OLP MAGAZINE Winter 2016
ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE (WINTER 2016) OLP MAGAZINE
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IN THIS ISSUE WINTER 2016
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REPORT ON GIVING Tuition keeps an institution running. Philanthropy transforms it.
REIMAGINING POSSIBILITIES Lauren Lek and Jessica Hooper are a dynamic duo.
DIFFERENT NO MORE Sisters & Scholars bridges the gap for students with learning differences.
DESKS & THE DEAR NEIGHBOR OLP was able to outfit 26 classrooms with new collaborative learning furniture.
SISTER VIRGINIA RODEE, RSCJ ’53 Honored as Alumna of the Year.
P I LOTS TA K E FLIGHT Read the latest news about your fellow Pilots in our alumnae section.
FRONT COVER PHOTO Head of School Dr. Lauren Lek, Assistant Head of School Mrs. Jessica Hooper and their daughters, Emma Lek and Clare Hooper, find a quiet moment on the stairs of the historic Carondelet Building.
O U R M I S S I O N STAT E M E N T Founded and rooted in the Gospel values of the Catholic Church and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Academy of Our Lady of Peace empowers young women in an innovative learning environment that honors the individual while fostering community, and develops faith-filled leaders to the “love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.”
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Dear OLP Pilot Community, Another school year is underway at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace as we near the close of our 134th year. We have said goodbye to the Class of 2016 and enthusiastically welcomed our newest OLP families and sisters in the Class of 2020. This year, new frosh students entered the Holy Family Event Center at our Welcome Back rally under a canopy of flowers much like the graduation tradition we revived during the Class of 2016’s commencement. We have already seen such vibrant energy across the campus and exciting renovations that have brought back old programs and launched new ones. Our focus on historical preservation in the facilities department has provided us with a lens through which to see new possibilities--needed structures to carry us into the future, while still honoring our past. The juxtaposition of honoring the traditions and legacy of our founding while still responding to the needs for tomorrow echoes many of the central ideas of our original founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In a document presented by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, they share that “the Sisters of St. Joseph are among the first congregations of women to labor outside the cloister. From their beginnings, they were engaged in a mobile apostolate extremely varied and adapted to local needs.” Their willingness to be open to the possibilities and future needs of the dear neighbor is the same vision by which we guide our school today. In partnership with the Assistant Head of School, Jessica Hooper, and supported by our leadership team, faculty, staff and Board, the school is on a trajectory to ensure that our young women are provided the tools they need to become, in the vision of Mother St. John Fontbonne, women of faith, women of heart, women of courage and women of excellence. In this edition of our OLP Magazine, you can read more of how we help our young women reimagine the possibilities afforded to them in 2016 and beyond. From reading about what inspires Jessica and I as leaders, to welcoming the first female U.S. Cruise Ship Captain, Kate McCue, to Skype with our students, to launching new courses such as UC approved Honors Choir and String Orchestra, this year has encouraged our girls to reimagine their own possibilities. As you read through the stories, especially the one celebrating our Alumna of the Year, Sister Virginia Rodee, RSCJ ’53, you will get a snapshot of what I am privileged to see on a daily basis: alumnae, students, faculty, staff and partners touching our world through their commitment to be the living mission and charism of our Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. God Bless,
Lauren Lek, Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL
CLASS NOTES should be sent to Alexis Rodriguez at arodriguez@aolp.org TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS, please contact registrar@aolp.org
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Academy Of Our Lady Of Peace Head of School Lauren Lek, Ed.D. Assistant Head of School Jessica Hooper Leadership Team Lauren Lek, Ed.D. George Battistel, Ph.D. Melinda Blade, Ed.D. Chris Boyer Marlena Conroy Aaron Gonzalez Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ’64 Jessica Hooper Emily Pippin ’06 Toni Russo Kristin Wiggins Contributors Rivka Bent Samantha League Alexis Rodriguez Toni Russo Kristin Wiggins Board of Directors Lauren Lek, Ed.D., Head of School Coreen G. Petti, Board Chair Patricia Boer ’55 Mike Coughlin Michael Guerrero Susan Hause Terry Kalfayan Clair (Cunningham) Kennedy ’81 Diane Koester-Byron Damian McKinney Gayle McMahon Martha McRoskey Sister Jill Marie Napier, CSJ Dr. Mary O’Connor Barbara Picco Sister Virginia Rodee ‘53, RSCJ Nina R. Sciuto-Morales ’76 Peg Stehly Thank you to our new design partners, Hollis ’07 & Joan Maloney ’77 of Studio 318 in New York. We met these two incredible women on our NY Regional Reconnect this past year and are so O L edition, P M A G Afully Z I N Edesigned | 3 excited to unveil our newest by Hollis & Joan.
