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CONTENTS C OV E R S TO RY 6-7
M AY C R O W N I N G
M A R I A N TO D AY 4-5
PRESIDENT'S LETTER + GROUNDBREAKING
8-9
FAITH IN ACTION + SERVICE
10-11
NEW TEACHERS BRING MAGIS TO MARIAN
12 ANNIVERSARIES
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
14-15
GRADUATES: WHERE THEY ARE HEADED
16-17
BELL CHOIR
18-19
FINE ART RECOGNITION
20-21
ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS
22-23
F I E L D D AY
S E RVA N T S O F M A RY 24-26
S E R VA N T S O F M A RY: M I L E S TO N E S O F C O M PA S S I O N
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MEET SISTER MIDGE
A DVA N C I N G T H E M I S S I O N 28-31
C A M PA I G N U P D AT E
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FUTURE ENGINEERS
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PLANNED GIVING: MAUREEN GOTCH VINTON '78
A L U M N A E TO D AY
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ALUMNA FEATURE: JEN LUKAS LANDIS '90
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ALUMNA FEATURE: JENNA JOHNSON '03
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NEWEST ALUMNAE RETURN TO SHARE ADVICE
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MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
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MEET THE ALUMNAE BOARD
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ALUMNAE TOGETHER
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS 48-51 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 52-53 WEDDINGS 54-55 BABIES 56-62 REMEMBRANCES 63
STUDENT REFLECTIONS
MARIAN IS A CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN FOUNDED BY THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND DEDICATED TO MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD. MARIAN TEACHES THE BELIEFS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH IN A CARING AND LOVING COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE. THE MISSION OF MARIAN IS TO COMMIT ALL ITS RESOURCES TO THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY EDUCATION OF YOUNG WOMEN, TEACHING THEM TO BE LEADERS AND LIFELONG LEARNERS IN A SOCIETY WHERE THEIR TALENTS AND FAITH WILL GIVE HOPE TO THE WORLD.
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“ There is no better investment you can make for your daughter than the Marian experience... We are blessed to have a community where students want to learn, teachers love to teach and parents support the mission.“ Mary Higgins '69 President
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Moving Dirt and Moving Mountains On May 18, Marian officially broke ground on a new academic center and building renovation. A host of dignitaries blessed and beamed and then plunged shovels into the ground to make way for the new addition. After two years of planning, the project is underway. We celebrated by moving some dirt, but to prepare for this undertaking, we had to move some mountains. Step by step, and through the generosity of many donors, $9.9 million was raised, and we continue to climb. In January, Marian received tremendous momentum from a $1 million gift through the generosity of George and Susan Haddix. The academic center, the crown jewel of this project, will be named in their honor, the “Haddix Academic Center.” As we make way for the construction crew, it helps to keep our eyes on the prize. The project will take at least 15 months. In the meantime, the principal’s office and business office are temporarily relocated in the east wing of the building. Visitors will enter the far east doors, which served as the main entrance when the school opened in 1955. When students return in August, they will experience newly updated classrooms. Work will continue up to the fall of 2019 when we will welcome all to Marian with a new entrance, academic center and chapel. As our dreams for this project become a reality, we look forward to sharing with you the updates on the minor inconveniences, the major milestones and the endless possibilities this creates. May God bless and keep you,
Mary Higgins ‘69 President
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 5
M A R I A N TO D AY
SPIRITUALITY
MAY CROWNING
H O N O R S M A RY P H OTO S B Y B R I D G E T M C Q U I L L A N ' 0 9
Marian celebrated its annual May Crowning on May 8, honoring the Blessed Mother. This year’s May Queen, Maria Determan ’18, was chosen by her classmates as one who embodies the qualities of Mary, openly sharing her faith with others and demonstrating a commitment to service. Throughout her years at Marian, Determan has participated in Show Choir, the Big Sister’s Program, Campus Ministry, Hearts of Marian and Decade Darlings. This year she founded the Sundae Wednesday Club, to raise money for children at the Stephen Center. Maria was introduced by her dear friend and classmate, Megan Doehner '18, who described Maria as selfless in her commitment to the care of others and the empowerment of the Marian community.
"God placed her in our lives to show us that there are people in this world that will offer every bit of themselves for others, simply out of the pureness of their hearts, and to teach us how to in turn give of ourselves," said Doehner. Second-grade daughters of Marian alumnae were invited to participate in the ceremony. More than 20 girls, who received their First Holy Communion this year, processed with Determan and placed a rose at the foot of the statue of Mary, symbolizing their blossoming faith. Maria is the daughter of Dan and Anne Lutz Determan '86. ✣
Maria Determan '18 crowns Mary and speaks about the influence of Mary in her life.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 7
FA I T H I N A C T I O N : S T U D E N T S D E M O N S T R AT E C O M M I T M E N T TO S E R V I C E S TO RY B Y M A R E N H A D D A D ' 1 4
One of Marian’s six core values, service is an integral component in the formation of students as women of faith. At Marian, service is an expectation but not a rule. Service hours are not required, yet 100 percent of the student body participates in some form of service throughout the school year. With no demand to fulfill a specific number of service hours, students are drawn to finding opportunities they are passionate about. From service possibilities provided by Marian, to aiding local, national and global communities, Marian students seek to serve where their hearts are called. Without the obligation, service remains rooted in generosity and gratitude. Senior Ellie Messerschmidt ‘18 appreciates the choice that Marian gives students. “The non-requirement is a better mentality, because it encourages girls to find a service space where they are happy and passionate about the work they are completing instead of simply trying to fill a required time limit. I certainly have benefited from the opportunity to find my own service passion, and I believe that
M A R I A N TO D AY
SERVICE
Marian gives students many opportunities like clubs and service sites,” Ellie said. During the school year, Marian’s campus ministry team provides a variety of service site opportunities for students. The 2017-2018 service sites included Girls, Inc., Touch the Nations at Do Space, Adams Elementary School, Northstar, St. Pius X/St. Leo School, Scatter Joy Acres, Rock Steady Boxing and St. Cecilia School. In addition, there are several clubs that allow students to further their commitment to service. Clubs such as Operation Others, Girls 4 Girls, Sundae Wednesday, Polar Plunge and Operation Welcome provide students with the opportunity to
“When I am actively involved in service work, it makes me strive to become a better person who is more helpful to everyone in general.” Allison Weiler '18
experience an array of philanthropic efforts and populations throughout the Omaha community. Furthermore, these involvements in and out of the school do not deter students from finding opportunities on their own. Rather, it motivates students to partake in opportunities where they find the most joy. Many students commit to independent volunteer programs like Heartland Family Service Junior Friends, Methodist Hospital Volunteens, Children’s Hospital Teen Volunteers, Camp MunroeMeyer at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and tutoring at various schools, among others. Allison Weiler ’18, who is actively involved in Operation Welcome and also volunteers at Lakeside Hospital, understands the importance of serving others. “When I am actively involved in service work, it makes me strive to become a better person who is more helpful to everyone in general,” Weiler said. Allison is not alone in her sentiments on the importance of service-learning at Marian. Hayley Golden ’18 also engages in service beyond the classroom and views service as an asset to one’s education. “Service can be a huge benefactor in education. It gives you something that a textbook can’t. It gives you an experience. Service has not only helped me grow as a person, but it has helped me learn more about myself,” Hayley said.
Hayley, Allison and Ellie feel a special calling toward serving the refugee population in Omaha through Marian’s club Operation Welcome. In cooperation with Creighton Prep, students welcome new refugee families to the Omaha area and assist in setting up their new homes. Since the club’s founding two years ago, students have assisted in four apartment setups. The club aims to educate others in the Marian community about the growing refugee population in Omaha and ways to be of assistance to our new neighbors. Each of these graduates would like to incorporate service into their lives beyond Marian. Ellie hopes to become an emergency medical technician and a certified nursing assistant, while also continuing to work with people who have special needs; Allison is preparing to become a speech pathologist, so she can assist children with everyday tasks; and Hayley just wants to help others in any way she can. “Whether life leads me to help others in a small way or a big way doesn’t matter to me; just as long as I make someone else happy,” said Hayley. No matter where students are called to serve, they discover new communities to immerse themselves in and new experiences to share with others. By serving and caring for others, students are living out their faith. ✣
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 9
NEW TEACHERS B R I NG M AG I S TO M A R I A N P H OTO S C O U RT E S Y O F M A G I S C AT H O L I C T E A C H E R C O R P S , C R E I G H TO N U N I V E R S I T Y G R A D U AT E S C H O O L
“I love all the traditions at Marian. The girls wanted me to love it as much as they do.” Amy Brabec Spanish Teacher
M A R I A N TO D AY
ACADEMICS
Amy Brabec realized too late that she’d like to study education. She was well into her major in Spanish and on track to graduate in 2015 from St. Louis University - Madrid. She spent the next nine months in Brazil as a Fulbright Scholar and then returned home to Chicago to work as a paraprofessional in a school. For Amy, Creighton’s Magis Catholic Teacher Corps provided a good fit. The accelerated program allows students who have already achieved undergraduate degrees to earn a master’s degree in education in two years. Brabec just completed her first year of the Magis program and her first year at Marian, where she taught Spanish I and Spanish IV. As she packed up her classroom for the summer, she prepared to move back to the dorms at Creighton for her second session of intensive summer coursework. After another year of practicum teaching, she’ll graduate in 2019 with a master’s degree in education. Reflecting on her first year teaching, she enjoyed seeing the difference between freshmen and seniors. “I also love all the traditions at Marian. The girls wanted me to love it as much as they do,” said Brabec. Brabec was one of 12 new teachers to join the Marian faculty this past school year. She is also one of three new teachers who have trained in Creighton’s Magis program. “Magis,” Latin for “more,” is a key concept in Ignatian spirituality. Creighton’s Magis teacher program is dedicated to the formation of enthusiastic and faith-filled teachers to meet the needs of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the Midwest. Currently, Magis teachers serve in six communities throughout Nebraska; the Native American Indian Reservations of Winnebago, Nebraska, and Pine Ridge, South Dakota; Kansas City, Kansas; Sioux City, Iowa; and Milwaukee. The program benefits both the participants and the schools they serve. During the school year, Magis teachers live in small communities of three to eight people and support each other through the challenging first year of teaching. Their housing and tuition expenses are provided, and they earn a modest
monthly stipend. The schools in which they serve gain a highly motivated and talented teacher, who typically has had some prior experience in a profession or field of study outside of education. Science teacher Tim Barth is a 2011 Magis graduate. As an undergraduate student, he studied psychology and biology with plans to be a school counselor. As he took more courses in the hard sciences, he realized he’d like to teach. After graduating from Creighton in 2009, he entered the Magis teaching program, during which he taught at Red Cloud High School in South Dakota. He then taught junior high at St. Columbkille in Omaha for six years before joining the Marian faculty in the fall of 2017. At Marian, Barth teaches biology, chemistry and physics. He has an enthusiasm for the role of science in the world, which is well received given the strong interest in health science careers among Marian students. After his first year, Barth has come to appreciate the sisterhood found at Marian. “Single-sex education is the way to go,” said Barth. “Boys and girls together are super distracting.” Spanish teacher Caitlin Gaule is a 2014 Magis graduate, who also just completed her first year at Marian. She taught two years at Winnebago and three years at St. Cecila in Omaha before coming to Marian. “I love the single-sex environment and how it empowers young women,” said Gaule. Marian now has five Magis teachers on staff; math teacher Peter Cunningham and sociology teacher Jillian Roger are also Magis alumni. According to Marian Principal Susie Spethman Sullivan ‘80 the Magis program is a tremendous resource for recruiting outstanding teachers. “Magis teachers have shown that they are willing to think outside the box. They are truly committed to the profession and helping students succeed,” Sullivan said. By sharing their expertise, commitment and faith, Magis teachers bring the “more” to students and enrich the legacy of caring, dedicated faculty found at Marian. To learn more about the Magis Catholic Teacher Corps, visit www.magisctc.org. ✣
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 11
A N N I V E R S A R I E S In the 2017-2018 school year, 12 faculty and staff members marked milestone years of service. The combined service of these faculty and staff members totals 220 years. Thank you for your commitment to Marian!
