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NDA Empowers Graduates with Confidence and Courage

portrait OF A graduate Notre Dame Academy is devoted to “educating young women to make a difference.”

An NDA graduate is a woman of

faith, who lives Catholic values

and witnesses God’s goodness and provident care;

academic excellence, who thinks critically and communicates effectively;

vision& leadership,

who collaborates, problem solves, and uses technology ethically;

service& compassion, who makes a positive difference in the world.

educating

YOUNG WOMEN

difference

to make a

table of contents

A Student’s Reflection on Service

Summer 2022

Seniors Prepare to Matriculate

Editor: Nancy López Contributors: Giuliana Battaglini ’13, Kristin Callaghan, Samantha Costanzo Carleton ’11, Giselle Lucas ’23, Sayuri Nagai ’23 Photography: Raynelle Duronslet ’98 Graphic Designer: Stacie Martinez Corrections: The Winter 2022 issue incorrectly listed Kelly Cobb’s class year; the correct class year is ’22. Beyond the Academy is published by Notre Dame Academy for alumnae, parents and friends. Class Notes and In Memoriam can be submitted at academy.ndasla.org/alumnae or emailed to gbattaglini@ndala.com.

Notre Dame Academy 2851 Overland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90064 310.839.5289 www.academy.ndasla.org

Welcome

Campus Life

Three Girls School Grads Guide Elementary School

Honor Roll of Generous Donors

Class Notes

Three Alumnae Make a Difference Close to Home

Making a Difference

In Memoriam / Upcoming Events

St. Julie Legacy Society

NDA Empowers Class of ’22

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

welcome Dear Friends, There was a unique electricity in the air this June as we celebrated the graduation of 75 confident and accomplished young women in our iconic ceremony on the steps of beautiful Rosa Mystica Hall. Our graduates felt it, of course, but the excitement was palpable to every proud parent and grandparent, to every dedicated faculty and staff member, and to every guest on our sunny campus. I suggest those sparks reflect more than just those few hours on the lawn; they characterize the vibrancy of our community. This year marked an extraordinary renewal of the growth of our programs, people, and our efforts to prepare young women for lives of purpose. From the symposia launch to the service learning program refresh to the Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit, electric energy propels every aspect of our community. We reinvigorated some traditions in their original forms – freshman roses, senior sweaters – and reimagined others – New Family Welcome, Father/Daughter event – in response to the changing needs of our diverse community. With expanded academic opportunities and fortified traditions, the transformative power of an NDA education continues to grow. As our graduates embark on new adventures at some of the country’s most selective colleges and universities, I have unwavering conviction that they are equipped academically, spiritually, and socially not just to manage, but to thrive. None is more steeped in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame than the young women who attended Notre Dame Academy Elementary. Thanks to their families’ investment in our mission, they exemplify growth mindset and habits of mind – the language we share across both campuses. While each of our 75 graduates has contributed her unique gifts to our community, these girls leave slightly larger holes in our hearts. I am blessed to have witnessed and, in a small way, contributed to their transformation. In Notre Dame,

Lilliam Paetzold ’84 President/Head of School

Notre Dame Academy

faith, service and compassion A Student’s Reflection on Service - Giselle Lucas ’23 Passion, creativity, leadership, faith –– these are some of the fundamental components NDA has built our school community upon. NDA enacts these characteristics through service, one of the most important aspects in student life. We learn effective leadership skills through service, discover our passions and career paths through helping others, hone our creativity through initiating ways to solve community problems, and demonstrate our commitment to our faith by serving those in need. Because of this, NDA’s service learning program empowers young women to act, lead, and serve in the real world and educates students on current social issues by exposing them to the lives of the underprivileged. After four years, I will have worked with my peers in the many service learning projects and strengthened my relationships with others, God, and myself. I am finally confident in my abilities to help others, confident in my skills and intelligence, and confident in my future –– one, paved by NDA, that continues my journey to serve my community. Giselle Hallin ’22: “At Kenneth Hahn Park, I helped plant trees and remove weeds from gardens and hillsides. By assisting park rangers with the preservation of the environment’s ecosystems, I was able to [care] for God’s creation and the dignity of work and the rights of labor…I was also able to connect with nature and take a moment to myself to appreciate God’s creation.” Alexandra Petro ’22: “I spent my time at NDA Elementary volunteering with students and teachers…I worked to support the school community and be there for people who needed extra help. Volunteering with the kids definitely taught me more about patience and understanding. The teachers served as an amazing example of kindness and patience because it got very hectic sometimes, but they remained calm and compassionate.”

Peace and Justice Coalition Unites Students in Service - Sayuri Nagai ’23 More than 75 NDA students participated in the Peace and Justice Coalition this year, a club that connects our girls with boys from Loyola High School for service projects all over Los Angeles. Organized by sophomore theology teacher Therése Portman, members seek to serve others by, for example, making and delivering lunches to Skid Row and assembling hygiene kits for the homeless. Through dialogue and fellowship they have also cultivated new ways to address community needs and inspire others to join their efforts. The club meets twice a week and is open to any NDA or Loyola High School student.

Mary Fogarty ’22: [In my work at Nazareth House for the elderly,] I saw the Catholic Social Teachings of Family and Community and Dignity of the Human Person… I saw a community come together [as we] sought out the common good and rejoiced in being together…Some of the residents shared that the joy they experienced in our presence was something they desperately needed. In terms of the dignity of the human person, being in a residential home can be very hard and isolating. Every person is precious and…has dignity and worth. [Our efforts] provided some happiness…” BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

academic excellence Seniors Prepare to Matriculate to Country’s Most Selective Colleges and Universities In a highly competitive college admissions year, the 75 members of the Class of 2022 have earned acceptances to some of the country’s most selective institutions, thanks in part to our skilled academic and college counseling team. Kathy Morgan and Gary Ho guide and support each of our students from the moment they begin freshman year, through four years of challenge and growth, and ultimately through the college application process. One hundred percent of Regals are admitted to four-year programs and have multiple options from which to choose. (See the complete college acceptance list on page 14.) “Each of our students has a unique identity, with special gifts and interests – STEM, business, law,” said Ms. Morgan. “Their career paths are full of promise because they have taken full advantage of all of the academic and other opportunities afforded them. Their hard work has paid off in the end – they will

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be great additions to some of the top colleges and universities.” Ms. Morgan and Mr. Ho encourage students to dream big and remember that choosing a school isn’t so much about the name, ranking, or beautiful campus – it’s about the right fit. “Many schools are difficult to get into because of the volume of apps,” said Mr. Ho, “but I don’t want one of my students to not pursue a dream or an opportunity or a school…[I’m] an advocate for my students – academics, activities, APs – if they have a desire to challenge themselves, I’m going to encourage them. I’m going to advocate to the best of my ability.” Ms. Morgan agrees: “We encourage them to pursue passions, follow dreams, and develop a strong work ethic. That combination

will serve them well as they move to college and beyond.” “I make an effort to know each of my students – not as a college applicant but as a person,” added Mr. Ho. “My door is always open, so that over four years I know not only her strengths as a student, but also her hobbies and interests, even her favorite TV show.” This year, the counseling department added a few key programs to its regular offerings, including monthly meetings for first generation students, a group outing to the Black College Expo (with acceptances on the spot!), and more formal goal setting for juniors to better prepare for the application season. Another notable change this summer is the departure of Ms. Morgan, who will retire from full-time college counseling with the very successful Class of 2022. We wish her the best of luck in her next adventure!