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REPORT ON GIVING Tuition keeps an institution running. Philanthropy transforms it.
Thank You Donors! Each year, parents, alumnae, faculty, staff and the greater OLP
community give of their time, talent and treasure to invest in OLP and our amazing students. It is this investment that provides invaluable resources beyond tuition that keep OLP strong and have an immediate transformative impact on our students. During the 2015-16 school year, we received more annual contributions than ever before - $813,273 - and we used those funds to enhance our academic, athletic and co-curricular programs, invest in campus upgrades and historic preservation of our beloved campus, and provide scholarships to students in need. Specifically, your investment in OLP helped to fund the following: • Purchase of new student desks for 26 classrooms • Upgrade of the gym and weight room floors in the Holy Family Event Center • Improved campus security • Renovation of Vill Inn to create space for an Engineering Maker’s Lab • Renovation of the Round Room to create space for expanded choral and orchestra programs • Carondelet Hall improvements including new bathrooms, ADA accessibility, HVAC, electrical and plumbing The collective annual support of OLP alumnae, parents and friends is powerful, it’s essential and it has an immediate impact on our students’ experience at OLP. We continue to be humbled by your generosity.
Thank you to each and every donor for all you do to support OLP!
Please contact OLP’s Institutional Advancement office at advancement@aolp.org for a copy of our 2015-16 Annual Report, or visit aolp.org/annualreport to view a complete list of donors.
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TOTA L: $8 13, 273 FO U NDAT I O N G R ANTS $ 2 5 0,0 0 0
CON TR IBUTION S/ AN N UAL FU N D $ 2 72 ,840 31 %
33%
36 %
FU ND R AI S I NG EV E N TS $ 2 9 0,4 4 3
L I SA DA N AH E R , ENG LISH TEACHE R & PARE N T O F AN N E ’19
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Now that my own daughter attends OLP, I am more convinced than ever that love, faith, and an OLP education are the best gifts parents can give their girls. I give to OLP with gratitude for the countless gifts the school has given to my daughter and to me.
L ESA MA L ÉCOT, PA RE N T OF N AT H A L IE-ROSE ’16 In addition to introducing our daughter to the wonders of intellectual “exploration, OLP provided opportunities for spiritual growth, a sense
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of community and responsibility for serving those less fortunate. Our family has been blessed with the opportunity to witness firsthand how OLP’s encouraging and inspiring environment enriches each student, giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams. This is why we give.
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We value and need your support.
IN VEST IN OL P STU DE N TS BY MA KIN G YOU R GIFT TODAY 2016-17 Wish List • Purchase equipment for our NEW Engineering Maker’s Lab • Outfit the student library with new furniture and technology that encourages collaborative learning • Transform an unused space on campus into a Sport Court that will provide on-campus practice space for athletics teams and PE classes • Renovate the Chapel and Chapel garden
M IC H A E L G U E RRE RO, OL P B OA RD OF DIRECTORS & PA RE N T OF M IC H E LLE ’10 daughter “wantedOurto attend OLP
MIC H A E L ST RI N GE R , ART T EACHE R I contribute to OLP because I want to help those students whose “families struggle to afford tuition. This idea of helping those in need and the dear neighbor has always been an integral part of the mission of OLP. I support the Sister Dolores Anchondo Leadership and Legacy Fund because I feel that she embodies the spirit, kindness, and mission of the school.
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for as long as I can remember. Ten years later, we continue to support her decision to attend OLP. We volunteer, share our talents and resources, and pray that other young girls, like our daughter, will benefit from an all-girls’ Catholic education.
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EVENTS
G OLF TOU RN AM ENT MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2016 Join us for the 25th Annual OLP Golf Tournament, presented by T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc., and help raise much needed funds for OLP’s Athletics program and the construction of a new sport court on campus providing practice space for several team sports and PE classes. Join us for a great day of golf at the San Diego Country Club! Visit aolp.org to reserve your foursome or sponsorship. Registration: 9:30am Golf Clinic: 10am Shotgun start: 11am
B EYO UT I FU L SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Girls are Invited to Our 3rd Annual BeYOUtiful Event! Join current OLP students for an engaging morning of girl empowerment workshops and a presentation on how to create positive self esteem from a guest speaker. Girls will participate in a series of workshops focused on boosting self confidence and learning how to be a leader among their peers. Hosted by the Academy of Our Lady of Peace Check In: 8am Event: 8:30am - 12:00pm Snacks & refreshments will be provided. RSVP by November 30, 2016. Space is limited! The cost is $25 per student. Please register online at: www.aolp.org/BeYOUtiful
San Diego Country Club 88 L St., Chula Vista, CA 91911 Format: Scramble, followed by dinner & auction Single Player: $250 Foursome: $1,000 Includes green fees, carts, lunch, dinner, tee pack, event polo shirt, mulligans and games on the course.