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Michelle Procopio Delisi ‘74
Kathy Janata
Wayne Downie Sharon Genoways
Melissa Brusnahan Kris Calhoun
David Anderson Nancy Kettering Casey ‘82 Tim Eoriatti Eric Phipps Lori Spanbauer Molly Adams Woodman ‘97
Front row, left to right: David Anderson, Michelle Delisi, Melissa Brusnahan, Lori Spanbauer, Nancy Casey, Sharon Genoways. Back row: Wayne Downie, Tim Eoriatti, Eric Phipps, Molly Woodman, Chris Calhoun, Kathy Janata.
M A R I A N TO D AY
ACADEMICS
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY 2018 13 - July Bash For incoming freshmen hosted by Big Sisters AUGUST 2018 10 - Class of 2018 Yearbook Signing 11 - Faces of Marian Orientation For incoming freshmen and parents. Attendance is strongly encouraged. 16 - First Day of School for Freshmen Attendance is mandatory and uniforms are required. Parents, join us for coffee at drop-off. SEPTEMBER 2018 6 - Esprit de Corps Awards Banquet OCTOBER 2018 5 - Golden Grads Jubilee Luncheon NOVEMBER 2018 4 - Memorial Mass 18 - Open House For girls in fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades and their families.
For event details and registration information, visit us online at marianhighschool.net
S P E N D A D AY A T M A R I A N ! See for yourself what it’s like to be a Marian girl. All sixth through eighth-grade girls are invited to spend the day at Marian shadowing one of our students. Please contact Director of Admissions Molly Adams Woodman ’97 at 402-571-2816, ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org to set up your visit. Shadow visits are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Please allow two day’s advance notice.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 13
WHERE THEY
FAST FACTS
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ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2018
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78 4
PE R C EN TA G E
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OF MARIAN GRADUATES WHO
CONTINUE THEIR
E D U C AT I O N
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THE CLASS OF 2018 WILL CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AT THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES:
Massachusetts University of Massachusetts, Lowell: Kate Bilyeu
California Loyola Marymount University: Cassidy Jorgensen Santa Clara University: Tara O'Brien
Michigan Michigan State University: Camryn Gregor
Colorado Colorado State University: Jennifer Lanoha Colorado State University Pueblo: Grace Hern Front Range Community College - Larimer Campus: Gabrielle Mainelli University of Colorado at Boulder: Lilian Watkins Iowa Drake University: Megan Valenzuela Iowa State University: Hayley Golden, Tara Sanchez Iowa Western Community College: Marin Morrison The University of Iowa: Colby Lemkau, Sarah Wing Illinois Loyola University-Chicago: Rayna Bartling, Diana Elizalde, Shannon McSweeney, Evelyn Paul Northwestern University: Morgan Hodges Western Illinois University: Laurel Edwards Kansas University of Kansas: Chloe Dolan, Emilie Faust, Abigail Kaipust, Cassandra Palmer, Athena Patsalis, Madison Vosik, Allison Weiler Kentucky University of Louisville: Margaret Mullen
M A R I A N TO D AY
ACADEMICS
Minnesota College of Saint Benedict: McKenzie Blaine, Maria Determan St. Olaf College: Anna Cook University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: Megan Rutten, Delaney Stekr Missouri Northwest Missouri State University: Grace Nelson Rockhurst University: Anna Mikulicz, Allison Monzu, Avery Ost, Sadie Stracke Saint Louis University: Kathryn Burbach, Megan Doehner, Delaney Gunn, Elizabeth Messerschmidt, Olivia Tate Truman State University: Madeline Robertson University of Missouri Columbia: Emma Raabe Nebraska Creighton University: Grace Apker, Brianna Baumberger, Emma Ellerbeck, Catherine Franco, Sofia Herrera, Julia Hingorani, Allison Martin, Madeline McKillip, Molly Miller, Kathryn Morey, Jorden Paule, Emma Roth, Michaela Steier Metropolitan Community College: Emilee Braun, Kaylie Ewing, Haley Kampe, Megan Leddy Nebraska Wesleyan University: Lauren Hart University of Nebraska at Lincoln: Sydney Abbott, Sadie Andrews, Rachael Brich, Emma Buso, Tyra Carstens, Emily Folts, Kayleigh Gall, Annie Gregg, Mia Hamilton,
ARE HEADED 148 MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2018
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1
6 6
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12 1 2
2 1
63% OF CLASS EARNED MERIT-BASED
SCHOLARSHIPS T O TA L I N G
12,774,403
$
1
48 SCHOOLS IN 22 STATES + TAIWAN!
Audrey Hertel, Caroline Johnson, Mariah Kaup, Kaci Kirchhoefer, Elizabeth Knudsen, Julia Kobler, Gillian Krueger, Julia Madison, Samantha McGargill, Abigail McLaughlin, Andrea Mikuls, Lauren O'Leary, Olivia Putnam, Madison Reed, Jessica Sahm, Grace Sall, Sydney Schumacher, Mia Soulliere, Kennedy Stormberg, Ann Sullivan, Mary Trainer, Mary Tvrdik, Julia Veik, Lily Veylupek, Peyton Wagner, Brooke Wojtalewicz, Grace Woltemath University of Nebraska at Omaha: Emmanuela Ahianti, Mya Bell, Emily Bigelow, Vicky Bongomin, Delaney Bray, Elizabeth Brison, Dakara E. Cooper, Courtney Kilroy, Amou Majok, Brooke McCarthy, Mikaela Morales, Telly Mounto, Allison Ostapowicz, Kalli Pettit, Lauren Rosenthal, Makayla Sedlacek, Malika Seran, Abigail Speer, Anna Swoboda, Alicia Taylor, Nicole Turner, Bayleigh Weibel, Caitlin Wessling Wayne State College: Courtney Boisen New Hampshire Dartmouth College: Kennedy Gochenour University of New Hampshire at Durham: Madelynn Wiedenfeld New York Cornell University: Nina Oleynikov Ohio Central State University: Davine Francis University of Dayton: Audrey Yost
South Carolina Clemson University: Ashtynne Alberts South Dakota University of South Dakota: Grace Hahler, Delaney Kottke, Isabel Romero Tennessee Belmont University: Lily Nelson, Hailie Rydel Texas Southern Methodist University: Mary Heim Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi: Jaedyn Johnson Texas Christian University: Lauren Klingemann, Margaret Prosser Washington Gonzaga University: Kate Kellen Washington State University: Sydney Knight Washington, D.C. The George Washington University: Donna Yang Wisconsin Marquette University: Kylie Champion, Emma Farhart, Anna Kilzer, Mary Martin Taiwan Wenzao Ursaline University of Languages: Samantha Fabian
Oklahoma Oral Roberts University: Patricia Kliver University of Tulsa: Lauren Isenberg
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 15
M A R I A N TO D AY
ARTS
"THE CLASS OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THE BASICS OF MUSIC IN A FUN AND LOW-STRESS ENVIRONMENT.” Paul Niedbalski, Teacher
B E L L C H O I R H A S A N I C E R I N G TO I T P H OTO S B Y B R I D G E T M C Q U I L L A N ' 0 9
The clear, sweet ring of bells is a familiar sound at most all-school Masses. This joyful noise can be credited to Marian’s bell choir, which is composed of students, faculty and Servants of Mary. Marian has been blessed with a bell choir since 2011, when the school received a donation of a set of handbells. The set of bells was of good quality and a significant investment. The donation inspired the music department to form a bell choir and add handbells to the fine arts curriculum. Currently, Marian is one of two high schools in the metro that offers handbells as a course. Students have the option of taking Handbells I and Handbells II for fine arts credit. According to music teacher Paul Niedbalski, most students who take handbells have little to no music background. “The class offers the opportunity to learn the basics of music in a fun and low-stress environment,” said Niedbalski. Paul Niedbalski has been teaching handbells and leading the bell choir since he joined the Marian faculty two years ago. He has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in trombone performance, and he plays a little bit of everything. He had some exposure to the bells in college while studying music education. By researching bell performance, he was able to master the bells.
For students, handbells can be a way to add to their musical repertoire or an opportunity to learn a first instrument. Senior Madi Reed is a ringer; she took Handbells I last semester. She is an accomplished musician who plays the trombone, taught herself the piano and loves to sing. “I am in Select Women’s Choir, and I thought that taking handbells would be a fun class to end my four years at Marian,” Reed said. Sophomore Delaney Foley also took Handbells I last semester. She came to the course with a little background in piano and guitar but wasn’t an active musician. “I wanted to take bells because I heard it was very fun, and I wanted to learn how to read music! I now know how to read music, and I know some of the most basic counting skills for bells,” said Foley. The bell choir brings together students, faculty and Servants of Mary who are interested in playing the bells. Typically, the bell choir meets once a month to practice for all-school Mass. Playing in the bell choir allows musicians of all abilities, whether novice or seasoned, to chime in. ✣
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 17
Marian artists are drawing attention both locally and nationally. A
“Self Portrait” by Jorden Paule ’18, Congressional Art Competition, District 2 winner, currently on display at the U.S. Capitol.
B “Basket” by Scarlett Wedergren ’20, Omaha Summer Arts Festival Youth Exhibit. C “Self Portrait” by Ashley Straub ’19, National Scholastic Art award winner, currently on display at the Governor’s Residence. D “Kale” by Lily Blake ’19, Omaha Summer Arts Festival. E “Apple” by Patrice Roubidoux ’20, Omaha Summer Arts Festival.
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F “It’s Not a Phase” by Ashley Stanek ’19, Scholastic Art Award silver medalist, currently on display at the Governor’s Residence.
STUDENT SHOWCASE
G “Peppers” by Eleni Patsalis ’20, Omaha Summer Arts Festival.
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ARTS
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MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 19
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ACTIVITIES
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AND ATHLETICS WINTER/SPRING SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES A Basketball – District Runner-up B Cheerleading – participated at the Alamo Bowl and State Cheer and Dance C Journalism – 31 State Qualifiers | 19 Finalists D Track – 4th in Metro | 3rd at Districts | 9th at State. Freshman Lauren Harris was state champion in the 200 and 400 and All-Class Gold Medalist in the 400. E Tennis – 4th in Metro | 9th at State. Junior Julia King finished 3rd in Metro and 3rd at State #1 singles. F Speech – 11 State Qualifiers. Diana Elizalde and Shruthi Kumar qualified for nationals. Shruthi finished in the top 30 at Nationals. G Swim/Dive – Metro Champs | State Runner-up. Freshman Megan Carter won the State 1-meter diving championship. H Dance – Qualified for Nationals in Orlando, Florida, in their first season of competitive dance, and also participated at State Cheer and Dance. I Soccer – State Runner-up
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MARIAN MAGAZINE
I
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 21
3RD PLACE
F R E S H M E N O N T H E FA R M
S E N I O R S TA K E O F F W I T H A F I E L D D AY V I C T O R Y
M A R I A N TO D AY
ACTIVITIES
4TH PLACE
SOPHOMORES SET SAIL!
