Blue & Gold Winter 2014

BlueGold &

For the Alumni, Parents and Friends of Waldron Mercy Academy

3LOOKING BACK

90 YEARS

Winter 2014

LOOKING AHEAD4

In This Issue From the Principal ... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1 WMA News ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 Tigers Postgame Update ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................5 News from Advancement.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 News from Faculty & Staff.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................7 Farewell to Steve Stritch................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8 WMA Receives $20,000 From Charitas Foundation ....................................................................................................................................................................9 All-Class Reunion Weekend .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 First Outstanding Alumnus Award ........................................................................................................................................................................................................13 Board & Volunteer Spotlights...................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Homecoming ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15 Alumni Notes .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Saluting the Class of 2014 ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 In Memoriam.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................20

WMA is Making Headlines City Suburban News Main Line Times The Philadelphia Inquirer KYW-1060 6ABC NBC-10 CBS-3

Visit us on Facebook!

For alumni - www.facebook.com/waldronalumni For parents and friends www.facebook.com/waldronmercyacademy

Mission Statement:

Waldron Mercy Academy, a Catholic school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is a diverse, faith community rooted in the gospel values of mercy and justice. We are a school where the joy of discovery inspires serious study, social responsibility, and strong faith.

The Cover: (clockwise from top left) Jack Sutton ’15, Juliana Di Carlo ’16, Alexis Young ’16, Brandon Banadda ’16, and Sean McFillin ’15 share the cover with students from 1925.

Would you like your child to appear on a cover of Blue & Gold? Bid on this exclusive item at Tigerfest ’15!

Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/WaldronMercy Check out our videos on SchoolTube! www.schooltube.com www.linkedin.com Search groups for “Waldron Mercy Alumni” or “Waldron Mercy Academy Parents and Friends”

Production Notes Printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper with soy ink.

Environmental Savings 3 trees preserved for the future 8 lbs. waterborne waste not created 1,178 gallons wastewater flow saved 130 lbs. solid waste not generated 257 lbs. net greenhouse gases prevented 1,963,500 BTUs energy not consumed

BlueGold &

Volume Ten, Issue One Blue & Gold is published twice a year, by the Marketing and Communication Office, for the alumni, parents and friends of Waldron Mercy Academy.

Contributors Christine Conners Jon Derewicz | Director of Athletics Peg Flynn | Director of The Waldron Annual Fund and Alumni Relations Trish Lockett | Director of Marketing and Communication Nell Stetser | Principal Pam Stites | Assistant Director of Special Events and Projects Photography Dale Clancy Photography Trish Lockett Andrew McCloskey Design Nancy Biddle | Biddle Design (www.biddledesign.com)

l a p i c n i r P e h t From

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1

WMA News

Mercy from Coast to Coast and Around the World

Bradley Bennett in Jackson Hole, WY

Luke Gallagher in Kennebunkport, Maine

Nathan Messano, posing as a British soldier from 1812, at Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

Elisa and Marisa McKinley at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City

Vincent Vento and his cousins in San Francisco

Bryce Elie with his WMA spirit wear in Cape May!

Gigi and Isa Monroy saying “Hola� from Riviera Maya in Mexico

The Sheng family at the southernmost point in the continental US 2 www.waldronmercy.org

Matteo Magnarelli took his Waldron Mercy Academy spirit along on a submarine ride in the Cayman Islands.

Aubrey Conners sporting her WMA gear in Raleigh, NC

Gavin Orapallo giving a shout out to Waldron Mercy Academy from St. Martin!

We challenged our students this summer to bring Mercy wherever they went! From east, west, north and south, and around the world,

Mercy was there!

Here is a sampling of the photos submitted.

Alexander Wegner in Egypt

Grade seven teacher Sam Pierce even got into the Mercy spirit in Agra, India!

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WMA News

Waldron Mercy Academy Students Packaged 20,000 Meals in Less Than Two Hours for Stop Hunger Now

Eighth grader Aaron Nuble refills the rice supply at the Stop Hunger Now event.

Eighth grader Marla Leal and seventh grader Dayna Thomas pack up boxes.

This fall, students in grades six, seven and eight packaged 20,000 meals in less than two hours for Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief agency that has been fulfilling its commitment to end hunger for more than 15 years.

WMA students worked assembly-line style to package meals consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix into small meal packets. Students measured and mixed the ingredients and carefully weighed each package before sealing and boxing them. For each 2,000 meals finished, a huge gong was banged by a WMA student, much to the cheers of the middle school.

Waldron Mercy’s Challenge 20/20 group served as the organizer of this outreach endeavor. “I’ve been working with my fellow Challenge 20/20 members to plan this event,” says WMA eighth grader Anna Grace Coyne. “All of our hard work came together to help the hungry.”

Fellow Challenge 20/20 member Hannah Pang agrees, “It was amazing to see our work this year culminate in such a worthy event.”

Waldron Mercy Academy has a long history of reaching out to men, 4 www.waldronmercy.org

Eighth grader Scott Hibbs loads the boxes onto a cart to be transported onto the Stop Hunger Now truck.

women and children who find themselves vulnerable or on the margins of society. Inspired by the spirit of Mercy, we encourage our community to listen to the needs around it and respond.

About Challenge 20/20 at Waldron Mercy Academy

Through a global education initiative sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Challenge 20/20 partners Waldron Mercy Academy’s middle school students with local and international schools, to work on local solutions to global problems. The purpose of this NAIS program is to promote critical thinking, creative problem solving, teamwork, and international and cross-cultural communication.

About Stop Hunger Now

Stop Hunger Now has been fulfilling its commitment to end hunger across the globe for 15 years. Established in 1998, Stop Hunger Now coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid to crisis-burdened areas around the world. This is accomplished through popular community-supported meal packaging programs that often are part of corporate responsibility or volunteer service projects.

Tigers Postgame Update Football:

Our fall season showed a strong resurgence in our football program! Our varsity team swept its home and away games with Gwynedd-Mercy Academy and Rosemont School of the Holy Child. The team’s 4-3 record included an exciting last possession loss to eventual undefeated champion, Norwood-Fontbonne Academy. Head varsity coach Eddie Keels ’98, used a quick strike attack that would make the Eagles proud!

