and it was an honor to have this former reporter and senior special writer at The Wall Street Journal, spend this important day on campus.
The full day event included a classroom visit, lunch with journalism students and an evening author talk and book signing. The student assembly was moderated by Ashley '27 and Anisa '28.
“Moderating the conversation was an incredible experience and although I was a bit nervous, I felt comfortable in the professional setting, which was a pleasant surprise,” said Ashley '27. “What resonated most with me was Ruth Asawa's ability to find beauty in the everyday. As an artist and a student, it was inspiring to see how she could pour emotion into her art, transforming seemingly simple materials like wire into breathtaking masterpieces.”
Students witnessed the power of leadership and legacy through Asawa's journey as a pioneer in sculpture.
"Overall the book was really cool to read and the part that resonated with me most was how art has a legacy. The way her art is described isn’t just creative but it represents survival and identity. I really liked the idea of how people’s stories can get pushed down by society but art will always lift those stories up,” said Miranda ’26.
“When you look at one of her pieces you can feel how loud her emotions are and so precise just like her work.”
Miranda’s exploration of Asawa’s work won’t end here as juniors will integrate Ruth Asawa's experiences into their study of WWII in the spring. Sophomores visited Asawa's sculptures at the de Young museum in San Francisco in January and freshman art classes have been taking field trips to her public art outside the Federal Building in downtown San Jose.
RUTH'S STORY WILL never be forgotten BECAUSE OF THE emotion SHE PUT INTO THE WORLD.
— MIRANDA ’26 —
“This signature programming is part of the distinctive work we do at Notre Dame,” explains Susana Garcia, assistant head of school. “It highlights the critical importance of women telling women’s stories. This is the gift and the challenge we pose to our students every day.”
As part of the Woman's Place Project anniversary, Notre Dame is highlighting alum participation by creating place settings to honor women leaders who come to campus. Alex Cunningham ‘08, visual arts and Spanish teacher, created two place settings for Chase and Asawa that were on display during ND Reads.•
ABOUT RUTH ASAWA
Ruth Asawa was born in California in 1926 and grew from a farmer’s daughter into a celebrated sculptor. She survived an adolescence in the Japanese American internment camps during World War II, attended the groundbreaking art school at Black Mountain College, fought through lupus and revolutionized arts education in her adopted hometown of San Francisco.
AMAZING ACCOLADES
The L’Esprit de Françoise Award is not the first time Dean and Marta have been recognized as mentors to young women.
Marta for
Building stronger women with robotics
Marta Carrillo & Dean Mulla recipients of the 2024 L'Esprit De Françoise Award
Robotics at Notre Dame would simply not be the same without the leadership, talent and heart of Marta Carrillo and Dean Mulla, the honorees of this year’s L’Esprit de Françoise Award.
Named after Françoise Blin de Bourdon, co-foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the award pays tribute to individuals who embody the spirit of friendship and dedication with their expertise and financial gifts.
“The skills Marta Carrillo and Dean Mulla teach Notre Dame students are priceless and will carry them through their most important future experiences,” said Anisha Patel '16 who is business operations analyst at Cisco and Notre Dame board member. “I consider my four years as their student to be my most formative. I joined the robotics team unsure of my place, skills or goals in a team environment but by the time I graduated, I was confident in my strengths, role in a team and future ambitions.”
This dynamic duo got involved when their oldest daughter, Adriana '12, joined Team 1967 — The Janksters in 2008-2009. Mulla became a mentor and the next year Carrillo
helped with meals, team business management and transportation. The team was relatively new and went through a series of head coaches when the last director decided not to return. John Bracco, director of campus operations and co-curricular programs, believed Carrillo was the perfect person for the job.
“I knew she had the motivation, skill and ability to build a well-organized, fully functional robotics team,” said Bracco, who hired Carrillo in 2012. “Dean and Marta have generously given their time, talent and treasure to support one of only a handful of all girls robotics teams in Silicon Valley.”