P H OTO S B Y J O E M I X A N
Over 3,000 people attended Field Day 2018 at Baxter Arena to cheer on their favorite class. Field Day, Marian’s most beloved tradition, brings each class together as they execute their theme and colors across seven categories:
2ND PLACE
J U N I O R 5 0 0 : S TA RT YO U R E N G I N E S !
walls, spirit, costume, mascot, judge’s booklet, cheerleading and demonstration. Although Field Day has evolved over the years, the fundamental purpose has remained the same: to teach students basic leadership skills in an atmosphere of school spirit, class unity and fun. Resources and time are limited; creativity and
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1ST PLACE
SENIORS IN THE SKY
ingenuity are rewarded. Whether first or fourth, the memories created last a lifetime.
M AMRAI R A INA N M AMGAAGZAI N Z IEN E S UWMI M N TE ERRI SI S SUUE E
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S E RVA N T S O F M A RY MARK MILESTONES OF COMPASSIONATE PRESENCE
S E R VA N T S O F M A RY
In 2018, the Servants of Mary celebrate 125 years of service in the United States and 100 years in Omaha. At Marian, we share great pride in this milestone. Marian is rooted in the charism of the Servants of Mary. Their history is our legacy and our reason for being.
The origins of the Servites can be traced much farther than 125 years, back to 1233, when seven men responded to a call from their heavenly Mother to give themselves entirely to her service and to honor her sorrows. Not long after, St. Juliana, niece of one of the Seven Holy Founders, formed the Third Order of the Servants of Mary. She is a special patroness of the Servite Sisters. Throughout their history, the Servants of Mary have served as educators. After the French Revolution, in 1840, a little school was built beside the Hermitage Chapel in Cuves, France. Four of the teachers, led by Marie Guyot, formed a religious community that followed the Rule of the Servites. In 1852, the sisters moved to England, where they taught in the schools for the poorest of the poor.
Meanwhile, in the United States, settlers began moving west; among them were great waves of immigrants in search of land, a better life and religious freedom. To serve this growing population, parish priests appealed to European congregations for sisters to teach in their Catholic schools. In 1893, a small group of Servites left England to teach at St. Matthew Parish in Mount Vernon, Indiana. Sisters continued to arrive from the English congregation and moved westward to Illinois and Iowa to establish convents, all-girls academies and parish schools. In 1918, the Servite Sisters answered the call of the archbishop and the Redemptorist fathers to establish a school in the newly formed Holy Name Parish in Omaha, Nebraska.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 25
Our Lady’s circle where the grass looked greener.” The farm grew to 130 acres, and its orchards and gardens helped to stock the convent kitchen. The sisters operated the farm until the mid-1960s.
“There were no tables, no chairs, no stove, nothing had arrived...we took our supper on the ironing board...and slept on the floor.” Sr. Mary Alice Haley, OSM Moving to Nebraska
The sisters’ journey from Europe to America, from Illinois to Iowa to Omaha, was no small or easy task. They made many sacrifices along the way, and with each new beginning came hardship. When first arriving in Omaha, the sisters lived in “radical poverty.” In “Moving to Nebraska,” Sr. Mary Alice Haley describes the early days in Omaha. There were “no tables, no chairs, no stove, nothing had arrived… We took our supper at the ironing board, which served as a table… At bedtime the sisters slept on the floor.” At this time, the superiors were looking to move the motherhouse and novitiate from Cherokee, Iowa, to a more central location. Omaha’s access to railroads and institutions of higher learning made it an attractive place to settle. Two years later, the sisters purchased 20 acres of land outside of Benson, Nebraska, and construction began on a large convent. According to Sr. Mary Alice Haley, OSM, ”The location of the new convent on the outskirts of the city permitted the sisters to develop the farm, raising cows, pigs and chickens. Part of the novices’ life during those days was waving brooms, chasing the cows back to their pasture when they had slipped through a hole in the fence and wandered up to
S E R VA N T S O F M A RY
In addition to the farm, the other interests of the sisters were growing. The Servite presence expanded in Omaha’s parochial schools with sisters teaching not only at Holy Name but also Holy Ghost (1922), St. Rose (1943), St. Benedict (1946), Christ the King (1954), St. Pius X (1955) and St. James (1965) schools. The sisters were also commissioned to serve in schools in Detroit, Massena, New York, Denver, St. Louis and Sioux City, Iowa. During their 125 years in the United States, the Servants of Mary have had approximately 260 sisters ministering in 145 schools. By the early 1950s, the motherhouse was proving too small for its growing community and another plan was being considered: a school for girls. Mother Mary Ligouri, Head of the American Province of the Servants of Mary, had a dream rooted in faith and in the belief that the world needed more educated Christian disciples of the female variety. On March 25 of the Holy Marian year 1954, ground was broken on the high school and motherhouse additions. In 1955, 30 years after the construction of Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, the present motherhouse and Marian High School were opened. When the high school opened, the sisters poured everything into the school. So deep was the sisters’ dedication that no sacrifice was too great. A limited budget made them very frugal. In the early years, there was no funding for custodial service, so the sisters, including the principal, cleaned the building after hours. Today the sisters collaborate with Marian as a sponsoring agency and continue to make their presence felt. Omaha continues to serve as the headquarters for the U.S. Community of the Servants of Mary. The sisters fondly call the motherhouse home and speak of Marian with great pride, viewing it as one of their greatest accomplishments. ✣
B E I N G M A R I A N ’ S F I R S T G R A D UAT E IS THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME S TO RY B Y M A R I A N A I N C I A RT E - B A L Z A ‘ 1 9
High school can be an up and down roller coaster ride for many, but for Sr. Midge Peterson '59, her experience at Marian was just the opposite. Growing up with five brothers as the middle child, Sr. Midge never imagined she would end up at an all-girls school. She describes her years at Marian as “Wonderful. It was kind of like a dream come true.”
kids, but the thought just kept coming, so I decided I might as well try it, get it out of my mind, which I did, and it became home… The friendliness and personality of the sisters and Marian was just home to me,” said Sr. Midge.
Marian High School officially opened in 1955, which was the first year Sr. Midge became a part of a grand community. Her four years at Marian led to the event that came to be the greatest part of her life: graduation.
In 1965, Sr. Midge returned to Marian and taught theology to freshmen, juniors and seniors. “I loved teaching theology. Most of it I taught differently than how it is taught now, and those were some of the most unique and special classes I’ve ever had,” said Sr. Midge.
On a beautiful day in May of 1959, Sr. Midge and her classmates had the honor of being Marian’s very first graduating class. According to Alumnae Director Nancy Kettering Casey '82, there were 52 girls in the class of 1959. The girls lined up for graduation based on height, not alphabetically as they do today. Sr. Midge was the first announced because she was the shortest, thus being the very first graduate of Marian.
In her theology classes, she never had students sit in desks; Sr. Midge’s classroom was full of blankets and pillows, and students sat on the floor. The topics discussed were never out of a textbook and the activities were more spiritual and reflective, such as spontaneous prayer or going outside to appreciate God’s creation. Along with Marian, Sr. Midge has also taught at Christ the King, Mount Michael, Creighton Prep and Skutt Catholic.
After graduation, Sr. Midge had her whole life figured out; she planned to get married and have a bunch of kids. In fact, Sr. Midge was engaged; however, she ended up falling in love with the faith.
Today Sr. Midge lives at the Servants of Mary convent, filling her days with laughter and revisiting her old memories. “All the memories at Marian are favorites. My classmates... all of it. I love it.”
Ironically, Sr. Midge didn’t care much for nuns until the sisters of the Servants of Mary won her over. “When I thought about being a nun, I didn’t think it was a good idea. I wanted to get married and have
Everything about Marian is priceless to Sr. Midge, and she will consider it her school forever. She offers simple advice to all current and future Marian girls: “Keep the faith. Be true. Be real, not phony.” ✣ MARIAN MAGAZINE
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CAMPAIGN UPDATE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH C O L L A B O R AT I O N
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RENOVATION AIMS TO BRING NEW ACADEMIC, SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE S TO RY B Y J U L I A H I N G O R A N I ‘ 1 8
New and refurbished classrooms and hallways, an academic center, a grand new entrance and lobby, and a chapel honoring the Servants of Mary. These are just some of the changes to Marian to be expected in the next few years.
Two years ago, the Marian administration sent out a survey to staff, students, faculty and parents to understand the desires of the Marian community. This process revealed the current remodeling plan and building additions as the top priorities for improving the campus. A fundraising campaign ensued with the theme of “Confident to be Marian: A Campaign for a New Generation of Women.” This theme “reflects the goal of Marian, preparing for the future while continuing the legacy of an all-girls,
Catholic school of excellence that prepares students to become confident, independent, thinking leaders inspired by faith,” President Mary Higgins said. Assistant Principal Rochelle Rohlfs, the representative for the project, will be working alongside Higgins, Principal Susie Sullivan, faculty members, board committee members and the architecture team on planning the renovation. MCL Construction will lead the renovation.
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The academic center and facility renovation was estimated to cost $7.2 million. After conducting more than 100 in-person interviews with past donors and Marian constituents, it was projected that the capital campaign should be able to raise between $8 and $10 million. Since November of 2016, fundraising efforts have yielded $9.9 million in pledges. This money will not only go toward the renovation but also toward tuition assistance. Individual donors and foundations are the primary pledges. The academic center is to be the “crown jewel” of the renovation and will include study rooms and a collaboration space for students to work in groups. The academic center is aimed at modernizing Marian. “It will afford a whole new level of academic research and collaboration along with greater access to technology,” Higgins said. Some sections of the physical building of Marian High School have remained the same since 1955, meaning that some areas are in dire need of updates. Sixty-three years later, the building is set to be remodeled, bringing a new look and feeling to the halls of Marian. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 18, and construction began the following week.
During construction, the current entrance used by students every day will be temporarily closed and students will use Entrance 9, which is the door located closest to convent. During the summer, the priority is to remodel all of the classrooms with new carpet, ceilings, lighting and paint. Other than the dramatic changes in the physical appearance of Marian, the changes will also be felt by the students. “The updated chapel will enhance the space as a quiet, spiritual place for girls to meditate and focus on their faith,” Rohlfs said. The renovation will also give students an increased sense of pride in their school. The changes will create a more modern and comfortable educational environment for both students and teachers. “The academic atmosphere will be brighter, colorful and pleasing to the eye,” said Higgins. The entire renovation process will take two summers and the 2018-19 academic year. The project is scheduled to be complete by Aug. 1, 2019. However, when students return in the fall of 2018, they will be welcomed with brand new classrooms. ✣
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MEET THE PROJECT MANAGER: S A R A H S H AY G U D E M A N ‘ 0 1 One of Marian’s own is serving as mechanical project manager for the Haddix Academic Center and facility renovation. Sarah Shay Gudeman ‘01 is a mechanical engineer with Morrissey Engineering, the firm responsible for mechanical, electrical and technology design on the Marian building project. Sarah designed the HVAC and plumbing systems. Her work will impact every student at Marian, the same place she once sat as a student. “Before Marian, specifically Mr. Esser’s physics class, I didn’t know what engineering was. I still remember the ongoing mantra that ‘women can be engineers.’ Marian presented many other opportunities to explore technical and creative career fields too; I felt prepared for anything,” said Sarah. This mantra would serve her well. Sarah went on to study mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, a predominantly male program. “Going from an all-girls school to a college major that was 95 percent male, at the time, was an easy switch actually,” said Sarah. “Marian gave me an amazing amount of confidence in myself, a valuable asset in any career field.”