Our junior varsity team remained undefeated in Catholic Academy League (CAL) play for the second season in a row. Back-to-back JV football championships should enhance our varsity with strong teams to come. Head coach, Jon Derewicz, who also serves as WMA athletic director, took the helm this year after Kelvin Johnson ’04 moved to New York. Coach David Brown ’08 was the team’s offensive coordinator this season. Coach Brown did an amazing job in year one as he spearheaded the league’s most potent JV offense. Securing a league championship was amazing and extra special for Coach Brown as he played for Waldron as a student. Back-to-back JV championships have capped off a nice football season for the Tigers!

Our three-season teams include: Fall

Cross Country

Grades 1-8

Football

Grades 4-8

Intramural Field Hockey Grades 2-4

(first row, from left) Marcus Miller, Marcellus Hopkins, James Leuzzi, Aidan Fliszar, Amir Gibson, Franco Leuzzi; (second row, from left) Jack Resnic, BJ Cummings, Shane Mullen, Keenan Fortenberry, Jimmy King, Jaiden Vargas, Stephen Bennett, Jake Villari; (third row, from left) Coach David Brown ’08, Max Coyne, Coach Jon Derewicz, Jack Gorman, Sahmir Hagans, Coach Todd Childs ’11 (Missing: Tony Madsen, Philip Mahoney, and PJ Doyle)

Soccer:

Our soccer program remains strong as well. After four consecutive varsity CAL championships, our varsity lost a heartbreaking semi-final match this year in which the varsity lost after two overtime periods and eventually succumbed on penalty kicks. Our JV soccer team finished second in league play, which will feed our varsity with plans of continued strong varsity teams.

Field Hockey

Grades 5-8

Volleyball

Grades 6-8

Soccer

Grades 5-8

Boys Basketball

Grades 5-8

Girls Basketball

Grades 5-8

Winter

Intramural Basketball

Grades 3-4

Swimming

Grades 4-8

Baseball

Grades 5-8

Softball

Grades 5-8

Girls Lacrosse

Grades 5-8

Track

Grades 4-8

Spring

From the Office of Admission We know you know someone, ages three months to eighth grade, who would benefit from a Mercy education. Please consider inviting him or her to visit one of our Open

Houses in 2015, on Wednesday, January 14,

at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at 9 a.m., or Tuesday, April 14 at 9 a.m.

Can’t make one of these dates? Contact Joellen McDonnell, RSM, at jmcdonnell@waldronmercy.org, or at 484-420-2706.

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News from

Advancement STEM Gets Big Boost from Golf and Tennis Classic More than 150 members of the WMA community turned out on September 22, 2014, for the 21st Annual Golf and Tennis Classic at Llanerch Country Club. Many golf and tennis awards were given out, and raffles and live auction items won at the near-capacity event. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Mother Patricia Waldron Award honoring Sheila and Mike ’70 Lynch, who are parents of Katie ’11.

The Golf and Tennis Classic raised more than $40,000 for our technology program. Many thanks to Williamson Hospitality, our title sponsor; the Perry family and D & D Securities, our platinum sponsor, and the many other corporate and personal sponsors and underwriters; and all who attended, donated money, bought golf ball chances and raffles, and volunteered.

Special thanks to the Golf and Tennis Committee, which spent six months planning this fun event for the benefit of WMA students. The committee was: Lou Marchese (golf chair), Suzanne Mullen (tennis chair), Stephen and Evelyn Bennett, Michael Collinelli ’04, Chris Coyne, Beth Delaney, Bill Frio ’84, Jeff Mullen, Judy Rizzo, Jim Shaud, and Pam Stites. Thanks also to Ian Glatts ’06, who produced the video honoring the Lynches.

(from left) Gene Bernicker ’70, Rob D’Anjolell ’76, Joe Frio ’11, Bill Frio ’84, Ed Chermol ’78, Jim Bracken ’75, Brendan Burns ’11, James Gleason ’11, Matt Devine ’76, Mike Lynch ’70, Connor Mullen ’11, Albert Perry ’94, Michael Collinelli ’04, Ian Glatts ’06, Katie Lynch ’11, Jack O’Brien ’76, Matt McCloskey’55, Bill O’Brien ’68, and Andrew McCloskey ’84

Bill O’Brien ’68 stops to chat with Mary Christella Mitchell, RSM.

(from left) Bum Kim, Blake Cooper, Mark Ciochetto and Phil Braun

6 www.waldronmercy.org

Current parent Katie Wex on the court

Recipients of the Mother Patricia Waldron Award Sheila and Mike ’70 Lynch, with daughter, Katie ’11

News from

Faculty & Staff Lydia Brennan, kindergarten

Liz Meyer, science specialist, spent

teacher, attended a workshop, “Smart but Scattered,” based on the book of the same name by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare, at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Course content emphasized executive function skills, those “fundamental habits of mind required for getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions.”

some of the summer enjoying technology classes offered by the MCIU. She attended “Make Your Presentations Zoom with Prezi,” “Connect with Your Students Using Edmodo,” and “Capture and Share Instruction with Screencasts.”

Margie Winters, director of religious education, Trish Lockett, director of marketing and communication, Barbara Scott, director of technology, Kristen Romano, lower school director, Theresa Gannon, middle school director, Joan Barone, director of finance and operations, and Nell Stetser, principal, attended the Leadership Boot Camp, at Philadelphia University. The two-day conference, sponsored by the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS), discussed the “why” of innovation and provided school leaders with the practical skills, habits and mindsets to be positioned for successful and relevant change to take shape in their schools.

Maria Leuzzi, pre-k teacher, attended “Simply Smart Board,” presented by the MCIU. The Waldron Mercy Child Care staff attended a workshop at the center titled “Block Play and the Developing Child.” The facilitator spoke about the many ways that blocks can be used to meet the Early Learning Standards, and can be integrated into all the skills that we are teaching children, like STEM lessons. Blocks are fun and bring out the creativity and resourcefulness of the children.

Eileen Aurand, grade one teacher, served as part of the visiting team for the Middle States Accreditation of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Ephrata, Lancaster County, in October.

Mary Augustine, Montessori teacher, and assistant teachers Marti Bondelid and Marilyn Adomanis attended “Mind, Music and Neuro” at Chestnut Hill College. The workshop focused on the link between music and brain development as well as how biological and neurodevelopmental factors affect emotions and behaviors in the young child.

Catherine Rissover, grade two teacher, served as part of the visiting team for the Middle States Accreditation of St. Christopher School, in Philadelphia.

Margie Winters, director of religious education and Mercy associate, attended the Collaborative Leadership Development Program hosted by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. It was held in St. Louis in August, and continues until December 2015. The Collaborative Leadership Development Program is a forwardthinking integrative process with a multicultural perspective, designed to prepare women religious, associates, and co-members with the skills, knowledge and confidence to assume leadership positions in community and ministry.

