School Ties Winter 2016

School School

TIES San Domenico Domenico School San School

Winter 2016

Celebrating 165 Years of Dominican S

Carol M. Brandt Photography/ marinnostalgia.org

Clockwise from upper left: Girls picnicking in the hills, 1966 Pre-construction of the School Landwarming, 1961 Dining Hall, 1966 Moving day, 1965 Girls in the hills, c. 1970s Girls on bus, 1966 Dining Hall and logs, 1966 Convent Moves 7 miles: San Francisco Examiner, Dec. 13, 1965

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contents Winter 2016

165 Years of 44 Celebrating Dominican Spirit

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Dominican Sisters as the Fabric of San Domenico

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Anniversary Events

State of our School Verities Updates: Alumni

Service Learning

Coed News Reunion 2015 Class Notes Annual Report School Ties

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4 6 12 32 34 73 66 73

state of our school

The Great History We Must Steward

Dear Friends, As we begin our 165th year as a school community, I find myself reflecting upon the fact that were it not for the vision of the Dominican Sisters, we would not be a community. And so it was with a full heart and much gratitude that I recently attended The Annual Inspiration Dinner, hosted by the International Association of Sufism, where the Dominican Sisters were the night’s honorees. For me, the title of the event could not have been more apt because the adjective inspiring is one of the first words that comes to mind when I think of the Dominican Sisters.

I was just 13 years old when I began both 9th grade at San Domenico and my relationship with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. My parents chose SD, then an all-girls school in Sleepy Hollow, because they believed that I would benefit from being in a school where I could find my own voice amid strong female role models. However, as a teenager from San Francisco, my thoughts were more ambivalent. All I could think was that I was going to be stuck at a school in the middle of nowhere, run by nuns, and with no boys!

I feared the Sisters might be rigid, isolated, and archaic. What kind of future could I possibly have here? Of course, all of my assumptions were completely wrong, and over the next four years I was both challenged and supported by a group of amazing Dominican Sisters to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. I met Sister Patricia Boss, a down-to-earth teacher with a great sense of humor, who challenged our preconceptions of how nuns are supposed to act, and Sister David, who taught The Religions of Man and opened our minds to many viewpoints and perspectives. And then there was Sister Gerald, who always called upon her teenage charges to be our best selves; and of course Sister Karen Marie, and Sister Maurice, two of the many inspiring leaders of San Domenico.

The Sisters embraced my classmates and me effortlessly. In 1973, as the women’s liberation movement was gaining momentum, providing a rigorous academic program for girls seemed innovative. So how could the Dominican Sisters already be so good at it? I didn’t fully appreciate this fact at the time, but the Sisters had been educating girls since the 1850s when Mother Mary Goemaere came from Paris to Monterey to open the first independent and first Catholic school in California. At a time when few women were able to attend school at all, the Dominican Sisters were providing classical education to girls of many ethnic and faith traditions: the daughters of farmers from the interior valley, Spaniards from San Francisco, and Native Americans, as well as city girls like me.

In fact, throughout their history in California, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been risk-takers, always committed to addressing the critical needs of the time. For example, in the 1970s they were one of the first religious congregations to provide sanctuary to families fleeing El Salvador.

Whether global or local, the Sisters don’t shrink from challenge. In my tenure as an administrator at San Domenico, the Sisters have encouraged and emboldened me to adapt to new circumstances and bravely explore new frontiers.

Seven years ago, I struggled between hiring a capable, safe, yet uninspiring religion teacher, versus a charismatic religious scholar, who also happened to be a Sufi. Inspired by the Dominican focus on inclusivity and inquiry, and encouraged by our President Emerita, Sister Gervaise, I hired Mirza Khan as our Director of Religious Studies. He is active in the Marin inter-faith community, and has become one of the most beloved teachers at San Domenico.

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And just after I was appointed Head of School, during a particularly turbulent period for San Domenico, I met with the Dominican Sisters’ Prioress General, Sister Maureen McInerney. Her advice to me was a simple phrase that captures the calm determination of the Dominican Sisters: react but don’t respond. I believe this wise counsel illustrates why the Sisters have been able to affect so much positive change over their long history. They study and reflect in preparation for their actions. They live out their commitment to service and provide stellar role models for our SD students.

The Dominican Sisters are why we can say that at San Domenico, we believe what students do with their education is just as important as academic performance. There are countless examples of the Dominican Sisters’ service, but to name just a few: Sister Gene McNally has been in Tijuana, Mexico for 30 years, creating living centers, helping to build a hospital, and welcoming our San Domenico School students in service to the poor; Sister Catherine DeBack, a former teacher, now manages St. Rose Court, which provides truly affordable rental apartments and a neighborhood childcare center for pre-school children in San Francisco; Sister Carla Kovak serves on the board for Homeward Bound of Marin; Sisters Marion Irvine and Bernadette Wombacher are both committed members of the Marin Organizing Committee and are currently working to curtail human trafficking, end capital punishment, and provide housing for the homeless; Sister Anne Bertain and Sister Colleen McDermott are the former and current Directors of the Lima Center at St. Dominic’s parish in San Francisco, focusing on providing food, shelter, health care and community services for the poor; Sister Judy McDonnell and Lyn Kirkconnell are the Sisters’ Directors of Peace, Justice, and Care of our Earth; and Sister Sue Albritton, Sister Susannah Malarkey, and Sister Margaret Diener currently serve on the San Domenico Board of Directors.

Just as they did 165 years ago when they founded our school, the Dominican Sisters today live the values of Study, Reflection, Community, and Service. As did St. Dominic, they look to the needs of the times, and respond in action toward greater good. As Tom Fox, publisher of National Catholic Reporter wrote, “The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are working on the frontiers of thought and mission. Open, intelligent, committed, they are doing terrific work. Sister Mary of the Cross Goemaere would be proud.”

I, too, am proud of and grateful for my relationship with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. As we prepare to celebrate our 50th year in San Anselmo, and our 165th year as California’s oldest independent school, I realize the great history we must steward. The foundation that has been provided by the Sisters will carry us forward with vision and steadfastness, and I look to the future with excitement.

Cecily Stock, ’77, M.A., J.D. Head of School School Ties

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verities

Verities

A Rich and Blessed Heritage This morning, while appreciating a beautifully framed needlepoint piece hanging in my room, I thought of my mother who created it. How many hours did she put into that work? What did she feel when she first looked at the blank canvas? How persevering she had to have been to stay with it, changing thread colors, row after row, and keeping the stitches so even! Today, I gratefully remember her and begin to reflect on numerous metaphors that flow into my mind, inspired by her memory.

One such metaphor relates to the imagined, very long and wide canvas of 50 years expanding over the land we now view as San Domenico School and its environs.

What did Mother Justin, Sister Maurice, our other Sisters, Architects Howard Friedman and Henry Schubart, and Contractor John Cahill envision when they saw the rolling hills and our Sleepy Hollow valley? Were they a little afraid of placing pen to paper to create the first renditions of the campus design, or were they filled with great excitement and energy to create something new that met the purpose of Dominican education in this place at a new time? After multiple meetings with teachers and visiting progressive school campuses, negotiating with County Planning Commissions, and re-confirming their original commitment, did they go back to the drawing board again and again? What would they tell us today about those years?

Would they describe their study of St. Dominic and what has allowed his vision to endure since 1216 and then question how they must hold on to the deep value he My mother’s needlepoint placed on study, prayer, and community in order to serve others? Did they not consider the essence of Dominican education that Mother Mary Goemaere brought from Paris, France, to our very first school in 1850 and choose aspects they would carry forth, all while adapting to the needs of students in the 1960s? Were there artifacts from former school sites in Monterey, Benicia or San Rafael they hoped to bring to San Anselmo? How grateful we are today, that they persevered in their immense task – with faith, courage and adaptability – and continued the story for us on this fourth site of the Dominican Sisters’ original foundation.

Now, during this year of multiple anniversaries, we go back to our earliest roots with sincerest awe and gratitude, recognizing we are each part of a very rich and blessed heritage. At the same time, I want to focus on the most recent, perhaps more familiar segment of our history – our 50 year old roots on our Sleepy Hollow lands.

We know how the Miwoks traversed this property with great regard and respect for all of nature, for all of life School Ties

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enthusiasm and perseverance. I see a definite recomflourishing here during their era. We see directly the mitment to our essential Dominican values flourishing effects of Sister Maurice’s integrity of vision, along on campus today with committed, forward thinking with that of the architects, to ensure the protection of leadership, faculty and staff who integrate our values and respect for the land while seeing the opportuniinto every facet of San Domenico programs. ty for each new building to rise up and connect with nature which serves us daily as a source of inspiration The canvas of the next decade and beyond lies open for learning – inside and out. Windows and sliding before us, and it’s exciting for me to ponder the threads glass doors, intentionally chosen to further promulthat will be woven gate Dominicans’ onto it. I know appreciation for all that, as in the past, of God’s creation, the threads will invite us out to the be thoughtfully oaks and redwoods, and prayerfully the flowing creek in considered, and winter and hillsides once again our of wild flowers in community of spring. Animal life, Sisters, friends, too – the deer and alumni, faculty and raccoons, squirrels staff will engage in and rabbits, owls support of the next and wild turkeys – meaningful stitches draw us to recognize that will appear on our interconnectPlaque in the center of campus serves as a reminder of our Dominican history and school roots the canvas. edness with all life, and to ponder our As we move into the year of honoring our legacy and responsibility for care and protection of our Earth, our celebrating our multiple anniversaries, let us be secure mutual home. in our knowing that the shoulders of those we stand on will benefit all of us into our future together. We may It becomes clear to me that when we reflect upon our want to reflect upon the words our Sisters often sing at roots and embrace our foundational values that we our gatherings: are able to risk taking new directions with confidence,

I am standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me; I am stronger for their courage: I am wiser for their words.

I am lifted by their longing for a fair and bright new future.

I am grateful for their vision, for their toiling on this Earth.

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2015-2016

San Domenico Board of Directors

Newest Members Richard P. Bollini, II

belief in San Domenico’s mission and the enthusiasm his grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law have for the School.

Richard Bollini is a Managing Director at Farallon Capital Management, LLC in San Francisco, where he heads the Tax Group.

Prior to working at Farallon Capital, he worked in public accounting serving clients in the financial services industry. He is a licensed CPA and has been working in the financial services industry for almost 20 years. He has a Bachelor of Science from U.C. Davis and a Master of Business Administration from the Graduate School of Management, U.C. Davis.

Mary Buie

Mary is a former elementary and special education teacher. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education.

Mary was active with the Parent Service Association during the 16 years her children attended San Domenico.

In addition to her involvement as a PSA Class Parent and on the PSA Executive Committee, Mary served as a member of the Veritas Dinner Committee.

Rich has been a San Domenico parent since 2004, a member of the Finance Committee since 2014, and he has been coaching the San Domenico CYO Boys Basketball team since 2008.

San Domenico has had such a pronounced positive impact on Mary’s family, that she is pleased to be given an opportunity to give back to this great institution.

Rich joined the Board of Directors this year so he could become more involved in the School’s vision and help ensure that San Domenico will be successful into the future.

Colin Bruce Campbell

James F. Buckley, Jr.

Bruce is Partner and Chief Operating Officer of VIONIC Group, LLC based in San Rafael, CA.

James Buckley is a Senior Managing Director of First Republic Investment Management, a division of First Republic Bank in San Francisco. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Boston College, MA.

Bruce is the father of a 6th grader at San Domenico and a member of the Finance Committee since 2013.

Jim has been a member of the San Domenico Investment Committee since 2014 and his two grandchildren currently attend the school.

Bruce would like to help San Domenico realize its vision for the future, expand the reach and touch of its unique and rich culture and values, and to position the School for its on-going success.

Jim joins the Board of Directors this year with a strong

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Philip Bernet Clark, II

with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, durability, and sensitivity to the surrounding landscape and community. In addition, she will promote physical changes that foster the long-term economic stability of San Domenico.

Philip is the Head of Executive Communications, Global Business Organization at Google. He holds an M.B.A. from Fordham University Graduate School of Business Administration.

Richard E. Goldman Currently the Managing Partner of HatchToday, based in San Francisco, Richard is the Co-Founder and was Executive Vice President of Men’s Wearhouse from 1973-2002.

Phil is the parent of a San Domenico Alum and a current Middle School Student. He co-chaired the 2015 Annual Fund with his wife Marguerite Clark.

Phil and Marguerite joined the San Domenico community in 2010, believing in the School’s underlying mission. He now serves on our Advancement Committee.

A graduate from Rutgers University, Richie has a daughter in 6th grade. He currently serves as the co-chair of the Advancement Committee and has been a member of the Marketing Committee since 2014.

Amy Skewes-Cox ’71

Amy is the Owner and Sole Proprietor of Amy SkewesCox, AICP, Environmental Planning, based in San Anselmo. She has a Bachelor of Science, Conservation of Natural Resources from U.C. Berkeley and a Master of Landscape Architecture/Environmental Planning from U.C. Berkeley. Her expertise is in land use and environmental planning, with an emphasis on environmental impact analysis.

Richie joined the Board of Directors in 2014 so he can give back to the school that has given so much to his daughter and his family.

Mary-Peck Peters ’77

Amy graduated from San Domenico in 1971 and is serving on the Master Planning/Facilities Committee.

During her years at San Domenico, Amy spearheaded the establishment of the first organic vegetable garden on the current campus.

Mary-Peck is currently the Head Teacher of the Stanford University Bing Nursery Laboratory School and a lecturer for the Department of Psychology at Stanford.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology with an emphasis on child development from Stanford, and a Master of Education in Special Education from Boston University.

As San Domenico enters a major time of transition with the Upper School now being coeducational, Amy would like to help with the Master Planning/Facilities process to ensure that any campus changes are done

Peckie brings a broad knowledge of education, particularly early education, and experience working with staff and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. San Domenico was an integral part of Peckie’s childhood as

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2015-2016

San Domenico Board of Directors (cont’d)

Board of Directors

she attended from 5th to 12th grade. She believes that San Domenico gave her the foundation with which to navigate the world from a base of generosity and empathy, while also instilling in her the confidence that she could address whatever came her way. She feels a huge sense of gratitude to the institution, and would like to give back in some significant way.

Paul P. “Skip” Spaulding, III Chair Janet Reilly Vice Chair Graham Weaver June Sullivan Treasurer Secretary

Leslie Reese ’87

Leslie is currently the Executive Director & CEO/Owner of HomeWell Senior Care based in San Rafael, CA. Prior to purchasing the business, she spent 20 years working in healthcare for Kaiser Permanente in a variety of leadership roles. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from Kenyon College, an M.A. in International Studies from University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and an M.B.A. from San Francisco State University.

