Review The
ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
Roaring
SUMMER 2025
Into The Next 160 Years
SMA Planetarium
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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Class of 2025 Commencement Signature Community Events Reunion Weekend 2024 Alumnae Events Philanthropy at SMA Alumnae Board Loretto Legacy Society Class Notes In Memorium
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CLASS OF 2025 COMMENCEMENT
The 150th Graduating Class of St. Mary’s Academy On a beautiful day in May, 64 exceptional young women celebrated a momentous milestone as they graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and became proud alumnae. SMA graduates are headed to 43 esteemed colleges and universities. Their chosen fields of study are equally diverse, pointing to a decision-making process that was shaped over four years of intensive coursework, activities and clubs, service-learning, and college counseling, distinctive to the all-girls program that is led with the Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect. Liz Deline Williams ‘09 spoke about legacy in her Commencement address, as her family has a rich history with SMA and its legacy of educating Colorado’s women to the highest standard. Liz asked the Class of 2025, “What do you want your legacy to be? What ideas or inspiration have you learned during your time at SMA that you wish to carry with you and share with others as you step out into the world? How do you want to be remembered by others as you pass through their lives?” The ceremony included performances by Tia Capra ‘25, singing “Slipping Through My Fingers,” and Miranda Parra ‘25, singing “The Climb.” SAIMARAC performed the classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Class representatives Darya Safavi ‘25 and Ellie White ‘25 offered reflections on behalf of the class. Jaqueline Sevilla ‘25 concluded the ceremony with the closing prayer.
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St. Mary’s Academy Award Recipients • Shepherdess Award, awarded to seniors who have attended St. Mary’s Academy for the longest consecutive period: Sara Isabella Orrego and Ellen Avery Porter • Sanders Citation, presented in memory of Helen Sanders SL, class of 1925, to the seniors who exemplify courage, initiative, and the generous gift of self: Matilda Grace Bauer and Reeve Lynn Jacob • Jessie Forshee Award, awarded to a senior for outstanding academic achievement and a general interest in all school activities: Maeve Grogan Draper • Marian Award, awarded by the faculty to the senior most outstanding in leadership, loyalty, and academic achievement: Eliana Susan Jae-Ah White
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S I G N AT U R E C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S
Caitlin Brennan ‘06, Sarah Mellick ‘06, Itsy Jones VanCamp ‘06
Annual Hopper Family Wildcat Classic The Annual Hopper Family Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament had a record-breaking year in 2024. Held for the first time at Cherry Creek Country Club, net proceeds more than doubled from 2023, raising over $80,000. Proceeds from the annual tournament support tuition assistance and athletics. We are grateful to our sponsors and players for making this event a huge success! Interested in joining the 2025 tournament? Contact Sarah Mellick ‘06 at smellick@smanet.org.
SAVE THE DATE
Susan Odland Lintonsmith ‘83 was a generous hole sponsor of this event.
Hopper Family Wildcat Classic | Monday, September 29, 2025 | Cherry Creek Country Club
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Celebrating 160 Years and Beyond The 2024-2025 school year marked St. Mary’s Academy’s 160th anniversary. The year kicked off with a birthday party in September (with cake and, of course, a 160 photo). In March, the importance of service to our history was celebrated with an All-Academy Service afternoon. Other nods to our 160 included a special “Wildcat Confetti” ice cream flavor created by Bonnie Brae. It was served at the All-Academy Hangout event for families in August, and a sampling event was held on October 5 over Reunion Weekend. The Gala also celebrated our 160-year history by recognizing past and present SMA Academy Presidents, Board of Trustees members, and school principals. Cathy Bell Darnell CoL ‘67 and Meg Tobler P’14 and ‘17 at the 160th Birthday Party with High School students
Amber Grisley McGown ‘06, Lisa Lane Stennes ‘73, Cathy Bell Darnell CoL‘67, and Savannah Valdez ‘04 helped SMA students pack bags for A Precious Child
All-Academy Birthday Party In September, the entire student body and teachers and staff celebrated SMA’s 160th anniversary with a birthday party on the Pam Bent Turf Field. After a “160” photo and a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday to You,” everyone proceeded to have birthday cake! It was a fun celebration and a great way to kick off our 160th year.