NDA Welcomes De’Jah Carver as Director of College Counseling Starting this summer, counseling expert De’Jah Carver will take the helm of NDA’s Academic and College Counseling department. She joins our community from Alliance Gertz-Ressler High School, where she managed a team of counselors and provided direction for nearly 300 students in grades 9 and 10, as well as more general support for an additional 250 students in grades 11 and 12. In addition to her work at the school, she brings extensive expertise in supporting first generation students and their families from her experience with a non-profit early in her more than 12-year career. “It’s not one size fits all,” shared Ms. Carver. “I know each of my students personally and help them become their best selves. I encourage them and help them to identify their strengths, knowing they’ll find the most success working in the areas they both enjoy and are good at.” She is looking forward to the opportunity to work with young women and see the transformative power of an allgirls environment. “I’m excited about the chance to help young women forge their paths and make sure they have the resources and support to reach those goals.” Ms. Carver earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and her Master of Education in School Counseling from USC. When she’s not helping students, Ms. Carver enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter. Welcome, Ms. Carver!

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

campus life

Workshops The admissions department hosted two new workshops for prospective students this spring! Twenty-five student athletes attended the beach volleyball clinic at Playa del Rey beach and worked out with current Regal athletes and coaches. Just a few weeks later, Mrs. Duronslet, along with her advanced dancers, led a half-day dance workshop for 20 middle school students.

New Family Welcome Nearly 250 people were initiated into the first of many NDA traditions with the New Family Welcome Brunch on Saturday, May 14. Senior Class President Catherine Carlson passed the class color red to the incoming freshman Class of 2026, while current students entertained with a fashion show featuring uniforms through the decades.

Athletics Congratulations to senior student-athlete Keira Lynch, who committed to continue her volleyball career at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, next fall. She’s one of the students who participated in NDA’s Pathway to the NCAA, a program run by Athletic Director Aileen Nasypany to streamline the progression from high school to collegiate athletics.

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Sophomore Unity This spring, NDA inaugurated Sophomore Unity Week with the Class of 2024. The new tradition recognizes and celebrates the sophomores’ essential place in the NDA community and provides an opportunity to strengthen friendships and solidify bonds as a class. Fun activities and treats marked the week, including a special luncheon and non-uniform dress.

Mother/Daughter Tea Our annual mother/daughter event took the form of a tea this year. More than 45 mother/daughter duos enjoyed afternoon tea on the grassy park complete with NDA-branded teapots and delicious treats!

DICE Speakers The Duddy Innovation Center for Excellence (DICE) welcomed a number of compelling speakers to class this year. One such speaker is Professor Jeff Thies, director for the Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainability (IBES) at Loyola Marymount University, who spoke about ethics and sustainability in business; he also demonstrated projects and events students at the Institute have worked on around the subject of business ethics.

Winter Formal More than 270 Regals and their dates had an epic time at our winter formal, “Make It Glow” on March 5. Congratulations to our Royal Court: Princesses Gaby Moreno ’25, Ava Hanna ’24, and Jackie Heath ’23, and to Queen Maya Hall ’22!

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

campus life Father/Daughter Event Instead of a dance, this year the Parent Guild organized a father/daughter hike to take advantage of four beautiful trails all over Los Angeles. Dozens of father/daughter pairs enjoyed a perfect spring day together!

Heritage Week This March, we celebrated the diversity of the NDA community with our traditional Heritage Week activities. Organized for the first time as a collaborative effort among our affinity groups, BSU, LAHSO, and APIDA, the week featured a wide variety of daily activities – from a prayer service to talent show to the beloved food tasting – all of which enabled students to understand one another by valuing our many differences.

Dance Convention The advanced dancers devoted a spring weekend to the annual dance convention – an opportunity to work with guest choreographers and bond as a team. The two-day workshop opened with a photo shoot, then featured a specialized barre class, choreography critiques, and classes led by guest teachers in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater. Special thanks to Class of ’14 alum Lindsey Gaardsmoe for leading the hip hop class!

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Godspell NDA’s award-winning drama department staged another wildly successful musical this spring: Godspell. Nearly one-third of the student body participated in the production from on-stage or behind the scenes and performed in four sold-out shows the weekend of April 1.

Rocketry For the fourth consecutive year, NDA’s Rocketry team R2G2 earned an invitation to the National American Rocketry Competition in Virginia. Our girls made a strong showing, where they competed against hundreds of teams from schools across the country. Although inclement weather foiled some of their launches, they enjoyed the weekend’s STEMrelated activities including a tour of NASA. Kudos to sophomore team leaders Hana Choi, Megan David, Natalie Cruz, and Madelyn Pieronek!

Dance Concert

April Media Inquiry Symposium - Sayuri Nagai ’23 On April 5, 2022, NDA hosted its second official Media Inquiry Symposium. In the morning, there were four amazing panelists: Dr. Gabriel Rossman, professor at UCLA; Rana Coniglio, one of NDA’s outreach counselors; Dan Duffy P ’21, executive producer at Hungry Man; and Mila Davis, executive producer at Stitch. The conversations touched on many topics from the impact of media on mental health to what it takes to work in the entertainment industry. After the morning conversation in the gym, each student attended the workshop of her choice, such as “Media Censorship,” “Jingle All the Way,” and “How is Social Media Affecting International Relations.” Unique from the last symposium, all of the workshops were student-led. To finish the day, students listened to two more guest speakers: Diana Mendez Boucher ’95, writer/producer at “The Rookie,” “L.A.’s Finest,” and “Rizzoli & Isles,” and Doreah Dean, a global creative marketing consultant. The event helped to foster and develop students’ curiosity and was an amazing day that everyone enjoyed.

Fifty very talented Regal dancers brought the magic of the circus to life in the annual dance concert, “Le Cirque.” Students produced every aspect of the show, including choreography, set design, costumes and, of course, performance! They entertained family and friends in two popular shows at the El Segundo High School Performing Arts Center. BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

Girls School Grads Guide Elementary School Starting this fall, a new leadership team will take the helm of Notre Dame Academy Elementary School (NDAE), the adjacent co-ed TK-8 that celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding this year. The three expert educators share more than just a gift for guiding children and mission focus. All three graduated from all-girls Catholic high schools, an experience that informs their personal and professional lives today.

and sense of purpose at Marymount High School. “I was able to take classes and be active in ways I might not otherwise have been [in a co-ed environment.] Weaving prayer and service throughout the academics and activities further distinguished my overall high school experience.”

Newly appointed Associate Principal Margaret Dansart credits Louisville High School with providing the “time and space to figure out who I am without added [social] pressure…[I could] focus on developing my own identity and know my worth. [I was] surrounded by strong women leaders including the Sisters of St. Louis – many of whom were my very favorite people.”

