Principal Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski, JD jsienkowski@ramonaconvent.org
Director of Institutional Advancement
Yulanda N. Davis-Quarrie, CFRE ydavis-quarrie@ramonaconvent.org
Director of Alumnae Engagement/Editor
Julie C. Huntley ‘72 jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org
Special Events/Parent Pledge Coordinator
Kelsey Davidson ‘02 kdavidson@ramonaconvent.org
Cover Photo:
Photo by: Veronica Bacio Fernandez ‘00
Photos by:
Terri Cardinali ‘70 Kelsey Davidson ‘02
Veronica Bacio Fernandez ‘00
Danielle Gutierrez ‘16
Julie C. Huntley ‘72 Liana Limeta ‘17
Joseph V. Paguio John Phan
Student Photographers: Isabella Brown ‘21
Please note: Any photographs that do not adhere to social distancing guidelines were taken prior to the COVID outbreak.
is published twice a year by Ramona Convent Secondary School. 1701 W. Ramona Road Alhambra, California 91803 (626) 282-4151 (626) 281-0797 (fax) www.ramonaconvent.org
In an effort to reduce printing and mailing costs, we have eliminated the multiple copies of mailed to each household. Please contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 if you would like to receive an extra copy or if you would prefer to receive your copy electronically.
Standard of Accuracy
We are committed to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information in all of our publications. However, unintentional errors may appear. As a result, we ask you to contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 in the event that there are any factual errors. We will correct these errors in the next publication. We appreciate the interests and concerns of our readers and welcome any assistance toward achieving our goals.
MISSION STATEMENT
Ramona Convent, a welcoming Catholic college-preparatory high school, sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, graduates empowered, resilient, socially conscious young women prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century global community.
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
A Ramona Graduate is a…
A Woman of Faith
A Critical Thinker
An Effective Communicator
A Confident Leader
A Creative Problem Solver
Committed to Personal Growth
SNJM
CORE VALUES
FULL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Cultivating and respecting the talents, abilities, and potential of each person, contributing to the development of all aspects of a person’s life.
EDUCATION IN THE FAITH
Creating an atmosphere that invites people to live, develop, and express their faith.
HOSPITALITY
Being a gracious, accepting, and welcoming presence for each person.
DEDICATION TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Seeing, understanding, and responding to the needs of women and children.
DEDICATION TO JUSTICE
Committing time, energy, and resources to the pursuit of right relationships of equality, justice, and solidarity.
SERVICE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE POOR OR MARGINALIZED
Reaching out and responding to people who are impoverished, abandoned, or living at the fringes of society.
COMMITMENT TO LIBERATING ACTION
Seeking with others the freedom needed to live life fully without oppression
LOVE FOR THE NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY
Embracing as guide, inspiration, and strength the persons and names of Jesus and Mary.
A Message from the President
Dear Friends,
So many things have converged as we began our school year that it is easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder “Where is God in all of this?”. When we closed down school in mid-March, little did we dream that our school year would begin in the same way. For those of us here on the campus one day has blended into the next. Without the girls on campus, there are no joyful voices as they move from class to class, no activities to add a spark of life to the day, and few in-person encounters.
Creating a sense of community is challenging! We have had virtual activities: a pep rally, a club fair, and an honors assembly. Our students have been resilient and creative in trying to re-create our “regular” activities on line. Clubs have begun meeting; drama is planning for the fall production. Our opening prayer service, centered on hope, set the tone for the school year and helped us realize that we can create memories in new ways until we are back together.
Tending to the social and emotional needs of the students is also a priority. The daily schedule allows time for activities, for the students to meet with their teachers, and for the counselors to meet with individuals or groups. A real delight has been the athletic conditioning and dance classes which began after school last week. Lively music sets the tone for the girls, socially distanced and wearing masks, lined along Alumnae Drive moving to the music. Interacting with their friends is as important as the activity itself.
Academics are not the only thing to be rearranged on campus. Development and alumnae activities are being re-thought and re-designed. Some can be postponed, but others will have to be completely different. While the auction aspect of La FÍte can easily be put online, the program itself is not so simple to reconfigure. As we begin to plan, the basic question is still: “How long?”
To our alumnae and friends who have called or emailed to find out how we are doing, we are extremely grateful. We appreciate, too, those who have sent donations to the scholarship fund, knowing that given the economy, there must be more students in need of tuition assistance. There are!!
Recently, I have often thought of a story shared with me about the fierce Masai warriors. Translated, their traditional greeting is “How are the children?” and the answer is “The children are well!” This means that peace and safety prevail. Life is good in that the daily struggles of existence do not preclude proper caring for the young. As I look around our small corner of the world, I hope we here at Ramona can say “The girls are well.”
Sincerely,
Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Patty Lepe Smith ‘79
Chair
Arthur Dominguez Vice Chair
members
Janice Burrill ‘75
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM
Kathleen Garvey
Cynthia Jarvis
Sr. Miriam Malone, SNJM ‘63
Marla Provencio ‘74
Felix Nunez
Jennifer Siu ‘77
Linda Reilly Swick ‘76
Gordon Trask
TRUSTEE EMERITI
Dennis M. Harley
Tom McKernan
Hon. Patricia Schnegg Oppenheim ‘70
A Message from the Principal
Dear Ramona Convent Alumnae Community,
It is with great joy, and sincere humility that I write to you today. I am deeply honored and abundantly blessed to have been appointed principal of your alma mater.
I know I follow a long line of incredible educators and dedicated principals, and while I am somewhat unknown to your community, I can promise you that I, too, will dedicate myself to preserving and enhancing the beautiful legacy that is Ramona; the legacy that is you.
As I look back along the path that has brought me to Ramona, to you and to your current Ramona sisters, I can honestly say that it has been God driven. I grew up in Boyle Heights and in Rosemead, so I have long been familiar with Ramona Convent, its wonderful charism, and well-regarded academic rigor. Having known young women who graduated from Ramona and watching as our current students engage with the community, I recognize that a Ramona Girl graduates with a wealth of knowledge, strong social awareness, a voice that develops over time to dignify all humanity to change the world. It is at Ramona where a sisterhood develops, friendships grow, and an opportunity to fully be is offered.
ADMINISTRATION
As I work with the indomitable spirit of Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM, and the dedicated faculty and staff of Ramona, I recognize the gift I have been given to serve this community. While our current circumstances are challenging, the enthusiasm and energy of you, and this entire community is infectious, and motivates me to strive constantly to enhance my skills, and work to help carry us ever forward.
I wish to place on record my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the alumnae association for the constant and unstinting support since my arrival. In addition to your own thoughtful initiatives, I am told that whenever the school needs support, we are confident that help is just a phone call away; we are forever grateful.
As days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years, I look forward to my role here including the opportunity to meet incredible women who hold a special place in their hearts for their alma mater; I look forward to the opportunity to welcome you “home” when you visit. Ramona is what it is because of you.
I close with this thought: As a new “Tiger,” placed here, now, I realize that courage does indeed roar! Ramona roars with pride, roars with hope, roars with resiliency, and roars with achievement. I am proud to roar alongside such incredible women past and present; thank you for this gift.
In peace,
Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski, JD Principal
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski, JD Principal
Halina Szymanski Associate Principal for Curriculum and Faculty Development
Elena Margallo Business Manager
129th Annual Commencement July 24, 2020
THE PANDEMIC Class of 2020 will forever be able to boast that they had a Ramona graduation like no other! After July 4, it became apparent that we would not be able to gather in Rose Heath even for a modified ceremony. We had promised the girls that they would have a graduation! We also wanted them to be able to wear the white dresses they had already purchased and to carry their yellow roses.
On July 24, the area by the fountain facing the library became the stage. At assigned times between 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. the graduates drove up to the library with their families. As each one stepped out of the car, Senior Class Moderators Laura Dumas ’89 and Kelsey Davidson ‘02, handed them their bouquets. Photos were taken; and the girls, with their families, walked up the stairs where Mary Mansell, Principal and Sister Kathleen Callaway, President waited to give them their diplomas. Halina Szymanski, Associate Principal read each girl’s name and her list of honors. Since we had not held the usual senior honors assembly and alumnae induction ceremony, Julie Huntley ’72, Director of Alumnae Engagement, presented the girls with their alumnae pins, gifts and certificates from the various departments, and copies of the graduation program. More photos were taken!!! With no live audience, Mia Fierros, the class Salutatorian had delivered her address at the conclusion of the Baccalaureate Mass live streamed from Ramona’s chapel the night before.
backdrop awaited them on the stage. To the music of “Pomp and Circumstance” each girl walked the length of the lawn, waved to her parents, and stood on the stage for pictures.
Though this was not our traditional graduation, and none of us would want to repeat this every year, the girls were delighted. On the positive side, too, having the individual graduations gave us the opportunity to congratulate each family; and the families were also able to be very close to their daughters while they received their diplomas and take as many pictures as they wanted. All things considered, our diploma ceremony “marathon” was a huge success!
Part of Ramona’s graduation ceremony has also been the awarding of the Durocher Medal. With graduation plans uncertain, we adapted. Sister Kathleen presented the Durocher Medal to Mary Mansell at the final Board of Trustees meeting of the year -- via Zoom. After six years of providing outstanding leadership to Ramona, Mary retired. When she came to Ramona in 2014, Mary was not a stranger, having been Vice Principal for Academic Affairs and a teacher at Ramona for twelve years (1993-2005). She also held similar positions at Marymount High School and Mayfield Senior School, in addition to being a teacher
But that was not all…a second stop; the families drove around to Rose Heath where a beautiful 2020 balloon
Mary E. Mansell, recipient of the 2020 Durocher Medal
Mary Mansell, Daryanna Ductoc, and Sister Kathleen
in both places. Mary’s commitment to Catholic education, particularly her belief in the benefits of single-sex education for young women, made her an ideal fit for Ramona.
Throughout her time here, Mary focused on the demands of 21st century education, fostering an atmosphere of creative problem solving utilizing communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Under her leadership, instruction was enhanced by appropriate use of technology. Her passion for the arts led her to initiate many opportunities for the girls to develop their creative skills both through visual arts and performance. We are grateful for her time with us, the way her life has touched each of us, and for the way that Ramona has grown under her leadership. As a representative of the best of Ramona, we can think of no one more deserving of the Durocher Award than Mary Mansell.
Durocher Award
Periodically in the last forty-five years, graduation has been a time to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Church, the civic community, and Ramona Convent through their leadership and service. The Durocher Award was created for just this purpose in 1975. The medallion takes its name from the family name of the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names, Eulalie Durocher, better known as Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. Marie-Rose was noted for her concern for the spiritual, social, civic, and educational needs of her day. With her women’s intuition and practical common sense, she made an impact on the church and society of 19th century French Canada. One of her favorite sayings and one which we use often here at Ramona is “Since we travel the same path together, let us reach out a hand to help one another.”
Kristina Ramos ‘20
Kamila Campos ‘20
Our seniors and their families were invited to a car parade on Thursday afternoon, May 21st. To make sure everyone stayed safe, the event was open only to seniors and their immediate families who remained in their cars while Ramona faculty and staff cheered them on. They made their way through campus, stopping at strategic stations to receive their yearbook, lawn sign, and a gift from the Alumnae Association. The parade was joined by the Alhambra Fire Department, and ABC7 was on hand to film the parade for the evening news.