Leslie, a graduate from the Upper School Class of 1987, is currently serving as San Domenico’s Alumni Council President. She is also a Committee Member of several Marin health and wellness focused groups: the San Rafael Chamber Health & Wellness Resource Group, the Marin Workforce Development Board Health & Wellness Committee and the Marin Home Care Collective.

“As an alumna who is deeply appreciative of the educational opportunity I was provided, I wish to give back to the institution that was so instrumental in shaping who I am today. I credit San Domenico with helping lay the foundation for who I have become and how I have approached life, other people, and my community as an adult. I want to help strengthen the bond San Domenico has with its students, alumni and families and, through that process, help strengthen the school as a whole for years to come.”

Sr. Susan Allbritton, O.P. Prioress General delegate Glenn H. Snyder Immediate Past Chair Joseph T. Arsenio, II Richard P. Bollini, II James F. Buckley, Jr. Mary Buie Colin Bruce Campbell Philip Bernet Clark, II Sister Margaret Diener, O.P. Christopher Doerschlag Kelly Fogarty Sandra Gerner Richard E. Goldman Patricia Grubb Jeffrey F. Ludlow Sister Susannah Malarkey, O.P., ’48 James L. O’Hara Mary-Peck Peters ’77 Leslie Reese ’87 Elizabeth Wilhelm Schott ’75 Amy Skewes-Cox ’71 Cathie Bennett Warner

Honored Members Emeriti Carol Franc Buck

Janet Pasha Mark Cleary

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Joan Heffernan Genelle Relfe

Honored Members Emeriti On June 1, 2015, the San Domenico Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of three new members to Board Member Emeriti. The appointment follows their many years of extraordinary leadership and support of the School’s programs and their continuing engagement with San Domenico endeavors.

Carol Franc Buck

A graduate of the Upper School, class of 1954, Carol served on the San Domenico Board of Directors from 1999-2005 and as co-chair of the Capital Campaign for Growth with Mark Cleary from 1999-2002. It was due to her love of the Arts and her immense generosity that our Hall of the Arts carries her name. Carol established The Carol Franc Buck Endowed Scholarship for qualified Virtuoso Program students in 1989, and in 1992, she was selected one of the first Veritas Award recipients.

From L to R: Joan Heffernan, Carol Buck, and Janet Pasha

established the Pasha Family Endowed Fund in 2005 to benefit faculty compensation and provide financial aid for families with multiple children.

Joan Heffernan

Carol says that she supports San Domenico because she received at Dominican, not only a fine education, but one with sound moral and ethical standards. Her mother, who never had a tertiary education was determined that her children would experience the best possible opportunity to achieve what she had not – coming from a very small town in California and both went on to boarding school and Stanford!

Joan served two 6-year terms as a Board Member, from 1991-1997 and 2000-2006, serving as Board Chair from 1992-1994. Joan chaired the Development Committee from 1993-1995, the Committee on Directors from 2003-2006, and the Development Committee in 1998.

Joan and her husband Michael were members of the Capital Campaign for Growth Committee that successfully worked to create the Sister Maurice Powers, O.P. Science & Technology Center, the Carol Franc Buck Hall of the Arts, and the Tamara A. Valley Athletic Center, where one of the two main courts bear their name.

Joan and Michael received the Veritas Award in 1998.

In 2007 they established an endowed scholarship, The Joan and Michael Heffernan Family Scholarship Fund, for financial assistance.

Janet Pasha

Janet served San Domenico for two 6-year terms as a Board Member, from 1991-1997 and 2000-2006.

Janet served on the Development committee and the Committee of Directors from 2000-2006 as well as the Endowment Planning Committee that created the Sister Maurice Scholarship Fund and the Capital Campaign for Growth Committee that created the Sister Maurice Powers, O.P. Science & Technology Center, the Carol Franc Buck Hall of the Arts, and the Tamara A. Valley Athletic Center, where one of the two main courts bears her family’s name. Janet and her husband George School Ties

Joan shared, “San Domenico provided my children with the foundation for their later learning. As a board member, l was able to work with incredibly talented people. My time at San Domenico is a highlight of my life.”

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alumni

Alumni Update

By Nicole Duncan, Alumni Relations Manager

Alumni Gathering Program The learning, expression, courtesy and memories that alumni experience at Dominican/San Domenico extend far beyond graduation. There is something very special about being a Dominican/San Domenico alum. Both Middle School and Upper School alumni carry the Schools’ spirit with them and have been forever woven into a fabric that connects them to a vast community network around the world. Alumni feel the accomplishments, strengths, activities and spirit of each other as a source of inspiration, support and loyalty. Friendships and bonds are quickly rekindled as the memories of a class, a study hour, a teacher, a project, a sport, the uniforms, etc. are remembered.

In a fast-paced world, it is crucial to carve out time to nurture resiliency, greater self-awareness, and stronger communication skills. Through the Alumni Gathering based on Reflection, alumni will be offered classes and retreats to provoke deeper thinking and connectivity.

It is a responsibility and a joy to be a part of a bigger whole. Through the Alumni Gathering based on Community, alumni will enjoy the privilege of networking, exploring local areas, and being ’in the know’ about exclusive opportunities.

Stay tuned for information on the schedule of Alumni Gatherings beginning in 2016. We look foward to connecting with you!

Feel free to contact us at alums@sandomenico.org or 415-258-1990.

San Domenico sustains four values as the foundational pillars that guide students as well as alumni. We are creating an annual Alumni Gathering program based upon Service, Study, Reflection and Community.

You Will be Hearing from Us! Archives and Education Committee

In the continued pursuit of knowledge, and by practicing inquiry, alumni develop intellectual curiosity, achieve further success and acquire deeper meaning and purpose. Through the Alumni Gathering based on Study, alums will be given opportunities to be inspired, encouraged, motivated and learn from each other, current San Domenico students, faculty speakers and featured guests.

The Committee is dedicated to completing and installing a timeline in the Faith Y. France Gallery this winter that encompasses 165 years of Dominican Education.

Additional displays will later be installed around campus that will focus on themes derived from the archives. Let us know if you are interested in coming to campus and being a part of the archive process!

Network and Events Committee

It is not enough to think about creating positive change; one must engage with reality. Through the Alumni Gathering based on Service, alumni will join together to make a collective impact by giving their gift of our time and talent to charities and non-profit organizations.

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As the Anniversary year commences, this Committee will shape and create the All Alumni Anniversary Reunion taking place on September 23-25, 2016. Save the Date for this extraordinary weekend which will connect and inspire the Dominican/San Domenico Alumni. This Committee will also host gatherings for San Domenico

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alumni

Alumni Council News

San Domenico Alumni Council Member List by Committee Officer Roles President: Leslie Reese ’87 (San Rafael) Vice President: Lisa Fairchild ’75 (Pleasanton) Secretary: Alicia Dakin ’75 (Elk Grove)

Recognition and Outreach We welcome our Alumni Council Officers: From L to R: Alicia Dakin ’75, Secretary; Leslie Reese ’87, President; Lisa Fairchild ’75, Vice-President

Chair: Sarah Ann Maleady Smith ’75 (Hope, ME) Co-Chair: Rebecca Heath Farguson ’05 (San Rafael) Elizabeth ’Liz’ Bowe Anders ’64 (Columbia, SC) Sheila Doyle Kiernan ’44 (San Francisco) Katherine Diepenbrock Stillman ’58 (San Mateo)

Alumni that focus on themed events in the spirit of service, study, community, and reflection.

Network/Events

Recognition and Outreach

Chair: Emager Lacy Pearce ’89 (Oakland)

Calling all Class Representatives! This Committee is focused on reconnecting with the worldwide network of San Domenico Upper School and Middle School Alumni. It is the intention of the Committee to reconnect the alumni network and engage every alum in an aspect of the School, beginning with the 2016 Anniversary All Alumni Reunion Weekend! We will also be accepting nominations for the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award until April 11, 2016, so please share with us an alum that you feel exemplifies the San Domenico spirit to be honored during the Anniversary year.

Lisa Alexander ’83 (San Francisco) Lauren Becker ’04 (San Francisco) Heidi Hickingbotham Cary ’61 (Tiburon) Ruth Collins ’81 (Mill Valley) Roshanne Bakhtiar Hemmat ’87 (Hillsborough) Ashley Mulshenock ’15 (Oakland)

Archives & Education Chair: Kristin Delaplane ’61 (Tuscon, AZ) Co-Chair: Christina Afanasieff ’01 (Oakland) Robin Mayrisch Andrae ’66 (Berkeley) Alicia Dakin ’75 (Elk Grove)

Get Involved! Let us know if you are interested in being part of this incredible Council and the collaboration of alumni minds.

Contact alums@sandomenico.org School Ties

Sandy Willard Denn ’57 (Willows)

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archives

San Domenico Archives

By Courtney Phillips, San Domenico Archivist

History on Display Across Campus!

What an experience it has been putting on white gloves and revealing archived treasures that have been waiting to make their debut! The San Domenico archives staff is dedicated to installing displays around campus to showcase the history of the School and connect the past with the present.

Arrived! Two displays have been

installed in Dominican Hall. One honors the Dominican Sisters with a cozy parlor feel including dozens of pictures of Dominican Sisters who have shaped the Dominican education through 165 years of history. The second showcases the School’s anniversary year by paying tribute to the purchase of the San Anselmo land and the trips the students and parents took out to the new campus site in the theme of a safari. The display also highlights the famous day the school moved from the San Rafael campus to the new campus in Sleepy Hollow.

Get Your Walk On!

A walking tour of the San Domenico campus utilizes iPad software designed to lead a tour narrated by Sister Gervaise through the stories of the buildings that make San Domenico what it is today.

Be a Part of SD History!

We are looking to build up our Archives by collecting stories, photos, letters and school papers that could School Ties

enhance the many displays we are planning on campus.

To find out more or to see how to donate or lend your items to the San Domenico Archives please contact Courtney Phillips at 415 258 1900 or e-mail cphillips@sandomenico.org.

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Archives Program Launched Gift of Gay Keil ’57 We would like to thank alumna Gay Keil ’57, former Board member, for her steadfast vision and passion for San Domenico’s history by gifting the launch of an archives program. For the past year, Gay has devoted her time, financial support and energy to ensure our School’s history is not only preserved for future generations, but also brought to life to educate the community. Gay comes to campus often to sort through photographs, yearbooks, old report cards, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia.

Because of Gay’s support, a selection of the archives have been transformed from dozens of dusty boxes in the basement of the Alice Dupas Brown Library into several educational and commemorative celebrations of San Domenico’s history and heritage. The ‘Moving Day’ and ‘Sisters of San Domenico’ displays in Dominican Hall highlight many treasures that have been discovered, and the audio Walking Tour, narrated

by Sister Gervaise, brings the history of the campus to life. It is just the beginning of our Celebration of 50

Years in San Anselmo, and we are very grateful to Gay for her devotion to our School’s history. Her interest in the past of San Domenico has helped us enrich the present with its story, ensuring the continued celebration of our rich history and traditions into the future.

Gay has been a strong supporter of SD for many years– she served on the original Alumni Council and the Board of Directors from 2006 to 2012. For many years she worked as a class representative, was part of a special Alumnae Task Force, and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna in 2002.

Meet our Archivist, Courtney Phillips Courtney Phillips was born and raised on the East Coast and attended The Foote School in Connecticut. She graduated from Middlesex School in Massachusetts and went on to receive her M.A. in Art History and Mediaeval History in Scotland at the University of St. Andrews.

Courtney returned to the United States and became an appraiser of Old Master Paintings at Christie’s in New York.

Prior to moving to California, Courtney lived in Houston, Pennsylvania, and the Hudson Valley. She has spent her recent summers in Maine as the Director of the Waterfront at an overnight camp.

Courtney lives on the campus with her husband, John Phillips, who is the current Director of Residential Life and Academic Dean. Their three daughters, Sarah ’21, Lucy ’23, and Alice ’24, all attend San Domenico.

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Now on Display!

A museum quality timeline that captures 165 years of our Dominican Education History is installed in the Carol Franc Buck Hall of the Arts.

faculty

New Members of the SD Administration

LeaAnne Parlette, Director of Lower School LeaAnne brings more than 20 years of teaching and school leadership experience to her new position at San Domenico. She joins us from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School in San Mateo where she spent the past four years as Assistant Head of School and Lower School Director. LeaAnne has also worked as a teacher at Town School for Boys and at Katherine Delmar Burke School, where she was a Lead Teacher in third and fourth grades, and also created and directed the Burke’s Teaching Institute.

LeaAnne is a graduate of the University of Oregon, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. She is currently nearing completion of her Masters in Education with a concentration in curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Walden University.

LeaAnne was raised in Oregon and moved to the Bay Area in 1989. She lives with her husband and seven-year-old son in San Francisco. LeaAnne enjoys hiking, biking and visiting aquariums with her family. She is an avid reader and enjoys discussing books and their various characters with young people. LeaAnne is excited to be a part of the San Domenico community and is enjoying working with the teachers and the students. She adds, “I feel energized by the professional conversations and the growth-oriented culture at San Domenico. At the same time, the campus and surrounding hills encourage me to reflect and feel peaceful. It is a wonderful place to be!”

Aaron Clark, Director of Health Services Aaron grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Psychology degree. He worked as an EMT and Emergency Department Technician until earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Rochester. After graduation, Aaron was a traveling nurse working in Colorado, Wisconsin, Arizona, New Hampshire and St. John, USVI. In 2012, Aaron and his wife, Gabriela moved to Leysin, Switzerland, where Aaron worked as a school nurse and camp counselor at the Leysin American School. Aaron and Gabriela are expecting their first child in January, 2016.

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Amanda Tredinnick, Upper School Dean of Students Amanda was born and raised in Marin County and is an alumna of San Domenico Lower and Middle Schools. After graduating from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, Amanda attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, graduating with a B.A. in History and her Secondary Social Studies Teaching Credential. While at Gonzaga, Amanda participated in various service programs focusing on adolescents, she tutored student athletes, led student retreats, and was a member of the National Honor Society in Education.

Amanda has taught Global Studies, United States History, and Advanced Placement United States History, and has been the Upper School Student Council moderator. In her current position as Dean of Students, boys and girls grades 9 - 12 are getting to know ‘Ms. T’s’ love of SD first hand. Most recently, she worked with our Upper School Student Council to bring the Spartan and Athenian spirit teams to our all-school community, and she continues to support students and grow Panther Pride school wide.

