Notre Notes Summer 2025 Edition

The Class of

2025 ISSUE

GIVING FLOWERS TO THE RED & LAVENDER BASILISKS! PAGE 4

CELEBRATING 30-YEARS OF THE WOMAN'S PLACE PROJECT PAGE 12

• NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2025 • NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025 | 1

2024-2025 Leadership Team Amy Battisti DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE ext. 2187 | abattisti@ndsj.org

John Bracco DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS OPERATIONS & CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS ext. 2104 | jbracco@ndsj.org

Eran DeSilva DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

Susana Garcia ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

Jen Glasser EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT ext. 2181 | jglasser@ndsj.org

Bob Mason CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ext. 2124 | bmason@ndsj.org

Ashley Rae Mathis HEAD OF SCHOOL ext. 2105 | amathis@ndsj.org

Kathleen Quiazon DIRECTOR OF MISSION & MINISTRY ext. 2110 | kquiazon@ndsj.org

Publication PUBLISHER ND Office of Advancement CONTRIBUTING WRITER Vikki Bowes-Mok DESIGN & LAYOUT Christina Morello CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bacosa Photography, Christina Morello, ND Office of Advancement, ND Alum Relations, ND Co-Curricular Programs, Wayne Hall Notre Notes can also be found online at: www.ndsj.org/about-us/publications Follow us: @notredamesj Notre Notes is created and published by Notre Dame High School in San Jose, CA. If you have any questions about this publication, please contact us at communications@ndsj.org or (408) 294-1113.

596 S. 2nd Street, San Jose, CA 95112 www.ndsj.org ON THE COVER: Sonali Maya DeSilva-Craycroft (Salutatory Address), Nimisha Anand (Valedictory Address)

Head of School Address Dear Notre Dame community, This year has been defined by tremendous growth and achievement.

Our student leaders excelled in academic, co-curricular and community endeavors, and Notre Dame faculty stand unwavering in their commitment to vision and mission. We close another year with incomparable success!

Reflecting on the 2024-25 school year reminds me that our programmatic growth, financial gain, and regional impact stems from the strength of our community — families, alums, Sisters, board members and partners. I remain deeply convinced that your generosity is divinely inspired; that your presence, time and gifts are interwoven with Notre Dame’s mission. We commemorated the 30th Anniversary of our Woman’s Place Project. We conquered our second Day of Giving — increasing proceeds by $40k. Finally, we earned strong commendations from the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) to accredit and affirm our dynamic work for six more years. Job well done, Notre Dame!

As Vision 2025 comes to a close with great resolve, we look to the future acknowledging the work that is still to come. As the Center for Women’s Leadership in Silicon Valley, next year, we will: • Engage in Dreamwork: Collectively we will build Notre Dame's next strategic plan. Our mission, recent accreditation marks and survey feedback from CCS, will serve as our foundation. Together, the NDSJ Board, leadership team, faculty, staff and community will chart our path forward.

• Celebrate our Legacy: The kickoff to our 175th anniversary begins next year with festivities to honor our demisemiseptcentennial!

As a Notre Dame Catholic learning community, our mission to equip the next generation of women leaders is more vital than ever. As we continue to serve and inspire, we do so through an equitable lens, doused with joy and unbridled passion for the work entrusted in us.

Have a restorative summer, Notre Dame community.

Be kind. Choose joy. And, remember, God is good.

ASHLEY RAE MATHIS HEAD OF SCHOOL

2 | NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025

2024-2025 Board of Directors

Highlights:

Kathy Almazol FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, SJ DIOCESE

#

1 BEST

Laura Buhl (Sara Murphy '20)

Catholic High School IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, ATTORNEY

Katie Colin EXEC. DIRECTOR, US EAST-WEST PROVINCE SNDDEN

2021

2025

2025

We opened the Center for Women's Leadership!

We paid off the Center for Women's Leadership!

We are the Center for Women's Leadership!

Darhil Crooks (Dylan '25) DIRECTOR, APPLE

Sister Terry Davis SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Nancy Erba (Caroline '18, Angelina '25) ND CHAIR, CFO, INFINERA CORPORATION

Thank You!