Sarah has worked on several projects for the school, including the Performing Arts Center addition and, most recently, the chemistry lab renovation. Her Marian experience provides a unique advantage. The architects and engineers who planned the project had many challenges and opportunities to consider. One of the biggest challenges came from the students themselves. They expressed that the project should feel like Marian. Who better to articulate the Marian feel than a Marian alumna? According to Gudeman, the project will not only modernize the school and clearly identify the entrance for visitors, but it will also provide students with a daily reminder of Marian’s excellence. In addition to this project, Sarah has served as a mentor for future Marian engineers through her work with Marian’s S.A.M.E. (Society of American Engineers) team. “I love coming back to Marian for any reason, but serving the school as a professional really helps close the loop for me, since I credit Marian with putting me on a career path to engineering,” said Gudeman. ✣
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FUTURE ENGINEERS: P R O B L E M - S O LV I N G N O D I F F I C U LT Y F O R S.A.M .E. S TO RY B Y M A D D I E R O B E RT S O N ‘ 1 8
In its third year of re-emergence, the Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.) is working to solve problems big and small. The club, composed of 11 sophomores, juniors and seniors, focuses on finding solutions to issues affecting communities of all shapes and sizes using STEM and architecture skills. Science teacher Mr. Matthew Winterboer, who has moderated the club for the last three years, described the brainstorming process for their annual S.A.M.E. competition at the University of Nebraska Omaha. “It was a challenge of identifying a problem locally, nationally or something even broader. This competition is very open ended. Teams are responsible for coming up with their own problem that needs a solution,” Winterboer said. After seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, the group decided to focus on a way to combat the aftermath of a natural disaster. After months of planning, S.A.M.E. created a school that could be used as a relief center before a hurricane or other natural disaster is set to strike. Junior Amirtha Arun, who has been a part of the team for the past two years, worked on the health section of the project. “When a natural disaster happens, people don’t always get access to antibiotics. Alexis Jordan and I worked on the storage of antibiotics,” Arun said. Along with the health section, other team members worked on areas such as water, architecture, power, communication and research.
“Our team came together really well. It’s definitely a group effort... we each have our own subject matter of expertise." Amirtha Arun '19
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“Our team came together really well. It’s definitely a group effort. We all divide the roles pretty evenly. We each have our own subject matter of expertise,” Arun said. The competition, which was held April 16 at UNO’s Scott Conference Center, included a day of observing other teams, preparing for the presentation and discussing with engineers and architects the details of the project. After a rigorous day of competition, the group won a Top-5 Award of Distinction and a $500 prize. They won Gold Level Honors in Applied Science, Innovation, Research, Teamwork, Technology, Proposal and Presentation. The only category they earned Silver Level Honor in was Sustainability. The club’s mentor, Metropolitan Community College Architecture Professor and Marian graduate Stephanie Peterson ‘01, was also part of S.A.M.E. in high school. “Watching students rise to this challenge and push themselves out of their comfort zones to learn and produce a project worth talking about (worth building!) is the main reason I keep involved. It’s my favorite part,” Peterson said. ✣
GROUNDBREAKING KICKS OFF CONSTRUCTION P H OTO S B Y M I C H E L E Z E P H I E R P H OTO G R A P H Y
A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 18 to mark the beginning of construction on the Haddix Academic Center and building renovation. The building project marks the culmination of a successful capital campaign to support endowment and facility upgrades. Construction officially began with the close of the school year and will continue until August 2019 when the new facility opens. âœŁ
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MarianFEST 2018: LIFE IS SWEET AT MARIAN P H OTO S B Y D E B R A K A P L A N
Over 500 gathered to celebrate the 36th annual MarianFEST (Funding Education in the Servite Tradition) Friday, Feb. 2, at Hilton Omaha Downtown. MarianFEST is Marian’s largest fundraising event of the year, with proceeds benefiting tuition assistance and scholarships for students. This year’s event raised $450,000. The theme, Life is Sweet at Marian, was chosen to celebrate the joy, energy and spirit that defines the culture of Marian. Although the theme was lighthearted, the purpose was serious. FEST supports tuition assistance for nearly 50 percent of the student body. Students also supported the event by serving as essential volunteers. A Marian choral ensemble sang the blessing and provided entertainment. A student speaker shared how tuition assistance made it possible for her to earn a four-year, all-expense paid scholarship to Northwestern University. Thank you to all who helped make MarianFEST 2018 a sweet success!
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MarianFEST 2018 executive chairs with their daughters. Standing, left to right: Mark & Sharon Ellerbeck, Chris & Jennifer Kennedy, President Mary Higgins, Bob & Julie Cusick, Brad & Courtney Dunbar, Amy & Bryan Neary. Kneeling, left to right: Emma Ellerbeck '19, Katie Kennedy '19, Natalie Cusick '21, Jenna Cusick '19, Addison Dunbar '20, Clara Neary '20
B Julie Cusick purchases a raffle ticket from Amy Neary. C The Marian Show Choir performed “Sugar, Sugar.” D Juniors Lizzie Byrne and Kristin Beduhn introduce a puppy to patrons. E
Caroline Nelsen '10 and Mike & Jeanette Wojtalewicz
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Marian students served as photographers, coat checks, raffle sellers and auction item runners. Left to right: Molly Griffin '21, Sidney Sledge '21, Clara Neary '20, Nyayian Biel '20, Aker Ajak '20
G President Mary Higgins, Rev. Tom Fangman, Principal Susie Spethman Sullivan
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“It goes without saying, after sending my daughters to Marian, that I cannot possibly begin to give back what Marian has provided for us over the years." Maureen Gotch Vinton '78
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GRATEFUL ALUMNA USES PLANNED GIFT TO BUILD A LEGACY P H OTO B Y B R I D G E T M C Q U I L L A N ' 0 9
As the oldest of seven children, Maureen Gotch Vinton ‘78 unknowingly created a domino effect when she asked her dad to send her to Marian in 1974. She would be followed to Marian by three younger sisters, and her three brothers would go on to attend Creighton Prep. Then, as it is now, Catholic education was a tremendous sacrifice but also a tremendous asset. “Little did my parents or I know what an incredible education, confidence boost and spiritual formation I would have as I headed on to college and later to graduate school,” said Maureen. Maureen earned a bachelor’s degree in consumer economics from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and an MBA from the University of Nebraska Kearney. She has worked for 17 years in the financial services industry. The mother of three girls, Maureen continued the Marian legacy with her daughters, Annette ‘11, Alexis ‘13 and Faith ‘16. As a Marian alumna and parent, Maureen has kept close ties with Marian. Through the years, she has served as a member of the alumnae board and the Marian board of directors. “It goes without saying, after sending my daughters to Marian, that I cannot possibly begin to give back what Marian has provided for us over the years,” said Maureen. Maureen’s immense gratitude, as well as her vision, led her to become a member of the Marian Society. The Marian Society exists to recognize those who have committed to giving to Marian through a planned gift. Typically, such a gift is established in a donor’s will, and it is disbursed at the end of life. Maureen chose to make her planned gift through a life insurance policy, which names Marian as the owner and beneficiary. “There are a number of ways that I have given back to Marian in terms of time and talent, but one cannot ignore the treasure that is needed to keep Marian going well beyond our generation. As a single parent of modest means, I have tried to give financially to the extent that I am able,” explained Maureen. “It became apparent to me that a small, monthly contribution
would allow me to provide a future gift to Marian far greater than I could ever provide at this point in time.” A financial advisor with Mass Mutual, Maureen is well-versed in the types of investments that help people meet their financial and charitable goals. To create a significant gift to Marian, Maureen chose a whole life insurance policy. “You don’t have to put a lot in to get a lot out,” said Maureen. “And, in many cases, it’s money you might already be giving.” Setting up a life insurance policy as a charitable gift provides tremendous flexibility and security. It allows Maureen to make automatic monthly contributions to Marian in the amount of the fixed premium payment on the policy. Maureen is allowed to claim a tax deduction every year in the amount of the annual contribution to Marian. The policy earns dividends that further grow the policy death benefit and internal cash value. At some point, Maureen could opt to allow the dividends to replace her monthly payment, or, if needed, Marian could borrow from the fund. Maureen’s goal is to build a legacy to support Marian in its efforts to provide the best Catholic education for young women. She wants to pay it forward so that other deserving young women can experience Marian. “Marian is one of the greatest foundational pieces needed to go out in society and make a difference,” Maureen said. ✣ Most financial advisors can help individuals find a monthly or annual premium payment that will achieve their charitable goals. If you have established a planned gift to Marian or would like information on how to do so, please contact Vice President for Advancement Karen Hotz at khotz@omahamarian.org.
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"Pincurl Girls come from a series of drawings I did in graduate school. They are here to remind you to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself! Stop it girl; you are great!� Jen Lukas Landis '90
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E V E RY D AY I N S P I R AT I O N J E N L U K A S L A N D I S ‘ 9 0 U S E S A RT TO E N C O U R AG E YO U T H PHOTO BY GEOFF JOHNSON
Jen Lukas Landis ‘90 is an artist and creative director who has long used her talents to inspire. This tactic pulled her through some tough times in graduate school, when she was plagued by self-doubt as an artist. What evolved was the Pincurl Girls. “Pincurl Girls come from a series of drawings I did in graduate school. I was really insecure and had little self-confidence with my art. So I started drawing my inner child. Then one day, I decided to only say nice things to myself. After graduation, the girls I drew kept talking to me, and today they are the Pincurl Girls. They are here to remind you to stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself! Stop it girl; you are great!” said Landis. Jen’s Pincurl Girls are available in prints, wall decals and calendars; each work provides a message of positive self-talk, mindfulness and inspiration. Recently, she created a multicultural version of her calendars inspired by the children at Nelson Mandela School in Omaha. Like many stories, this one has a Marian connection. “While watching a Husker football game one Saturday afternoon, I showed my aunt, Joan Lukas ‘77, owner of PR firm Lukas Partners, my 2018 inspirational calendar. Joan knew it would resonate with the principal of Omaha’s Nelson Mandela School, Susan Russell Toohey ’82, and shared it with her after a meeting. Susan loved the idea and dreamed of giving one to each of her scholars,” recalled Landis. Nelson Mandela Elementary is a free private school located at 30th & Curtis Streets. It currently serves children in kindergarten through third grade with a year-round academic calendar, providing a Singapore Math curriculum, phonics-based Spaulding method for reading and language arts, and a music partnership with the Omaha Conservatory of Music, where every student learns to play the violin. Of the 100 children who attend school at Mandela, 90 percent qualify for free or reduced lunch. In creating a calendar for the children at Nelson Mandela, Principal Toohey provided Jen with photographs of the children, which served as the models for Jen’s illustrations. The calendars also
were modified to feature mindfulness messages on each day on the calendar, a philosophy taught at Nelson Mandela. The calendars promote a positive self-image, self- confidence, being strong and smart, and caring for fellow classmates, their school and the community. Four versions of the calendar were produced - an African-American boys version, an African-American girls version, a multicultural boys version and a multicultural girls version. Students were able to pick their calendar, and it is used each morning as they begin the school day. “We love the calendars and are infusing this into our school day as a part of our curriculum. It is an opportunity to teach children valuable lessons about life, resilience and being kind and respectful of ourselves and our peers,” said Toohey. As for the kids, they love the calendars too. They like how colorful they are and the special days, like “Backwards Day” and “Bubble Bath Day.” On a recent visit to the school, the first-graders in Ms. Kunkle’s class had plenty of suggestions for special days to add to next year’s calendar, like “Take Your Pet to School Day.” “Young children today face challenges to their self-image in their early school years; I hope the calendar serves as an inspiration that lasts the whole year,” said Landis. ✣ Jen Lukas Landis graduated from Marian in 1990 and attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln to study art. She earned a master’s degree in studio art in 2006. Jen is vice president & creative director at KidGlov, an advertising agency with locations in Omaha, Lincoln and Loveland, Colorado. She continues to paint, and her art can be seen at jenlandisart.com; her inspirational products can be found at pincurlgirls.com. Jen lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband, Matt, and two children, Sofia, age 9, and Stefan, age 6.