Theresa Gannon, middle school director, attended a course on Curriculum Design at Cabrini College this fall.

Barbara Baldwin, music teacher, attended the Pennsylvania Music Education Association District 11/12 Music Conference at Valley Forge Christian College in November. The conference focuses on early childhood, elementary, middle school or high

school music technology, orchestral, band, choral and general music.

Eileen Flanagan, grades seven and eight social studies teacher, attended “Freedom of Speech: the Changing Landscape in Schools” at the National Constitution Center. Judge Midge Rendell was one of the speakers. The program gave a review of First Amendment court cases with analysis.

She also attended “Perk Up Your Project with Web 2.0” at the MCIU.

Sandy Evans, pre-k teacher, participated in the following webinars: “Preparing Children for Kindergarten and Beyond,” “Ok to Play: How Tablets, Smartphones, Computers and Other Devices Can Be an Important Part of a Child’s Development,” “Early Childhood Learning: Dr. Jean’s Back to School Strategies for Success,” and “Make Literacy Learning Fun with Storytelling and Puppetry.”

Joan Barone attended the Philadelphia Area Independent School Business Officers Association (PAISBOA) Strategic Planning Session at the Villanova Conference Center in June to help plan for the future of this organization of nearly 200 independent schools and colleges. She attended the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community Annual Insurance and Risk Management Meeting at the Cranaleith Spiritual Center in October. Joan also participated in the following webinars: “Energy Management – It Makes Good Cents” hosted by SchoolDude.com, and “School Finances 101: Data – It’s a Game Changer” hosted by School Office Services.

Barbara Scott attended “Using Airplay and Chromecast,” presented by the MCIU. She also attended “Managing Technology in the Classroom,” presented by the Philadelphia Area Independent School Business Officers Association. In October, Barb attended “Online and Blended Learning,” presented by ADVIS.

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WMA News Farewell to Steve Stritch

This past summer, after 30 years of dedicated service to Waldron Mercy Academy, Steve Stritch extended his Mercy roots to another sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. In August, Steve joined the Mercy Center in the Bronx, New York, as executive director. The Mercy Center serves women and their families by empowering them to reach their full potential and become agents of change in their families and communities.

With his love of learning and children, Steve began his teaching career in 1977 at St. Francis Xavier School in Fairmount. He began his journey at Waldron Academy for Boys, as a first grade teacher in 1984.

In 1987, Waldron Academy for Boys merged with the elementary division of Merion Mercy Academy. That September, Waldron Mercy Academy reopened as a co-educational school. During this time, Steve served as part of the Steering Committee and helped coordinate the transfer of all materials from Merion Mercy Academy to Waldron Mercy. His patience and attention to detail were crucial in making sure preparations were completed for a smooth transition.

Beginning in 1987, Steve served in a dual role as a part-time Montessori teacher and as Waldron Mercy’s first admissions director. In the fall of 1990, under the leadership of Sister Patricia Smith, he became vice principal for academic affairs.

According to Sr. Patricia, “We really were a team. Steve would say he did everything I didn’t want to do!”

Actually, Sr. Patricia says, “Steve related well to the younger kids and I had more experience with the older students. He always read to the kids. He was a teacher at heart. He wanted to have that connection. In fact, he even liked working in car line!

One of Steve’s greatest qualities is that he “is very thoughtful,” Sr. Patricia says. “He remembers peoples’ birthdays, is conscious of when people have an illness or a loss in the family. He has that personal touch. And then when he got into baking and cooking, it was an even nicer way of gathering people together.”

Steve’s role evolved over the years, says Sr. Patricia, “as we began to grow the school through the introduction of technology, group projects, expanding teacher education, teachers working as teams, increasing parents’ involvement, and working with the Advisory Board.” Steve became the vice principal for advancement in 2002, where he oversaw academics as well as development. After Sister Patricia was elected to the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy 8 www.waldronmercy.org

Mid-Atlantic, Steve served as acting principal in the 2011-2012 academic year, while he continued to lead advancement efforts.

As WMA’s executive director of advancement, Steve oversaw The Waldron Annual Fund, capital giving, major and planned gifts, grant acquisition, and special events. Steve also cultivated long-lasting relationships with alumni, parents of alumni, donors and various constituents that have thrived throughout the years.

During the many construction projects over the years, Steve served as project manager. He oversaw the renovation of the “Little Gym” into the Music Suite; the addition of the elevator; the third floor renovation into The Albert T. Perry Memorial Library; and the garden-level renovation into The Edgar ’35 and Mary Griffiths Early Learning Center.

One of the most special things about Steve, says Sr. Patricia, is that “he will give 150 percent, and I could always depend on him, which was very fortunate for me and Waldron.”

WMA parents agree. “Steve Stritch embodied the true spirit of Mercy,” says John Holstein, father of Natalie ’14. “Whether a kind word to a new kindergartener, or a strong pitch to a potential donor, Steve always had Mother McAuley’s mission at heart.”

The mission of Waldron has always been close to Steve’s heart. He served on WMA’s Advisory Board and as an officer of the corporation of WMA’s Board of Trustees. As a mercy associate, he has brought his Mercy spirit to the Mission and Board Affairs Committee of HOPE Partnership for Education, and the Board of Directors of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. Steve was also a founding member of the Sponsor Council of the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community, and visits schools in New Jersey and New York several times a year.

Steve’s dedication to WMA has been a family affair. His wife, Debbie, has attended innumerable Waldron functions over the years, and all four of his sons, Jim ’94, Patrick ’95, Stephen ’00 and John Thomas ’11 attended our Montessori program and graduated from Waldron.

“Steve’s passion and dedication to Waldron Mercy have inspired all of us who work with him,” says WMA principal Nell Stetser. “We will work to ensure that his tireless efforts to develop and sustain relationships in our school community continue.”

Waldron Mercy Academy Receives $20,000 from the Charitas Foundation Waldron Mercy Academy has been awarded $20,000 from the Charitas Foundation, a philanthropic family foundation which seeks to positively impact the lives of individuals through sowing financial seeds into organizations that have life-changing missions. These monies are restricted to Waldron’s Financial Aid Fund.

Charitas was founded in 2011 by the Waller family, who are no strangers to Waldron Mercy Academy. Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller, and Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller were fixtures at WMA for many years when their daughters, Morgan ’05, and Eryka ’06 attended.