For NDAE Principal Bri Berlin, an all-girl high school expanded her sense of possibility. “I realized that any goal is achievable – it just depends on what I choose to work towards.” The 2005 Notre Dame Academy grad says that NDA enabled her to form female friendships that are supportive rather than competitive, an environment she strives to replicate today. “Leadership and mentorship are inextricably linked,” she said. “You can’t be a good leader without being a strong mentor.”

Elementary School Director Kim Haupt agrees that she developed her confidence

Together they lead a team of 25 expert elementary educators and seek to provide

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a similarly supportive learning environment for each of the 275 boys and girls in grades TK through 8. By balancing academic rigor with social emotional learning, executive functioning, and spiritual formation, the team provides comprehensive education for the formative elementary years. “Every child is unique,” sums Ms. Dansart, “and our job is to see, know, and understand each one in order to meet them where they are and provide an opportunity to develop not just as students, but as people as well.”

Above: Bri Berlin and Margaret Dansart. Below: Kim Haupt.

ADMISSIONS SEASON OPENS

September 1

Register on our admission portal to access the application and be the first to know about upcoming event dates and details!

R E G I S T E R

N O W

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

vision and leadership NDA Empowers Class of 2022 with Confidence and Courage Notre Dame Academy’s Class of 2022 feels prepared to take on anything the future holds — with a little help from their friends. Though each student had a unique high school experience, four of this year’s graduates agree that their community has empowered them to advocate for others. “Being part of a smaller community has been really special to me because everyone feels really connected to each other,” says Catherine Carlson, this year’s salutatorian. Catherine will attend Hamilton College, which she chose in part because its community reminded her of NDA’s, and will study global politics. She hopes to enter a career that allows her to learn from people around the world. NDA’s community catapulted Mia Oliver, this year’s Alma Mater Award recipient, into a variety of leadership positions. She found her voice through her experiences as student body president and as a member of both student forum and the basketball team.

“I’m speaking up for myself, but I’m also being a voice for others who might be scared to speak up,” she says. “That’s a really important lesson I learned — to help others in any way I can.” Mia will attend the University of Chicago on a full scholarship as an Odyssey scholar, one of the largest merit awards the university offers. She plans to major in global health in preparation for a career as a surgeon. Like Mia, Valedictorian Emily Yeow says that NDA empowered her to speak up. She also found her passion for STEM and helped found the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American affinity group. “Female empowerment is big at NDA,” Emily said. “I know that I have the skills to be a strong woman, especially in STEM.” She plans to continue her studies as a neuroscience major at Princeton University and use her skills to help people with traumatic brain injuries.

Catherine Carlson

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NDA’s community extends far beyond its campus, too. When Olivia Guilford, recipient of this year’s President’s Award, went to Denmark to play for a pro under-18 soccer team during the school year, NDA made sure she didn’t miss a thing.

Nearly 30 alumnae from the classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 graced the graduation walkway this year, serving as the Honor Guard for the Class of 2022 as they celebrated their 50th high school reunions. The alums reconnected over lunch in the former convent building (then strictly off limits, now Rosa Mystica Hall!), and noted all of the facilities improvements on a campus tour.

“I don’t know how I could have done that at any other school,” Olivia said. “Everyone at NDA wants you to succeed—students, teachers, and staff.” Though she’ll miss her NDA community, Olivia knows that she’s ready to start business school at the University of Notre Dame. “NDA helped me become more independent and courageous in all aspects of my life,” Olivia said. “I’m not afraid of making a mistake in anything.” The confidence and courage that Olivia, Mia, Emily, and Catherine demonstrate unite them with their fellow graduates, each of whom is leaving NDA ready to not only make a difference in the world, but also to create and maintain strong communities wherever they go.

Mia Oliver Emily Yeow

Olivia Guilford

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

Class of 2022 College Acceptances American University Appalachian State University Arizona State University Augsburg University Barnard College* Baylor University Bentley University Boston College* Boston University* Bryant University California Baptist University* California College of the Arts California Institute of the Arts* California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, Pomona California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo* California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Chico California State University, Dominguez Hills California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton* California State University, Long Beach* California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, Northridge California State University, Sacramento California State University, San Bernardino California State University, San Jose* California State University, San Marcos* Case Western Reserve University Chapman University* Clark Atlanta University Clemson University Colorado State University Connecticut College Cornell University* Coventry University (UK) Creighton University DePaul University Delaware State University Drexel University Duke University Eckerd College Fashion Institute of Technology Fordham University George Mason University George Washington University Gettysburg College Gonzaga University* Grand Canyon University Hamilton College* Hampton University* Hawai’i Pacific University

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Howard University* Indiana University, Bloomington* Ithaca College Jacksonville University James Madison University Johns Hopkins University* Kenyon College Lafayette College Lewis & Clark College Louisiana State University Loyola Chicago University Loyola Marymount University* Marquette University Miami University, Ohio Michigan State University* Mount Saint Mary’s University New York University Northeastern University* Northwestern University Oregon State University Otis College of Art and Design* Pace University Pacific University Paul Quinn College Pennsylvania State University* Pepperdine University* Prairie View A&M University Princeton University* Purdue University Reed College Ringling College of Art and Design Roger Williams University Saint Augustine’s University Saint Mary’s College, Indiana Saint Mary’s College of California* San Diego State University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University Santa Monica College* Sarah Lawrence University* Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts* Seton Hall University* Southern Methodist University Southern University Spelman College Stony Brook University SUNY College of Envir. Science and Forestry Syracuse University* Tennessee State University Texas Christian University* The American University in Paris The New School

The Ohio State University Trinity University* Tulane University* University of Alabama* University of Arizona* University of California, Berkeley* University of California, Davis* University of California, Irvine* University of California, Los Angeles* University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside* University of California, San Diego* University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz* University of Chicago* University of Colorado, Boulder University of Connecticut* University of Hawai’i, Mānoa* University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Maine University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Michigan* University of Mississippi University of Montana University of New England University of New Hampshire University of New Mexico University of North Carolina, Wilmington University of Notre Dame* University of Oregon* University of Pittsburgh University of Portland University of Redlands University of Rhode Island University of San Francisco University of San Diego* University of South Carolina University of Southern California* University of Tampa University of Virginia University of Washington* University of Westminster, London University of Wisconsin, Madison Villanova University Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis* Whittier College Willamette University Xavier University of Louisiana *Class of 2022 Matriculation

vision and leadership Board Chair Lee Cotugno Says Goodbye After 17 Years Notre Dame Academy High School helps students make a difference in the world by giving them a strong foundation, but who creates a foundation for the school to carry out this mission? That job falls to NDA’s board of directors, and for the past eight years, Lee Cotugno has been its chair. Lee has always been a strong believer in the power of a Notre Dame education. Both of his children attended Notre Dame Academy Elementary School, and Lee joined the board while his daughter, Sabrina ’08, attended the high school. Sabrina went on to study character animation at the California Institute of the Arts. “I am constantly amazed at the dedication and excellence of all who serve the Sisters of Notre Dame…and at our incredible, talented, and energetic students,” Lee said in his speech at the Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit.