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JENNA JOHNSON ’03 E X P R E S S I N G C O M PA S S I O N WHILE COVERING THE WHITE HOUSE S T O R Y B Y E M I LY D I E S I N G ‘ 1 9
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Jenna Johnson ‘03 is a driven White House correspondent for the Washington Post. She has always been drawn to journalism and views it as an opportunity for public service. “I want to be some level of a check and balance in the community,” said Johnson. Jenna grew up surrounded by journalists. She was consistently inspired by the work of her parents and Marian’s journalism teacher, Marsha Kalkowski. Her parents met while working on their college newspaper and now own a successful weekly newspaper in eastern Iowa. At Marian, Jenna served as the editor -in-chief of the Marian Network. She continued to study journalism at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.
Her travels have taught her some important lessons. Johnson came to realize how important it is to balance her family, work and faith. She mentions that work will always be there, and there will always be more stories she can write. “When you’re not living in a healthy way, you can’t accomplish your best work. That’s why I would just tell my editors that I needed a day off to get back on the right track in whatever city I was in at the time,” said Johnson.
“I loved journalism more than anything. I went into college with this desire for it and just stuck with it. Not a lot of people can say that.”
Compassion is the core value Johnson embodies the most. She uses an interview style of just listening to capture how other people around America are really feeling. “There’s a lot of fear, anger and misunderstanding out in the world right now. I will talk to members of different parties who will just be bashing on each other,” Johnson said. “People don’t seem to have much compassion left for others.”
Johnson’s main goal has always been to cover the White House. She spent more than a year writing about Donald Trump's presidential campaign, traveling to 35 states to attend more than 170 political rallies and interview hundreds of Trump supporters. Today she is a political reporter who covers the White House; she continues to travel around the country to interview Americans about what's happening in Washington.
She loved being able to see her work on the front page and was proud to say “we were there.” She now lives her dream life, capturing White House stories and representing Marian core values in every encounter possible. ✣
Want to follow Jenna’s work? Visit her at www.washingtonpost.com/people/jenna-johnson.
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NEWEST ALUMNAE RETURN T O S H A R E S O M E S I S T E R LY A D V I C E PHOTOS BY BRIDGET MCQUILLAN '09
Every year the first week of January, Marian’s most recent graduating class returns to share their wit and wisdom with the seniors. The event provides the seniors with concrete tips on the college transition process and serves as a reminder to all that you can always come back to Marian. Here is some sage advice that the Class of 2017 shared with current juniors and seniors: • • • • • • •
Narrow your college selection by making a list of the pros and cons of each school. Join your school’s freshman class Facebook page as soon as possible. Go through sorority rush to meet people and make connections even if you don’t want to pledge. The first week of school keep busy and keep your dorm room door open. Introduce yourself to everyone. Schedule yourself and stay busy; you’ll get more done that way. Marian prepared you well; you have to apply the skills you learned here. Summer is a good time to study abroad without disrupting your coursework.
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M OT H E R S + D A U G H T E R S. . . T H E L E G A C Y L I V E S O N
Maria Determan
Anne Lutz Determan ‘86
Chloe Dolan
Andrea Bortolotti Dolan ‘85
Emilie Faust
Jeannine Aron Faust ‘87
Mia Hamilton
Lori Wirges Hamilton ‘90
Grace Hern
Jean Goltl Hern‘90
Caroline Johnson
Becky Sampson Johnson ‘90
Julia Madison
Michelle Blum Madison ‘88
Allison Martin
Jan Bendon Martin ‘92
Brooke McCarthy
Sue Foster McCarthy '80
Grace Nelson
Julie Jaworski Nelson ‘90
Kalli Pettit
Kristie Osberg Pettit ‘82
Madi Reed
Kimberly Nocita ‘96 Joan Sorois Reed ‘70*
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Kyleigh Gall
Gretchen Woeste Gall ‘90
Annie Gregg
Theresa Shannon Gregg ‘81
Grace Hahler
Julie Mangus Hahler ‘83
Anna Kilzer
Pam Ryberg Kilzer ‘85
Kaci Kirchhoffer
Kari Mosser Kirchhoffer ‘88
Megan Leddy
Sharon Fabian Leddy ‘83
Maddie McKillip
Tracy Braun McKillip ‘79
Abigail McLaughlin
Joan Lukas ‘77
Kathryn Morey
Sarah Proskovec Morey ‘93
Lauren Rosenthal
Karen Campbell Rosenthal '84 Sheila McQuillan Campell ‘69*
Megan Rutten
Ann Hrabovsky Rutten ‘87
Delaney Stekr
Kelly Shannon Beecham'84
* grandmother
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M OT H E R S + D A U G H T E R S. . . C O N T I N U E D
Sadie Stracke
Beth Schall Stracke ‘82
Anna Swoboda
Theresa Poell Swoboda ‘82
Megan Valenzuela
Anjna Ramachandran Valenzuela ‘84
Bayleigh Weibel
Angie Leavitt Weibel ‘92
Mary Trainer
Jane Hosking Trainer ‘87
MEET THE ALUMNAE BO AR D The Marian Alumnae Board is made up of representatives from various graduation years. Each board member is responsible for planning and hosting events for the newest graduates to our Golden Grads. Alumnae Board sponsored events include: Esprit de Corps Awards Banquet, Golden Grads, Marian Network, Memorial Mass, Legacy Lunch, Field Day Welcome Booth, Alumnae-Senior Breakfast, May Crowning and Girls' Night Out
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Alumnae volunteers are needed to assist at these events. If you are interested in getting involved with the alumnae board, contact Alumnae Director Nancy Kettering Casey '82 for more information. We would love to have you join our team! FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: President Ellen Stryker Scholl ’05, Katie D’Agostino ’02, Bree Peterson Kotulak ‘07 2ND ROW: Micayla Nemer Lee ’02, Vice President Annie Narzisi ‘04 3RD ROW: Paula Daly Cooper ’82, Suzy Dalton Elkins ’86, Jennifer Simmonds Schlatter ’91, Mary Jo Anthone McKenna ‘71 BACK ROW: Natalie Simmonds ’96, Mary Tarsney Kelly ’86, Advisor Maureen Gotch Vinton ’78. Not pictured: Susan Jamrog Banks ‘77
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SAN DIEGO GOLDEN GRADS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS The Class of 1968 celebrated its 50th Reunion, May 18-20. A full weekend of activities included Friday night cocktails, Saturday dinner and Sunday brunch followed by recognition at Marian's graduation ceremony.
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C H I C AG O '66 GOES SOUTH
MARIAN CONNECTION Marian travelled to San Diego, Dallas and Chicago this year to host alumnae gatherings. If you’d like to organize an alumnae gathering in your city, contact Alumnae Director Nancy Kettering Casey ’82 at ncasey@omahamarian.org. CLASS OF ’66 GOES SOUTH The Class of 1966 travelled to Savanah, Georgia, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, this spring to celebrate their 70th birthdays. When this group of alumnae turned 50 years old, they decided to celebrate their birthdays together every year. HARVARD MODEL CONGRESS Fourteen students and three faculty members attended Harvard Model Congress in February. While in Boston, faculty members Susie Sisson, Katie Salzman and Jillian Roger met with alumnae Megan Andresen '12, Jamie Kwasnieski '04 and Katie Williams '17.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS Kathy Greeson Kasher ’67 is a palliative care chaplain in Denver and Servite Associate with the Servants of Mary. She was the featured speaker at the Servants of Mary Grief Work Ministry presentation: “Living Well with a Life-Limiting Illness: A Palliative Care Perspective.” Teri Duda Iwersen ’69 and her family were featured in the December 2017 issue of Martha Stewart Living. She and her family live on a ranch in Montana, just south of the Canadian border Martha ‘Marti’ Smith ’73, J.D., Ph.D., was recently promoted to Professor of Criminal Justice at Wichita State University where she has been teaching for 16 years. Her primary areas of research are crime on public transport, particularly on women as vulnerable passengers, crimes against taxi drivers, and situational crime prevention. Her work seeks to reduce opportunities for crime. Carol Zuegner ’73, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Journalism, Media & Computing at Creighton University. In April 2018, she was honored at the Omaha Press Club Foundation’s Journalism Awards with the prestigious 2018 Journalism Educator Award.
Margaret Gehringer Nicolini ’78 was honored for her exemplary stewardship and development service by the Archdiocese of Omaha Stewardship & Development Office. Margaret’s contribution of time and talent to the St. Bernard parish, school and community earned her this honor. Judith Falgout Rhodes ’78, Ph.D., LMSW, is an assistant professor of research in the College of Human Sciences & Education Office of Social Service Research and Development at Louisiana State University. She utilizes her
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
extensive experience in the educational field, including in K-12 home education and adult education settings, in grant writing, program implementation, and evaluation capacities. Her areas of interest include school dropout prevention, school social work, juvenile delinquency and educational attainment of youth-at-risk. Currently, Judith is principal investigator on the U.S. DHHS, Office of Minority Health, Youth Empowerment Program grant, which is a violence prevention program for minority male youth. She also is principal investigator on a U.S. Department of Education Performance Partnership Pilot (P3) for Disconnected Youth. In addition, Judith serves on the national board of the American Council for School Social Work. Deborah O’Donnell Neary ’79 is running for the State Board of Education in District 8 in Nebraska. Marian’s Vice President for Advancement Karen Cimpl Hotz ’79 was one of 13 local advisors who recently completed the coursework to earn the professional Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation. Through year-long curriculum, the CAP program provides professionals the knowledge, resources and tools necessary to help clients reach their charitable giving objectives, while also helping them meet their estate planning and wealth management goals. To complete the CAP program, participants meet for 15 class sessions and must pass three graduate level courses. The graduate program is organized by the Omaha Community Foundation. Florence Everitt August ’81 was one of the co-founders of Down Syndrome Connection, a parent group serving families in Anne Arundel and the surrounding counties in Maryland. Since its creation in 2006, DSC has grown to serve over 300 families. Flo was also instrumental in bringing GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers to the Annapolis area, and she currently serves as the volunteer program coordinator. The Annapolis location provides four programs following the curriculum used throughout all 33 GiGi’s Playhouse locations. The mission of GiGi’s Playhouse is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.