Sally Jaeger, Campus Minister Returning from maternity leave this fall after the birth of her second child, Sally fulfills a long-time dream by becoming Campus Minister at SD. A former Middle School history teacher at San Domenico, Sally is a familiar face on campus. Sally attended the University of California at Davis, earning a B.S. in Biological Sciences, and holds both a Masters in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Dominican University. Before coming to San Domenico, Sally taught Religious Studies at Saint Rita’s School in Fairfax. In her new role as Campus Minister, Sally will be teaching Religious Studies in our Lower School and will be working closely with Director of Religious Studies, Mirza Khan, to plan prayer services, student retreats, and other events to enrich the spiritual life of our community at all grade levels. In her free time, Sally enjoys hiking in Marin with her family and dog and continues to study and train in ballet.

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fall events

All School Mass and Time Capsule

Mass of the Holy Spirit and Time Capsule On Thursday, September 24, 2015, the entire school community at San Domenico gathered to celebrate the first all-school Mass of the academic year.

After the Mass, student representatives from each division had the honor of unveiling the time capsule that had been buried next to Kesterson Field 25 years ago. The time capsule included items chosen by the student body in 1990 that were sealed in a metal box and buried deep underground. When the lid was lifted, it was discovered that the contents had been overrun with roots, turning this ‘history lesson’ into more of a forensics project! Pictures were wiped clean from ground water and an ‘Early Education’ t-shirt and ‘Primary’ School sweatshirt were interwoven with small plant roots, despite being sealed in original plastic bags.

The contents of the time capsule are currently on display in the Alice Dupas Brown Library for viewing.

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Olivia Holmes ’16, Upper School Student Body President and Emily Koagedal ’16, Vice President

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fall events

Spartans & Athenians

By John Berry, Director of Upper School

San Domenico Spirit Across Campus Spirit teams have always played an exciting and memorable role in the culture of Dominican Convent and San Domenico. From the tradition of Cavaliers and Roundheads, to our current teams, the Athenians and Spartans, loyalty to red or blue has promoted wonderful teamwork and encouraged friendly competitions, all in the name of school spirit. Now the tradition will be extended to the students in the Lower School, bringing all three divisions together and continuing the friendly rivalry that is celebrated throughout San Domenico history.

Earlier this fall, we yelled and screamed in favor of our Spartan/Blue or Athenian/Red Teams: a first for the Upper School in a number of years. We divided into teams in the gym to rally around the cause – unite as an educated body, young and old, to root for our home team. A vibrant and collective feeling enveloped us as we playfully competed in musical chairs, free-throw shooting, and being first to form an upper case S or A for a group photograph. I was once again reminded of the inestimable value of community.

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We encourage students to understand and respect diverse ideas, to become active participants in their community, and to develop into thoughtful and impactful citizens of the world. Our curriculum is designed to provide a wide range of learning opportunities in which students develop critical thinking skills, take intellectual risks, work in collaborative settings, engage in creative and imaginative learning, and practice ethical decision making. And yet we realize that how we relate to one another determines who we are, and how we will be.

We are aware that cultivating close relationships is an essential part of our community. Therefore, we actively seek to forge those close relationships between faculty, students, our local community, and with those around the world knowing that healthy relations with one another is essential to our well-being.

The success of our community lies in its ability to effect connections, near and far. Inwardly, San Domenico strives daily to be the haven that fosters the formation of personal identity, moral responsibility, and selfreliance. We inspire intellectual curiosity, uninhibited

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exploration, and the ability to dream about the simplicity, goodness, and beauty of life. So as not to risk insularity and self-interest, we continually seek ways to reach out and extend ourselves, to our neighbors, to our fellowship of schools, to the greater Marin County area, and to those in need around the world, all on behalf of our larger community’s greater good.

Independent schools are steeped in rituals and ceremonies and thoughtfully organized traditions – most of which builds community as well – but nothing fuels excitement at SD like a spirit of celebration (i.e.

Blue vs. Red). The difference, I believe, is that traditions evoke the past, while celebrations embrace the new; traditions deliver the expected, while revelry makes room for the unexpected; traditions provide a sense of security, however, frivolity takes us all somewhere we haven’t been before, and that is a powerful destination that beckons and invites. It is a place where we can all belong: faculty member and maintenance crew, new student and lifer.

A San Domenico education is a liberating experience as it opens doorways to new worlds that have countless possibilities so our graduates can live fuller, more purposeful, and resourceful lives. As we rallied around our colors, I was reminded that everything we do begins and ends with a sense of belonging. And it cannot happen without an understanding of and appreciation for how that sense makes us feel when we commit to the strength of what we all have in common, one another.

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fall events

Book Fair and Author Luncheon

The annual Book Fair and Author Luncheon were great successes, mostly for the smiles, joy, fascination, and curiosity that our students exhibited while browsing through the displays of books.

The Author Luncheon featured #1 New York Times bestselling author Annie Barrows, co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, who shared her latest book, The Truth According to Us, which continues to receive brilliant reviews. Approximately 175 new books have been added to our library, and we received a check from Book Passage for 20% of the total sales. Thank you to our event chairs, Marguerite Clark and Sarah Barron, and to Director of Libraries Scott Fletcher for keeping the “Falling Into Books� tradition alive and bringing another wonderful week of reading inspiration to our School.

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fall events

Garden Faire

The Annual Garden Faire was once again a huge success! The day was filled with the spirit of community and fun as many enjoyed delicious food and music while shopping the farmers market, stocked with myriad student-made gifts. It was wonderful to see Upper School students mixing with our younger students as they painted faces and played games, as well as parents enjoying the many crafts in the garden with their children.

The Garden Faire is truly a community effort. Thank you to all of the students, faculty, and parents at all school levels who volunteered in so many ways to make this a special day for our community. We had over 100 volunteers for this truly amazing event!

A special thank you to Michelle Cox, Claire Haggins, Diane Shannon, Grace Delvalle, Robin Torassa, Ariane Goffard, Terry Hoy, Amy McIntosh, and Dorothy Drady who are our incredibly talented and committed Garden Committee. They spent countless hours preparing for this event. They are an amazing and creative bunch!

Also many thanks to our vendors, booth and raffle sponsors including: Daniel Remer, Arielle Giusto, David Pauli, Nessa Brady, Sustainable Fairfax, ExtraFood, American Solar, Mill Valley Chickens, Marin Photo, Planet Lunchbox, Planet Bee Foundation, Malone Family Orchards, David Thom Band, King & Ace Band, Zucker Family Band, Miyoko Shinner, Kate McMillan, Abby Hoffman, William Edsall, Bibi Ansari, the Goffard Family, Gillian Libbert, and Roxanne Mangosing.

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2015-2016

Tribute to Retired Faculty We Celebrate their Years of Dedicated Service Karen Morales

age-appropriate picture books about hunger to share with her students so they would truly understand why their contributions were so needed and meaningful.

By Liz Held, Advancement Staff Writer

Karen Morales retired from her position as 2nd Grade Teacher at San Domenico in May 2015 after 23 years.

As Lower School Director Kate Reeser says, “It was extremely difficult saying goodbye to Karen. Her calm and patient manner with our students helped them succeed in school and beyond. Karen has inspired ordinary students to dream to do extraordinary things.

We will miss her!”

Colleagues describe Karen as a remarkable teacher and a kind and gentle person. She is known for going above and beyond, almost always being the first to volunteer to help with any project or to support her fellow teachers. She was especially welcoming to new faculty.

Other than working for one year teaching third grade, Karen’s years at San Domenico were spent in the second grade where she enjoyed running the First Communion Program, continuing in that role even when it became an after school program. Karen also worked as School Religion Coordinator, grades 1-5, during her time at San Domenico. As such, she made a special commitment to the Service Learning Program, helping the children come up with their service project ideas. She was known for her Pumpkin Bread Project, a long term work in progress for second graders.

Even students who graduated many years ago fondly remember this project that started with the planting of seeds in our school garden, culminating with a pumpkin harvest. The children baked pumpkin bread to share with the Sisters and campus employees, as well as to donate to Homeward Bound of Marin, a provider of shelter and services for homeless in Marin County.

Each year during our community Food Drive, Karen showed a passion for teaching the children why food drives are important. She researched and discovered School Ties

Karen also served as our school contact for Mission Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico, a mission program of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.

While nurturing her San Domenico students, Karen raised seven children who have been described as, “Amazing—just like she is.” Karen is currently working part-time as a reading and math tutor in Marin.

Terry Percy

By Liz Held, Advancement Staff Writer

Terry Percy retired from her position as Kindergarten Teacher at San Domenico in May 2015 after 23 years.

Terry spent her first nine years at SD as a first grade teacher, then moved to Kindergarten for the remainder of her career here. Prior to working at San Domenico, Terry worked as a Montessori teacher and ran her own school for a period of time.

Terry was known for her ability to truly exist “in the moment,” focusing on the task at hand and persons she was with. Although able to acknowledge concerns that would need to be addressed, she did not succumb to worry and pressure but instead remained present, productive and attuned to the needs of her students.

Friends and former colleagues attribute these skills to Terry’s lifelong practice of meditation, sharing that her ability to remain grounded in this way was one of her greatest strengths as a teacher.

Qualified to teach all subjects, Terry’s main focus was science and math. Well known for her worm project, she taught her students the scientific method, ‘kindergarten style’. The worm project consisted of a science lab during which students studied worms and how

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they reacted to a changing environment. Throughout Terry’s many years teaching kindergarten, students delighted in measuring worms and guessing what would happen as they added droplets of water or obstacles to the worms’ environment. The worm project is one example of how Terry inspired children to make connections between the natural world and what they learned in the classroom. It has been said that not a single worm was ever harmed during the worm project, despite the enthusiasm of so many kindergartners through the years.

Terry was playful and had a delightful L to R: Terry Percy, Kristi Epke, Karen Morales sense of humor. She enjoyed Terry has relocated to Washington state to be near her sprinkling her students with water on daughter, a Montessori teacher, and grandchildren. We hot days, and overturning her classroom on St. Patrick’s wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Day as evidence of a mischievous leprechaun visit.

Her students filled her heart with joy and they loved her equally. Terry was a wonderful curiosity curator Kristi Epke – always encouraging questions and the inquisitive

By John Bowermaster, Upper School Dean of Faculty natures of her kindergartners; she never missed the and English Teacher magic of the moment while working with them.

I try not to think about math. What I mean to say is that Colleagues describe her as a “master teacher,” excellent I repress my memories of high school and college mathematics. In grade school and into Algebra 1, penciling in her academic presentation while also well-versed at in search of a mathematical solution was something teaching critical life skills such as moving forward, letakin to wielding a sword in an imaginary adventure: I ting things go and labeling feelings and emotions so as really found the mathematical experience exciting. Not to use words rather than becoming physical. Through so after several more years of unimaginative drilling these lessons, she empowered our youngest students. and conceptually myopic explanations at the hands of seemingly uninterested teachers. After a bewildering As Director of Teaching and Learning Kate Reeser course in Fibonacci numbers in college, I was done. says, “San Domenico will always be grateful for Terry’s Many years later I sometimes would find myself commitment to our youngest students. Her continual standing in the afternoon cool of the Upper School cheerfulness and sincerity have inspired curiosity and second floor outside a classroom listening attentively joy in all her students, for which families and faculty to an explanation of the Pythagorean theorem or the alike are thankful.” vagaries of pi. Honestly, I wasn’t much interested in School Ties

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2015-2016

Tribute (cont’d)

solving the posed problem, but I listened with some sorrow, but also enviousness that the students in Kristi Epke’s classroom had been gifted something denied me – a wonderful teacher – and, therefore, I had missed an opportunity to encounter the beauty of mathematics.

As we all eventually recognize, “we don’t know what we got ’til it’s gone.” I believe Kristi Epke’s students might repeat this lyric as a frequent refrain. Our students could have missed her as well had not Sister Karen Marie not hired Kristi. One wonders what that session must have been like, the young non-Catholic interviewee encountering her first real-life nun, in full Dominican habit.

Kristi arrived at San Domenico in the fall of 1978. Her husband, Gerhard, had just opened his own bakery so they were both striking out in new territory. What she noticed her first day carried her through the next three decades: the earnestness and kindness of her students. She “loved the all-girls math” classes, with whom she felt kindred – a sisterly sense – over the way those young women spoke about math and faced their challenges. She knew – understood – their struggle, because she recalled her own. What had supported her in school would now buoy them: the realization “she couldn’t stop studying math.”

The other pillar of her teaching that arose in those formative years was her embrace of Dominican values.

The Sisters served as her role models, and she became attentive to their ways, learning how to model for her students and colleagues what she had been taught, and so she came to advocate for social and environmental justice, especially by introducing her students to social activism in soup kitchens and other outreach to the poor or needy. She had joined a community of teaching colleagues and Sisters, and found herself in solidarity with them.

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Soon her own family would grow by two as Kristi had two boys, Gat and Hannes, who would attend San Domenico for part of their schooling. Those Dominican values were seeded young in those boys, now men: Gerhard married and lives in San Anselmo as a hydrologist for the Town of San Anselmo and Johannes recently moved to Brooklyn, working for a non-profit called “Move to Amend,” whose mission is to change the constitution to abolish corporate personhood.

As teachers well know, the year from August to June becomes timeless in a way. The academic year advances by markers assigned like performances on examinations, presentations, and celebrations. Teachers are forever looking toward an always-receding horizon. So the years pass not, as one might imagine, as loss, but as engagement, even engrossment. Temporality takes on an endless quality, as if there is only what comes next. Each of those years Kristi spent in dialogue with others, in conversation, in exchange, in the intensity of sharing and giving. Imagine the creativity that those encounters inspired, as in quilting sessions Kristi led.

She taught and modeled and planted seeds.

Kristi travelled to China with Carol Yu, our first student from China, who had arrived from an East Coast prep school because she thought she could learn English better at SD. Carol sponsored the trip as part of her R.O.S.E. project, our Upper School jewel in the crown, to borrow a phrase.

If you have had the pleasure of reading through Kristi’s Memory Book, presented by the faculty upon her retirement, certain themes develop from her former students over the three decades. Memories are notoriously unreliable, but when such a diverse group of students from all over the world over thirty years individually offer testimony, a truth emerges: the truth of a person’s character, professionalism, and impact. There are some funny, even improbable memories: “If you don’t stop singing, I’ll throw you out the window.” Mrs. Epke,

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Employees with 10+ Years at SD

really? But overwhelmingly the witness they offer is of a ‘kind,’ ‘caring,’ ‘loving,’ ‘warm’ person, who taught mathematics with ‘calm,’ ‘patience,’ ‘logic,’ and whose impact was remarkably positive, because she made ‘math fun,’ ‘welcoming,’ and ‘understandable’ for ‘math misfits’ and the stellar alike. How often a former student mentioned Kristi’s encouragement and supportive demeanor as keys to their eventual success. Her students felt ‘empowered.’ That is a gift.

One characteristic of a good card player is to know when to fold your hand.