Lee Cotugno

After 17 years of helping NDA make a top-tier Catholic education accessible to all, Lee is stepping down and will be succeeded by Mark Nixon, who has served on the board since 2016. Like Lee, Mark is an NDA parent: Catherine ’16 attended Princeton University, and Karolina ’18 attended Columbia University. Mark has worked as a key management executive for ConAgra and Nestlé USA and served on the policy board for the Department of Catholic Schools for the Los Angeles Archdiocese, bringing strong strategic leadership experience to his new role. Mark shared he has always appreciated Lee’s ability to keep the board running efficiently, professionally, and effectively. Although Lee leaves big shoes to fill, Mark is confident that he and the board — which includes parents, alumnae, educators, professionals, and a Sister of Notre Dame, all with diverse backgrounds — will be able to continue building NDA.

Mark Nixon

“There’s a group of us that represents the board — it’s not just myself,” Mark said of the team. “[Among] all of us, we’ll figure out a way to hopefully be at least half as successful as Lee was. And if we can do that, we’ll be successful. The plan is for us to work together collaboratively and to assist Lilliam and her leadership team with effective guidance.” NDA is extremely grateful to both Lee and Mark for their years of support, and we look forward to Mark’s continuing leadership and guidance as board chair.

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

honor roll of generous donors CHARISM LEVEL

Gifts of $100,000 and above Catherine Duddy Wood ’74 Innovation Foundation

CIRCLE OF SISTERS

Gifts of $20,000 and above

Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation Cambridge Network Daughters of Charity Foundation George H. Mayr Foundation Steven and Jessica Sarowitz

CRIMSON & GOLD

Gifts of $10,000 and above

Anonymous Bonnie Abaunza ’82, P ’14 Colin and Allison Barber P ’23 Cutter and Company Jim and Mary Jo Evans P ’10, ’15 Francis H Clougherty Charitable Trust Lynne and Jack Hook P ’22 Henry Jordan P ’05 Christine (Bertero) Landis ’65 Karen Lewis ’83 Robert and Margaret McAusland P ’23 William H. Hannon Foundation

CROWN CIRCLE

Gifts of $5,000 and above

Anonymous Pat and Kate Barrera P ’18, ’22, ’23 Capital Group Companies, Charitable Foundation Nancy J. Coonis Tom and Luanne Donahue P ’24 Dan Duffy and Sonja Sevcik P ’21 Jeff and Peggy Grant P ’20 Chris and Aarti McDonald P ’20, ’24 Maureen ’67 and David Morehouse Marty and Rowena Morisky P ’23 Northrop Grumman Foundation Mary Alice Peters ’63 John Tangney and Mary Bertone P ’23 Erin Ward ’82, P ’23

OUR LADY OF GRACE Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999

American Endowment Foundation Alice Barriciello ’89 Kayla Berlin ’07 Michael and Michelle Berlin P ’05, ’07 Brian and Teresa Carlson Catholic Association of Latino Leaders, Los Angeles Lee Cotugno and Holly Fujie P ’08 Concezio and Roseanne Di Gregorio ’64, P ’91 16

Notre Dame Academy

Sheila Eickhoff ’55 James and Anne Marie Gunderman P ’11, ’14 Richard and Arlene Havel P ’88 Randolph and Kristen Herber P ’24 Harriet Hofmann ’59, Suzanne Hofmann ’94, and Julie Hofmann ’98 Jeremy Kaufman and Leila Flynn P ’23 Sandra Korn Daniel and Deborah Koskovich P ’09 Gustavo Lamanna and Valerie Lapeña ’87, P ’23 Tim and Jen Lynch P ’22 Jerome and Sydney McAlpin P ’25 Timothy and Hilda McGonigle P ’15 Frances McNamee ’64 Rebecca (Labat) Michaud ’94 Peter and Louise Moriarty P ’06 E. Jane Nayagam Thomas ’94 Netflix Enrico Parodi and Beth Bjorn P ’23 John and Trish Peterson P ’00 Tom and Erin Pieronek P ’24 Raytheon Matching Gifts for Education The Roman Catholic Archbishop of LA Catholic Education Foundation Romeo Santos and Mary Blomer-Santos ’82, P ’23 Andrew and Danielle Schlei P ’25 Denise Shepherd ’93 Malcolm and Elizabeth Smith P ’20, ’22 Yudesh and Clara Sohan P ’24 St. Lawrence of Brindisi School Anthony and Takako Taketa P ’11, ’15 Tito and Sandra Tiberti (’59) Foundation

REGAL PRIDE

Gifts of $1,500 - $2,499

Anonymous Alexander and Tracy Alvy P ’22 Howard and Kathleen Anderson Maria Bains P ’98 Barclays Educational Gift Program Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program Anton and Dominique Cropper P ’24 Daniel T. Alvy Foundation Kevin and Patricia Durkee ’80 Fidelity Charitable Elaine Frank-Ragan ’65 John and Laura Haydel P ’96 Cathy Irwin ’86 and Thomas Poon Mark and Kelley Jamison P ’22, ’24 Ramon and Sol Lopez P ’23 Gilbert and Mina Martinez ’76, P ’02 Rita McBride Tom and Yvette McFerson P ’20 James Q. and Kristin Meehan Jaime and Yolanda Moore P ’24 Jennifer Moreno ’10 Steve Moreno P ’24 Mark and Lucyna Nixon P ’16, ’18 Laura Pitari

Dale Preator and Carolyn Hemann P ’25 Boligala and Padma Raju P ’11 Bernard Reina and Julie Camarillo P ’23 Edwin Rivera and Carey Smith P ’25 Matt and Bridget Rohmer P ’24 Ray and Stacey Santamaria P ’25 Mauricio and Myriam Silva P ’25 Aprille Tobin ’85 James and Rosa Tomchak ’82, P ’13 Brigid Williams ’03 Victor and Julie Wright P ’23 Ani Yahaya and Maureen Ranney P ’24

QUEEN’S COURT

Gifts of $500 - $1,499

Anonymous Heba Abdullah P ’22 American Martyrs Catholic Church Sharon Arnett ’70 Chris Arroyo and Joleen Jackson Arroyo P ’24 Robert and Janice Arsenault P ’09, ’13, ’15 Cecelia Assaf ’78 William Bailey Andrea Bains ’98 Lori Balsamo Margot Barron ’59 Brianna Berlin ’05 Janet Berryhill ’59 Pat Brill ’67 Tyson Caffo and Carrie Eidsmoe P ’24 Mark and Shelley Calde ’65, P ’96 Jeff Campbell P ’22, ’24 Sandra Catanzariti P ’25 Sharon Caviglia ’66 Grace Chacon Martin and Dana Chin P ’23 Richard and Yunsun Choi P ’24 Harrison and Dana Chuang P ’22 Larry and Joanne Conley P ’01, ’05 Patricia Cook ’62 Francis Costanzo and Lilliam Paetzold ’84, P ’11, ’15