142,836

$

members for their service: COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, ATTORNEY

Jenny Hsia '99 (Madison '26)

PARTNER, KPMG

Kristy Gannon

We thank our outgoing board

Laura Buhl (Sara Murphy ’20)

Mark French

Day of Giving: RAISED

CEO, FLUXX LABS

Selina Garrison (Alana '23) FORMER DIRECTOR, INTUIT

107,490

$

Jennifer Hall (Madison '20)

RAISED

FORMER HR EXECUTIVE, INTUITIVE SURGICAL

PRINCIPAL, ARC PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION &

Greg Hanson (Kate '22, Sarah '26)

ARCHITECTURE

EXECUTIVE & ADVISOR, MARKETPLACE COMMERCE

Rose Pierro '63 Simmons

Jenny Hsia '99 (Madison '26)

FORMER OPERATIONS OFFICER, HEALTH CARE

PRINCIPAL, ARC PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURE

2024

Lisa Quintero '91 Jensen

2025

SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, CRAWFORD GROUP

Sister Kathryn Keenan SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

In conjunction with the Notre Dame leadership team, the Board's standout achievements were completing our five year strategic plan, Vision 2025, and receiving high marks during our WCEA accreditation. Next year we will build our next strategic plan for the school.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve the school in this leadership role. I

Rose Que '82 Lue (Amanda '23, Diane '23) VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LEADER

Ruth Ann McNees (Natalie '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

look forward to another transformative

Eileen Tanghal

year in partnership with you!

FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER, BLACK OPAL VENTURES

Melinda K. Postle '88 Thompson GENERAL COUNSEL, MIRO

EILEEN TANGHAL, NANCY ERBA & ANISHA PATEL '16 AT WOMEN OF IMPACT 2024

NANCY ERBA (Carolina Hamm '18, Angelina Lewis '25)

READ MORE:

www.ndsj.org/board

CHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025 | 3

Nimisha Anand

Sonali Maya DeSilva-Craycroft

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

SALUTATORY ADDRESS

T

he Red and Lavender Basilisks launched into the world on Saturday, June 7, as Notre Dame's graduating class in the heart of downtown

WE ARE

women of impact AND LEADERSHIP, READY TO FACE THE WORLD WITH COURAGE, INTEGRITY,

San Jose. Honoring 165 graduates, it was a truly memorable

celebration for the Class of 2025, including Valedictory Speaker Nimisha ′25 and Salutatory Speaker Sonali ′25.

Sonali began her address with a heartfelt statement, "Class of 2025, you embody kindness, even in a world where it takes strength to be kind. You exemplify goodness, even when bravery is required to love. And today, we celebrate your unwavering commitment to these values."

Special thank you to Kiran Palla ′10 who passionately imparted her

AND THE STRENGTH OF

wisdom to the next generation of women of impact in her address to

OUR SISTERHOOD.

collectively take action, it’s a movement. And this is how we create

— NIMISHA '25 — 4 | NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025

the graduates. "When one of us takes action, it’s a stand. But when we change. Your time at Notre Dame has shown you what that can look like, and that is the most important and meaningful thing that you can carry with you from this place." •

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025 | 5

Class of 2025 Academic Recognition HIGHEST ACADEMIC HONORS

Amaris Oksana Agossa Nimisha Anand Rachel Maria Angelo Hailee Therese Baluta Amiya Bansal Emma Linh Bérubé Shrijani Shivakumar Buruganahalli Guadalupe Tonantzin “Lupita” Castañeda-Liles Allie Yuting Cheng Eryx Cooper Iris Camille Corai Rose Audrey Dampier Ca Dang Maryanne Dang Thy Dao Sonali Maya DeSilva-Craycroft Maia Avery Dietz Lucy Germaine Elliott Riya Regina Fernando Emily Elizabeth Floyd Rio Funatsu Radhika Garapaty Samanya Girish Sneha Reddy Gorla Ira Gupta Pakhi Gupta Katie Natsumi Hamada Laila Sofie Heigre Alexssa Evangelina Hernandez Christine Nguyễn Hoàng Reece Huang Heshma Hussain Thamra Hussain Kaitlyn Huỳnh Meera Gandhi Jhaveri Paramita Kadamby Noor Khoury Izabelle Kokkat Srikeerthana Kotturu Valerie Kwan Daniella Lauser Kendall Elizabeth Lloyd Stephany Patricia Lopez Angelica Dawn Lopez Lorenzo Tania Makhija Zoya Malik Elodie Victoria McComber Miriam Nebu Amabelle Huu-Doan Nguyen Amanda Nguyen Ashley Nguyen