All-Academy Service Afternoon Alumnae joined 700 students and 130 faculty and staff on March 4 for the SMA All-Academy Service afternoon. In celebration of our 160th year of educating Denver, every student participated in one of three projects with students from different grade levels. The results of our collective efforts were impressive: • 504 snack bags assembled for A Precious Child Coming together as a community to live out our Loretto School Values is a highlight of our birthday celebrations.
• 236 decorated meal delivery bags for Project Angel Heart • 40 hand-tied fleece blankets for Project Linus
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Navy & White
2025 Gala: Toast the Night in Navy and White In honor of our 160th anniversary, the 2025 Gala, “Toast the Night to Navy & White,” was held on the SMA campus for the first time in many years. The evening began with cocktails in Duncan Commons in the Community Center as guests enjoyed a hosted bar featuring the signature cocktail: The 1864. Guests then proceeded to Bishop Evans Sports Center, where the gym was transformed into a magical, sparkly event space. Christopher Hanke, an energetic and effervescent auctioneer, entertained the crowd with games, jokes, a spirited live auction, and a robust paddle raise. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and silent and live auction proceeds benefited tuition assistance at SMA. Approximately 20% of students receive tuition assistance each school year. The paddle raise supported the “Faculty First” initiative, raising money for innovative teaching support, teacher wellness, and improved faculty spaces. Our Gala, in support of tuition assistance, the Faculty First paddle raise, and an in-kind donation of phase-one air conditioning in the high school, broke the $1 million net proceeds mark for the first time ever. Thank you to all Gala sponsors, auction bidders, and attendees. This event couldn’t have been possible without the tremendous effort of an army of volunteers. A special thank you to Gala Chair Cathy Steffek, Decor Chair Heather Cornelissen, and the incredible Gala committee.
SAVE THE DATE
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2026 Gala | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Location: Somewhere Spectacular — Stay Tuned!
REUNION WEEKEND 2024 Golden Graduates Luncheon As always, Reunion Weekend kicked off with the Golden Graduates Luncheon at Cherry Hills Country Club. Alumnaes celebrating 50 years or more enjoyed lunch and camaraderie. More than 129 alumnae gathered for a delicious lunch, class pictures, and socializing—many thanks to our gracious hostesses, LaFawn Biddle, Barbie Biddle Galoob ’78, and Belinda Biddle.
The class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion: Nancy O’Brien Jones, Nancy Costello, Kathy Bush O’Connor, Pam Rust Polk, Maureen Hencemann, Molly Ivancie, Michelle Kukral, Marian DeCrecentis Learned, Carole Kelce, Betsy Byrne, Mary Ann Schlegel Hensley
Friday Night Social
Bonnie Brae SMA Ice Cream
Friday night featured a new social event at Infinite Monkey Theorem. Alumnae enjoyed wine and Redeemer pizza in a private room in RiNo.
On Saturday, alumnae sampled Wildcat Confetti ice cream, a special flavor created exclusively for SMA’s 160th anniversary.
Savannah Valdez ‘04, former faculty member Celia Bard , Mary Hasznos ‘04
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R E U N I O N W E E K E N D ( C O N T. )
The Class of 2004 reunion event was hosted by Allison Cain, Patsy Smithen, and Emily Rodriguez
Megan Cronin ‘11 leads the responsorial psalm at the AllCommunity Mass
Mass and Brunch Reception On Sunday, milestone classes celebrated with a Mass and Brunch Reception. The All-Community Service, led by Father Marty Lally, took place in the Duncan Commons before moving to the High School Forum for the reception. Alumnae reconnected over brunch, toured the High School with current students, captured class photos, and strolled down memory lane at our memorabilia display.
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Members of the Class of 2004 enjoy the memorabilia display.
Nellie Thayer ‘07, Farrell Thayer ‘05, Pete Sniegowski (High School English and Science Teacher, English Department Chair, and Campus Astronomer), Sarah Mellick ‘06 (holding Scarlett, daughter of Emily Singleton Liberato ’06), Margaret Thayer ‘06, Emily Singleton Liberato ‘06 (holding son Beck Liberato) enjoy the Fall Festival following the Alumnae Brunch
Fall Festival Following the Alumnae Brunch, several alumnae took advantage of a beautiful day outside by staying for the Fall Festival with their families. They enjoyed food trucks, inflatables, games, and other fall activities for the whole family!