L’ART D ’ IN S P IR E G ALA FEBRUARY 11, 2017
Save the Date For OLP’s 32nd Annual Gala and Auction L’ART D’INSPIRE A dynamic evening in support of OLP Students, including a spectacular auction and live entertainment by student artists. Reserve your ticket, table or sponsorship today at www.aolp.org/gala
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WOME N ’S SYM P OS I UM FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017 Join us for OLP’s Third Annual Women’s Symposium, to be held on campus on Friday, March 31, 2017. Modeled after speaker panels at leading universities, this annual event brings together top women leaders to share their insights and pathways to success with OLP students and the community.
C H R ISTMAS AT O U R HO US E
OLP is honored to serve as an epicenter for women’s education and is excited to host this unique event that centers on reciprocal learning and inspiration.
A Taste of the Holidays 5:00-6:30pm
Panel Topics: · Arts & Entertainment · Business & Entrepreneurship · Healthcare · STEM
A Taste of the Holidays, Candlelight Procession & Ice Skating THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016 Tickets: $25 per person. Visit aolp.org to purchase Join us in partnership with local restaurants as we welcome the Christmas season. Enjoy delicious appetizers, holiday beverages, and delectable desserts from vendors including Sabuku Sushi, Green Dragon Tavern & Museum and The French Gourmet. More restaurants added daily!
Visit aolp.org/olpws for more info
Candlelight Procession 7:00pm Free | RSVP at aolp.org
Join us as we come together to deepen our experience of Advent and Christmas through words and music set in beautiful student tableaux that tell the story of the birth of the Christ.
New This Year: Ice Skating! 2:00-5:00pm & 5:00-6:30pm
Join us for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience and ice skate on Circle Drive. Skating is $5 and tickets will be sold at the door.
G RA N D PA R E N TS DAY 10:00 a m -12:45 p m | Photos available after Mass Join us our annual Grandparents Day! 10:00 a m Arrival and Continental Breakfast with Granddaughter & Friends 10:30 a m Tour of Campus with Granddaughter 11:30 a m
Mass in the Event Center
12:45 p m
School Dismissal
RSVP at aolp.org/grandparents-day
EVENTS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016
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Reimagining Possibilities
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Dr. Lek and Mrs. Hooper walk along the chapel courtyard and garden with daughters Clare and Emma. Their daughters and students inspire them to lead San Diego’s oldest and only all girls, Catholic high school into the next phase of 21st Century learning.
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to Assistant Principal and, in 2014, she
each is a symbol of the innovative spirit
accepted the role as the Assistant Head
that has taken hold of the faculty and
the first alumni Principal at her
of School, the right-hand position to
administrative team at OLP. It has been
Head of School, Dr. Lek.
a team effort, and as a faculty and staff
and Lauren Lek was serving as alma mater, Moreau Catholic High School in Northern California. She had worked her way from teacher to assistant principal to, in her own words, what she considered to be her “dream job.” After welcoming the birth of her second son, her family was thrown for a loop when her husband was offered a tremendous opportunity to launch a new business venture in Carlsbad, called the Green Dragon Tavern and Museum. For six months they navigated the back and forth commute from the San Francisco Bay area to San Diego before the family made the decision to permanently relocate to San Diego. It was a leap of faith leaving her hometown and her school community to follow God’s hand. Fortunately, Lauren and OLP came together at the perfect time! While at Moreau Catholic, Lauren earned her Masters in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s College in Moraga and just recently completed her Doctoral Degree in Educational Technology Leadership from Pepperdine University. Jessica Hooper was actively engaged in the San Diego Diocese, having entered Catholic parochial schools as a middle school teacher immediately following her graduation from the University of San Diego. While teaching middle school, she pursued her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. She was (and still is) passionate about education and enjoyed the middle school grades, but was thrilled about the prospect of an all girls’ educational environment. Jessica joined OLP’s Religious Studies Department in 2010 as an instructor and Director of Service Learning. Jessica’s leadership skills allowed her to quickly move into the newly formed role of Director of Admissions before moving up
Lauren Lek and Jessica Hooper are
a duo that is hard to separate. They
work collaboratively to ensure the dayto-day operations of the campus are effective and conducive to learning. Although each woman’s focus might be slightly different, their vision for OLP is unwaveringly unified. Together they ensure OLP is poised to prepare
we have ignited the desire to be an environment that is student-centered and one in which students are encouraged to explore their passions and curiosities in unique experiences of learning. What I always knew to be a beacon of learning in San Diego has only matured to become a true place of innovative educational practices.