Upholding a Tradition of Excellence in Unusual Times
Ramona alumna and Legacy mom, Jereen Bautista Santiago ’92 is the mother of Halei ’20 and Lauryn ’22. Halei was a member of the 2020 Covid graduating class; Lauryn is a junior this year. We reached out to her for some insight and perspective regarding our quick transition to online learning last March and how it affected her daughters.
How did the sudden switch to online learning affect Halei and Lauryn?
During the week of March 9, we were watching the news intently and was preparing ourselves for a statewide shut down and quarantine. The sudden transition to online learning affected the girls differently. According to Halei, “Initially, it was hard to find a good productive daily routine. However, by the second week, the schedule got easier. I just had to adjust and be a little bit more disciplined.” Lauryn had a pretty seamless experience. Nevertheless, classes proceeded as usual, with the same expectations, rigor, and accountability Ramona demands of its students. Academically, the girls were in good hands. It was the social nature of being physically distanced from their teachers and peers that I feared the most.
Since it was Halei’s senior year at Ramona, how did she handle the realization that the traditional senior events were not going to happen?
As with all the graduates of the Class of 2020, Halei was very saddened to not have a traditional senior year. With no prom, grad night, graduation, end of the year banquets, etc., it was quite a disappointment to go through a journey of four years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth to not culminate into a huge, well deserved series of celebrations with her Ramona sisters. However, Halei said it gave her time to reflect over her four years and how incredibly blessed she was. The school showed an outpouring of love which, I believe, may have made the end of the year even more memorable. They had an exuberant drive-thru parade on campus that was lined with adoring teachers and staff, all ending in personalized lawn signs for each senior. It was unexpected and absolutely beautiful! By the grace of God, Ramona was able to host an in-person graduation ceremony that was small and intimate but upheld many of the traditions celebrated for decades. The girls were able to wear their beautiful white dresses and have their awards and scholarships announced. They walked through Rose Heath with “Pomp and Circumstance,” feeling every bit proud and honored to be a distinguish alumna. They took solo and family pictures in a beautiful 2020 back drop. Because
of all the things the pandemic took away from them, the entire staff showered the girls with so much individual love and attention.
From your perspective as a Ramona parent, what was your opinion of the education your daughters received from online learning?
I truly believe that Ramona has been able to uphold its rigorous academics as they pivoted from in-class to online learning. Teachers and staff are 100% dedicated to the educational success of the girls. I witness Lauryn being challenged, intently listening, and remaining focused while in class and doing homework. In addition to her classes, she has many opportunities to join extracurricular activities such as President’s Council, NHS, robotics, campus ministry, ambassadors, book buddies, and sports. Academic advisors are consistently making sure the girls stay on track with their college preparations. The Enrollment, Development and Theology departments are devising new and innovative ways to host events, prayer services, and service projects. Zoom meetings are scheduled every other week with each class to keep parents updated on the fluidity of the Covid situation and if/when in-person classes can resume. More importantly, it provides a casual way to keep communication open among students, parents, and teachers. As a parent, I believe this pandemic just intensified Ramona’s dedication to foster empowered, resilient, and socially conscious young women.
How have we improved this school year?
Mrs. Sienkowski is a welcome treasure to the Ramona family. She has risen to the occasion amidst being thrust into a new position during an unprecedented time. Along with Sister Kathleen and the entire staff, the school has mobilized technologically to keep the girls engaged academically as well as socially while upholding its highest educational standards.
The Santiago Family at Halei’s graduation
Acclimating Our Students to the Ramona continues to provide the education
WHEN THE NOVEL coronavirus, COVID-19, closed schools around the country in mid-March of 2020, administrators, faculty, and staff scrambled to provide rigorous academics, social structure, and emotional support. “Certainly,” we said to our constituents, “we will be back in a couple of weeks.” Weeks turned to months and months are advancing toward one full year of remote teaching/learning. The Department of Public Health for the County of Los Angeles has recently shared with school administrators that 7th through 12th grade students may not be allowed to return to on-campus learning until January 2021, just two months shy of the one-year anniversary of school closings due to the pandemic.
As the months tick by, the administrators and faculty of Ramona have not sat on their laurels, but have, in fact, done more than most to prepare for this extended reality. Teachers have joined webinars on how to effectively teach remotely while still providing rigorous content. New and seasoned faculty have invested the time and energy to improving their knowledge and understanding of technology and the platforms available to engage students, promote learning, and provide for class time that can be used to “socialize.” Administrators are working to provide the experiences that Ramona Girls have come to depend on; the events and experiences that make being a student at Ramona the unique experience it is. Whole departments are conversing regularly to come up with strategies that will enhance the Ramona experience while keeping our community safe and healthy.
Seniors and Freshmen “attend” class virtually
Sr. Anna Keim and Olivia Diaz ‘21 hand out bibles on Business Day
First day of high school for Emily Torres ‘24
the Virtual High School Experience
ation and activities that keep our girls balanced.
To list the myriad of opportunities that Ramona has continued to provide would take time that is better spent sharing full experiences of a few events. Even beginning last school year, when it was clear returning to campus to honor the class of 2020 in the traditional Ramona ways would not happen, Sister Kathleen Callaway, Ramona’s President, and Ms. Mary E. Mansell, Ramona’s then Principal, worked closely with Activities Director Laura Wendel Dumas ‘89 to find ways to creatively, and at the proper social distance, celebrate the seniors. With a drivethrough honk-fest, and socially distanced graduation, complete with white gown, yellow roses, photos and awards, the Class of 2020 was celebrated. Certainly, all would have preferred the traditional Rose Heath Graduation, but keeping our whole community safe was, and is, a priority.
During this first semester of our current academic year, we have continued to keep our girls “moving” even if only on Zoom. A powerful liturgy was created by the Theology Department that had nearly 400 people participating in communal prayer. A fun Pep Rally designed by the ASB and Ms. Dumas was creative and unique, utilizing breakout rooms for activities. ASB and class elections have taken place, a socially distanced photo shoot on campus has occurred, athletic conditioning and dance class happens every Tuesday and Thursday, live on-campus, and allows for our girls to train, and shake a tail feather, all while remaining over six-feet away from one another. Ramona has continued to lead the way through an uncertain future by providing the experiences and events that keep our community grounded in our faith, and in one another.
In the words of our foundress, even in these uncertain times, we are called to “go forth, cast fire, and liberate life!” Through prayer, support of one another, and a bit humor, we will all go forth (electronically), cast fire (click that mouse!), and liberate life (leave the confines of our rooms, and come back together on campus soon). For all that we struggle through, we struggle with the knowledge that our God, the great liberator of life, frees us now to try something new, advance new knowledge, and find joy in our challenges. Ramona, in all we are, has, and will, continue to rise and to thrive.
Ramona Welcomes New Principal Jacqueline Quiñones Sienkowski
Q: A: Q: A:
Welcome to Ramona Jackie! Please tell us about yourself.
I am so happy to be here at Ramona! It seems like a dream come true, really. I was born in Boyle Heights and grew-up between Boyle Heights and Rosemead. I am the youngest of my parent’s brood so, was adequately spoiled. My parents were hard-working and instilled in all of us that those who work hard will never be without the essentials in life. My mother used to say “there are plenty of smart people who are homeless, but hard-working people will always have a home. She also used to say “life is short mi hija, unless you’re miserable…then it’s really, really long so, always do what you love, what makes you happy.” Since the third grade, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but during my first year at junior college, my Women’s Studies professor told me that I should be a lawyer. No one had ever told me what I could be before so, I figured she must know more than I, and after graduating from UC Riverside, I went straight to law school. I love the law, but knew that my passion was education so, with the support of my husband and mom, I made the switch to education, my first and lasting love.
Your career took an interesting turn. What is it about education that caused you to pursue teaching and administration?
Going from law to education is actually more common than people think. When I decided to make the switch in my own life, I was encouraged to reach out to an incredible program called Teach for America Teach for America goes into colleges and universities and encourages graduates and career changers to consider joining the corp. Teach for America provides you with the skills and educational requirements needed to teach in a public school, earn your Masters and/or credential and places you in a vulnerable socio-economic community to teach for two years. After completing my teaching requirements with Teach for America, including student teaching in the Bronx in New York, I was placed in a wonderful public school in New Haven, Connecticut. The teachers and administrators I worked with taught me so much about the art of teaching: the students taught me more about the art of learning and perseverance than I could have ever known was possible to learn. I loved my corp. experience and ended up staying at my placement school for five-years.
My husband, who is originally from Connecticut, was able to
Q: A: Q: A:
take a transfer from Connecticut to California. My husband, 18-month old twins (at the time), and I came home to California in 2017. I took a long-term sub. position with LAUSD until I found my place in Catholic all-girls’ education. While with LAUSD, I said a Novena to the Blessed Mother and asked that I find a place to teach that would allow me to feel valued in my career, support my Catholic faith, and be close enough to home that I could get to my twins quickly if needed. My prayers were answered and I was hired as an English teacher at Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child in Anaheim, California. Connelly was an all-girls’, college preparatory, Catholic high school, and for four years, it was home.
Last year and this have presented you with unusual undertakings. What is your philosophy when you find yourself in the midst of challenging times?
After teaching at Connelly for two-years, I was asked to be the Dean of Students. I agreed to this role because I was still able to teach. The following year, I was asked to become Head of School as our then Head was leaving. I knew that Connelly was struggling financially and had low enrollment; I knew that we were close to closing, but hoped I would have time to turn things around. I was installed as Head of School in mid-January, and on the 1st of March, the Board announced closing. The announcement was devastating for our entire community, but with the support of one another, the love of our students, families, and alumnae, we got through the year with joy and hope. Connelly closed with cymbals and tambourines on June 30th of this year. Closing a school was heart breaking and closing it during COVID-19 was surreal. It felt as though I were closing a school twice; once due to COVID and once permanently. I will tell you though, it’s true what they say, “that which doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” I emerged a much more confident school leader who became much more aware of community needs and the need for transparency in communication. Even as I further develop my career at Ramona, I am coming into a well-established community unable to get to know the teachers and staff better, unable to really meet and enjoy the students. A time will come when relationships can develop and grow. In the meantime, my work will be to transcend walls (masks) with an open heart and an adventurous spirit.
Ramona is proud of its alumnae and students who have found their voices as a result of their all-girls’ education. What do you think are the benefits of an all-girls’ environment?
I love the word Charism. Charism is a talent or skill that is from the Divine; gifts of the Holy Spirit. When you think about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, shared with the Ramona Community, the gifts that we are called to share with others, you can’t help but realize that our gift to the whole world is the skills, education, and voice discovered at Ramona to inspire and to change the world. The same Women’s Study professor that got me to look at law as a career, also said “when you educate a woman, you educate a family, a community, and a society.” The benefits of all-girls’ education are boundless. The voices of confident young women who rise to the challenges we face as a local and global society, have the power to improve our environment, and our world. When you combine all that Ramona is with the strong spiritual foundation it establishes, you empower young women to move mountains.
Q:
A:
What is your vision for Ramona?
Ramona is an incredible place. As the new principal, I wish to experience this community fully (when COVID is under control, of course!). I wish to continue to make it a place that is attractive to young women who seek answers, who seek a future of inclusivity, acceptance, tolerance. I wish to continue growing the student population so that more young women will find out why we are the number one all-girls’ Catholic school in the San Gabriel Valley, three years in a row!
