Regis Today Fall 2019

THE MAGAZINE OF REGIS COLLEGE Fall 2019

VETTING A PASSION Alexis Nicole Zallas ’13 fostered scientific curiosity and a love for animals to create a rewarding career as a veterinarian.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Now We Fly: Regis Exceeds Campaign Goal [See page 16] Announcing the Sloane School of Business and Communication [See page 54]

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BE SOCIAL Regis College Alumni Regis College

@regis_ma @regiscollegealumni

Celebrating Women in STEM Associate Professor of Biology Shari Litch Gray, PhD (left), and biology major Lily Wyand ’20 work together in the Regis zebrafish facility.

Read more about celebrating Regis women in STEM at the Let It Shine Gala on page 20.

@regiscollege_ma

vimeo.com/regisma

Regis College

Alexis Baum Senior Director of Advancement Communications Editor | alexis.baum@regiscollege.edu Kristen L. Walsh Managing Editor | kmwcreative.com Ashley Starr Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Contributing Editor | ashley.starr@regiscollege.edu Lilly Pereira and Amy Arnpriester Designers | aldeia.design

Board of Trustees 2019

Kathleen S. Jose ’87, ’94, MSN, RN (Vice Chair)

Chair John J. Tegan Jr., MEd

Peter Langenus, JD

Members

Judy M. Lauch ’68

Ernest Bartell, CSC, PhD (Emeritus)

Mary Ann Walsh Lewis ’74

Marian Batho, CSJ, ’70 (Secretary)

Paul A. Lonergan

Anita Brennan-Sarmiento ’77

Regis Today is published twice a year. © 2019, Regis College, Weston, Massachusetts. All rights reserved.

The opinions expressed in Regis Today are those of the authors and not necessarily of Regis College.

Rosemary Brennan, CSJ, ’70, MEd, MDiv (Treasurer)

Please send address changes to: Office of Institutional Advancement, Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493-1571 or call 781.768.7220 or online at alumni.regiscollege.edu.

Kevin C. Conroy, JD

Meyer Chambers, MLM Hans Christensen, MBA Joanne Crowley ’74, MS Camille Ferazzi ’69 Joe-Ann Fergus, PhD, RN John M. Gray, MBA, JD Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN Lee Hogan, CSJ, ’61, PhD

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Michael LaRhette, MEd

John Libertino, MD Peter N. Madras, MD Lianne Marshall, MBA Jacquelyn McCarthy, CSJ, MA, RN, LNHA Kathy McCluskey, CSJ, ’71, PhD Glenn Morris, AIA, IIDA Eileen Ng, MBA Thomas P. O’Neill III, MPA Jane Cronin Tedder ’66, EdD Maylin S. Truesdell ’05, ’06, MS

ON THE COVER Veterinarian Alexis Nicole Zallas ’13 Photo by Holly Redmond

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regıs g inside

Features

16 Completing the

Now We Fly Campaign The Let It Shine Gala pushes the campaign over the $40 million mark ahead of its December 31 completion.

22 Vetting a Passion

As an emergency veterinarian, Alexis Nicole Zallas ’13 leverages a passion for science and animals.

Photo: Sebastian Lena

28 Game Changer

Departments

02 03 10

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Dear Neighbor Surpassing the Now We Fly Campaign goal; celebrating women in STEM; honoring the Regis roots and mission.

34

Tower Views Regis Dental Center opening; Fast Track degree launch; Athletics Hall of Fame; Founders’ Day and Regis Fest recaps.

Taking Action Nursing students provide health and nutrition guidance for communities in Boston and Argentina through new exchange program.

Former student-athlete Kathleen Thompson ’91 makes a life-saving kidney donation to her Regis basketball coach Donna Tanner, EdD.

Looking Ahead A career change from politics to nursing allows Katy Sullivan, MSN ’15, to make a hands-on impact on community health.

52

In Memory

54

Sloane School

Alumni Together Gatherings and events keep alumni connected.

36

News of the classes.

51

Catherine Burke Society

55

Class Notes

Leigh Alogna Duff ’69 makes a legacy gift for 50th Reunion.

56

Remembering alumni who passed away.

Regis names its Business and Communication School after Marshall M. Sloane.

Alumni Spotlight Online graduate Rhonda DolenHooker ’18 applies skills in psychiatric mental health and compassionate care.

Hearts & Minds Peggy Blanchard ’66 finds inspiration as a mentor and advocate for children and families in need.

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dear

neighbor

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“At Regis, we seek to solve complex problems and make a real difference in the world ... That’s something our founding Sisters of St. Joseph instilled in us, and we continue to honor our roots and live that mission at Regis today.”

Sincerely, Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN PRESIDENT

Photo (left): Brian Smith; (right): Paige Brown

2

NOW WE FLY! It is with great pride that I announce Regis has exceeded its ambitious $40 million campaign!

Since its public launch in 2017, Now We Fly has fueled the success of our growing population of students, which now stands at more than 3,000 and includes 1,350 online students in 45 states across the country.

Regis surpassed the $40 million mark during the Let It Shine Gala in October, two months ahead of schedule.

It was a magical moment when the Regis supporters in the room that evening came together to push us over the top. Read more about the campaign and the gala on page 16.

As Regis looks toward the future, science is, and must continue to be, at the forefront. At the Let It Shine Gala we celebrated women in STEM—a theme that is prominent in this issue of Regis Today. We are proud of all the research in our classrooms and labs, and the success of our alumni who are making significant contributions in myriad ways. Science, technology, engineering, and math touch nearly every part of the Regis curriculum—from biology and biomedical engineering, to our programs in nursing and health sciences that include occupational therapy, public health, and, new last year—dental hygiene. We cut the ribbon on a beautiful state-of-the-art Dental Center in Waltham earlier this fall (read more on page 7).

Throughout the campaign, many have asked me what “Now We Fly” really means. For me, “we” is the key word. At Regis, we seek to solve complex problems and make a real difference in the world. To do this, we rely on the “we” every day—without our strong community and ability to connect with each other, we wouldn’t be inspired to have such a great impact around the world.

That’s something our founding Sisters of St. Joseph instilled in us, and we continue to honor our roots and live that mission at Regis today.

Regis is thriving. With the continued generosity of its supporters, the university will be propelled to evergreater heights. Thank you for your part as a valued member of our community, and best wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas season.

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Let It Shine

Ikhianosen Ukhuedoba ’19, researcher in the Epilepsy Genetics Program of Boston Children’s Hospital, spoke at the Let It Shine Gala in October about her experience in the Regis zebrafish facility and her plans to pursue medical school to help underserved populations. Read more about the Gala on page 20.

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Fast Track Degree Undergraduates can save money and enter the workforce faster with new three-year degree programs

4 REGIS TODAY Apply or learn more: regiscollege. edu/fasttrack

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As college tuition and on-campus housing costs continue to rise, college debt is top of mind for many families. In fall 2020, Regis will welcome students to a newly launched Fast Track three-year bachelor’s degree program—an option for highly motivated students who want to save time and money by completing their degrees sooner.

“Our students today are ambitious yet concerned about the rising cost of a college degree,” says President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN. “We’re proud to have created an option for students who want to enter the job market quickly while still enjoying the traditional university experience in a classic New England setting.”

The university developed the new program to meet the demands of many Generation Z students who view job preparation as the primary purpose of college and fear taking on debt to pay for it.

Students in the program can choose from five majors: biology, global business management, interdisciplinary studies in the humanities, psychology, and social work.

The three-year degree programs are fully accredited and offer the same high academic standards as traditional four-year degrees by blending a year-round curriculum with a rigorous internship and career development program. Three-year students are able to study abroad, participate in athletics and service trips, enroll in honors programming, and enjoy university clubs and activities. Students will have access to academic tutoring as well as study skills and time management coaching.

“Students will be assigned a three-year adviser who will offer academic and career guidance in order to support successful completion of their degree,” says Dean of Undergraduate Enrollment and Retention Laura Bertonazzi ’03, EdD. “The program is a cohort model, meaning that they will have a supportive learning community of fellow students enrolled in the program.”

The university’s suite of Fast Track programs also includes a combined bachelor’s-to-master’s program, an accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing for non-nurse college graduates, as well as an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s in nursing for non-nurse college graduates. The programs accept military credits for certain majors and veterans are eligible for GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program benefits.

FAST TRACK THREE-YEAR BACHELOR’S PROGRAM: Complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as

3 5 YEARS

Choose from

MAJORS: Biology Global Business Management Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities Psychology Social Work Complete courses ON CAMPUS, ONLINE, and during the SUMMER Save up to

$54,000

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NEW TRUSTEE

John M. Gray, MBA, JD, is president and chief executive officer of Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA), a role he has held since 2004, where he is responsible for overseeing all HDA operations and activities. He is also president and CEO of the HDA Research Foundation. Gray previously served for 10 years as CEO of the International Foodservice Distributors Association and as Food Distributor International’s executive vice president and general counsel. He received a bachelor’s degree from The College of William & Mary, MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and JD from the University of Virginia School of Law.

More 900 members of the Regis community honored the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston on September 25, serving in places like Cradles to Crayons, Hope LodgeAstraZeneca, and BINA Farm. Dan Rivera, mayor of the City of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and 2019 Regis honorary degree recipient, gave the keynote address in the Regis Fine Arts Center, sharing his experience making change happen through service.

“Remember to work hard and fight hard and that your successes today will be the foundation for your success tomorrow,” said Rivera. “Change can only happen when you decide to make it happen. Service is critical to making right what is wrong today.”

Share some LOVE with Regis this Valentine’s Day! Join the Regis community in February 2020 for #RegisGivingDay. Your support will create tremendous opportunities for students and ensure they have the best educational and extracurricular opportunities.

With your help, Regis is empowering students to make an impact in the world.

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Founders’ Day

GIVING DAY

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Watch a Founders’ Day 2019 recap at regisma.me/founders19

REGIS FEST

It was wonderful to welcome over 400 alumni, students, and families to campus for Regis Fest 2019. The weekend was filled with many inspiring and exciting events— including the induction of six alumni into the Athletics Hall of Fame (read more on page 8), energizing sporting events, and fun activities for the whole family.

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LIFE AFTER REGIS: SEND US YOUR NEWS!

Photo: Sebastian Lena

Keep us updated on your #LifeAfterRegis!

We want to hear about your successes— professional and personal. To share your news, email advancement@regiscollege. edu or fill out our spotlight form at alumni.regiscollege.edu/spotlight.

Conceicao Pires ’05 (left) founded CORE Healthcare Solutions, Inc., an organization that focuses on health care literacy.

HELEN KELLER EXHIBIT When nursing major Amanda Gokey ’22 (pictured above) was working in a special needs program at the Life Experience School in Millis, Massachusetts, she was inspired by an art exhibit featuring a bronze bust of Helen Keller with her teacher, Anne Sullivan. So much so, that Gokey was prompted to bring it to Regis.

“This project is dedicated to showing the importance of education and inclusion, values that are part of my Regis experience,” says Gokey.

To help launch the exhibit, she worked with Mary O’Connor, a student who attends the Life Experience School and whose mother, Paula Powers O’Connor ’77, is a Regis alumna.

Part of a traveling educational art exhibit, the commissioned work of art sculpted by internationally renowned artist Lado Goudjabidze was on display in September in the main reading room within the Lorraine Tegan Learning Commons.

Marissa Troy ’18 and Alyssa Wilkinson ’18 recently joined the Nursing Residency Program at MetroWest Medical Center.

The program is designed to help new nurses transition from student to professional nurse.

Follow Regis College and Regis College Alumni on social media and use the hashtag #LifeAfterRegis

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+ Focus on Health

Regis Dental Center An October 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new Regis College Dental Center in Waltham, Massachusetts. The center, which is open to the community, is a high-tech educational facility that serves as the new clinical home for the university’s dental hygiene program that was acquired from Mount Ida College last year.

“This is a proud day for Regis College, as we are committed to providing innovative learning opportunities in real-world settings that serve our community,” said Regis President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN. “The center provides low-cost dental care to patients and prepares our students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.”

Hays, who led efforts to take over the dental hygiene program after Mount Ida unexpectedly closed, was joined by students, staff, faculty, and trustees to cut the ribbon on the new educational facility. Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy presented Hays and the university with a city proclamation to commemorate the opening.

“The center places the university in the top tier of dental hygiene programs across the country,” said Denise Tetreault, Regis associate professor and director of the Dental Hygiene program who was recently named the 2020 Yankee Dental Congress Hygienist of the Year. “Here, in a fully operational dental center, our students gain the critical real-life experience they need guided by our excellent faculty and staff.”

“I am thrilled to call myself a Regis student and soon enough, a proud Regis graduate,” said Sarah Lipocky ’20, a dental hygiene major.

“After Mount Ida closed, I could not have imagined that I would be standing here right now ready to finish my college career in such a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility.”

The fully-equipped center features 20 dental-care bays, a full complement of x-ray technology, and a laboratory space. It provides low-cost dental care to patients including dental cleanings and exams, teeth whitening, x-ray services, periodontal assessments, and oral cancer screenings. The center is now open and accepting new patients.

The university’s Dental Hygiene program provides a strong foundation in biomedical sciences. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and offers both associate and bachelor of science degrees.

100%

of Regis College dental hygiene students participate in outreach projects while in the program

95%

of incoming first-year Regis students receive merit scholarship or need-based aid from the university

100%

of dental hygiene students are required to practice in diverse work settings for true experiential learning

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Photo: Stephen Sedman

Regis opens state-of-the-art Dental Center in Waltham

The Regis College Dental Hygiene program has exceptional board complecompletion and job placement rates. Registered Dental Hygienist licensure requires numerous written and clinical state and federal examinations and historihistorically, Regis College dental hygiene students have been highly successful.

Learn more and watch a short video about the Dental Center: regiscollege.edu/ dentalcenter

Left to right: Joe Shaughnessy, Denise Tetreault, Mayor of Waltham Jeannette McCarthy, Regis President Toni Hays, Laura Burke, Karen Hallisey-Pesa, Sarah Lipocky ’20, and Regis Trustee Glenn Morris.

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Athletics Hall of Fame Regis welcomes six inductees into the Athletics Hall of Fame

8 REGIS TODAY Left to right: Ryan Chambers ’14, Stephen McGovern ’13, Caitlin Connolly ’05, Samantha Dutily ’97, Jan Rutkowski ’77, and John Higgins (on behalf of Sister Thérèse M. Higgins, CSJ, ’47).

“It’s because of your service to Regis, your embodiment of the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph—on and off the court, the track, the field, or in the pool—that our legacy is so rich,” Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President Kara Kolomitz, EdD, told the inductees at the ceremony. “Be proud of the legacy that you created.”

“These six extraordinary individuals played a major role in the establishment, expansion, and foundation that our comprehensive and competitive athletic program is built on today,” says Dean of Athletics Pam Roecker. “They have been excellent representatives of the university and it was an honor to see them take their rightful place in the Regis Athletics Hall of Fame.”

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INDUCTEES: Ryan Chambers ’14 is one of the first two male student-athletes to be inducted into the Regis Athletics Hall of Fame.

A four-year member of the men’s basketball program, Chambers is Regis’ all-time leading scorer with 1,311 career points, and is also second in program history with 119 career steals.

Caitlin Connolly ’05 played both field hockey and basketball at Regis. In field hockey, she was the 2001 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Rookie of the Year and a four-time First Team All-CCC selection and in 2004 earned Second Team All-Region honors after scoring 10 goals and dishing out six assists for 26 total points. Basketball accolades include 1,229 career points and 836 career rebounds, currently seventh on the alltime scoring list and sixth on the all-time rebounding list.

Photo: Michael Quiet

In a ceremony held on September 27 during Regis Fest Weekend, five former student-athletes and one significant champion of the athletics program were inducted into the Regis Athletics Hall of Fame, including the first two male athletes.

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Samantha Dutily ’97 was a three-sport student-athlete at Regis—field hockey, women’s basketball, and softball—serving as captain in all three sports. In 1996, she finished the field hockey season with eight goals and three assists. In basketball, she is the all-time leader in steals with 349 and holds top-three career marks in made three-pointers (135) and assists (363). In softball, she is Regis’ all-time leader in runs scored with 99 and is sixth in career batting average at .403.

Stephen McGovern ’13 played a major role in the improvement of the Regis men’s swimming and diving program during the early 2010s. He won four Great Northeast Athletic Conference titles: the 100 breaststroke in both 2011 and 2012, the 200 breaststroke in 2012, and as part of the 200 medley relay in 2012; GNAC records were broken in all four victories. He broke Regis school records in individual events 20 times and was part of 17 record-breaking performances in relay events.

Photo: Len Rubenstein

Jan Rutkowski ’77 was a two-sport student-athlete in women’s basketball and softball. On the basketball court, she averaged approximately 15 points per game, scoring over 650 career points, and served as captain senior year. She took on the challenge of playing forward against taller opponents and frequently out-rebounded them.

Rutkowski was also the starting catcher for the softball team from 1974 to 1977, serving as captain during senior year.

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WBUR HIGHLIGHTS REGIS

As part of WBUR’s weeklong series “Small Colleges, Big Challenges,” reporter Max Larkin visited Regis’ main campus in Weston and the Regis North campus in Lawrence to explore how the university has grown by diversifying its student base—undergraduate, graduate, and online—and leveraging its expertise in nursing and health sciences. The article, entitled “A College Specializes In Medicine And Health—And Finds Itself Revived” (October 24, 2019), highlighted the accelerated nursing program at Regis North and the acquisition of the Dental Hygiene program. Read the full piece: regisma.me/WBUR

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Sister Thérèse M. Higgins, CSJ, ’47, was an English professor at Regis before starting her term as president in 1974.

Her contribution to the athletics program is highlighted by the completion of the Athletics Center in 1981. She is honored within the Athletics Center by the naming of Higgins Court, the current home court for the Regis basketball and volleyball teams.

A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Regis provides discounted graduate and certificate programs to Boston Public School staff through its Diverse Educators Program The Boston Public Schools (BPS) and Regis College have launched a new partnership to provide BPS employees with tuition discounts on graduate programs at the university and full-tuition scholarships to current BPS students who are interested in pursuing a major in education.

“As we continue implementing programs that foster diversity and create career pathways, this partnership with Regis College benefits both our current educators and the many BPS high school students who are passionate about pursuing a career in education,” says Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius.

With the partnership, BPS employees are now able to enroll at Regis College and receive significant discounts of up to 20 percent for eligible

on-campus graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs and 10 percent off of online graduate programs.

Additionally, Regis will provide one fulltuition scholarship to a BPS employee accepted in the university’s new Master of Education in Student Support program. The university will also award two four-year, full-tuition Regis Diverse Educators scholarships to qualified BPS students who are entering the undergraduate education program as part of the partnership.

Regis College President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN, says: “This partnership with Boston Public Schools guarantees that Regis will shape a new generation of educational leaders and teachers who will have a significant impact on Boston Public Schools students for years to come.”

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Personal Exchanges Nursing students build authentic community relationships through local and international partnerships B Y A L LYS ON M A NC H E S T E R

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When nursing students Eileen Gomez ’20, Kristina Nardone ’20, and Larissa Ribas ’20 arrived in Mendoza, Argentina, as part of a new Regis exchange program, it didn’t take long for them to realize that the most impactful moments of the trip would be interacting with the local population. Their first stop: a tour of Fundación CONIN Mendoza, a nonprofit nutritional clinic that serves children who are malnourished.

“It was eye-opening to witness the health complications that result from malnutrition,” says Gomez. “Malnourished children are more susceptible to diseases and infections due to weakened immune systems.”

Regis students helped the CONIN staff educate local residents on hand hygiene and food sanitation methods. They also taught lessons on how residents can prepare nutritious and sustainable meals, even in the absence of high-quality ingredients. During one of the lessons, the students befriended a little girl who was eager to know more.

“It is hard for people suddenly to change the nutritional habits that they have been practicing for their whole lives,” Ribas says of the encounter.

“The way to overcome this is by putting in the effort to make genuine friendships and personal connections.”

As Regis nursing majors, Gomez, Nardone, and Ribas are quite familiar with the idea of building authentic relationships when serving others. This is why they were among the five students who were selected to participate in this year’s three-week exchange program with the Universidad de Congreso in Mendoza and Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. The students also traveled

to Boston to gain perspective on the themes of global health and nutrition.

Another stop on the trip to Mendoza included preparing food at a local church and serving it to the homeless members of the congregation. For Ribas, simply being with the church community was just as important as doing the “work” to prepare the food.

“I really felt like I was part of the group. Going to church is something that the people in Mendoza do to come together every week. Being invited into this tradition was a true honor.”

Gomez shares a similar memory of connecting with the local population over fresh vegetables. “One day, we went out to a field and picked butternut squash that was perfectly edible but not passable to sell to stores because it was deformed. Later, we went back into town and handed out dozens of bags filled with squash to Argentinians who live in poverty. All of us had an emotional experience as we talked with the local people and watched their faces light up with joy when they learned that they would have food to feed their families.”

Gaining Perspective The new exchange program, entitled “Sustainable Community Health and Nutrition in the Americas,” is funded by a grant from 100,000 Strong in the Americas, an organization that supports international university partnerships in the Western Hemisphere.

Cassandra Godzik, BSN ’15, MSN ’16, assistant professor of nursing at Regis, explains how this experiential opportunity builds seamlessly upon the academics in the Regis nursing program. “When we work with students in the classroom, we continuously study cultures outside of our own. There are multiple

Photo: David Crisci

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Regis students explore health and sustainability within the Argentinian agriculture and economy as they learn about workers’ history and workplace safety and standards at a local winemaker.

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Regis students and faculty worked together to harvest squash for families in Argentina. Top (left to right): Assistant Professor of Nursing Cassandra Godzik, BSN ’15, MSN ’16, and Kristina Nardone ’20. Bottom: Larissa Ribas ’20.

welcomes families in the same way as CONIN in Argentina.”

Although the health crises at home and abroad might appear different on the surface, students came away from the exchange program with a new understanding of how they can be agents of change in any location.