“It’s great that we are able to work together on something we are both passionate about but that we can bring our own individual talents,” said Carrillo, who has worn many hats including coach, mentor, supporter and partner.
“Dean brings engineering expertise and technical knowledge while I bring strong organization and people skills.” And their financial support for the program has enabled tremendous growth and opportunity for students.
The Janksters was formed with just 7 students but has grown to 74 team members, with a retention rate of 80% after graduating seniors.
There are many accomplishments under their tool belts, including building sustained programs like Young Women’s Engineering Symposium (11 years), Boot Camp (12 years) and growing the FIRST Lego League teams from one team in 2016 to seven teams at three different schools today.
The mission of the robotics team is to create a community of learners who love to explore engineering and robotics. They also learn teamwork, leadership and service through hands-on experience that will help them succeed in life, regardless of their career path or committee on the team.
Carrillo and Mulla do this by creating a safe environment where students are encouraged to take risks, embrace ownership and learn by questioning.
“I’m impressed with how many robotics students continue on into engineering or science programs in college and careers,” said Mulla, who worked at Intel for decades and saw firsthand how few women they had in engineering roles. “I’ve seen this get better over the years but getting involved with robotics was my way of helping increase the numbers of women in engineering.”
Carrillo and Mulla’s passion for robotics has certainly inspired engineers, leaders and team players, but it has also lifted up young women’s confidence, developed their leadership skills and shown them how to fail bravely. •
MS. CARRILLO AND MR. MULLA ARE INTEGRAL TO OUR TEAM. THEIR CONSISTENT DEDICATION TO ROBOTICS HAS SET AN EXAMPLE FOR ALL MEMBERS, MYSELF INCLUDED. THEY HAVE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT leadership and perseverance , AND HAVE ALLOWED ME TO GROW BY TEACHING ME LIFE SKILLS AND GIVING ME OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD OTHERS.
— THAMRA ’25
Beloved Traditions
Notre Dame San Jose Homecoming 2024
Our Notre Dame students made their presence known at the 2024 Homecoming games like never before! Basilisks, Stingrays, Ravens and Sharks brought the fire to our annual dodgeball and flag football competitions. Most of all, students brought joy and laughter heard around the block as their silly antics and energy were amplified throughout Pardini Park.
Students were committed to philanthropy the week leading up to the games and held a boba sale for Funding the Future, an initiative where current students raise funds in support of a future Notre Dame student. Funds were raised for a future Class of 2029 student in the amount of $10,464 across all four classes.
Elaine '28 shared, "I had an absolute blast during Homecoming Week! As a Freshman, it offered me the opportunity to showcase my class pride for the first time and get to better know some of my classmates. The whole week was amazing. I can't wait for the next three years!"
Notre Dame also hosted students from 44 local high schools at our annual Homecoming dance. This year's theme was “Mamma Mia Here We HOCO Again” with lots of white and blue hues adorning our guests. It was an unforgettable night, all thanks to our Student Activities Director, Cara Cavigliano '00 Borromei and a dedicated team of faculty, staff and parent volunteers for ensuring a magical time for all.
I ESPECIALLY APPRECIATED THE OVERALL community spirit and joy OF THE ENTIRE WEEK!
— ELAINE ’28 —
Milestones & Memories
Notre Dame celebrated seven class reunions this fall honoring classes from 1954 to 2019. The alums reconnected either on campus or off-site, shared updates, memories and celebrated their ND bond. Some former teachers also attended to join in the fun. The ND spirit was strong with these reunions, affirming the ND alum network.
In October, ND also celebrated alums who turned 90 years old. To celebrate their nine decades, our alums were treated to lunch, storytelling, a tour of the Center for Women's Leadership and a special serenade by our student body. Notre Dame is proud of our lifelong alum network! •
Financial Report
Fiscal Year 2023-24
$21,582,665
$18,930,936
1851 Legacy Society
The 1851 Legacy Society recognizes donors who invest in the future of Notre Dame High School by including it in their estate plan.