Endeavoring to Embody the Spirit of Blessed Marie-Rose through their Ministries
LIBERATING LIFE through education and the promotion of social justice summarizes the mission of the Sisters of the Holy Names regardless of what individual ministries might be. Motivated by the words of our 34th general Chapter Acts, we say:
“We hear the cries of peoples in every part of our world for peace and reconciliation; for a more equitable sharing of resources; and for an end to violent conflicts and the heart-rending displacement, forced migration, and separation of families experienced by millions of our sisters and brothers. We also hear the cries of our planet.”
Holy Names Sisters are bringing these words to life on three continents in a wide variety of corporate and individual ministries. Today’s Sisters endeavor to embody and exemplify the spirit and charism of Blessed Marie-Rose through ministries that focus on educating and empowering people, in collaboration with other organizations, and with special concern for the poor and disadvantaged.
Most recently on September 21, the Sisters united with others around the world to participate in the International Day of Peace. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day is dedicated to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.” Were our Ramona students on campus, theology classes would have gathered around the peace pole pictured here throughout the day to pray for peace; however, given the current reality, the community prayer was virtual during the class periods
Currently, Sisters around the United States have been working to encourage participation in the census, educating various groups on the reasons for census and its importance. In some cases this means helping to allay the fears of our immigrant brothers and sisters. With the election coming up very soon, other Sisters and Affiliates have written nonpartisan postcards encouraging U.S. voters to exercise their rights in the November election. A second educational component has been helping to address the issue of mail in ballots and how to assure that one’s ballot is counted. Following the various protests of recent months, Sisters and Affiliates in various groupings have continued to explore issues around racism and its effect and what we might do in our own milieus to eliminate it.
While responding to current issues, focus on our corporate stands continues. We continue to
work to prevent and deter human trafficking by educating ourselves and others to be more aware of situations in our own cities where trafficking might be happening;
promote the basic human right of access to clean potable water;
find solutions to the refugee crisis and advocate for our immigrant brothers and sisters.
In these unprecedented times, when we are dealing with the issues of climate crisis, Covid-19, racism, protests and violence, unemployment and economic uncertainties, it is important that we maintain an attitude of hope, hold our country and our world in prayer, and reach out to help others as we are able.
Sr. Anna Keim, Sr. Kathleen Callaway and Sr. Daleen Larkin by Ramona’s Peace Pole
Letter from the President
There is no doubt that this academic year has been challenging; however, it has also been a year with many blessings. Our faculty, staff, and students are certainly gifts and fill us with great hope. Our alumnae have been solicitous for the welfare of their Alma Mater and generous in their support. Our first ever Strawberry Day of Giving was not only successful in terms of revenue generated, but also in making us aware of the enormous potential of this type of activity. Many alums expressed appreciation for the timing of the event and the wish to be more involved; the class of 1979’s remarkable determination to be at the top of the leaderboard set the mark high for this year. Our Board of Trustees has provided leadership and support through all of the above. Gordon Trask is stepping down as our Board Chair, but will be remaining on the Board. We are grateful for his 14 years of generous service on the Board and 13 years as the Chair.
While La Fete, our major fundraiser, could not be held in person, putting the auction on line encouraged a wider circle of participation and actually raised almost as much money. We are grateful to all who supported La Fete through sponsorships, bidding on the gift baskets, or donating to “Fund A Student.” This year’s event will be similar! With more time to plan, some type of a live streamed program will also be possible, in addition to the online auction.
Ramona’s recruitment and admissions team worked diligently all year, but particularly through the spring to stay in touch with the girls who had been accepted to Ramona. This meant lots of phone calls and emails. The Admissions Team and the Tuition Assistance Committee worked closely to ensure that finances alone would not deprive a young woman of the chance to attend Ramona. This effort resulted in 17% increase in tuition assistance. Tuition for the year is $15,100 – most of the students who have tuition assistance are receiving about of their tuition. A total of $1.1 million dollars needs to be funded this year. We count on your support so that the ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Names will remain alive and well here and that a Ramona education will be available to all qualified young women who apply. For all you have done to support us and for all you will do this year…thank you. With hope for the blessings of the coming year, we “go forth, cast fire, and liberate life!”
Gratefully,
Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
Letter from the Board Chair
Another distinguished class has graduated from Ramona –distinguished by reason of being the Pandemic Class of 2020, but more importantly by their academic achievements, their records of college acceptances, their service to others, and their accomplishments in sports, robotics, drama, music and other activities. Their first year of college at almost any school will be different than they anticipated; distance learning will be the norm; however we know that the determination and resilience that they have demonstrated throughout their years at Ramona will carry forward into their college years. As they join the ranks of Ramona alumnae, we look forward to hearing from them in the days to come.
Our faculty and staff are to be commended for the excellent work during this challenging school year. Within a few weeks they pivoted to online teaching, mastering new technology and new instructional techniques. Even with no in-person contact allowed, the admissions and recruitment office continued to work diligently with the result that Ramona enrolled a 10% larger freshman class than last year. Ramona’s accreditation process was finalized early in February; in July the official letter arrived granting Ramona a full six year accreditation. Again, the administration and faculty are to be commended for their hard work in preparing the report and representing Ramona well during the official visit of the accrediting team.
After an extensive search, reference checks, and an interview process, Ramona selected a new principal. We are happy to welcome Ms. Jacqueline Sienkowski to Ramona and look forward to working with her in the years ahead.
Thank you for all that you, our alumnae and friends, have done to support the ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Names at Ramona. It would not be possible without you.
Sincerely,
Gordon Trask, Chair Board of Trustees
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019-2020
Gordon Trask - Chair
Kathleen Garvey - Vice Chair
MEMBERS
Janice Burrill ‘75
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM
Arthur Dominguez
Cynthia Jarvis
Sr. Miriam Malone, SNJM ‘63
Marla Provencio ‘74
Felix Nunez
Jennifer Siu ‘77
Patty Lepe Smith ‘79
Linda Reilly Swick ‘76
TRUSTEE EMERITI
Dennis M. Harley
Tom McKernan
Hon. Patricia Schnegg Oppenheim ‘70
Members of the help support Ramona’s curricular and co-curricular programs in academics, leadership, athletics, technology, and the arts by contributing a gift of $1000 or more during the current fiscal year.
The Ahmanson Foundation
Franklin & Phyllis Halladay
Marion Gadeschi Nuccio '43
Bill Hannon Foundation ♥♥♥
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Joan Payden
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary ♥♥♥
Maureen Bateman '51 ♥♥♥
Therese Verdugo Bentley '75 & Barry Bentley
Bebette Gualano Coleman '48
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation ♥♥♥
Nancy Eng ♥♥♥
The Green Foundation
Robert Lambert & Lisa Boore
Lambert '82 ♥♥
Al Marco & Madeleine Cazian Marco '80 ♥♥♥
Laura Meade Mayer '83 ♥♥♥
The Rose Hills Foundation ♥♥
Peter & Louise Shimkin
Stephani Tynan Armstrong '72 ♥
Christina Alvarado Bahr '76
Benevity Causes
Betsy Houston Collins '60 ♥♥♥
Susan Schiffhauer De Pietro '67
Rozanne Adanto '79
Genaro & Cassandra Alarcon ♥♥♥
Adriana Avelar ♥
Bruce Barnheiser ♥
Marianne Nuccio Batchelor '77 ♥♥♥
Chan & Prabha Bhakta ♥
Bonnie C. Bilitch Becerra
Susan DeLaTorre Bowman
Klarner '67 ♥♥♥
Kathleen Stanton
Buchanan '70 ♥
Gina Christian '77 ♥
Michelle C. Del Rio '99
Mary Ann Divizia '61 ♥♥♥
Helen Lackey Kerr '50
Roger Lamer ♥♥
Stephen Nuccio
Honorable Patricia Schnegg
Oppenheim '70
Payden & Rygel
Dr. Annie Chin Siu ♥
Linda Reilly Swick '76 ♥♥♥
Dr. Patricia Valdez-Rippy '80
Von Der Ahe Foundation ♥♥♥
Marie Feeney '53 ♥
Kathy McKernan Fitzgerald '79
Richard & Aulikki Flagan
Tina Raulli Fogliani '61 ♥
Margaret Tobin Fullinwider '67
Michael & Kathleen Garvey ♥♥♥