Save the Date | Reunion Weekend 2025 | October 3-6, 2025 Golden Graduates Brunch
Friday Night Alumnae Social
Friday, October 3, 2025 11:30 a.m.
Friday, October 3, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
Cherry Hills Country Club, Cherry Hills Village, CO
Celebrating the classes of 1940-1975. Invitations will be mailed in August.
The ViewHouse Centennial
Mass and Alumnae Brunch Sunday, October 6, 2025 10-11 a.m., Alumnae Mass 11 a.m. Alumnae Brunch
Fall Festival
Saturday, October 6 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., SMA Quad and Front Lawn Join the entire SMA Community for familyfriendly games and activities.
Milestone classes include 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020.
Support Your SMA Sisters — Donate to the SMA Fund Show your class pride! When you donate, you’ll be recognized alongside your classmates. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in supporting our Wildcats. Give today at stmarys.academy/smafund and help your class year make its mark. Alumnae milestone reunion years are encouraged to plan their own class-specific events. Please contact Kathleen Hogan at khogan@smanet.org throughout the planning process so we can share the details of your event.
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ALUMNAE EVENTS
Alumnae Volleyball Reunion
Volleyball Reunion – August 7, 2024 Former volleyball players returned to campus to play a friendly match against SMA’s current volleyball team. Many current scholar-athletes, alumnae, and their families attended the game. Afterward, everyone gathered for a casual dinner in the Community Center, Duncan Commons. Thank you to Laura Grisenti Deluna ’89 for sponsoring this annual event. Mark your calendars for the 2025 Volleyball Reunion on August 6, 2025.
Back row: Alex Harrington ‘26, Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89, Maya Ursua Garcia ‘26, Eliana White ‘25, Kendall Salazar ‘25, Liane Blatnik ‘12, Madison Castle ‘18, Natalie Angelier ‘26, Deirdre McGuire ‘02. Front row: Cynthia Griffin ‘09, Megan Timlin ‘10, Liz Deline Williams ‘09
Alumnae Sisters Coffee – January 15, 2025 Originally called the Alumnae Mentorship Program, the Alumnae Sisters program is now in its second year. Alumnae are paired with students in Grade 11 who are interested in having a mentor/alumnae sister to help them navigate college and career choices, friendships, or simply having someone to cheer them on from the sidelines.
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We are currently looking for alumnae sisters for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are interested, please contact Kathleen Hogan at khogan@smanet.org.
Senior Seminar – February 27, 2025
Puzzle Party – April 7, 2025
Senior Seminar, a cherished tradition and the first of several events to bring together current seniors with alumnae, was held on February 27. The alumnae panel consisting of Raegan Rychecky ‘18, Megan Cronin ‘11, Liz Deline Williams ‘09, Halley Stennes ‘13, Kiki Zaharas ‘21, and Deirdre McGuire ‘02 hosted questions from the entire senior class. Following the panel discussion, seniors chose from breakout rooms where they could ask questions about specific topics in a smaller setting.
The first-ever SMA Puzzle Party took place on April 7 at the High School Cafe. The evening featured a team puzzle competition, great food and drinks, and prizes. A big thanks to the Alumnae Board for planning this fun event.
Raegan Rychecky ‘18, Megan Cronin ‘11, Liz Deline Williams ‘09, Halley Stennes ‘13, Kiki Zaharas ‘21,Deirdre McGuire ‘02
Anden Staggs Wilder ‘05 Visit to SMA – April 10, 2025 SMA alumna, author, and illustrator Anden Staggs Wilder ‘05 visited the Lower and High Schools on April 10. Anden is the author and illustrator of the book Scamp. Anden shared that her love of art was nourished by Andrew Beckham, her High School art teacher. They have kept in touch for 25 years!
Alumnae Seniors Luncheon – May 15, 2025 The Class of 2025 was welcomed into the sisterhood of alumnae at a lovely luncheon attended by the graduates, faculty and staff, and alumnae. Notable attendees included Patty Michalek ‘64, grandmother of Paige Wysong ‘25; Nancy Cella Sunkel ‘60 and Toni Cella Green ‘78, great aunts of Paige Wysong ‘25; Parke Mills ‘21, sister of Hazel Mills ‘25; and Tracie Stander ‘87 and Sara Stander ‘23, mother and sister of Mia Stander ‘25. Morgan Wagner ‘15 gave the keynote address, stressing the importance of connection and community and carrying what was learned at SMA into the workplace. Meg Hencmann Deline ‘79 provided delicious bundt cakes for dessert. Thank you to Megan Cronin ‘11 for being the Master of Ceremonies and to Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89, Cathay Bell Darnell CoL ‘67, Liz Deline Williams ‘09, and LaDan Assayesh ‘07 for volunteering.