Anonymous (2)
Mary Quilici '75 Aumack & Douglass Aumack
Constance Percy '55 BakerEnzensperger † & Kent Enzensperger †
Dorothy Ucovich '43 Banker † & Wayman Banker †
Cornelia & Terry Barton
Margaret Nicora Bellany †
Michaela Brody & Paul Benke
Josephine Pisturino '49 Bertaccini & Edward Bertaccini †
Annette Bertram †
John C. Bondi †
Mary Ellen Nolan '53 Bruni & Arnold Bruni †
Mary & Gene Campion †
Mary Jo Avilla '58 Carroll & Donald Carroll
Anne & James Cashman
Gina Cassinelli
Tina & William Chang
Gretchen Schmitt '52 Cody & Robert Cody †
Amelia Corral '51 (dec.) & Edward Corral †
Suzanne Donovan '53 Cortese & Dominic Cortese
Marilou Figone '60 Cristina
Patricia Murphy '62 Crowder & David Crowder
Patti Donovan
Shirley Paganini '61 Dorsa
Nancy & Francis Doyle, Esq. †
Josephine Cribari Dunkin † & Thomas Dunkin †
Joan Leahy '47 Egan †
Mary Birmingham '56 Emery, J.D. †
Annette Medina '69 Fagundes † & Edmundo Fagundes
Charlene Johnson '60 Figone † & Frank Figone †
Sue & Charles Foltz
Janice Fox
Josephine A. Francesconi '40 †
Faye Beechie '60 Fyock
Julianna Barcelona '58 Gargone & Salvadore Gargone
If you have designated an estate gift to Notre Dame, please update us by contacting Marilou Figone '60 Cristina at (408) 294-1113 ext. 2189 or mcristina@ndsj.org. We would be grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate your support of Notre Dame’s mission.
More information at: www.ndsj.org/1851
Annual Giving
Notre Dame recognizes the following individuals for their support of our students and programs in the 2024 year.
Anonymous
Belen & Mark Aceves
Georgina Amador '75 Acosta & Carlos Acosta
Stacey Acton & David Persselin
Brian E. Adams
Lisa Martin '74 Adamson
Inika '28
Eva Aguilar
Anna Maria Navarro '80 Aguirre
Abby & Salvador Agustin
Rose Ann & Kevin Ahern
Ayesha Siddiqui '93 Ahmed
Brooke Ahrens
Elise & Thomas Ajawara
Hulya Aksoy
Hazel & Jerome Alabado
Carol Rose '56 Alario & Edward Alario
Julie & Kevin Albanese
Mari & William Albanese
Dianna & David Albert
Jacqueline & Frank Albin
Sandra & Javier Alcala
Rochelle Reyes '04 Alcid
Kim Aldridge & Douglas Gallinat
Rebecca Lynch '12 Aldridge
Sandy Alfaro '89
Colleen & Stan Alger
Rabia Bhimla '98 Alizai & Usman Alizai
Teresa Allen
Kathy & Ed Almazol
Sarah Almazol
Sharon Almeida
Tamara Mozahuani Alvarado & Pedro Perez
Guadalupe Alvarez & Francisco Herrera
Mary Lou & Hector Amaro
Siji & Tony Ambalathingal
Marianne Ambrosini '78
Sarwat Amina & Chandan Tiwary
Rick Amrhein
Tanja & Ulrich Amrhein
Asita Anand & Sricharan
Ramanujapuram
Jennifer Andaluz & Robert Garza
Irene Andersen
Joy Michnowicz '92 Anderson &
Matt Anderson
Tatiana Andrade '89
Jessica K. Angelo '05
Maureen & Mike Aning
Tamara K. Anthony
Gina & Joe Antuzzi
Julienne & Rommel Aquino
Melissa & Gregory Armanini