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students in the tradition of the CSJ Sisters to become “all of which woman is capable.” So often, when asked what inspires them, they will answer, “these OLP girls,” a passion that is made immediately personal as they envision what an OLP education will be like for their own daughters. In the interview below, you can read more about their passion for OLP, for the CSJ charism, and for ensuring excellence in standards of education.
Q: When you think about your past four years here in leadership together, what have been the most important changes that you have collectively made? Jessica: I will start by admitting that
I applied to work at OLP four years in a row. Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled when I received the call to become a part of the OLP faculty. The standards for excellence have consistently been a part of the reputation of OLP and I knew that it was something of which I wanted to be a contributing member. What I am most proud of in the last four years is the spirit of innovation that has reignited the learning experience at OLP. Whether it be new programs like Orchestra, Honor Choir, Robotics Team, AP Computer Science Principles or the STEM certificate, or new initiatives such as Bring Your Own Device, the travel program or the Sisters and Scholars program to support students with identified learning needs,
The standards for excellence have consistently been a part of the reputation of OLP and I knew that it was something of which I wanted to be a contributing member.
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Lauren: When I came to OLP, I was
desperate to read as much as I could on the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I wanted to know everything about them, so as the first lay leader in 132 years, I could ensure their story lived on. That is why I pursued my Doctoral Thesis on creating a framework on how the CSJ charism was manifested in the school culture of the four sponsored high schools by the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet in the Los Angeles Province.
As I have learned more, I have ensured that their focus on “unifying love” is embedded throughout all we do, our documents, our retreats, and even how
we address our community. I also learned that these first CSJ sisters were fearless visionaries who embraced a vision for the future.
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They were trailblazers in their own right, and looked to ensure that their ministry was always changing toward the needs of the “dear neighbor without distinction.” In one document, I read that they had a “mobile apostolate” that was ever restless and shifting to meet those needs. As I think of what our girls need for tomorrow, now in 2016, and even when my own daughter Emma eventually comes to OLP, I want to ensure that we too are ever restless in not settling for
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I want to ensure that we too are ever restless in not settling for what was done, but searching for what our girls will need for tomorrow.
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until I became a parent myself that I understood the concept of unconditional love. I would challenge the girls to understand just how much their parents love them. So, as a parent and an administrator, I feel an incredible responsibility to create a culture in which these girls feel accepted and cherished. More than anything, my hope for Clare is that she finds herself in environments that celebrate unique gifts, promote kindness and encourage her to act courageously. What I know in my
what was done, but searching for what
be themselves here and from that freedom
heart is that girls can discover their true
our girls will need for tomorrow. This
they continue to form friendships that will
potential at OLP. That is what I want for
world we live in today is changing so
last a lifetime. We have fun, we sing, we
each and every one of our students and
rapidly. Our charism, the CSJ legacy and
dance and we learn all along the way. Oh,
for of course, my daughter Clare.
our OLP Sisterhood is never changing,
and we are still battling the length of the
but our education must always be poised
girls’ skirts...some things never change!
to evolve. We have a greater challenge now than we have ever had to ensure our OLP Pilots are not just ready for college, but for life.
Lauren: The reputation of excellence and an institution that prepares its girls for
any professional future has certainly not changed. Nor has the emphasis on our shared Catholic faith and values. All of those areas are only growing stronger.