“We have been blessed to fund our daughters’ education without outside assistance. However, we recognize there are countless others who do not have such a luxury,” says Ellyn Jo Waller. “Our decision to make our 2014 donation to WMA was simple. We wanted to ensure that other children could continue to benefit from the excellence of a WMA education.”

Nell Stetser embracing Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller

“In 1996, we chose to trust WMA with the education of our daughters, Morgan and Eryka. We were impressed with the

academic excellence of the school but did not realize how impressed we would become with the ’family’ we were joining,” says Ellyn Jo. “Our girls thrived at WMA and received an exemplary educational foundation which has formed their academic success through high school, their undergraduate programs and as graduate students [Morgan at Johns Hopkins University and Eryka at Bryn Mawr College]. Many of the relationships formed during our years at WMA remain vibrant parts of our extended family.”

“I’m honored that the Charitas Foundation, and the Waller family thought of Waldron Mercy Academy as a recipient of their generosity,” says Nell Stetser, principal. “We instill in our students

a sense of giving back, and we are so pleased that our graduates, Morgan and Eryka, have made this their mission.”

As a means of broadening their existing charitable giving, the Charitas Foundation seeks to change lives through extending the love and blessings the Waller family freely received, believing that everyone deserves excellent educational experiences, opportunities for personal growth and the pursuit of their dreams and goals. The Charitas Foundation has supported anti-human trafficking efforts, educational scholarships, and organizations addressing homelessness as well as theater arts programs for youth.

Waldron Mercy Academy has a long history of reaching out to men, women and children who find themselves vulnerable or on the margins of society. Inspired by the spirit of Mercy, we encourage our community to listen to the needs around it and respond.

Waldron Mercy Academy Diversity Committee

The Waldron Mercy Academy Diversity Committee continues to develop practices and programs that support WMA’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity as expressed within its Mission Statement. We seek to assure the establishment and growth of harmonious and equitable relationships with and among all individuals in the Waldron community.

In addition to continued review of our strategies and hiring practices for faculty and staff, we are working with the school leadership in recommending cultural sensitivity workshops for faculty, staff and students. This year we will begin to partner with the Parents Association for various events as we explore opportunities for diverse and cultural sensitivity workshops and seminars for parents. We are a community of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, abilities, values beliefs, and behaviors as assets to Waldron and seek to ensure that the voices of all are heard.

We look forward to a great and productive year ahead!

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All-Class Reunion Weekend Principal Nell Stetser welcomes alums and parents of alums to the All-Class Reunion Weekend Reception, Liturgy, and Award Ceremony Brunch held the weekend of October 18 - 19, 2014.

Current Board Member and parent of alumni, Beth Delaney, and her husband John pose with Patrick O’Brien ’89 and his wife Amy at the All-Class Reunion Cocktail Reception held on Saturday, October 18.

Parents of alum, Michele and Allen Davis, and daughter Caroline ’05 at the Award Ceremony Brunch honoring Michael Guzzardi ’64 with the Outstanding Alumnus Award

Parent of Alum, JoAnn McGovern, Board Member Jim ’85, and Jim’s children, Jimmy ’16, and Mason ’24, at the Award Ceremony Brunch

Barry McKeown ’60, Maria McKeown, Ned Bartlett ’60, Cindy Maier, Lawrence Guzzardi ’60, and Angie Guzzardi reconnect with classmates during the October All-Class Reunion Weekend.

10 www.waldronmercy.org

Sr. Elizabeth Ann Kelly and Board Chair Andrew McCloskey ’84 talk about Waldron in the ’80s when Sister was a teacher at Waldron.

Parents of Alum, Gigi and Lee Tassoni, with fellow parent, Pam Stites at the Brunch on Sunday

Maria Brinkmann ’96 serves as cantor at the beautiful liturgy performed in the Sisters of Mercy Convent Chapel during Alumni Weekend.

Board Member Jack Zeller ’68 participates in the Reunion Weekend Liturgy.

Check our website for future alumni gatherings!

Chrissy Lindelow Klinedinst ’91, Nicole Potnick ’91, Joe Canuso ’88, and Nick Canuso ’91 have stayed friends through the years.

Charlie Riale ’68 with Sr. Mary Christella in the Perry Memorial Library for the All-Class Reunion Reception

Alysa Suero Zirilli ’89, Michael Zirilli ’89 and Liz Rissover ’89 catch up at the Reception held in the Perry Memorial Library.

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All-Class Reunion Weekend

David DeAngelis ’91, Nicole Fenlon McKeown ’91, Chrissy Lindelow Klinedinst ’91 and Regina McGinley Wintz ’91 renew their friendships at the Reception on Saturday.

Rusty Miller ’57 and Christine Spalding pose with Ed Magil ’57 during All-Class Reunion Weekend.

Honoree Michael Guzzardi ’64 and Jim Ivers ’64 catch up on the “glory” days of Waldron.

Dave Chermol ’84, Sr. Kathleen Anne McKee, and Ed Chermol ’78 reminisce at the All-Class Reunion Cocktail Reception.

12 www.waldronmercy.org

Life-long friends and fellow classmates Barkley Sample ’77 and Derek Redcross ’77 celebrate at the Reception.

Barkley flew in from Wisconsin for the event.

Joe Leonard ’93, cousin Tony Leonard ’94, and sister Elizabeth Leonard ’99 talk about their involvement in the old Talent Shows.

d r a w A s Alumnu

Michael Guzzardi ’64 Receives First Outstanding As he celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his graduation, Michael Guzzardi from the Class of 1964 was awarded the first Outstanding Alumnus Award at the AllClass Reunion on Sunday, October 19.

Michael’s devotion to Waldron and his exemplary leadership have spanned several decades and taken many forms.

Board Chair Andrew McCloskey ’84 presents Michael Guzzardi ’64 with the first Outstanding Alumnus Award.

After graduating, Michael made his way back to Waldron when his daughter, Jennifer ’06, enrolled as a Montessori student in 1995. Upon returning to campus, he immediately began volunteering on the Development Committee, participating in and donating items for the annual Tigerfest auction, and supporting the Golf and Tennis Classic.

Always eager to help those in need, Michael provided the funding to initiate Waldron’s Endowment for Financial Aid – a program he has faithfully supported over the years. He has also underwritten numerous scholarships and offered matching challenge gifts for The Waldron Annual Giving campaign. When planning to transform our third floor attic into the beautiful Perry Memorial Library, Michael and his brothers, Lawrence and Robert, helped to make it a reality. Michael has supported numerous mercysponsored organizations throughout the area – always willing to spread the Mercy mission.