Sara E. Armbrecht '95
Corinne Arraez & Andrew Schechtman
Sonya & Chris Arriola
Kristen Arthur Polanowski & Leo Polanowski
Be'Anka Ashaolu
Shelley Atchison & Jeevan Tambuluri
Suzanne White '64 Atkinson
Mary Quilici '75 Aumack & Douglass Aumack
Jacqueline Avila
Alfredo Baccari
Gabrielle Baccari
Kristine Bacuno Gomez & Luis Gomez
Charles Bae
Elizabeth & Henrik Bailey
Sulagna Bal & Bhaskar Das
Rupa Balan & Prasanna Srinivasan
Balamurugan Balasubramanian &
Uma Saranya Singaravale
Michelle Balcazar '08
Monique Balcazar '03 & David Vega
Liza Baltazar & Jason Pin
Ananya Banerjee & Shamik
Mukhopadhyay
Carmen Barba '10 & Hector Sanchez
Regina Barhydt
Natalya Barrientos
Julie Ryser '89 Barto & Jeff Barto
Cornelia & Terry Barton
Ritu Batra & Rohit Wadhwa
Lan & Alan Batt
Andrew Battaile
Amy Battisti
Dolores Galarza '78 Baum
Aileen & Ramon Beals
Eileen O'Shea '69 Beamer &
Lyndall Beamer
Rita Beamish '70 & Paul Costello
Patrice & Chris Beard
Linda McMullen '66 Bearie
Andrea Beasley-Jolly
Chelsey Beck '12 & Stephanie Beck
Gicela Bedolla & Pedro Lopez Morales
Jeannine Bell '87
Maria & Eric Bellafronto, Esq.
Robert Belshe
Jennifer Beltramo
Joan Ouano '91 Benitez & Hector Benitez
Laura Bennert
Sandra Bermudez
Susan Bernardini
Josephine Pisturino '49 Bertaccini
Arlene Mannina '61 Bertellotti
Bonita Bhaskaran & Venkat Satagopan
Gina & Travis Bianchi
Mary & Alex Bianchi
Ines & Mohamad Bibi
Erick Bigelow
Toni Blackstock
Deborah Blake '69
Jessica Bliss & Joseph Rogove
Colleen O'Kane '60 Block
Michele Joesten '74 Bo
Joanne Boaler & Colin Haysman
Jason Bogardus
Cynthia Bojorquez
Brenna Bolger
Angelique & Jon Bollum
Lynn Pasquinelli '70 Bonacorsi & Michael Bonacorsi
Sr. Yvonne J Bondi '53, SNDdeN
Celine Bonutto & Arvind Srinivasan
Olive Boquiren
Angele Greco '54 Borello
Cara Cavigliano '00 Borromei & AJ Borromei
Kristin Boscia
Andrea Magdaleno '92 Bottazzo & Marco Bottazzo
Victoria Bowes-Mok
Shirley & John Bracco, Sr.
Joshua Brady
Barbara Brazil
Kari Briski
Dave Brockett
Michaela Brody & Paul Benke
Demerris Brooks-Immel '87 & Jeremy Immel
Christie Dacanay '01 Brown & Charles Brown
Evelyn Brown
Elaine M. Bruni '66
Mary Ellen Nolan '53 Bruni
Katie & Ian Buck
Michelle Buckner
Kate & Albert Buenrostro
Laura Buhl
Theresa & Claudio Bui
Judith Fumia '61 Buldo
Allene Salcedo '87 Burdette
Ruth Burson & Terence Ryan
Connie Bustillo '88 & David Chapman
Alexis Butler
Elizabeth & Brian Cabral
Patricia Romani '57 Cachopo & Ronald Cachopo
Reese Frances '27
Margrete T. Cadena '65
Andrea & Patrick Caldwell
John Callan
Gayle Rayner '60 Calvello & Ed Calvello
Jeanne Huard '66 Campbell & Daniel Campbell
Quelan To & Jude Campbell
Mary Campion
Shirley Rose '51 Campisi
Nora Campos
Amanda Candelaria
Kathleen Canepa '76
Jing Cao & Zhijun Zhao
Janet Seidl '49 Caputo &
Richard Caputo