The advent of boys did not, strangely enough, do the trick. But technology and other new directions in teaching and learning did. There are many who, like Johannes Trithemius, a 15th century monk, believed that “He who ceases from zeal for writing because of printing is no true lover of the Scriptures.” For Trithemius the printing press had made a bold and unpleasant impression. Kristi lamented the decline of the Ticonderoga #2 pencil in a similar way.

But that is trivial when asking oneself, “What is important for me to teach anymore?” She is not nostalgic but concerned for the authenticity and integrity of her profession. As Kristi remarked, “I will let the next generation figure that out.”

It’s about the students, she has always believed. And, for them, Kristi Epke remains a real presence in their lives. That is truly appropriate for a school whose Mission values “life-long learning.”

Michael Mello

Upper School Teacher

1978

Peggy Struck

Lower School Teacher

1985

Michael Sloan

Upper School Teacher

1985

Lauren Murphy

Lower School Teacher

1992

Steve Bergman

Music Conservatory Teacher

1993

John Bowermaster

Upper School Teacher

1994

Dirk Weiss

Upper School Teacher

1994

Judy Donaldson

Health Services Administrative Assistant

1995

Alice Della-Santina

Lower School Teacher

1995

Jennie Nash

Director of Pre-K-8th Admissions

1996

Kristy Marksbury

Executive Assistant to the Head of School

1997

Karlyn Strand

Lower School Teacher

1998

Hilary Staples

Upper School Teacher

1998

Jeff Skaggs

Lower School Teacher

1999

Lisa Richter

Lower School Counselor

2000

Deborah Fugate

Middle School Teacher

2000

Sergei Riabchenko

Music Conservatory Teacher

2000

Marian Wade

Music Conservatory Teacher

2000

Mary Altshuler

Lower School Teacher

2001

Kathy Laughlin

Upper School Counselor

2001

Wynn Richards

Upper School Teacher

2001

Nicole Schuler

Lower School Teacher

2001

Shelley Flint

Director of Sustainability

2001

Miles Graber

Music Conservatory Teacher

2001

Jill Hoefgen

Upper School Teacher

2002

Ian Sethre

Upper School Teacher

2002

Carrie Robley

Director of Middle School

2002

Beth Kellermann

All School Performing Arts Chair

2002

Robyn Klapperich

Lower School Administrative Assistant

2003

Cecily Stock

Head of School

2003

Terry Hoy Handyman

2004

Erica Smith

Middle School Director of Performing Art and All School Director of Dance

2004

Mary Lenoir

Music Conservatory Teacher

2004

Kate Reeser

Director of Teaching and Learning

2004

Brian Kaplan

Lower School Teacher

2004

David Wise

Chief Financial Officer

2004

Kristen Levine

Upper School Teacher

2005

Stephanie Albert

Upper School Resident Faculty

2005

Scott Fletcher

Director of Libraries

2005

Nancy Goralski

Lower School Teacher

2005

Krista McKeague

Middle School Teacher

2005

Rob DeNunzio

Director of Music Conservatory

2005

Mike Fulton

Middle School Teacher

2005

Natasha McKeown

Middle School Teacher

2005

Jennifer Grimes

Upper School Teacher

2005

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fall events

Community Honoring

Congratulations to Coach Fulton and the Dominican Sisters.

We are so grateful to have you as part of our San Domenico community!

Every day we remember how blessed we are by the wonderful people who are a part of our San Domenico community. Recently, two external organizations honored some of our SD family.

On October 10, 2015 at The Club at McInnis Park, The International Association of Sufism honored the Dominican Sisters for their long history in education, health care, and outreach to those in need, and for their educational and social justice work in Marin and beyond. The ceremony took place at The Annual Inspiration Dinner, an evening devoted to bringing together the Bay Area community to celebrate the unique vision and important accomplishments of an individual or group who is dear to the people of the Bay Area and part of our heritage.

The award is presented annually to an outstanding individual or organization for contribution in elevating the level of humanity in our society.

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Also on October 10, Coach Mike Fulton was inducted into the College of Marin Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2015, during a ceremony at the Embassy Suites Ballroom. The goal of the College of Marin Athletic Hall of Fame is to recognize the outstanding achievements of its former student athletes, coaches, and friends of the athletic program. Coach Fulton was honored for his leadership and success coaching at Terra Linda High School, The Branson School, The College of Marin, and most recently, San Domenico.

Middle School Director Carrie Robley, Marcus Stock, Coach Fulton, Marketing & Communications Director Kimberly Pinkson, and Information & Technology Director Jason Clarke

Coach Fulton’s Collegiate Volleyball Coaching Accomplishments 1999 Bay Valley Conference Champions 2000 Bay Valley Conference Champions 2001 Sweet Sixteen Appearance California Community College State Championships 2002 Elite Eight Appearance California Community College State Championships 2003 Final Four California Community College State Championships 2003 Coach Fulton named California Community College Coach of the Year 2014-2015 Girls Varsity Basketball team, BCL Central Championship, NCS Division V semi-finals, and Nor-Cal State Tournament quarter-finals Coach Fulton with his father, Larry Fulton School Ties

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service learning

Purpose Through Service

By Jamaica Perrier-Morris ’16

Service Coming to Life with SD Students a ‘Thank you’; I wanted to do more.” Martinez added, “We chose this issue because we wanted to serve those who serve the country. It was a way of honoring them.”

While volunteers are not allowed to engage with veterans about their service and wartime experiences, DixonEssien and Martinez made it their goal to treat and support these people with dignity to the best of their abilities. They also made it their goal to bring a little kindness to these veterans’ lives.

Martinez recalled one incident with them in which an elderly man riding with them in the elevator noticed her and DixonEssien’s cheerfulness. “Thank you for smiling,” he said. “You know, never stop doing that because you never know how many lives Seniors Makenna Dixon-Essien and Dina Martinez you just saved by roaming the hall with those smiles.”

One of the surest signs of a school’s health and success is how the students carry forth the values and mission of the school. We are proud to share that our core value of service is clearly as important to our students today as it was to our founders in 1850.

Seniors Makenna DixonEssien and Dina Martinez spent several weeks this past summer volunteering with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, whose mission is to serve and honor the men and women who are America’s veterans. Dixon-Essien and Martinez spent the month at the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco, where they were responsible for a wide range of important tasks, including handing out blankets, keeping the veterans company, and escorting the veterans to their various appointments.

Dixon-Essien explained that this was her favorite part of the job, talking to the veterans and getting to know them as individual people.

For these seniors, the decision to focus on veterans’ issues was a personal one. Dixon-Essien, whose grandfather and great uncle fought in the Vietnam War, gave her perspective.

“Veterans do so much for us, and usually all they get back is

When wildfires in Calaveras and Lake Counties severely impacted local families, our Upper School Social Justice Club took action. Together with the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, they collected and packed approximately 700 lbs of bedding, children’s clothing, toys, and toiletries for distribution to the survivors of the wildfires.

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Once their month of service at the hospital came to an end, they were sad to go, in part because of the importance of their work, but also because of the personal connections they had made. “I want to encourage other students to volunteer at the VA Medical Center,” Martinez said. “Bring your smiles and laughter and even your singing.

Experience the inspiring and lovely people you’ll meet there, and remember that smiles are more meaningful than we can possibly ever imagine.”

Feeding the Hungry

By Laura Neely, Resident Faculty member and Upper School Administrative Assistant

In an ongoing effort to provide relief to hungry citizens of the Bay Area, exuberant Upper School freshmen recently gathered to make lunches for St. Vincent de Paul of Marin County.

We managed to corral them into groups for our sandwich-making extravaganza: sandwich makers, veggie cutters, card and note decorators, and loaders. Almost 20 students donned gloves and started making ham or turkey sandwiches with cheese, tomato and spinach.

“Pass us more bread! How much meat should we put on the sandwiches? Where’s the cheese? We need more turkey! Do we need to cut the sandwiches in half? What do we do with the finished and bagged sandwiches?”

Aeqvitas logo designed by Erica Lee, ’12

The veggie cutter group had to wait a few minutes for more zucchini to arrive. After a few minutes, one emphatic request from a student almost made me giggle, “We need more zucchini!” They had already sliced about 25 zucchini, and needed more. How often do our kids willingly ask for veggies?

Meanwhile, at two round tables, several students were busy writing 200 encouraging notes or cards: “You are amazing,” “I believe in you,” “Stay cool.” The sandwich loader group and the spotter group were the last stops in our assembly line; they loaded 200 bags with granola bars, condiments, oranges or plums, the veggies, the sandwiches, homemade cookies (made by our students), and then the notes.

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Having run this service project twice now, it amazes me, in a fantastic way, how wonderfully adept and adaptable our students are. They worked in unison, without complaint.

The finished sack lunches were packaged in larger bags and boxes, loaded into our San Domenico van, and brought to St. Vincent de Paul in San Rafael shortly thereafter. Allison Moore and I arrived during St. Vincent de Paul’s lunch service, and their staff was thrilled with San Domenico’s donation. Those 200 sack lunches represent two days of meals for the homeless they serve. And as St. Vincent de Paul’s Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy Miles, wrote, “The kitchen staff was very happy! Thanks so much for all your efforts and tell the students we said thank you as well! It really helps and frees up staff to do other important things in the kitchen. Also the clients loved getting a different kind of lunch than the usual!”

Articles from the last two issues of Aeqvitas To view more, visit: sandomenico.org/aeqvitas

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admissions update

Coed News

By Dan Babior, Director of Upper School Admissions

A Successful Launch “I love these kids!” That has been the oft-repeated refrain of Upper School faculty, administrators, and staff ever since our newly enrolled inaugural coed freshmen class arrived on San Domenico’s campus in late August. This group of 72 students – 32 boys and 40 girls – has shown up in more positive ways than many of us had ever imagined, whether it’s in their high level of participation in extracurricular activities, their polite and respectful interactions with their teachers, or in their earnest commitment to creating a positive sense of community among their peers. We saw an exuberant joy and cooperative spirit when they went on their overnight trip to Santa Cruz/Redwood Glen that took place after their first two days of classes, and their abundant energy has had a palpable influence on the older students as well. Many freshmen have willingly shared their joy as students at San Domenico in their role as ambassadors to our visiting prospective students, and have elicited affirmative feedback in the

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form of thank you notes, emails, and post-visit reflection statements. While we were optimistic about their prospects before their arrival, in the short time they have attended school they have easily surpassed our expectations, and with their Upper School journey just beginning at SD, the best is yet to come.

After a highly successful admissions season that saw a 50% increase in applications over the previous year, we enrolled 72 freshmen as well as 16 terrific transfer students. Our new students – freshmen and transfers – come from over 60 different middle schools and high schools as well as countries such as China, Thailand, Korea, Mexico, and Great Britain. Our regional residential students hail from the East Bay, San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento and the state of Washington, and many were attracted by flex boarding whereby students have the option to stay at San Domenico during the week and return home on most weekends.

We have been pleasantly surprised that a large number of those students who originally thought they would be at San Domenico Monday through Friday have chosen to stay on campus through the weekends. A significant portion of our day students have joined them during the myriad activities organized by our residential life faculty that have taken place during that time. Another unexpected twist was the number of our day students who have already availed themselves of the option to spend up to 20 nights in the dorms over the course of a school year. We are seeing a tendency among the day students to want to stay on

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For our upperclassmen we added an engineering class and are pleased to report that 13 students, both juniors and seniors, are currently enrolled.

For our inaugural coeducation class in the Upper School, we had the good fortune to have enrolled a atalented, talented,diverse, diverse,multicultural multiculturaland andinternational internationalgroup of students.

In keeping with San Domenico’s commitgroup of students.

In keeping with San Domenico’s ment to diversity and inclusion, our students and their commitment to diversity and inclusion, our students families come from a range of socioeconomic and and their families come from a range of socioeconomic cultural backgrounds, and and all share a deep love love of learnand cultural backgrounds, all share a deep of ing. At ourAtfreshman parent potluck held early in thein learning. our freshman parent potluck held early fall semester, people often expressed gratitude for the the fall semester, people often expressed gratitude for opportunity to join our SD family with our Dominican the opportunity to join our SD family with our Dominican values of study, reflection, community, and service at the core of everything we do.

Highlights from the 2014-2015 Admissions Season

campus into the evening to work with their boarding peers during the time period designated for study hall from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. We are thrilled at the increase in day/boarding student interaction on weekends and weeknights and see this as another indicator of just how much this group enjoys each other’s company.

This bodes well for how they will continue to create an inclusive community at San Domenico during their years here at school and beyond.

Record attendance at our Open Houses and Visit Days

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Graduates of San Domenico’s Middle School have matriculated to our Upper School (8 boys and 11 girls)

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There has been a surge in participation in life at San Domenico both inside and outside the classroom – a hallmark of our newly enrolled students. Whether it’s sports, clubs, or service, students have been engaged in huge numbers. As part of San Domenico’s efforts to expand our digital arts offerings in the Upper School, we have our first digital film class for freshmen, and one can often see many of those 20 students on campus working in small crews with cameras, props, and microphones exploring their inner Steven Spielbergs.

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Number of our freshmen who are boarding students (14 boys and 18 girls)

6

Number of newly-enrolled students who are members of our Virtuoso Program.

The program has now expanded to 18 musicians

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admissions update

Coed News (cont’d)

Our 2015-2016 admissions season is off to a great start with another year of increased interest among prospective families. Inquiries (prospective students initiating contact) are up nearly 50% over last year (as of late October) and that follows on the heels of a similar increase the previous year. Inquiries have increased in the majority of categories we measure: boys (up 75% over last year), girls, regional boarding, and international boarding as well. Visits for prospective students and parents were booked through the fall and replies for our first Upper School Open House are in excess of 200 people. What we are hearing anecdotally from several sources is that there is a positive buzz out there about San Domenico, and we are seeing that increased awareness of our school play out in these numbers thus far.

The prospective student visitor has the chance to see two classes and have lunch with an SD ambassador as well as a tour of campus with a member of our admissions team: Assistant Director of Upper School

Admissions, Andrea Banks; Upper School Admissions Associate, Caitlin Clark; Kimberly Pinkson, Director of Marketing and Communications – all supported by our Enrollment Systems Manager, Dianne Dornbush, or an Upper School administrator: Director of Upper School, John Berry, or Dean of Students, Amanda Tredinnick. We have felt so gratified by the feedback we have received from visiting students that is gleaned from the short reflection piece they write when their visit concludes. These have been overwhelmingly positive, and the credit for this belongs to our admissions team as well as our Upper School faculty that have done such an outstanding job at welcoming our visitors into their classes. But perhaps the greatest credit goes to our student ambassadors, both freshmen and sophomores, who have set a new standard for responsibility and inclusion this year.