He is a devoted father to Jennifer, instilling her with core values of faith, service to others, and the importance of a quality education.

Michael is a trusted and loyal friend to many. In fact, several of his friendships began in the school yard at Waldron and continue today.

With Michael Guzzardi at Alumni All-Class Reunion Brunch are his daughter, Jennifer Guzzardi ’06, and his brothers, Robert ’58, and Lawrence ’60.

As a current Waldron Mercy Academy Board Trustee, Michael continues to give back to his alma mater. When Michael is asked for help with a project that will benefit our students, you can be assured the response will be a resounding “Yes.” In recognition of his exemplary leadership, his continued dedication, and his ongoing service to the Waldron Mercy community, we were thrilled to honor Michael Guzzardi with the first Outstanding Alumnus Award.

To nominate a candidate for the 2015 Outstanding Alumnus Award, contact Peg Flynn, director of The Waldron Annual Fund and alumni relations, at mflynn@waldronmercy.org.

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Spotlight On...

Volunteer Spotlight

...WMA’s New Trustees

Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM, is currently an instructor in religious studies at Gwynedd-Mercy College and serves as co-director of Mercy Spiritual Ministries, through which she provides preached retreats for parishes, school faculties, ministry groups, ecumenical groups, and religious communities.

“As a Sister of Mercy who has been engaged in educational ministry for over 50 years, I am delighted to serve on Waldron Mercy’s Board. It is another opportunity to advance the mission of Mercy and the academic excellence of a school of which I have always been proud,” says Sister Marie Michele. “Since I have served on the boards of several other Mercy institutions, I have the advantage of bringing my experiences to bear on the tasks of insuring that Waldron continues to grow as an exciting learning environment.”

Sr. Marie Michele is committed to ensuring that strong Mercy values of service, competence and compassion characterize every aspect of Waldron Mercy’s educational community as we all strive together to empower future women and men for others.

Marianna Walsh, RSM Marianna Walsh, RSM, serves as the administrative assistant at Mercy Vocational High School, the only Catholic co-educational vocational school in the United States.

“I am very happy to serve as a member of Waldron Mercy Academy’s Board of Trustees,” says Sr. Marianna. “It gives me an opportunity to support the vibrant Mercy education that is offered and helps me to assure the continuation of the Mercy story.”

...Christine Conners—Volunteer

Since my family came to Waldron during the 2011-12 school year, I have been quite fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer at Waldron Mercy on events large and small. Make no mistake, I have enjoyed every minute of it! Volunteering at Waldron allows me to be a part of and contribute to the vibrant and exciting environment our children get to experience every day.

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Serving on the Hospitality Committee during the 2013-14 school year was my first position and was such a joy for me. To meet new families during Open Houses and current families at events like Back to School Nights and Coffee Grab ‘n’ Go’s has been such a pleasure. I shared with others all that Waldron has to offer every chance I got! To be that face of hospitality we recite in the Mission Statement every week at Community Gathering was a gift and a privilege.

One of my favorite memories here at Waldron was creating and running a movie Christine with Aubrey ’17, Maddie night for the WMA students in support of a ’15, and husband, Tim New York preschool that had lost a great deal during Hurricane Sandy. Our sixth, seventh and eighth graders provided babysitting Currently, I serve as vice president of our services to their younger classmates. I got to see firsthand the Parents Association which allows me to assist the parents of our patience, compassion and mentorship our older students give to community in countless ways for the next two years. I am truly our little ones. humbled by this responsibility.

Through volunteering, I have gotten the chance to know the staff, my children’s friends and other parents. Selfishly, these events have allowed me to enjoy the people that make up our wonderful community.

Aside from getting to know and spend time with everyone here at Waldron, volunteering gives me the chance to give something back to the institution and people that have given my family so much.

I have been fortunate to hold two different positions on the Parents 14 www.waldronmercy.org

I have also had the chance to work on Tigerfest for the past three years, first as a committee member and now as the parent chair.

Being a part of the operations that give back to our school in tangible ways makes me proud that I can make a difference in our kids’ everyday lives.

Having been educated for 13 years by the Sisters of Mercy, I have to say the service of others has always played an important role in my life. Service to the WMA community has provided me and our family with far more than I can ever repay with my time.

Homecoming

er 4, 2014 b o t c O , y a d r u t Sa

Nearly 100 young alums returned to campus for Homecoming. While the fields were a bit soggy, the spirits were in no way dampened as alums cheered on WMA sports teams and re-connected with classmates.

The Class of 2012 (from left) AJ Battaglia, Chris Cahill, Mark Centrella, Will Esposto, Miles Maesaka, Michael Pakuris, Oliver Cataldi, Bobby Cade Mornhinweg, Brittany Ott, and Sadie Coyne

(from left) Julian Johnson ’11, and Justin Montague ’11 stop by to say hello to Catherine Rissover ’92.

(from left) Ellie Romano, Nile Harris, Sierra Corbett, and Kyra Hopkins, from the Class of 2011

Michaela Leuzzi ’10 attended Homecoming to cheer on her sister, Olivia ’15.

(from left) Julian Johnson ’11, Billy Santora ’11, David Williams ’14, Luciano Manzo ’11, Dominic Hardaway, and Pierce Hodges ’11

Class of 2014 (from left) Abby Fisher, Lauren Starker, Aniyah Branch and Nora Pergolini sporting spiritwear

Kelsey Mullen ’12 worked the chains at the football game.

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Alumni Notes

Write to us! Contact us if you’ve gotten married, had a baby, moved, retired, or if you just want to keep in touch with your fellow Waldron alumni. Email Peg Flynn, director of The Waldron Annual Fund and alumni relations, at mflynn@waldronmercy.org.

WMA Alums Awarded Ph.D.s

About Our Recent Graduates

It is so inspiring to see many of our grads pursuing advanced degrees and putting them into practice. We applaud their efforts and congratulate them for their drive and their determination.

This fall, members of the WMA Class of 2010 entered many of the top colleges and universities in the country.

Jonathan Paras, who has talked about M.I.T. since he was a young student at Waldron, graduated from The Haverford School and is now enrolled at M.I.T. Jonathan was honored as the first Hephaestus Society megistos for his Jonathan Paras and "significant contributions to the Matthew Tucker intellectual life at Haverford." After being accepted to M.I.T., Jonathan came back to Waldron to thank his former science teacher, Mrs. Liz Meyer, and is pictured on the left along with classmate Matthew Tucker who is now at Penn State. Matthew was awarded a silver medal for Greek at his commencement from St. Joe's Prep.