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O U R C U LT U R E O F P H I L A N T H R O P Y Ann Buttitta, Director of Development SMA Giving Day SMA Giving Day was the first-ever day of giving at St. Mary’s Academy, and it was a huge success! Our community came together on this day to support philanthropy at SMA, making an actual difference for our students. Alumnae’s generosity was integral to the success of this day. Alumnae gifts represented over 10% of overall giving from 159 gifts. A big thank you to the alumnae board for their outreach to all alumnae supporting this effort. Thank you! Your support of the SMA Fund impacts programs that allow our students to explore their curiosities, creativity, and passions to build a brighter future. While tuition covers a large portion of our budget, the SMA Fund is essential to producing enriching academic, creative, social, and athletic experiences for our students. The SMA Fund also supports Faculty excellence and distinction by attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier teachers who deliver inspirational education. We depend on the generosity of our parents, grandparents, friends, alumnae, and staff to support our school.
I GAVE!
We strive for 100% participation from our faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, Alumnae Board, and parents, and at least 10% from alumnae and grandparents. Alumnae participation in the Annual Fund demonstrates our alumnae’s love for their alma mater and how St. Mary’s Academy impacted their lives. Thank you for your generosity! Please contact Director of Development Ann Buttitta, abutttitta@smanet.org, to learn more about the role of philanthropy at SMA or to join the Loretto Legacy Society by including St. Mary’s Academy in your estate plans.
Amber Grisley Mc
Gown ‘06 and Sava
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6 and Halley
k ‘0 Sarah Mellic
Stennes ‘13
nnah Valdez ‘04
Alumnae Honor Roll All alumnae who have made a gift to St. Mary’s Academy in the current fiscal year (June 1, 2024 - May 30, 2025)
WILDCAT CLUB (GIFTS OF $300+ IN A FISCAL YEAR) Class of 1954 Adele Murray DeLine Class of 1957 Judith Dillon Baenen Class of 1958 Barbara Bazata Kendall Class of 1959 Sheila Sullivan Bisenius Class of 1960 Nancy Cella Sunkel Dianne Tramutola-Lawson Class of 1961 Norma Phillips Lammers Class of 1962 Linda Waldeck Parker Class of 1963 Franci Candlin Patricia Brown Grace Kathy McCallin Gross Class of 1964 Franci Lennartz Fryberger
Class of 1974 Jo Ann Beine Betsy Byrne Mo Hencmann Kitty Monaghan Hanan Mubarak Shaban Class of 1975 Claire Curlander O’Neal Class of 1976 Carol Mansfield Schlessman Class of 1977 Clare Canny Lucy Diss Ewing Class of 1979 Meg Hencmann Deline Dena Johnson Pinsker Class of 1981 Carol Andrew Lisa Donahue Goodwin Class of 1982 Julie Cella McKenna Cindy Phillips
Class of 1965 Nancy McMahon
Class of 1983 Susan Odland Lintonsmith Kim Brown Marsh
Class of 1966 Debbie Phillips Lubeck
Class of 1984 Holly Haynie Butler
Class of 1969 Mary Ann Tavelli Tuthill
Class of 1987 Stephanie Goodrich Joan McFarren Kathryn Beard Skulley Heather Weckbaugh Whitman
Class of 1970 Maureen McCallin Moses Nina Hanson Sisk Class of 1971 Mary Ann McGovern Julie O’Dea-Spaeth Condoleezza Rice
Class of 1989 Andrea Carey Laura Grisenti Deluna Kelly Michalek Osborn Celia Collins Zaharas
Class of 1972 Debra Due McCallin Camille Roettele Prenn
Class of 1990 Peggy Coughlin Walling
Jane Turner Votel Class of 1973 Carolyn McCoy Rink Lisa Lane Stennes Debra Stevens Maureen Reidy Witt
Class of 1992 Mandi Benavidez Buche
1864 SOCIETY (GIFTS OF $25,000+ IN A FISCAL YEAR)
Class of 1997 Mary Kaminski Anderlonis
Class of 1976 Carol Mansfield Schlessman
Class of 1998 Rebecca Carr Davis
Class of 2003 Margaret Schlessman Emmerich
Class of 1999 Kay Lillrose Teitelbaum Class of 2000 Abby Marie Rohr Class of 2001 Zoe Sylvester
We apologize if there are any omissions, misspellings, or errors. If so, please inform the Advancement Office at (303) 762-8300 ext. 287.