Patricia Brugger Gayda '71 ♥♥♥
William H. Hannon Foundation ♥♥♥
Dennis & Rose Harley ♥♥♥
Cecilia Robinson Matthews '48
Robert Nuccio
Ralph & Kathleen Platz ♥♥
RMNJ Foundation
Christine Falabrino Sofranko '66 ♥
Catherine Adanto '81
Alhambra Rotary Charities Foundation
Marian Sweeny Beresford '57
Janice Burrill '75 ♥♥♥
Mary Rose Colonna Caras '80 ♥
Nicole Ford '95 ♥♥♥
Monica Gallegos ♥
Michael & Alma Garcia♥
Linda Giller ♥
Elizabeth Ortega Gingrich '75
Jacks Family Foundation
Jacqueline Ortiz Jurado '03 ♥
Mary Cassidy Keith '75 ♥
Annette Harper Krause '65
Diana Macalintal '87 ♥♥♥
Daniel & Ivette Machian ♥
Sally McEachen '62 ♥♥♥
Jo An Merino '70
Leslie Miyahata '77 ♥♥♥
Jeanette Moynier '51 ♥♥♥
Susan Siu Nimmo '75
Corinne Carroll '49 ♥♥♥
Kim Chanbonpin '95 ♥♥
Joanna G. Clark '91
Theresa D'Andria '78
Yulanda Davis-Quarrie
Barbara DeLury '84 ♥♥♥
Victoria Still Dominguez '77 & Arthur Dominguez ♥
Rev. Michael Engh
Elizabeth Parker Gex '73 ♥♥♥
Naomi Gonzales '85
John & Susan Harrigan ♥♥
Cynthia Jarvis
Kristine Karnos '81
Michael & Kristine Kenney
Toni Tynan Kincaid '66
Danette Hoffman Magilligan '60 ♥♥♥
Tom McKernan
Carolyn Mendez-Luck '81 ♥♥♥
Marianne Humm Miller '57 ♥♥♥
Kay M. Paietta
Lucy Totten Paliwoda '79 ♥♥
Marla Provencio Reingold '74
Joan Svec Riboli '68
Joan Saumur '63
Patricia Quealy Schneck '60 ♥♥♥
Dr. Cathryn Shaw-Reid '85
Honorable Philip Soto & Christina Soto ♥
Mary Tobin-Kelly '72 ♥♥♥
Gloria Connor Trask '68 & Gordon
Trask ♥♥♥
John & Agatha Williams
Marie Yeseta '05
Terese Scanlon Oliver '71 ♥
Michele Carter Ransick '77
Gail Kubias Root '63 ♥♥
Olga Sarabia
Jean Schlinger '79 ♥
Loretta Bowler Smith '61 ♥♥♥
Alessandra Soto '19
Alin Hernandez Wall '69
Anita Sanchez Yamasaki '76
Trina Tinoco Yunker '93 ♥♥♥
Grace Nakashima Acosta '79
David Aramaki
Joyce Burke-Estel '50 ♥♥
Sally Davidson
Kelsey Davidson '02 ♥
Sr. Miriam Mark
Eddy, SNJM '52 ♥♥♥
Sylvia Sarracino Evans '60
Taru Flagan '02
Martha Glyer
Victor & Lily Griego ♥♥
Dr. Pamela Hetherington '68
Juliette Hsi '80 ♥
Julie C. Huntley '72 ♥♥
Mitchell Ing
Susan Ingersoll '85
Mary Jackson '70
Patricia Verdugo Johnson '78 ♥♥♥
Kroger ♥♥
Frances Erpelding La Casse '52
Richard & Catherine Lamas ♥♥♥
Vivian Spallina Lauricella '53
Duarte & Filomena Lima
Barbara Lopez ♥♥
Manuel & Elaine Lozano
Mechelle Magante '79
Mary E. Mansell ♥
Kathryn Leppek McKown '61
Eugenia Solis Montoya '88 & Armando Montoya ♥
Mary Graham Morgan '71 ♥
Network for Good Dr. Felix Nunez & Dr. Chasity Nunez ♥
Louis & Helen Ornelas ♥♥♥
Anita Kuerbis Parker '49
Loretta Parral '72
Karen Purpur
Rene Quenell
Aimee Contreras Ramirez '03
Elizabeth Mangahas Ranger '91
Roanne Ross '75 ♥♥♥
Paul Ruotolo ♥
Maureen Campbell Sahyouni '74
Angelica & Joseph Seager ♥
Jennifer Siu '77 ♥♥♥
John & Marianne Spiller
Colleen Stanton '77
Carol Stearns
Mark & Felecia Tappan
Teresa Throenle-Somaini '80
Ida Torres '89 ♥♥
Carol Seidler Turner '54 ♥
Ann Salvaty Ward '61
Frances Pahl Alling '63 ♥♥♥
Debra Cavazos Allsopp '76
Michael & Judy Alvarez ♥
Amazon Smile
Eugenia Andrews Amodei '55 ♥
Barbara Anable Hedrick '58
Yolanda Anaradian
Jennifer Merino Anaya '93 ♥
Cecile Russell Archibald '63 ♥♥
Amanda Argueta '11
Maria Aslan
Maggie Averill ♠
Gilda Aviles '74 ♥
Raquel Rosales Ayala '91
William & Luz Bacio
Jennifer Boore Bahou '87 ♥
Karen Elkins Baldwin '74
Carina Barbosa '13
Carolina Barbosa '17
Jose & Milagros Barbosa
Mary Anne Spiller
Barnheiser '65 ♥♥♥
Jesse & Laura Barrios
Mary Bartolini '08
Linnie Batchelor
Stacee Beauchamp '80
Pierre Beloin ♥♥♥
Amber Beltran '10
Gajanana Birur & Sabrina Peck
Stephanie Bobadilla '08 ♥
Dorothy Bonnel
Laura Whitener Borda '81 ♥♥♥
Stephanie Griffin Brassea '00
Suzanne Britt '72 ♥
Mary Ann Britt Brooks '69 ♥
Barbara Brown '79
Dr. Janette Torassa Brown '70
Libby Montoya Bunkley '73
Carmen Marin Burky '07
Sheila Callaghan
Sister Kathleen
Callaway, SNJM ♥♥♥
Sister Cynthia Canning, SNJM
Andres & Eva Cano
Theresa Cardinali '70 ♥♥
Dr. Katherine Carias '79
Mary Marketto Carroll '78
Mary Scoleri Carter '50
Holly Castelli
Barbara Castillo '71
Christopher & Maria Castillo
Irma Castro-Haro '77
Danielle Cendejas '00 ♥
Daniel & JoAnn Cendejas
Alberto Chavarria
Jacqueline Griego Chavez '01
Dorette Clark-Gillispie '67 ♥♥♥
Sharon Claros '99
Tracy Clavin ♥&
Anna Ortiz Colon '77
Jessica Monge Coria '00
Luis & Amalia Corona
Yolanda Correa '92
Eddie Cortez
Kathleen Kojima Cross '68 ♥♥♥
Dolores Salazar Cruz '76 ♥♥♥
Patricia Shea Cummings '57
Mary Suzanne Irwin Davis '73
Veronica Hueda De La Santo '99
Ingrid De Llamas '87
Alessandra Del Rio '02
Realizing that every gift, regardless of size, truly makes an impact at Ramona, we gratefully acknowledge years of consecutive giving indicated with a ♥ by the donors name.
5 - 9 years ♥
10 - 14 years ♥♥
15 years or more ♥♥♥
Cynthia Amador Diaz '78
Catherine Guerrero Diaz '72
Armando Diaz
Judith Humm Dickinson '61 ♥♥♥
Jack & Santina Distaso
Theresa Distaso '80 ♥
Deborah Drury
Jeri Lynn Stark Duerr '66
Maria McMahon Eberts '79
Jeanine Coronado
Eckenweiler '78
Edlio LLC
Edward Elizondo
Stephen Engh
Mary Park Enos '53 ♥
Eileen Reed Enriquez '79
Helene Cianciola Erickson '57
Escrip
Cecilia Estrada
Julie Evans '88
Bill Even
Mary Ann Seidler Felton '56 ♥♥♥
Veronica Bacio Fernandez '00
Luz Fernandez '83 ♥
Anna Pulido Ferrera '79
Christina Pena Finlay '99
Milton & Norma Flores
Pamela Fong ♥♥♥
Patricia Foster '66 ♥
Theresa Foster '62 ♥
Beverly Jones Gallardo '63 ♥♥♥
Kathryn Gallego Galvan '79
Maria Luna Garcia '77
Luis Garcia
Roseanna Garcia '83
Marilyn Flynn Garibaldi '69
Carol Naylon Garris '63
Suvi Flagan Geary '00
Teresa Gonzales-Velez '82
Carina Gonzalez '09
Billie Greer
Georgina Becerra
Gregorio '58 ♥
Mary Ann Willenborg
Gruber '67 ♥♥
Cecilia Guandique
Bert & Myrna Guerrero
Margaret O'Neil Hamann '61
Mary Sally Preter
Harrigan '61 ♥♥
Mary Graham Harrison '63
Kathleen Moran Henley '79
Rosa Maria Hernandez ♠
Laura Herrera '05
Helmi Hisserich '80
Lillian Hoffman
Patricia Johnston Hoover '62 ♥
Tiffany A. Horiguchi '09
Jeanne Alcorn Houston '69
Stephanie Howland
Moises & Beatrice Hueda ♥
Patricia Hurtado '76 ♥♥♥
Mary Ferry Jebb '54
Rudolph Jimenez
Caroline Peffer Johann '48
Kathleen Nally Johnson '54 ♥♥♥
Alicia Graham Jones '60 ♥♥
Elene Kallimanis '67
Rosemary Lopez Karlin '75 ♥
Carol Kazanjian
Christina Kalen
Kelley-Teschendorf '66
Kathleen Odou Kivorkian '81 ♥
Theresa Villarreal Kleist '70
Rosemarie Delahaye Klems '66
Doug Koesel
Elizabeth Driscoll Kramer '51
Annie Kreng
Jane Salvaty Kuhnmuench '67
Francois Laborie
Sister Daleen Larkin, SNJM ♥
Katherine Lasch
Sanaa Lattouf
Wendy Law-Rudge '87
Steven & Sally Lee ♥
Annette Trudeau
Legallet '54 ♥♥♥
Deborah Taylor Lilly '69
Nancy Nakashima Limm '77 ♥
Jo Ann Casalicchio Little '49
Mary Ann Doll Long '60
Barbra Lopez '86
Kathleen Kosiorowski Lovell '65
Nicole Lozano '06
Claudia Lujan '87 ♥
Phyllis A. Mace '75
Sister Lois MacGillivray, SNJM '55
Diane Denton Malcoun '72 ♥
Elena Margallo &
Linda Marin '97
Mary Ann Lemire Mattos '72
Julie McCormick
Jane McFarren
Mary Ann McLoughlin
McGill '47 ♥♥♥
Michele Waldeck McGowan '68 ♥
Caroline McKenzie
Cynthia Martinez
McLaughlin '78 ♥
Mary McManus '64 ♥♥♥
Rachel Rivas Medlen '77 ♥
Stephanie C. Mercado '00
Ron Mito
Kristen Molina
Noemi Navarro Moore '90 ♥
Sylvia Moreno '85 ♥
Mary Ann Malneritch
Muhs '51 ♥♥♥
Blanca Esquivel Munoz '79
Joanna Murphy '60
Sharlene Hagan Murtagh '79
Alice Nakanishi
Erika Ngo '14
Susan DeSalvatore Noyes '70 ♥
Joanna Barnheiser O'Neill '07
Stephanie Paggi
Alejandro & Martha Peinado
Rogelio Pena ♥♥♥
Guadalupe Perez '83
Kathleen Pillon
Maria Smith Pimentel '79 ♥
Virginia Polini
Raissa Marie Pontejon '08
Monica Branda Powell '79
Veronica Puente-Smith '79 ♥
Elisabeth Fernandez Quient '76
Patricia Zbylut Ramirez '79
Ann Conway Rasich '62
Barbara Kalthoff Raymond '49 ♥
Miguel & Veronica Reyes ♥
Maria de Jesus Garcia Reynoso '57
Monique Rios '19
Jeanne Beckwith Roach '51
Adina Roe Roberts '66 ♥♥♥
Britney Rojas '08
Linda Greenfield
Romero '70 ♥♥♥
Francisco Rugama ♥
Nancy Moreno Ruiz '79
Barbara Jones Ryan '59 ♥
Melanie Salabert '55 ♥
Nancy Beltran Salcido '73
Dolores Roybal Saltarelli '92
Diane Morgan Salzman '79
Amanda Saracho '07
Therese Sawaya '65 ♥♥
Susan Seager
Nancy Carlucci Selko ‘80
Hilda Salazar Sellers '71 ♥♥♥
Margaret Foran Senneff '72 ♥♥
Linda Brueggemann
Seymour '63
Michael Seymour &
Rebecca Seymour ♥
Deborah Shannon
Linda Shpegel '90
Diana Sievers '96 ♥
Paul & Anna Sievers
Josette Siquieros Sanchez
Patricia Lepe Smith '79 ♥
Mary Jean Armstrong
Smith '59 ♥
Isaiah Smith
Mary Burnham Snaer '53
Dianna Venti Spagnola '79
Christopher & Antoinette Spohn
St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care
Debra Denton Stephan '72 ♥♥♥
Elizabeth Straz
Carolyn Swanson Sutton '79
Arlene Svilich
Kristin Tappan '07
Cynthia Tate '72
Aniko Fekete Tegtmeier
Ralene Cavataio Teixeira '79
Susan Guerrero Terrazas '76
Kathleen Arroyo Tfaily '00
Susanna Clark Tolstead '91
Mary Ann Rando Tretter '70
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Vicente & Lupe Valencia ♥
Theresa M. Valencia '06
Manuel & Margaret Valenzuela
Suzanne Kolda
Van Dyke '54 ♥♥♥
Vivian Vasquez '99
Lizbeth Velasco '86
Anthony Venti, Jr.
Michelle Perez Vermilye '79 ♥
JoAnn Vega Vorndran '78 ♥
Eva Adam Wahlroos '54
Rosa Sanchez Werden '87
Margaret Mooney
Whalen '40 ♥♥♥
Jo Ann Schnieders Wilber '60 ♥♥♥
Maria Cristina Pena Williams '86
Nancy Wilson ♥♥♥
Lisa Williams Wise '79
Linda Wolffe
Anne Piacentini Yee '68
John Yonai
Virginia Young
Jessica Sanchez Zwaal '88 ♥
The recognizes donors whose cumulative giving is at $100,000 and above and their names are recognized in perpetuity on the Donor Wall of Honor.