Margaret Tarampi ’92 earned a bachelor of architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon and her Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the University of Utah. She is a junior research fellow in the SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her interdisciplinary research investigates the cognitive and neural mechanisms that underlie spatial perception and cognition in special populations including individuals with visual impairments and spatial experts such as dancers and architects.

Kara Devers ’94 earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wake Forest University, her M.S.Ed. in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania, and her Ph.D. from James Madison University. Kara is a clinical specialist at Astor Services for Children and Families.

Lisa Larrimore Ouellette ’94 earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Swarthmore College, a Ph.D. in physics from Cornell University, and a JD from Yale Law School. While at Yale, Lisa was named a 20122013 Thomson Reuters Fellow at the Law School’s Information Society Project. Thomson Reuters Fellows work closely with Yale faculty and staff studying cutting-edge issues at the intersection of law, technology and media. Lisa recently joined the faculty at Stanford Law School specializing in intellectual property law.

Natalie Hansell Sheridan ’95 earned her Ph.D. from Temple University after studying at Immaculata and Bryn Mawr College. Natalie is a psychologist at Temple University.

Mallory Meyer ’00 was awarded her doctorate in physical therapy from Widener University. Mallory is a physical therapist at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and is the daughter of WMA science specialist Liz Meyer.

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Jim McManus and Luke Bushner are now freshmen at Cornell University after graduating from Malvern Prep. At Malvern, Luke was the captain of the Varsity Water Polo and Swim teams, served as president of the National Honor Society, and received the highest cumulative average for all four Luke Bushner and years. Pictured with Luke is Jordana Jordana Pungitore Pungitore, who chose the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles to pursue her dream.

Christian Turzo-Egan and Danny Onorato are now at the University of Pennsylvania after leaving the Prep. At the Prep's commencement, Christian was awarded a gold medal for English. Fellow alum David Azizi was awarded a gold medal for AP English, and Robert Jankiewicz was recognized with a gold medal for AP Spanish. Emily O’Brien and Michaela Leuzzi, both graduates of Baldwin, chose Bucknell and Franklin & Marshall respectively for their studies.

Fordham, Marquette, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Denver, St. Joe’s, Lafayette, LaSalle, Bennington College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Temple, Ursinus, Penn State, the University of Delaware, and Catholic University are among the schools our Class of 2010 will claim as their future alma maters. We are proud of their many accomplishments and wish them continued success at their chosen colleges.

Adriana Arcamone ’96 married Andre Taylor in Philadelphia at the chapel of Saint Joseph on June 21, 2014. In the wedding party were Christopher DiLella ’02, Julia Arcamone ’00, Adriana Arcamone ’96, Frank DiLella ’98 and Jamie Benson ’96. Adriana is the assistant principal of specialized services at the Hardy Williams High Mastery Charter School.

Genét DeFazio ’98 was married to Kevin Finnegan on March 8, 2014 in Philadelphia. Genét graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University in Maryland with a bachelor degree in biology before moving on to complete her physician assistant training. She earned her master’s degree in health science from the Drexel University Hahnemann Physician Assistant Program, where she graduated at the top of her class, receiving the Elizabeth Peabody Stolberg award for academic excellence. She is a member of both the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for physician assistants and the Alpha Eta National Honor Society for Allied Health Professions. Genét is licensed by the New York State Board of Education and is an active member of The American Academy of Physician Assistants and The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. She has been practicing in Manhattan since 2009.

Carolyn Tascione ’93 was wed to Keith McCollum on October 11, 2014. A graduate of Lycoming College, Carolyn is an account manager at ERMI Inc., an orthopedic medical sales company.

Michael Zirilli and Alysa Suero, who reconnected at the Class of 1989 20-year reunion, were married in Philadelphia on July 3, 2014. They were thrilled to share their special day with fellow alumni Michael Abate ’89, Stephen Behrle ’89, Matthew Greim ’89, David Zirilli ’92, as well as Alysa’s mother, Anita, a Spanish teacher at WMA. Michael, a pricing manager with USM, and Alysa, a geologist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, reside in Devon.

On May 23, 2014, Conor Corcoran ’91 married a fellow Vassar graduate, Elizabeth Little, from Cambridge, Mass.

Conor has a boutique civil and criminal litigation firm in Philadelphia with particular interest in the fields of copyright infringement, medical malpractice, civil rights, all aspects of the entertainment industry, and more. Conor and Liz spent their honeymoon in France, and the very happy couple now resides in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Kristy Constantino ’00 and Mark Pagano exchanged vows at the Epiphany of the Lord Church in Philadelphia on June 20, 2014. Kristy’s sister Alexa Rae Constantino ’07 was maid of honor and Danielle Zamorano Irwin ’00 was a bridesmaid in her wedding party. Other Waldron classmates from the class of 2000 who attended were David Suro, Maddie Boucas-Neto, Amanda Bennett and Amy Cedrone Cymerman. Kristy graduated from Merion Mercy Academy in 2004 and St. Joseph’s University in 2008. Kristy is territory manager at eLab Solutions. Kristy and Mark spent their honeymoon traveling in cities throughout Italy, and they now reside in Havertown, Pa.

Lindsay Docherty Photography

Megan Roe ’97 married Will Hummel on October 4, 2014, in Philadelphia. Fittingly pictured on Boathouse Row, Megan coaches both boys and girls crew at Friends Select. Her boys’ junior double team won the Stotesbury Cup this year, the first Americans to do so in three years.

The double then went on to win Scholastic National Championship.

Caroline Gallagher ’02 wed Kevin Finnegan in Cape May, N.J., at Our Lady of the Angels Church on October 4, 2014. In the wedding party were six Waldron Mercy alumni, including Caroline’s and Kevin’s siblings Lizann McLaughlin ’94, Christine Gallagher ’00, Charlie Gallagher ’05, and Dan Finnegan ’06; along with close family friends Leah Berry ’02 and Mark D’Eramo ’00. The couple spent their honeymoon traveling throughout cities in Italy and now resides in Philadelphia, Pa.