“I think the most significant outcome of a trip like this is that students realize they are more alike than different to people who live outside of the U.S.,” says Godzik. “They develop new relationships and connections. I know many of the students and faculty plan to continue discussions with our friends from Argentina and from Johnson and Wales as we work on other projects in the future. This kind of collaboration is priceless.”

Photos: David Crisci

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perspectives on any given topic. We believe that all perspectives should be considered when learning about important issues.”

Godzik notes that nursing classes at Regis include units on different governments, health care practices, and cultural traditions. “Our curriculum helps students to be more open-minded and fully explore their environment when they travel to different countries.”

When the students returned from Argentina, they set out with exchange partners from the Universidad de Congreso to advocate for good health in communities closer to home.

“The public health crisis in the U.S. is totally opposite from the public health crisis in Argentina,” explains Gomez. “While the Argentinians are struggling with malnutrition, in the U.S. we have problems with obesity.”

At Johnson and Wales University, the students participated in a variety of lectures and seminars on healthy eating and culinary arts. The highlight of this portion of the trip was meeting the 16-yearold founder of a Blender Bike Madness after-school program. Through the program, children use the energy from pedaling a bike to activate a blender.

The blender then turns fruit into delicious smoothies for kids.

For the last leg of the experience, the students returned to Regis and ventured to sites in the Boston area over the course of five days. “It’s very easy to be blind to the problems around us,” says Ribas. “It is so crucial that we take action and do our part in our communities.”

Godzik and Assistant Professor of Nursing Laurel Skinder Gourville, RN, MSN, CPNP, facilitated the programming for this part of the experience. The students toured the rooftop garden and cooking program at Boston Medical Center as a way to learn about health programs in the community.

They also visited Rosie’s Place in Boston, a sanctuary for poor and homeless women that Regis has partnered with in different ways for the past 25 years (see page 13).

Nardone adds that the Boston portion of the trip surprised their Argentinian exchange partners.

“The students who came with us from Argentina had expected the United States to be an amazing place with no problems whatsoever. We were forced to confront issues in Boston like the opioid crisis. Still, it was important for the students from Argentina to see that we need safe places for people who are struggling. Rosie’s Place welcomes women with open arms, whether the women are living with domestic abuse, overcoming a drug problem, or needing a warm meal and place to stay. Rosie’s Place

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13 FALL 2019

25 Years: Regis and Rosie’s Place Provide Compassionate Care REGIS CELEBRATES 25 years of partnership with Rosie’s Place, a Boston-based sanctuary that serves 12,000 poor and homeless women each year. Regis provides volunteer nursing services in the Rosie’s Place on-site Wellness Center.

“The Wellness Center at Rosie’s Place provides an opportunity for women to receive health and medical assistance under our roof,” says Leemarie Mosca, president of Rosie’s Place. “Our overall goal at Rosie’s Place is to provide women with compassionate care, and in the Wellness Center they do the exact same things. This 25-year partnership with Regis College is so critical to Rosie’s Place.”

“Together we have been able to find a unique place where women, who would otherwise not be served, have a way to receive appropriate medical services,” adds Laurel Skinder Gourville, RN, MSN, CPNP, assistant professor of nursing at Regis.

Rosie’s Place not only provides meals and shelter for women but it also offers wide-ranging support, housing, and education services. Regis is among a wide variety of community-based health agencies— including Boston Health Care for the Homeless, Health Care Without Walls, Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and specialists in the fields of chiropractor health, reiki, and acupuncture—that partner with Rosie’s Place to offer health and wellness services.

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On September 19, 2019, Rosie’s Place marked the Wellness Center’s 25th anniversary with a celebration and recognition of its partners.

Regis connected with Rosie’s Place in 1993 with intentions of organizing an on-site nursing program that would encompass the university’s mission to serve others. In August 1994, with the leadership of Mary Smalarz, RN, EdD, four Regis nursing students arrived on site to begin the program. In the fall 1995 issue of Regis Today, Lynda Kaylor ’97 is quoted saying that volunteering at Rosie’s Place was “eye-opening.” And that sentiment still rings true for recent graduates and Regis students who participate today.

“Working at Rosie’s Place is really going to help me in my career because I got to enhance my assessment skills and build relationships with people, and that is going to help me when I’m at the bedside wherever I end up,” says recent graduate and nursing major Salman Mirza ’19.

Onyinyechi Obelle ’19 agrees. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work at Rosie’s Place with different demographics because it will help me become a better nurse in the future.”

Gourville adds, “Ultimately, the goal is for students to apply this experience to any job setting they may have in the future—and to never forget the challenges that face our vulnerable neighbors.”

“Sustainable Community Health and Nutrition in the Americas” is an international exchange program that brought Regis students to Rosie’s Place in Boston.

The program is funded by a grant from 100,000 Strong in the Americas. Learn more about Regis’ partnership with Rosie’s Place in this short video: regisma.me/ rosiesplace.

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ahead looking

Making Moves A shift from politics to nursing creates a lasting impact B Y A L LYS ON M A NC H E S T E R

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In 2009, Katy Sullivan, MSN ’15, landed her first job as a legislative aid for a Massachusetts State Representative. As a recent graduate of University of Massachusetts Amherst with bachelor’s degrees in political science and English, she was excited to immerse herself in the vibrant world of politics. She attended meetings on behalf of her representative, took constituent calls, and helped with information gathering and summarizing. As her work continued, however, she felt a growing disconnect between her expectations for the career and the reality of her daily life in the office.

Looking back, Sullivan admits that she entered the field of politics with a bit of naiveté. “I assumed that Aaron Sorkin, the writer for The West Wing, would be writing my dialogue as a legislative aid,” she laughs as she considers her favorite television show at the time. “I expected the job to involve idealistic gestures and conversations about larger political concepts.”

Instead, Sullivan found herself feeling as though she didn’t have the specialized training that she needed to make an impact. “I couldn’t support people in the way that I wanted to, and that wore on me. I was so nervous all the time that I never remembered anyone’s name. This is a pretty significant disadvantage when you’re working in politics,” she admits.

At this point, she began to consider a career change and followed her instincts.

“One part of my job that I loved was helping people to navigate the public health care system,” she says. “I started to think about how I could give more hands-on support.”

After speaking with Mary Ann Hart, PhD, a colleague at the State House who is also a Regis

associate professor in health administration, Sullivan finally summoned the courage to make a move to nursing—a path that had sparked her interest back in high school. “I talked with Mary Ann about my options and she encouraged me to apply to the direct-entry nurse practitioner program at Regis,” recalls Sullivan, whose mother is a nurse. “I trusted Mary Ann’s advice because I look up to her and admire the work that she does at the state level.

She advocates for all kinds of organizations that do the work I had always wanted to do.”

With Hart’s support, Sullivan enrolled in the Regis Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Practitioner (NP) track, attending day classes and also taking a night-shift job at a local hospital.

Although this lifestyle and income change may have proven jarring for some, Sullivan felt a sense of relief as soon as she started taking her nursing prerequisites. “I had made a bold decision based on my gut. I think that alleviated a lot of the discomfort of making a change,” she says.

Courses in community nursing and broader nursing policy helped Sullivan to develop a focus on community health. “As a Catholic college and an institution that does so much in the field of human services, Regis exposed me to the concept of universal human dignity. I wanted a job where I could be an advocate for this concept.”

One of her first clinical experiences in the MSN program was at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans in Boston. This experience reaffirmed her desire to work with vulnerable populations. Then, after finishing her MSN degree in three years and working several nurse practitioner jobs, she took a position in a health care for the homeless program at Families First Health and

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“As a Catholic college and an institution that does so much in the field of human services, Regis exposed me to the concept of universal human dignity. I wanted a job where I could be an advocate for this concept.”

Photo: Holly Redmond

KATY SULLIVAN, MSN ’15

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Support Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

On the job, she found her place in a tight-knit community of health professionals.

Currently, Sullivan is a nurse practitioner at Manchester Health Care for the Homeless in New Hampshire. She spends most of her time at New Horizons, a coed shelter in the city of Manchester.

The shelter includes two exam rooms and several offices. Sullivan treats a mix of scheduled and walkin patients, many of whom struggle with opioid use disorder. Her work ranges from prescribing buprenorphine (otherwise known as Suboxone, a prescription medicine used to treat patients who are addicted to opioid drugs) to simply bearing witness to patients’ stories.

“This clinic is an amazing place to work because it is truly integrated,” Sullivan explains. “When treating patients, I get to call on the expertise of four full-time therapists, six nurses, and NP and MD colleagues. We also have an incredible street outreach team that connects us with local hospitals and community service organizations.”

Sullivan explains that any patient success story is the result of a team effort. “Although it doesn’t always work out perfectly, it’s a great day when we can work as a team to give our clients the opportunity to turn their lives around.”

Sullivan’s career as a nurse practitioner has brought her the certainty that she lacked in her days at the State House. She is grateful to now have a fulfilling job that aligns with her fundamental values.

“I was initially drawn to this career because I wanted to be an advocate for the concept of universal human dignity,” she explains. “I learned about that concept during my education at Regis

and am now fortunate to work with a team that embodies it every day. In a niche of medicine that can often be frustrating, we need to offer hope to our clients. I am honored to play a role in that mission.”

Learn more about the Young School of Nursing at regiscollege.edu/nursing

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Regis surpassed its Now We Fly Campaign goal of $40 million during the Let It Shine Gala in October.

The campaign will officially come to a close on December 31, 2019, completing the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the university’s 92-year history.

BY ALEXIS BAUM

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Publicly launched in 2017, Now We Fly exceeded the $40 million mark two months ahead of schedule at the university’s Let It Shine Gala on October 23, 2019 (read more on page 20). A comprehensive campaign, Now We Fly comprised four main funding priorities: capital projects, endowed scholarship support, academic initiatives, and annual support. Prior to Now We Fly, the largest Regis campaign was $16 million in 1994, which included the building of the Fine Arts Center. At more than double that amount, the $40 million goal was ambitious, but university leadership was confident it was attainable.

“This campaign has been a gamechanger for Regis,” says Board of Trustees Chair and Campaign Co-Chair John Tegan. “We really needed to prove to ourselves—and to the world—that Regis could raise these significant funds, especially amid headlines of small colleges closing their doors. It has been all about building a stronger culture of philanthropy for an institution that has been flying under the radar for years; we did that successfully and Regis is stronger than ever before.”

In 2013, the year prior to the beginning of the campaign’s “silent phase,” Regis raised $2.2 million.

During the campaign, that figure nearly doubled to $4.3 million per year, on average, from 2014 to 2019.

“When I became president of Regis, I knew the university had such great, untapped potential,” says Hays. “Regis has been making a significant impact in Greater Boston and around the world for years, and Now We Fly was all about telling the Regis story—being bold not only in our efforts to raise significant funding, but bold in shining a bright light on the great work we were already doing.”

In today’s higher education climate, shining that light is more important than ever. Since Hays took the helm in 2011, Regis created two additional schools (and now has a total of four schools) and has greatly expanded its focus in nursing and health sciences at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

And in 2017, Regis took its next big strategic step when the university launched fully online degree programs, expanding its target market and geographic reach beyond the campuses in Greater Boston. This expansion translates to an overall enrollment that has increased by about 75 percent since Hays became president nine years ago.

It’s the increase in enrollment revenue coupled with campaign investments that has built Regis’ recent success and solidified its future.

“Now We Fly was a revolutionary campaign for Regis—I remember thinking ‘it’s now or never,’” says Hays as she recalls the planning stage of the campaign. “We had a strategic vision for the university, but we knew it wouldn’t come to fruition without significant funding.

Our success really hinged on two things happening simultaneously— unprecedented campaign support and a significant shift in our enrollment and programs. Regis is thriving today because we were successful in achieving both of these things.”

Hays isn’t shy about noting that although Regis is certainly “flying” with the completion of the campaign, this is just the beginning.

“Regis still has so much growth potential, especially in STEM,” she says. “As Regis looks toward the future, science is, and must continue to be, at the forefront.”

Read on to learn more about the impact of the Now We Fly Campaign on Regis and its students.

17 FALL 2019

Photo: Kathleen Dooher

“I remember when we were planning the campaign—deciding on an ambitious goal—and when we landed on $40 million, many said we would never achieve that amount,” recalls Regis President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN. “I always knew we would.”

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Supporting People & Places SUPPORTING STUDENTS 3

Significant funding from Now We Fly was, and continues to be, invested in student scholarships and financial aid.

Read more about some of the students benefiting from campaign support: alumni.regis college.edu/nowwefly/stories.

1

2

SERGINE DELMA ’21 Major: Nursing Minor: Biology Hometown: Port-au-Prince, Haiti

4

DIMITRI STEWART ’22 Major: Global Business Management Minor: Data Analytics Hometown: Paterson, NJ

5

FELICIA MCGINNIS ’20 Major: Social Work Minors: Music and Communications Hometown: Rochester, NY JAVIER SUAREZ ’20 Major: Global Business Management Minor: Economics Hometown: Caborojo, Puerto Rico

NEW AND UPDATED SPACES

6

Since the campaign began, Now We Fly has funded everything from student scholarships and financial aid to campus renovations and updated lab spaces. Read on to see some of the spaces and students supported by the campaign.

Nursing Resource Center (1) Through a generous grant from Cummings Foundation, the Regis Nursing Resource Center in College Hall is a supportive environment for nursing students to study and collaborate.

Zebrafish Facility (2) Regis students have been conducting research in the oncampus zebrafish facility since 2018 thanks to campaign grant support from Virginia Pyne Kaneb ’57 and others, as well as a partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital.

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Maria Hall Extension (3) The residence hall features modern, suite-style accommodations, common spaces, a fitness center, and the Lennon Dance Studio.

Grotto (4) Thanks to the support of Eileen McCormick Langenus ’78 and Peter Langenus, trustee, and Farrah and Hans Christensen, trustee, the grotto (between the Tower and Walters Hall) was restored and is used for campus gatherings as well as quiet reflection and prayer.

Lorraine Tegan Learning Commons (5) Board of Trustees Chair John Tegan made a gift to name the Tegan Commons in honor of his late wife, Lorraine DeStefano Tegan ’63.

Young School of Nursing (6) The family of the late trustee emeritus and longtime supporter Richard “Dick” W. Young, PhD, and Sheila Young, named the Richard and Sheila Young School of Nursing—a nationally-recognized Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

ABIGAIL COOKE ’20 Major: Biology Hometown: Abington, MA ARIE SEARCY ’22 Major: Exercise Science Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA

Quad & Luben Plaza (7) The campus quad is a vibrant centerpiece for campus life, often used for group study, community events, recreation, and outdoor classes. The Luben Plaza is between the quad and St. Joseph Hall, and was named in 2015 in honor of Mary and Joseph Luben, parents of Patricia Luben O’Hearn ’64.

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BY THE NUMBERS NOW WE FLY CAMPAIGN NUMBERS*

4,915

Total donors (includes alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends)

Cumulative annual support

32%

7

FALL 2019

$14,385,831

19

Endowment increase

$10,664,584

IMPACT OF THE NOW WE FLY CAMPAIGN: GIFTS AND GRANTS TO REGIS FY07 TO FY19

Reunion giving

MILLION

$1,012,658

$8,955,502

9

Total pledged by Class of 1966 for 50th Reunion

8

$6,078,796

7

Grants

6

$4,843,685 Planned gifts

5 $4,166,292

4 3

$3,198,522 $3,135,562

$3,085,980

$2,947,060

$2,569,301

$4,088,040

$3,335,948

New donors

$2,510,408

*Statistics are based on the campaign

$2,269,188 2

period starting in fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2019, and amounts include pledges and cash received.

$1,879,706

$1,710,585

1,797

1 FY 07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Now We Fly campaign period

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11/20/19 1:10 PM

Thanks to fund-our-mission auctioneer Jack Connors, Regis surpassed its Now We Fly Campaign goal during the fourth annual Let It Shine Gala.

$40M

Regis Board Chair John Tegan (left) and Regis President Toni Hays (middle) presented the Shining Example Award to Patricia A. D’Amore ’73, PhD, MBA, at the Let It Shine Gala.

G OAL

Celebrating Regis Women in STEM

$20M

$10M

Let It Shine Gala celebrates Women in STEM and pushes the Now We Fly Campaign over its $40 million goal.

The Let It Shine Regis Gala, now in its fourth year, has raised millions of dollars for student scholarships—all of which is included in the comprehensive Now We Fly Campaign. On October 23, 2019, during Massachusetts STEM Week, Regis honored world-renowned researcher Patricia A. D’Amore ’73, PhD, MBA, with the university’s Shining Example Award.

D’Amore, director of the Schepens Eye Research Institute, was honored for her groundbreaking work that helps treat various ocular vascular diseases affecting millions of people worldwide every year.

“Pat has made significant contributions to the field of STEM, including serving as a mentor to countless colleagues,” says Regis President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN. “We are so proud that she got her start in the science labs at Regis.”

“My parents valued education and allowed me to thrive as the first in our family to go to college,” says D’Amore. “STEM at Regis is a major focus of their teaching and learning. It’s important to have STEM training for women because they need SPECIAL THANKS to all the encouragement to go in Let It Shine supporters! the direction of a traditionally View the list of top sponsors male-dominated field.”

Let It Shine honoree Patricia D’Amore ’73 meets current Regis women in STEM at the Gala. From left to right: Associate Professor of Biology Shari Litch Gray, PhD, Dr. D’Amore, President Hays, and biology majors Lily Wyand ’20 and Samantina Vidaud ’20. Wyand and Vidaud work with Dr. Gray in the Regis zebrafish facility, and they shared their research with guests at the Gala.

Photos: Paige Brown

$30M

and see event photos at alumni.regiscollege.edu/ letitshine

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11/27/19 9:22 AM

STEM SPOTLIGHTS

SAMANTINA VIDAUD ’20 Major: Biology Hometown: Somerville, MA

“Regis has contributed to my growth by helping me connect to others throughout leadership roles— including being an Orientation Leader. It was an amazing opportunity to be there for the incoming students and see both their excitement and fear of the unknown. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I was happy to be there for them in a way I did not think I could be while being an introvert.

I was able to share my experiences, answer all their questions, and watch with gratitude as they started to open up more with each other.

The scholarships I received helped me to stay strong and believe in myself, knowing that others believe in me too. Thank you to my donors—for not seeing me as a number, but as a person whose hard work is worthy.”

21

LILY WYAND ’20

“Without the Flatley Scholars Program, I would not have been able to accept my dream internship at Boston Children’s Hospital as a genetic counseling and research assistant, a position that has prepared me to enter the workforce after graduation.

Regis has helped me soar by providing opportunities through work study and volunteer positions that have really given me confidence and broadened the skills that will carry me into the future.”

The Regis scholarships I received allowed me to pursue my dreams of higher education. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to work in the Regis zebrafish facility. Today, thanks to that experience, I work in the epilepsy genetics program of Boston Children’s Hospital and I will be applying to medical school next year. Every day I am driven by the hope to help underserved, underrepresented, marginalized, and vulnerable populations to synthesize a change in accessibility and quality health care for them. To the donors, I want to say thank you. Thank you for giving me and young students like me the opportunity to dare to dream big, and for your commitment to investing in the lives and futures of Regis students.”

FALL 2019

Major: Biology Minor: Public Health Hometown: Huntington, MA

IKHIANOSEN UKHUEDOBA ’19 Let It Shine Gala Speaker

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11/20/19 1:10 PM

Vetting a Passion A lifelong love of science and animals led Alexis Nicole Zallas ’13 to her dream job as a veterinarian in the emergency department at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Waltham, Massachusetts.

B Y K R I S T E N WA L S H P H O T O S B Y H O L LY R E D M O N D

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24 REGIS TODAY

rowing up, Alexis Nicole Zallas ’13 always looked forward to movie nights with her father. The pair would grab bowls of ice cream and curl up next to each other to watch old western films.

But it wasn’t the star-studded cowboy John Wayne who captured Zallas’ heart; she fell in love with the horses.

“Horses are beautiful creatures and they just drew me in completely,” Zallas recalls, with the same enthusiasm she likely had as a kid. “It didn’t take long before I told my parents that I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up.”

Though her parents figured that she, like most kids, would move on to something else, they still looked for opportunities for their daughter to explore her newfound passion. Living in the Boston suburb of Lexington, they turned to Drumlin Farm and the Massachusetts Audubon Society— because Zallas wouldn’t have been happy simply watching animals on television or looking at them from afar at a zoo.

“I wanted to be able to touch horses, sheep, chickens, and goats—any kind of animal,” she says of her field trips. “I was also fascinated that injured animals could find a home there in order to

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live out their days, safely, at the Audubon wildlife reserve.”

To her parents’ surprise, Zallas never gave up her dream to become a veterinarian. In middle school, her favorite science class included dissecting a goat heart.

“We got to stick our fingers in the different major vessels leading into the heart,” she recalls. “It was so cool.”

During high school, she enrolled in pet first-aid classes at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital (then Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of New England). “I remember going to the teacher and telling her that I wanted to

Veterinarian Alexis Nicole Zallas ’13 on the job at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital.

be a vet someday and asking if I could volunteer at the hospital,” Zallas says. “I was so happy when the answer was ‘yes!’”

A short while after, Zallas got to observe an emergency surgery—dressed in scrubs, a mask, and booties with strict instructions: Don’t touch anything blue.

Sit on the floor if you feel faint.

But she didn’t feel the least bit nauseous or woozy. Instead, she realized, “This is where I want to be. I was sucked in.”

Throughout high school, Zallas continued to volunteer in the animal hospital’s surgery department observing technicians, learning how to sterilize and handle instruments, and practicing proper scrubbing techniques at the sink. “If they needed to set up a catheter, I would run to grab the supplies. I had all these really awesome opportunities to observe and learn firsthand with the surgeon standing right in front of me.”

A CURIOUS LEARNER With her sights set on veterinary school, Zallas enrolled at Regis to complete an undergraduate degree in biology. In addition to Regis’ location, which allowed her to keep costs down by commuting from nearby Lexington, one of the main reasons Zallas chose Regis was because of the size. “I like to ask a lot of questions; it’s how I learn. I wanted to get information from the most correct source I could, which is a professor. Other schools had such big classes, but I knew at Regis I’d have the opportunity to get that one-on-one support from

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25 FALL 2019

the faculty instead of just being a number.”