Cristina Cuellar ’00 Alan Cullen and Victoria Parrado-Cullen Teresita D’Elia ’70 Sandra Daley ’65 Keith Dartley P ’23 Mark and Colleen Donatucci P ’18 Marshall and Zita Davis ’84, P ’11, ’13 Carla Ellis ’76 Patricia Erb ’80 Nicole Esparza P ’25 Paul and Donna Falzon The Farland Family (Kelly, Lisa, Sophia ’17) John and Houri Fogarty P ’22 Mark Franco and April Muggelberg P ’23 Patrick Frontiera and Maire Ford P ’21, ’25 James and Irene Fujioka P ’24 Brad Fuller Frank and Carolyn Gayer P ’90 David Genoud Dit Du Chene and Marie Dougherty P ’24 Joseph and Judith Girard P ’87, ’91, ’02 David and Alicia Gonzalez P ’23 Lucie Gregorie ’65 Byron and Madalynne Grundy P ’13 Robert and Michele Guilford P ’22 Norma Hamilton ’59 Michael and Christine Hanna ’94, P ’24 Aaron and Nadine Harrison P ’23 Edward and Barbara Hickl Kim Hindrew Granger ’72 In-N-Out Foundation Michelle Irwin ’88 Regina Janosky ’63 Melvin and Christina Johnson P ’93 Terrence and Sue Junn P ’19, ’24 Kathy Kassar ’71 Arthur Khachatourians and Francesca Piumetti P ’23 Patrick King and Cheryl Faris P ’08 Jeanne Kirchhoff Boyd ’58 Anil Kumar and Madhavi Koka P ’23 Nancy Lan James ’02 Mike and Kate Lee P ’25 Eugene and Harriet Li P ’25 Robert and Erica Lockhart P ’22 Arthur Lovel and Betsy Rott P ’25 Adam and Amy Lowrey P ’25 Matthew and Kathryn McBride Michael and Milana McDermott ’80, P ’13, ’15, ’18, ’22 Kevin and Kristy McDonald P ’22

Avito and Grace Moniz P ’00, ’06, ’09 Eliza Moreno ’14 Tommy and Michelle Moreno P ’23 Luis and Meg Moreta P ’19, ’20 Tony and Haydee Morera ’74, P ’99 Chris and Denise Morris ’75, P ’04, ’06, ’08 Kathy Murphy ’73 Palma Nachtwey Selufsky ’58 Alan Noel and Carlett Sanchez-Noel P ’25 Chris and Bonnie O’Donnell P ’25 Angela O’Mahony ’93 Michael and Elena O’Shea ’83, P ’07, ’13 Joseph and Natalie Petro P ’22, ’25 Doris Pregenzer GP ’22 Diana Ramos ’84 Maria Rawald Peter and Helen Reale P ’12 Perry and Jill Reel P ’25 Janice Reicher ’05 The Riley Family (2024) Cheryl Robinson ’70 David and Robin Rossi P ’25 Gabriel Rossman P ’25 Steven and Sheryl Rothans P ’08, ’14, ’18 Fay Sampoerna Soesanto P ’05 Adam Schiff and Jamine Eser P ’25 Eric Schwab P ’23 Peter and Sandra Seto P ’13 Michael and Kim Shore Marc and Ann Shrake Sony Pictures Entertainment Ana Soto P ’23 Amanda Spagnoli P ’25 Andrew Spitser P ’25 State Farm Companies Foundation Roy Swan P ’81 Dorothy Sweeney P ’91, ’95 Norb and Karen Taylor P ’22 Paul and Lisa Tyler P ’19, ’24 Hans and Nancy van Doornewaard P ’24 Mieke Velghe P ’22 L. Carlos Villegas West Angeles Church Matthew and Dina Wiggins P ’15 Dick and Patti Williams P ’03 Tae Woong and Ho Yon Kim Um P ’22

FRIENDS OF NOTRE DAME Gifts up to $499

Anonymous Evan Aczon Alaska Airlines Marilyn Akins P ’85, ’87 GP ’24 Mario and Monica Allen P ’23 Suzie Alvarenga ’21 Jose and Flor Amaya P ’25 Amazon Smile Foundation Robert and Phyllis Ambrose P ’93 Barbara Amrose ’65 Terje and Barbara Andreassen P ’03 Jamie Anisko ’05 Joel and Kathy Arendain P ’23

Melandie Austin P ’21 Leticia Ayala ’87 Audrey B. ’23 Tony and Sheriene Bacon P ’22 Iman Baghai Cristina Barba Giuliana Battaglini ’13 Sophia Beauvy Deborah Berry-Craig ’75 Alberto and Hilda R. Besada P ’22 Gina Marie Blunck, SND ’64 Dave and Christina Bomberger ’83 Lawrence and Jennifer Bracco P ’22 Ronald Bravo and Lennor Vida Bravo P ’25 Kristina Brown Sally Bryden ’65 Bill and Celeste Bub Brandon Bub Janice Burrill P ’20 Barbara Callaghan ’63 Rob Callahan and Dionne McNeff P ’23 Betty (Elizabeth) Callender ’65 Monica Campana ’88 Catalina Campos ’01 Michelle Caputo ’74 Samantha Carleton ’11 Teresa Carlson Robert and Makiko Carlson P ’22 Sarah Case Nicholas and Nicole Cecola P ’25 Carlos and Irma Chacon P ’25 Gregory and Marie Chambers P ’98 Karen Chambers ’98 Jennifer Chandler ’07 Katessa Charles ’20 Kanav Chhabra Terry Chopiuk and Nasrin Bahari Chopiuk P ’22 Nicholas and Lisa Cipiti ’78, P ’12 James and Cheryl Cleamons P ’16, ’19 John and Catherine Cobb P ’22 Edgar Contreras and Iris Castaneda P ’24 Angela Cortright ’73 Sophia Costanzo ’15 Anncarla Costello, SND Bryce Cracknell Natalie Cross Jose and Monica Cruz P ’24 Lorraine Cully and Esther Flores P ’24 Miranda Curry ’12 Marybeth Darusmont ’65 Jacqueline Davis Roxana De La Rosa ’95 Kathy DeBaets P ’22 Amanda DeLay ’01 Tylene Devine John David and Mei Lyn C. Dionisio P ’25 Blake Dirickson Eric Donaldson P ’24 Donald Dorson Brenda Drew ’93 Steve and Katie Duchesne P ’16 Kristin Duerr Megan Duffy ’03 BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

honor roll of generous donors William and Fiona Dunne P ’22, ’24 Amanda Duran ’98 Raymond and Eva-Maria Durand P ’00 John and Erin Egan P ’23 Andrea LaShea Elkouby P ’22 Carlos and Peggy Enriquez ’80, P ’16 Rosemary Erlinger ’59 Mary Lu Everett ’63 Ali and Halleh Fattahy P ’23 Bobby Ferris and Lisbeth Mendoza P ’21, ’24 Paul Findley and Carole Khoury P ’25 Shannon Flaherty Joseph and Heather Flannery P ’24 Maureen Flannery ’75 Marlene Forthun ’56 Mark and Alison Franzen ’85, P ’24 Friends of Golf, Inc. Eliud and Pamela Galdamez ’90, P ’19, ’21, ’23 Ileana Gantt ’72 Ernie Garcia Lily Garcia P ’24 Amanda Garland ’95 Theresa Gayer ’90 Arnold Gelacio and Arlene Cavan Gelacio P ’25 Dora Gerardo