Q: What would you say hasn’t changed? Jessica: There are many traditions that
remain the same and that are cherished and honored year after year (freshman dance lessons are just as awkward as they have always been)! The feeling of sisterhood among OLP students remains at the forefront of what remains the same. I always relay to prospective students that the best way to describe the experience of OLP is to say that it truly is “magical.” It is a place where girls can be girls and where we celebrate individuality and unique talents. In other words, girls feel they can 10 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
Q: You often speak that these OLP girls are your girls, and you compare your desire to provide for them equal to your own daughters. Can you speak more about that? Jessica: What I have come to know and
cherish is the gift of an all girls’ education. When I interact with students I often think of who they were when they were in 1st grade as my Clare is now. I wonder who she will be and what she will care about when she is here in just eight years time. When I taught Christian Morality, I would often use the example of a parent’s love to illustrate the concept of God’s unconditional love for us all. It was not
I want love to be at the core of who we
of our greatest challenges right now is
are and what we do, and as the Gospels
ensuring our facilities can keep pace
girls, I see my Emma. I see her here in 12
say, that is how they will know we are
with our extraordinary programs. That
years, and think, what do I want to ensure
Christians. I also want her to have access
means we need additional classrooms,
she has? As I address these girls, I feel as
to a range of courses so she can explore
modernized rooms, greater arts facilities,
though I am a partner with their mothers
her passions and interests while also
stronger infrastructure and of course
and fathers to guide them, support them,
trying new things. So, that is how I look
accessibility and access for everyone,
and help them grow into “women of faith,
at the changes we make or the culture
including those with disabilities. Our
women of heart and women of courage.”
we are shaping - for Emma, for our OLP
100-year-old facilities are struggling to
That is no easy task, and certainly one I
girls here today, and for the ones who will
keep up and need a great deal of support.
don’t take lightly. I want Emma to be in
come next.
The magnificent historical buildings are
Lauren: As I look at the faces of our 750
a community where she is treasured for
our treasures, and in order to preserve
who she is, is part of a family of love and
them we have to focus on bringing
compassion, is built back up when she
them up to current standards to stay
makes mistakes, and is also challenged to
strong for the next century. I love that
explore new things even if she fails at first.
we have brought back orchestra and strengthened our choral program, while launching engineering, architecture and biotechnology. All of these courses need
Q: What is your greatest hope for the future here at OLP? Jessica: That we continue to lead the
way for girls education in San Diego and become an example of a community
stronger facilities in order to flourish. My hope is that we will be able to care for these tremendous buildings as they have housed more than 6,000 alumnae over the years, and so they are ready to support the next 12,000 alumnae to come!
founded in unifying love for the world. I am continually in awe of the work that our alumnae are contributing to the world. They are in their own right modern day trailblazers. I hope we can continue to foster relationships between our alumnae and our students as they have so much to learn and our alumnae have so much to offer. We know that the OLP sisterhood lasts a lifetime and my hope is that we strengthen our global OLP community so that we extend that feeling of sisterhood to those who came before us and those who will come after us. We are so fortunate to be rooted in the tradition of the CSJ sisters: their trailblazing provided a 134-year tradition of educating women. My hope is that we honor the work of those original dreamers and foster a school that will continue to be a beacon of hope, light, peace and leadership in our community. Lauren: That we continue to be the
premier choice for women in San Diego and beyond for the next 150 years! One
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...the best way to describe the experience of OLP is to say that it truly is “magical.” It is a place where girls can be girls and where we celebrate individuality and unique talents.
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DIFFERENT NO MORE Sisters & Scholars bridges the gap for students with learning differences BY SAMANTHA LEAGUE
“You won’t graduate high school.”
Encouraged by the current administration, the Sisters & Scholars program was created three years ago and is
This is what Mariana Frangos ’19 was told a few weeks before
managed by OLP Counselor Jill Hicke. When students are first
diagnosed her with an auditory processing deficit. “I remember
parents or guardians to discuss their diagnosis and needs. Jill
her first day of freshmen year, by a doctor who had just
accepted into the program, Jill meets with them and their
walking away crying, thinking there was no hope,” Mariana
continues to check in with the girls every semester until they
said.
graduate.
Despite the callousness of this statement, Mariana’s doctor
“I remember talking to Mrs. Hicke and making a plan and thinking, ‘yeah, there’s hope!’” Mariana says. “I feel like [this program has] definitely given me the confidence to overcome this… there’s nothing I can’t do that everyone else can do.”
made a prediction that too often comes true for students with learning differences. According to 2013 statistics from the
Department of Education, 19 percent of high school students (aged 14-21) who were receiving treatment for a diagnosed learning difference dropped out, compared to the national dropout rate of 6.5 percent.
Learning differences can range from learning to physical
discrepancies, and treatment plans depend upon the individual student, educational environment and assisted technologies available. Further, while public schools are required to have
programs that accommodate students with learning differences, private Catholic schools are not. Without a mandate, it is a teacher’s decision to allow and provide accommodations.