Cindy Klein Weil ’82 is the founder of Enactivist a San Francisco-based nonprofit that is sponsoring the Immigrant Yarn Project, a massive work of public art honoring our immigrant heritage. Thousands of small squares have come into the studio and more continue to be knitted by immigrants and their descendants. From high schools to retirement centers, from California to Maine, works of art have been collected which represent a personal or familial story. The pieces are compiled, sewn together and fashioned into over 100 sculptural columns, in a single colossal act of yarn-based art. First displayed at Fort Point National Historic Site, at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in May 2019, and then in locations throughout the U.S., the Immigrant Yarn Project will provide a testament to the creative spirit of our shared immigrant heritage. To learn more, visit immigrantyarnproject.org or follow Enactivist on Instagram. Natalie McNeil ’83 owns and operates Emerald Land & Legal Services, LLC where she performs litigation, e-discovery, document review, document production, land, title and curative work in the oil and gas industry. Natalie and her husband, Patrick Smith, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and have three children. Kelly Parks Snider ’83 launched a traveling art exhibit in December 2017 at the Monona Terrace convention center in Madison, Wisconsin. “Women Against Hate” was an activist-based art exhibition uniting female voices to combat hate. Kelly and artists Rachael Griffin and Leigh Garcia explored highly charged issues using visual illustrations and messaging. Christy Leahy Hogan ’88 was the recipient of the 2017 Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s Robert E. Murphy Heart of the Hero Award, which honors a non-nursing staff member who demonstrates a caring heart and extraordinary work ethic. Christy is entering her 25th year at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and is a child life specialist in the Hematology-Oncology Clinic and Infusion Center in Omaha.
Nikki Boulay Cripe ’88 is a singer and voice actor. She was featured in an article in the Omaha WorldHerald about Omaha entrepreneurs who’ve carved out innovative niches with minimal startup costs. Molly Rowen Carroll ’89 spoke to the Marian Journalism I classes in May. Molly is a published writer, artist and therapist, who loves to speak about inspiration and following one’s passions. Molly also hosted a book signing May 16 at the Bookworm in Omaha to promote her book, “Trust Within: Letting Intuition Lead.” Elizabeth Bayer Gillingham ’92 published a children's book titled, "From Egglace to Mouseball: Poems by Animal Fathers." In this poetry collection, nine dads of different species tell-all, from the gruesome to the gleeful. Full-color illustrations complement the stranger-than-fiction tales. Funny and educational, the book includes resources and a glossary to encourage further learning. It is targeted to children ages eight to 12 but also a great gift for dads. To learn more about Elizabeth’s motivation behind writing the book visit www.elizabethbayergillingham.com. Kara O’Toole Treece ’93 joined Mosaic as senior corporate counsel in September 2017. Mosaic is the largest nonprofit provider of intellectual and developmental disability services in the U.S. Lisa Lathrop Bazis ’95 has been named chief information security officer at UNMC. Lisa leads a team of seven who manage and mitigate information technology security risks for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine. She is also pursuing her master's degree in cybersecurity at UNO.
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PG 49
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Julie Wyatt Love ’97 is the head of business development for Microsoft Quantum computing. Julie has a Ph.D. in quantum physics from Yale and has advised quantum startups and worked as a consultant.
and as a nurse in the pet care industry. Prior to her career in pet care, she worked in New York as a documentary assistant with a focus on socioeconomic issues, environmental impact and ethical advertising.
Bridget Klosterman ’99 has been promoted to associate vice president with the Steier Group. In her five years with the firm, she has exceeded goal for all nine of her capital campaigns and will continue to work with the Steier Group’s top clients.
Lauren Boulay Nogel ‘07 has been promoted to tax manager at Seim Johnson where she specializes in federal and state filings, research and tax planning for businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations.
Karly Jurgensen ’04, a member of Mannheim Steamroller, travelled to perform at the lighting of the National Christmas tree near the White House. The Hallmark Channel aired the lighting program where Mannheim Steamroller performed along with the Beach Boys, Wynonna Judd, Kathie Lee Gifford, Jack Wagner and a host of others.
Caroline Nelsen ’10 has joined the law firm of McGrath North in the Employee Benefits Practice Group. Caroline graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame Law in 2017. She is also a member of the Marian Board of Directors and coaches the mock trial team.
Annie Narzisi ’04 has joined the advancement team at Marian as the Marian Fund Director. Annie will focus on building donor relations and overseeing the Marian Fund and its fundraising goals. Korie Lebeda ’05 was named University of Mary head volleyball coach. Korie played professional and semi-pro volleyball following her collegiate career at Creighton University. She has been an assistant coach at Black Hills State in South Dakota and Wayne State in Nebraska and has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Creighton and Marian. Marcia Watson-Vandiver ’05, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of urban education at Towson University. In February, Marcia presented on her book, “Unshackled: Education for Freedom, Student Achievement and Personal Emancipation” during Black History Month at Metro Community College. Erin Feichtinger ’06 made a quick campaign stop to visit Marian journalism students. Erin was running for Metro Board of Governors and was a Network staffer while a student. Visit her at www.erinformetro.com Lia Catania Laqua ’07 is now practice manager of the Seattle branch of Banfield Pet Hospital, an organization helping to lead the industry in preventive care. She has worked multiple years in animal advocacy
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
Grace Hotz ‘09 recently graduated from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. She will begin working for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison this fall in New York City.
Kelsey Han ’10 is a software engineer at Garmin. She visited her sister and current Marian math teacher, Megan Han ’13, to speak with the pre-calculus classes. Kelsey shared her insights on how to go from being a high school math student to working at a large company like Garmin. Kathleen Gerber ’11 lives in the Kansas City area where she works as an email marketing manager at MMGY Global, which focuses on travel and hospitality clients. Rose Gensichen ’14 was awarded the outstanding senior award from the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction. This award recognizes a student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that positively influenced fellow students, their campus, the college and the Durham School. Rose also received the undergraduate award for Durham School of Architectural Engineering & Construction for
her excellence, campus leadership and volunteerism at the University of Nebraska Omaha Honors Convocation. She is now working full time as a project engineer with Swinerton Builders, a general contractor in Portland, Oregon. Two alumnae competed in the ACUI, National Collegiate Championship for the Shotgun Sports held in San Antonio. Maddie Worth ’14 shot a 96 in Olympic Trap to finish in fourth place. She was behind three members of the USA Shooting National Team. Maddie is a senior at Texas A&M and is a member of the Corps of Cadets. Katie Petersen ’16 shoots for Doane University and was one of two women to break 100-straight in trap. She also won the Women's All-Around American Championship. Katie won the shoot-off to win the National Championship. Maggie Witzenburg ’14 (photo below, center) graduated in May from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in computer science and minors in business administration and mathematics. She served the UNL Mortarboard Honor Society as the technology chair. She has a job as a software engineer at Google in Chicago. Katie Pallesen ‘15 (photo below, left) is a junior political science and history major with a minor in business at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She was recently inducted to the Black Masque Chapter of Mortar Board. She is serving as a co-chair of the Nebraska Human Resources Institute, a Recruitment Guide for Sorority Formal Recruitment, and is a member of Alpha Phi, the University Honors Program and Pi Sigma Alpha, a political science honor society. Katie is a recipient of the Drvol Family Scholarship, the McKelvie Scholarship and is a David's Distinguished Scholar. Mary Woodruff ’15 (photo below, right) is a junior management major with an accounting minor at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She currently serves as the internal vice president of New Student Orientation. Mary is a member of Delta Gamma and a Huskers Helper volunteer. She is on the Dean's List and is an R. Parker & MS Eastwood Scholarship recipient and a newly inducted member of the Black Masque Chapter of Mortar Board.
Tehillah Alphonso ’16 is a sophomore at the University of Southern California and a member of the SoCal VoCals a cappella group. Tehillah has traveled around the world performing with the group. She was recently cast in the pilot episode of a new a cappella web series titled “Hit List,” which was released on YouTube in November. The full episode can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTUJohAefys. Tehillah and the group also performed at Seth MacFarlane’s annual Christmas party and at the world premiere of “Pitch Perfect 3” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Taylor McHugh ’16 is a freshman at Doane University. She recently competed in the 2018 Nebraska Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference and placed first in Human Resource Management. Taylor works as the advertising manager for Doane University Student Media. Emily McKenna ’16 is a freshman at Creighton University majoring in journalism with a minor in leadership and communications. She is a freshman Leadership Program mentor, member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Student Leadership Cabinet member and CURAS Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow. Emily was recently featured in the student profile section of the Creighton newsletter.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 51
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WEDDINGS 1. Kathy Schuele ‘09 married Tyler Schubauer June 2, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Omaha. A reception followed at Happy Hollow Club. The wedding party included Marian alumnae: Kara Schuele '11, maid of honor, and bridemaids: Nell Neary '09, Anna Kirshenbaum '09, Liz Dudley Morris '09, Julia Boulay '09 and Hannah Wente Peet '09. Mother of the bride is Mary Hendrix Schuele '82. Kathy is a director of development at the University of Nebraska Foundation and Tyler is an attorney at Securities America. 2. Kinsey Brown ’13 married Kale Peterson on Sept. 30, 2017. The couple met while attending the University of Nebraska Omaha. 3.
Jillian Anderson ’10 married Matthew Moore on July 1, 2017. The wedding was held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church followed by a reception at Founders One Nine in downtown Omaha. The bride’s sister, Caroline Anderson ’07, was the maid of honor. Jillian and Matthew traveled to Ireland for their honeymoon.
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Emily Lowndes ’08 married Seth Prauner in Omaha on April 21, 2018. The wedding and reception took place at A View on State. Ashley Rensch Zehr ’08 and Jenna Cheese Lowndes ’05 were members of the wedding party. The couple lives in downtown Omaha. They have plans to adopt a dog, move into their own home, and spend time hiking in four National Parks in the coming year. Emily is a development officer with Habitat for Humanity in Omaha. Prior to this position she was recognized with the 2016 Emerging Leader award of the Kansas City Society of Association Executives. More recently, she was a nominee for 2017 Emerging Leader award of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Omaha.
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BABIES A Melissa Wheeler Emdin ’96 and husband Will welcomed Oliver Michael on Sept. 3, 2017. He joins big brother Owen, 4. Proud grandmother is Kathy Gradoville Wheeler ‘74 and doting aunt is Pam Gradoville Simon ’84.
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Lauren Spittler Francis ’04 and husband Edward welcomed their second child Annabelle Marie, on Jan. 31, 2018. She is welcomed with love by her big brother, William.
G Magann Venteicher Klotz ‘04 and her husband, Matt, welcomed their son, Hudson Matthew, on June 11, 2017. He joins big sister Hailey Rae.
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Stacey Knowles Patterson ’02 and husband Roy welcomed Olivia Claire on April 9, 2018. Olivia has three brothers: Rylan, 10, Carter, 8, and Owen, 2.
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Stephanie Gallery Jackson ‘03 and husband Steve welcomed Kenneth "Kenny" George Jackson, born March 5, 2018. He is the baby brother to Andrew, 12, William, 5, and Rose, 4.
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Alyson Dare Kelleher ’03 and husband Drew welcomed Elsie Ann on Feb. 23, 2018. Elsie joins big brother Ramsey, 3. The Kellehers are relocating to the Chicago area this summer.
E Molly Moran Madsen ’03 and husband Alroy welcomed Finnegan Douglas and Margaret Rose on Jan. 8, 2018.
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Katie Mehal Stapleton ’04 and husband Robbie welcomed their second child, Joel Mehal, on Aug. 28, 2017. Big brother James loves playing with him.
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Katie Williams Huerter ’07 and husband Jim welcomed James Victor Huerter IV into the world on May 6, 2018.