Madison Nguyễn Tô Hana Nomoto Isabelle Nicole Ong Evangeline Grace Pacheco Shirley Thien-Y Pham Calista Roldan Chloe Llandelar Salisbury Maya Schechtman Karina Mayuri Schiffert Anika Ciana Shetty Preesha D Somaiya Dening Sun Avani Sundaresan Rithika Suresh Amy Patricia Snyman Julie Marilyn Chun Threefoot Mei Ann Tambuluri Paula Tran Safiya Tran Serena Valani Neha Ayyathan Valoth Annabel Rae Vickery Anishka Vissamsetty Sophia Ellie Walker Kaitlyn Yam Katherine Siyin Yu N AT I O N A L M E R I T R E C O G N I T I O N

ACADEMIC MEDALS

Computer Science Anishka Vissamsetty English Sonali Maya DeSilva-Craycroft Mathematics Kendall E. Lloyd Modern Languages - Chinese Madison Nguyễn Tô Modern Languages - French Elodie Victoria McComber Modern Languages - Spanish Paramita Kadamby Modern Languages - Bilingual Maya Schechtman Religious Studies Ca Dang Science - Life Pakhi Gupta Science - Physical

National Merit Scholarship Anishka Vissamsetty

Riya Regina Fernando

National Merit Finalists Maia Avery Dietz Riya Regina Fernando Kendall E. Lloyd Miriam Nebu Anishka Vissamsetty

Evy Hutchins

Commended Scholars Rio Funatsu Samanya Girish Pakhi Gupta Heshma Hussain Thamra Hussain Kaitlyn Phương Huỳnh Paramita Kadamby Zoya Malik Elodie Victoria McComber Anika Ciana Shetty Mei Ann Tambuluri Safiya Tran Neha Ayyathan Valoth Katherine Siyin Yu

LEADERSHIP AWARD

6 | NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025

Social Studies Social Studies - History Maia Avery Dietz

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Rio Funatsu

Their adventure continues!

ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN BARNARD COLLEGE

ITHACA COLLEGE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

BROWN UNIVERSITY

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN LUIS OBISPO

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA

PITZER COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA, CHAMPAIGN

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO

SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, MONTEREY BAY

SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

SPELMAN COLLEGE

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

DE ANZA COLLEGE

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

EMORY UNIVERSITY FOOTHILL COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

FRANKLIN W OLIN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

INDIANA UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, ANN ARBOR UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO UNIVERSITY OF OREGON UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO UNIVERSITY OF UTAH UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY WASEDA UNIVERSITY WEST VALLEY COLLEGE WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY YALE UNIVERSITY

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025 | 7

Notre Dameʼs Year in Review 2024 - 2025

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

• With the blessing of the Sisters of Notre Dame, faculty and staff kicked off the school year by gathering for Notre Dame's annual employee retreat at Santa Clara University.

The focus was on Hallmark 6 - “We create community among those with whom we work and those we serve.”

• The Legacy Breakfast gathered 12 current students, 11 alum mothers and 4 alum grandmothers on campus.

• 32 alums returned to their alma mater as faculty or staff.

• The school year began 675 students strong with the Class of 2028 as the newest additions!

FEBRUARY

JANUARY • Band & Strings students performed the National Anthem for SJ Barracuda Hockey. Choir students performed at SCU Choral Festival. Music ministry students led mass for Catholic Schools Week at the Cathedral with Bishop Oscar Cantú and 34 schools from the Diocese of San Jose.

• Diversity Council hosted the annual Diversity Showcase, including a night market and fashion show of cultural attire, spoken word, music and dancing!

• ND's quarterly professional learning for faculty and staff was focused on Race, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, led by Chris Harris from SCU, Trevor Gardner and Arianna Caplan from Arise HS, Oakland.

• 1,600 pounds of crab were consumed at ND’s sold-out, 22nd annual Crab Fest, a fundraiser for co-curricular programs.

• Black Student Union club members hosted a school-wide assembly with a panel of 5 women (including 1 NDSJ alum) from a variety of professional fields. With the theme of "African Americans in Labor," this thoughtprovoking Q&A panel offered insight about career journeys, perspectives and wisdom in their various industries.

8 | NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025

• The Class of 1954 celebrated 70 years of friendship and the Class of 1974 celebrated 50 years!

• The annual Black Light Mixer had students from 33 local schools in attendance.