As she got more in-depth into science at Regis, Zallas says she fell in love with microbiology. “I became fascinated to learn about things I couldn’t see. Every single day we take for granted how much our body does for us, often complaining about what goes wrong. But what about the number of cellular processes and microscopic functions that are happening in our body on a daily basis that actually function correctly? It’s amazing.”

Her curiosity for how things work is rooted in time spent with

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her father, who she says was committed to teaching her how to be self-sufficient. He would bring Zallas into his woodworking workshop where they would sketch out and measure shapes for their projects (among them a birdhouse and covered wagon replica for a school assignment), then guide her on how to safely use each machine.

“My father taught me that with knowledge, I can be successful, even in fields that are typically male-dominated,” Zallas says. “Part of that translated to my desire to solve problems and pursue an education in science and medicine.”

Through these kinds of projects, Zallas also developed a better understanding of her learning style. At Regis, she would read whole chapters then make summaries and draw pictures about cellular processes, for example.

And, clearly, it worked: Zallas was in the Regis Honors Program (see sidebar on page 26) and was valedictorian of her class. Yet she admits that her first semester at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine was still a bit of a shock.

“A lot of people liken the vet school curriculum to trying to drink water from a firehose—you

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just can’t absorb all the information at once. And that is what it was truly like.”

Most of the time, she was in class from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week. On nights before a test, she got little rest—studying, sleeping for a few hours, then waking up at 3 a.m. to study some more. Though clinicals also required long days, Zallas didn’t mind because it meant she could interact with the animals.

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

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Throughout her time at Regis and veterinary school, Zallas continued to volunteer and intern at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital. After earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2017, she went on to complete a one-year post-doctoral internship before officially joining the BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital team to provide emergency care to small animals.

Though it is admittedly one of the toughest places to be—with regard to treating beloved pets that often have life-threatening illnesses or injuries—she enjoys the opportunity to teach people about different diseases. Her ability to build a personal rapport with pet owners she is meeting for the first time is something she credits to Regis.

“Growing up in a Greek family, I often stayed in my bubble and was even a bit socially awkward,” she admits. “I was astounded by how multicultural Regis was—with so many international students and people from all different backgrounds. That, coupled with small classes that required a lot of talking, collaborating, and group projects, is what helped me learn how to quickly build relationships with my clients in the ER.” During her shift, Zallas never knows what kind of injury or

HONORS PROGRAM PROMPTS SERVICE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY UNDERSTANDING

In addition to an academically rigorous honors curriculum, the Regis Honors Program includes participation in community leadership, service, and opportunities for personal development through mentoring relationships. It was founded in 1994 by Associate Professor of Humanities Ernie Collamati, PhD. “Students who participate in the Honors Program have told me that they receive so much more from participating in the service component of the program than they could ever give,” says Honors Program director Sister Mary L. Murphy, CSJ. “For many, it is life-changing.”

Alexis Nicole Zallas ’13 says her favorite part of the Honors Program was a service project presentation she completed for the honors course “Contributing to the Common Good.” The focus: her experience as a volunteer at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital (then Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of New England).

“By helping keep animals healthy or making them well again, I was also influencing the well-being of humans. Studies show that owning a pet helps lower blood pressure and stress levels, promotes exercise, and provides social and emotional support,” Zallas says. “I also expressed the importance of animal advocacy, as they don’t have a voice of their own.”

Sister Murphy taught the course in spring 2019. “Contributing to the Common Good is designed to explore factors influencing one’s choice to serve the common good, including the range of opportunities available and the gifts, sacrifices, and tradeoffs involved in choosing to devote oneself to the common good.”

The interdisciplinary nature of the symposium, Sister Murphy adds, helps students develop a comprehensive understanding of personal, local, national, and global considerations involved in serving the common good. “From Aristotle and Socrates to Hamilton and Jefferson, from the Lay Apostolate to the Peace Corps, from the contribution of women religious to the church and the world, to living the mission of the college, we have discussed it all. The call to service is a call to be fully human.”

illness will come through the door, whether it be a cat with cancer or a limping dog. Though it’s what she loves about her job, it is also one of the challenges of emergency medicine. “I can go from one room where people are happy to another room with people who are crying.”

She is candid about how this can make the job emotionally difficult. Compassion fatigue—a condition prevalent in both human and animal medicine—can result in a deep physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion accompanied by acute emotional pain, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

“Part of it is mind over matter,” she says of staying balanced, noting that self-care was part of the vet school curriculum. Her

philosophy is similar to a dog’s— she tries to live in the moment.

“I would describe myself as a happy-go-lucky puppy. I’m just happy to be working as a veterinarian with people I really like and can learn from.”

Zallas also relishes moments that keep her connected to her Hellenic culture. Thanks to her mother, she loves cooking Greek food. She sings in the Odyssey Greek Orchestra alongside her father, and she is a member of the Sons and Daughters of Alexander the Great Greek Dance Group.

And throughout her studies, she has realized medicine’s strong connection to Ancient Greece.

“I am part of thousands of years of an amazing culture, and I am extremely proud of my ancestors.”

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“Animals are so different from the human species: They don’t look like us, they can’t speak like us, and yet they have incredible function in this world … And without saying anything, they teach us lessons in unconditional love and acceptance.”

—ALEXIS NICOLE ZALLAS ’13

CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL “Animals in their purest form will be kind to you if you treat them nicely,” Zallas says. Her preference for animals comes from a place of utter respect.

“Animals are so different from the human species: They don’t look like us, they can’t speak like us, and yet they have incredible function in this world—like producing milk or pulling a cart. And without saying anything, they teach us lessons in unconditional love and acceptance.”

Though Zallas isn’t currently a pet owner (“I’m in the market!”), she respects the fact that the

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small animals she treats are cherished members of their owners’ families. It’s one of the things that makes her job so special.

“I consider it a good day when people extend their hand to thank me for doing such a great job,” Zallas says. “It’s really rewarding to know that what you do is valued and appreciated.”

She pauses as she considers the most memorable moment thus far in her career. Hard-pressed to

identify a single case, she says, “It’s gratifying when I examine an animal, diagnose the problem, successfully treat, and watch them walk out the door—healthy again or at least on the road to recovery. That, and the happiness on their owner’s face, is pretty magical in my mind.”

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GAME

High school teacher and former Regis College studentathlete Kathleen Thompson ’91 made the ultimate team sacrifice when she donated a kidney to her Regis basketball coach—fellow educator and friend Donna Tanner, EdD. EdD

STORY BY PATRICIA MURRAY DIBONA ’84 • PHOTOS BY HOLLY REDMOND

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30 REGIS TODAY 944981_p28-33.indd 30

K

athleen Thompson ’91 never intended to play sports in college. She had been a threeseason athlete at Hudson Catholic High School but thought juggling academics with college-level sports might be too difficult. “I graduated with a class of 54 students,” says Thompson of her hometown high school. “Regis seemed huge to me!”

To ease the transition, Regis paired first-year students with “big sisters”— juniors who showed them around campus and served as mentors.

Thompson’s was Sara Dwyer ’89, a member of Regis’ basketball team.

“Sara knew I played in high school and encouraged me to try out,” recalls Thompson, who threw herself into campus life—joining Tower Society (student tour guides now referred to as Pride Guides) and the Yearbook Committee, serving as treasurer of her class, and running cross country.

But it was the basketball team— where Thompson was a guard and a captain—that she found most fulfilling.

“KT gave me the gift of life.”

—Donna Tanner, EdD (right), on kidney donor Kathleen Thompson ’91 (left).

During her junior year, a new head basketball coach was hired.

Donna Tanner, EdD, an elementary school teacher, coached soccer and basketball at Weston High School before making the switch to Regis’ Division III women’s basketball team. “What Donna did for the program was incredible,” says Thompson. “Regis became much more competitive thanks to her coaching style and recruiting skills.”

Thompson’s senior season saw the basketball program make its first appearance in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship. The thenRegis Beacons would win in 1991 and return to the CCC finals three other times (1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96). Tanner was named Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1996 and Northeast Division III Coach of the Year in 1996. She credits her players with the team’s

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31 FALL 2019

success. Of Thompson she says: “KT was quick and loved to run.

She was a great role model for her teammates.”

Regis’ athletic program—and Tanner’s mentorship—impacted Thompson’s personal growth.

Her senior year, Thompson received the Mother Regis Award (now known as the Regis-Casserly Award), the most prestigious award given by Regis athletics.

“I came to Regis as a shy kid and left a different person,” she says.

“I gained confidence and lifelong friendships. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my background in Regis athletics.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN KIDS’ LIVES

Off the court, Thompson majored in mathematics and minored in business. With the encouragement of Tanner and professor Judith Costello, CSJ, ’66, she set her

944981_p28-33.indd 31

sights on a career as a high school math teacher. “I tutored innercity kids on weekends and helped Donna run basketball clinics.

Those experiences with children made me realize I’d never be happy in the business world and was better suited for the classroom,” says Thompson, noting the connection she still shares with students. “I’m good at getting to know kids’ strengths and helping kids who think they aren’t ‘good at math’ get good at it.”

While pursuing a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education at Boston University, Thompson worked as the assistant coach of Weston High’s basketball team alongside former Regis professor and softball coach Joanne Ruane. She stayed in touch with Tanner and Regis’ basketball program, attending fundraisers and playing in alumni games. “Donna was great

at keeping alumni involved,” she says.

Thompson and Tanner’s coachplayer relationship grew into a friendship as they advanced professionally. Currently a mathematics teacher at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Thompson taught mathematics and coached girls’ cross country and basketball at Wayland High School for 20 years. Tanner, who obtained a doctoral degree in educational leadership after leaving Regis, worked as an elementary school principal before retiring in 2014.

Today, she is coordinator of elementary and secondary education at Northern Essex Community College and teaches at American International College.

“KT and I talk often about the challenges and rewards of teaching and coaching,” says Tanner.

“We love making a difference in kids’ lives.” The friends also share

11/27/19 9:26 AM

REGIS ATHLETICS

BY THE NUMBERS

3.3 20 100% 38 265

Average GPA of student-athletes

NCAA Division III teams

32

Student-athletes participate in service projects

REGIS TODAY

Championships won since 2007

Regis students are athletes Learn more about the Pride: goregispride.com

a passion for the game of golf.

They play across the United States and at courses in Scotland and Ireland. In spring 2017, they won a tournament at North Conway Country Club—a victory that would prove bittersweet.

A LIFE-THREATENING KIDNEY DISEASE

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a disorder that causes cysts to grow on the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure, runs in Tanner’s family. Her father died of the disease and her brother had three PKD-related kidney transplants— one from a live donor (their mother) and two from deceased donors. Soon after the North Conway golf tournament, Tanner visited the nephrologist who

944981_p28-33.indd 32

“My perspective was: ‘I have a friend and she needs help.’ It was people’s reactions that surprised me. Many were shocked to hear I was donating a kidney, whereas I thought, ‘Well, why wouldn’t I?’” KATHLEEN THOMPSON ’91

had been monitoring her kidney function. “I was tired a lot,” she recalls. Blood work indicated alarmingly high creatinine levels that signified end-stage kidney failure—a life-threatening problem that required treatment as soon as possible.

Tanner transferred her care to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where the world’s first kidney transplant was performed in 1954. “I was in complete shock,” she says when she learned that a lifetime of dialysis or a kidney transplant were her only options.

“My doctors told me a transplant would be most successful if I could find a living donor.” Patients without a living donor are placed on a list managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to wait for a deceased donor kidney. The average waiting time can be three to five years.

Living-donor transplantation decreases wait time and is associated with fewer complications than deceased-donor organ transplants. There is also a longer survival of the donor organ.

Reticent by nature, Tanner says she was taken aback when her medical team encouraged her to publicize her plight. “I’m not one to share my private life,” she says.

“But I didn’t want to be strapped to a dialysis machine three times a week given how active I am.”

She sent friends an email detailing her medical situation and posted on Facebook. “I knew it was a lot to ask. The process of becoming a kidney donor is complex.”

But Thompson was up for the challenge. “I didn’t really think about it,” she says. “My perspective was: ‘I have a friend and she needs help.’ It was people’s reactions that surprised me.

Many were shocked to hear I was donating a kidney, whereas I thought, ‘Well, why wouldn’t I?’” That kind of response wasn’t a surprise to Tanner. “When KT heard the news about my challenges, she never hesitated. And if you know KT, that is just who she is. She is one of the most giving, courageous, and generous individuals I know.”

KIDNEY BUDDIES FOR LIFE

A blood typing test at Thompson’s summer 2018 physical revealed she had type O blood, making her a universal donor compatible with any blood type. “I called Donna right away,” she says. Thompson then contacted the living donor coordinator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “I received tons of education and had months of testing including blood work, scans, and a psychological evaluation,” she says. (The required workup and transplant procedure are done at no cost to donors.)

11/20/19 1:21 PM

Kathleen Thompson ’91 (left) donated a kidney to her former Regis basketball coach Donna Tanner, EdD (right).

944981_p28-33.indd 33

BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 113,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ transplant—5,000 of them in New England. Every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list, most waiting for a kidney or a liver—two organs that can be donated by a living person.

In 2018, there was a total of more than 36,500 organ transplants done in the U.S.—29,680 involved organs from deceased donors and 6,849 were living donor transplants.

GET THE FACTS

33 FALL 2019

Just after Christmas 2018, Thompson got the results of the extensive evaluation. “I was a match!” she says. Her healthy lifestyle—Thompson doesn’t smoke or drink and is physically fit— boded well for Tanner. “Only 20 percent of all kidney transplants performed in the United States are living-donor transplants,” says Tanner. “How fortunate was I that my donor was healthy, younger than me, and also a close friend!”

Plans accelerated and surgery was scheduled for January 31, 2019—just nine months after Tanner was initially diagnosed.

(In many cases like Tanner’s, it can take several years to find a live kidney donor.) In two separate operations, Thompson’s healthy kidney was removed laparoscopically and transplanted into Tanner. Stefan G. Tullius, MD, chief of Transplant Surgery, led the surgical teams. “Kathleen’s kidney immediately kicked in and I felt better right away,” says Tanner, who spent five days in the hospital. Thompson was hospitalized for three days and visited Tanner at her bedside as did Regis friends.

The duo recovered at their homes and Thompson returned to normal activities quickly. “I felt great,” she says. Tanner’s health also improved significantly, although she must take daily immunosuppressant (antirejection) drugs for the rest of her life to avoid infection. “KT gave me the gift of life, so if all I have to do is be careful and take some medication, I can do that,” she says, noting that the friends have booked a golf excursion to England to celebrate her recovery.

“This experience has been an eye opener for me,” says Tanner, referring to each day as a blessing.

“It’s one thing to consider donating

• Organs donated after death are the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines.

• One deceased donor can save up to eight lives.

• A healthy person can become a “living donor” by donating a kidney, or part of the liver, lung, pancreas, or intestines.

• People of all ages and medical histories can be donors.

• Many factors determine waiting list priority, but not wealth or fame.

• Medical care won’t be compromised because you’re a donor.

• There is no cost to be an organ donor.

• While 95% of Americans are in favor of being a donor, only 56% are registered.

To learn about organ donation, visit UNOS at unos.org or New England Donor Services at neds.org neds.org.

To register as a donor, visit your Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) or donatelifenewengland.org/register donatelifenewengland.org/register.

an organ when you hear that someone is in need, but to follow through and save someone’s life demonstrates the power of selflessness, giving, and sacrifice— attributes KT undoubtedly learned from her family, life experiences, and the Regis community. Without a kidney, my life expectancy on dialysis was not long.”

Grateful for her second chance, Tanner offers this sage advice: “Appreciate the people around you and take time to listen.

And when you’re as lucky as me to have a beautiful friend like KT, work extra hard to live up to her example.”

11/27/19 11:46 AM

together alumni

1

2 1 The Class of 1949 marched with pride at their 70th Reunion in May.

34 REGIS TODAY

2 Left to right: Michael Barile ’09, Michael Fernandes ’11, and Jesse Vega ’10 supported Regis Athletics and Student Life at the 18th Annual Regis Golf Tournament at the Marlborough Country Club in June.

3 Clockwise from top left: Elizabeth LaFountain Carder, Jean Jianos Gray, Joan Dolan Allard, Louise Clark, and Rose Mary Lewis Irwin gathered together for a Class of 1979 post-reunion celebration.

4 Alumni gathered to support Regis student scholarships at the Let It Shine Gala on October 23. From left to right: S. Marilyn McGoldrick, CSJ, ’65, Rosemarie Foley ’86, S. Zita Fleming, CSJ, ’59, Maureen Finn ’86, S. Denise Kelly, CSJ, ’69, and Jackie Winchenbaugh Fuller ’85.

5 Regis alumni, staff, and friends enjoyed a summer night at Fenway to see the Boston Red Sox defeat the Baltimore Orioles.

6 Alumni and friends enjoyed the All-Alumni BBQ on the quad during Reunion Weekend in May. 7 Alumni and friends gathered at the annual Cape Cod Luncheon at the Chatham Bars Inn in July.

8 The Class of 1969 celebrated their 50th Reunion in May. 9 Alumni enjoyed a Paint and Sip event at Regis Fest, creating their very own painting of the Tower.

10 Regis In Haiti supporters gathered at the Brae Burn Country Club in Newton in June thanks to host Donna Nealon Hoffman ’66.

4

3

944981_p34-35.indd 34

11/20/19 1:33 PM

Upcoming Alumni Events

5

Regis in Puerto Rico January 8–10, 2020

Regis Career Conference (RC2)

6

January 18-19, 2020 Regis campus

GOLD Happy Hour February 6, 2020 Boston, Massachusetts

7

Regis Giving Day February 2020

Regis in Florida

March 14, 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Naples March 15, 2020 Mass and Brunch Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club

Spring Fling Egg Hunt April 4, 2020 Regis campus

8

9

Reunion Weekend May 15–17, 2020 Regis campus

Join us for an alumni event! alumni.regiscollege.edu/events

10

Having a party and need some Regis swag? Order a Party in a Box free of charge. All we ask in return is that you send a photo of the occasion and let us know who else from Regis attended your party. Party boxes include Regis napkins, plates, cups, a wine and bottle opener, pom-poms, and a pennant. All the essentials to make your party a little more festive! Learn more and order a party box: alumni.regiscollege.edu/partybox

REUNION WEEKEND MAY 15–17, 2020

Classes ending in 5 and 0 will celebrate their Reunion, and all are welcome to the All-Alumni and Family Barbeque on Saturday afternoon!

Learn more or get involved with your class planning or fundraising committee: alumni.regiscollege.edu/reunion20

944981_p34-35.indd 35

11/27/19 10:23 AM

notes class

1944

36 REGIS TODAY 944981_p36-55.indd 36

✒ Margaret Kelly Young, 25 Quail Run, Hampstead, NH 03841, 978-537-3541 ¶ On May 18, 2019, a simple, inspiring funeral mass was celebrated for Gertrude Cronin at St. Mary’s Church in Winchester, MA. Gertrude was an only child and had a loving family with eight nieces and nephews. In the 1960s, long before the women’s movement, Gertrude was the only female buyer for Polaroid.

Through her dedication and success, she formed a lasting friendship with Dr. Land, CEO and co-founder of Polaroid, and his wife. Gertrude graduated from Regis in the Class of 1944 with a major in merchandising, which was in the Home Economics Department.

1947

✒ Elaine Richardson, daughter of Phyllis

Brosnahan Richardson, 3 Wingate Road, Lexington, MA 02421, elaine.richardson. ma@gmail.com ¶ The Class of 1947 was

represented at the July Regis Cape Cod luncheon by Dorothy Mahoney McKenna and Marguerite Donovan. During the program, the gathered 75 alums heard about the new STEM Program (science, technology, engineering, and math) and a recent grant that is funding a biomedical research lab to enhance the study of genetics. Classmates are enjoying good health and active lives. Virginia Demeo Prieto continues to live in California nearby her daughter, Patty, and son, Tom. She has made several friends in her assisted living community and participates in daily programs. Frances Durkee O’Neill enjoys “doing everything, remaining knowing and active!” Her life is full with the family goings-on of 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Frances looks forward to another great-granddaughter in April, having been the honored matriarch at 2 grandsons’ weddings; one at the ocean on Labor Day and another in Portsmouth, NH, on Columbus Day. Frances reminds us how blessed mothers are to have daughters to help out these days; she is especially grateful for hers, Mary O’Neill ’75. Eleanor Consentino Feuer continues to live at home with the help of attentive homecare aides and her son, who regularly takes her to Mass and Saturday night dinner. Having spent a few days in the hospital from time to time, Eleanor remarked how often she has benefited from the exceptional care of a Regis-trained nurse or nurse practitioner. Although she misses her

beloved Martin daily, she continues to enjoy her “personal Audubon society” in the backyard—plenty of deer, birds, and other wildlife to entertain her. Phyllis Gallinelli Campbell enjoyed another summer season at the family cottage in Humarock with a continuous stream of visitors from her 3 sons, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Phyllis keeps an active life, still driving to Mass and the grocery store. She and Gertrude Breen Alfredson continue to attend Regis LLARC events. A world traveler, Gertrude remains on the go—visiting New Orleans for 2 weeks in the spring plus side trips to Alabama and Mississippi. The “very impressive” new World War II museum has been checked off her bucket list, so now she’s ISO her next adventure. This summer Gert enjoyed visits with nieces, nephews, and their grandkids. Jeanne MacDonough Cronin continues to live independently in the family home in Watertown. She enjoys regular visits from her daughter, Patty, and sons, Barry and Ed. After 30 years of living on Cape Cod, Dorothy Mahoney McKenna has moved to a lovely new community in Sharon where she enjoys a robust schedule of activities with new friends and neighbors. Dot is only 10 minutes away from her 2 sons and their families. Peggy Donovan continues an active travel schedule “off Cape” attending various family weddings and milestone parties. This summer she hosted a gathering of 20+ former nuns at her Cape home and had lunch with Regis friends from the Class of 1965—Lisa Brown Kane, Barbara Doran Sullivan, and Marie Shatos. In November Peg embarked on a week-long visit to Sedona, AZ. Catherine Gately McGunigle reports her new status as a great-grandmother. The family gathered with her to celebrate her 94th birthday on Bastille Day in July. Though Catherine does not travel as much anymore, she is in relatively good health and especially grateful for having her daughter Elaine with her each day.