Luckily, Mariana chose OLP and immediately applied to our
Sisters & Scholars program, which provides accommodations for students with diagnosed learning differences.
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Before Sisters & Scholars, Jill tried to help individual students in any way
possible. For one student with dyslexia and ADHD, this meant sitting with her while she took tests in order to give her a few extra minutes under supervision. When Sisters & Scholars became an official program, the
student was finally allowed the extra time she needed. “Her GPA increased a lot,” Jill remembers. “It was a very simple thing, just giving a little bit of extra time to someone who struggles through reading and loses focus in
After one semester of Sisters & Scholars, GPAs rose by an average of
0.26
the middle of a question.”
These small accommodations mean the world to students who would
otherwise struggle without them. “I feel like I have an extra second to
breathe,” Grace Kotnik ’19 says. “Being separated [while taking a test] gives me more room to think with fewer distractions.”
C L ASS OF 2016 SISTE RS & SC HOL A RS W E N T TO: Boston College Cal Poly University, Pomona Columbia University Gonzaga Humbolt State Liberty University Santa Clara University Sonoma State University Trinity College
What is the application process? While many girls only need extra time or a separate space to test, others rely on assistive technologies in the classroom. For example, Mariana’s
teachers wear a microphone (seen above being used by her teacher, Mrs. Devereaux ’00) that cancels out background noise. This device, coupled with Mariana sitting in the front and away from the door, has been so successful that Mariana is getting better grades now than she did in elementary school.
On average, the GPA of a Sisters & Scholars student improves by 0.26
points after just one semester. Another unquantifiable result is that the
GIRLS MUST: Have a diagnosed learning difference by a doctor · Have gone through psychoeducational testing within the last three years · Fill out a Sisters & Scholars application with their parent or guardian
girls are less stressed and more confident about not only their academic performance, but their lives in general. As Grace puts it, “I literally
couldn’t do life if I didn’t have Sisters & Scholars. It’s been such a great help to me this year and last year. There’s confidence in knowing that whatever you’re diagnosed with, you can overcome it.” Our Sisters & Scholars do overcome their obstacles: Sisters and Scholars from the Class of 2016 ended up at Cal-Poly Pomona, Trinity College,
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, about 5 percent of our nation’s school-age population has been formally diagnosed with a learning difference, and an estimated 15 percent are believed to be undiagnosed and not receiving treatment.
Columbia and Boston College, to name a few. Some girls even fall in love with the subject they’ve struggled in as a result of receiving the accommodations they need.
“[This program] makes OLP accessible to students who
would have never been able to apply and attend here,”
To learn more about our Sisters & Scholars program or to apply, please contact Jill Hicke at jhicke@aolp.org.
Jill says. “It is that aspect that is most rewarding.”
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GYM F LO O R & G O L F
STUDENT NEWS
A big note of gratitude to the participants and sponsors of the 2015 OLP Golf Tournament. With the fundraising efforts of the event, we were able to repair and refinish our gym floor as well as bring it up to CIF standard striping. As an added bonus, the OLP Pilots brand and fleur de lis logo is beautifully included into the floor design. Our school spirit is alive and thriving in the Holy Family Event Center!
SA N DIEG O T RIAT H LON C LASSI C For the first time ever, the OLP community participated in the San Diego Triathlon Classic. Our teams consisted of students, parents, teachers, staff, alumnae, board members and parents, along with spouses of alumnae and teachers. Each relay team had three members of our community participating in a 750-meter swim, 22k bike ride and a 5k run. A big shout out to current parent Jose Luis Perez Rocha for organizing this cause and congratulations to our PE Department Chair and the faculty leader behind this effort, Sally Boettger, for overcoming her recent setback and joining us on this special day!
Join us for the 25th Annual OLP Golf Tournament, presented by T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc., on Monday, November 21, 2016 at the exclusive San Diego Country Club. The funds raised from this event will support OLP’s Athletics program and the construction of a new sport court on campus providing practice space for several team sports and PE classes.
Visit aolp.org to purchase your foursome and learn more!
FROS H DA N CE LES S ON S Our freshman girls enjoyed the time honored tradition of Frosh Dance Lessons recently. Our girls went over to Saint Augustine gym where they enjoyed an afternoon of learning classic dance moves and socializing with boys. Fun was had by all! #twoschoolsonespirit
B IOT EC H C L ASS OLP launched our new Biotechnology class and the students are well on their way to learning! The focus of biotechnology is on the mastery of basic standard laboratory operating procedures. Students will learn sterile technique, cell culture, DNA and protein isolation, and electrophoresis.