Eddie Keels ’98 was married to Elise Ehrenreich, a Maryland native, on October 19, 2014, in Cape Cod. Eddie’s wedding party included other WMA alums: his sister, Lisa Lowenstein ’95, Matt Lancaster ’98, Tim Mahoney ’98, Jamie O’Neill ’98, and Dana Cairone ’98. Eddie graduated from Georgetown University, majoring in theology and music theory. Since then, he has started two successful businesses in Philadelphia. Loose Leaf Concepts LLC (www.looseleafconcepts.com) is his branding and web agency, providing everything from custom logo creations and marketing materials, to bespoke websites and event signage/consulting. He just finished up a project with clients: Mountain Dew, Doritos, GameStop, and Call of Duty. He also founded Philly Current magazine (www.phillycurrent.com) two years ago and has featured personalities Maria Bello, Boyz II Men, celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Lauren Hart, Todd Carmichael, Mayor Nutter, and The Phillie Phanatic. Aside from business, Eddie is also the head varsity football coach at Waldron. He just led them to their best season in the past eight years. Newlyweds Eddie and Elise currently reside in Philadelphia.

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Class of 2014

Volunteer Spotlight

Aja Naima Adson Annina Sophia Baccile Alexandra Nicole Biddison Isabel M. Bielli Morgan Taylor Blackmon Aniyah Niré Branch Emma Braun Riley Burns Andreea Luanne Canuso James Clayton Childs Raymond Brennan Ford Cobb Marc Anthony Colavita Emma Jean Davis Gabrielle Jeannette DeStefon

Anne Michelle Doyle Abrielle Elizabeth Fafara Abigail Rose Fisher Jameson Wallace Fogarty Jared Stephen Gentile Grant Patrick Hadden Katelin Ann Hamilton Natalie Grace Holstein Jade Victoria Killion Kelly Anne King Victoria A. Knight Megan Alayne Leahy Blaise Leuzzi Dominick Leuzzi

Lifers!

Many of our students have been with us for most of their formative years on Waldron’s campus. We present the 2014 Waldron

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Ian Alexander MacGilvray Kyle Kwitai Masai Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy Sean Patrick Maximus McGarrity Ciara Rose McGee Margaret Rose McGrath Mark Anthony Miller Michael Andrew Miller Khyree Bruce Samuel Monroe Touré Mosley Banks Zenia Larissa Nasevich Avery Joan Parker Mary Elizabeth Passarella

Nora Maeve Pergolini Matthew Collin Phillips Declan Flaherty Quinn Conor Matthew Ryan Myles Mason Scott Lauren Rose Starker Madelyn C. Strohm Savanna Marie Urban Owen Francis Verzella Alister Chapman Virkler Duncan Alexander Waite Andrew Scott Walsh T. David Williams III

Waldron Mercy Child Care Alister Virkler and Ian MacGilvray

Awards and Scholarships General Excellence Award Alexandra Nicole Biddison Megan Alayne Leahy

For Excellence in the study of Advanced Spanish Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy

For Excellence in the study of Religion Natalie Grace Holstein Honorable Mention Emma Jean Davis Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy

For Excellence in the study of Spanish Kelly Anne King

For Excellence in the study of Advanced Mathematics Alister Chapman Virkler Honorable Mention Jameson Wallace Fogarty Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy

For Excellence in the study of Music Alister Chapman Virkler

For Excellence in the study of Mathematics Emma Braun Honorable Mention Kyle Kwitai Masai Nora Maeve Pergolini T. David Williams III For Excellence in the study of English Kelly Anne King For Excellence in the study of Writing Kelly Anne King Honorable Mention Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy Alister Chapman Virkler For Excellence in the study Social Studies Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy Honorable Mention Sean Patrick Maximus McGarrity Margaret Rose McGrath Madelyn C. Strohm For Excellence in the study of Science Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy Honorable Mention Kelly Anne King

For Excellence in the study of Art Emma Jean Davis

Outstanding Achievement Alexandra Nicole Biddison James Clayton Childs Marc Anthony Colavita Emma Jean Davis Jameson Wallace Fogarty Grant Patrick Hadden Jared Stephen Gentile Natalie Grace Holstein Kelly Anne King Megan Alayne Leahy Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy Sean Patrick Maximus McGarrity Mary Elizabeth Passarella Nora Maeve Pergolini Matthew Collin Phillips Alister Chapman Virkler Duncan Alexander Waite Effort Awards Grant Patrick Hadden Natalie Grace Holstein Nora Maeve Pergolini Mercy Awards are presented to the students who exhibit the Mercy philosophy of trust, hospitality, openness, and outreach.

Emma Jean Davis Ian Alexander MacGilvray Madelyn C. Strohm

Pre-K (from left) Grant Hadden, Gabrielle DeStefon, Abby Fisher, Dominick Leuzzi and Blaise Leuzzi

Service Awards are presented to the students who have consistently given their time to assist others.

Emma Jean Davis | Kelly Anne King | Margaret Rose McGrath

The Leadership Award is presented to two students who exemplify the qualities of mercy, service, effort, and the ability to influence others to do the same.

Jameson Wallace Fogarty | Alister Chapman Virkler

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO THE CLASS OF 2014 Emma Braun Academic Scholarship to Hallahan Catholic Girls High School Raymond Cobb Scholarship to Salesianum Academy Scholarship to Archmere Academy Jameson Fogarty Principal Scholarship to St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Jared Gentile Trustees’ Scholarship to Roman Catholic High School Grant Hadden Principal Scholarship to St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Katelin Hamilton Academic Scholarship to Academy of Notre Dame Kelly King Alumnae Scholarship to Merion Mercy Academy Margaret McGrath Founders Academic Scholarship to Mount St. Joseph’s Academy

Montessori (from left) Lauren Starker, Mary Elizabeth Passarella, Zenia Nasevich and James Childs

Mary Passerella Academic Scholarship to Merion Mercy Academy Founders Academic Scholarship to Mount St. Joseph’s Academy Nora Pergolini Academic Scholarship to Country Day School of the Sacred Heart Mercy Scholar Scholarship to Merion Mercy Academy Matthew Phillips Academic Scholarship to Devon Preparatory School Presidential Scholarship to Malvern Preparatory School Ignatian Scholarship to St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Myles Scott Scholarship to The Haverford School Owen Verzella Scholarship to The Shipley School Alister Virkler Principal Scholarship to die is alsSt. Joseph’s Preparatory School

Kindergarten (from left) Matthew Phillips, Morgan Blackmon, Jared Gentile, Emma Davis, Alexandra Biddison, and Megan Leahy 19