Therese Verdugo Bentley '75
Bill Hannon Foundation
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
Constance Long Abeel '30
Thelma Baker 1920
Franklin & Phyllis Halladay
Joan Payden
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
The Ahmanson Foundation
Bebette Gualano Coleman '48
Happ Foundation
Dennis & Rose Harley
Dr. Beverly Morgan
The Rose Hills Foundation
Weingart Foundation
Stephani Tynan Armstrong '72
Maureen Bateman '51
Anne Cole '44
Mary Ann Divizia '61
Yvonne Risley Edwards '30
The Green Foundation
Helen Lackey Kerr '50
Madeleine Cazian Marco '80
Payden & Rygel
Ralph & Kathleen Platz
Howard Platz
T Mobile USA, INC
William H. Hannon Foundation
Margaret Mooney Whalen '40
Mary Ann McLoughlin
McGill '47
Bebette Gualano Coleman '48
Caroline Peffer Johann '48
Cecilia Robinson Matthews '48
Corinne Carroll '49
Jo Ann Casalicchio Little '49
Anita Kuerbis Parker '49
Barbara Kalthoff Raymond '49
Joyce Burke-Estel '50
Mary Scoleri Carter '50
Helen Lackey Kerr '50
Maureen Bateman '51
Elizabeth Driscoll Kramer '51
Jeanette Moynier '51
Mary Ann Malneritch Muhs '51
Jeanne Beckwith Roach '51
Sister Miriam Mark
Eddy, SNJM '52
Frances Erpelding La Casse '52
Mary Park Enos '53
Marie Feeney '53
Vivian Spallina Lauricella '53
Mary Burnham Snaer '53
Mary Ferry Jebb '54
Kathleen Nally Johnson '54
Annette Trudeau Legallet '54
Carol Seidler Turner '54
Suzanne Kolda Van Dyke '54
Eva Adam Wahlroos '54
Eugenia Andrews Amodei '55
Sister Lois MacGillivray, SNJM '55
Melanie Salabert '55
Mary Ann Seidler Felton '56
Marian Sweeny Beresford '57
Patricia Shea Cummings '57
Helene Cianciola Erickson '57
Marianne Humm Miller '57
Maria de Jesus Garcia
Reynoso '57
Barbara Anable Hedrick '58
Georgina Becerra Gregorio '58
Barbara Jones Ryan '59
Mary Jean Armstrong Smith '59
Betsy Houston Collins '60
Sylvia Sarracino Evans '60
Alicia Graham Jones '60
Mary Ann Doll Long '60
Danette Hoffman Magilligan '60
Joanna Murphy '60
Patricia Quealy Schneck '60
Jo Ann Schnieders Wilber '60
Judith Humm Dickinson '61
Mary Ann Divizia '61
Tina Raulli Fogliani '61
Margaret O'Neil Hamann '61
Mary Sally Preter Harrigan '61
Kathryn Leppek McKown '61
Loretta Bowler Smith '61
Ann Salvaty Ward '61
Theresa Foster '62
Patricia Johnston Hoover '62
Sally McEachen '62
Ann Conway Rasich '62
Frances Pahl Alling '63
Cecile Russell Archibald '63
Beverly Jones Gallardo '63
Carol Naylon Garris '63
Mary Graham Harrison '63
Gail Kubias Root '63
Joan Saumur '63
Linda Brueggemann
Seymour '63
Mary McManus '64
Mary Anne Spiller Barnheiser '65
Annette Harper Krause '65
Kathleen Kosiorowski Lovell '65
Therese Sawaya '65
Jeri Lynn Stark Duerr '66
Patricia Foster '66
Christina Kalen KelleyTeschendorf '66
Toni Tynan Kincaid '66
Rosemarie Delahaye Klems '66
Adina Roe Roberts '66
Christine Falabrino Sofranko '66
Susan DeLaTorre Bowman Klarner '67
Dorette Clark-Gillispie '67
Susan Schiffhauer De Pietro '67
Margaret Tobin Fullinwider '67
Mary Ann Willenborg Gruber '67
Elene Kallimanis '67
Jane Salvaty Kuhnmuench '67
Kathleen Kojima Cross '68
Dr. Pamela Hetherington '68
Michele Waldeck McGowan '68
Joan Svec Riboli '68
Anne Piacentini Yee '68
Mary Ann Britt Brooks '69
Marilyn Flynn Garibaldi '69
Jeanne Alcorn Houston '69
Deborah Taylor Lilly '69
Alin Hernandez Wall '69
Maureen Bateman ‘51 and Sr. Miriam Mark Eddy, SNJM ‘52 point to their class banners at Homecoming 2020.
Cynthia Tate '72
Dr. Janette Torassa Brown '70
Kathleen Stanton Buchanan '70
Theresa Cardinali '70
Mary Jackson '70
Theresa Villarreal Kleist '70
Jo An Merino '70
Susan DeSalvatore Noyes '70
Honorable Patricia Schnegg
Oppenheim '70
Linda Greenfield Romero '70
Mary Ann Rando Tretter '70
Barbara Castillo '71
Patricia Brugger Gayda '71
Mary Graham Morgan '71
Terese Scanlon Oliver '71
Hilda Salazar Sellers '71
Stephani Tynan Armstrong '72
Suzanne Britt '72
Catherine Guerrero Diaz '72
Julie Huntley '72
Diane Denton Malcoun '72
Mary Ann Lemire Mattos '72
Loretta Parral '72
Margaret Foran Senneff '72
Debra Denton Stephan '72
Mary Tobin-Kelly '72
Libby Montoya Bunkley '73
Mary Suzanne Irwin Davis '73
Elizabeth Parker Gex '73
Nancy Beltran Salcido '73
Gilda Aviles '74
Karen Elkins Baldwin '74
Marla Provencio Reingold '74
Maureen Campbell Sahyouni '74
Therese Verdugo Bentley '75
Janice Burrill '75
Elizabeth Ortega Gingrich '75
Rosemary Lopez Karlin '75
Mary Cassidy Keith '75
Phyllis A. Mace '75
Susan Siu Nimmo '75
Roanne Ross '75
Debra Cavazos Allsopp '76
Christina Alvarado Bahr '76
Dolores Salazar Cruz '76
Patricia Hurtado '76
Elisabeth Fernandez Quient '76
Linda Reilly Swick '76
Susan Guerrero Terrazas '76
Anita Sanchez Yamasaki '76
Ramona’s Recurring Gift Program
Recurring giving is an easy, automatic way to support Ramona. It is convenient, customizable, and helps ensure a steady source of funding for Ramona. As a member of the GEM Society, you choose where YOU would like your money to go. Giving on a monthly basis allows you to give at a level that is comfortable for you and still make a significant gift to Ramona. For more information or to sign up, please contact Kelsey Davidson ‘02 at kdavidson@ramonaconvent.org or (626) 282-4151 ext. 130
Marianne Nuccio Batchelor '77
Irma Castro-Haro '77
Gina Christian '77
Anna Ortiz Colon '77
Victoria Still Dominguez '77
Maria Luna Garcia '77
Nancy Nakashima Limm '77
Rachel Rivas Medlen '77
Leslie Miyahata '77
Michele Carter Ransick '77
Jennifer Siu '77
Colleen Stanton '77
Mary Marketto Carroll '78
Theresa D'Andria '78
Cynthia Amador Diaz '78
Jeanine Coronado Eckenweiler '78
Patricia Verdugo Johnson '78
Cynthia Martinez McLaughlin '78
JoAnn Vega Vorndran '78
Grace Nakashima Acosta '79
Rozanne Adanto '79
Barbara Brown '79
Dr. Katherine Carias '79
Maria McMahon Eberts '79
Eileen Reed Enriquez '79
Anna Pulido Ferrera '79
Kathy McKernan Fitzgerald '79
Kathryn Gallego Galvan '79
Kathleen Moran Henley '79
Mechelle Magante '79
Blanca Esquivel Munoz '79
Sharlene Hagan Murtagh '79
Lucy Totten Paliwoda '79
Maria Smith Pimentel '79
Monica Branda Powell '79
Veronica Puente-Smith '79
Patricia Zbylut Ramirez '79
Nancy Moreno Ruiz '79
Diane Morgan Salzman '79
Jean Schlinger '79
Patricia Lepe Smith '79
Dianna Venti Spagnola '79
Carolyn Swanson Sutton '79
Ralene Cavataio Teixeira '79
Michelle Perez Vermilye '79
Lisa Williams Wise '79
Stacee Beauchamp '80
Mary Rose Colonna Caras '80
Theresa Distaso '80
Helmi Hisserich '80
Juliette Hsi '80
Madeleine Cazian Marco '80
Teresa Throenle-Somaini '80
Dr. Patricia Valdez-Rippy '80
Catherine Adanto '81
Laura Whitener Borda '81
Adriana Martinez De Leon '81
Kristine Karnos '81
Kathleen Odou Kivorkian '81
Carolyn Mendez-Luck '81
Teresa Gonzales-Velez '82
Lisa Boore Lambert '82
Luz Fernandez '83
Roseanna Garcia '83
Donna Perez Lough '83
Laura Meade Mayer '83
Guadalupe Perez '83
Renata Kazimierski Perzyna '83
Barbara DeLury '84
Naomi Gonzales '85
Susan Ingersoll '85
Sylvia Moreno '85
Dr. Cathryn Shaw-Reid '85
Josephine Aversa-Valadez '86
Barbra Lopez '86
Lizbeth Velasco '86
Maria Cristina Pena Williams '86
Jennifer Boore Bahou '87
Ingrid De Llamas '87
Richelle Rios '87
Wendy Law-Rudge '87
Claudia Lujan '87
Diana Macalintal '87
Jessica Sanchez Zwaal '88
Ida Torres '89
Elizabeth M. Ramirez Echeverri '90
Monalisa Gonzalez '90
Noemi Navarro Moore '90
Yvonne E. Moreno-Chau '90
Linda Shpegel '90
Raquel Rosales Ayala '91
Diana Altamar Brown '91
Joanna G. Clark '91
Elizabeth Mangahas Ranger '91
Susanna Clark Tolstead '91
Yolanda Correa '92
Elizabeth Salinas '92
Dolores Roybal Saltarelli '92
Dr. Jereen Bautista Santiago '92
Jennifer Merino Anaya '93
Trina Tinoco Yunker '93
Patricia Contreras-McJunkin '94
Kim Chanbonpin '95
Nicole Ford '95
Diana Sievers '96
Linda Marin '97
Sharon Claros '99
Veronica Hueda De La Santo '99
Michelle C. Del Rio '99
Christina Pena Finlay '99
Vivian Vasquez '99
Jessica Monge Coria '00
Veronica Bacio Fernandez '00
Suvi Flagan Geary '00
Stephanie C. Mercado '00
Kathleen Arroyo Tfaily '00
Elizabeth Valenzuela '00
Jacqueline Griego Chavez '01
Kelsey Davidson '02
Alessandra Del Rio '02
Taru Flagan '02
Jacqueline Ortiz Jurado '03
Aimee Contreras Ramirez '03
Laura Herrera '05
Marie Yeseta '05
Nicole Lozano '06
Theresa M. Valencia '06
Carmen Marin Burky '07
Joanna Barnheiser O'Neill '07
Amanda Saracho '07
Kristin Tappan '07
Mary Bartolini '08
Stephanie Bobadilla '08
Raissa Marie Pontejon '08
Britney Rojas '08
Carina Gonzalez '09
Tiffany A. Horiguchi '09
Amber Beltran '10
Amanda Argueta '11
Carina Barbosa '13
Our largest fundraiser was held online this year and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous sponsors and donors!
