
7 minute read
Class Notes
Janet (Smith) Dalis ’69 had a quilt featured in the Sewing Machines Plus Quilting Festival, a six-day celebration of quilts and their makers sponsored by SewingMachinesPlus.com. Janet is an award-winning quilter whose work has been shown throughout the Northeast.
1990s
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Dr. Donald R. Burleson ’91G
spoke in September 2020 at the annual conference of the American Cryptogram Association, giving a virtual lecture and slide show titled “A Statistical Technique for Isolating Vowels in a Ciphertext,” illustrating a mathematical method he had discovered some years ago. He and his wife Mollie live in Roswell, New Mexico, where Dr. Burleson retired in 2017 after teaching college mathematics for fifty years. He continues to engage in research in matrix theory.
Joan Bienvenue ’99
has been selected as the first Executive Director of the Oak Ridge Institute at the University of Tennessee, established last year to align the expertise and infrastructure of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University in support of world-leading research and talent development. As director, she will also serve as a Vice Provost at UT.
Christopher A. Giordano ’07
founded Gold Standard in June 2020. A basketball training program dedicated to helping players master the fundamental skills needed to become well-rounded basketball players, the program creates a positive and inclusive learning environment for players of all ages and skill levels.
2010s
Frank Bourgeois
’13G was recently appointed Chief of Police at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He shared, “My academic experience at Rivier University was contributory to the many professional opportunities I received, as well as the successes within those opportunities.”
Joslyn Kuchinski
’13 joined the United Way as the coordinator for Greater Nashua Smart Start, a coalition made up of individuals and organizations that work together to ensure that every child in the community has the best possible start to life. “I am forever grateful to the Rivier Career Services team for setting me up with incredible networking opportunities,” she shares. “I am so blessed to have such a supportive alma mater even after graduation.” With the pandemic limiting vacation options,
Michelle M. (Cushion) Blake ’00/’16G
improvised with an escape to nearby Cape Cod in fall 2020. She is pictured here with her husband, David. Remote work, golf lessons, and exploring oceanfront golf courses provided a delightful respite.
Jesse Harless ’16G
released his second book, If Not You, Then Who?, in February 2021. Serving as a testimony of Jesse’s own addiction story, this book offers inspiration to those struggling with addiction and demonstrates how recovery is possible no matter the circumstances. He is also the author of Smash Your Comfort Zone with Cold Showers: How to Boost Your Energy, Defeat Your Anxiety, and Overcome Unwanted Habits.
Samantha Pindara ’17G is a School Counselor at Lynnfield High School in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. This past fall, she took on the role of Varsity Field Hockey Coach and shares that she is excited to be working with students both on and off the field.
Samantha Pearce
’18 has joined The Collaborative, a small nonprofit based in Londonderry, Vermont, as a Community Epidemiologist. “I entered Rivier's Public Health Program with the goal of becoming an epidemiologist,” she shares. “I am excited to have the opportunity to bring the skillset I developed at Rivier to my community!”
2020s
Cameron Holdsworth ’20
is an Officer for the Durham Police Department in Durham, NH. He recently graduated from the Police Academy this past January and shares his excitement to serve his community. He credits Rivier for giving him the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact.
Kayla Phelps ’20
is a Registered Nurse in the surgical/trauma unit at Concord Hospital in Concord, NH. “Beginning a nursing career in the middle of a global pandemic has been extremely challenging,” she shares. “Nevertheless, it’s been an exciting, rewarding journey, and I can’t wait to see where this continues to take me.”
This past February, Eric Santos ’21G began working as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Lahey Behavioral Health BayRidge Hospital located in Lynn, Massachusetts. Eric also works as a Clinical Instructor for Salem State University.
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Births
Rachel (O’Donnell) DeVita
’09/’14CAGS and Robert DeVita ’09 welcomed their daughter Emma Rae on March 29, 2020.

Erin (Sweeney) Walch ’14 and Nicholas Walch ’14 welcomed their son Cole Michael on June 9, 2020.

Britney (Lane) Bigelow ’14/’20G
and her husband Nicholas welcomed their daughter Madison Lee on December 3, 2020. Chelsea Murphy-Prive ’16 and her husband Matthew welcomed their son Rowan on May 20, 2020.