Christopher Giammalvo and Kimberly Nowak P ’24 Github George Glasco and Christine Mirasy-Glasco P ’25 Judith Gold ’64 Ruth Gonzalez P ’25 Sidharth Gopinath Rhonda Gory P ’24 Jeremy Gottlieb Nicholas and Natalie Gouché P ’25 Paula Griego ’73 Susan Griffith ’69 Manny Guardado Veronica Guardado ’79 Marla Guess ’84 Adel Guindi and Sylvia Salamon P ’24 Sarah Haas David and Rachel Hall P ’22 Michael and Fahi Hallin P ’22 18

Notre Dame Academy

Norma Hammons ’67 PJ and Kimberly Hanke P ’22 Ashley Harding ’00 Katherine Harding ’00 Linda Harner ’65 Laurel Harris Lorraine Hartman P ’99, ’01, ’04 Dayle Hartnett ’60 Vaughdrea Harvey and Annick Lagarde-Harvey P ’22 Alison Havel Bridget Hearst ’08 Christian Heath and Christina Running P ’23 Mark and Diana Hechinger P ’07, ’09, ’11, ’18 Anthony Heim Gerardo and Ana Henriquez P ’23 Eva Hermann P ’82 Cathy Heutmaker P ’09 Edmond Hewlett Amy Hickl Bridget Higgins Jeff and Cari Hilger P ’18, ’23 Jody Hill Rosemary Hillyard ’64 Lynn Hirshfield Gary Ho Ashley Hobbs Vida Holguin ’67 Jeff Hronek and Diana Ferman-Hronek P ’25 Chiassidy Ikeokonta ’10 Ray Ilgunas P ’06 Katherine Irajpanah ’15 Andrew and Pammela Jackson P ’17, ’22 Megan Jackson Natasha Jain-Poster Norman and Abigail Jalos P ’23 Allison James ’11 Glen Janken Nate and Nicole Johnson ’92, P ’22 Kiana Kahanamoku P ’24 William and Cathy Kaiser P ’05, ’10 Atsushi and Yoko Kajioka P ’23 Kathleen Kearin ’77 Colleen Kearin Reynolds ’81 Candice Kelly ’65 Diana Kennedy ’86 Barbara King ’13 John and Laura Kiralla P ’24, ’25 Robert Klier Nancy Kofranek ’62 Patricia Korn ’73 Barbara Kurtz ’63 Bradley and Elizabeth La Cour P ’12 Kimberly LaCaille ’68 Christine Lagrimas John and Mary Kay Lalli ’72, P ’09 Arthur and Rina Lapena P ’88, ’97 Cathy Lass ’84 Trevor Lavin and Margaret Shanley Ron Lebron Aleda LeDuff ’71 Tim Leigh and Emilie Oliver-Leigh ’96, P ’24 Edwin and Casilda Leyva P ’25 Jennifer Liakos P ’21, ’24

Debra Lillyman ’72 Aleli Liscano P ’22 Helen Liu Anthony and Amy Lombardo P ’24 Ricardo Garcia and Norma Lopez P ’25 Nancy Lopez-Pedroza Maryanne Lovell ’63 Mary Lund Tefi Ma’ake James and Nora Magdlen P ’22 Michella Manning ’60 George and Erin Mansoor P ’20, ’22 Frank and Gloria Marsella P ’14, ’15 Fernando and Maria Martin P ’19, ’20 Samantha Martinez Henry Mathews and Yvette Brewer-Mathews P ’25 Jim and Natalie McCafferty P ’25 Kelley McEachern ’96 Emily McFerson ’20 Jennifer McGaughey P ’23 Noreen McGonigle ’15 S.M. McVey P ’04 Jean Merl P ’02 Michael Mellody Martin and Malia Melvin P ’24 Melvyn Mendoza and Edith Cuevas P ’20 Microsoft Linda Miller Minted, LLC Francisco and Jeanee Miranda P ’24 Antoinette Marie Moon, SND ’63 Julio and Mireya Morales P ’19, ’24 Kathy Morgan Danelle Moriarty ’70 Magee Mudge Owen Murray and Charmaine Cosky P ’23 Shoichi and Masami Nagai P ’23 Aileen Nasypany Oscar Navarro Paul Nelson and Jereme Butler P ’24 Ericka Nevarez ’10 Priscilla Nguyen

Tom and Lisa Nichols P ’20 Nate and Angela Noggle P ’25 Tom and Elisabeth Normand P ’25 Daniel and Susan O’Connell Tamra Olin Kalu and Nena Onwuka P ’97 Isabel Ortega Warner ’92 Jennifer Ortiz ’95 Max and Elisa Paetzold P ’18, ’21 Robert Palmer P ’15 Thomas Pasic and Sharon Fry Mark Patterson P ’17 Jessica Pedroza Larissa Peltola ’14 James and Lisa Pena P ’23 Ana Perez-Miramontes Risa Pieters Therése Portman Michael Pritchard P ’06, ’08 Donna Prysi ’55 Chris Putrimas P ’25 Ralphs/Krogers Grocery Company Carmen Ramirez-Boner ’64

Jadie Rendon ’03 Wendy Rhoades ’86 Christopher Rios-Villalobos Jose Rivas and Erica Duran P ’25 Daniel and Suzy Roberts P ’24 Salvador Rodriguez and Nancy Huerta Rodriguez P ’21, ’24 Kristen Rodriguez ’13 George and Jeanne Ronay Brother Charles Rooney Rochelle Ross Michael and Brenda Routa P ’25 Robert Salazar and Janie Gonzalez Salazar ’95, P ’22 Reynaldo and Anna Vanessa Salonga P ’15, ’25 Valerie Raeann Salonga ’15 Gerardo and Mercedes Sanchez P ’18 Alex Sanchez Bressler Alma Santos P ’23 Terry Sauer ’76 Eric Schaefer Mary Joann Schlarbaum, SND Mary Joan Schlotfeldt, SND ’63