Dr. Johnathan Chittuluru and Victoria Salcedo ’17 explore the Thermus aquaticus DNA Polymerase structure.
DNA POLYMERASE: Thermus aquaticus DNA Polymerase is a protein that comes from bacteria living in hot springs, including geysers in Yellowstone Park. It facilitates a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is used in crimescene forensics and many other fields. (See above for illustration).
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Julia Fegley ’18 sits next to a small culture of recombinant bacteria that express red fluorescent protein, which provides sea anemones with their characteristic red glow.
Hailie Burton ’18 explains the Meselson-Stahl experiment, which was the first experiment to conclusively demonstrate how DNA replicates by a semi-conservative mechanism.
WOM E N M A K I N G WAV E S a t CA L M A R I T I M E T H E OL P A DM I N IST R AT ION IS CON T I N UOUSLY LOOK I NG
at ways to encourage our young women to reimagine the possibilities in every aspect of life. Following in that vision, Dr. Lauren Lek coordinated the visit of the President of California Maritime Academy, Rear Admiral Thomas A. Cropper, for a presentation to the entire OLP student body. A school boasting the highest alumni earnings in California 10 years after enrollment, Cal Maritime ensures its graduates are not only prepared to enter the workforce, but thrive there. Dr. Lauren Lek’s brother, Cameron Clark, graduated in 1999 from Cal Maritime Academy, and as a result, has enjoyed a flourishing career. His ongoing partnership with Cal Maritime Academy helped facilitate this unique opportunity for OLP students. During his presentation, President Cropper shared that “Ninety-percent of everything that touches our individual lives comes from the shipping industry,” but so often we fail to discuss the opportunities afforded to us from that industry. The presentation highlighted the very successful programs and majors at the school, while providing an opportunity for students to Skype with the first U.S. female cruise ship captain, and Cal Maritime alumna, Captain Kate McCue. Captain McCue shared her own personal journey from a young girl on a family cruise ship to now fulfilling her dream of being Captain. Students were able to engage virtually with questions to learn more about the cruise ship industry and Captain McCue’s own experiences at Cal Maritime. The school has consistently seen a 94 percent employability rate immediately following graduation, with an average starting salary for engineering students between $80,000 - $100,000. The presentation was then followed with a chance for more than a dozen students to eat lunch with President Cropper, counselors and administrators. The day also celebrated our own OLP alumna, Jamie Mattos ’12, and recent 2016 Cal Maritime graduate, who just joined the Hornblower Team working as the Onboard Human Resources Coordinator at the American Queen Steamboat Company in Mississippi. You can learn more about Jamie and what she’s been up to below. The programs and electives OLP offers has helped accelerate the number of young women pursuing college careers in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields to just under 40 percent of graduates in the class of 2016. This compares to the national co-educational average of only 16 percent. Whether it is college visits, college fairs, or the visit from Cal Maritime Academy, OLP is excited for the possibilities that await our students!
Note from Cal Maritime & OLP Alumna I graduated from the California Maritime Academy with a BA in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs on April 24 and started work May 1. I am now working for the American Queen Steamboat Company as the Onboard Human Resources Coordinator/Officer. The American Queen is the largest, fully functioning steamboat in the world. When I first got the job, many of my friends and family jokingly asked if I had to dress up like Tom Sawyer. The answer is no, the American Queen provides luxury cruising to passengers. The boat holds about 400-500 passengers and has 280 crew members. Cal Maritime has an amazing career center. Wendy Higgins, my career counselor, did an incredible job supporting and guiding me through my senior year. The maritime industry is so small and close knit that the Alumni Association is very strong and always eager to help graduating seniors find jobs
or internships. The majority of my friends had jobs before we even graduated. The school boasts a 94 percent job placement rate. Cal Maritime provided me with so many amazing opportunities to travel and grow. Currently, around 14 percent of the students enrolled are women, but they hope to improve that number to at least 20 percent by 2020. I believe that CMA is the perfect place for OLP girls to strengthen the female camaraderie and excel both academically, socially and professionally. Men have dominated the maritime industry for years, but recently we are starting to see more and more strong, capable, young women seafarers. The maritime industry has limitless opportunities for bright, ambitious, young women like those at OLP.
Written By Jamie Mattos ’12
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a DAY in the LIFE
Our Council of 10 ASB students organized a delicious lunch for OLP faculty & staff. These girls set an example for all of us on how to be leaders!