In Memoriam

Volunteer Spotlight

Louis Agnes

Father of Jay Agnes Grandfather of Gabriella Agnes ’11

Thomas Aner

Chuck Kelly

Step-grandfather of Quinn ’24 and Oliver ’26 O’Regan

Leo Kulp

Grandfather of Jonathan Aner ’15

Father of Carey Kulp Cheney ’92, Benjamin ’99, and Joseph ’02 Kulp

Mark Baniewicz

Joseph Kuzan

Concetta Dolce

Peggy Luckhard

Brother of Debbi Della Porta, former WMA Faculty Uncle of John Michael ’01 and Aimee ’02 Della Porta

Mother of Josephine DiGiambattista, WMA Faculty Grandmother of Nicole DiGiambattista ’03

Thomas F. Donatucci

Brother of Ronald Donatucci Uncle of Ronald ’97 Michael ’99, and Ava Marie ’15 Donatucci

Yolanda Donatucci

Brother-in-law of Mary Ann Kuzan, WMA Faculty Uncle of Liam Kuzan ’18

Sister of Bob Gallagher, WMA Faculty

J. Victor Mahoney ’65

Brother of Kevin Mahoney ’69 Cousin of PJ Leisenring ’09

Barbara McCabe Former WMA Faculty

Mother of Ronald Donatucci Grandmother of Ronald ’97 Michael ’99, and Ava Marie ’15 Donatucci

Thomas McClure

Meg Esposto

Wife of Frank Esposto Mother of Francesco ’10 and William ’13 Esposto

Mother of Pat McFillin Grandmother of Renee ’10, Patrick ’12, and Sean ’15 McFillin Sister of Betsy Bracken, parent of alumni

F. Emmett Fitzpatrick

Helen Prince

William Fry

Anthony Saia

Paul Gray

Lena Stimmler

Father of F. Emmett ’70 and James Fitzpatrick ’71

Grandfather of Chloe Fry ’21

Husband of Lauren Powe ’94

Elizabeth Kelley

Aunt of Theresa Gannon, WMA Faculty

Grandfather of Timothy ’18 and Liam ’21 McClure

Patricia McFillin

Grandmother of Nick Prince, WMA Faculty

Father of Marc Saia ’85

Grandmother of Liz ’89 and Catherine ’02 Rissover, WMA Faculty

Bette Walsh

Mother of Liz Meyer, WMA Faculty Grandmother of Mallory Meyer ’00 20 www.waldronmercy.org

Ways to Give For further information about any of the following, please contact Sylvia Bastani, interim director of advancement, at 610-664-9847, ext. 114, or sbastani@waldronmercy.org The Waldron Annual Fund Our annual campaign helps provide support for general operating expenses such as student and faculty programs, curriculum, technology, and building and grounds enhancement. The campaign runs from July 1 through June 30 of each year.

Matching Gifts You can double your support by designating Waldron Mercy Academy as the recipient of matching funds if your employer has a matching gift program. Each year the number of companies that provide matching gifts increases. Please check with your employer to see whether they have a matching gift program in place.

Gifts of Stock You can give appreciated stock, which is easily transferable and provides special tax benefits.

The United Way WMA is approved to receive donations through the United Way’s Giving Program. If you already use this as a way to give, please consider naming WMA as a recipient. Our designation is: Waldron Mercy Academy #14245.

EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) If your company pays state tax in Pennsylvania, it may be possible to distribute the funds to WMA instead. Through the EITC and OSTC programs, your company can receive a substantial tax credit - as much as 90 percent of the value of the gift - while supporting Waldron Mercy Academy’s Student Aid Fund. The program allows C-Corps, S-Corps, Partnerships, and LLCs to contribute. Over 50 of our students have benefited from these funds.

The Edgar H. Griffiths ’35 Planned Giving Society One of the simplest ways to give a planned gift is through a bequest in your will. After providing for your heirs, you may wish to include Waldron Mercy in your estate plans. We hope that you will be inspired to follow Edgar and Mary Griffiths’ example and join the Edgar H. Griffiths ’35 Planned Giving Society.

Foundation Support If you or a family member has established a foundation, if you serve on the board of a foundation, or if your employer has a foundation, please let us know if we can apply for a grant. This year, for example, Keith and Lisa Leaphart donated to WMA through their charitable fund with The Philadelphia Foundation.

For more information, please contact Pam Stites, assistant director of special events and projects, at pstites@waldronmercy.org.

Events Each year we hold a Golf and Tennis Classic in the fall and our Tigerfest Auction in the spring. These are great opportunities to meet parents or connect with fellow alumni while supporting WMA. There are also opportunities to donate gifts or provide sponsorship to help make these events successful fundraising endeavors for Waldron. For further information, contact Alison Nolan, director of special events, at anolan@waldronmercy.org or 484-420-2716.

Advancing the Mission of WMA… Have you made your gift to The ’14-’15 Waldron Annual Fund?

You can support us today by returning the enclosed envelope or giving online at waldronmercy.org/support-wma/annual-giving Thank you for helping to advance the mission of Waldron Mercy!

For More Information On ways to give, contact Sylvia Bastani, interim director of advancement, at 610-664-9847, ext. 114, or sbastani@waldronmercy.org or Peg Flynn, director of The Waldron Annual Fund and alumni relations at 610-664-9847, ext. 131 or mflynn@waldronmercy.org.

On how to get involved in Waldron events planned throughout the year, contact Alison Nolan, director of special events, at 484-420-2716, or anolan@waldronmercy.org.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Upper Darby, PA Permit No. 85 A Twice-Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

513 Montgomery Avenue Merion Station, PA 19066 Address Service Requested Attention Alumni: Please check out our website to: • Connect with fellow alums • Share your news for Blue & Gold • Learn about upcoming events Log in at: https://www.waldronmercy.org/AlumniSignUp If you prefer not to share your contact information in our online Alumni Directory, please email Peg Flynn at mflynn@waldronmercy.org. You can also choose that option when you log on to our website.

Save the Date Saturday, March 28, 2015 Note New Location This Year!

Philadelphia Marriott West in Conshohocken Support this major WMA Fundraiser • Underwrite an auction expense • Advertise in our ad book • Donate an auction item • Attend and have fun!

Proceeds benefit capital improvements, financial aid, Mercy outreach, and faculty and staff benefits.

To plan or attend alumni gatherings, please contact the Institutional Advancement Office. An NYC Alumni gathering is

scheduled for January 2015. If you live or work in the NYC area, please make sure we have your correct information.