• The annual student Club Fair marked 37 student clubs and interest groups.

MARCH • The Woman’s Place Project celebrated 30 years with community members and a reception honoring the founder, Sr. Maureen Hilliard, SNDdeN. This event included media coverage by KCBS Radio, NBC Bay Area, San Jose Mercury News and Sowing Goodness.

• Women's Leadership Week honored the Class of 2028's tribute to 157 historic women with the annual Woman’s Place Project, and the Class of 2025 for their advocacy work with nearly 18k hours of leadership at the Young Women’s Advocacy Summit.

• 10 students chaperones from Notre Dame Seishin, Japan visited campus for two weeks under the care of host families.

• JB Hall was filled to the brim with joy during ND’s annual Spirit Week.

OCTOBER • The ND community raised $201,240 for tuition assistance at the 16th annual Women of Impact luncheon, presented by Marvell.

• The Class of 2028 was formally introduced as the Green & Blue Sharks at Freshman Night Out. • Nuns on the Bus trekked nationwide for their “Vote Our Future” tour and made a special stop at Notre Dame High School, the Center for Women’s Leadership in Silicon Valley!

• Sr. Carol Shoup, SNDdeN, became our guardian angel on October 21, 2024, after dedicating her life to the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, serving in ministry throughout the United States and in our San Jose learning community.

APRIL • The ND community raised $142,836 benefiting the faculty and staff endowment at the 2nd annual Day of Giving.

• The spring musical, Legally Blonde, highlighted the amazing talents of our ND performing arts students! This included 5 shows, 1 preview night, 1,258 patrons, 101 roles filled by 84 students, 25 student leaders and 1 supportive community. This could not have been achieved without our teachers, staff, administration, technical theater team and parent volunteers!

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

• Notre Dame achieved an impressive #1 Best Catholic High School in Santa Clara County ranking according to Niche.

This honors our outstanding academic and co-curricular programs, community engagement, faculty, staff, students and families!

• Students participated in the national #RubyBridgesWalktoSchoolDay on Nov. 14 to honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges.

• ND Athletics recognized Quinlan ‘25 and Radhika ‘25 on #NationalSigningDay. Quinlan committed to University of Denver for volleyball and Radhika to Yale University for basketball.

• The 18th Annual ND Reads featured author Marilyn Chase for a talk and book signing of her work Everything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa.

MAY

• Students from dance and music groups performed at downtown San Jose's Christmas in the Park.

• Campus Ministry, Latinas Unidas, ND's folklórico group and the ND Compadres parent resource group joined forces to create a night of culture and celebration at the 13th annual Las Posadas.

• ND Dads parent resource group hosted their annual Father/Daughter Breakfast with more than 200 guests in attendance.

• From August to December, there were a total of 74 classes that experienced field trips and 54 of them were walking field trips in downtown San Jose. There were also a total of 63 guest speakers and 53 were in-person.

JUNE

• 412 students took 968 Advanced Placement exams.

• Notre Dame proudly celebrated the graduating class of 2025!

• The “At Last I See The Light” themed junior/ senior prom was a smash hit! 371 students danced the night away with 87% of the senior class and 77% of the junior class participating!

• 65 students experienced immersion trips to several exciting destinations.

Justice and cultural immersions took place in East Los Angeles, Spain, France, London and Belize. The ND Choir toured throughout France, including a tour stop in Namur! A delegation also attended the Sisters of Notre Dame student leadership conference in Boston, MA.

• Faculty and staff welcomed over 450 guests from the incoming Class of 2029 at Freshman Family Welcome Day. • Senior Recognition Night honored many achievements for Class of 2025, including: 77 seniors achieved highest academic honors (4.45 GPA or higher), 85 seniors were recognized as part of the National Honor Society, and five seniors were recognized as National Merit Finalists.

• ND summer programs were a success!