Louise McInerney Ryder keeps busy with visits to her Virginia Beach home by her 5 sons and over 20 grandchildren. One son lives nearby in the same community.

Please remember Louise and her family in your prayers as she lost her only daughter, Mary Louise, after a courageous battle with cancer. Just 2 years ago, 18 classmates gathered at Regis to celebrate our 70th Reunion. Most classmates were reasonably healthy and quite happy, especially to see each other

and reminisce of days “high on the hilltop.”

The saddest news to report is the passing of so many classmates in the past year: Rita Dailey Brosnahan, Marion Mulrennan Graham, Gloria Mawhinney, Patricia Ford McLaughlin, Joan Moynagh, Alice Dunbar O’Halloran, Phyllis Brosnahan Richardson, and Dorothy Gibbons Sullivan. As many of you know, for several years I have helped my mother Phyllis Brosnahan Richardson compile Class Notes. Having come to know the class so well, it is a pleasure for me to help the class stay in touch through these notes. As Phyllis would always close…stay happy and healthy!

1948

✒ Joan Mahoney, 32 Surrey Lane, Fairfield, CT 06824, joanmahoney1927@gmail.com ¶ Unfortunately as this column was being written, we received the news that Nancie Turner Donelan had passed away.

Who doesn’t remember her without smiling? We used to tease her that she was the first one to marry, the first one to have a baby, and might even be the last one to have a baby except Louise Sullivan Corcoran took that prize! We were very happy that Nancie was able to attend our yearly gatherings at Ann O’Hare Smith’s beach house in Kennebunkport and that one of her daughters insured she was able to enjoy our most recent class reunion. Elinor O’Neil Bowers still lives in Green Harbor, MA. She has 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, many of whom live close by. She is dealing with macular degeneration by listening to books on tape. I had a delightful conversation with Jeanne Brenner. She remains in her home in Lexington, MA. She never had to learn how to drive because she enjoyed the ease of public transportation all these years. Now with two new hips, she is still the happy person she was at Regis.

I spoke with Marie Kelly Creedon’s daughter. She told me her mother is suffering from deafness and dementia, but she promised to remember all of us in their nightly prayers and rosary.

Clearly our age is catching up to us.

Some of us are having to decide about moving, while others have given up things we loved—like Jane McGrath’s poetry and Mary Louise Cooney Manning’s painting. With that in mind, please keep Regis updated as to any new addresses or phone numbers you might have so that contact with you can be a bit easier.

11/20/19 1:41 PM

1949

1952

✒ Marie Rizzo, 136 Warren Street, W. Medford, MA 02155, h-781-396-9835, c-617-429-3902 ¶ Dear Classmates,

Yep, it’s your class reporter again.

I’m sure you have heard or said this remark numerous times so dare I say, “Where did the time go?” I must forewarn you that I do not have too much news. Mea culpa, mea culpa because yours truly forgot the date it was due.

Therefore, I did not have time to contact our dear classmates. To make matters worse I misplaced my Regis class list of members. However, now I beg your patience and forgiveness and promise to make it up for the lack of news in the next issue. Before I write any further, I think a funny story is in order. I shall share an incident in which I was involved. Here it is! My sister and I attended a wedding reception at Chatham Bars Resort in June. It is one of the classiest and most beautiful resorts in Chatham. I thoroughly enjoyed the cocktail hour and delicious dinner with our friends.

944981_p36-55.indd 37

As my sister and I were leaving the band played “New York New York”— one of my favorites. Feeling quite relaxed, I turned and there sat a young, handsome man. So, Miss Rizzo asked him to dance; looking both scared and annoyed, he said he didn’t know how to dance. However, I boldly said “Get up, I’ll lead,” which I did. My sister was looking for me as I had disappeared and was a bit upset. The next morning, the young man came to find the lady who had asked him to dance. A bit embarrassed I admitted to it and then he said, “My fiancée was very upset with you.” Wow!! I was really flattered to think I was considered a young lady and a threat. In my best principal tone, I said “Tell her to grow up.” Okay, enough about me! I need to report that our class was not well represented at the Golden Tower Luncheon in May. Our class was represented by me—I felt sad, alone, and depressed. That was the first time in our long history of attendance that the Class of ’52 was so poorly represented. Hopefully, the next time will be better. Our wonderful president, Sally Finnerty Tully, continues to bravely battle her illness. Sally is an exemplary woman of strong faith and courage. She maintains her humor, kindness, and compassion for her family, friends, and neighbors. Please remember her in your prayers. Our other faithful classmate and treasurer, Patricia Petrilli, also continues to be very active, and outstanding as a teacher in her community residence North Hill. She claims that more Regis graduates are moving there. Recently Barbara Hayes Sullivan and Claire Russell Megan ’53 moved in. She was the class prom queen.

Incidentally, the father of Charlie Baker, the Massachusetts governor, lives there.

We know Pat as a wonder woman but now more so, as she inadvertently revealed to me that her fingers move so fast that she can write a 10-page letter quicker than a letter typed on the computer. Again—wow! She was packing to go with Hank to a surprise 65th birthday in Texas for her daughter.

Oh yes, she also recited this little ditty that hopefully will make you smile. “The hearing aids are working, the dentures fit fine, the bifocals also work, what’s gone is the mind.” Thank you, Pat, I think we all agree. In conclusion, I guess I wrote more than I thought I could. Please contact me, Pat, or Sally with any news, especially if any of our friends pass away or may need a cheerful card. We the class usually send a memorial Mass in case of death. Again, thanks for your understanding relevant to this newsletter. Remember, we were given the gift of love and strong faith at Regis so continue to demonstrate and practice it especially today.

1954

✒ Patricia Cronin Huie, P.O. Box 674,

Humarock, MA 02047, 781-834-7134, pchuie@comcast.net ¶ Hooray! There

were seven from our class in the alumnae parade at our 65th Reunion this past May. A class banner was proudly carried by Marianne (Sandy) Sanderson Shay, Joanne Hickey Johnson, Vivian Lamoureux Duval, and Pat Cronin Huie. Mary Roach Sullivan, Regina Seales Caines, and Sister Louise Macchia enjoyed the luxury of the golf cart. The parade was led by the Class of 1949—congratulations to them! It was a beautiful May day, and the Regis campus, with its new quad and updated dorms, looked spectacular. We were cheered on by our President Toni Hays and many students who told us we looked fantastic—what a boost to our egos! After the parade we went to the foyer in College Hall where we had lunch. At lunch we were able to catch up on the doings of our classmates.

How we all arrived at our reunion was a story in itself. Sister Louise took a bus from her residence in New York to Worcester. Here, she was met by a cousin with whom she stayed Friday night. On Saturday, her cousin drove her to Regis. Sister Louise, it was great to be with you. Thanks for all your efforts to get to Regis, and thanks for all your prayers for the Class of 1954.

Sandy drove to Regis with her left hand and arm immobilized. Sandy tripped on a rug at a store down the Cape and broke her ring finger and her left hand and her arm had to be immobilized. That did not stop her from driving from the Cape to Regis! The only thing that stopped was Sandy’s golf game. Sandy, when you get back, your golf game will be as great as ever. Regina Seales Caines was also very determined to get to Regis despite horrific sciatica in her back. She drove to Mary Roach Sullivan’s in Waltham, and Mary drove to Regis. Regina, thanks for coming and sharing the pictures of your great grandson—he is a handsome boy. I have talked with Regina since the reunion and thankfully her sciatica is much improved. Mary Roach Sullivan, always busy, is immersed in the rebuilding of her Scituate summer home, which was destroyed by wind and water in the winter of 2018. Federal boards and local boards do not make the job easy. Next summer, Mary, you will be in your new beach house in Scituate. I’ll be waiting for an invite for lunch! Mary, thanks for all that you do to keep the Class of 1954 together. Vivian Lamoureux Duval drove down from New Hampshire with her daughter, Dr. Duval. The medical profession runs in the family. Vivian and I recalled her wedding and her living in Worcester while Bob was a residence physician in a Worcester hospital. It does seem like yesterday. Vivian and her daughter stayed for the afternoon of activities, of which there were many.

37 FALL 2019

✒ Rosemary McAuliffe, 61 Prince Street, #4C, Boston, MA 02113, 617-723-2012 ¶ The weekend of May 17-19 was the 70th Reunion for the Class of 1949.

The class banner was carried by Nancy Fay, Marian Comerford Cowie, and me (Rosemary McAuliffe) in the Parade of Classes. Later, Eileen Dewire Locke joined us. She had attended the graduation of her grandnephew, Joe Lyons, from the University of Lowell, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. Regis was most gracious welcoming the returning alumni. The Regis students chauffeured us around in the golf carts during the whole weekend. We attended the Golden Tower Society Luncheon on Saturday and an All-Alumni Mass celebrated in the Chapel in College Hall with Father Paul Kilroy. Saturday evening had a Tower Tavern Party in the Student Union. I am sorry to report the death on June 20 of our classmate, Marie Monafo Forcucci. Marie’s husband, Gus, pre-deceased her, as did one of her sons. She is survived by two sons and a daughter. On March 11 Phyllis Wilde MacNeil, who left before graduation but was always involved in Regis events, passed away. Her husband, Normand, pre-deceased her. She is survived by her three children and grandchildren. I am also sad to report that two more beloved classmates have passed away. Barbara Snyder Kelley, who is survived by two sons, and Arline Rainey Hamel, recently of Selbyville, DE. Arline was pre-deceased by her husband, George. Ritajane Clancy lost her brother, Chris, and Mary Prasinos Wyshak just lost her sister. May they rest in peace. Kindly send me any news that our class needs to know.

Flag Indicates Reunion Year

11/20/19 1:41 PM

38 REGIS TODAY

Joanne Hickey Johnson flew with a friend from Vero Beach, FL, to Connecticut. She then went to Newport, RI, where she was picked up by family and drove to her daughter’s home in Weston. On Saturday, I met her at the Guardian Angel Door—yes, it is still a good meeting place. Joanne looks the same: trim, slim, and blonde. Joanne, I will arrange our luncheon date for 2020 in Florida with Norma McNamara Quinn.

Maybe we can visit Rosemary Denmark Murphy at Allegro. I, Patricia Cronin Huie, left Friday, May 9 for our reunion on Saturday. I loved being back at Regis and with our classmates.

There have been many great changes inside and outside of Regis which have enhanced the beautiful campus and brought us up to date. I wished more of us could have attended our 65th Reunion, but I realize there are good reasons why more were not there. Age comes with limitations. So, to those of you who were not there, we missed you, but you were in our thoughts and stories.

Those who have departed from us are always in our prayers. Most recently deceased is Marcia Gaughan Mahoney.

I will leave on a very optimistic note, here’s to our 70th! The Class of 1949 did it and God-willing we will too. After many years, I would like to retire. Is there anyone who would be willing to take over this enjoyable job of keeping in touch with our class? Please call me at 781-834-7134.

1955

✒ Janet Condrey Beyer, 52 Authors Road, Concord, MA 01742-2607, 978-369-4828, Jbeyer1126@aol.com ¶ Greetings to you

all. I asked you how you spent your time, if you nap, what has changed, and if you drive. I got some good responses. Peg Vincent Kelley gave up her license and doesn’t think people “our age should be allowed behind the wheel of a car.” She had a houseful of people in her Martha’s Vineyard house in the summer. “One thing I really love is a great-grandchild.

I have two, the older one is in first grade, and it is so fun to see them grow and learn and to just be with them. I still read a lot but don’t exercise. I fell off my bike several years ago and hurt my knee.” Jacqui Cyr Lewis drives but had a few months without being able to. She is back on the road. After she finished rehab, she went to Whittier Rehab for an evaluation and got a 90! “I reported to my offspring, covering all my bases.

Sent the dissenters an article from the AARP Bulletin about the abilities of older drivers. Can’t say it convinced them but have at least made my point. I don’t drive at night or on the interstates and am strictly local. I love matinees, take naps, started writing poetry, am learning to play 45s (one of Jim’s favorite card games), read a lot, watch all the Red Sox

944981_p36-55.indd 38

games, and there is no lack of volunteer work here. I’m enjoying the many different personalities at Edgewood—interacting daily makes for an interesting life.”

Barbara Kelley Kelley does not drive because of a shoulder injury. After Paul died a few years ago, she moved within Reading to her son’s house while her home was being redone. Now the whole family is back on Sunnyside Ave. She has her own apartment. Barbara reads a lot, right now it’s James Patterson, and she loves to talk on the phone. Barbara keeps up with her church friends and doesn’t lack for visitors. Estella Ferraro Misto writes: “I try to keep as active as possible. Bridge is a constant activity. I play every week at the local senior center and sometimes with friends. I do the matinees at Goodspeed theater twice during the summer and local theater occasionally. And yes, I also take naps from time to time. It refreshes the soul and body. I participate in the Helping Hands group at church to provide meals for the sick and knit and crochet blankets for those recovering from surgery for comfort.” Betty Gilmore Shanahan writes “Yes, I still drive, play some golf, travel, and enjoy life in The Villages, FL. Here you can be as active as you want. It is a huge area divided into villages and growing every day.

With golf, pools, recreation centers, town squares with live music every night, clubs of every interest, and courses to take at the lifelong learning center—one can stay very busy, both physically and intellectually. The golf cart is the favored means of transportation and many stores, medical facilities, and restaurants are golf cart accessible. It is a lifestyle that is working for me! Both of my children live in Florida, so this is where I need and want to be. My body has slowed up, everything takes longer to do and an occasional nap is most welcome. The iPad and cellphone are favorites and life is still wonderful!” Betty would welcome visits from classmates. Barbara Gilmore Stitts writes, “I am well and am presently at my sister’s in The Villages, FL. I do not nap not very often. I live with four grandchildren who keep me on my toes.

After Don died in June 2015, I sold my house and built on to my daughter and son-in-law’s. They have a daughter now almost 16 and triplets, 11. Best decision.

I do a lot of driving and thank God that I still can. I have been attending the Goodspeed matinees for years. I’ll be looking forward to hearing about my classmates.” And as for your correspondent, I (Janet Condrey Beyer) nap whenever I can. Most afternoons I spend a couple hours under the covers with a book, but mostly sleep. I read a lot and belong to a book club that reads only dead authors. We figured we should read the books we read as students but weren’t mature enough to understand.

I drive without limit, though have had

some run-ins with local constabulary, who in Concord have little to do. And because she is a neighbor, I know that Ann Gallagher Deignan also drives, and I know she plays bridge. If you haven’t already done it, please send me your current email address to include in mailings.

1956

✒ Geraldine Dowd Driscoll, 7 Conant Road #50, Winchester, MA 01890, 781-729-7823, gerrydriscoll@comcast.net ¶ The deadline

for our Class Notes conveniently coincided with the Regis Cape Cod Luncheon. This year’s event took place at the beautiful oceanside Beach House at Chatham Bars Inn on July 31. Our class was well represented with Carol Bonner Connell, Mary Keenan, Bette Furze Trask, Carole Settana Scollins, Mary Lou Rawson, Carol Hughes Hickey, Mary Neilan Regan, Pat Turner Kelley, and your class reporter, Geraldine Down Driscoll, in attendance. Unfortunately, Maggie Austin Faneuf and Jane Nyhan Kelly had to cancel at the last minute. The program for the luncheon featured advances in the biology department.

It was fascinating for me as a former biology major to hear about the expanded areas of research as well as the impressive internships available for students.

Our group lingered long after the luncheon to exchange news of classmates. We mourned the deaths of Mary Joan Coughlan O’Connor and Adrienne (Candy) Dillon Mattaliano. We learned that Mary Keelan Hubbard lost her son, Paul Doody Jr, to a car/bicycle accident in California. Pat Kelley was planning her next adventure with her niece to the Holy Land. Virginia Clark Kristo has moved to a lovely apartment at Brightview in Danvers to be closer to her family. Pat Kelley continues to reach out to classmates who are ill and to send donations to the Sister John Scholarship to families of classmates who have died. Please designate the Sister John Scholarship when you make your donation to the Regis Fund. Your contributions to the sunshine fund for classmates should be sent directly to Pat Kelley. You will be interested to know that the 2018-19 scholarship was awarded to Samantina Vidaud, a junior majoring in biology. In addition to being an excellent student, she is co-founder and current vice president of the African Student Association and a general member of the Student of Caribbean Ancestry organization. Please continue to pray for our classmates and their families. You may send prayer requests to my contact information as listed above. If you would like to be added to our email list to receive class info in a timely fashion, please email me. May God continue to bless us all!

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class 1957

✒ Judy Sughrue, 47 Rosewood Drive,

Stoughton, MA 02072-4958, 781-344-3357, 1nettiedog@verizon.net ¶ The

944981_p36-55.indd 39

1958

✒ Joan Meleski Kenney, P.O. Box 33,

Hyannis Port, MA 02647, joan_kenney@ post.harvard.edu ¶ Mary Jo Kilmain has

sold her family home in West Roxbury and moved to Brooksby in Hingham. She is also able to enjoy the summer months in West Dennis. Lora LoConte Stosez has been enjoying life at Brooksby in Peabody for five years. She continues to enjoy performing in dramatic programs.

Most recently she was involved in a production of The Letters of John and Abigail Adams. Lea Toto Dmytryck also continues to be involved in community theater. These days she is more involved as a director in different area theaters.

Her most exciting news, however, is that she is the proud great-grandmother of two; one living in Torrington, CT, and the other in Marstons Mills on Cape Cod. Lucille Berube Williams is in New Hampshire for the summer and is enjoying herself with family and friends.

Her grandson was married recently and is living in California; her two granddaughters live in New York and

Chicago. Her own children are nearby and well. She is playing bridge in New Hampshire (with fond memories of the Smoker!) as she does in New York, and still enjoys cooking and volunteering.

She will be seeing Claire Sirois Foley in August. Meeting together in July at Abby Park Restaurant in Milton for their annual mini-reunion were Carol Finnell Kenney, Tish Albiani Carney, Doris Good Marr, Ina Catalanotti Roehr, Marilyn Dozois Rohrer, and Janet Duggan Hall. The group spent time catching up with each other and plans are being made for another reunion later in the summer. Marilyn and her husband, Bob, recently acquired a 1915 Model T Ford, their favorite mode of transportation. They will be visiting Carol and her family in Wolfboro, NH, for vacation in August. Sheila Dugan Block would like to send some exciting news but thinks that just being able to sit up and take nourishment is enough.

She is still in Hilton Head but moved this past year into a smaller house—the right move, but quite a project. She found some old Regis pictures and spent a fun day going down memory lane. As Anne Smith Tobin comments, “The news used to be about us, then our children, and now our grandchildren.” Anne traveled with her son and his family to Honolulu in May to attend her granddaughter’s PhD in math ceremony at the University of Hawaii. Her grandson is beginning his second year with Teach for America at a Charter School in New Orleans. Anne has plans to visit grandchildren at UVM and McGill this fall. Joan Kenney has welcomed a fourth great-grandchild in the past year. A granddaughter had a splendid wedding at Mt. Sugarbush in Vermont, another granddaughter received an advanced degree from Emerson, and a grandson graduated from high school and is headed to Northeastern in September.

Cathy Crosby Thompson sends the following news about the hooded carpool, who have remained close all these years.

They are happy to boast about the daughter of one of the carpool members: Suzanne Richard is the daughter of our deceased classmate, Mary Downing Richard. Susie launched the Open Circle Theatre in Washington, DC, in 2004.

Open Circle Theatre is Washington’s first professional theatre dedicated to featuring the outstanding talents of people with disabilities. The theatre company has received several acclaims from critics, including a nomination for the Helen Hayes Award for Jesus Christ Super Star. Congratulations, Susie! We are proud of you. Dotty Madden Cannon continues to be busy with volunteer programs at St. Vincent de Paul, Falmouth Service Center, and BTEO. She will be having hip surgery in October, but in the meantime she is enjoying visits from family members throughout the summer. Attending the

39 FALL 2019

Wampanoags of Cape Cod called themselves the first people because they greeted the sun first. So, I begin with our first person out there in Chatham who would be the first in our class to greet the sun. Margaret Lamoureux Ledoux has lived in Chatham for several years, where she has been active in the church. She also likes to garden, which perhaps explains her good health.

Margaret Matthews Murphy has lived for years in her family compound close to the ocean in Falmouth. She lives surrounded by a beautiful garden, children, and grandchildren. She is especially proud of her first grandchild to graduate from high school, who was chosen to play a leading role in the Bristol, RI, 4th of July celebration. It is the oldest in the U.S. dating from the Revolution and attended by thousands.

Betty McCarthy O’Conor has been coming to the Cape from the Midwest for years.

Her daughter, Tara, met her husband here and stayed. Betty comes to connect with her, family members, and former Regis classmates. As usual she will host her Big Six roommates, Barbara Goodhue Lenox and Carol Noon Driscoll. Did you see what The Boston Globe called the Cape? The paradise of sharks, rain, tornadoes, and traffic jams. That should get a rise from you Cape Codders. Carol spends her summers at her home on the beach in Winthrop. The house has entertained generations of Driscolls.

Weekends are full with her children, grandchildren, and their many friends.

I am sure that it is not only the beach that attracts them but also Carol’s warm personality. While keeping the Winthrop house, Carol has decided to join those of us who have gone condo. Barbara Goodhue is fortunate to have all her children living in town, although her grandchildren are spread around the county. Among this matriarch’s very successful family are a lawyer, PhD, and Magna. She is only the second in our class to have someone go to Regis—her granddaughter is enrolled in the nursing program. Barbara loves to garden, which includes mowing to her son’s dismay.

Recently I have been enjoying emailing Barbara. We have discovered we are fans of Rachel. Rachel who? If you do not know, sad, sad! It is always interesting to hear ways we are coping with old age.

Mary Hughes Noonan goes to gym and then to volunteer. In mid-America, i.e.