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Rachel Woods Stratman ‘07 and husband Kevin welcomed Liam Gerald on March 29, 2018.
K Kelli Schroer McCumber ’09 and husband Sam welcomed Emilia Joy to their family on Feb. 18, 2018.
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MARIAN REMEMBERS NOVEMBER 2017 – APRIL 2018
DECEASED ALUMNAE A Joan Klein Barnes ’83, sister of Mary Klein ’76, Jennifer Klein Hagen ’78 and Bridget Klein Eckerd ’79 B Margie Chadwell Bissell ’70, sister of Kathy Chadwell Koerner ’68 C Beverly Alter Day ’59, sister of Mary Kay Alter Kruse ’65 D Polegia Desmond ’59, sister of Joan Desmond Spence ’62, Mary Desmond Eddings ’64, Margery Desmond ’66 and Cheryl Desmond ’72 E Jennie Dugan-Hinrichs ’85, mother of Gillian Hinrichs ’19; aunt of Lily Dugan ‘21 F Linda Hannam ’78, sister of Cindy Hannam Walden ’73 G Virginia “Ginni” Lyons Krancj ’65, sister of Bobbie Lyons Petri ’62 and Dorothy Lyons Larson ’73 ✝ H Marilyn Janecek Lindesmith ’67, sister of Diana Janecek Otten ’68, Rose Janecek Shelhorn ’69 and Beverly Janecek Clark ’70 I Peggy Mahoney Sima ’72, sister of Sue Mahoney Mullen ’68 ✝ MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 57
R E M E M B R A N C E S C O N T I N U E D. . . Beverly Adams, mother of Amy Adams ’81 and Molly Adams Woodman ’97, staff; grandmother of Eva Drzaic ’16 Dorothy Alvine, grandmother of Jacqueline Alvine ’10; sister of Sr. Terese Lux, O.S.M.
William Cook, husband of MaryAnne Mertz Cook ’71; brother-in-law of Patricia Mertz Hernandez ’67 John Cooney, father of Laura Cooney Fitzgarrald ’70 ✝ and Peggy Cooney Teplitsky ’71 Leone Coyle, mother of Mary Lynn Coyle ’66
Fred Anderson, father of Lori Anderson Rhodig ’77, Kelly Anderson-Gilmore ’80 and Karen Anderson Welchert ’84
William Crofton, father of Luann Crofton Gentry ’78 and Joan Crofton Moore ’79 ✝
Patricia Barron, mother of Galdys “Winky” Harrison ’85; grandmother of Carlene Barron Jones ’99 ✝ and Briannah Harrison ’09; great-grandmother of Ary Harrison ’21
Jack Croudy, father-in-law of Colleen Kerrigan Croudy '76
Cletus Baum, father of Susan Baum Wilson ’71 and Mary Ellen Baum Keeley ’75
Arlene Daharsh, grandmother of Stacey Leo ’06
John Betterman, father of Jenelle Betterman ’80; grandfather of Michelle Larson Iazzetto ’90 Joan Borland Bloom, mother of Debra Borland Roza ’70 and Vicki Borland Baines ’72 Marilyn Boulay, grandmother of Julie Brumbach ’14
Rosemary Croudy, mother-in-law of Colleen Kerrigan Croudy ’76
Christina Deaton, mother-in-law of Renee Velinsky Paulin ’03 Bill Delka, father-in-law of Kory Delkamiller, faculty; grandfather of Maia Delkamiller ’16, Lydia Delkamiller ’19 and Naomi Delkamiller ’21
Keith Brodin, father-in-law of Kourtney Wood Brodin ’85
John Dickinson, father of Diane Dickinson Delaney ’75 and Teresa Dickinson McDermott ’77; grandfather of Katie McDermott ’02 and Melissa McDermott ’04
Martha Brown, mother-in-law of Jeanne Watland Brown ’78
Lynne Dolejs, mother of Liz Dolejs ’79 and Teri Dolejs Corcoran ’81
Shirley Brewer-Butler, grandmother of Lindsay Livengood ’17
Ernest Doll, grandfather of Jessica Doll Heiman ’03 and Sarah Doll Preble ’01; father-in-law of Sue Mazzuca Doll ’79
Clayton Byam, father-in-law of Rose Nolan Byam ’70 John Dowd, brother of Kathy Dowd Goodell ’66 Kevin Cahill, brother of Anne Cahill Schappe ’64 Kenneth Carlson, grandfather of Elyssa Firbas Peery ’97 Janet Carson, mother of Jodie Carson McAndrews ’86; mother-in-law of Amy Eusterbrock Carson ’87
James Doyle, father of Molly Doyle Fell ’78, Bridget Doyle White ’80 and Terri Doyle Shami ’80; grandfather of Katie Fell Boice ’09 and Colleen Fell ’12 Kevin Dunn, brother of Julianne Dunn Herzog ’66 and Margee Dunn ’82
Marie Case, grandmother of Sophie Knoblauch ’16 Darlene Christensen, grandmother of Nicole Sova ’04 and Michaela Sova Williams ’07
Elaine M. Eckel, mother of Kate Eckel ’82 and Nancy Eckel Getscher ’88 Maureen Eischeid, sister of Pat Mullaney Lauer ’65
Grant Christensen, father of Hannah Christensen ’11 Joseph Elliott, grandfather of Gina Elliott ’06 Richard Clemens, grandfather of Katherine Martin ’18 and Maggie Martin ’20 Kenneth Coenen, father-in-law of Elaine Ahern Coenen ’78
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
Mary Joan Fenton, grandmother of Brenna Egan Pierose ’00, Evelyn Benda ’15 and Casey Fenton ’20 Clifford Feyerherm, grandfather of Jen Feyerherm Wehner ’00
Donna Firkins, grandmother of Ava Coughlin ’11 Joseph Firmature, father of Cathy Firmature Furlow ’79; grandfather of Abbey Furlow ’11 Barbara Fitzpatrick, grandmother of Amanda Rickabaugh ’08 and Jessica Rickabaugh ’09 Robert Fleissner Sr., grandfather of Laura Fleissner Enenbach ’97 and Susan Fleissner ’99 Mary Floyd, grandmother of Tamica Brewington ’02 Robert Ganson, father of Carrie Ganson Hoppe ’89; grandfather of Ari Ganson ’20 and Megan Hoppe ’21
Timothy Hanrahan, husband of Silvia Marks Hanrahan ’65; brother of Cathy Hanrahan ’66; brother-in-law of Jeanine Marks Lierman '67 Robert Healy, past staff, 1981-1994, father of Carol Healy Lausten ’72 and Pam Healy Mitchell ’81; grandfather of Michelle Lausten Gomez ’97 and Melissa Lausten Peal ’99; father-in-law of Patti Nolan Healy ’78 and Sheryl Gau Healy ’78 Leonard Heavican, husband of Rose Falcone Heavican ’65; brother-in-law of Mary Gliva Heavican ’65 Judy Heiman, grandmother of Stacy Heiman ’96 Robert Hiebner, husband of Barbara Mace Hiebner ’70
Joseph Gasnick, father of Mary Gasnick Reis ’76, Melissa Gasnick Cloeter ’79, Margaret Gasnick ’84 and Polly Gasnick Foley ’86; grandfather of Alexandra Gasnick Bruening ’03 and Teresa Gasnick ’11 Jacqueline Gill, mother of Michele Gill Hanna ’72 Marilyn Gokie, grandmother of Blaire Kratochvil ’17 Jude Timothy Grace, son of Mo Kiteley Grace ’04; nephew of Nora Kiteley ’07 Isabelle Grantski, grandmother of Emily Grantski ’97 and Anne Grantski ’00 Mary Adele Guinan, grandmother of Michelle Guinan Gonzales ’97 and Emily Guinan ’00
Cordelia Hillebrandt, grandmother of Kelly Hillebrandt Meiners ’95, Nicky Hillebrandt Rainbolt ’98 and Mary Hillebrandt Golwitzer ’99; mother-in-law of Kathy McNeil Hillebrandt ’70 and Teresa McNeil Hillebrandt ’75 Allan Hofmaier, father-in-law of Jodie Sobetski Hofmaier ’79 David Hollenbeck, father of Amy Hollenbeck Young ’84; grandfather of Liz Young ’20 William Holthaus, father of Sherrie Holthaus Watson ’72 Frank Hoskovec, husband of Patti Skropka Hoskovec ’61 Eleanor Howell, grandmother of Alexandria Frost ’11
Joan Haberman, mother of Margaret Haberman ’78 and Helen Haberman ’83 Ellamae Habron, grandmother of Rachel Ware ’09
Marylee Hubschman, mother of Lisa Hubschman ’85 and Julie Hubschman Kutilek ’87; grandmother of Chloe Kutilek ’15 and Julia Quinn ’21
Marilyn Hadley, grandmother of Emma Bidroski ’15 and Claire Bidroski ’16
Jack Huey, father of Jill Huey Miller ’94; grandfather of Molly Misek ’11
Rachael Hamilton, grandmother of Leigh Jacobs Brassette ’01
Daniel Humenick, husband of Anne Marie Kaminski Humenick ’67; father of Karin Humenick ’96
James Haney, brother of Sharon Haney ’65 and Patricia Haney Adams ’70
James K. Jaeke, grandfather of Samantha Jaeke ’21 Barbara Jennings, grandmother of Jonnisha McCleod ’12
James Hanna, brother-in-law of Sherri O’Loughlin Hanna ’73 James Hannam, father of Cindy Hannam Walden ’73 and Linda Hannam ’78 ✝; grandfather of Melinda Walden ’98 and Melissa Walden ’02
Louis Johnson, grandfather of Kristin Wanser ’08 and Tara Wanser ’17 Marion Johnson, grandmother of Corah Johnson ’19 Lester Jung, father-in-law of Teresa Cunningham Jung ’79
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 59
R E M E M B R A N C E S C O N T I N U E D. . . Harry Kalasky, father-in-law of Brianna Leitel Kalasky ’00
Josephine Malone, mother of Mary Jo Malone Hines ’77 Patrick L. Martin, father of Kristi Martin Rauterkus ’01
William Kalhorn, father of Emily Kalhorn Ausdemore ’68 ✝, Susan Kalhorn ’72 and Joan Kalhorn Hahn ’78; grandfather of Laura Hahn Powley ’04 and Lizzy Hahn ’14 Leann Karschner, grandmother of Aimee Karschner Cizek ’94 Rita Keitges, mother of Mary Jo Keitges Leahy ’72 Frances M. Klingemann, grandmother of Lauren Klingemann ’18 Sophia Kochanowicz, grandmother of Elizabeth Hutfless ’08
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
Debra Koesters, sister of Peggie Kent Coons-Ortmeier ’69
JoAnn Maseman, grandmother of Emily Lindley ’06 Linda Mathiasen, sister of Beth Heineman Eliason ’74 and Dianne Heineman ’81 William Mausbach, brother of Marcia Mausbach Marshall ’61 and Sue Mausbach Arsenault ’74; brother-in-law of Mary Beth Weishapl Mausbach ’75; grandfather of Mary Claire Daubendiek ’21 Robert McCartney, father-in-law of Sherry Hausman McCartney ’80 Judy McCoy and James McCoy, mother-in law and father-in-law of Sandra Fritton McCoy ’89 Johnny McFarlin, brother of Sue McFarlin Bailey ’69 and Peggy McFarlin ’70
Kurt Kopp, husband of Janet Melchior-Kopp ’81 Alvin Krist, father-in-law of Christi Zabawa Krist ’87 Liz Lauer, mother of Beth Lauer Moberg ’80; grandmother of Paige Moberg ’08 Don Leahy, father of Mary Leahy Bayne ’82
Mary Sharon McGuane, mother of Shari McGuane Colabello ’78 and Patti McGuane Van Buren ’84; grandmother of Amanda Van Buren ’14 Mark McGuire, brother of Lee McGuire Belford ’71 Clem McKamy, father of Karen McKamy ’86 and Sara McKamy Forsman ’95