Class of 2002 Kamleh Shaban Lara Stepneski-Mintz Class of 2003 Sara Donahue Adair Margaret Schlessman Emmerich Katy Balazy Jaffe Class of 2004 Anne Forney Catie Jones Class of 2006 Sarah Mellick Kachadurian Winnie Agarwal Talwar Class of 2007 Nora Neyland Rioux Kelsey Traynor Jung Class of 2009 Liz Deline Williams Class of 2010 Morgan Flynn Raquel Isely Megan Timlin
Mega
n Tim
lin’10
Class of 2012 Lauren Mitchell Ludwig Class of 2014 Emily Tobler Class of 2015 Sara Binder Meg Yoda
Class of 1995 Cissie Megyesy Busch Cathy Bell
Darnell CoL
‘67
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S T. M A R Y ’ S A C A D E M Y A L U M N A E B O A R D The Alumnae Board dates back to 1908 when it was organized as the “Alumnae Association.” Today, the Alumnae Board is made up of alumnae from the class of 1967 to the class of 2020. The Alumnae Board partners with the St. Mary’s Academy Advancement Office to organize and host events, fundraisers, and outreach efforts to engage with the community, connect alumnae to current students, and spread the Loretto School Values. Interested in joining the Alumnae Board? Check out a meeting to see what it’s all about. Meetings are held approximately once per month on Tuesday evenings during the school year. Contact Kathleen Hogan at khogan@smanet.org for more information.
Liz Deline Williams ‘09, Alumnae Board President LaDan Assayesh ‘07 Madison Castle ‘18 Megan Cronin ‘11, Alumnae Board Vice President Cathy Bell Darnell CoL ‘67 Laura Grisenti de Luna ‘89 Cecilia Lorenz ‘10 Deirdre McGuire ‘02 Raegan Rychecky ‘18 Halley Stennes ‘13 Megan Timlin ‘10 Carter Thomas ‘20 Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89 Student Alumnae Board Liaisons Olivia Jones ‘25 Ava Safavi ‘25
LORETTO LEGACY SOCIETY
Thinking about the future?
Join SMA’s Loretto Legacy Society! The Society recognizes friends
of SMA who have notified the school that they have made a provision for St. Mary’s Academy in their estate plans. Thank you to our current members.
For more information, contact Ann Buttitta at abutttitta@smanet.org or 303.783.6227.
Charlie and Theresa Arbogast Judith Dillon Baenen ‘57 Pam Bent* Dusty* and LaFawn Biddle Deirdre Cryor Timothy and Katherine Farrell Lauren Fisher Stephanie Goodrich ‘87 Carol Haller Robert and Brenda Harrison Barbara Hennigar Sheila Karr ‘73 Norma Phillips Lammers ‘61
Mary Ann Brannan Lipton ‘46* Cristi Lippert Lundquist ‘77 Nina Ehrlich McCaskill ‘02 Kathryn McNamee Jay and Liz Mellick Alney Allbritten Norell ‘23 Claire O’Neal ‘75 Mary Sweeney Parlin ‘65 Dena Johnson Pinsker ‘79 Carol Mansfield Schlessman ‘76 Anita Figueras Stricoff ‘64 Mary Martha Diss Sundby ‘72 Mike and Meg Tobler *deceased
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CLASS NOTES Laura Gristenti Deluna ‘89
Laura Grisenti Deluna ‘89 is happy to share that she is now doing what she loves full time — teaching life skills through volleyball. Laura is the Developmental Director at Colorado Elite Volleyball Club in Louisville. She runs developmental programs for boys and girls ages 5-15 and competitive programs for 10U, 11U, and 12U club teams. She also coaches a competitive 14U team that ended the season ranked 5th out of 150 in the USAV Rocky Mountain Region. She loves seeing her best friend from St. Mary’s, Celia Collins Zaharas ‘89, every week since Celia’s youngest son, Titus, plays on a league team at CO Elite. She looks forward to spending this summer with her son Aidan, age 9, while attending volleyball camps at CO Elite and Evergreen Country Day School, where she is the Middle School Volleyball Coach. In the fall, Laura works closely with fellow alumna Brianna Smith ‘89 as her Varsity Assistant for Evergreen High School’s volleyball program. Laura is super proud of her SMA Alumnae Sister Ellen Porter ‘25, as she heads to play volleyball at the University of Rochester in the fall. Her favorite event is the Alumnae Senior luncheon. She loves connecting new SMA graduates with opportunities in their future college cities.