Texas, we stop at our long-lost and missed classmate, Sally McDermott Nuckles. Sally married an Air Force officer and lived on several bases with him before settling in Austin, TX. Sadly they lost their son, Martin, to cancer at age 41. Jo Keefe Rosauer, who lived on the Cape during our Regis years,

escaped to mid-America far from both oceans to live in the mountains of Colorado and most recently South Dakota. Ending our cross-country tour, we come to Southern California, where Judy Lawson Selsor lives in a community alongside Cape Pendelton. She is delighted with her move to a senior community. It was formed by a group of private citizens, and Judy was fortunate to become part of the community. She feels that it is as close and caring as a family which is good because she recently had a health scare. Elly Zarotschenzeff Doyle has several serious illnesses, so while she does do some local driving in the LA area, she also relies on Uber. She is proud of her first grandchild to graduate from college who majored in agriculture—one of California’s main economies if nature doesn’t interfere.

Cynthia Souza Nakane is proud of her husband, Paul, who was invited to give a lecture in Japan. They do like to travel and to visit their daughters in the Los Angeles area. The rest of the year they live in the lovely seaside community of Cambria, CA. Milda Jasins remains in the hi-tech region of California where she did programming and administrative work in the computer field. Milda was one of those very bright math majors in our class who used her major and skills to accomplish a successful career.

Recently she was really hurting in her chest from a fall. So we have crossed our country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, in much more time than the sun that the Wampanoag’s greeted. If anyone is interested in classmates’ telephone, mail, or email addresses, I have many. In Memory of Anne Fox Fitzpatrick, Maryan Healey-Villa and Jean Thibodeau Sleeper.

notes

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Cape Cod Luncheon at Chatham Bars Inn were Tish Carney, Mary Jo Kilmain, Joan Kenney, and Dotty Cannon.

Although there were just four of us, we enjoyed visiting with friends from other classes, and learned a great deal about new programs at Regis. We send sincere condolences to the families of Carol Connelly Santos, who passed away in January 2018, and Anna Lamoureux Merriman, who died in August 2018.

1959

✒ Maureen O’Connell Palmer, 101 Country Road, Hanover, MA 02339, 781-561-1016, maureenpalmer59@hotmail.com ¶

40 REGIS TODAY

Greetings to all! Happy news from Liz Russell Bilafer, who is the proud grandmother of John, the beautiful son of her daughter, Mary Ellen Bache, and hubby, Tom. It was great seeing Audre Bowen Criado, Marilyn Lombardi Nicholas, Barbara O’Neil Natale, Brenda Meade Doherty, and Kay O’Connor Johnson at the opening luncheon of the reunion.

Everyone looked “m-a-a-rvelous.” I wish that I could have attended other events, but my grandson, Joe, graduated from Stonehill that same weekend. Living with my daughter and her family is still enjoyable. Two big pluses—I’ve become somewhat successful at the game “cornhole” and my sock-matching skills are amazing. However, my computer skills still “need work!” I have several book recommendations: White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht, Daughter of Moloka’i by Alan Brennert, The Island of Worthy Boys by Connie Hertzberg Mayo, and The Library Book

by Susan Orleans. Now for the hard part: We lost so many of our dear classmates this year. Please remember in your prayers: Dorothy Aylward, Barbara Emerson Fontaine, Louise Forgues, and Pat O’Connor Reynolds. Also, please remember Leo Morrisey (husband of Peggy Harney) and Bob Bond (husband of Dotty DesRoches Bond). Hope to talk to you or get an email soon!

1960

✒ Mary Lou DeMaria Schwinn, 909 Old Post Road, Cotuit, MA 02635, 315-3914567, mlschwinn@comcast.net ¶ Six

members of the class gathered for the Cape Cod Luncheon: Mary Jane Doherty Curran, Angela Regis Kravchuk, Winnie Murphy, Elaine Sobolewski McMahon, Mary Grover Rossetti, and Mary Lou DeMaria Schwinn. Mary Grover enthralled us with her tale of being caught in her car in Cape Cod’s first ever tornado! Trees were down in front of her car and 5 large ones came down at her house. Thankfully she was not injured. Angela’s granddaughter attends Notre Dame Academy and was on the Division 1 Championship Girls Lacrosse Team! Both Elaine and I had grandkids graduate from college this

944981_p36-55.indd 40

year and that was a definite high point of the year! Winnie continues with her church work as well as volunteering two times a week at Family Pantry.

She reminded us: 2020 is our 60th… any thoughts on how to celebrate during May Reunion Weekend???!!! Sanna Roseanne Craig, still living my California dream in Calistoga, heart of Napa Valley wine country, co-producing top-charting CDs with husband, Yugoslavian-born, international-touring jazz pianistrecording artist Larry Vuckovich. After a career in journalism and public relations at University of California San Francisco health sciences campus and the Emergency Relief Fund, helping Cambodian and East African refugees, I’m living my life-long dream of playing music. For the past 25 years, I’ve worked as a singer and drummer-percussionist on some of Larry’s local gigs, most prominently as part of his trio that opened for saxophonist David Sanborn at Lincoln Theater, outside of Napa.

I also play piano and sing at our Catholic church and sing with the sisters at the Orthodox Monastery. My two sons are award-winning jazz guitarists. Josh Workman, who plays, teaches, and writes in Hollywood with his wife, Nicole Vigil, voice-over actress. Alexi Vuckovich is a classical piano teacher in San Francisco. During the summer Brenda McCrann was healthy, but not able to drive for six months. Mary Jane Doherty Curran organized a visitation. She, Angela, and I drove to Marlborough where Brenda lives. Lucy Ricker Sheehan and Laura Allen Rushton also met us at Brenda’s, and we all enjoyed a “pick up” lunch from Panera’s…it was a great day!

1961

✒ Kate Martin Hawke, 4 Rockland Road, Marblehead, MA 01945-1316, 781-6393492, kfhawke@comcast.net ¶ The

ranks of our class were depleted in 2018, most recently by the loss of Elaine Wood Lombardi in October and Mary Lou Bresnahan Fowler and Ellen Kelleher Guillette in December. Both Elaine and Mary Lou were bridesmaids at Ellen’s wedding to Judith Guillette Smith’s brother Charlie. Mary Lou and Ellen had been friends since the fifth grade in Newburyport. Susan Fallon Kolk writes, “I visited Maryellen Ryan Mazurek this past summer in Rockland, ME, and surprised her by just walking up to her front door and ringing the bell. We had a good visit. Her husband Eddie died last year. After coaching at various high schools, he entered politics and his career included being a state representative and the mayor of Rockland. She taught school for a while and then became a successful real estate agent.” Susan Fallon Kolk and Larry took a long time recovering from the hurricane on October 10 of last year. They had lots of damage to

buildings and cars from downed trees.

This July’s tornado on the Cape affected many who lost power and trees—fortunately that is all that they lost. Speaking of the Cape, I hear that Mary Delaney O’Neil, now retired, is volunteering with Audubon and leading tours for bird watchers, as well as being active on the Brewster Coastal Committee. Travelers from our class are still exploring new places here and abroad. Carroll Beegan Follas and John joined Joan Murray, Mary Doane Cassidy, Barbara Hoyle Healy, and Judith Powers in May for a trip that started in Holland on a river boat and ended in the mountains of Germany with snow. I find it hard to believe that most of us are celebrating our 80th birthdays this year. The placement of the notes for the Class of 1961 are moving closer to the beginning of the section. I hope that your birthday celebrations include some happy memories of your friends from Regis who have been with you for more than 60 years!

1962

✒ Margaret Wheeler, 41 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, 781-570-6812, miggiewheeler@hotmail.com ¶ Hello

to Class of 1962 and thanks to hardworking president, Mary McCauley Higgins. She asked for news and had good response. Ann McManus Joyce and Mary McCauley Higgins attended a memorial liturgy for Jane Corliss Buckley and Joan Jackson Ricardo-Gil. Prayers for our deceased classmates. Ann also received The Bishop Cheverus Award at St Margaret Mary in Westwood—a great honor. Ann goes to Aruba yearly and took all her family to Barbados. Don O’Meara, husband of Maureen Mulcahy O’Meara, passed away in March leaving Maureen, 4 children, and 10 grandchildren. Don was a trial lawyer and they resided in Northfield, IL. Helene Swiatek Savicki is her usual busy self. She, Mary, Sue Donnelly Riley, and Nancy Greene Mullin, attended the Regis Cape Cod Luncheon on July 31. Helene spent two months in Fort Myers and rode the Regis float on St. Paddy’s Day. She was named Fontbonne Woman of Courage for 2018.

She’s getting ready for the Patriots—50 years of tickets! Mary winters with her daughter in Texas and her other daughter is in Maryland. Kathy Meelia Borgal, Dee Fiumara Pedulla, Lucy Manoli Bourque, and Maureen Shea Dolan ’64 met for lunch in Naples. Dee and Lucy live close to each other. All are winter residents in Florida. Nancy Greene Mullin sends “good wishes to all” and her oldest grandchild, Tom, is marrying in September. Her granddaughter is married and on staff at Stanford. Kathy Sheahan Falvey spends time in Holliston when not going away with one of her six children. Agnes McCarthy Harrienger still in Dennis Port with husband Tom and

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class two children nearby. I relocated from Winchester over a year ago. I had been there for close to 50 years. I retired two years ago; it was time. My oldest grandchildren twins are 13 and my youngest is 4. They are nearby. Hope to see everyone soon and keep the news/ updates coming. May we all have a blessed year ahead.

1963

✒ JoAnne DuFort, 24 Notre Dame Avenue, Allenstown, NH 03275-2120, 603-4855014, joduf@juno.com ¶ Another year

1964

✒ Virginia McNeil Slep, 508-358-2478, virginiaslep@comcast.net ✒ Sheila Dineen Queenan, 603-881-8528, saqueenan@ comcast.net ¶ Our class celebrated our

55th Reunion in May. It was wonderful to see so many classmates, and I took advantage of our time together to gather

944981_p36-55.indd 41

Class Notes are published once per year in fall issues of Regis Today, which means the next column of notes will be due in August 2020.

2020 The specific deadline will be communicated to class reporters as it approaches.

News may be submitted to your class reporter or directly to Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations by emailing classnotes@regiscollege.edu or by mail to 235 Wellesley St., Box 30, Weston, MA 02493.

a lot of news. What an active, energetic group of retired women we are! Ann O’Sullivan volunteers in the ER at Lawrence General Hospital and tutors at Christo Rey High School in Lawrence, the former St. Mary’s High School from which she graduated. Mary Ann Serra volunteers for a women’s group that runs lecture series on women’s/feminist issues and is learning Italian. Recent travels include Austria, Germany, Ireland (with Mary Elizabeth Ford), and Florence. Karen Johnson Celi has retired after 30 years as an OT hand therapist. She volunteers with various organizations in her town of Wellesley, MA, and enjoys sailing, upholstering and refinishing furniture, and gardening. She has also traveled to Portugal and Mexico. Patricia Luben O’Hearn assists a handicapped woman and her developmentally delayed son and cooks meals for Abbey House for battered or displaced women. She is active in her choral group/choir. Recent travels include Normandy and Fatima.

Judy Murphy O’Malley serves on the landscape committee at Brookside Home.

She stays active with golf, a book club, and the theater. She often travels to Washington, DC, to visit her son, and she recently enjoyed a river cruise in Budapest and Munich. Sheila Dineen Queenan volunteers at Anne Marie House, a transitional housing facility in Hudson, NH. She and her husband, Jim, recently traveled through the Panama Canal and Central America.

Ellen Gillespie is involved in various projects at her UU church in Pittsfield, MA. She enjoys Scottish Country dance and takes classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning program in Pittsfield. She travels frequently to California. Sister Mary Rita Grady, CSJ, works part time as archivist for the Boston CSJ Archives.

She volunteers with her parish choir and

enjoys the CSJ book club, the Regis Library Book Club, stamp collecting, knitting, and writing Haiku. Ann Batterbury Fitzpatrick often travels to Ohio and Minnesota to visit grandchildren.

She enjoys her book club and gardening.

Ann Casey Collins enjoys two book clubs and travels often to Virginia to visit family. She stays in touch with classmates: Anisa Shubita Kreitem who still lives in Jerusalem, Janice Foss Watts who recently returned from a river cruise to the south of France, and Louise Brennan Murray in Florida. Eileen Toomasian Nichols is enjoying retirement from teaching and from 16 years working at Long Automotive in Framingham.

Judy Machaj Susanin volunteers at Habitat for Humanity at their retail store in Vero Beach, FL, where she spends the winters. Judy does a wonderful job running the Class of ’64 Regis Prayer Group. There are 16 members. Anyone in need of prayers for any reason can contact her at jmsusanin@gmail.com. Your request can remain completely confidential or you can share as much information as you choose. Mary Elizabeth Ford (MEF) still maintains a small private practice in psychotherapy. Her recent travel has included Ireland, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Italy. Hobbies include playing basketball, writing essays, and playing tennis. Kathie McKenna reads for the blind and dyslexic at Allied in Cambridge. Recent travels included Spain and Portugal. Mary Carroll Epperlein is still painting and doing some real estate work. In August she traveled to Vail, CO, for the dance festival and to NYC to see the ballet. Barbara Bye Murdock and her husband recently sold their Florida home and moved back to Rhode Island year-round. She looks forward to being more involved in Regis and Class of ’64 events. Maureen Burns Gropman recently returned from an Alpine trip to Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Germany. I’m sad to announce the passing of Joyce Bartolotta Aldrich on August 26, after a long battle with lung cancer. I spoke with Joyce by phone in July, and she asked me to thank all the classmates who sent her encouraging notes and emails. I, Virginia McNeil Slep, enjoy teaching in the Lifelong Learning at Regis College (LLARC) program. I’m in my 11th year of teaching Creative Writing there. I write a column for the North Reading Transcript and I have a small private practice in Clinical Hypnosis. The Class of 1964 can be proud of the way we embody the Regis mission statement “to embrace the values of the Gospels while offering gracious welcome, love, and service of neighbor without distinction, peaceful resolution of conflict, and care of all God’s creation.”

41 FALL 2019

gone by. Time seems to fly by, very quickly. I got a lovely note from Jean Harrington Gefteas, reporting the death of her husband, Bill. Our deepest sympathy goes to her family. With better news, her granddaughter, Rose, was honored with the Courage Award at the Harvard Club by the Pancreatic Society. She had a successful surgery to have her entire pancreas removed at the University of Minnesota. We have lost two classmates, Anne Billingham Brophy on January 17, 2019, and Beverly Falcione Marano on April 2, 2019. Our deepest sympathy goes to their families. Joan Kozon wrote that she joined a book club in Albuquerque, NM, and met another Regis graduate from the Class of ’62, Mary Jane Power, who was also a member. Small world isn’t it? Joan travelled to Madeira off the coast of Portugal. She had a wonderful experience, being there during the first weekend of Advent, which was also the official Christmas lighting ceremony.

There were lots of decorations of all kinds with concerts and festivals. She highly recommends visiting there and the fish is fabulous. As for me, JoAnne DuFort, I also did a bit of traveling—First to Guatemala and Honduras for the Day of the Dead celebrations with kite flying and very colorful cemeteries in October/ November, then in February, I went to Cuba, which was fabulous. I am very happy I went when I did because you can’t go now. Interesting point is that we are the only country in the world that doesn’t vacation there. It is a beautiful country with lots of history. We rode in the 50s cars that are in such good condition, smoked Cuban cigars, and drank Cuban rum. Then in March/April I went to Malaga and Estepona, Spain, and Chefchaouen in Morocco, the “blue city.” Very picturesque and beautiful. I do hope to return to Morocco.

A Reminder

notes

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1965

✒ Anne Marie Fontaine Healey, 54 Stacy Street, Randolph, MA 02368, 781-9636964, annemariehealey@comcast.net ¶

42 REGIS TODAY 944981_p36-55.indd 42

What’s even better than a Regis 50th Reunion? Our 55th Reunion coming up in May 2020! In the past, our class has had outstanding participation in Regis reunions and events—both on and off campus. Now we have five additional years of friendship, experiences, and memories to share. Please consider coming to all or part of our 55th. At the Memorial Mass at Regis last November, several classmates gathered to remember Margaret Cassidy, who’s good humor and upbeat spirit we so admired. Those present were Ginny Flynn Wright, Carole Groncki McCarthy, Anne Marie Fontaine Healey, Gail Hoffman Burke, and Janet Comeau Moriarty. Ginny continues to be active in the Irish Ancestry group TIARA and made trips to Dublin and Belfast recently on behalf of the group. Carole and Gail realized they had common Eastern European ancestry, with Gail’s grandmother from Czech Republic and grandfather from Poland via Austria, arriving at Ellis Island at approximately the same time as Carole’s Polish grandparents. Janet and her husband are enjoying full-time retirement living in Gilford, NH. Kathleen Henighan, Mary Ellen “Mel” Lavenberg, Marie Shatos, and Anne Marie Fontaine Healey were all guests of Barbara Doran Sullivan in St. Maarten in February. It was a time to relax and refresh while enjoying good food and good company in a beautiful setting. Marie is now retired from her eye research at Mass General but is hardly sitting home. She continues to be very active in her Lithuanian Parish, serving as sacristan, and providing delicious Lithuanian food for pastor and fellow parishioners. Marie also had an amazing experience visiting Israel. The Golden Tower luncheon is now being held during Reunion weekend in May. This is a good opportunity to catch-up with friends from classes before and after ours and not just the reunion year classes. This year Gail, Carole, and Anne Marie attended, and Gail was able to spend time with her sister, Cathy, who was celebrating her 50th Reunion. This year’s Regis Cape Cod Luncheon was at the Chatham Bars Inn and Gail, Anne Marie, and Patty Gaumond Kasierski learned about STEM education and zebrafish research at Regis. Patty and George are now residents of Jacksonville, FL, living near their son’s family and enjoying activities with the grandchildren. They look forward to still spending summers on Cape Cod. Kathleen Henighan and her niece experienced life in the Adirondack’s Gilded Age while staying at the Vanderbilt’s “camp” on a Road Scholar trip. Kathleen later explored Northern Italy with an Overseas Adventure Travel group. Mel

decided to stay home and tend to her garden this summer, after a few years of trips to Europe, which included walking parts of El Camino in Spain. Sharon Gibbons Reardon and husband, Tom, explored Scotland from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Highlands. Anne Marie attended an event in Tampa to raise money for a school bus for Mount Alvernia High School in Jamaica. Sheila Decoursey Kennedy came from home in Texas to visit her young grandson. Carol Jewell Hunt continues to be active in the art world on Long Island. Sally Daily Buckler moved from Maryland to South Carolina. Maureen McGlynn Franz looks forward to seeing everyone at our 55th.

Sister Judy Roxborough continues teaching GED classes to women of little means in Texas and lives with three other Teresian Sisters who are involved in immigration and social issues, college chaplaincy, and all things economic in all the Americas. A bit of Regis history lives on in Duxbury. Carole and her sister, Barbara, donated six gowns worn at Regis dances to the Duxbury Historical Society. Two of the gowns, including one worn to the Regis Presidential Cotillion in 1961, were exhibited at the Duxbury Library, where the Groncki sisters gave a talk about the gowns and their stories.

1966

✒ Elizabeth Burns Griffin, 38 Pine Lane,

Framingham, MA 01701, 508-877-8826, betsygriffin@verizon.net ✒ Connie Alexander Giorgio, 658 Main St., Harwich, MA 02645, 508-432-4645, connie@ thegiorgios.com ¶ First, we have sad news of two classmates’ deaths. Kate Pearson Hayes died in October 2018 and Carroll Monahan Young died in May 2019.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Kate’s and Carroll’s families. In happier news, Sue Clark Cronin and husband, Matt, visited Hawaii in October 2018 to celebrate Susan Hennessey Kobayashi’s 75th birthday with Ann Bernson, Nancy Greene Barry, and Francine Bailey Osenton and her husband. Jane Cronin Tedder reported on Jo-Anna Rapp Holden’s Christmas party in December 2018. Attendees included Andrea Owens Shagory, Beth Lewis Bowen, Joan O’Leary Foley, Cindy Gosselin Wilusz, Ann Tracy Guerriero, Peggy Ventre Panagrossi, Susan Airoldi Kalloch, and Louise Leonka Carroll.

The Class of 1966 Prayer Tower group now numbers 40 loving souls who offer prayers and send good thoughts for class members’ intentions. All are welcome, and anyone can request prayers through Molly Lahnston Ford and Eleanor McCarthy Bouvier (cabinroad@hotmail.com).

Andrea Owens Shagory was quoted in Regis Today’s Spring 2018 edition about a Regis service trip to Kenya in October 2018. She taught a class in dental hygiene while there. The group was sorry to learn the village they visited

has no clean water. Wells cost between $500 and $1500, but villagers are very poor. Last spring Beth Healey Kossuth connected with Donna Murphy Klei when the Kleis were in the North Shore area celebrating their 50th anniversary. She also saw Anne Ross Baxter when Anne and husband, Neale, were in Boston for their 50th. Here’s a testimonial to youth activism, related in an article from the Bangor Daily News: Kitty Sullivan’s daughter and friends learned about the environment, then organized and protested polystyrene packaging in 1988 when they were still in elementary school. They leafleted, protested, marched, and even debated a polystyrene lobbyist on the Today Show. Their hometown, Freeport, banned polystyrene in 1990. Last May polystyrene was finally banned throughout Maine, only 31 years later. Changing the world takes time. Last June when we asked for news, S. Nancy Corcoran, CSJ, wrote, “My ministry with Transgender, Intersex, and Gender Expansive humans includes relationships with TransParent, PFLAG, Metro Trans Umbrella Group (MTUG), and the Barnes Hospital Gender Clinic, providing opportunities to educate the wider community in Missouri. Representing the Roman Catholic Church as a CSJ, I can offer dissent to the current unscientific verbiage offered from Rome. I am blessed daily to stand with folks on the margin.”

Also, last June Donna Nealon Hoffman hosted a fundraiser to benefit Regis in Haiti, an ongoing project training nurses and supporting health clinics in Haiti.