Valerie Schulte ’64 Marlane Schwake ’60 Scott Spencer and Cynthia Vazquez ’91, P ’25 Nupur Sharma Eleanor Sheers Sherine Shenouda ’97 John Silverman and Yumiko Kawanishi P ’19, ’23 Anna Skarbrevik ’70 Paul and Peggy Smith P ’08, ’14, ’16, ’20 Jason Smith and Cheryl Brancaccio P ’23 Tonny and Fay Soesanto P ’05 Brittany Sorrentino ’03 St. Sebastian School Virginia Stevens ’59 Autri Streeck P ’23 Laurens Strobbe P ’22 John and Mary Ellen Sullivan P ’91, ’94, ’95, ’99, ’02, ’03, ’06, ’07 GP ’21 Lauren Suzuki ’85 Carly Syta ’11 Antoinette Tabora ’94 Kiran Tadepalli ’98 Takeda Pharmaceutical Francesca Taylor P ’18, ’20 Scott and Mia Tepper P ’13, ’16, ’18 Bruce and Jill Teraoka P ’21 Deborah Thompson ’70 Genevieve Tolentino ’92 Stephanie Toller Negrete ’83 Tom and Christine Torii P ’18, ’23 Kathleen Townsend ’97 Hung Tran and Sherry Wickware P ’24 Melanie Trup David and Charlotte Tureaud The UK Online Giving Foundation Hans Underbrink and Carolyn Volmert-Underbrink P ’24 Anna Maria Vasquez, SND ’66 Jerome Velarde and Mariel Dumaguin-Velarde P ’23 Christian Vivo Chrisoula Vlassopoulos ’02 Jaime Vogel ’99 Grace Vorreuter ’01 Mary Frances Wahl, SND Piper Waldron ’05 Jon and Michelle Waldron P ’05 Keith and Suzy Walker P ’25 Patricia Wallace ’58 Sally Wallace ’62 Elizabeth Ward Jim and Elaine Warner P ’25 John Watkins P ’00, ’02 Christopher and Michelle Webb P ’24 Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gift Mary Karlynn Werth, SND ’60 Stanley and Gina West P ’16 Catherine Wieder ’65 Amir Williams James and Kimberly Wise P ’23 Mary Joanne Wittenburg, SND ’58 Alison Wong ’05

Marilyn (Kit) Wynn ’57 Angela Xie Jorge Yanez and Edina Cuevas P ’25 Jessica Yang ’19 David and Jane Yeow P ’22 Ray and Stephanie Yinger P ’09, ’11 Kristin Yinger ’09 Malorie Yourman ’97 Stanley Yuan Brandon Zagross and Rusela DeSilva Zagross P ’22 Pedro Zamora-Albor Stephanie Zavaleta ’10 Caroline Zerres ’94 James and Tammy Zucker P ’22

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

class notes Are you getting our monthly alumnae newsletter? If not, please email Giuliana Battaglini at gbattaglini@ndala.com to be added to the email list!

and a son, Connor, in the 7th grade. We enjoy sailing our boat, racing in autocross, camping in our RV and enjoying the grandchildren.”

We want to hear from you! Master’s degree? Career change? New baby? Send us your class notes! We love to have information for the Class Notes section of Beyond the Academy. Submit your updates and photos online at academy.ndasla.org/alumnae. If you prefer to email us, you can send your news to Giuliana Battaglini ’13, director of advancement and alumnae engagement (gbattaglini@ndala.com). We can’t wait to hear from you!

Victoria Hobbs ’62 is the executive director of Silver Age Yoga. Victoria kept the mission of NDA in her heart when she served as the president of Soroptimist International of the Americas from 2004 to 2005.

1953-1959 Before retiring, Sr. Mary Joanne Wittenburg ’58 taught at NDA and then worked for the Department of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Education Foundation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Most recently, she was an archivist for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. As an outgrowth of her interest in Southern California history, she has written and published several articles on local history. She also wrote the story of the ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame in California (1924-2010). She spent a year in Ukraine teaching English at the Theological Academy in Lviv.

After NDA, Susan Joiner ’64 attended Santa Monica College and owned Best Publishing Company. She is now retired. Now retired, Mary Schiermeyer Massung ’64 received her Ph.D. in holistic nutrition and her master’s in Nutritional Herbology after attending NDA. Carmen Ramirez ’64 is now retired after a career as an escrow officer and senior vice president for a land title company and a residential builder of single family homes. Linda Reyes ’65 is now living in Mission Viejo, CA. Mary Kathleen Hogan Ocker ’69 is retired and living happily in Florida. She has 15 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She enjoys swimming, traveling, and just enjoying life.

1970-1979 Darlene Joseph Burton ’70 is retired after a 20-year career as an assistant adjunct professor at Pasadena City College. She specialized in Early Childhood Special Education.

1960-1969 Patricia Maloney Schwarz ’60 is retired but currently writing a guide for widows, Lost in Santa Clarita. She previously worked as a teacher for LAUSD for 32 years. She was married to her husband Henry Schwarz from 1963 until he passed in 2018. They had two children, Erich Marquard Schwarz and Karen Margaretha Muehlberger (née Schwarz). Patricia (Scanlon) Cook ’62 is retired from the Department of Defense. “I have been married to my fabulous husband Wally for the past 57 years. We have two sons: Gator, a high school English teacher (married to Michele, a lawyer) and they have one daughter, Kelsea, a high school junior. [Our son] Carl is a computer programmer/systems designer (married to Caroline, a CPA) and they have a daughter, Caitlin, a high school freshman,

Notre Dame Academy

Kim Hindrew ’72 is now retired. She received her BA in History from the University of Oregon in 1976. Rosie Calderon ’76 is now retired. After NDA, she received her AA from Santa Monica College and BS in Business Administration and Accounting from California State University, Northridge.

1980-1989 Lisa Babilonia ’80 is a happily retired vertebrate paleontologist. She worked as a student paleontologist at the L.A.

Natural History Museum right after college and also did field work in Southern California. She was the curator of a fossil museum in Orange County for the remainder of her career.

1990-1999 Estela Llanos ’91 is the vice president of Energy Procurement and Sustainability at San Diego Gas and Electric. “I recently stepped into 2003 and joined Facebook. I don’t post much, but I am really enjoying reconnecting with my friends from NDA.”

2000-2009 Jenny Peterson ’00 received her BFA from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2004 then her Master of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University in 2009. Brittany Irwin Sorrentino ’03 and her husband Joseph welcomed their new son, Rome Maurizio Sorrentino, in May. He joins big sister Siena. Michelle Lampa ’04 accepted a new job as the head of US Operations at Riverlane (a quantum computing company).

Giuliana Battaglini ’13 and Sophia Costanzo ’15 graduated with master’s degrees from Loyola Marymount University— Giuliana with her MBA and Sophia with her MFA. Jourdyhn Williams ’13 started a new position as digital marketing manager at Wpromote after receiving her MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises from Northwestern University. “I hope to bridge my passion for entertainment with this role and continue to develop myself as a Black creative and enable others to do the same.” Sari Arambulo ’14 has been named the Hyde Park Entertainment and Warner Music Group’s Inaugural Winner of the Asian Women Fellowship. Larissa Peltola ’14 graduated with her Master of Arts in Human Rights Studies from Columbia University.

2010-2019 Miranda Curry ’12 has accepted a position at Battery Agency as a brand director. Samantha Arsenault ’13 was recently interviewed by “Hawaii News Now” for her research at Hawai’i Pacific University. A graduate student in the department of Natural Sciences, Samantha is studying the shells of extinct Hawaiian snails to determine the climate changes at Kaena Point that led to their extinction. She reflects that this kind of study gives us invaluable information about the climate in the past.