Deirdre McGuire ‘03
Deirdre has joined the Alumnae Board for the 25-26 school year.
Kelsey Schwander ‘06
Kelsey Schwander’s book, “Cannabis and Cannabinoids: A Primer,” was published on May 28. This comprehensive book is an indispensable clinical guide for students, healthcare providers, and practitioners. Its purpose is to empower these professionals to elevate the quality of care rendered to patients in the realm of cannabis therapeutics. Kelsey is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and PGY-1 Community-Based Resident Program Director at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Emily Rundles Hantge ‘06 Emily Rundles Hantge was married to Michael Hantge on August 10. The wedding took place at Aldasoro Ranch in Telluride. Several SMA alumnae were in attendance, including Emily’s sister, Kate Rundles ‘05.
Caitlin Brennan ‘06
Cissie Megyesy Busch ‘95
Cissie Megyesy Busch was recently promoted to Vice President of the Project Management Office at SSA Group, where she leads strategic initiatives and drives operational excellence. She lives in Denver, CO, with her husband and their two children, a 10-yearold daughter and a 9-year-old son. When she’s not working, she enjoys volunteering at their school, playing tennis, and hitting the slopes with her family. She still keeps in close touch with her St. Mary’s Academy friends and treasures the lifelong connections made there.
Katie Quinn ‘01
Katie is a senior event designer at Occasions Catering in Denver. She has been in the event planning business for over 20 years and recently provided catering for the SMA Gala on April 26.
Lara Stepneski-Mintz ‘02
Lara Stepneski-Mintz ‘02 recently opened Sweet Nola, an authentic New Orleans snoball shop. Lara lived in New Orleans for 17 years, and when she and her family (including Florence ‘36 and Norman ‘34) moved back to Denver, she wanted to introduce something fun and tasty from The Big Easy. Her social media manager, Alexis Tiryakioglu ‘20, is also an SMA alumna.
Caitlin got married in Scottsdale in April and gained two stepsons! She and her husband also bought a house in Tulum, Mexico. Caitlin continues to live in Denver and sell real estate.
Allison Grenney ‘06
Allison Grenney ‘06 hiked 22 miles from the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in May. She loved experiencing the true magnitude of the canyon, seeing how the desert landscape changes with elevation, and meeting so many happy people on the trail. She highly recommends the hike!
Deidre St. Peter ‘06
Deidre and her husband, Matt Heverly, are expecting their second child in July. Their son, Roman Mark Heverly, is excited to be a big brother.
Kendall Moore Baker ‘08
Kendall Moore Baker ‘08 recently moved back to the Virginia Village area of Denver with her husband and two-year-old son. Kendall is a realtor with the Onyx Collection at Kentwood and has amazing listings in Denver right now!
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C L A S S N O T E S ( C O N T. ) Katie Herson-Horvath ‘10
Katie and her husband welcomed their daughter, Rosie Ramona Herson-Horvath, in January. They are building an intentional community in Bellingham, WA, and living with one other couple and their baby, but plan to add three more adults this fall as they continue to build infrastructure. They are excited to start a family in this communal setting, and Katie would be happy to talk with other alumnae about communal living, motherhood, midwives, community organizing, or having an unmedicated birth.
Carter Smith ‘20
Carter Smith ‘20 has joined the Alumnae Board for the 25-26 school year.
Sophia Callender ‘21
Sophia graduated with a high distinction from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, with concentrations in Finance and Organization & Management. She received the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award, a recognition granted by Goizueta to a student demonstrating exemplary performance in the study of finance. She was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honors society for business students attending the top 5% of business schools and graduating in the top 10% of their class. Sophia has accepted a position as a Consulting Analyst at Accenture in Boston.