Whereas our new enrollees – particularly our inaugural coed class – have shown up at school in a variety of positive ways that were unanticipated, it turns out that the adults in the SD community have not been

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the only ones to be pleasantly surprised. At a recent mentor meeting in our Upper School, one of our mentors asked her group of freshmen to share something unexpected about their experiences at San Domenico thus far. One male boarding student shared that while he knew from the outset that his class would be receiving a lot of attention as the first coed class (“We’re in the spotlight.”) he didn’t expect to be made to feel so graciously welcomed in all ways by his teachers, coaches, peers, and the older students. Very early on he was made to feel like this was his school. That’s music to my ears!

The Launch from a Boarding Student’s View “I never thought of going to a boarding school two years ago, and today I feel like it is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. When I first came here I was really scared that I wouldn’t know what to do, and I was also scared to feel alone, but thanks to all of you and the way you make things work, you’re making this part of my life my favorite.

I always feel supported by someone no matter what the situation holds, and I know there’s always going to be someone to give me a snack, advice, or just a hug. There’s just always someone who will help me and I’m really thankful for that. I appreciate everything you do for all of us and not just for me.

For always trying to look out for us, for wanting us to have fun, for all the little things like reminding us that sleep is needed and to always drink water, for telling us to be kind to one another, and respect everyone’s opinion, for making it feel like we are all a family and for making this place feel like home, I admire every single one of you and the amazing job you do and I have no words to describe how thankful I am for being here. I’m happy. Thank you.”

For more admission information, please visit:

sandomenico.org/admissions School Ties

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2015-2016

Graduation 2015

“You (God) are present to them and in them, calling them to share their gifts, and always guiding them through hard times and joyous moments, beckoning them to go forward into the world to set it on fire, transforming it with love and justice.

We rejoice because we know that they will bring their peace-filled compassionate hearts into your world.”

Sr. Gervaise – Opening Prayer

“In the Dominican tradition, the goal of learning is not knowledge alone. Our goal is to apply that knowledge to create a better world, to create justice and dignity for all people, and most importantly, to find a purpose in life.

Each of you has a unique purpose in life. If you love science, use science to solve the problems of the world. If you love art, use art to make the world more beautiful. If you love history, use your knowledge of history to create a better future.

So please, continue to follow your passion, continue to be inspired, continue to live out your own purpose in life.

Continue to love. It won’t always be easy. The world is a difficult place with serious problems. But always have faith in who you are.

The Truth is like a lion,” said St. Augustine. “You don’t need to defend it. You only need to set it free.” So live your truth in the world. Be yourself. Do what you know is right. And have faith, that no matter what, the truth – and your love – will always prevail.”

Cecily Stock, Head of School To read more remarks from the day’s event, visit: www.sandomenico.org/graduation2015 School Ties

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2015-2016

College Program

College Counseling At San Domenico

Brad Jackson

Our goal is to make the college application process as stress-free and successful as possible for both our students and their parents. To achieve this goal, the San Domenico College Counseling Program was developed and is being constantly refined. It is a full-service support program working with students and parents on preparation, choices, visits, essays, applications and finally transition. It is designed to give each student the opportunity to have multiple acceptances at colleges where they will thrive both academically and socially.

The Belief Behind the Program We believe college counseling is a student-centered activity which should be based on college fit rather than college rank. We hold the conviction that each student presents a unique set of goals, talents and interests and that these should guide students to select colleges which will offer them the best opportunity to have the experiences, gain the skills and develop the intellectual agility they need to reach the future to which they aspire.

To this end, the college process should be one that guides students towards self-discovery and well-researched expectations. This is a process encouraged by individual discussion, group dialogues and thoughtful questioning.

By its nature it is multi-disciplinary, asking students to examine their social, academic and professional strengths and goals. The best choices are based on a clear understanding of the needs and priorities of both the family and the individual student. In addition, we believe students must be responsible for their own success, and our responsibility is to maintain firm expectations and accountability so that increased support and structure will be available for those students who require it.

2015 College Matriculation List University of Arizona

The George Washington University

Saint Mary’s College of California (2)

Berkeley City College

Gonzaga University (2)

Salve Regina University

Boston University

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Santa Rosa Junior College

California State University, Chico University of California, Berkeley (3)

Loyola University, New Orleans

Southern Methodist University

University of California, Irvine

Michigan State University

Syracuse University

University of California, San Diego

Mills College

Parsons School of Art and Design

University of California, Santa Cruz (2)

New York University (2)

The New School

Carroll College, Montana

University of Notre Dame

Vassar College

Chapman University

Oregon State University

Washington and Lee University

University of Chicago

Otis College of Art and Design

University of Washington

University of Colorado at Boulder

Purdue University

Westmont College

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Irvine

University of Redlands (2)

College of William and Mary

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

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Skidmore College

on campus

Spring Theater Productions

Young Frankenstein in the Upper School

Young Frankenstein Alumnae Return to Perform!

Natalie Marsh Ashby ’08 Callie Ballard ’08 Melinda Borello ’10 Rebecca Busch ’05 Elisa Busnardo ’08 Jaime Castner ’05 Christina Crittenden ’11 Alyza Delpan-Monley ’07 Genevieve Durst ’09 Hannah Fitzpatrick ’06 Andrea Frias ’10 Nina Haggerty ’02 Ariel Henry-Warren ’10 Portia Henry-Warren ’12 Victoria Wilson Heron ’03 Rachel Kaplan ’08 Kira Kull ’11 Emily Ludlow ’10 Emmy Pierce ’06 Elizabeth Preuss ’08 Libby Reyff ’12 Tammy Swanson ’88 Danielle Taylor ’05 Rachel Taylor ’07 Rebecca Taylor ’09 Rachel Zilberg ’14 School Ties

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Legally Blonde

in the Middle School

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athletic update

Spring and Fall Athletics

2015 Spring and Fall Sports Wrap Up Varsity Tennis – Head Coach Rob Jessen The Panther girls finished their season with a record three wins and five losses in league play. Captains Olivia Holmes ’16, Cheryl Peng ’16, and Vicky Lin ’17 led the team. Holmes, in particular, had a fantastic season with only two losses in league play and overall record of nine wins and three losses. Lin also played well all season.

She won the longest match of the season 6-4,4-6,6-4 in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The 2015 team advanced to the BAC Bay Counties League playoffs for the first time in recent history. Holmes and Lin won their matches and the team lost 5-2 to Convent.

Varsity Golf – Head Coach Sherman Leland The Varsity Golf team had a productive season with each player contributing to make the season a true team effort. The consistency of play contributed to a 4-2 season overall. On October 19, the team competed in the BCL League Championship at Peacock Gap. San Domenico came in second place. Joanie Spaulding ’16 became the first golfer from San Domenico to qualify for the NCS Division II Championships. She played her best golf this season.

Other players that gave great performances during the season include Ayodele Abdul-Hadi ’17 and Christa Collman ’16.

Varsity Volleyball – Head Coach Mengya Wang The team was very young this year. The returning players from last year, Kieran Friedman ’17, Livie Harvell ’17, and Christina Hong ’16, showed great leadership on the court. Freshmen Khongkwan Limbhaust ’19 and Emily Owen ’19 had some great performances this season. The team had a lot of positive energy and improved greatly throughout the season. The season was short, but everyone looks forward to playing again next year.

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Swimming – Head Coach Gadi Shamah San Domenico swimming is off to a great start in the 2015-16 season. We are 80 strong with swimmers representing all grades. Our youngest swimmers have been working hard building endurance and developing good swim habits for free and back. Our Junior Panther swimmers (age 6-11) are beginning to develop important race skills. This fall we had three meets and some swimmers dropped over 45 seconds combined in one meet. WOW! Our Development Panthers trained at the highest levels, averaging over 25,000 yards per week. Devo swimmers are poised to be some of the top swimmers in the Bay Area! Our Senior Panthers have been training at a pace of 32,000 yards per week, as they prepare for some of our travel meets and our spring high school season. The team has grown to be a masterpiece of dedication, hard work and teamwork, and the results have shown! I am so proud of all our swimmers’ hard work, and can’t wait to see the next chapter of San Domenico Swimming.

Cross Country Co-Head Coaches Logan Wood and Mark Churchill The San Domenico Cross Country team is the largest in the school’s history, with eight girls and eleven boys. We have experienced runners and students brand new to the sport. All of our runners showed great sportsmanship and contributed to a supportive team for each other. During our first race of the season, we heard other coaches asking about our boys’ team and complimenting how supportive they were to each other and how much fun they were having. As the season progressed, we saw all of our runners improve their 5K time. Junior Nicole Bissey ’17 placed in the top five for Varsity consistently with her best race pace a 6.53 mile. Freshman Kayden Korst ’19 placed third in the Freshman/Sophomore race at the Jim Tracey Invitational. On the boys’ side, Curran Thompson ’19 led the pack with a 6:34 race pace followed by Frankie Wright ’19 with a 7:22 race pace.

All the boys showed great improvement and we saw strong finishes from Jerry Wang ’19, Isa Twist ’19, Ming Guo ’19 and Thomas Kunze ’19. Nicole Bissey ’17 earned First Team All League at the BCL Championships on November 7. She ran the 5K course for a time of 20:22. This is Nicole’s second year making an all-league team.

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Celebrating our Celebrating 165 Years Move to San Anselmo of Dominican Spirit A Look Back on Our Tradition and History The Dominican Order was founded by Dominic de Guzman of Spain, who promoted study and was called a ‘joyful friar’, often singing along the roads when preaching the good news of the gospel. To this day, celebrating and being optimistic and joyful about life are qualities that typify Dominicans.

Part 1 of a 3-Part Series School Ties

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Sara Marsten Bittner ’89, Angelic Ferrari Westfall ’89, and Sister Gervaise Valpey, O.P.

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Destined for a Perfect Partnership

By Kathy Glass, Retired Lower School Teacher and Administrator (1976 to 2014) and 2005 Veritas Honoree close to describing it when he wrote of a place in his two most renowned short stories “Rip Van Winkle” (1819) and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820):

This year the San Domenico School community commemorates its establishment fifty years ago on 500+ acres of land in Sleepy Hollow. Under the stewardship of the Dominican Sisters, there have been many noteworthy accomplishments including mindful campus development, innovation in education, nurturing of leadership, and active service to the local and global community. These are the tangible achievements well worth celebrating but there is also a unique and dynamic relationship between the land and the people that, although difficult to articulate precisely, is quickly sensed by even a first time visitor to the campus.

“Not far from the village, perhaps about two miles, there is a little valley, or rather a lap of land, among high hills which is one of the quietest places in the world. A small brook glides through it with just murmur enough to lull one to repose, and the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker is almost the only sound that ever breaks in upon the uniform tranquility.”

“If ever I should wish for a retreat, whither I might steal away from the world and its distractions, and dream quietly away the remnant of a troubled life, I know of none more promising than this little valley…”

Washington Irving (1783-1859), American author, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat, comes School Ties

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Top Left: The Motherhouse, San Rafael, printed in Marin Magazine, IJ, April 6, 1963 Middle: ‘Landwarming’, San Anselmo Campus, 1961 This page: San Anselmo campus pre-construction, c. 1960 School Ties

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Top: Painting by Jack Wisby, c. 1920s-30s looking from current location of stables Right: The Hotaling/Raisch mansion, 1930s, Photo courtesy of the San Anselmo Historical Museum Top: 1860 map made for the U.S. Government, showing all original land grants in Marin County

Dominicans in California or the Coast Miwoks in Marin.

The geology, the climate, the flora and fauna are all factors leading to the intertwining forces that drew the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael to the land and make the San Domenico community of today unique.

Irving’s Sleepy Hollow is a real place near Tarrytown, New York that inspired the author. How interesting it is that his description would also be so apt of a land 3,000 miles away and would not be formally developed for decades later. And yet it so enchantingly describes the influence of nature over man.

In the beginning

More prosaically, the concept of the mutual influence of human and geography is well acknowledged by historians, anthropologists and sociologists, so what is it that is so unique about the interaction between this land and this community? What events brought it about? Whose footprints do we follow?

The landscape of the campus is one to two million years old. While that seems ancient, no dinosaurs ever walked on campus. During that Mesozoic age, California was submerged under an ocean whose western coastline was miles to the east. Paleontologists might not find Marin unique, but for geologists it is a mecca containing some of the most diverse and complex geology in the world.

It is mosaic of a wide variety of rocks, some relatively

The answers lie in the history well before the land purchase of 1960 and even before the arrival of the School Ties

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recently as the 1970s. Unfortunately, the contact between the Miwok people and the Russian, Spanish and Mexican populations moving into the northern California area brought diseases that decimated the native population.

local in their origin, others coming from thousands of miles away. The campus yields a variety of rock from marine sediments like shale, sandstone and chert as well as greenstone, quartz and serpentine. The topography is shaped by weather and erosion but most significantly and dramatically by the collision of tectonic plates. The juxtaposition of such geological variation provides not only intriguing scenery but allows for wide variations in the life residing in abundance in a relatively compact area.

On The Fifth Try: The Spanish and Mexican Eras and Rancho Canada de Herreras The rediscovery of Marin by Europeans was anything but rapid. Sightings of the Marin coastline were made in 1542 by Juan Cabrillo. Explorations around the area of Drake’s Bay were made by Sir Francis Drake of England (1579) and Spanish explorers Sebastian Cermeo (1595) and Sebastian Vizcaino (1602) but no settlements were established. It was not until 1769 that the overland expedition from San Diego led by Gaspar de Portola finally located San Francisco Bay and the adjoining lands. However, the first Spanish settlement in Marin was not established until 1817 when Mission San Rafael Arcångel was founded by the Franciscan missionaries.

Ecologically, the site of the campus is part of the California Floristic Province, and is notable for its extremely high biodiversity in both flora and fauna. In this province, numerous ecosystems are present, several of which can be found on the campus, notably the oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral and riparian zones.

The various habitats on campus nurture and protect numerous animal and plant species, as does Marin’s mild Mediterranean climate. Moderate temperatures, winter rainfall, and summer drought, tempered by the regular occurrence of ocean fog, are also key to its hospitable environment. The creek running through campus, Sleepy Hollow Creek, is a tributary of the San Anselmo Creek, a branch of the Corte Madera Creek and part of the Ross Valley Watershed that flows into San Francisco Bay.

Mexico became independent of Spain in 1822 but the operations of the missions and presidios went on undisturbed until the Mexican government initiated secularization of the missions in 1834. These lands then became available for grants under the auspices of the governor of Alta California, Juan Alvarado. In 1839 Domingo Sais of San Francisco, in return for his military service, secured a grant of 6,659 acres known as the Canada de Herreras (Valley of the Blacksmiths) making him the first landowner of the lands that included San Anselmo, Fairfax and Sleepy Hollow.