Yesenia Cardona '89
Magnolia Carlos
Jan Carlson-Williams & Robert Williams
Diane & Gilbert Carpio
Marta Carrillo & Dean Mulla
Mary Jo Avilla '58 Carroll & Donald Carroll
Janel Angulo '91 Caruz & Virgilio Caruz
Claire South '56 Casey †
Katherine Milias '57 Casey
Anne & James Cashman
Gina Cassinelli
Ruth & Richard Castaneda
Mary Ann & Christopher Cave
Danica Cavigliano
Mary South '68 Certa & Diego Certa
Gloria Chacon
Hermelinda A. Chacon-Romayor '98
Stanley Chan
Shefali Chandila & Nishchal Ahuja
Bindu Chandran & Bimal Gisuthan
Chih-Pin Chang & Li-Lun Yen
Peining Chang & Tengwei Jao
Rose Chang & Phillip Jung
Karuna Chapman
Alvira DeMaria '64 Chargin & John Chargin
Antonia & Gregory Charles
Shannon & Leif Chastaine
Rabea Chaudhry
May & Brian Chavez
Gabriela Chavez-Lopez
Rita Chen & Colin Fan
Seeling & Newton Cheung
Pettigrew Chris
Tarin Christensen
Danielle & Peter Christian
Judith Sepeda '60 Cigan & Dennis Cigan
Sue Clark
Ann & Sheffield Clarke
Peter Cleaveland
Janet & Alan Cloe
Mary Ann Cochrane
Stacey Cochrane
Lisa Coddington
Gretchen Schmitt '52 Cody & Robert Cody †
Kathleen Colin
Priscilla A. Collins '67
Lorraine & Joseph Combs
Alison L. Commiciotto '98
Rosanne Cortese '76 Compitello & Robert Compitello III
Eva Condron-Wells '89 & Rob Wells
Andrea & Mark Connell
Caroline Connell '18
Magdalena Pereyra '93 Constantino
Ira Cook, Jr.
Trish & Gene Cook
Julia Cooper
Nancy & Theodore Coquilla
Kathleen Zoccoli '66 Corbal
Mark Cordeniz
Machelnil Cormier
Emily Bernabe '63 Corpos & John Corpos
David Cortese, Jr.
Suzanne Donovan '53 Cortese & Dominic Cortese
Joyce & John Costello
Beatriz Cotero
Susan & Nicholas Cox
Seth Craighead
Evelyn Crane-Oliver & Michael Oliver
Jared Craycroft
Cristi Cristich-Milazzo & John Milazzo
Lauren Cristina
Marilou Figone '60 Cristina
Megan Cristina
Barbara Santana '65 Cronin
Tracey & Darhil Crooks
Patricia Murphy '62 Crowder & David Crowder
Miranda Cruz & Jose Angel Miranda, Jr.
Margaret Cucuzza
Jerzy Cuenca-Ratledge & Nick Ratledge
Michael Cully
Kristy Culp Leonard & Dennis Leonard
Dennis Cunningham
Joanne Filice '58 Cunningham & Gerald Cunningham
Anita Speciale '67 D'Alessio & Joseph D'Alessio
Phuong Dam & Tam Tran
Gina E. Damiano '00
Brenda Dampier
Susan Haas '65 Dan & Daniel Dan
Eve Danel & Nicolas Corai
Diane & Theodore Danen
Lien Dang & Hoabinh Nguyen
Sr. Phyllis D'Anna '63, SNDdeN
Chrystie Danzer & Jason Lawrence
QuynhNga & Loc Dao
Madeleine M. Kirkland '12 Darmody & Patrick Darmody
Sister of Brigid S. Voss '66 & Louise Voss '70 Kruz
Carol Norris '54 Voss
Ann Josephson '54 Wiefels
Sister of Sue Josephson '55 Boudreau
Loretta Solari '56 Wilson
Sister of Anita Solari '54
FRIENDS & FAMILY
William (“Bill”) Dean Bumgarner Husband of Janet McCarroll '55 Bumgarner †
Eleanor Cassinelli
Robert M. Cody M.D.