When tornados hit Cape Cod in July, one touched down in Harwich, 100 yards from Connie Alexander Giorgio and Peter’s home. They were fortunate to suffer little damage in an area of many downed trees, some falling on houses and cars. Small-town Harwich lost 3,000 trees. Beth Lewis Bowen hosted this year’s summer potluck at her Westminster, MA, home on August 7.

In attendance were Jo-Anna Rapp Holden, Jane Cronin Tedder, Connie Alexander Giorgio, Christine Bartley Johnston, Susan Clark Cronin, Kathy Bailey, Andrea Owens Shagory, Betsy Burns Griffin, Peggy Pegnam Blanchard, Beth Healey Kossuth, Susan Airoldi Kalloch, Linda Marinelli Bollettino, and Carole Marinelli Auth. Chris Johnston recently retired as director of the Leyden, MA, public library (population 800). She and Freddie are “aging in place.” The Bowen’s plan to winter in their house on Anna Maria Island, FL. The Kalloch’s and Holden’s traveled to Scandinavia in August. The Giorgio’s vacationed in Parma and Italy with children and grandchildren in October. Jane Tedder received the 2018 Heart and Hands award from Wheeler Clinic health centers in Connecticut but was more excited about her photo op with “Big Papi”

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class David Ortiz at Regis’ Commencement last May. Peggy Blanchard has moved to intergenerational housing at New Life Village in Tampa, FL. Her new home includes seniors and younger families with adopted or foster children. Peggy and other seniors volunteer 18 hours a month of service such as driving, tutoring, and outings for kids. (See page 56 for more about Peggy’s story at New Life Village.) Monica Philips Nix is now full-time executive director of Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes, a non-profit museum. S. Marie-Louise Bishop, O.C.D., in Reno, NV, regretted she was too busy to fly across country for the lunch but sent her love. A heads-up: Our 55th reunion is only a year and a half away; watch for information. As we enter the holiday season, may we be blessed with comfort and joy now and throughout the new year.

1967

✒ Carolyn Sammartino Moran, 105

passing of their mothers, Martha Mitten Hosinski (January 7, age 99) and Mary Kerr Lynch (May 23, age 101), both Regis Class of ’40. Mrs. Hosinski had all five of her children with her for her last week and had lived independently until Thanksgiving. Mrs. Lynch was a pioneering woman in real estate in Massachusetts, featured in a Boston Sunday Globe article of May 26. Kathy spoke of her mother’s encouragement of her and her five siblings, and both spoke of the strength and independence of their moms. Congratulations to 50th wedding anniversary celebrants: 2017—Charlene DeMayo Niles and Mike, Patricia Murphy Buck and Rae; 2018—Patricia Connearney Deveaux and Don, Carolyn Conway Stack and George; 2019—Paula Dempsey Beauregard and Jim, Julia Shen Fung and Victor, and Marguerite Jones Gigante and Mike. Patsy Deveaux celebrated at Lake Morey Inn, VT, with her family. She still does part-time accounting and volunteers for the Waltham Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Waltham Partnership, and Piety Corner Club.

Paula Beauregard spent three months at The Villages in Florida and took a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi. Chief Magistrate Judge, US District Court in Boston, Marianne “Mimi” Bowler, was planning to celebrate with Julia and Victor Fung in China. Travels with multi-generations have taken Frances Waht Lewis and Scott to Italy, where one destination was Piatto, her mother’s village; Patricia McCurry Morley and Don to Ireland and Bermuda; and Ellen Kearns, her sister Louise and family, including niece Nathalie, a Regis grad and nurse practitioner, to the Provence

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Regis would love to know what’s new with you. Regis Today is a great way to stay in touch with your classmates and friends. Share news about babies, jobs, marriages, vacations, activities, anniversaries, and grandchildren.

Contacting your class reporter is the best way to submit a note. All reporters are listed along with their contact information in the Class Notes section of this issue. If you’re unable to get in touch with your reporter, please send your notes directly to the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations by emailing classnotes@regiscollege.edu.

Thanks for keeping in touch; we look forward to hearing your news!

area of France. Ellen O’Connor, Carol Mullen McCormack-Major, and Ellen Farrell, along with assorted husbands, nieces, and friends, enjoyed April in Paris. Miriam Riley Flecca with her sister-in-law and niece took the train to NYC for theater and a visit to Ground Zero. Miriam is a Title I tutor in Waltham, and she and Tony have a new Australian Labradoodle puppy, Mia. Patricia Driscoll Egan sold her Florida home and welcomed an English Chocolate Lab, Salty. Phyllis Carberry Mueller and Joe have taken a car trip to Dallas and St. Louis and a cruise to Central America, where they visited Mayan ruins and Chichen-Itza, one of the wonders of the world in Mexico.

Next, they plan to visit the Holy Land.

Ellen Roche Kurcis and husband, Wayne Kelly, take an annual international trip and have been to Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt. Ellen had a mini-50th reunion at Sheila O’Brien Arpe’s Boston home with Charlene DeMayo Niles, Dorothy Fish Hurley, and Mary Schumacher Megson.

Frances Hogan was on the front page of The Boston Globe on May 24 for her volunteering for pro-life causes since 1968. An attorney, Fran continues to practice full time but makes time to support local causes she believes in

43 FALL 2019

Kittredge St. #1, Roslindale, MA 02131, 617-921-5759, cmoran6@comcast.net ¶ Condolences to Anne Hosinski Madden and Kathleen Lynch O’Donoghue on the

How to Submit Class Notes

as well. Paula Murphy Fletcher, in her fourth year of retirement as a Methodist minister, has made time for new opportunities such as repairing homes in Texas after Hurricane Harvey and in St. Croix after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

She and son, Sam, who is studying to be a nurse, enjoyed scuba-diving in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico. Her daughter, Bonnie, is a lawyer with a focus on patent law who helped a jailed Honduran immigrant as her first assignment. I have enjoyed Regis events in Naples, FL, with Donna LaCouture MacLeod, Ellen St. Cyr Gillham, and Ann LaBrecque Baird, and at the Golden Tower Luncheon with Mim Riley Flecca, Marlene Gibbons Wilkey, Peggy Jones Gigante, Patti McCurry Morley, Paula Murphy Fletcher, Ellen Kearns, Paula Dempsey Beauregard, and S. Mary Anne Doyle, CSJ. In showing an April 1964 tattered issue of The Regis Herald to our granddaughter, Azalea, who writes for her school newspaper, I came across the names of Ellen Kearns, treasurer of the Athletic Association; Barbara Keller, author along with Constance Christian, of the article “Left vs. Right”; Ellen Mara Smith, Joyce Cuff, Ellen Kearns, Jean Burns Terio, Keven Vincent McGuire, and Maureen LaFountain Hart as varsity basketball players on the team with a winning 7–2 record; Rosemarie Melloni Dittmer and Linda Shopes as page editors; Donna LaCouture MacLeod, Pamela McCue Ferguson, Elaine Simeone Pace, Anne Louise Gibbons O’Brien, and myself as reporters; and Paula Dempsey Beauregard as typist. In March, I read the obituary of Dr. Emiliana Pasca Noether, and recalled her history lectures in College Hall our freshman year. Let’s remember her in prayer, and all deceased teachers and classmates, and the intentions of our living classmates, especially those dealing with health issues.

notes

1968

✒ Patricia Nelson Cross, 200 Paseo

Terraza #306, St. Augustine, FL 32095, 904-805-3222, tricia.cross915@gmail.com

¶ Greetings classmates...Sad news of the passing of two popular members of our class. Dr. Adrienne Buuck Butler died April 19, 2019. Adrienne’s life was one of service as an Army doctor, pediatrician, community volunteer, and advocate for Parkinson’s disease. MaryEllen York Rogers died June 4, 2019, after a lengthy illness. Mary Lou Maloney writes, “Our amazing friend Mame, such a fun, positive person, leaves four wonderful children and 10 grandchildren. There was no one like her.” Mary LeViness Jones’s husband Stephen died in February. “We are all doing fine and keeping busy but missing him of course.”

In May, Mary had lunch in Boston with Midge Sullivan Durgin, Mary Jane Dunn

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Weber, Julie Slattery Maguire, Maria Cole, Donna Kirby Sullivan, Kathy Hutchinson Breslin, Kathy Nagle Davidoff and Jane Van Dyke Deering. “Lunch was four hours

44 REGIS TODAY 944981_p36-55.indd 44

long and still ended too soon,” Jane commented. “Though years and geographies have separated us, conversations flowed as if no gulf existed.” Kathy Lilly retired from Children Services of the City of NY after 50 years. The Commissioner and President of the Union congratulated her at the luncheon held in her honor. She was delighted to have her brother, James, attend and thrilled that her two other brothers traveled from a distance to surprise her!

Congratulations Kathy! Kathy, Mary Beth Govoni Cormier, Judy Murphy Lauch, and I were together in St. Augustine for a few days in the spring, we did some sightseeing and had an enjoyable lunch downtown. Kudos to Nancy Brine Fredricksen for driving from New Smyrna to join us.

After Kathy left, she mentioned having lunch in Sarasota with Pat Brady Agnew and her husband, David, and Jeanne Gianturco Jaroszewski as well. Judy and husband Bill moved into their new condo in Boston and are still getting settled.

“Bill volunteers at Mass General and was recently highlighted on their giving website. I work part time at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Bill and I attended Regis’ Haiti Project gala, which lauded the accomplishments of this partnership.

I saw Ellen Grimes Aamodt at Boston

By Foot tours and at her house at the Arlington PorchFest. Fun to bump into Grace Previte Meo, Rita Famiglietti Lash, and Carol Hogan Ford at Legal Seafood at lunch recently. Enjoy seeing classmates and continue to refer to our 50th reunion booklet! I noticed Polly Conlon gives tours of Symphony Hall! I emailed her and we’ll get together in the fall. Jeanne prepared a fabulous dinner for Bill, me, and Kate Korzendorfer (Pat Grosz Korzendorfer’s daughter).” Jeanne writes, “While in Naples, FL, this past winter, I had lunch with Kathy and a surprise visit from Maryanne. So good to see them and catch up. I visited Carolyn Kelliher in Hingham. She continues her law practice from home. A nice feeling to be able to pick up where one left off so easily.”

Mary Beth noted she enjoyed the Regis Golden Tower reception at Regis, with Judy Murphy Lauch, Jeannie, Marcia Carey Walsh and Kate Korzendorfer.

Maryanne Skeiber Burtman and husband Tim regularly stop overnight in St. Augustine on their way to Hutchinson Island. “Last summer Tim and I took a trip out West to many of the major National Parks, Antelope Canyon my personal favorite. Celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this year with a wonderful evening with kids and grandkids. Planning a celebration River Cruise in August, starting in Amsterdam, ending up in Italy.”

Nancy Brine Fredrickson “…. I decided

to retire once more last October. Now I have more time for family & hobbies including adopting another greyhound.

Celty only raced nine months in Daytona since he loves people more than chasing rabbits! He is wonderful company, gets me out walking and meeting people. I hope to start therapy work with him soon.” Sheila Brown Healy enjoys New Hampshire, still boating and watching grandchildren waterski, swim and tube, and traveling to their games. Keeping in touch still with Ruth Crotty Little, Jane Hyde Hawkes, Mary Jane Maciewicz Fernino, Mary Reilly, and Paula Sudol Lowe, Alice Valerie Wertz, and Lucy Doyle Previte. “Herb and I will celebrate 51 years of marriage in August. We enjoy a few months in Florida in the winter in Fort Myers Beach, Stoddard, NH, and Newburyport, MA, the rest of the year.”

Joanne McKeough Eldred and Emmett are delighted grandparents of new grandson, Leopold David Godowsky “Leo,” born July 19 in Boston. Daughter Susie and husband Dave are the proud parents.

Dawn-Marie Driscoll “spent a great week with Tish Brush Petzke and husband Gerd in the Loire area of France in May. As we all know, having the support of dear longtime friends after the loss of a spouse is a real lift. We had a wonderful time touring. I continue to commute between Florida and Boston.” Ellen Grimes Aamodt “developed a fascination for Winston Churchill and found other history buffs like a Martha Mooney reading about him as well. I joined a study tour on Churchill on QM2 NY to London, visited his ancestral home, country estate, and the underground bunker. Once in a lifetime trip. Jo Sullivan visited Shirley Lee Zao and husband Bill in November at their Las Vegas home and had a great time. Rita, Grace Previte Meo, and I had lunch this month, the first time together since our lovely reunion. The news of Adrienne and Mame’s passing really saddened me and motivated us to make plans. It was so nice that Adrienne participated in our class meeting last year via Skype. In April, I traveled to DC for the Children’s Africana Book Awards at Howard University and the Smithsonian. I’ll be going to a Nigerian wedding in Fort Wayne, IN, in August. The mother of the bride is a dear friend I met in Nigeria in the 1980s. My sons live nearby and sees them often. My favorite thing to do is still reading.

1970

✒ Nora Quinlan Waystack, 978-314-4416, nqwaystack@gmail.com ¶ Greetings once again fellow Regis classmates.

Margie Cohan Craven’s update spoke about having Dede Dalton-Martell and husband Bob for dinner at their home in Falmouth, MA, in July. Both couples are enjoying their Cape Cod summer,

wishing it wouldn’t pass so quickly. This past February, Jackie Fraser McVeigh joined Sara Ann Donahue and Fran Burns for dinner in Naples, FL. It was great to hear from Jackie. Now that she is semi-retired and the grandchildren are getting older, we hope she will be joining the “birthday” celebration group. Sara Ann Donahue, Fran Burns, Beth Golden, Pat Sullivan, Betty Wright Herring, Joan Archer and Margie Cohan Craven have been enjoying a birthday getaway for a few days every 4 or 5 years. They have been getting away since 1998 when they started at The Sagamore Resort on Lake George. They’ve been to the Norwich Inn and Spa in Vermont, The Harbor View Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard, The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The most recent trip was to Newport, RI. It started out with some golf, tennis, and spa treatments. Margie says now they spend more time eating, drinking, shopping, and catching up on everyone’s life. It’s been wonderful sharing all the changes we have been through, not the least of which are the physical changes. Beyond that, it has been so rewarding to discuss our life experiences. We learn, share, laugh, cry, and for that we are all grateful. Jane McCusker Taylor and husband Bob stopped by the Waystack home in New Harbour, ME, while returning from a getaway in Bar Harbor. She commented how summer is passing too quickly with family visiting from Colorado, Georgia, Connecticut, and Singapore. Enjoy the remainder of the summer! Anne Black Recchia spoke about her time spent with our recently departed classmate Priscilla “Silka” Hook. They got to know each other as French majors and dorm neighbors at Regis. They also spent several vacations at their homes on the North Shore. They spent their junior year in the Rutgers Junior Year in France Program. Ann found her to be a fun, generous, and upbeat person.

In recent years they got together for a Junior Year reunion in Boston, which was always fun. The last time Anne saw her was just before she moved to Concord. Anne knew she had health issues, but it was still a shock to hear of her passing. I raise a glass of French wine to you, Silka. Bon voyage! Dede Dalton-Martell had a very special 70th birthday celebration. Jane McCusker Taylor flew in from her home in Williamsburg, VA, and invited Dede to join her at the Copley Square Marriott.

They spent two nights observing the big birthday with dinners at the B & G restaurant and Eataly’s Terra. It was a very wonderful occasion. Dede noted that she and Margaret Cohan Craven are always in touch with frequent phone calls and regular visits. Somehow, they never run out of things to talk about.

Margaret O’Brien lives just down the street from Dede and they remain close friends. At her husband Bob’s 50th

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class

1974

✒ Grace Murphy, 6 Colony Road,

Lexington, MA 02420, 781-861-3914, gracemurphy52@gmail.com ¶ Twenty

of our classmates came together at the May reunion to celebrate 45 years of life after Regis. Here is some of the chatter I picked up while grazing on appetizers in the Foyer and picnicking on the Quad.

Pat Goddard Berke came back for the first time since our 20th, traveling from Virginia Beach to attend. Her husband was in the Navy and they lived in Japan for 10 years, which she loved and where she worked as a teacher. Mary Chamberland came up from Atlanta. She is retired from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) but still does consulting in infectious diseases for the World Health Organization and the CDC. Diane Salvatore Comforti brought a fantastic photo album that she assembled from all our prior reunions. It just served to confirm what I think we all knew—that we haven’t changed a bit! Since her retirement from Oracle, she’s enjoying life with a lot of golf, competitive tennis, and cooking. Kathy Mason Podolski left right after the reunion for a trip to Italy and Switzerland. She visited Fribourg for the first time since spending her junior year abroad there 46 years ago. Mary Jane Heins Vaillancourt is retired from dentistry and lives in Warren, RI. Fran Perrone Smith is retired and now lives in Las Vegas. Jo-Ann Messina Stadelmann is retired from teaching and living in Westwood. The French majors came out

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in force: Dot Farnam Curley, Pat Pennie Mulcahy, and Helene Moreau St. Hilaire.

All are retired from teaching. Nancy Boyd-Lennon is still working at her “retirement job” on the Cape, for HyLine Cruises. She and Joanne Crowley are looking forward to attending the wedding of Mary Beth Graham Conry’s daughter, Katy. Mary Ann Walsh Lewis entertained us with a video of her doing a triple gainer off a bridge in New Zealand, while tied to the end of a bungee cord.

Only Mary Anne could look totally put together while bouncing upside down over white water! Kathy Mullins Mogayzel is still turning out amazing art. She has a studio near her home on the south shore and had two solo shows last year.

Debbie Mann MacDonald continues to be about the most well-informed person in just about everything it seems but is now totally focused on the next presidential election. Peggy Randall Flaherty now has 5 grandchildren and her last daughter has just gotten married. Robin Parker Brissette is now retired from teaching.

Sandi Krulicki Fitzpatrick could not attend but she and husband Neal have sold their home in Connecticut and bought their retirement home in Hilton Head. At a meeting on Saturday night, Jody Bayer Michaels graciously agreed to succeed Joanne Crowley as Class President. In Joanne’s role as a Regis trustee, she is heading the committee to finish fundraising for the Athletic Field buildings. Also, Marie Driscoll Hanlon agreed to plan a 70th birthday bash for our class. For the last 11 years, Mary Rouillard Arnold has been teaching biology in an adjunct capacity at a community college in Rochester, NY. Her husband, Andy, also works part-time so they have time to visit their children and 9 grandchildren, scattered across 4 states. They are celebrating their 45th anniversary this year. Finally, condolences to Cathy Doran Griffin on the passing of her mother, Marie Dillon Doran Marcellino ’40; and to Mary Beth Graham Conry on the passing of her aunt, Sr. Cecilia Agnes Mulrennan ’46 and her mother Marion Mulrennan Graham ’48. Start planning now for our 50th in May 2024!

1976

✒ Mary-Christina Mulherin Duncan, P.O.

Box 496, Bradford, NH 03221-7602, 603-938-5026, dmcduncan@iamnow.net ¶

I am new to this position and would love to hear from more classmates. Hopefully we have many more 76-ers at the 50th!

Hopefully we have MANY more! Linda Miller-Foster and I caught up at the 40th Reunion. She is living in Winthrop, MA, and still working hard for public housing at NOAH. She is very excited to be a grandmother. I can report that I am very happy in my “semi-retired” life living between my home in NH and tiny cottage in Scarborough, ME, during the summer

season. Our classmate Laura Lawrence Blumberg visited me at the cottage last summer with her husband, Stephen, and lovely daughter, Ashley. Both Laura’s daughters, Leslie and Ashley, are proud Regis grads!!! My favorite role these days is “Nana” to 6-year-old, Cora, and almost 1-year-old, Reed. My husband, David, and I are lucky to be able to watch Reed one or two days a week as my son and daughter-in-law live only 20+ minutes away. In my spare time I do Zumba, volunteer for New London Barn Playhouse and NH Craftsmans’ Fair, and work on training my rescue dog “Josie” for pet therapy. In the fall and spring semesters I teach “Intro to Psychology” as a PT adjunct professor @ NHTI in Concord. It is so much fun, but my hubby wishes I was completely free to go south in the winter months. In past spring breaks, we have been lucky to catch up with my former roomie, Anne Turner Frick, and her husband Al in Tampa, FL. I just had a long conversation with Anne, and she shared some gorgeous photos of her daughter, Sarah’s, recent wedding in June. Anne is now working in a new position in St. Petersburg as the director of social work at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Anne’s husband Al, who just finished his doctorate, is also an adjunct professor! Anne and I were sorry to remember that it has been 2 years since Robin Noyes Lyons passed.

It is sad that we have already lost a few of our Regis classmates. Four members of our class were reunited at the annual Cape Cod Luncheon at the Chatham Bars Inn. It was a beautiful setting on a hot summer day to catch up with each other and learn about the innovations, expanding curriculum, and student body at Regis. Rosamond Dunn Lockwood, Elaine Richardson, Peggy Boland Admirand and I were joined at our table by Felice Pelosi Beil ’75 and Marguerite Donovan ’47, dean of students during our years at Regis. We hope to be joined next year by more classmates who vacation or live on the Cape.

45 FALL 2019

Boston College reunion Dede observed that Regis alums were very well represented with stories of meeting their significant others at Regis mixers and BC parties. Patty Hanifey writes that she is selling property, retiring, and moving to live with family and grandchildren in Sherborn, MA, and Mt. Pleasant, SC. Patty describes this point in life as a “Sea Change,” originally from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Sea Change is the term that best expresses this point in her life: a change, metamorphosis, reorganization, renewal, reworking. Nora Waystack, a resident of Newburyport, MA, and New Harbor, ME, passed away after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, a few weeks after submitting this final column of Class Notes. Nora had a natural glow that drew people to her from every sector of society. She always saw the good in every person she ever came into contact and went out of her way to brighten the day of everyone she met. She will be deeply and sorely missed, but her story will forever be an inspiration to all who knew her, for as Nora said the “good goes around.” Just as Regis evolved, so are we, the Class of 1970!

notes

1977

✒ Karen Driscoll Montague, 9 Erwin Road, Wayland, MA 01778, 508-358-5130, kdm55@verizon.net ¶ Kathy Lewis Gronokowski and her husband, Len,

went to Amsterdam and Paris to celebrate her birthday this year.