Nicole Abriel
Rozanne Adanto '79
Genaro & Cassandra Alarcon
Elizabeth Alarcon
Alhambra Rotary Charities Foundation
Almansor Court Restaurant
Jonathan & Natalie Amper
The Aquarium of the Pacific
Miguel Araujo & Daniele Johnson
Jasmin Arroyo
Adriana Avelar
Josephine Aversa-Valadez '86 & David Valadez
Mary Anne Spiller Barnheiser '65
Maureen Bateman '51
Alicia Belmonte
Therese Verdugo Bentley '75 & Barry Bentley
Joseph & Victoria Biolsi
Juan Birrueta & Maria Reyes
Veronica Boone
Bo & Catarina Botts
Mary Ann Britt Brooks '69
Kathleen Stanton Buchanan '70
Janice Burrill '75
Steven & Sharon Callaway
Jose & Eva Campos
Andres & Eva Cano
Javier & Luz Cano
Nancy Carlucci Selko ‘80
Alwyn & Heide Castillo
Edgar & Jacqueline Chavez
Theodore & Rose Christansen
Gina Christian '77
CKW School Uniforms
Sharon Claros '99
Timothy J. Coffey
Robert & Jennifer Concepcion
Concordia Massage & Bodywork
Yolanda Correa '92
Ha Dang & Hung Nguyen
Kelsey Davidson '02
Sally Davidson
Yulanda Davis-Quarrie
Michelle C. Del Rio '99
Joseph & Lisa Di Stefano
Arvin Dominguez & Maria
Andrade-Dominguez
Victoria Still Dominguez '77 & Arthur Dominguez
Deborah Drury
Angel & Luz Ductoc
Elizabeth Ramirez Echeverri '90 & Thomas Echeverri
Bianca Espinoza
Martin & Cynthia Farfan
Marie Feeney '53
Mary Ann Seidler Felton '56
Analu Fernandini
Carlos & Christina Fletes
David & Caroline Flores
George & Lorena Flores
Laura Flores
Tina Raulli Fogliani '61
Christopher & Denise Foster
Rodolfo & Marisa Galan
Juan Galindo & Nicole Serrano
Uriel & Rebecca Gamboa
Margaret Garstang '70
Kathleen & Michael Garvey
Nelson Garzon Leon & Ofelia
Rubio
Hector & Ana Gochi
Alain & Mailene Goeppert
Walter & Nadia Gomez
Noe & Patricia Gomez
Jose & Sylvia Gomez
Yvette Gonzales
Jimmie Gonzales & Vanessa
Palomarez
Monalisa Gonzales '90
Arturo & Michelle Gonzalez
Javier & Dayanna Gonzalez
Miguel Gonzalez & Josie Ojeda
Moises & Patricia Govea
Martha Granados
Green Street Restaurant
Francisco & Jolene Guerrero
Caroline Gutierrez
Nicolas & Lilian Gutierrez
Sergio & Rosa Guzman
Alec He & Bonnie Chan
Jose Hernandez & Lorena
Bencomo
Alexandro & Tamara Herrera
Peter & Nancy Herrera
Richard Householder
Yi Huang & Wencheng Fan
Julie Huntley ‘72
David Hurlic & Angela M. Young
Raul & Linda Ibarra
The Ice House
Mitchell Ing
Sherman Jackson & Heather Laird-Jackson
Patricia Verdugo Johnson '78
Jones Coffee Roasters
Jacqueline Ortiz Jurado '03
Timothy & Ana Kervahn
Kevin & Marina Knapp
Richard & Lucina Koes
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Frank Lam & Samantha Huynh
Richard & Catherine Lamas
Saul & Lourdes Lara
Sister Daleen Larkin, SNJM
Kenny & Jenny Lee
Guadalupe Leyva
Deborah Taylor Lilly '69
Manuel Longoria & Doris
Gazard-Longoria
Veronica Lopez
Barbara Lopez
Olga Louviere
Adela Madrid
Roger Madrigal & Evangelina Torres
Mechelle Magante '79
Vincent & Alicia Maldonado
Jesus & Stephanie Maldonado
Jesus & Christina Maldonado
Mary E. Mansell
Thai Mao & Tiffany Luu
Leona Martinez
Alfred & Mayra Martinez
Cecilia Robinson Matthews '48
Jane McFarren
Karen Medina
Jesus & Maria Medina
Raymond & Maria Medrano
Enrique & Yolanda Melendez
David & Valorie Melendrez
Salvador & Yolanda Mendez
Dana Meng
Armando Mercado & Sandra Loarca
Mijares Restaurant
Gabriel & Crystal Miranda
Mission Car Wash
Thomas & Stephanie Mix
Leslie Miyahata '77
Eugenia Solis Montoya '88 & Armando Montoya
Gabriel Moreno & Karla Arceo
Martin & Leonor Mullis
Daniel & Melissa Munoz
Muse/Ique
Museum of Tolerance
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Jaime & Maria Navar
Paul Nickles & Carmen Romero-Nickles
Norma Nunez
Luis Ocon & Ana Escobedo
Matthew Om
Jose Ortiz
Mario & Nancy Pace
Kay M. Paietta
Pasadena Playhouse
In addition to cash gifts, many generous individuals and businesses contributed goods or “in-kind gifts” to Ramona throughout the year. Many in-kind gifts are given in support of La FÍte, our annual auction dinner-dance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have made in-kind gifts and services to Ramona during the 2019-2020 school year.
Ramona Convent of the Holy Names was dedicated on January 29, 1890. To celebrate our 130 anniversary, the students, faculty, and staff each received a commemorative pin.
Pasadena Ice Skating Center
Payden & Rygel
Guadalupe Perez '83
Robert Phillips
Pie 'N Burger
Ralph & Kathleen Platz
Angel & Aracely Potrero
Veronica Puente-Smith '79
Nadia Pulido
Juliana Quintana
Catherine Ralston '68
Rafael Ramirez & Susana Bonis
Nancy Ramirez-Ortiz
Roderico Ramon & Rosa Gallegos
Enrique & Angelica Rea
Noel & Grace Reyes
Luis & Isabel Rios
Richelle Rios'87
Gabriela Rivera
Roclord Studio
Martin Rodriguez
Johanna Rodriguez
Cynthia Rodriguez
David & Susana Rojas
Bruce & Alice Rosado
Gilbert & Gena Ruedaflores
Rosemary Ruiz-Flores
Paul Ruotolo
Gerardo & Elizabeth Sahagun
Elizabeth Salinas '92 & Marcelo
Mariani
Elsa Salinas
Conrad & Lourdes Sanchez
Hugo Sanchez & Suong Nguyen
Alfredo & Sandra Sanchez
Santa Anita Park/Los Angeles Turf Club
Jereen S. Bautista Santiago '92 & Eric Santiago
Olga Sarabia
Michael Seymour & Rebecca Seymour
Sisters of the Holy Names of
Jesus and Mary
Jennifer Siu '77
Slater Builders Inc.
Mark & Vicki Smith
Carlos & Patricia Sosa
Marvin & Ana Sosa
Honorable Philip L. Soto & Christina Soto
Christopher & Antoinette Spohn
Linda Reilly Swick '76
Thevin Tan & Farlida Raksanoh
Dante & Pilar Terramani
Anh Thai & Lucy Thai Pham
Mary Tobin-Kelly '72
Rodolfo H. Osorio & Lydia C. Torres
Jesus Torres & Lucila Escobedo
Ida Torres '89
Mary Ann Rando Tretter '70
Douglas & Jill Trujillo
Luis Sanchez & Rosaelvia
Urcid-Sanchez
Elizabeth Valenzuela '00
Suzanne Kolda Van Dyke '54
Ericka Vayas
Micky & Jacqueline Viramontes
As at most Catholic Schools, the tuition at Ramona is less than the actual cost to educate our students. Through donations from alumnae, past parents and other friends of the school, we are able to keep our tuition as reasonable as possible to continue our commitment to making a Ramona education accessible to those families who share our vision and values. This generosity means every Ramona family receives a form of tuition assistance, even those who pay full tuition.
In the 2019-2020 school year, tuition covered only 80% of the actual cost of educating our students. Our parent’s participation in the annual Parent Pledge program and other school fundraising activities is required to help us offset the difference. 100% parent participation each year helps enable us to obtain additional funding from foundations.
We would like to thank our parents who, through their support of the Parent Pledge, help further our mission of providing a quality education to our young women.
Ramiro & Monica Virgen
Janet Walldez
Michael Wang
William H. Hannon Foundation
Paul Wissmann & Jeanette Cornejo
Gordon Woo & Binh Quang
Moises & Claudia Zepeda
Amgen Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Apple, Inc.
Automatic Data Processing
Edison International
JP Morgan Chase
Sempra Energy
Western Asset Management
ADMINISTRATION
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
Mary E. Mansell Principal
Halina Szymanski
Assoc. Principal for Curriculum & Faculty Development
Elena Margallo
Business Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Yulanda Davis-Quarrie, CFRE Director of Institutional Advancement
Julie Huntley ‘72
Director of Alumnae Relations
Kelsey Davidson ‘02
Special Event/Parent Pledge Coordinator
Members of the help to ensure that young women will continue to benefit from the quality Catholic education offered at Ramona by leaving a planned or deferred gift to the school.
Constance Long Abeel '30
Margaret Aglion
Barbara Alcala '65
Alexis Ruiz Alessi '72
Domenica Ashton
Catherine LaCourreye Blecki '57
Eileen Ryan Boller '52
Janice Burrill '75
Ruth Brady Burson '42
Mary Rose Colonna Caras '80
Anne Cole '44
Deborah Conners
Ingrid De Llamas '87
Cynthia Amador Diaz '78
Yvonne Risley Edwards '30
Elizabeth Rotunni Evans '44
Peggy Fitzgerald '52
Franklin & Phyllis Halladay
Christie Powell Green '59
Mildred Guindon Harrigan '38
Dr. Elinor Ives
REVENUE
$3,420,179
Sharon Kelsch '64
Jane Salvaty Kuhnmuench '67
Mary Pansini La Haye '39
Suzanne Pardieck Mende '47
Mary Bright Montrief '66
Dr. Beverly Morgan
Pamela Tanner Mustain '59
Marion Gadeschi Nuccio '43
Barbara Fallon Paine '57
Christy Paulin '74
Patricia Davies Peabody '40
Carole Platz
Margaret Chrisney Rossano '41
Joan Rybicki Steen '64
Helen Sweeney
Stephanie Uyeda '72
Esther Andary Waldeck '43
Alin Hernandez Wall '69
Helen Walsh '31
Patricia McDowell Wing '61 Deceased
(each category includes salaries/benefits)
Memorial gifts in the name of a loved one are a meaningful way to pay tribute to a deceased family member or friend or to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary, birth, graduation, or retirement. All departed members of our extended Ramona family are remembered In our prayers.