The vegetation, the animal life, the climate, and the proximity to water were key attractions for successive human populations, providing not only food but also medicines and materials for constructing shelter and implements useful in daily living. Evidence of the first human communities in Marin dates back to 4500 years ago with the small villages of the Coast Miwok. The Coast Miwok numbered in the thousands. These native people lived by hunting and gathering. The Miwoks are said to have possessed an extraordinarily detailed understanding of the resources that were available to them. All resources were used with care and thanksgiving so they would continue to be available, and they were used fully. Little or nothing was wasted. Artifacts from their presence in Sleepy Hollow have been found as School Ties

In 1836, according to an often cited historical legend, Domingo left the Presidio in San Francisco on a raft and rode with the tide, landing at Point San Quentin. He then travelled inland to what is now known as the Lansdale area of San Anselmo and built a house of rushes adjacent to a pond there.

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Sais, the eldest child, would come to own a parcel of 1900 acres that covered all of present Sleepy Hollow (including what would be the site of the campus). In subsequent years, this parcel would be subdivided several times.

After securing the land grant, Domingo and his wife, Manuella Marinda, built a more permanent home of adobe near the present site of the Isabel Cook Community Center. Domingo and his family raised cattle, horses and sheep and farmed about five acres of crops. Fishing and hunting ducks, grizzly bears, black bears and elk (these latter three species no longer sighted in the San Anselmo/Fairfax environs) as well as deer and other

In the 1840s and 1850s, more and more people were migrating to California (including the Dominican Sisters, founding their first school in Monterey in 1850). The

smaller game supplemented the food supply. The land yielded redwood trees for building and oaks for firewood.

Adios Mexico, California Here We Come As a result of Mexico’s ceding of Alta California to the United States in 1848, Sais would again need to establish his claim to Rancho Canada de Herrera, this time with a U.S. Public Land Commission in 1852 convened in San Francisco. He was the first of the Marin grantees.

Just a few brief weeks after Sais established his patent to the land from the U.S., he died at the age of 47 from complications of injuries thought to be the result of a fall from a horse. Domingo left no will and probate proceedings were begun. His estate would eventually be divided among his six children and wife Manuella. Pedro School Ties

1848 discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill set in motion a meteoric rise in population in San Francisco. Suddenly Marin’s natural resources were in high demand to supply fuel, building materials and food to the booming

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Sleepy Hollow Quietly Emerges and the Visionaries Are Inspired

new city. Logging was an established industry in Marin in the 1830s but the demand for redwood, oak, Douglas fir and madrone accelerated dramatically.

Butterfield was a pragmatic and conservative man.

Although offered the property for $16,000, he was wary of the title clearance and stayed in the home and barns he built near Katrina Lane until his lease expired in 1876. Sais, in the meantime, sold that acreage and more to partners

The need for large supplies of fresh food was key and had a long-lasting impact on the Sleepy Hollow valley.

Panorama photo taken by Virginia Taylor Hall from what is now 404 Fawn Drive, 1939

Eggs during the Gold Rush were sold for $1 to $3 each, cheese for $25 per pound, butter at $20 per pound and milk at $1 a pint (to convert to today’s prices, multiply the price by 28!). Marin, with its suitability for grazing dairy herds and its proximity to San Francisco made it the fields of a ‘white gold rush’.

Peter Austin and Ebenezer Wornmouth. Over the next decade, there would be several changes in partnerships and ownership of the land, but Peter Austin was the first of several visionaries who saw potential in developing the area to something beyond a dairy. In 1876, he began to implement his plan for the construction of a large hotel and spa by planting poplars and eucalyptus (a few of each still stand) along the roadside and constructing a bridge over the creek; that was the extent of his progress due to financial problems. Other local dairy ranchers leased his land and cows continued to graze on the land.

Pedro Sais leased his acreage to Harvey Hale Butterfield as a dairy sometime shortly after 1851. Butterfield’s dairy was one of the many that would flourish in Marin and make the county number one in the state in dairy production within a decade. While dairies and chicken ranches nearer to town would give way to business and housing development, especially after the extension of the railroad to San Anselmo in 1874, Butterfield’s dairy and those of successive dairymen would be the only use of the Sleepy Hollow area until 1934.

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By 1887, through various buyouts, Anson P. Hotaling acquired the acreage, approximate to that of Pedro Sais’s holdings of 1876, and now was the sole landowner. Hotaling had prospered in both the liquor and banking businesses in San Francisco and also owned Hotaling Bank on 4th Street in San Rafael.

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valley and its surrounding hills, but he also enjoyed entertaining. According to his niece Jane, he celebrated the completion of the house with a lavish party made memorable when he set off a large collection of fireworks all at one. Richard had a penchant for theater, and the design of the house, which included a balcony, dramatic columns and grand staircases, reflected those pursuits. His guests included some of the well-known personalities of the entertainment world.

Richard Hotaling seemed to be a man of diverse interests.

Intrigued by the dairy business, he founded the Sleepy Hollow Dairy. While his importation of Holstein cows from Holland was notable, his longer lasting legacy was introducing his friend Washington Irving’s literary characters and settings to the area by naming prize cows after them. The link is still evident today in the street names of the neighborhood which were chosen by the team of land developers, Walter Lang and David Adams, in the 1930s and 40s.

Top: Architect’s sketch of proposed campus plan, 1962 Right: Aerial view of campus, circa 1970

Hotaling was not the only one moving to Marin in the 1880s. The Dominican Sisters had left Monterey for Benicia in 1854, when that city was selected as the state capital. As the years passed, the population in Benicia dwindled and the San Francisco Bay Area became the hub of northern California. The Dominican Sisters’ motherhouse and the boarding school moved to San Rafael in 1889.

Although he retired from the dairy business, Hotaling continued to reside in his home until 1910 when he returned to San Francisco, leasing his 1600 acres to Sigmund K. Herzog for the dairy. Under the direction of Herzog, the dairy became the first in the nation to be certified for utilizing best practices for sanitation and quality. His hay barn was said to be the largest west of the Mississippi River.

Mr. Hotaling named the property Sleepy Hollow Ranch.

He continued to lease out the land as dairy pasture, but it is not noted what plans he may have had for the future. After his death in 1900, one of his sons, Richard, envisioned something grander for the land—an elegant home ($25,000) located at the end of Butterfield Road.

He is said to have cherished the peace and quiet of the

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by Lang Realty. The moo of the cow did not give way to the cry of ‘fore!’ until 1934 when partners George Kaenal, a retired San Rafael business man, and local golf enthusiast H. A. “Polly” Willard formed a corporation that bought the land parcel that began at Butterfield Lane and stretched north to the former Hotaling property.

The mansion was remodeled to provide a clubhouse with dining facilities, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.

By 1937, the 19-hole course was described as the second longest in the United States and the first with a ‘pay as you go’ arrangement. One hundred golfers visited each day using the putting green and driving range opposite what is now San Domenico Riding School.

As a course, it was noted for its natural hazards and the beauty of the surrounding glens, hills and skyline.

It also was a popular place to go to dine and dance.

Mr. Herzog must have also been well known for his hospitality and his interest in educating the general population about the dairy business. He donated milk to visitors during the Panama Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915 but his generosity was evident in the Marin community. In a visit that would be a remarkable foreshadowing of the historical moving day parade from Dominican Convent to San Domenico some fifty-one years later, 93 ‘rollicking happy girls’ and their chaperones visited the Sleepy Hollow Ranch. According to the Marin Journal of November 4, 1914, the girls had a straw ride through the streets of San Rafael in a number of vehicles belonging to the local business of Burkhart Express.

Arriving at the dairy, they toured the facilities, picnicked in the groves of trees, and “drank great quantities of the milk…” It was, the girls told Mr. Herzog and his men, “one of the most enjoyable days of their school term.”

While the course itself was top notch, it suffered from a variety of management and legal problems almost from its opening. Drought required more and more money expended and the onset of World War II mandated that non-essential water supplies be redirected to Hamilton Airforce Base. The course was closed in 1941.

Sigmund Herzog continued to operate his dairy until the heirs of Anson Hotaling sold the property.

Herzog moved his dairy herd to the countryside near Petaluma where it still operates as the Sleepy Hollow Dairy and still has a stellar reputation.

In 1943, Albert G. Raisch and his wife, Katherine Jensen, a native of San Anselmo, purchased 500 acres in Sleepy Hollow including the former Hotaling mansion turned golf clubhouse for $50,000.

Mr. Raisch was a third generation owner of the paving and roadbuilding business that had begun in cobbling the streets of San Francisco during the Gold Rush. It is Raisch’s company that is credited with paving Highway 101 from the Golden Gate Bridge to Petaluma. Albert and Katherine had met in San Anselmo when he was working on one of his father’s company’s paving contracts. They married in 1922 and Albert founded his own company which would eventually be headquartered in Novato.

In the meantime, dairy operations still continued even during the first residential development of 35 lots offered

Surveying the progress of construction, 1965

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in Marin brought on by World War II, more and more of the Sleepy Hollow area was developed for housing.

The 500 acres owned by the Raisches stayed intact as one parcel through those boom years. However, in 1955 the Raisch family decided to relocate to San Francisco and the property was purchased by a Los Angeles investor and a San Anselmo realtor who had plans to develop the land as homesites. The 55 year old mansion/golf club was destined for demolition.

The Raisch family, which included two daughters and a son, restored the defunct golf clubhouse to its original purpose of a large and gracious family home.

Besides the needed utilitarian modernizations, the family added a pool, stables and a dam for irrigation.

The resulting lake (located on the current Kesterson Field) was used for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Development was not yet underway when the first of two suspicious fires broke out in January of 1957 reducing the barns to ashes. Just a month later on February 17 at 2 a.m., another fire was reported at the mansion itself and burned for over four hours despite efforts of the firefighters. The garden wall of stones, the foundation and the broad and once inviting steps were the only features to survive. These structures still stand at the entrance of today’s campus as sentinels to another era. More treasured by the Dominican Sisters is the continued connection between the family and the school; the Raisches granddaughter, Kathryn Kinslow, attended San Domenico School, Class of ’85.

From the Ashes, New Foundations and New Visions Arise

The wedding reception of Janet Raisch and Fisher Kinslow

The home was surrounded by carefully maintained landscape. Fifty head of cattle also grazed the lands.

Although the site was seemingly quiet after the fires, behind the scenes new plans were in formation and gathering strength, a phoenix was preparing to rise from the ashes. The originators and creators of the new vision were the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael who needed a new venue to continue their tradition of excellence in education. Their goal was to find a site that would allow their students to partake and care for the natural environment, an essential tenet of the Dominican order and to have a place that inspired study and reflection, important Dominican keystones. The San Rafael campus had expanded to include not only educational and boarding facilities for first through twelfth grades but also a college and a preschool. By 1960, the boom in the

The hallmarks of Raisch hospitality were their barbeques and dance parties. One such celebration, on August 15, 1945, featured martinis mixed in a cement mixer and turned even more celebratory when it was announced that Japan had surrendered, therefore ending World War II. Cement mixer martinis are still a part of Sleepy Hollow-ana - they were the featured cocktail at a recent fundraiser for the Sleepy Hollow Homeowners Association.

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Bay Area’s population and the stellar reputation of Dominican education had resulted in an impressive rate of growth: the Upper School had increased from 100 to 240 students, the Lower School from 40 to 200 students, and the college campus had an enrollment of 700. There was no available land in the area adjacent to the campus. For a fourth time in their California experience, the Sisters prepared to find a location that would nurture and advance their work and philosophy.

In May of 1960, more than 500 acres was purchased for the new Golfers on the Sleepy Hollow Golf Course driving range, c. 1939. This is the current location school under the leadership of of the stables. Courtesy of San Anselmo Historical Museum Mother Mary Justin, O.P., Prioress General. The Sisters christened it and traditions, felt a certain amount of trepidation and the ‘Second Century Campus’. While it was of utmost loss. But Sister Maurice, a key leader in the historic move, importance to ensure that the School stay in the vanguard wrote in a letter to the alums on May 25, 1960: “…and of changing educational needs and modern technology, though you will weep with us at the thought of uprooting it was also key that it be designed in harmony with its ourselves from this hallowed spot, we know that you will surroundings, to foster the students’ appreciation of rejoice with us too that God has so blessed beautiful land natural beauty. Only 30 acres would be developed and in the peaceful Sleepy Hollow Valley. Knowing too our every precaution would be taken to preserve or restore deep love for tradition and the Dominican inheritance, the existing environment. The campus site would be you know that this will not be uprooting really, but an inspiration to those who came there and the School re-rooting…All the traditions of the school as you knew community would be stewards of the land. This maxim them will remain in the essentials—only the material still guides and nurtures the bond, the partnership surroundings will be different—and this difference will between the soil and the souls of San Domenico. mean many, many advantages for hundreds of children for many generations to come…We are pioneering together.”

Re-rooting 1960-1965 As we look back to the school’s early days and the many obstacles that the community faced, we can appreciate more fully the campus we, and the ’hundreds of children’ enjoy today. Sister Maurice’s words still ring true, and we are now the ones ‘pioneering together’ to grow the school for the next 50 years of excellence.

The Dominican Convent community in San Rafael faced the challenges of creating a new campus and community with grace, excitement, courage and careful planning.

But it would take several years to bring their plans to fruition. The close knit community, proud of its heritage

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Dominican Sisters

as the Fabric of

San Domenico’s rich history and much of its ongoing success is due to a blessing bestowed upon us years ago, our founding by, and continuous relationship with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

By Sister Susannah Malarkey, O.P. ’48, Upper School Teacher, 1960-1965

San Domenico School’s rich history and much of its ongoing success is due to a blessing bestowed upon us years ago: our founding by, and continuous relationship with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.

Many years before the School’s establishment in 1965 at its fourth site, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael have been entwined with the history and life of San Domenico School. They have woven the fabric out of which, over these 50 years in Sleepy Hollow, the Dominican values of Study, Prayer/Reflection, Community and Service continue to deepen and grow within the School community.

The story begins in 1850 when an adventuresome Dominican Sister Mary Goemaere agreed to accompany Bishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany, O.P. on a journey from her convent home in Paris to Monterey, California. Their intent was to pioneer an education ministry where they would ‘teach the children of the forty-niners’. Not only was this first school in Monterey much needed, serving students from various religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds whose families had moved west, but it was there that the Dominican Sisters’ order began to grow and evolve.

In 1854, the Sisters moved the school to Benicia to be closer to the Archbishop and the educational and cultural advantages of the North Bay Area. In 1889, the Sisters made the difficult decision to once again move the growing day and boarding school, this time to San Rafael. There the Sisters continued to govern and develop the school.