Ariana Oaxaca Rivas ‘22
Morgan Wagner ‘15
Morgan was the keynote speaker at the SMA Alumnae Seniors Luncheon on May 15. Morgan has lived in San Francisco since 2021, working for Apple as an iPhone Product Design Engineer. She led the design and development of the iPhone 16’s innovative camera control feature and continues contributing to future iPhone projects. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys hiking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her dog, family, and friends.
Annie Tobler True ‘17
Annie Tobler ‘17 was married in October 2024 to Andy True. She loved getting the chance to gather all their family and friends, including her 95-year-old Grandpa Tobler, which was especially poignant as he passed away in December. Annie and her husband reside in Kansas.
Ariana recently completed an operations internship for the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) for the Men’s Final Four 2025. She worked with the organizing committee and the NCAA to host and plan events for the community and the players. During the internship, Ariana often told people she had the fun side: planning the player/family brunch, coordinating airport arrivals, and creating the player experience for the fan fest. She also had tasks on the “not fun side,” which was still important work: inventory days, warehouse visits, set up, and tear down for events. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and fun being “in the know” about everything going on and knowing information that someone attending the final four games would not know. Using that experience, Ariana is now interning at a sports company in Denver called Volo Sports, where she is running her own sports league and working closely with the staff on logistics behind the scenes.
Anna Russell ‘22
Anna is studying Chemical Engineering at North Carolina State University and starting a new position as the Americas Infrastructure Intern at ExxonMobil in Houston, Texas.
Heesoo Kim ‘24
Heesoo will be a research assistant in the Maboudian Group at UC Berkeley’s College of Chemistry. There, she will contribute to projects focused on semiconductor metal oxide sensors.
SMA Alumnae Network on Social Media
Stay connected with SMA!
Send your news and pictures or update your information by visiting stmarys.academy/alumnae. We look forward to hearing from you!
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St. Mary’s Academy Alumnae Group, Englewood Colorado
IN MEMORIAM St. Mary’s Academy has lost the following members of our community:
Cle Symons ‘52
Clé Cervi Symons of Denver, CO, passed away at her home on December 30, 2024. She was 90 years old.
Mary Lou Craner ‘64
Mary Louise Cullinan Craner passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 78 in Logan, Utah.
Sarah Goodlette Gibson ‘73
Julie Ann Robertson Bernal ‘76
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Julie Bernal, 66, of Englewood, Colorado, on December 11, 2024, after a courageous four-year battle against renal cell carcinoma.
Jill Sobule ‘77
Jill Sobule ‘77, a successful singer-songwriter of hits “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel,” died on May 1 in a house fire.
Sarah Goodlette Gibson ‘73 passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 70. Her gracious soul, loving smile, and compassion for all from every walk of life will be missed and remembered.
Do you have a next gen Wildcat?
The admissions process will soon be underway for enrollment in the 2026-2027 academic year. We invite you to consider learning more about St. Mary’s Academy as a prospective parent or grandparent in the coming months:
LOWER SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
Co-Ed Preschool through Grade 5
Co-Ed Grade 6 through Grade 8
All Girls Grade 9 through Grade 12
Previews: October 7 and November 6, 2025
Previews: October 9 and December 9, 2025
Info Nights: September 16 and November 6, 2025 Preview: October 23, 2025
Please contact admissions@smanet.org to learn more about the admissions process, including the possibility of enrollment in select grades for the upcoming academic year! 17
4545 South University Boulevard Englewood, CO 80113-6059
Review The
ALUMNAE MAGAZINE Highlights, Special Events, and More!
SUMMER 2025
Important Dates 2025-2026 August 6, 2025 – Alumnae Volleyball Reunion September 29, 2025 – Hopper Family Wildcat Classic October 3-5, 2025 – Reunion Weekend November 13, 2025 – SMA Giving Day February 26, 2026 – Senior Seminar April 25, 2026 – SMA Gala May 14, 2026 – Alumnae Seniors Luncheon
Learn more at stmarys.academy. 18
Has this newsletter arrived to our alumnae parents rather than the alumna it was intended for? Please send your daughter’s updated address to advance@smanet.org.