Keukenhof Holland park was celebrating their 70th year with 7 million flowers— mostly tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

In Paris, they saw Notre Dame (after fire) and took a baking course. Carol Manning Chicarello along with daughter Lizzy, spent a few weeks touring Italy, Monte Carlo, and Spain this summer.

Susan Anderson Stirrat who lives in NJ, took a trip north this summer to visit her family in greater Boston. She is a super runner and participated with her

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46 REGIS TODAY 944981_p36-55.indd 46

husband, Reno, in a 50K road race on Great Cranberry Island in Maine.

Nicki Girouard, who is retired and lives in Newburyport, is also in great shape after biking her way from Buffalo to Boston and Concord to Albany, along with a side trip for off-road biking in the White Mountains! I caught up with Nicki on a day trip to Newburyport with my daughter, AiLi. She is looking forward to a bike trip this fall to Cornwall, England. Dawna ProvostCarrette, Patrice d’Entremont, Elizabeth Driscoll Nace and Anita BrennanSarmiento represented the class at the annual Let it Shine Gala in fall 2018.

Four members of our class attended the annual Regis Cape Cod Luncheon. Sylvia Pattavina has retired and spends her time between the Cape and Quincy and takes care of her ailing mother. She is looking forward to a trip to DC this fall.

Joan Whalen Wilson and husband Gary are enjoying retirement, splitting their time between the Cape and Destin, FL, and spending lots of time with their 5 grandchildren. Jan Gleason Rogers and her husband Chuck are looking forward to daughter Abbie’s wedding in October on the Vineyard. Julie O’Connor McGinn is still working but husband John has retired. They celebrated with an amazing trip to Australia and South Africa last fall and are looking forward to a trip to Wyoming this fall to visit some national parks. We fondly remembered our trip to the Frontier Days Rodeo in Cheyenne, WY, shortly after graduation with classmate Marie Grassi, who sadly passed away way too young in 1983. Jane Lenox Leary’s family held a charity fundraiser in Medford featuring our old friend, Jim Plunkett. Regis turned out in full force: Kathy Cove Curley, Betty Mazeiko Abdulla, Janet Prior, Jan Rutkowski, Julie, Carol, Nicki, and I were all there. It was a lot of fun. Carmel Coughlin Donoghue has taken up painting and has joined a group of watercolor enthusiasts in Camden, ME. Carmel keeps in touch with Nancy Norton Sarvis, Joy Picozzi Daly, and Alice Blum de Sardi. She and her husband, Kenneth, spent two weeks with Alice and her husband Alejandro Sardi in California and Isla Andres, Colombia this spring. Laraine Devine Hand has joined the grandmothers club and loving it. And I end with some sad news. Pam Witt Wadzita’s husband Mike passed away this year. You can reach out to her on Facebook. She is currently focusing on work and overseeing the building of her “snow bird” home in Winter Garden, FL, where she will be only 20 minutes from Walt Disney World, a place very special to her. Stay well all.

1978

✒ Sheila Walsh, 13B Beal’s Cove Road, Hingham, MA 02043, 617-319-0823, smbw.walsh@gmail.com ¶ Greetings, Class of 1978! Kate Honan Bird writes

that her second grandchild, a boy, Eugene Samuel Neely, was born in Ketchum, ID, on March 11. He joins older sister, Esme Kathleen. Esme and Eugene are Kate’s daughter Sarah’s children. Kate is painting this summer on Block Island, where she is a member of the arts cooperative Spring Street Gallery, and stays busy with her golden doodle puppy, Nellie. Kate is also a resident artist in the Umbrella Center for the Arts in Concord, MA. She is excited that daughter Sarah’s artwork will be available this fall in reproduction through Restoration Hardware. Colleen Cassidy Genecin writes that she was sorry to miss our 40th Reunion last year but was in Greece with her son, Michael, at that time. She says, “We volunteered with a refugee rescue organization on Lesbos. It was really interesting; needless to say, I was at least twice the average age of the other volunteers.

My biggest news is that after 22 years in Larchmont, we moved back to the city last January. We are living in Brooklyn Heights now, and I walk or bike to work. We are really enjoying it.

And my kids will all be living in New York this year for the first time in many years!” Michael, her youngest, just returned from a year in China, Isabel is in medical school at Columbia, and Alec is in graduate school at Hunter. She says, “It should be a fun year for us!”

Mary Ames writes with news of Mary Roche, who is renovating another new house in Hull that should be done in August. Mary also shares that Lucy DeMarco Grasso has a beautiful new granddaughter, Nieve. Mary says she is a beauty and that Lucy is over the moon! Nancy Salvetti Naimey is still enjoying her role as principal of St James School in Biddeford, ME, competing in charity triathlons and spending time with her grandchildren. She travels to Guatemala to visit her daughter’s family, and also reports that Pat DiPasqua Woodward has bought a cottage in Bridgeton, ME, and will be spending more time up there. Nancy and Pat get together periodically with Lynne Davis Haddock and Eileen McCormick Langenus. Deirdre Keough Ball writes from Singapore that she and her husband Dorian became grandparents to Roan Ailbe Fenn last November in Hong Kong. She says, “It took a moment to get my head around becoming a grandparent; I still see myself wild on the dance floor!” Deirdre says she wants to be known as cool Granddeir! She spent last Christmas in Bali with extended family and celebrated the wedding of her daughter Domina Siobhan to Toby Oliver Fenn in Oxford, UK. Her

youngest, Daniella, is wrapping up an assignment in London for Visa and returning to San Francisco, and son Darren is working “in the digital space.”

Deirdre’s daughter, Devona, heads-up a sustainable furniture company in Singapore. Her clan is planning to spend Christmas in Vietnam, and Deirdre is following her passion to convince companies to move away from single use plastic. As for me, I made my annual trek to Raleigh, NC, in July to visit my mother, sister, and brother-in-law. This year will be my last with the Hanover Public Schools, as I plan to “retire” and go south. I’m figuring out what the next chapter will be! I’m still teaching at Quincy College, too, and enjoying it.

Hope to hear from more members of our class for the next issue.

1979

✒ Janet Mills-Knudsen, 504 Narvaezi St,

Unit 113, Venice, FL 34285, 781-424-0660, janet@knudsen3.com ✒ 18729 43rd Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265, 515-441-9539, deboo813@hotmail.com ¶ It was great

to see so many of our classmates at our 40th Reunion in May. I won’t list all the attendees here because there were 28 of us. Our turnout was second only to the 50th class. But, of course, we would like to see many more of you at our 45th Reunion! One highlight of Reunion weekend was our Friday evening dinner/ class meeting. We were joined by two members of the Class of ’49, celebrating their 70th Reunion—Michelle Morgan and Rosemary McAuliffe. These ladies provided us with inspiration and great ideas for keeping in contact with our classmates. Many thanks to Roberta Fox for providing the delicious buffet dinner and to Loretta Salvucci McClary for donating the game prizes. Our class officers going forward are co-presidents Lori Seccareccio DeMartin and Deborah Flaherty Kizer; co-vice presidents Roberta Fox and Kathy Mulvihill Brutzman; reunion chairs Loretta Salvucci McClary, Rosemary Noon and Margo Steen Melville; class fund agents Claudia Pelosi Cuddy, Dao Thi Dang and Chris Crowley-Delosh; and class reporters Deb Southworth Howard and Janet Mills-Knudsen. Louise Clark, Rose Mary Lewis Irwin, Joan Dolan Allard, Elizabeth LaFountain Carder and Jean Jianos Gray continued our 40th Reunion celebration on Cape Cod. A big thank you to Kristyn Gondola and Molly Zuccarini of Regis Alumni Relations for sending the Regis Party In A Box. The Regis banner, pom poms, and paper goods really added to the festivities.

Cathleen O’Halloran McManama enjoyed the reunion with fellow “Maria Pit Crew” Ann Harrington Lagasse, Ann Regan Flynn, Claudia Pelosi Cuddy, Barbara Boyd Cohen, and Cheryl Rodgers. Cathleen has a granddaughter, Addison, who just turned one in July. Our sympathies to

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class

1980

✒ Judith Allonby, 7 Rockland Park,

Apt. 2, Malden, MA 02148, 781-324-7735, judithallonby@aol.com ¶ Last fall, Vicki Brown Duff, Betsy Sullivan Valarioti, Marie Bianculli Chanoine, Pam Wongburg Radler, Helen Hayden Topor, Susan Oldroyd Vecchione, and Angela Liacopoulos Penney got together for dinner and an

overnight at the Boston Marriott for the first time since 1999. Hope all is well with you! Nina Bertelli Hamilton reports that she is celebrating her son’s college graduation from Loyola University Chicago and getting ready to see him off to his PhD studies at UVM. She is still at GDIT as an IT Manager and happily married to Rick. Betty Curran is mourning the loss of her mother, who attended Regis reunions with her. Betty reports that she retired, has three big dogs, and is in a NA Recovery program. She is still in touch with Mordecai, from Regis Security, who, at age 94, is still a Councilman in Lula, GA, and still friends with Sister Catherin Laboure. Betty will be visiting Phoenix in November and has fond memories of her time living in College Hall. Wynn Foley is beginning reconstruction on her home. As I write this, I am preparing for my annual beach outing with Claire Ventura King. Caroline Coscia would like to remind everyone that our 40th Reunion is next May. See you all there!

944981_p36-55.indd 47

1981

✒ Susan Clancy Kennedy, sclancykennedy @comcast.net ¶ Hello all and happy fall! For most of us this is a big year… turning the big 6-0. I’m sure we are all celebrating in different ways. If any of you got together for your celebration, please send me pictures. We’d love to share them. Earlier this year, I spent a weekend in Boston with Sue Flynn Charochak for a girl’s getaway.

We had a blast! Shortly thereafter, Sue was named superintendent of the Beverly, MA, school system. Congratulations, Sue! Marianne McMahon Kenney also works with me at Regis. She has been with Regis for 12 years—the last 8 years as Bursar. She was surprised by her family with a 60th birthday party in March. Ramona Blazauskas Chin flew in from Chicago and Susan Grady drove up from Delaware. Ann Hamilton O’Regan and Nancy Shaw Bauman also were in attendance. Susan is on a new adventure. She recently left her position as president of a division of an insurance company to be an insurance consultant with a start-up company, Athenium Analytics, based out of New Hampshire.

She is constantly on the road with this new position. Ramona and Nancy are enjoying being grandmothers. Ann is working for the Town of Framingham.

She and Marianne enjoyed July 4th weekend with their husbands at her Dennisport cottage. In other news, I regret to inform you that we lost two of our classmates this year. Penny Williams passed away in January after a brief illness. As Deb Foley Watson, Penny’s best friend stated, “She lit up a room the moment she entered it.

Always had a big hug, a huge smile, a joke, or a funny story that never failed to brighten your day. Let us use all those precious memories of our dear sweet Penny to remind ourselves to be kinder, gentler, warmer, and seek happiness in the small daily things in our lives, because those are the ones that end up mattering the most.”

Penny will be sorely missed by her friends and family. Maria BranquinhoCunha passed away in June. Carol Weigel DiFranco, Meg Simpson McDonald, Maureen Fallon Leonard, Hope Miceli Spalla, Maureen Mulcahy, and Maureen Stephens all enjoyed getting together with Maria over the years to celebrate birthdays and life’s milestones, catch up with each other, reminisce about our days at Regis, and just enjoy each other’s company and friendship. Maria always had something thoughtful and intelligent to add to the conversation.

We also enjoyed hearing funny anecdotes and stories about Maria’s work teaching high school! She will be greatly missed, but she left her mark on all her Regis friends, students and colleagues at Peabody High School, her family, and the greater Portuguese community.

BE SOCIAL WITH REGIS Regis Today is published twice a year, but you can stay informed about what’s happening at the university all year long.

Regis College Alumni Regis College

@regis_ma @regiscollegealumni

@regiscollege_ma

47 FALL 2019

Cathleen on the loss of her mother, Alice Dunbar O’Halloran ’47 in June, just a week shy of her 93rd birthday. Cathleen reports that her mother was very involved with her Regis class and took adult classes at Regis up until five years ago. Liz LaFountain Carder didn’t make the reunion since it coincided with her son’s college graduation from Miami University in Ohio. Her daughter is also a student there. Liz has been working as the firm administrator at Norman Hanson & DeTroy, a Portland law firm, for 19 years. Liz’s sister, Kathryn LaFountain Replogle ’82 is retired from her teaching position in Downey, CA, in June. They are celebrating with a trip to Ireland in September. Congratulations to Kate McCarthy Toomey, who welcomed another grandchild in July, Nathaniel Connor Daly. Joyce Blanchard Campbell moved to South Carolina. Her oldest daughter, Courtney, is an attorney in New York City. Youngest daughter Christine works as an editor for a food magazine in Boston. Son Jimmy lives in South Carolina. Our deepest condolences to Darlene McCarthy Barnfield on the loss of her husband last year. Please keep in touch with your class reporters!

notes

vimeo.com/regisma

Regis College

We had a special remembrance for Penny and Maria at the annual memorial liturgy on November 3.

Our condolences also go to Nan Donelan on the passing of her mom Nancie Turner Donelan ’48, who passed away this July.

1986

✒ Kimberley Livingstone Sinclair,

10 Fountain Grass Waye, Plymouth, MA 02360, 508-320-4160, blklab81@yahoo. com ¶ Beth Sheehan ’86 lost her mother,

Patricia Sheehan, in late December 2018. Beth and her daughter, Katie Sheehan O’Brien ’91, are excited to have Katie’s son, Tim O’Brien ’23, attending their alma mater in fall 2019!

Flag Indicates Reunion Year

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1987

✒ Annamaria Cobuccio Paone, 26 Marshall Street, North Reading, MA 01864-3018, 978-664-4181, amariepaone64@gmail.com ¶

48 REGIS TODAY 944981_p36-55.indd 48

It was great to hear from so many! I spent an amazing three weeks traveling through Italy and Germany in June with my kids, who planned the entire trip, which included Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Munich. My sons restricted the gals to only a carry-on bag, which was painful as it prevented us from doing any serious shopping!

I caught the travel bug and will be doing more in the future! I spend most weekends foraging for mushrooms and enjoy the peacefulness of hiking in the woods. My sons and I hiked the Beehive and Precipice trails at Acadia National Park in Maine and recently hiked the Franconia Notch National Forests. Other free time is spent in my garden, which has expanded, and I no longer have space for new plants! Katie FitzGerald McCully and her husband, Chris, traveled to Pontevedra, Spain, this past May to compete in the ITU World Aquathon Championships. The race consisted of a 1000-meter open water swim in the Lerez River followed by a 5k run. Katie placed 2nd overall in her age-group and clocked the fastest swim time for women over 50. Her son, James, finished his freshman year of college and is studying physical education. This summer Katie (a Nauset Regional High School teacher) plans on competing in triathlons in the New England area, watching her son play soccer in the Cape Cod Men’s Amateur soccer league, and attending a family reunion in August. Lisa Mae DeMasi’s memoir Calamity Becomes Her is in its final editing stages! The story in part depicts the spirited hijinks that went on in “The Boat” in College Hall, such as door slamming, dancing to The Cure on desktops donning big hair and rubber bracelets, rigging open the laundry machines’ coin receptacles, swindling candy out of the vending machine, locking girls in the phone booth, and tanning on the roof. She is hoping to pitch to publishers in the fall!

Stephanie Lanza-Harvey has been married to Edward for coming on 20 years in January. She has 3 teenagers, Cullen 17, Avery 15, and Connor 13. She has her master’s degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School. She has most recently worked as a substance abuse and mental health counselor. She is currently home schooling her 2 oldest children. She lives on the Gulf Coast of MS. She and her husband, Edward, are planning an adventurous move to Montana in the next year! Angie Iatrou Simon and her family just returned from a Greek vacation after spending time in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Angie’s parents are from Sparta and Olympia, so it was wonderful experiencing the Greek culture for the first time with Erik, her husband of 21 years and

her children Korinna 19, Xander 18, and Nathan 15. Korinna is a sophomore at UMaine, Xander will be attending Northeastern University this fall as a freshman, and Nathan is a sophomore in high school. Angie recently celebrated her 6-year work anniversary with Johnson Controls. She manages the installation of security, burglar alarm, and fire protection systems for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers in the New England region.

For fun, she will begin prepping for another fitness competition that will take place in November. It will be her fourth competition since beginning this hobby in 2016. “Preparing for a competition is the only way that I place a priority on working out and eating clean.” Petra Malone Fallon has been working for a pharmaceutical company for the past 14 years as a senior clinical specialist in the field of addiction medicine. She loves her job and feels that she’s making a difference in the opioid crisis. She travels several times a year for work and enjoys visiting other parts of the country.

She lives in Medway with her 16-yearold daughter who will be a junior in high school this year and plays varsity volleyball, as well as her 3-year-old show dog boxer who is a Westminster Dog Show veteran. As for extracurricular interests, with the political climate being as charged as it is, she has become more active in the area of women’s rights and does some volunteer work for the homeless. Tara M. Bradley lives in Little Compton, RI, and continues to work as a fine gardener, where she maintains beautiful seaside gardens for almost 10 years. Tara says, “It is physical work but restorative and rewarding, too.” She does not miss her office job! She mentioned that Regis alums frequent Briggs Beach in Little Compton, RI.

1988

✒ Kym Johnson Miele, Kymbori@aol.com ✒ Michelle Mathis Buras, michelle@ weichertrm.com ¶ Hello Ladies!! We hope that all of you are doing well. These notes cover August 2018-2019. Julie Joyce Parkman is the classmate who first mentioned to me about Sr. Thea. She is very excited to hear that Sister Thea is starting on the path to sainthood. She was amazing and it was a real honor to be in her presence. For those interested, Maurice J. Nutt, recently wrote a book on Sr. Thea Bowman, entitled Thea Bowman, Faithful and Free. Julie Joyce Parkman, her husband Eric, and daughter Megan were heading to our county fair with 7 cows to show. We still have our small dairy farm milking registered jersey and ayrshire cows.

Megan, our daughter, will be a senior at Clarkson University in Potsdam. She is a communication major. My husband works for Clarkson still, and I am over at

SUNY Canton. I am director of career services and I love my job. SUNY Canton is very much like Regis in the fact that its students are first generation college students and from immigrant backgrounds. I love working with students on preparing them for their career goals. I was recently recognized by the SUNY Canton College Council Excellence in Service Award. I was very honored to be recognized by the college and my peers.

SUNY Canton is a very special place and I work with great people. My father passed away in March 2018 from colon cancer. He never had a colonoscopy prior to his recent troubles, and they caught it when it was too late to do anything. I was able to spend a month with him, helping my mother and sister with his care. I am still in touch with Julie Dennis Walsh and Diane Steeves. In October 2018, Papita Alwani, Nancy Bellomo Heffernan, and Kate Covell Costello were together for a night of laughter and sharing Regis memories. In December 2018, Laurie Henry Morrison and her husband Dave moved to St. Louis, MO. In December 2018, Maryellen Kelley, Debi Brooks Puchovsky, Laura Ann Doherty Reynolds, Anne Maneikis, Barbara Grady Belmarch, Marianne Ritchie McMorrow, and Mary Torchia Lussier went to the Boston Pops to get into the holiday spirit.

Michelle Gray Bird had a busy first half of 2019 but hopes things are finally getting back to “normal”! Just in time to start back at school. Her oldest son, Tyler and Madison were married on March 9, 2019.

It was an outdoor wedding and reception at the Wishing Well Barn in Plant City, Florida. Patty Condon Barton’s daughter, Erin, graduated high school in June.

She headed to Salem State University in September where she plans on majoring in psychology with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. My husband Doug and I celebrated our 20th anniversary on July 31. In September I am starting my 32nd year working for the Salem Public Schools, with this being my 30th year as a second grade teacher.

Melinda Seifert-Mulrey has had a busy year. “Three years ago, I opened up the Boston Office for the Qt Company, and we have grown so quickly that we are now moving into a new space in the Seaport District. I’m are hiring for more positions and the Regis network is free to reach out via Facebook or LinkedIn. Ed and I celebrated 20 years in October and plan to return to Kaui where we had our vows. Our children are doing wonderful. Our youngest is in college and working this summer as certified weight instructor at the Boston Athletic Club.

Our oldest who graduated from Ithaca College is an accountant in Boston. We are still in South Boston and our door is always open to any Regis girls attending the St. Patrick’s Day parade.” Kathleen Forrest Regan and Kara Anderson attended their 35th high school reunion

11/20/19 1:41 PM

class (Notre Dame Academy) in April 2019.

Kathleen is still working in insurance.

Her son, Michael, is a counselor at the Ferry Hill Day Camp. Angela Mazzeo Johansen became Dean of Students in 2018 at Taconic High School. “I miss teaching Spanish and Italian, however, I am loving administration! I just finished professional development training so that I can also observe and evaluate teachers. Last year my job was mainly discipline, so I’m excited to get back into the classroom.” As always, please feel free to reach out to me or Michelle with information for the Class Notes, we will take them anytime during the year.

1989

✒ Maria Alpers Henehan, 33 Baker Road, Arlington, MA 02474, 781-643-4499, paulhenehan@verizon.net ¶ Greetings,

944981_p36-55.indd 49

1996

✒ Jody Michalski, teacherjmm@aol.com ¶ Lisa Morrissey Wu is serving as a member of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the Laboure Student Advisory Board. She is still the director of health services at Baycove and these are extra board appointments. Congratulations, Lisa!

Paige Eaton is now the associate director of website development at Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit that ‘Empowers teachers and students to think critically about history and to understand the impact of their choices’.

A wonderful resource, the website is facinghistory.org. It’s wonderful to watch the continued friendships of classmates on Facebook! In June Michelle Vigliotti Lewis and I reunited for one night at the New Kids on the Block concert in Boston and had a great time catching up. Please share news through the Regis College Class of 1996 Facebook page or to me at teacherjmm@aol.com.

2002

✒ Georgette Swain Oosting, 201-8572689, georgetteoosting@gmail.com ¶ Colleen O’Connell Sterianos welcomed a son, Nicholas Michael, in February. He joins his big sister, Lia Hope, who turns three at the end of August. Georgette Swain Oosting graduated with her master of science, family nurse practitioner degree

in August from Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY.