Sisters and students of those early years on the San Rafael campus, both in the Upper and Lower Schools, flourished as they formed strong bonds of learning, teaching, caring, respect and support during these formative years. From the Dominican Sisters’ commitment to quality education in these two school levels flowed a Junior College and finally Dominican College, chartered by the University of California in 1916.

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San Domenico School While on the San Rafael campus, students in the day and boarding schools enjoyed many of the same facilities and activities as the college students. The small wooden gym, Hannify Hall, hosted spirited Upper School inter-class and Roundhead/Cavalier athletic contests for all to enjoy.

It also served as a theatre for dramatic skits and dance, a venue for the annual Christmas Bazaar, a Dance fest, a Song Festival and a myriad of other creative. The adjacent swimming pool and two tennis courts, along with the extended Forest Meadows athletic fields, tennis courts and riding arena, were in wide use. Play Day, held each year in Forest Meadows, hosted students from other Bay Area girls private schools and was a big event! In addition, the stately three story Music and Dramatic Arts Building, Angelico Hall, held music studios, practice rooms and a large auditorium stage for the annual performances of Living Pictures, Christmas Tableaux, plays, recitals, and the multiple musical and dramatic activities.

It was a multi-faceted and fully-engaged community of student and faculty in the Dominican Upper and Lower Schools on this San Rafael campus during this period. Students and Sisters, in company with engaged lay educators and mentors, taught and learned and grew together, shared prayer and laughter and the beauty of the

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Domincan Sisters as the Fabric of San Domenico School campus, as well as periods of personal struggle and shared reflection on the shifting currents of world and national events.

The transition would be a monumental undertaking.

Several years passed as permits, structural plans, contract agreements, groundbreaking ceremonies and construction of campus buildings proceeded. All of this took place under the careful direction of Sister Maurice who worked diligently with architects, builders, parent representatives, alumnae, and other friends of the school to plan the new and spacious campus.

It was in early 1960 that the leadership of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Mother Justin Barry and her Councilors, in consultation with the Principals of the Upper and Lower Schools, Sister Maurice Powers and Sister Kathleen Dawson, began to seriously consider a move for the schools. It had become increasingly clear to the Sisters that the San Rafael campus was too small for these two thriving schools along with a growing Dominican College student body.

Sisters, students and parents took great pleasure in exploring the lands, valley and hills of the campus during this planning phase of our history. A special ‘Safari Day’ expedition took place to create excitement and celebrate the impending move. The safari started at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre in San Rafael and consisted of a motorcade of 100 cars that students, their parents and the Sisters creatively decorated with pampas grass, faux animal heads and other hunting paraphernalia.

The Raisch family of San Anselmo proposed a sale to the Sisters of 550 acres of prime land at the end of Butterfield Road, and Mother Justin and her Council made the decision to purchase the land. The die was cast. Among the Sisters’ greatest accomplishments, and an example of courageous foresight, the choice to move the school from San Rafael ensured room for expansion, extended offerings, and the ability to meet the changing needs of a growing population. The Sisters considered the beautiful natural environment in Sleepy Hollow, an idyllic setting for learning, exploring, and reflection.

Finally, over winter break, on December 18, 1965, the much anticipated move to the new campus took place. Dedicated Dominican Sisters worked tirelessly throughout the holidays to ensure the campus was ready for students to commence classes in January 1966. On ‘Moving Day’, as that day is called, students, families and Sisters together made their way, caravan style, in a great procession of colorful vehicles, old and new, through San Rafael, along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Butterfield Road, and down the twomile road to the new San Domenico campus. Sisters Maurice and Kathleen, Thomasine and Theodore led the way, followed by Sisters Gervaise, Victoria, Carol, Emilie, Rachel, Adrienne, Catherine Browne, Hubert, Francis Xavier, William, Pierre, Paul, and Christine. To everyone’s delight, Sister Carol Quinn, Senior Class Moderator, along with Judy Owens, Student Body President, landed on Kesterson Hockey Field in a helicopter!

“The single most important constant for San Domenico is the incredible commitment of those Sisters who have gone before us and of those who continue to secure our vision of the future.”

We thank and honor the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael for being such an important constant in our community, for weaving the threads of that creative and blessed fabric, a constant that has carried Dominican education in California for 165 years, and which now flourishes for these past 50 years in

Although construction was not 100% complete, the move went seamlessly. Sisters and students began the task of unpacking all that had come with them from St. Thomas Hall and Bertrand Hall in San Rafael,

the vibrant school community of San Domenico at the Sleepy Hollow campus in San Anselmo.

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Sisters Maurice and Kathleen looking at model of campus Olga Malati Dollar, Jean Ingalls Mactavish, Mother Justin, O.P., and Sister M. Thomasine surveying the land, July 1964

vision, initiative and courage remain today in the commitment of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael to the mission of San Domenico School. Their legacy remains in the untiring outreach of Head of School Emerita, Sister Gervaise, in the spirit of the Sisters living on campus today, and in the presence and engagement of the Dominican Sisters who reside in San Rafael and continue to serve faithfully on our Board of Directors.

preparing to settle in together within the newly furnished classrooms, dorms and convent rooms.

By the time school reopened in January, students and Sisters together rejoiced in their stunning new surroundings. All were proud to say, “We didn’t miss a day of classes!”

A statement of the Dominican Sisters “Philosophy of Education” developed in the 1960s states that, “We seek to develop students of strong character and personal integrity, capable of confronting reality with humility and courage, confident to question in search for truth, and committed to lifelong learning.

We proclaim a love of learning, respect for individual creativity and giftedness, hope in the future, joy in the service of God and neighbor, and vitality in proclaiming gospel values.” It is evident, when interacting with current students and graduates, that these well-crafted and strongly Dominicanoriented goals continue to be achieved in the San Domenico School community today.

The school was renamed ‘San Domenico’ to distinguish it from Dominican Convent and Dominican College, and it retained a strong connection with the Dominican spirit and values that had blossomed within the school community in San Rafael and on the school’s two previous campuses. The sixteen sisters who traveled out to San Domenico on Moving Day remained a vital presence on the campus, in the dorms and classrooms, and in all student activities. Their presence, and the legacy of Sister Maurice’s and Sister Kathleen’s School Ties

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reunion 2015

Celebrating 50 years on Celebrating class years the San Anselmo Campus ending in 0’s and 5’s

Please join us for

Reunion 2015!

September 25–26, 2015 50th anniversary for the class of 1965 25th anniversary for the class of 1990

Save the Date

All Alumni Reunion Weekend September 23-25, 2016 School Ties

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Join us for our

Anniversary Events 2016 January 29 March 5

VIP Film Screening of The Trouble with Angels Parent Service Association Auction Gala

March 17

Mary Evelyn Tucker, Speaker

March 24

Grandparents Day

June 10 & 11 July 4

September 23-25 October 8

Middle School and Upper School Graduations SD Float in the Sleepy Hollow Parade and Community Picnic All Alumni Reunion Weekend All School Garden Faire and Open Field Day

November 5

Veritas Leadership Dinner

December 2

Tableaux

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fall events

Julie Davis Butler Luncheon

Class of 2016 Award Winners with Julie Davis Butler’s classmates and sister. Shelly Zheng, Olivia Dai, Moment Li, Mary Donohue Ciocca ’59, Jeanne Poett Leonard ’59, Catherine Davis Marsten ’63, Christa Collman, Ealan Jiang, Christina Hong, Angela Chen, Melissa Yin

JDB Award Winners and their Projects Olivia Dai and Shelly Zheng

Help teach children in the Aibi primary school in the Guangdong Province of China, where teachers and normal educational opportunities for children are severely lacking.

Melissa Yin and Angela Chen

Teach ceramics to children of migrant workers in Shanghai, working with the non-profit organization JINQIAN, which offers educational opportunities to children who lack any enrichment curriculum in art, literature and culture.

Christina Hong and Ealan Jiang

Spend a week at a Special Education School in Shanghai, as volunteers helping children with autism School Ties

and other physical handicaps, using drawing and ready “to show them life is rich and satisfying.”

Christa Collman

Volunteer at a stoma clinic in New Delhi, India, sharing her personal experience of ostomy and expertise in assisting pre-and post-operative patients with the application and use of appropriate appliances.

Moment Li

Teach music and other fun lessons and activities (science, sports) to children at the Si Ga Primary School in DaLiangShan in Sichuan province in China. Since they do not leave their mountain town, she would also like to teach them about the outside world through posters and videos. She has been to the school twice before in the summers of 2013 and 2014.

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1

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1 Mary Donohue Ciocca ’59 and Sister Susannah Malarkey 0.P. ’48 2 Cecily Stock ’77, Catherine Davis Marsten ’63, Jeanne Poett Leonard ’59, Mary Donohue Ciocca ’59, Sister Gervaise Valpey, O.P. 3 Mary Donohue Ciocca ’59, Sister Gervaise Valpey, O.P., Laura Volovski 4 Shown: Virtuoso member Daniel Stone, Not Shown: Soria Nguyen, Katya Schane, Ross Abeje 5 Kristania Deleon ’05, Betsy Rosenlund ’05, Former JDB Award Recipients and speakers at the luncheon

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4

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alumnae

Alumnae Reunion ’15

1 1 Class of 1965 – Back row: Lynn Schmitz Johnson, Melanie Healy Forderhase, Caroline Beard, Josephine Shaw, Kaytie Dana Osterloh, Susan McCarthy Fujita, Kathleen Keith, Lauretta Del Curto, Mary Alice Evans Front row: Bridget Fahy Flint, Carolyn Campora, Susan Lilley, Vailita Cliff Kramer, Brenda Daly Zwiefelhofer

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2 Class of 1965 – Melanie Healy Forderhase, Caroline Beard, Lynn Schmitz Johnson 3 Class of 2005 – Betsy Rosenlund, Kristania Deleon, Mariel Vandersteel 4 Class of 1950 – Back row: Joanne Keig Harris, Mary Helen Briscoe Front row: Lillian Machado Dickson, Angela Musco Putkey

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5 Class of 1985 – Back row: Nessa Vasconez Richards, Jinx Kinslow, Jennifer Tomsic Bioche,

Jennifer Westerberg Hoffman, Laura Revenko, Karoline Lewis, Erin Hurley Front row: Mary Jane Pasha, Tavia Holmes, Kelly Graham, Beth Wraga Wong, Amy Armstrong Phillips, Sarah Sanford ’85 6 Reunion Brunch Class of 1965: Kathleen Keith, Caroline Beard, Melanie Healy Forderhase, Sister Gervaise Valpey, O.P., Bridget Fahy Flint School Ties

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7

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7 Irma Gavica Rico ’75, Muffie Pennisi Fendler ‘66, Charles McCollum, Denise Cossette McCollum ’75 8 Devi Thadani MacKay ’60, Marilyn Pelissa Harris ’60, Linda Pederson ’60 9 Reunion Yoga: Patricia Chapman Griffith ’61, Stephanie Burns Lawrence ’61, Nan Donahue Sciaroni ’66 10 Laura Volovski, Nicole Duncan, Brenda Daly Zwiefelhofer ’65, Kristania Deleon ’05, Betsy Rosenlund ’05, Mariel Vandersteel ’05, Cecily Stock ’77, Sarah Ann Maleady Smith ’75, Alexis McKenzie DeLoach ’75, Sister Gervaise Valpey, O.P. ’65

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distinguished alumna award

Hoonae Kim ’75

The 2015 Distinguished Alumna award was bestowed upon Hoonae Kim ’75.

The Distinguished Alumna Award has been presented annually since 1963 to graduates of San Domenico School whose lives embody the spirit of Veritas and who, by their dedication to lifelong growth and learning, exemplify the Dominican values of study, reflection, community and service. Hoonae is currently Director for Asia and the Pacific Region at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UN agency based in Rome, Italy. She moved to IFAD after 27 years of various professional positions at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. Over three decades, Hoonae helped shape sustainable development in over 80 countries around the world focusing on urban, water, transport, energy, agriculture, environment and social development. Throughout her career, Hoonae has supported several countries in transition, including China in the 1980s, former Soviet Union countries in the early 1990s, pre-EU accession countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Vietnam and later the Middle East and North Africa during the Arab Spring. Hoonae served as a member of the World Bank’s Sanctions Board, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Environmental Sector Boards. She also serves on special committees and task forces including the Diversity Committee. Hoonae was educated in Engineering at the University of California Berkeley, McGill University, and Cornell University.

Hoonae currently resides in Rome, Italy.

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class notes

1

San Domenico School

2

1 Lexsea Mann MS’00 and Ben Coppersmith 2 Narine (Mardirosian) Birindjian MS’00 , husband Raffi and daugther Alina

Middle School Class Notes

Upper School Class Notes

Katy Thomas MS’98 married Lance R. Johnson on June 13,

Jeanne Lockhart Hiskey ’43 lost her husband, Claude,

2015 where they first met: at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco.

last March, after 68 wonderful years of marriage. She lives in a marvelous retirement community, Fairwinds - Ivey Ranch in Oceanside, CA. She feels truly blessed to have two sons, a granddaughter and great-granddaughter in Oregon, as well as a daughter and identical twin granddaughters in Washington.

Lexsea Mann MS’00 and Ben Coppersmith were married at the city hall in Palm Springs, CA on February 6, 2015.

1

Narine (Mardirosian) Birindjian MS’00 graduated from

Janice Ahlem ’45 is happily retired at Covenant Village in Turlock, CA. She has many grand and great-grandchildren to enjoy.

Cal Poly University in 2008. The same year she married Raffi Birindjian, who she met in Armenia while on a youth group service mission. She followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own event planning and design business Sweet + Crafty. On November 28th 2014 Narine and Raffi welcomed their first child, Alina.

Elizabeth Monson Worthington ’45 married a psychiatrist and traveled to more than 130 countries. She is now 88 years old and in good health.

Christina Pringle MS’04 is an Accenture Management

Connie McNamara Green ’48 is enjoying retirement on

Consultant based out of Chicago, currently working in the Financial Services industry. She has been with Accenture since October 2012, and has experience in large-scale transformation projects, M&A rationalization, migration planning, market and growth strategy, and Digital transformation. As one of her company extracurriculars, she is also the program manager of Accenture’s Management Consulting Development Program in North America. Christina graduated from Northwestern in June 2012 with a double major in Political Science and International Studies and a double minor in Business Institutions and Integrated Marketing.

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the ranch and visits from children (three retired navy) and grandchildren (5 currently serving in military services).

Carol Franc Buck ’54 has a granddaughter, Mackenzie

Erdman, now attending University of Southern California.

Anita Barg Lewis ’56 is happily retired and enjoys community activities, traveling and gardening.