Anita LeBron, grandmother of Emma Farhart ’18 Patrick Meschede, husband of Cindy Davis Meschede ’79 Dale Lee, father of Barbara Lee Kirchofer ’71 and Mary Lee Gillen ’73 ✝ Claudine Lemon, grandmother of Monique Lemon ’06 and Makayla Lemon ’09
Steven Morlan, husband of Cathy Cameli Morlan ’80; brother-in-law of Mary Cameli Schneider ’81, Lisa Cameli ’85 and Tina Cameli ’92 Becky Moyer, grandmother of Elizabeth McKenzie ’17
Betty Liebentritt, mother of Janette Liebentritt Weigelt ’77, Monica Liebentritt ’79 and Nancy Liebentritt Thurston ’86; grandmother of Megan Thurston ’10 Mary Liebentritt, mother of Lisa Liebentritt Lusk ’79, Ann Liebentritt Riha ’82 and Nancy Liebentritt Mills ’88 LeRoy Loeffler, grandfather of Nicole Loeffler ’21 Patricia Luby, mother of Mary Ann Luby Kilgore ’74; grandmother of Jane Kilgore ’14 Shirley Majewicz, grandmother of Megan Majewicz ’15
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
Madeline Mueller, mother of Shari Mueller Robbins ’70 and Janet Mueller Bond ’80; grandmother of Mary Mueller Brennan ’89, Lori Mueller Pirsch ’93, Lisa Mueller ’96, Michelle Mueller Kastl ’98 and Sara Mueller Ruma ’99; great-grandmother of Natalie Brennan ’20 Henry Muller, grandfather of Kylie McGonigal Byman ’04 and Katie McGonigal Straw ’08 Janet Murcek, mother of Denise Murcek ’76, Karen Murcek Malloy ’79, Diana Murcek McGrath ’82, Linda Murcek Kamrath ’83, Jenny Murcek Dimig ’89 and Theresa Murcek Lehmer ’94; grandmother of Michelle Leurquin ’08 and Michaela Malloy ’08
Mary Murphy, sister of Joyce Murphy Kritenbrink ’59 and Sheila Murphy Mahoney ’74
Roberta Roach, grandmother of Carrie Cable ’13 Martha Robey, mother of Jennifer Robey ’84
John Nebrigich, brother of Bobbi Nebrigich Gallina ’70 and Carole Nebrigich Anderson ’72
Richard Roccaforte, father of Margaret Roccaforte ’68, Amy Roccaforte ’78 and Karen Roccaforte Kasuske ’84
Mary Lou Novacek, mother of Kay Novacek Barmettler ’79; grandmother of Taylor Novacek ’12, Carly Novacek ’14 and Lauren Novacek ’17
Carolyn Roepke, mother of Katy Roepke Long ’90
Bonnie Novick, mother-in-law of Sandy Sempek Clemens ’83
Franklin Roh, father of Mary Roh Urosevich ’78, Theresa Roh-Roberson ’79 and Jeanne Roh Swain ’85; grandfather of Becca Roh ’21; father-in-law of Denice Walz Roh ’85
Jean Nussrallah, mother of Margaret Nussrallah Quinn ’73, Kathy Nussrallah ’76 and Barb Nussrallah Vaupel ’77
Caroline Rossi, mother of Barbara Rossi Nicholson ’64 ✝ and Pam Rossi Harvey ’67; mother-in-law of Maureen Davis Rossi ’80
William O'Connor Sr., father of Maureen O'Connor Raynor ’69 and Kerry O'Connor Bast ’71; grandfather of Megan Raynor Peccarelli ’99 and Sarah Nelson ’15
Wayne Ryan, grandfather of Megan Coffey ’06
Elmer Orris, father of Nicole Orris ’03
Mary J. Samuelson, grandmother of Cassandra Samuelson Noahr ’05, Emma Samuelson ’11 and Elli Samuelson ’14
Benjamin Patterson, father of Meg Patterson ’70 Edward Pawol, brother of Marie Pawol Clarke ’78 and Cathy Pawol ’80; brother-in-law of Colette Shelton Pawol ’77
Rita Sautter, mother of Janice Sautter Fox ’70 and Juli Sautter Han ’80; grandmother of Kelsey Han ’10, Megan Han '13, faculty, and Madison Han ’17 Jacob Schenkel, son of Caroline Franzen ’84
Robert Perry, grandfather of Julie Dahlhauser ’90, Angela Dahlhauser Crom ’01, Anne Hiatt ’20 and Keara Hiatt ’20 Daniel Petersen, brother of Sr. Margaret Mary “Midge” Petersen '59, O.S.M., past faculty
Bonnie Schiebur, grandmother of Lauren Manganaro ’16 Marjorie Schram, grandmother of Laura Heck Kenney ’85 and Jenny Heck Harrahill ’90; great-grandmother of Madison Kenney ’14
Mary Petersen, mother of Sr. Margaret Mary “Midge” Petersen ’59, O.S.M., past faculty; grandmother of Christine Petersen ’87
Tim Searcy, brother of Carajane Searcy Moore ’84
Peggy Poinsett, mother of Anna Poinsett Lee ’03
Dianna Shely, grandmother of Maddie Shely ’16
Francis Prosser, grandfather of Liz Prosser ’11, Avery Shepherd ’16 and Maggie Prosser ’18
Agnes Shoemaker, grandmother of Emma Shoemaker ’17; mother-in-law of Susie Ward Shoemaker ’81
Timothy Ragole, husband of Vicki Hegarty Ragole ’76; father of Carla Ragole Larimore ’01; brother-in-law of Debbi Hegarty Breeling ’79, Lori Hegarty Ciochon ’80 and Wendi Hegarty ’83
Michael Smith, husband of Carole Sortino Smith ’62; brother-in-law of Joanne Sortino Anderson ’65
John Shearer, brother of Sue Shearer Smith ’70
Marjorie Spawn, mother-in-law of Patty Beacom Spawn ’90
Luke Ranck, grandfather of Peyton Ranck ’16 Lucille Staroska, mother of Pat Staroska Wright ’62 Harold Rink, father-in-law of Callie Burns Rink ’73 S T O R Y B Y E M I LY D I E S I N G ‘ 1 9
Richard Rinschen, brother of Jill Rinschen Karre ’63
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 61
R E M E M B R A N C E S C O N T I N U E D. . . Michael Steenson, husband of Kathy Christensen Steenson ’73; father of Katie Steenson Willis ’98, Molly Steenson Grant ’03 and Michaela Steenson Howley ’05; brother-in-law of Patrice Christensen Carlson ’76 Agnes Stillmock, mother of Barbara Stillmock Motsenbocker ’68, Patti Stillmock Cowher ’70, Beth Stillmock Morgan ’72 and Carm Stillmock Johnson ’78
Doris Vavak, grandmother of Jamie Vavak Konopik ’94 Cleora Walls, grandmother of Liz Walls ’10 Jane McGlade-Warsaw, mother of Patsy McGlade ’78; mother-in-law of Carol Farha McGlade ’76 Betty Weiler, grandmother of Kelly Weiler ’15 and Allison Weiler ’18 Jerry Weinert, father of Linda Weinert Hahn ’70
Bertina Swoboda, mother-in-law of Michelle Morrissey Swoboda ’79 Kristine Tannehill, mother-in-law of Sarina Vlock Tannehill ’03 Robert Terwilleger, grandfather of Ashley Terwilleger ’02 and Sophia Terwilleger ’16 Margaret Thiele, grandmother of Jennifer Thiele Krobot ’05 Dale Thornton, grandfather of Victoria Hasiak ’03 Michael Toews, brother of Julie Toews Murphy ’76 Do Thi Tran, grandmother of Ashley Tran ’21 Martin Trautrimas, grandfather of Maddie Wood ’15
Frances White, mother of Sheila White Meritt ’80 Sally White, mother-in-law of Colleen Gaffney White ’85 Charleen Wilhelm, grandmother of Kelsey Wilhelm ’08 Mark Winkler, father of Liz Winkler Tipton ’03 and Kara Winkler Pella ’06 Lois Workman, grandmother of Jessica Rawley Williams ’95 Rita Worthington, grandmother of Beth Worthington Gard ’04, Angie Worthington ’09 and Sarah Worthington ’10 Mildred Zadina, grandmother of Michaela Flynn Lucas ’91, Jen Flynn Zinna ’94, Julie Flynn Molstad ’95, Maggie Flynn Cannon ’99, Beth Flynn Wilch ’02 and Amy Jewell ’09
Leonard Tylski, grandfather of Aimee Alter Demulling ’93 James Zezulak, brother of Jenine Zezulak Meiner ’79 Rose Marie Vance, mother-in-law of Chris Adwers Vance ’83
William Zimmermann, father of Judy Zimmermann Radcliff ’72
SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 HAPPY HOLLOW CLUB 6 P. M . C O C K T A I L S 7 P. M . D I N N E R A N D A W A R D S
The Esprit de Corps Banquet honors those who embody the ideals of Marian through leadership, spirit and service.
AWARDS BANQUET
This year Marian will honor: Celann LaGreca '75, Alumna of the Year Chris & Betsy Murphy, Marian Award Sr. Ginny Silvestri, OSM, Honorary Diploma Judge J.E. Sullivan '74, Sr. Marcella Leadership Award Dr. Eileen Wirth, Spirit of Marian Award
For more information, visit www.marianhighschool.net.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS TO T H E T I M E S
BY NAOMI DELKAMILLER ‘21
PHOTO BY BECCA
TOWNLEY ’19
Here’s to our childhood while we spun in the sun. To our imagination setting sail and innovation without fail. Here’s to underlying passions we will set free and a new generation who make their decree. Here’s to enterprise that will shape our lives. To the long life we will acquire and rich experience left to retire. To the wisdom we will win and a new chapter that has yet to begin To the music makers, The heartbreakers, To the teachers, The preachers, To the writers, And the fighters. Here’s to the day we will meet death as a friend and eternity will finally ascend.
These student works were recently featured in Burn [v.8][i.2], Marian’s literary arts magazine. Burn is published twice a year and showcases the original artwork, photography and creative writing of the student body.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 63
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Omaha, NE Permit #323
7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134
Mary Higgins ‘69 President Susie Spethman Sullivan '80 Principal Karen Cimpl Hotz ‘79 Vice President for Advancement khotz@omahamarian.org Nancy Kettering Casey ’82 Alumnae Director ncasey@omahamarian.org Sr. Jackie Thorn, OSM Prayer Needs jthorn@omahamarian.org
THE MARIAN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED TWO TIMES PER YEAR THROUGH THE MARIAN ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT. PLEASE REPORT ANY ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRECTIONS TO:
Susan Macaitis Rosenlof '82 Marketing and Communications Director srosenlof@omahamarian.org
STAY IN TOUCH WITH ALL THINGS MARIAN THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA! WE'LL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE ON EVENTS, NEWS AND INFORMATION AT MARIAN.
marianhighschool.net
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