Leanne (Smock) Marchand ’20 and her husband Joshua welcomed their son Maverick on June 18, 2020.

Mary (Donovan) Harrigan ’15 and Corey Harrigan ’15 welcomed their son Luca Ryan on January 4, 2021.
Weddings
Chelsea Murphy ’16 and Matthew Prive – September 29, 2018 Paige Benedict ’12 and David Oppenheimer – August 22, 2020
Lindsey Marshall ’08/’17G
and Andrew Desjardins – October 23, 2020 Meghan Hickey ’12 and P.J. Stocks – October 24, 2020
With greater innovation in the sciences, we, as students, have an advantage and are one step ahead in the game. By furthering our research and use of technology, we will be better equipped to go out into the world and excel in the careers of our choosing in biotechnology, nursing, medicine, and more.” – My name is Keily Pozo, and this is my Riv.

Majoring in biology, Keily plans to become a Physician’s Assistant specializing in pediatrics. Your support of the Rivier University Fund will ensure that students like Keily are prepared for the 21st century workforce and equipped with the skills and knowledge to reach their goals.

Sister Cecile Gamache, pm
Class of 1954
Sister Cecile Gamache, pm passed away peacefully on January 3, 2021, in Manchester. She served Rivier University and Catholic education with distinction for more than fifty years and inspired others with her dedication and financial stewardship. Sister Cecile earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Rivier and an M.A. in Mathematics from Boston College. Her ministry included teaching in New Hampshire elementary and high schools. A lifelong learner, Sister Cecile pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Rhode Island and the University of Notre Dame. She returned to Rivier to teach mathematics, serving as the Department Chair and in several key administration positions. Sister Cecile guided Rivier through decades of growth as Assistant Treasurer and as Assistant Vice President of Finance and Operations. Her work included the institution’s conversion to computerized systems, the development of banking and investment policies, along with expansion of the campus. She extended her service and leadership to Rivier as a member of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Corporation. Sister Cecile’s contributions were recognized in 2006 with the Sister Madeleine of Jesus Award and in 2014 with a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Sister Cecile’s legacy is marked by a forward vision and strong collaboration among faculty, administration, staff, and students. Her devotion to her faith, Catholic education, and Rivier continues to be an inspiration to all.
Diane C. Healy ’98G
October 6, 2020
Richard A. McCann ’80G
November 10, 2020
Carol A. Looney ’58 November 12, 2020
Paul Gastonguay ’68G
November 18, 2020
Cynthia S. Hansen ’77
November 27, 2020
Aliette Y. Couturier ’70
December 2, 2020
Jerome Victor White ’99G
December 18, 2020
John A. Sirvydas ’76 December 23, 2020
Sr. Cecile Gamache, pm ’54
January 2, 2021
Marybeth Florczak ’86
January 3, 2021
Patricia A. Kalinski ’75
January 9, 2021
Glenn L. Waugaman ’81
January 28, 2021
Beverly S. (Ellars) Sullivan ’81
February 15, 2021
Regina Dombkowski Knight ’64
February 27, 2021
Sr. Helene-de-NotreDame, p.m. ’69
February 27, 2021
Muriel J. Francoeur ’80
March 25, 2021
Jacqueline A. Niznik ’89
April 9, 2021
Ann Marie Sweeney Pope ’62
April 18, 2021
Juliette Bellegarde Stokes ’55
May 3, 2021
Estelle A. Dugas ’58
May 7, 2021
Rebecca A. Nickrosz Burke ’81
May 15, 2021
David J. Danielson ’80G
May 22, 2021
Celebrating the Class of 1970
We were honored to celebrate the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1970 in the Fall 2020 issue of Rivier Today. The following alumnae were omitted from the listing. We apologize for the oversight and congratulate these members of the Class of 1970 on their milestone 50th Reunion.
Barbara Nahill Agazarian Carole Aliskevicz Mary Kate McKenzie Allard Sr. Alice Arsenault, SUSC Marie Janelle Barnes Valerie J. Polizotti Beaudoin