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3

4 3 Caria Tomczykowska ’64 is engaged to Robin Keith Perry 4 Members of the class of 1968 gathered at the home of Cheri Ledyard Olhiser ’68 on October 12, 2015 to celebrate their 65th birthdays.

Nellene Urry McCracken ’56 is living in a senior residence and is the liaison representative between residents and management.

grandchild, a boy and a girl. After retiring from being an Elementary School Principal, Darrell and Kitsy moved to their second home in Northstar, CA. They’ve been there 5 years and love it! Life is good.

Pamela Dickie Zeller ’57 is keeping busy with dear friends and her church activities. Her family is doing well and Pamela enjoys hearing about everyone from her class.

Diana Fong Chan ’58 is the author of two books titled

Susan De Berry Babb ’66 recently re-connected with Maxine “Mackie” Green Bennett ’66 who had her first

Animal Kingdom: Vertebrates, Animals with Backbones and Easy ’n Healthy Cooking.

Diane Tyler Ogren ’58 retired last fall after doing taxes for 40 years in Grass Valley, CA and has moved to Spokane, WA. Diane feels very much at home in Spokane and life is wonderful.

Karla Nixon McMorran ’60 opened a small Christmas Shoppe in Gold Beach, OR after having been retired for 10 years. She is glad to be back on the West Coast and is enjoying life at the Ocean.

Stephanie Burns Lawrence ’61 teaches yoga to Domin-

ican alumnae and taught a special yoga class during the 2015 Reunion Weekend. Stephanie had an art show in summer 2015 at The Depot Bookstore in Mill Valley.

Marcie Noltner Leach ’61 helps out in the Health Office at

grandchild. Susan and her husband Al are proud grandparents of four. She is retired and loves it.

Members of the class of 1968 gathered at the home of Cheri Ledyard Olhiser ’68 on October 12, 2015 to celebrate their 65th birthdays.

Carolyn Wheeler ’68 is a nature artist in Marin. One of her recent collections was titled ‘Kimono Cats’.

Eliane Lust ’74 was the guest pianist at the Vivaldi San Domenico Concert on October 25, 2015.

Rory Romberg-Daniels ’75 is the grandparent of Colton, Nora and Henry (twins) and Greysen. Her children are Aaron, who works at Costco, Alaina, an ICU nurse, and Alivia who owns her own business.

Kate Supple Klein ’75 retired after 31 years and an

esteemed career as a newscaster with CBS in San Francisco.

San Domenico. Her granddaughter, Gracie, will be graduating from 8th grade in 2016 and Marcie and her family are grateful for SD.

Joyce Nunes Feldman ’76 became a grandmother in September 2013 and is enjoying her first grandchild, Christopher.

Caria Tomczykowska ’64 is engaged to Robin Keith Perry

Sandra Rudd ’78 celebrated 5 years of being an ordained

Kathleen Pasqualetti Smith ’65 has been married

Sister Lioba Postel ’79 and her sister Alison Postel Baumann ’77 thank Sr. Gervaise O.P, Sr. Jude O.P. and all

after four blissful years together. They are looking forward to the next 40 as they plan for a July 2016 wedding.

46 years to the love of her life, Darrell Smith. Her two children are both happily married, giving them each one

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Lutheran Pastor. She serves the 175- year old congregation of Sitka Lutheran Church in Sitka, Alaska.

their classmates who reached out to them at the time of

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podcast Sermon Brainwave at (www.workingpreacher.org) and author of a weekly column.

Tammy Swanson ’88 recently ‘did the math’ and realized

she has been....living in the Bay Area and teaching at San Domenico Upper School for 8 years, coaching a F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team for 15 years, and teaching high school mathematics for 23 years.

Kristie Mersereau Isaacson ’92 had twins, a daughter

named Kate and a son named Luke, born September 10, 2013.

16

Asmara Pelupessy ’99 has been living in The Netherlands since 2007 and based in Amsterdam, where she works as an Associate Editor for the photographer-owned agency NOOR Images (www.noorimages.com).

5

Emmy Pierce ’06 had a role in the Ragged Wing Ensem-

5 Nora Dalipi ’09 and Maggie Simpson ’09 during a recent

ble’s latest play, Through the Wall in Oakland, CA.

visit to San Domenico in August 2015.

their Dad’s passing February 8, 2014. Sister Postel especially thanks Jill (Perry) Kelly, Maria Quiros, her dear Mom Alyce, as well as Kimmy Fukuda and Eva Bollinger. The main reason she would encourage students and alumni to stay in touch is less about presenting achievements, awards and honors and more that we are fragile human beings living on a fragile planet and we need each other. Her website is abbeyofreginalaudis.org.

Bridgette Brigham ’80 permanently relocated from San

Rosie Weiss ’06 has been working as a member service

representative at Patelco Credit Union for over a year. She is passionate about enriching the financial lives of her members, and looks forward to advancing her career within the institution. She attends night courses part-time at Dominican University of California and plans to receive her BA in Business Management within the next two years.

She is also fluent in Spanish, which allows her to conduct transactions in Spanish for her Spanish-speaking members.

Francisco to Atlanta and is loving the South. She would love to get together with other alumni in the area. Her email is sfbridge@yahoo.com.

It was wonderful to see Nora Dalipi ’09 and Maggie Simpson ’09 during a recent visit to San Domenico in

Jennifer Russell ’81 is happy to report she celebrated her

Brett Simpson ’12 interned during summer 2015 at Bay

14th year post bilateral lung transplant on May 15, 2015.

She is doing well!

Jinx Kinslow ’85 became a Certified Life Coach in 2014.

Her life coaching practice includes help in relationships, career, and goal setting for life success.

Karoline Lewis ’85 published a book titled John, (Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentary Series) in November 2014.

She is a Director for a Lilly Grant in Preaching on lifelong homiletical instruction and she was a featured preacher at the Festival of Homiletics. Karoline is a co-host of the

August 2015.

Nature magazine and she published two articles titled “On a Now-Protected Ranch Above Tomales Bay, a Chance to ’Give the Land What It Deserves’” and “What Moths Live in the East Bay Hills? On ’Moth Night,’ A Chance to Find Out.”

Rita Hu ’13 was appointed the Under-Secretary-General of External Relations for Berkeley Model UN 64 in September 2015 and was in charge of registration, country assignment and email. Rita is a student at University of California, Berkeley.

Hoonae Kim ’75, 2015 Distinguished Alumna Award Recipient visited the San Domenico campus and had the opportunity to speak with Upper School students in Ian Sethre and Kristen Levine’s classrooms about her global work, the role of women in business and economy, and how San Domenico prepared her for what she has accomplished today.

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alumni

Alumni Gatherings

SF Alumnae Brunch—April 26, 2015 hosted by Lauren Becker ’04

Back row: Mr. Dirk A. Weiss, Natalia Kresich ’06, Karolinka Tekiela ’07, Samantha Shapiro ’06, Shallin Ris ’07, Caroline Ackley ’10, Melinda Borello ’10, Hannah Lyman ’07, Sarah Adams ’09, Me, Megan Richcreek ’04. L-R Front row: Dee Dee Coyne ’06, Katie Bartunek ’05, Ali Lino ’05, Lauren Becker ’04, Negeen Suri Nawim ’09, Rhiannon Salter ’05

Middle School Alumni Gathering November 25, 2015 Presidio Bowling Alley, San Francisco Back row: Connor Stock ’08, Joe Boswell ’98, Marcus Stock, Courtney Buie ’03, Katy Thomas Johnson ’98, Lance Johnson, Emily Brucia ’03, John A. Rushworth ’03, Katherine Spaulding ’04, Wynn Richards, Suzy Spaulding ’03, Katie Arsenio ’03 Middle row: Cecily Stock ’77, Joan Spaulding ’12, Evelyn Wallace ’12, Amy Kwan ’12 Front row: Brendan Stock ’10, Cameron Taylor, ’13, Colin Wells ’08, Nicole Stock ’12, Blake Thompson ’12

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alumni

Alumni Gatherings Marin Alumnae Lunch—June 28, 2015 Farmshop Restaurant

Back row: Sara McConneloug ’88, Serena Campbell ’93, Anne Dinkelspiel ’74, Robin Mayrisch Andrae ’66, Nicole Duncan, Rebecca Heath Farguson ’05, Jinx Kinslow ’85, Laura Volovski, Katie Abbott Horn ’71, Meehyun Kim Kurtzman ’82, Ruth Collins ’81 Sitting Front row: Marina Felton ’97, Sheila Doyle Kiernan ’44, Sister Susannah Malarkey, O.P. ’48, Muffie Pennisi Fendler ’66, Peckie Harris Peters ’77, Gay Keil ’57, Lisa Alexander ’83, Margaret Carrigan Nau ’87

Oakland Alumnae Gathering —May 7, 2015 Barlago Italian Kitchen

Front row: Alexa LaPlante ’96, Anne Rainwater ’02, Allison Shankel Prine ’05, Erin Shankel ’09, Christina Afanasieff ’01, Katherine Kimsey ’00, Amaya C. Alonso-Hallifax ’00, Allison Townsend Hampton ’99, Caroline Kornfield Roberts ’03 Back row: Cecily Stock ’77, Lucia Manzella ’93, Emager Lacy Pierce ’89, Robin Mayrisch Andrae ’66, Emily Niedecker-Walski ’91, Nicole Duncan, Sister Gervaise Valpey, O.P. ’65 Not Shown: Lauren LaPlante ’93 School Ties

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In Memoriam Nan Tucker McEvoy ’37

Alix Baigrie Perkins ’48

Gladys Gomez Graham ’62

Patricia MacLean ’38

Dorothy Hyde Clifford ’48

Christina Capurro Sand ’80

Catherine Thomas Golden ’41

Joan Casserly ’49

Helen Rend Donahue ’43

Patricia Harrison Brown ’51

Patsi Pritchard McClaran ’44

Doris Weinzheimer ’56

Gayle Richardson Murphy, former Director/Instructor of the San Domenico Riding Program

Sheila Keliher Walsh ’45

Patricia Rennie Dahl ’57

Sister Theresa Kuss, O.P., former Upper School teacher

Sympathy Anne Baumgartner Morris ’53 on the death of her brother Peter Baumgartner Diana White Dougherty ’56 on the death of her husband and Erin Dougherty Muha ’75 on the death of her father Bob Dougherty

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Carol Prince ’63 on the death of her sister Pat Sorini Judith Owens Knight ’66 on the death of her mother Cherry Baker Cornelia Sias ’66 on the death of her father Roane Thorpe Sias Ricarda McCleary Clause ’67 on the death of her husband Douglas Bruce Clause Anne Scafidi Davey ’70 on the death of her father Joseph Anthony Scafidi Carolyn Clifford Mowlds ’71, Patsy Clifford Capbarat ’73 and Amy Clifford Jones MS ’82 on the death of theirmother Dorothy Hyde Clifford ’48 Barbara Dolter Hogan ’72 on the death of her mother Katherine Fowler McKenzie

Pamela Marshall Howells ’72 on the death of her father Thomas C. Marshall

Joelle Linder Burnette ’83 on the death of her father Richard “Dick” S. Linder

Gail McGowan ’72 and Mary McGowan ’78 on the death of their mother Helen McGowan

Cristi Veracruz Wendler ’87 on the death of her mother Perpetua Veracruz

Mary Pohl Bennett ’74 and Nancy Pohl Svendsen ’80 on the death of their brother Robert “Bob” Denis Pohl Katy Slichter McCormick ’74 on the death of her father Donald Allen (“Duke”) Slichter Cynthia Burke Ciardella MS’75 on the death of her mother Delores Marie Burke Maria Gomez Mussfeldt ’75 on the death of her sister Gladys Gomez Graham ’62 Collette Kristensen Martinez MS’76 on the death of her husband Steve Martinez Kimberly Englebright Dumousseau ’78 on the deathof her mother Susan Mary Englebright

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Satomi Hofmann Arnold ’90 on the death of her father John Hofmann Tracy Linsin Bradlee MS ’92 on the death of her father Edward Linsin Michelle Ghilotti Mandel ’92 and her brother William Ghilotti MS’93 on the death of their mother Nancy Ghilotti Heather Flynn-Roller ’97 on the death of her mother Carolyn Ingrid Saarni Nolan Cassidy MS’12 and Michael Cassidy LS ’10 on the death of their father John Cassidy Past Faculty Faith France on the death of her husband Hugo Rinaldi Marian Marsh, Music Conservatory, on the death of her husband David Myrick Wade

2015-16 San domenico annual fund

Sustaining our Dominican Values

study

reflection

community

service

With a great education comes great responsibility. Keeping a high standard of excellence in all facets of our program is a priority at San Domenico, and an annual challenge at independent schools as tuition dollars do not cover the full cost of educating each student.

The San Domenico Fund is our School’s Annual Fund, which guarantees our commitment to ensure unique and comprehensive programs—from academics, extra-curriculars, athletics, and tuition assistance, to faculty development and compensation—are fully underwritten.

There is no better time to make San Domenico a priority as we celebrate our strength as a school and our rich traditions.

Make your tax deductible gift today to help us reach our goal of 100% participation!

‘Thank You’ to our Faculty, Administration and Board for leading the charge with 100% participation already this year! sandomenico.org/giving

The Oscars JOIN US FOR A NIGHT AT

CIRCA

1960

March 5, 2016

Join Us for a Night at

The Oscars!

Parent Service Association Gala

Saturday March 5, 2016 School Ties

100

winter 2016

Come dressed as your favorite 1960’s movie character!

School Ties

101

winter 2016

Shop to Fundraise eScrip

There’s no easier way to support your school!

iGive

Sign up and shop to fundraise for SD at Gap, Apple, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, The Home Depot, Lowes and more! www.escrip.com

Shop to fundraise at stores such as Amazon. com, eBay, Staples, JCPenney, Barnes & Noble, Overstock.com, Home Depot, Best Buy, and NORDSTROM. www.iGive.com

Amazon Smile

Lands’ End

Sign up and .5% of eligible Amazon Smile shopping supports SD.

Use Code 900114364 to support SD!

Grocery Cards

Local Merchants

With your grocery card in hand, your regular grocery shopping at Woodlands Market, United Markets, Good Earth, Fairfax Market, and Mollie Stones’ can help support SD.

Local merchants that support San Domenico include Book Passage in Corte Madera, and Sports Basement in the Presidio.

Mention SD at check out and they will donate a percentage of your sale to our school.

Learn more and sign up today at www.sandomenico.org/scrip Questions? Email scrip@sandomenico.org

San Domenico School 1500 Butterfield Road San Anselmo, CA 94960

Please forward this publication. If your son or daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Advancement Office of his or her new mailing address by calling (415) 258-1931, or emailing alums@sandomenico.org

San Domenico School | 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo CA 94960 | sandomenico.org