2003

✒ Katie Blais, 320 86th Street, Apt. 7,

Miami Beach, FL 33141, 978-790-8554, katie.blais@gmail.com ¶ Carolyn Dandurand Kondel married James Kondel

at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s carriage house at the Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley in November.

Happily, there were a number of Regis alums in attendance. Also, Carolyn celebrated four years in the marketing department at Advanced Instruments this June.

2005

✒ Elizabeth DeLise, 757-848-6160, elizabeth.delise@gmail.com ¶ Samantha Bevilacqua started a new job at the Battery Wharf Hotel as the sales and catering manager and will be getting married on October 19. Melissa Curry began a new position at HubSpot Inc. in Cambridge as the corporate/international paralegal after working for GCP Applied Technologies Inc. for almost 3 years. Her daughter, Kelsie, will be 2 in October and she’s in full birthday planning mode. Kathleen Stuart Caldwell went to Australia and New Zealand for her honeymoon. Courtney Murray got engaged to Robert Magaw of Manville, RI. He proposed at the Grand Canyon in April and they are planning a wedding for spring 2020. Lauren Vey had another baby girl, Iris Eliane, in February, born on her husband Dan’s 40th Birthday!

Big sisters, Sterling 2 and Hazel 4, absolutely adore her. I’m currently living in North Carolina and adventuring with my family. We visited all 41 of the state parks this past year. I serve as the co-president for wear blue, a run to remember at Fort Bragg and as PTA secretary, for my daughters’ middle school. If you’re ever in the area, drop me a line and let’s plan a visit. To all our Regis sisters, please be sure to use our Facebook page so we can keep connected.

Many blessings, Liz.

49 FALL 2019

ladies! Our 30th Reunion in May reminded me just what I loved about my college experience and gave me a chance to reconnect with the women who will forever be a part of who I am. Corny, I know… but most truths are. At any rate, reunion was a great time to catch up— never enough time. Thank you to Mary Regan Thakur for her endless work on the class Facebook page, as well as communicating details, deadlines, creating and ordering GREAT t-shirts, and her general positive vibes in the face of helping to organize reunion. I was not able to attend the luncheon, so I know that I missed seeing classmates and hearing stories I would have loved. I am sorry to have missed Cathy Verderber Stanton, Kim Allen, Bev Starble Ekstrom, and Kerry Kehoe Battles, and any other classmate who was in attendance. I know that I will miss names along the way, but I want everyone to know that it is not with intent…just age! Friday night I had the opportunity to laugh and share stories with Anne-Marie Kerrigan Caruso, Andrea Johnson O’Connor, Sue Casey, Briege Walsh O’Connell, Lisa Meninno Theriault, Christine Enwright Wilson, and Kristine Gomes. Dinner on Saturday was an impressive showing for 1989! It was heartwarming to see so many friends share cocktails and memories—and laugh—with Kristin Dolder Wenger, Paula Kelliher Antonevich, Kris Ann Donofrio Stancombe, JoEllen Caffrey McGinnity, Sue Smith Porter, Ruth Flaherty, Mary Regan Thakur, Sue Casey, Lisa Meninno Theriault, Briege Walsh O’Connell, Christine Enwright Wilson, Kristine Gomes, Sue Sincowicz, Stefanie Nejame Cintron, Dana Perry Konovalov, Melissa Rodriguez, Moira Doherty Manning, Kate Sheehan Landry, Erin Murphy Pigott, Mary O’Connor-D’Amico, Cheryl Mabey Cleary.

Cheryl Mabey Cleary completed a master’s in special education and is teaching at Lawrence High School.

Karol Maybury McIntosh was recently

made full professor at the University of Maine Farmington. Nice work, ladies!

I am just about to wrap-up a master’s in education. My thesis research is The Benefits of Mindfulness Practices on Executive Functions in Three-Year-Olds.

I am about to begin a new position with the Cambridge Schools as preschool director. I am very much looking forward to completing my last class, presenting my thesis, and settling into my new role.

During reunion sharing, Kris Ann shared pictures of her granddaughters, Harley and Parker—adorable. Kris Ann has a small hobby farm in Winchendon, Crooked Apple Farm. They are rehabbing the property which includes not only an apple orchard but heirloom blueberries as well. They are also growing vegetables and have a sugar shack for maple syrup.

Check out the Facebook page—better yet, stop by if you are in the area! In March, my daughter Casey and I had a chance to spend a day kayaking with Mary McSoley Ohrn followed by lunch on the beautiful Florida coast. We had so many laughs along with a few struggles…we were kayaking after all! Mary’s one wish for Casey is that she surrounds herself with a group of women as strong and funny as the Regis women in our lives. I love that advice. Please remember to keep me updated on any news you may have…no tidbit is too small!

notes

2006

✒ Nicole Collette, nmcollette@gmail.com Heidi Gomez, heidzgomez@gmail.com ¶ Hello Class of 2006! Amy Carbone Mavris and her husband, James, welcomed their second daughter, Molly Marie, on May 24. Sarah Conway Pelletier welcomed her son, Thomas Robert, on Nov 27, 2018.

She and her family have been living in Anchorage, AK, the past 3 years but now they have moved to sunny Destin, FL, as her husband is now stationed there.

After working for nearly a decade in Customer Strategy at Vistprint, Taryn Face Pacheco is now the senior director of marketing at Exclusive Concepts.

Flag Indicates Reunion Year

11/20/19 1:41 PM

50 REGIS TODAY

Colleen Colarusso has just celebrated her 10th anniversary at Blackstone Valley Prep and has transitioned into the role of chief schools officer, supporting and managing K–8 principals for this school year. Nora Gross has just completed her secondyear participation in Tri for the Cure, which raises over $2 million for the Maine Cancer Foundation. Laura Pelletier Clark continues her work as director of a nonprofit childcare center in NH. She and her husband, Brian, are looking forward to celebrating their son’s 3rd birthday with family and Regis friends. Nicole Messuri-Swan and her wife, Alli, are delighted to announce the arrival of their first child, Callianne, on January 5. Heidi Gomez continues to volunteer with Autism on the Seas and still is enjoying her work as an eighth-grade teacher in Lawrence, MA. Nicole Collette has just finished her 10th year as a hospital based physical therapist and has just completed certification to work with premature infants the Special Care Nursery. Please be sure to keep us updated with all your life events and accomplishments at regisclassof2006@gmail.com!

2007

top graduating student-athlete, recognized for excellence in academic, athletics, leadership, and service.

Congratulations to Zuhra Abhar who kicked off the summer with an exciting engagement to her fiancé, Roy Persson, at Koyao Island Resort in Thailand! Congratulations also to Megan Reilly English and Maria Jimenez Davis who both welcomed new family members. Megan had her second daughter in March and is working at Dana Farber as a nurse. Maria had a baby boy, Quincy Jamel Davis, on May 20, 2018. She is currently a vice principal in an elementary school in Framingham, where she resides with her husband and son. A few of our classmates are busy making strides in their careers. Stacie Corliss Bowkett is enrolled to become an advanced practice registered nurse. Bianka Recinos is currently working as a family planning counselor for North End Waterfront Health Center.

She works at an offsite clinic at Charlestown High School. Jeanelle Riley Thomas is an HR executive team leader for Target. Jeanelle is mom to 11-year-old Aryanna, who has Down Syndrome. Class Notes are published once a year but join our Facebook group—Regis Class of 2008—to stay connected all the time.

✒ Kate Daley Fisher, 44 Brandeis Circle,

Halifax, MA 02338, 339-933-0517, kdale324@gmail.com ¶ Kelly Crawford Dopkeen moved just outside of

Charlotte, NC. She still video chats everyday with her Regis roommate, Jessica McClanahan MacDonald, and loved having Jessica visit her new city.

Kelly changed careers and is now an assistant for cooking and baking classes and loves teaching people to be self-sufficient in the kitchen.

Kate Daley Fisher recently moved to Halifax with her family. Marrissa Gondola Brunetti is a practicing realtor with Real Living Suburban Lifestyle Real Estate with offices in Medfield, Walpole, and Hopkinton.

She is currently licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and feel free to contact her directly at 617-797-7854 for all your real estate needs. She is happy to assist with your next move. Her cute, active son Mason turned two this year, and she enjoys being his Mama!

2008

✒ Jennifer Thomas, jthomas822@gmail. com and regisclassof2008@gmail.com

¶ In February Katelynn Shea joined 26 fellow alumni and past recipients of the Mother Regis Award (now known as the Regis-Casserly Award) for a ceremony during halftime of a women’s basketball game. Katelynn received the award in 2008 as the

944981_p36-55.indd 50

11/20/19 1:41 PM

Q&A with

Leigh Alogna Duff ’69

What was your experience like at Regis? I am grateful for the education that I received at Regis and the wonderful friendships that were formed there. As young women, we were empowered with knowledge, values, and respect for others and encouraged to pursue our future careers. I was especially inspired by Dr. Vera Laska and Dr. Lily Macrackis who served as mentors and wonderful role models.

How was your 50th Reunion?

What was it like to be back with fellow Regis grads of all different decades? My 50th Reunion was a wonderful celebration as it provided us with the opportunity to reconnect with so many friends.

Why did you decide to join the Catherine Burke Society? To celebrate my 50th Reunion, I was inspired by a fellow classmate, Kathleen O’Hare, to make a commitment by including a provision in my will for a gift to establish a scholarship fund. The gift is in honor of Sister Genevieve Marie, my husband

944981_p36-55.indd 51

William’s grand-aunt, who served as president of Regis College from 1932 to 1941.

Why did you want to honor Sister Genevieve Marie Locke with such an amazing tribute? Sister Genevieve Marie had a profound effect on William and his family and was one of the most notable figures on his mother’s side of the family (McKinnon). “Aunt Molly,” as she was known to her family, always stressed the benefits of a Catholic education. After being educated at Boston College and Catholic University, she went on to enjoy an illustrious career, including an assignment at Regis College where she served as both president and Sister Superior. A remarkable accomplishment in her day!

William, what did you learn from her? My mother (Alice McKinnon Duff) was very close to Sister Genevieve Marie. Growing up, I recall accompanying my mother during almost weekly visits to Aunt Molly at the Mother House or at Fontbonne

Academy in Milton, Massachusetts.

When conducting research for the family history book I published (The Duffs and the MacKinnons; Neighbors for Generations), I learned even more about her academic and professional life, which was inspiring.

That a woman from a humble background rose to one of the highest levels in her profession has always been impressive to me.

51 FALL 2019

When Leigh Alogna Duff ’69 celebrated her 50th Reunion in 2019, she and her husband William knew they wanted to make a special gift to Regis. Through the Catherine Burke Society, they made an impactful gift that will leave a legacy for decades to come. Here, the couple talks about why it was important to them to support Regis with a planned gift in memory of a former Regis president.

Leigh, what resonates with you and William that makes you want to support Regis in such an impactful way? We support Regis’ longstanding commitment to a collective community—“we” versus “me” and serving our dear neighbors. Under President Toni Hays and her team, Regis is making the strategic moves necessary for its future success, which is why William and I feel a strong commitment to support the Regis Fund each year as well as a long-term commitment as members of the Catherine Burke Society.

Learn more about giving opportunities through the Catherine Burke Society: alumni.regiscollege.edu/ burkesociety or 781.768.7220

11/27/19 2:08 PM

In Memory Regis has been notified of the following alumni and friends who passed away.* May they rest in God’s eternal peace.

1940 Mary Kerr Lynch May 23, 2019 1942 Margaret (Peggy) Rooney Bonner July 19, 2019

52

Margaret Hyder Fragala November 4, 2019 1943 Elizabeth Hughes October 25, 2019

REGIS TODAY

Alice Bronzo O’Donoghue November 5, 2019 1944 Sheila McGillicuddy Galligan July 26, 2018 Margaret Parsons Watkins October 4, 2019

1948 H. Frances O’Connor Davis October 8, 2018 Clare Hailer Dennis October 5, 2018

1956 Jane Gallogly Dunn October 20, 2018

Regina Ford Ryan July 30, 2019

Adrienne Dillon Mattaliano May 27, 2019

Nancie Turner Donelan July 15, 2019

Mary-Ellen Michaud Schmidt February 19, 2019

Elsie-Lee McCarthy Marvin September 21, 2019

1952 Sheila McKenna Burke May 12, 2019

1957 Anne O’Brien Ahern September 6, 2019

1949 Marie Monafo Forcuccio June 20, 2019

Zay Dunphy Hyde October 6, 2019

Margaret “Peggy” Griffin Dion September 17, 2019

Marie Ash Reed October 20, 2019 1950 Katherine Grimes Crotty October 24, 2019 Theresa LeBlanc Gray August 4, 2019

1945 Elizabeth Ann Boback Lee June 22, 2019

Mary Vanni Fiore August 17, 2019

Marie Malinowski February 15, 2017

Doris Toohey McCue June 8, 2019

Doris Burns Sullivan December 13, 2018

Ann Terrio Johnson December 12, 2018

1946 Mary Louise Hession Burke June 29, 2019

Carol Lacy Nagle August 14, 2019

1947 Alice Dunbar O’Halloran May 26, 2019

1951 Dorothy Looney DeRoche October 20, 2018

Rosemary Drohan Nolan August 2, 2019 Jacqueline Choquette Picard June 28, 2019

Nancy Boland Johnson September 8, 2019 1953 J. Leslie Heath Costello October 9, 2018 Fleurette Arpin O’Toole October 9, 2018 Cathryn Barker November 6, 2019 1954 Ann Wadden Bolger August 26, 2019 Mary Patricia Courtney Lyons July 7, 2019 Marcia Gaughan Mahoney July 9, 2019 Dorothy Fraser Pesek May 27, 2019

Suzanne Barker Oldmixon October 19, 2019

Anne Fox Fitzpatrick July 15, 2019 Jean Thibodeau Sleeper June 17, 2019 1960 Margaret Cronin McDonald October 1, 2019 1961 Lianne Cronin September 22, 2019 Judith Condon Goetz October 11, 2018 Ellen Kelleher Guillette December 19, 2018 Mary Ann Benninghof Lucas October 19, 2018 Nancy Moran Sullivan October 19, 2019

Catherine Pattavina September 9, 2019

*As of November 12, 2019, print deadline.

944981_p36-55.indd 52

11/27/19 10:26 AM

1962 Patricia Lynch April 27, 2019

1974 Pamela Brown May 8, 2019

2009 Virginia Leonard November 2, 2019

Carol Masiuk Sokolowski September 20, 2019

Patricia Clark September 5, 2019

2010 Aileen Cartier October 4, 2019

1963 Constance Crean Carven October 17, 2018

1976 Susan McInerney August 5, 2019

1964 Joyce Bartolotta Aldrich August 26, 2019

Nancy Waters-Minix October 1, 2018

Louise Melanson October 14, 2016 1965 Mary Desmond Curtiss October 9, 2018 Judith Cusick October 7, 2019 1966 Carroll Monahan Young May 1, 2019 Susan Weir Shaughnessy Weeks November 10, 2019 1968 MaryEllen York Rogers June 4, 2019 1969 Clare L. Donahue July 1, 2019 1970 Priscilla Hook June 7, 2019 Nora Quinlan Waystack August 27, 2019

944981_p36-55.indd 53

1977 Christine Leary Driscoll October 22, 2019 1979 Maureen McHugh Waldron April 22, 2018

53 FALL 2019

Frances Nolan Gagne October 2, 2019

2021 Christine McCarthy October 27, 2019

1981 Maria Branquinho-Cunha June 25, 2019 Penny Williams December 27, 2018 1982 MaryBeth Buckley Brow June 19, 2019 1985 Beatrice Hersh July 1, 2019 1986 Laura Eagan January 3, 2019 1994 Susan Brown Isbell July 31, 2019 1995 Amy Sheridan August 10, 2019

11/20/19 1:41 PM

ANNOUNCING

THE MARSHALL M. SLOANE

Top right: Marshall M. Sloane (center) at the 2017 Let It Shine Regis Gala with his children, Barry and Linda, as he accepted the Shining Example Award.

Above: Barry Sloane and Linda Sloane Kay spoke to the audience at the 2019 Let It Shine Gala to accept the honor to their late father, Marshall M. Sloane.

Read more about the Gala on page 20.

President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN, made a surprise announcement at the Let It Shine Gala, unveiling the Marshall M. Sloane School of Business and Communication at Regis. The school is named in memory of Century Bank founder Marshall M. Sloane, who was a longtime supporter of Regis and also the recipient of the Shining Example Award and an honorary Regis degree. Sloane’s children, Barry R. Sloane, chairman, president, and CEO of Century Bank, and Linda Sloane Kay, vice chair of Century Bank, were at the Gala on behalf of their father.

“Linda and I are so humbled by the honor of naming the School of Business and Communication in honor of our Dad,” says Barry Sloane. “He was such a booster of the mission and success of Regis, to have a school named for him would have brought tears to his eyes. He would be justifiably proud. Higher education meant so much to him, and the idea that thousands of graduates will bear his name on their diplomas is a fitting legacy to his life of accomplishments, and his credo that ‘Character Counts.’”

Read more: regisma.me/sloane

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Photo (left): Paige Brown; (right): Bill Brett

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION

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alumni spotlight individual. She was always approachable, listened, and consistently assisted in finding solutions to issues that I encountered, no matter how minute.

I developed a lifelong friendship with her that I wil always cherish.

What did you learn at Regis that has served you well?

Rhonda Dolen-Hooker ’18

Did you have a favorite Regis professor, mentor, or class that impacted your life or path?

Barbara Freschette, PhD, is an amazingly talented, compassionate, and knowledgeable instructor and

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Regis program: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner PostMaster’s Certificate Online Program Current job: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Current city: Fort Myers, Florida

55 FALL 2019

I was hoping to obtain a solid foundational education in psychiatricmental health at Regis in order to be a knowledgeable and skil ed mental health provider, and that is what I received.

Greater than this, however, is the sense of How did your experiences and your online compassion and genuine empathy that I education at Regis shape your life and career?

I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed the now possess for caring for and treating autonomy that came with Regis College’s those individuals who have mental health online nursing program and the faculty’s disorders. It has been instil ed deep within me and affords me the much-needed availability and wil ingness to work compassion and empathy required to with me as a non-traditional student. I previously held a position as an adjunct serve all those in need. faculty member for an online nursing What piece of advice do you have current program, and my Regis College education Regis students? has provided a solid foundation for me Keep your hearts open and senses sharp.

People suffer every day in this world to be a better educator in the future when I begin the last phase of my career and unless we, who possess the talents to help our fellow brothers and sisters in as a college instructor. need, open up our hearts to them and see What is a favorite memory of your time beyond the surface, we cannot do just at Regis? service to others.

The feeling of accomplishment when I completed the last clinical log entry at 4:00 a.m. on the final day of the program after working diligently to complete and check all my clinical logs ibe Regis How would you descr for thoroughness. in three words?

THE BASICS

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Quality, te, compassionable. and persona

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mınds hearts &

It Takes a Village Peggy Blanchard ’66 makes a commitment to help children heal and grow

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A passion to give back and be part of something bigger led Peggy Blanchard ’66 to pack up her house of 22 years in California and move across the country to tackle life’s next adventure.

It was an AARP magazine article that piqued her interest in moving to New Life Village, an intergenerational community in Tampa, Florida, that provides below-market housing to adoptive families of children, many of whom have survived abuse, trauma, and neglect. They invite seniors to live in the community to serve as surrogate grandparents to support both the parents and children of the adoptive families. After holding onto the article for more than five years, Blanchard knew that if she wanted to seize this opportunity, it was now or never.

“I’ve always worked in nonprofits and love making a better life for families and kids,” says Blanchard.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are essential to assure that children reach their full potential.” Given this, adoptive parents and seniors living at New Life Village are pivotal in providing children an environment where they can heal and rebuild their faith—not only in society, but in themselves—opening their eyes to possibilities for a future they had never dared to dream.

Seniors living in the Village community complete 18 hours of volunteer service a month, which includes everything from coaching sports to teaching the children to swim and cook. Blanchard treasures her time at the on-site Learning Center, where she tutors two boys, ages 8 and 10.

When Blanchard started working with her 8-yearold tutee, he was in jeopardy of having to repeat the second grade. But after working diligently together at the Learning Center for three months, Blanchard was elated that he started third grade this fall. “It

is such a rewarding experience to provide a sense of stability for children and to help them succeed in school,” she says. “Many children have the skills, but their confidence is lacking. That’s where I come in— to give them the extra push and continuous encouragement they need to thrive.”

Mariah Hayden, executive director at New Life Village, sees the kind of impact Blanchard and others make. “If caregivers are supported and are accomplishing family goals, Village children will experience healthier outcomes—including increased resiliency, social connectedness, academic success, and overall health and wellbeing.”

She adds, “Peggy has brought culture, adventure, holistic support, and a never-ending smile to our Village.”

Blanchard’s personality resonates with the children. One of her students who had gone through several tutors over the years, for example, asked if she would be his tutor again the following year.

(Her answer was a resounding, “Yes!”) A sense of gratitude and pride overwhelms Blanchard as she watches her students—who arrived timid and skeptical—develop into selfassured, respectful young adults.

Reflecting on the work that she is doing, Blanchard fondly recalls her time at Regis, where service to the community was always a strong value and at the core of the mission, as it is today. She is grateful to still have that value as a driving force in her life, and looks forward to witnessing the lasting impact on the families she serves.

“I hope the children learn to work hard when they need to master difficult things and enjoy their accomplishments when they finally do,” Blanchard says.

“Most importantly, I hope they learn to trust in the goodwill of people who are here to support them.”

Photo: Reid Stains

B Y A S HL E Y S T A R R

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“It is such a rewarding experience to provide a sense of stability for children and to help them succeed in school.”

—PEGGY BLANCHARD ’66

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Regis College 235 Wellesley Street Weston, MA 02493-1571 Change Service Requested

Regis has exceeded its Now We Fly Campaign goal!

The Campaign ends on December 31, 2019.

Make your gift at alumni.regiscollege.edu/ regisfund to be counted!

Learn more about the historic Now We Fly Campaign on page 16.

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