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

alum highlight Three Alumnae Make a Difference Close to Home with Named Scholarships For Karen Lewis ’83, Jennifer Moreno ’10, and Eliza Moreno ’14, making a difference begins at home. All three women founded named scholarships at NDA, allowing them to give back to their alma mater while honoring people who impacted their own lives. Karen was inspired to start a scholarship after hearing that a fellow schoolmate, Bonnie Abaunza ’82, had recently founded one to honor her own mother. A conversation with a friend’s daughter, who was experiencing some of the same challenges Karen had faced in her own high school years, also made an impression. “I wanted to be part of the solution,” Karen said. “With how much calamity there is in the world, I thought that if I can just start with one community, I can make a difference.” Karen named her scholarship after her mother, Rose Lewis Schlessinger, and will award it each year. Jennifer and Eliza honor the life of their father with the Carlos H. Moreno scholarship. Carlos came to the United States as a refugee, escaping the Salvadoran Civil War that ravaged the nation for 12 years.

Without the opportunity to pursue education himself, he was determined to provide it to his daughters. “He would tell us that education meant opportunity,” Eliza said. “Our father had dreamed of us attending NDA because for him, it was an important step in securing a good life.” Books in both Spanish and English had always kept Carlos company. Every month, he and his daughters would skim through boxes and boxes of donated books at the local library, bringing home any literature that interested them. In honor of Carlos’ love of books, the scholarship will be awarded to a first-generation student with an interest in literature. “With education becoming more expensive, this is our opportunity to help another woman have an NDA education. At NDA, they are encouraged to know and pursue their interests,” Jennifer said. Through named scholarships like the ones Jennifer, Eliza, and Karen have established, another generation of students can learn, grow, and form the same strong bonds that helped each of them in their own journeys.

Above: Karen Lewis ’82 with her mom. Below: Jennifer ’10 and Eliza ’14 Moreno with their parents. 22

Notre Dame Academy

making a difference First In-Person Scholarship Benefit Is a Resounding Success Our first ever in-person Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit was a huge success! We are proud to share that we surpassed our goal and raised more than $250,000 for tuition assistance! A heartfelt thank you to our generous alumnae, parents, and friends who have supported Making a Difference. For all who attended, “Immediately upon seeing the we had an incredible girls in their senior sweaters, night celebrating I was transported back in together in person. time. NDA is where I learned If you joined us by the importance of graceful livestream - thank you! If you haven’t presentation, sophisticated had a chance to view confidence, and challenging the program, we invite myself to set high standards.” you to watch the -Megan (Datrice) Jex ’00 livestream at https:// academy.ndasla.org/ giving/making-a-difference (starting at the 16:00 mark). You won’t want to miss Maria Ruiz’s ’22 standing ovation-worthy speech, Bonnie Abaunza’s ’82 inspirational keynote address, Christine Landis ’65 receiving the St. Julie Billiart Making a Difference Award, or our young women featured in our impact video!

“It is an honor to call Notre Dame Academy my second home and to be a part of this community, a blessing that I will hold in my heart always. I couldn’t say that without the generosity of many who have donated towards my education.”

- Maria Ruiz ’22, student speaker

“At Notre Dame Academy, young women are taught to lean into their own power and agency. Nothing is beyond their reach. No goal is unattainable….These young women will undoubtedly pay it forward and they can pave the way for other young, bright, motivated women.” - Bonnie Abaunza ’82 P’14, keynote speaker

NDA gives more than a million dollars in tuition assistance each year, so we still need your help! If you’d like to support this initiative, you can still make your gift! Every gift -- no matter the amount -- makes a difference. Make a gift now at academy.ndasla. org/giving/making-a-difference.

Missed this year’s event? Save the date for the fourth annual Making a Difference Scholarship Benefit on April 29, 2023, at the Skirball Cultural Center!

“This was my first time returning to NDA since my sister (Jessica Harding) graduated in 2004 and it was a joy to see the school, students, and community thriving.”

- Ashley Harding ’00 BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

in memoriam Please remember the following members of our community in your prayers. As of this publication, we have noted the “In Memoriam” notifications received between January 1, 2022, and May 31, 2022. Those received after that date will appear in our next issue of Beyond the Academy. Lucinda (Fagot) Gorham ’70 Mary Louise (Kelly) Medina ’57 Paula (Perkins) Moore-Watkins ’70 Sr. Mary Bernadette Pendola ’63 Deborah (Raymond) Regan ’69 Helene Rodriguez (Mother of Rachel ’09, Lauren ’11, Kristen ’13) Miriam Tsai (Mother of Theresa ’76, grandmother of Elizabeth ’07 and Cassandra ’10 Klueger) Dorothy Ann Wagner (Mother of Carole Ann ’62, Lois ’64, Michele ’65) Michelle (Liggins) Yerima ’75

upcoming events Homecoming Calling the Classes of 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017! RSVP for Homecoming 2022 at academy.ndasla.org/ alumnae/events. Reconnect with your classmates over lunch, see inside the former convent, and get a tour of our remodeled school! We will be highlighting milestone classes ending in 2 and 7, but all alumnae are welcome. All seating is reserved by class, or for non-reunion classes, by groups of classes/decades.

Alumnae vs. Students Volleyball Save the date for our alumnae vs. students volleyball match! If you are interested in playing or attending this event, please contact Giuliana Battaglini ’13, director of advancement and alumnae engagement, at gbattaglini@ndala.com or (310) 839-5289 x 212.

Notre Dame Academy

st. julie legacy society

Notre Dame Academy has launched the St. Julie Legacy Society to honor donors who have named Notre Dame Academy as a beneficiary of their estate plans. Whether you’re an alumna, parent, or friend, we all benefit from those who share our NDA values. Through planned giving, you leave a legacy to ensure the gifts of an NDA education will benefit the lives of young women now and in the future. Numerous planned giving options enable donors to leave a legacy of support and impact generations of future students. Gifting to NDA through planned giving is a wonderful way to fulfill your philanthropic wishes and honor a lifetime of generosity. Sample Bequest Language: I bequeath to Notre Dame Academy (Tax ID 95-1878862), a nonprofit organization located in Los Angeles, CA, the sum of ______ dollars; or an amount equal to ______ percent of the net value of my estate; or all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate. If you would like to join the St. Julie Legacy Society by making a planned gift to NDA, please contact Giuliana Battaglini ’13, director of advancement and alumnae engagement, at (310) 839-5289 x 212 or gbattaglini@ndala.com. Learn more about estate planning at academy.ndasla.org/giving. If you include NDA in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID. Legal Name: Notre Dame Academy Schools of Los Angeles Federal tax ID number: #95-1878862 Located in: Los Angeles, CA Information contained herein was accurate at the time of publishing. The information on this page is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any 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.

BEYOND THE ACADEMY | Summer 2022

2851 Overland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90064 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

upcoming events Alumnae Volleyball Game August 5, 2022 First Day of School August 15, 2022 Alumnae Homecoming September 24, 2022

Notre Dame Day October 7, 2022

Parents of Alumnae If your daughter no longer resides at your home, please notify us of her new mailing address at gbattaglini@ndala.com.

Open House October 29, 2022 Junior Ring Ceremony November 15, 2022

Family Mass and BBQ October 1, 2022

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310-839-5289