Suzanne Britt '72
Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM
Judith Humm Dickinson '61
Janice Burrill '75
Michael Engh
Stephen Engh
Katherine Lasch
Jennifer Boore Bahou '87
Judith Humm Dickinson '61
Lisa Boore Lambert '82
Joyce Burke-Estel '50
Diane Denton Malcoun '72
Dorothy Bonnel
Sheila Callaghan
Billie Greer
Doug Koesel
John & Susan Harrigan
Mary Sally Preter Harrigan '61
Patricia Johnston Hoover '62
Elizabeth Mangahas Ranger '91
Eugenia Andrews Amodei '55
Linnie Batchelor
Marianne Nuccio Batchelor '77
Carol Kazanjian
Julie McCormick
Robert Nuccio
Stephen Nuccio
Stephanie Paggi
Rene Quenell
Deborah Drury
Veronica Bacio Fernandez '00
Elizabeth Parker Gex '73
Linda Giller
Anita Kuerbis Parker '49
Dianna Venti Spagnola '79
Susanna Clark Tolstead '91
Bonnie C. Bilitch Becerra
Mary Rose Colonna Caras '80
Monica Gallegos
Richard & Catherine Lamas
Diana Macalintal '87
Ralph & Kathleen Platz
Arlene Svilich
David Aramaki
Gina Christian '77
Susan Schiffhauer De Pietro '67
Cecile Russell Archibald '63
Bruce Barnheiser
Mary Suzanne Irwin Davis '73
Sister Miriam Mark Eddy, SNJM '52
Cecilia Estrada
Tina Raulli Fogliani '61
Dennis & Rose Harley
Mary Ann Doll Long '60
Joanna Barnheiser O'Neill '07
Hon. Patricia Schnegg Oppenheim '70
Joan Saumur '63
John & Marianne Spiller
Carol Stearns
Holly Castelli
Ron Mito
To all our donors who generously contributed to Ramona Convent Secondary School between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Every effort has bee made to ensure the accuracy of this list, but in the event of an error or omission, we extend our apology and encourage you to contact the Advancement Department at (626) 282-4151 so that the proper recognition may be assured in the future. Thank you.
Alumnae Town Hall Meetings
Are Off to a Good Start
WE WERE VERY happy with the turnout for the first in a quarterly series of Town Hall meetings with our alumnae! Held on the evenings of August 20 and 26, we had groups of about twenty-four participants who represented six decades of Ramona graduates.
All participants introduced themselves and then Sister Kathleen brought everyone up-to-date with the latest Ramona news including the challenges of beginning the school year without our students physically on campus. Yulanda Davis-Quarrie, Director of Institutional Advancement, shared the results of our new Strawberry Day of Giving, Alumnae Director, Julie Huntley ‘72, shared plans for virtual engagement and outreach and asked the participants to share their ideas. Special Events Coordinator, Kelsey Davidson ’02, related her experience with making a quick pivot from a traditional auction to an online format with La FÍte, our largest fundraiser (which, by the way, was very successful.)
We will host another two meetings in December. Our special guest will be Ramona’s new principal, Jacqueline QuiÒones Sienkowski. See you at the next meeting!
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 - 6:30 p.m.
Class reunions are as diverse as the classes themselves! Many classes celebrate at a private home or local restaurant the weekend of Ramona's annual Alumnae Weekend celebration which is held the first weekend in March. Recently, many classes have been holding mini-reunions. Whatever your class chooses to do, it's a good way to reconnect with old friends!
If you need to stick to a budget or just want to take a walk down memory lane, consider having your reunion here at Ramona. The Holy Family Room, Junior Living Room, or Pavilion/Fountain area can accommodate different size groups and you will not have the time constraints or expense that renting a banquet room does. Some classes have celebrated by having a family picnic in Rose Heath.
In today’s busy world, it’s difficult to find the time to organize a reunion. We recommend using the Homecoming Mass and Luncheon as your reunion celebration day. Individual classes are seated together so you can just sit back and enjoy each other’s company! Organizing your reunion is the responsibility of the class itself. The Alumnae Office provides information, answers questions, makes catering recommendations, and happily connects you with other alumnae who have recently organized their own reunions.
This is how we can help your reunion be a successful one:
Provide the class list for your invitation outreach.
Advertise the date in Ramona Magazine, the alumnae e-newsletter, and on our website.
If you are having your reunion here on campus, we will do the room set-up and arrange for access to the campus.
For more information, please contact:
Julie C. Huntley '72 Director of Alumnae Engagement (626) 282-4151 ext. 135 jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org
Upcoming Alumnae Activities
While many of our annual alumnae events will not occur, we are happy to offer a variety of ways to stay in touch virtually. While it is impossible to predict when we will be safely able to gather, we will switch our virtual events to in-person events only if appropriate and safe for all.
Friday, October 16, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m.
Crafts, Cocktails, and Costumes, A Halloween–themed meet up via Zoom where alumnae can show off their craftiness (costumes and cocktails are not required).
Sunday, November 15, 2020 @ 2:00 p.m.
Virtual Prayer Service in remembrance of our deceased loved ones
Early December 2020
Holiday-themed Cooking Activity
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 @ 5:00 p.m. & Wednesday, December 9, 2020 @ 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting - Meet our new principal!
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Homecoming 2021 - a virtual gathering honoring the classes whose graduation years end in 1 or 6.
March 2021
La FÍte Online Auction - Our largest fundraiser of the year!
We will add more virtual events for 2021 but we promise not to overdo it. We are all becoming Zoom weary!
Events will be marketed through email, Facebook and Instagram.
Questions or ideas? Please contact Julie Huntley ‘72, Director of Alumnae Engagement 626-282-4151 ext. 135
The Alumnae vs. Student games will not occur this year. However, we would like to invite our alumnae to come and cheer our soccer and softball teams on to victory. There is a possibility that spectators will be allowed to attend home games. The two teams will be sharing a season and playing weekend games.
After graduating from Ramona in 1999, Jennifer Redondo-Marquez attended UC Berkeley for her undergraduate degree and UCLA for her MBA. Since 2013, Jennifer has served on the Board of Directors for the Mommy and Me Cancer Foundation. She also serves as a mentor for college students at Howard University, the UCLA Riordan College to Career Program, and the Filipino Americans in Silicon Valley Tech. She recently published her first book, “In Her Purpose” and launched an organization by the same name.
Tell us about your professional life prior to writing In Her Purpose.
Upon graduating from the University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears!), I started my corporate career at Accenture’s Management Consulting and Integrative Systems practice where I worked with clients such as Aetna, Chevron, and Gap Inc. to name a few. Like most consultants, I planned to further my education and obtain my MBA. However, in the process Apple invited me to interview. That’s how I made my way into Silicon Valley’s tech industry, where I’ve spent over a decade working in Operations/Supply Chain and R&D/Hardware Engineering.
Looking at my chosen career path, it is evident that I have a passion for solving complex problems, bridging the gap between strategy and execution, and turning ideas into action and results. My personal experiences and curiosity are what propelled me to start In Her Purpose, which is focused on supporting and empowering women and the future generation.
Where did the idea for the book come from? How did you bring it to fruition?
The book idea stemmed from my search for a mentor. I have been in the corporate world for over 15 years, over a decade of that spent in Silicon Valley. I often found myself to be the only woman or person of color in the room. As I matured in my career, I was searching for someone that looked like me, someone I could relate to. That’s when I turned to Rose Buado, my older cousin, who was working as a Vice President at an advertising agency. At the time, she was also managing the a-capella group, The Filharmonic. Touring with the band gave her the opportunity to meet women in high positions of influence, who happen to look like us. That’s how she introduced me to Sheila Marcelo, the founder and former CEO of Care.com.
After meeting these women, Rose wanted to learn even more about them. She turned to Google and found nothing on them. When she started to search broad keywords like “successful Asian women” all she could find was a book on “How to Date or Marry an Asian Woman”. That’s when Rose reached out to me about wanting to fix this problem by writing a book on successful Asian women. From there, we partnered up and took immediate action.
Neither of us had ever written a book so we had to do a lot of research mixed with trial and error. I spent a good part of my career in program management so I am well-versed in creating tasks, planning schedules, and making sure that they’re executed in a timely manner. After 18 months, we introduced In Her Purpose to the world. I am happy to report that we were able to achieve #1 Best Seller and New Release during our Amazon launch.
In Her Purpose addresses common concerns and potential obstacles for many, how are you able to assist your readers?
In Her Purpose (IHP) was born out of our curiosity and yearning to find successful women other Asians who looked like us. IHP started out as a book, to inspire others to live in their purpose. But…. it has become so much more than that. It’s our foundation. We are lifting the content off the pages for real-life applications. It’s ideal, not just an idea.
The mission of IHP is to provide a space for individuals to share their stories, inspire, collaborate, connect, and innovate. We offer career guidance and professional growth programs to help people reimagine how they look at their career, business, and life purpose. Even though we wrote a book about Asian women, we are open to all! We work with clients of all races and genders. Both women and men have reached out to us for help and have told us they’ve received a ton of takeaways from our book.
We are not just a book, we are also a community! Please follow and join us at www.inherpurpose.com -- you will find women supporting and cheering you on in whatever it is that you want to accomplish!
What did the "Ramona experience" teach/give you that has influenced your life?
I always remember the Blue Ribbon sign on the gym, which I saw every day from the freeway and school entrance. The word “excellence” was definitely engrained into my brain! I learned how to survive and thrive in a competitive environment, which served me well at Berkeley and the corporate world. Being in an all-girls’ environment, there are little to no distractions. I felt comfortable, confident, and able to speak my mind without worrying about what others thought or what I looked like.
Ramona empowered me to be a feminist because I truly believed that I could do anything. Never did it cross my mind that I couldn’t do something because of my gender. Ramona introduced me to how strong and amazing girls and women are! All of them pushed me to be better -- taking honors and AP classes, holding leadership positions in different organizations, and participating in extra curricular activities on top of the heavy workload. No matter what, I always strived for excellence.
Ramona is a place of sisterhood. Ramona introduced me to one of my best friends, Christine Liu, who also graduated from Ramona and UC Berkeley! She is definitely a sister/friend I will have for life.
What insights would you share with our current students?
We live in a time where we are constantly connected and easily distracted. It is important to take the time to “Be Still” which is the title of my chapter in my book, In Her Purpose. We need to take a moment to pause from the daily grind and learn to let go of what we cannot control. Believe and trust that God has a plan and that everything will fall into place in His perfect timing.
I also believe in trying anything and everything because it allows you to learn what you like, don’t like, what you’re good at, and not so good at. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the more you learn. So I always encourage people to fail fast and often! The only way you will find out is by trying and showing up.
If there’s anything we have learned from 2020, it’s that life brings surprises! Don’t be afraid of failing; trust your gut and enjoy the magic of new beginnings. Remember to shift your perspective and turn hard times into opportunities. Focus on solutions, always be grateful, and every once in a while, take a moment to be still. You’d be surprised by what you discover when you take a moment for yourself.
“Let your failures help you find your purpose.”
~Jennifer Redondo-Marquez
Remembering With Gratitude and Love
Those Who Have Gone Before Us
As a way to commemorate November as the Month of Remembrance, you are invited to join us on Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. for a virtual prayer service honoring our deceased alumnae, family members, faculty, and extended Ramona community. We will provide details as they become available.
1951
Elizabeth Driscoll Kramer ‘51 and her husband Bill are living in a retirement community in Mission Viejo. They have three sons and nine grandchildren. They are gardeners, walkers, and birders and are thankful for their many blessings.
ALUMNAE UPDATES
1984
Belen Vargas ‘84 has joined Cal State University Los Angeles as Associate Vice President for Operations and Chief Mission Officer.