Be sure to check our website in February to register for Summer 2026: www.ndsj.org/summer

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025 | 9

TH E F I W I T N T EG O U N D R HC I HA ATED H NG MO R LO T TE U MAN TH ERS I CA RL S TIES ( 2 O F E J L ON 0 & R 08- 0 9 ITA CO ) RTE Z

HONORING ERAN DESILVA AND SUSANA GARCIA

T

S E RV

IN G TH E IN EL YAN C O LO SALV AD O C O M M U NIT R ( 20 Y 1 0)

Pioneers of purpose and compassion

wo pillars of Notre Dame — Eran DeSilva and Susana

“The students in my class are bright, confident young

Garcia — are departing after 25 years each of

people who will undoubtedly be the leaders of tomorrow,”

transformational leadership and service. DeSilva,

said DeSilva, a lifelong learner and equity advocate,

director of teaching and learning, and Garcia, assistant

known for her trailblazing classroom innovations and joyful

head of school, have shaped nearly every aspect of the

spirit. “Over the last few years, I have so enjoyed being

school’s mission-driven legacy.

able to work with committed, mission-aligned teachers to

“These two incredible women have used their gifts to serve the Notre Dame community, from students and families to colleagues and the wider world,” said Kathleen Quiazon,

deepen their craft and commitment to the Notre Dame hallmarks. How many school leaders have the honor to work side by side with their former students?”

director of mission and ministry, who has worked side by side with them for more than two decades. “I’ve been inspired to watch them meet every opportunity with grace and wisdom. I will deeply miss their leadership, vision and commitment.”

Their legacy includes teaching thousands of students, pioneering innovative curriculum, and championing holistic education, academic excellence and institutional sustainability.

DeSilva is especially passionate about her work founding the Facing History Student Leadership Group, which she designed as a space for quiet leaders and deep thinkers.

The SLG is a student-led group that works within the school and with other Bay Area schools to promote social change and civic engagement. For more than a decade, students have participated in cross-school meetups, learned from speakers and experts on various historical and contemporary issues, and developed leadership skills.

10 | NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025

a j o b, t o n is g in h T eac . it ’ s a p a ssion MS. DESILVA

OVERN INSIDE WITH MIC HELLE MCG MEN 'S LEADERSHIP THE CENTER FOR WO (2020) CON STRUCTION SITE

WITH TH E CL AS S OF 20 17 TE AL & OR AN GE RAVENS AT PROM

AR '2 Y SALD IV '23 & EMIL C EM ENT EK PATEL WITH MAH O F 2023 C O M M EN C LASS

3,

WITH JIM FL AN G EL IS OYD, C HAPERO N LAN D FIEL IN G D TRIP (2 0 14)

It ha s been a tru e

pri vilege to do thi s work an d I am deeply grateful.

MS. GARCIA , S. GARC IA 09 FO R M , RT Y IN 20 RTHDAY PA M ERO O M STUD ENTS BI SE RI SU RP HER HO CO BR AS HOSTED BY 20 12 PINK & G REEN S OF TH E CL AS

Garcia's contributions are far-reaching, from teaching religious studies classes, to leading immersion trips and retreats, to welcoming new families as the "face of Notre Dame" in the admissions process, and most recently her role in a new leadership model that marked Notre Dame's 170th anniversary — providing oversight of enrollment, distinctive programs, professional development and strategic planning to support the school's viability and vitality.

“Looking back on my time at Notre Dame, I am proud of my role as a builder — a builder of community and curriculum, of distinctive programs and opportunities, of access for generations of women,” said Garcia, who is described as genuinely wise, strategic and grounded in spirituality. “The world desperately needs what Notre Dame offers, especially the impact of our graduates and their leadership.”

Among their most lasting legacies is the Education for Justice and Leadership program, which they helped pilot with a cohort of colleagues in the 2008-2009 academic year. Now a fully integrated part of Notre Dame’s curriculum, it reflects their shared belief in education as a vehicle for transformation.

“During each of their 25-year tenures, they exemplified commitment, passion and excellence,” said Ashley Rae Mathis, head of school. “We honor the fruits of

M S. D ESIL VA WITH ALU M S SH WHO NO E TAUG H W C U RREN T AN D/O R M ENTO TLY WO RK RED, AT N OTR E DA M E

their labor — their dedication to advancing educational equity and developing distinctive programs at Notre Dame." • NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025 | 11

Honoring Women, Inspiring Generations The Woman’s Place Project celebrates 30 years, 5,000 place settings

3

0 years ago, Sister Maureen Hilliard, SNDdeN envisioned a project that would uplift and celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history. From that vision, the Woman’s Place Project (WPP) was born — adapted specifically for Notre Dame San Jose’s freshman religious studies classes. Her goal was to create a meaningful process and space where young women could honor the legacies of women who came before them.