Husband of Gretchen Schmitt '52 Cody
Melvin Nicholas DiSalvo
Husband of Anna Selva '58 Sordello
Alan Douglas
Husband of Margaret Giovannoni '61 Douglas, Grandfather of Alanna '25
Maria Duarte
Mother of Idalina Duarte '83 Furtado
Ruibin Gong
Father of Yulong '26
God’s peace WILL REIGN IN THE HEART OF EACH ONE OF US, AND WE SHALL DO OUR BEST TO BRING IT INTO THE hearts of others.
— ST. JULIE BILLIART —
Loreen Esther Kiskila
Mother of Carrie Kiskila '92 Davis
Roderick McCalley
Husband of former Notre Dame High School employee Peggy Hock
Elizabeth Paige Nobriga
Daughter of Arlene Pasetta '64 Nobriga
Justice Edward Panelli
Grandfather of Elisa R. Panelli '18
Tom Parks
Grandfather of Allison R. Knox '20 & Mackenzie F. Knox '16
Noel Pearman
Husband of Eugenia Isaacson '55 Pearman
Sr. Carol Shoup, SNDdeN
Employee of Notre Dame High School
James Smith
Husband of Dottie Fontana '58 Smith
John Eugene Telucci Sr.
Husband of Natalie Argero '64 Telucci
Philip "Swede" Trifilo
Husband of Mabel Poulin '53 Trifilo
Ralph Zitzler
Husband of Sharron Guiltnan '61 Zitzler
Ways to Give
Checks
Please ensure that checks are payable to “Notre Dame High School”. You can mail or deliver your check to:
Notre Dame High School 596 S. 2nd Street San Jose, CA 95112
Credit Card
Gifts via credit card payment can be made at www.ndsj.org/donate
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Donors wishing to make gifts using an electronic funds transfer should contact the Advancement Office at AdvancementOffice@ndsj.org
Stock & Securities
Please notify us of all stock or securities gifts. The following information can assist your stock broker or bank in the transfer and delivery of securities:
• Stock Transfer
Security Deposit
Morgan Stanley DTC: 0015 Account: 814-017749-063
Account Name: Notre Dame High School San Jose
If you hold the physical securities, you can directly mail or hand deliver the certificate(s) without any endorsement or assignment.
• Appreciated Securities
Please enclose a letter stating the purpose of your gift. And, in a separate envelope, please include a signed stock power form for each gift. The stock power form, obtainable from your bank or broker, should be blank.
Employee Matching Gifts
Your employer may offer a matching gift program. Some companies will also match gifts made by retirees, spouses of employees and even volunteer hours. Contact your personnel or human resources department to initiate a match.
With matching donations, it is possible to double or even triple your gift. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please visit the Charity Navigator website at: www.charitynavigator.org
Tribute Donations
Gifts may be made in honor or memory of an alum, family member, friend, colleague, etc. These gifts are often given to celebrate a significant life achievement or anniversary or in lieu of flowers for a funeral service. Tribute donations may be made by check or online at: www.ndsj.org/ donate
Need more information?
If you have any questions or would like to make a type of donation that is not listed above, please contact the Advancement Office at AdvancementOffice@ndsj.org or (408) 294-1113, ext. 2202.
Donate online at: www.ndsj.org/donate
596 S. 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Address service requested
Class of 2028
Class of 2025
Notre Dame San Jose congr ul es our freshman and senior classes for embarking on their upcoming interdisciplinary celebrations during Women’s History Month!
Each freshman student will honor an individual woman by celebrating her place at the table. On this 30th year milestone we will also honor the founder of the Woman’s Place Project, Sr. Maureen Hilliard, SDNdeN.
Each senior student will reflect on their growth as leaders and will o icially take their own seat at the table at the Young Women’s Advocacy Summit, marking them as the women of impact they have become. We celebr e you, udents!