1991
2007
1978
JoAnn Vega Vorndran ‘78 shared that after a 37+ year career as a Registered Nurse, she has hung up her scrubs and joined retirement life.
1982
Elizabeth Colonna Noriega ‘82 and her husband, James, celebrated 30 years of marriage on October 7, 2019. On March 22, 2020, their daughter Christina blessed them with the birth of their first grandchild, Daniel.
Michelle 'Toni' Trejo '91 received her Doctorate in Education - Community College Leadership from San Diego State University.
1993
Cristina Gabaldon Gudiel ‘93 received a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She was a member of the Sigma Beta Delta Honors Society with a 3.87 GPA
2006
Joanna Barnheiser O’Neill ‘07 was named Teacher of the Year for the Banning Unified School District. Joanna has taught High School English and Independent Studies for the past ten years. During that time, she has served as ASB Director and union representative and developed innovative curricula, teaching practices, and assessments.
Brenda Molgora ‘07 will receive a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from UCLA in December 2020.
2008
Lisa Tran ’08 graduated with a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University in 2017 and in May 2020 received her Doctor of Nursing Practice with the HIV specialty.
received a M.A. in
2009
Bianca Falcon ‘09 was awarded Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School and was the recipient of the National Association of Women Lawyers Award given to a graduate who shows academic achievement, determination, and leadership.
Caityln Gumaer ‘09 received a Ph.D. in Positive Development Psychology from Claremont Graduate University.
JoAnn Vega Vondran ‘78
Elizabeth & James Noriega
Cristina Gabaldon Gudiel ‘93
Joanna & Michael O’Neill with student
Bianca Falcon ‘09
ALUMNAE UPDATES
2011
Amanda Argueta ‘11 received a M.A. in Theological Studies with a concentration on Comparative Theology from Loyola Marymount University.
Evita Chavez ‘11 graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Design with a Master’s in Urban Planning. She was awarded second place in the Affordable Housing Development Competition through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.
2013
Sophia Corona ‘13 became a Los Angeles Sheriff Deputy in April 2020.
2014
Sarah Torres ‘14 received her Master’s in Education from Cal Poly Pomona. Sarah has a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
2015
Amanda Delgadillo ‘15 earned a M.S. in Microbiology from Cal State University Northridge.
Erika E. Gomez ‘15 will graduate from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in December with a B.S. in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. She plans to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam in Civil Engineering with the goal of becoming a professional engineer.
Yanjingxin “Alice” Zhang ‘15 graduate student at the University of Albany studying Criminal Justice with a concentration on Crime Causation, Prevention and Intervention. She received her B.A. in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Albany in Fall 2018.
2016
Kaylan Amezcua ‘16 received a B.A. in English with a minor in Art History from Whittier College.
Alissa Barrera ‘16 earned a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona.
Alia Coalwell ‘16 earned a B.S. in Health Sciences with an emphasis on Occupational Therapy and a minor in Psychology from Chapman University.
Maeve Estrada ‘16 graduated from the University of San Francisco with Bachelor’s Degrees in English and Politics.
Carina Farfan ‘16 received a B.A. in Cinema from San Francisco State University.
received a B.S.
Political Science and Spanish from UC San Diego.
Evita Chavez ‘11
Melanie Guardado ‘16
Sophia Corona ‘13
Danielle Gutierrez ‘16
Paulina Montano ‘16 received a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Community Research and Service from UC Merced.
Cecilia Nunez ‘16 received a B.A. in History and Literature with a concentration on Latin America from Harvard University.
Arely Ortiz ‘16 earned a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in English from UC Berkeley.
ALUMNAE UPDATES
Lily Perales ‘16 received a B.A. in Critical Diversity Studies with a minor in History from the University of San Francisco. She is pursuing a Master’s in Secondary Education and Teaching.
Joanna Pineda ‘16 received a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Child Development from Cal State University Los
credential and will pursue her Master’s
List when she graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Accounting. She is pursuing a Master’s in Accounting.
Stella Rugama ‘16 received a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Legal Studies from UC Santa Cruz. She is a J.D. Candidate at UC Davis Law School.
Corinna Sasis ‘16 received a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from UC Riverside.
Katie Selko ‘16 received a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Art History from Chapman University. She will be taking the LSAT in the fall and applying to law schools.
Cecilia Nunez ‘16
Katie Selko ‘16
Paulina Montano ‘16
Stella Rugama ‘16
Karina Rivanis ‘16
Joanna Pineda ‘16
ALUMNAE UPDATES
Jackelyn Tejada ‘16 graduated from Woodbury University and received a CoLA honor cord in the traditional blue and white of Liberal Arts and a citron green cord for her major of Interdisciplinary Studies. Jacky was recognized for her enthusiastic application of classroom lessons to real-life participation through her volunteer work.
Ileana Vasquez ‘16 graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mount St. Mary’s University with a B.S. in Nursing. She is working at Children's Hospital Los
Vanessa Zamalloa ‘16 received a B.A. in Child Development and her teaching credential from Cal State University Los Angeles. She is now teaching Pre-K at a school in La Habra.
SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS WITH US!
Send your graduation, retirement, wedding announcement, baby announcement or other great accomplishments with photos to:
Julie Huntley ’72 Director of Alumnae Engagement jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org
Luisa Virgen ‘16 graduated from California Lutheran University in December 2019 with a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism and a Spanish minor.
I may be a recent grad, but four years away from Ramona showed me how much I truly did take for granted. Teachers, parents, administrators, and peers alike are wholeheartedly present for one another, no matter what the circumstance. This kind of bond is very difÏcult to find in the real world but I am lucky that I am able to use Ramona Convent as a successful model of reference when forming relationships in my life.
~Danielle Gutierrez ‘16
Luisa Virgen ‘16
Jackelyn Tejada ‘16
Vanessa Zamalloa‘16
Ileana Vasquez ‘16
MARRIAGES
Vanessa Villalobos Loken ’03 to Kevin Tinajero
Vanessa’s wedding was originally scheduled to take place in April but was postponed due to COVID. Her church had a window of opportunity on July 10th, so Vanessa reached out to Ramona to see if they could take their wedding photos here. Our usually busy campus was virtually deserted, so we were happy to say yes to Vanessa and her new husband, Kevin!
BIRTHS
Luciano Christi·n, son of Marcial and Jennifer Merino Anaya ‘93
Abraham Christian, son of Raymond and Michelle Fernandez Martinez ‘08
Dylan August, son of Kurt Slanaker and Margaret Ha ‘01
Luciano Christian
Dylan August
A FAMILY-FIRST APPROACH TO CHARITABLE GIVING
Remember Us in Your Will or Living Trust
As our nation continues to keep safe from the COVID pandemic, one thing remains quite evident, American’s are resilient even amidst the loss of some wonderful legacies. This pandemic has reminded us that taking care of our loved ones is an important part of our legacies. So, how have you prepared for your family legacy? In addition to passing assets to loved ones, your will or living trust can also be used to define your legacy through support of Ramona Convent Secondary School. When you remember us through a gift in your estate plans, you join a special group of people who have made some of our most important advances possible.
ADVANTAGES
Simplicity. As little as one sentence in your will or living trust is all that is needed to complete your gift.
Flexibility. Until your will or trust goes into effect, you are free to alter your plans.
Versatility. You can give a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.
HOW A GIFT IN YOUR WILL WORKS
Your estate planning attorney can help you structure a gift so your loved ones will be taken care of first after you’re gone. He or she will include our sample language in a will or living trust you create, or add it to existing documents through an amendment called a codicil. A popular option is to leave a percentage of what is left of your estate after other beneficiaries have received their share so your gift will remain proportionate to the size of your estate, no matter how it fluctuates.
If you have any questions regarding how to include Ramona Convent Secondary School in your will or estate plans, please contact Yulanda David-Quarrie, M.S., CFRE at 626-282-4151 X113 or ydavis-quarrie@ramonaconvent.org. We look forward to being of service.
A Gift in Your Estate Plan Is Right for You If:
You want the opportunity to guide decisions about the future ownership of your possessions and the legacy you leave behind.
You have a will or living trust or are ready to create one.
You want to make sure your support of Ramona Convent Secondary School is still available after your lifetime.
You want to balance your generosity to us with an assurance that loved ones are taken care of first.
You want to maintain the flexibility to change your mind about your gift at any time.
The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.
Diane DeValle Ferson ‘56
Janice Daniels Stromsoe ‘56, sister of Julia Daniels Sheldon 56
Jane Antoci Stang ‘64, mother of Marlene Stang ‘92 and Laura Stang O’Dell ‘97
Arthur O. Armstrong, husband of Stephani Tynan Armstrong ‘72; brother-in-law of Sharon
Tynan Jensen ’58, Kathleen Tynan Metzler ’62, and Toni Tynan Kincaid ’66
Oscan Bugante, father of Nicole Bugante ‘07 and Kristina Bugante ‘12; uncle of Alexis Kaneshiro ‘07
Dennis Doherty, husband of Jacqueline Blix Doherty ‘67; brother-in-law of Tennessee Blix ‘71
Joan Engman, mother of Catherine Engman Veritas ‘76, Christine Engman Spinato ‘79, Jeannie Engman Stewart ‘80 (pp) and Sharon Engman ‘84; grandmother of Michelle Engman ‘06
Tom Hill, brother of Julie Hill Sherbourne ‘77
Donald Kao, father of Karen Kao ‘77
Bertha Lachman, sister of Judith Aguilera ‘77
Antonia Lee, brother-in-law of Arthur Dominguez (Board of Trustees) and Victoria Still Dominguez ‘77; uncle of Marina Dominguez ‘08
Anthony Ludena, father of Angela Ludena DeCuir ‘85 and Suzanne Ludena Hoyos ‘87
Efren Moreno, father of Nancy Moreno Ruiz ‘79
Brian Lee Murphy, brother-in-law of Maggie Averill (faculty)
Michael Owens, husband of Carol Roth Owens ‘54 (RIP)
Armand Robert Parada, father of Judy Parada Gutierrez ‘75 and Joan Parada ‘76
Timothy Price, husband of Diane Carras Price ‘64; brother-in-law of Linda Carras Pittman ‘68, Judith Carras Hansen ‘71, and Catherine Carras Cwiok ‘74
Sister Mary Herbert Raphael, SNJM former faculty
Audrey Robinson, mother of Deborah Robinson ’71
Elaine Sanderl, mother of Lisa Sanderl ‘87 (RIP)
Ruben Terrazas, husband of Susan Guerrero Terrazas ‘76
Sister Jeanenne Weis (Sister Paula Jean), SNJM former faculty
Donald Wheeler, husband of Barbara Dugas Wheeler ‘62, brother-in-law of Carole Dugas Cox ‘54 and Linelle Dugas Melle ‘71
Marie Wood, sister of Sister Marion Patrick Connors, SNJM (RIP) (former faculty); mother of Sister Chris Wood, OP ‘68
Jose Tomas Zuniga, brother-in-law of Cecilia Guandique (staff)
Correction: In the Spring 2020 issue of Ramona Magazine, Adriana Camarena Henry ‘86 was incorrectly listed as deceased. Her husband, Kendall Robert Henry died in November 2019. We apologize for this error.
Alumnae, family, and friends are included in our daily prayers and our Book of Intentions in the Chapel.
Our Annual Christmas Calendar begins December 1st! Look for yours in the mail mid-November or you can go online to purchase your calendar at: bit.ly/Christmas_calendar