“The WPP highlights women throughout history, and seeing all those accomplishments in one room is incredibly inspiring,” said Ariana Flores '00 Gutierrez, a mother of three daughters — Alicia '24, Amelia '24, and Miriam — and goddaughter to Sister Maureen. “When I was a student, I knew it was something special. But now, as a mom of three young women, it carries even deeper significance. My daughters can see, tangibly, that anything is possible.”

To mark the 30th anniversary of the WPP, Gutierrez and her daughters created commemorative place settings in honor of Sister Maureen and artist Judy Chicago, whose iconic feminist artwork The Dinner Party inspired the project.

Chicago’s 1970s installation, a grand ceremonial banquet featuring place settings for significant women in history, served as the creative and philosophical foundation for Notre Dame’s own adaptation.

This year, 157 freshmen participated in the project, designing and presenting their own tributes for a diverse collection of women with stories to be told. Over the past three decades, more than 5,000 unique place settings have been created as part of this living tradition, each one a heartfelt story of a woman whose impact deserves to be remembered.

“This project embodies everything meaningful about the Notre Dame experience,” said Susana Garcia, assistant head of school. “It is rooted in creativity, storytelling and the recognition of women’s contributions.” •

12 | NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025

EACH YEAR THE NDSJ COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER ANEW, AND THERE IS YET A NEW VILLAGE TO NURTURE THE YOUNGER ONES. THIS VILLAGE — STUDENTS, TEACHERS, MAINTENANCE WORKERS, PARENTS, STAFF —

guides and supports WPP IN OCCURRING ONCE AGAIN BECAUSE IT TAKES

the whole NDSJ village!

— SISTER MAUREEN HILLIARD, SNDDEN —

Day of Giving For the love of Notre Dame

F

aculty and staff felt the love at an April 2025 community meeting, where they were welcomed by a joyful Spirit Tunnel — a lineup of cheerleaders waving pom poms and students proudly holding bright green signs reading, “We love ND teachers!” Smiles broke out across the crowd, some teachers even danced their way through. Closing out the tunnel with flair was Head of School Ashley Rae Mathis, who grooved her way into a room filled with grateful faculty and staff.

“This is the first time in our school’s history that we collectively fundraised to invest in our Faculty & Staff Endowment. Raising funds for this group of leaders is not solely mission-forward, it’s joyful. It’s honorable to celebrate the brilliant humans who serve our students each day,” said Ms. Mathis, with her trademark smile. “They are unparalleled.”

The Power of Giving

This occasion marked Notre Dame’s second annual Day of Giving, which raised an impressive $142,836 toward a goal of $150,000. These funds will strategically enhance faculty and staff compensation, benefits, professional development, classroom resources, recruitment and retention.

Launched in 2023 with an initial $50,000, the endowment has grown more than $1 million — a testament to the generosity of a community that believes deeply in Notre Dame’s mission. It was St. Julie Billiart who declared that teaching was "the greatest work on earth." She prioritized the formation and support of the Sisters who taught in the first Notre Dame schools, and we are continuing that legacy with this endowment.

“I wanted to participate in the Annual Day of Giving because I hope to boost our learning environment and support our teachers,” said Rose ‘27, the winner of Head of School for the Day. “The most fun part was spreading the word about the donations — it felt great to be part of something meaningful. I'm so excited and looking forward to being the Head of School for the Day!” •

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL | NOTRE NOTES SUMMER 2025 | 13

Alums welcome the Class of 2025 to the ND Alum Network Alums from every decade starting from the 1950s to 2019 returned to campus for the Alum & Senior Networking Lunch in May. The seniors networked with alums from a variety of career sectors, enjoyed a pasta lunch and received some inspirational and motivational words from guest speaker alum Tucker Ricchio ′08, talented executive chef and winner of Season 2’s Next Level Chef.

Suzan Belfield ′75, Olivia Salguero ′15, Alana Garrison ′23 and Tina Fontenot-Martin ′96 returned to their alma mater to celebrate the Class of 2025 Black Student Union graduates in conjunction with welcoming our incoming Class of 2029 freshman at our inaugural Notre Dame Sunflower Ceremony! This cultural celebration honors Black students with a special farewell and marks new beginnings and hopeful futures.

Save the Dates!

More information coming soon Class of 1969 Reunion Saturday, September 6, 2025

Class of 1990 Reunion Saturday, October 11 - Sunday, October 12, 2025

Notre Dame Grand Reunion (Fall 2026) If you would like to work with Alum Relations and help plan a fun and exciting grand reunion, please email alums@ndsj.org.

Stay in touch, alums!

Have an update to share in ND Class Notes? Scan the QR code to share news with us about your family, career, school and more!

Have updated contact information? Scan the QR code to update your contact information in our system.

Planning a reunion? Contact our Alum Relations office at alums@ndsj.org to learn how we can support you and your class.

06 Gabriela Ornelas ‘13

01 Gerry Zaro ‘46 Johnson

After retirement from Johnsons for Children, her family owned clothing store in San Luis Obispo, Gerry continued her involvement in the Monday Club. The club was started 100 years ago by local women when the Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis service clubs did not allow women.

The Monday Club volunteers in educational, civic and cultural initiatives that enhance the life of the community. In 2024, Gerry at the age of 95 was honored for being its longest serving member.

02 Heather Simon ‘94 Payne

Heather recently started as the Carter C. Kissell Professor in Law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, with her research focusing on energy law, environmental law and regulatory policy.

03 Nicolle Morazán ‘00

Nicolle has accomplished a career in nursing and spent 16+ years in the medical aesthetics field. She is a full-time aesthetic nurse practitioner specializing in non-surgical treatments to help patients look and feel their best. She also recently earned a Master’s degree. Outside of work, Nicolle is a proud mother to two boys and loves balancing her career, motherhood and her passion for her work in helping others.

Gabriela Ornelas recently earned her juris doctor from Columbia Law School as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.

While at Columbia, she was a Max Berger ’71 Public Interest/Public Service Fellow, participated in the Family Defense Clinic and served as the managing articles editor for the Columbia Journal of Race and Law. Currently, she is a Herbert and Nell Singer Fellow at the Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem. In collaboration with the office’s family defense practice, Ornelas is developing a familial preservation practice model that operationalizes mitigation in defense of families facing termination of parental rights petitions in New York Family Court.

FRONT - Kaela Crowley, Quinn Cabral, Janelle Lief, Juliana Orr. BACK - Jaclyn Woodward, Sophia Mountz)

08 Juliana (JJ) Mount ‘15

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Carlson

JJ recently published a memoir, My Hummingbird, and highlights the period in her life she lost her mom to ovarian cancer and how her faith helped her cope. Her book can be found on Amazon and many other online platforms.

For more information, visit jjcarlson.net.

Rosemary and her husband, Chris, welcomed their first child, Gemma Hua DeAragon. Rosemary is enjoying her maternity leave and the adjustment as a new parent.

10 China Martin ‘17

Based in San Diego, Lluvia is a full-time stay at home mom to two boys, Ronan and Joaquin. She spends her time on all things child development, healing the feminine, family love and spirituality.

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Janelle Lief '14 married Cassandra Lopez last September in Laporte, CO. Joining her were many of her close classmates from the Class of 2014. (From left to right:

09 Emily Gremett ‘17

05 Lluvia Carrasco ‘12 Lomeli

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07 Janelle Lief ‘14

04 Rosemary Hua ‘10 DeAragon

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Emily received her white coat for her Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA.

In early 2024, China became CEO of her family’s 28-yearold printing company. Her company earns an estimated $350,000 in sales annually.

She has seen the true benefit and growth achieved through dedication and hard work.

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Honorable Erica Yew SANTA CLARA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE & EDUCATOR

Judge Erica Yew has served on the Santa Clara County Superior Court since 2001. She was President of the Asian Pacific Bar Association of the Silicon Valley and served on the California State Bar Board of Trustees. She also provided leadership to the Asian Law Alliance, the Legal Aid Society and the Silicon Valley Campaign for Legal Services. In 2025, she received a Community Heroes Award from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board for her commitment to justice towards individuals navigating the legal system while facing behavioral health challenges.

Dr. Sejal Hathi ´09 PHYSICIAN & PUBLIC SERVANT

Dr. Sejal Tyle Hathi is a board-certified physician and nationally recognized public health leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing physical and mental health, women's rights and public policy in the United States and globally. She serves as the 4th permanent Director of the Oregon Health Authority and unanimously confirmed by the Oregon Senate to oversee all health care and public health services, policies and programs for the State of Oregon. Most recently, she served as New Jersey's deputy health commissioner and state health officer and as the Biden White House's Senior Policy Advisor for Public Health.

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Providing a distinctive Catholic, college-preparatory education for young women in the heart of downtown since 1851