How fast can you eat a donut dangling over your head without using your hands? Our recent Wacky Wednesday contest was a tasty one!
Who says Halloween is just for kids? Our faculty & staff dressed up as cowboys, cowgirls and farmers to celebrate the occasion!
Sophomores serve lunch at Father Joe’s Villages as part of their Living Church retreat. Our beautiful Homecoming Court ladies! Queen Hailey Martin Mantanona ’17, Noelle Gavino ’17, Hannah Quijano ’17 and Lacey Yahnke ’17.
Our Juniors enjoyed a faith-filled retreat experience at Whispering Winds. The retreat was entirely student led and explored deepening of faith. Our aeroponics towers are back! AP Environmental Science students grow and harvest fresh grown salad for the Pilot Cafe.
Congrats to our Mock Trial team in their recent competition. Thank you to our coaches James J. Eischen, Jr., Luiey G. Haddad & Scott Ingold. 16 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
Our first Bring Your Dad to School Day was a huge success! We had more than 250 dads on campus!
We were blessed to host the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima in September.
The OLP Athletics “Flight Crew” are the best fans a school could ask for! These faithful supporters join us at all games and are the loudest section in the gym!
Desks & The Dear Neighbor A S A R E S U LT O F T H E S U C C E S S O F T H E 2 0 1 5 “ A L L I N F O R O L P ” annual fundraiser, OLP was able to outfit 26 classrooms with new collaborative learning furniture, which
supports the versatility needed by students and
teachers for 21st century learning and pedagogical practices. While this in itself created much
excitement across our campus with anticipation for the start of school, we had the complication
of 780 used, but in decent condition, traditional
(right-handed) student desks stacked in our faculty parking lot this summer.
After several attempts to donate the desks locally, it was clear there was no demand for these wellpreserved pieces of furniture.
Not wanting the desks to go to waste, we remained
open to other possibilities. And in perfect OLP fashion, alumna parent Monica Paige, whose
daughter graduated in 2016, and Jackie Meyer,
fellow Rotarian with Head of School, Dr. Lauren Lek, provided a solution that did not include a landfill.
Proudly, we were able to donate all 780 desks to
seven different schools, two in Tijuana and five in
Loreto, Mexico. The pictures, letters and stories of gratitude we have received have been incredibly
touching. We discovered that in the Loreto schools, we weren’t replacing desks--they were entirely
without desks! What a privilege it is for us to know that 780 students returned to school with a desk
to sit in, and in the spirit of all things CSJ, we were able to be a good steward of our resources while helping our dear neighbors in Mexico.
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L.A. She was placed at Immaculate Conception Parish School (ICS) located in downtown L.A. The school serves a Hispanic population with ninety percent of the families identified as living at or below the poverty level. She is a teacher’s aide at ICS and teaches Physical Education for elementary and middle school students. She is also the pianist for the school choir.
The St. Joseph
WORKER PROGRAM
Out of all of the placement opportunities, the position at ICS was the one Ashley was most interested in. “I’ve always loved tutoring and had a lot of experience working with kids, so I wanted this position,” she said. “I feel as if this position was made for me and that I was made for this position.”
Empowering Women to Change the World BY ALEXIS RODRIGUEZ
A
shley Guanzon ’12 attended her first of many service and justice trips when she was a student at Creighton University in Nebraska. “I actually remember Mr. Kirschbaum telling my senior Spirituality and Justice Class that we should go on at least one service trip in college because it will be life changing. He was right,” she said. During her senior year of college she was on a service trip that was hosted by staff and volunteers of the St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) Program in Minnesota. It was there she learned about the policies and principles of implementing justice. Her first experience with the SJW Program was captivating and sparked her passion for social change.
Through this program, Ashley has had the opportunity to rediscover and reconnect with concepts that she learned at OLP, including female empowerment. Since the program is founded by the same order of Sisters that founded OLP, they emphasize many of the same concepts such as ‘serving the dear neighbor.’
The SJW Program was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and creates an opportunity for women ages 21-30 to serve in underrepresented areas of need in preparation for a life-long commitment to social change.
Ashley has been keeping up with her alma mater and loves hearing about the new STEM opportunities OLP has been offering students. “OLP is really paving the way for women in STEM industries by providing opportunities to explore traditionally male-dominated fields.” She is encouraged by the role that OLP is playing in reimagining possibilities for the next generation of women.
These women commit to a year of service where they explore the values of justice, leadership, spirituality, and living simply in an intentional community. Fostered within the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Joseph Workers live out “the love of God and the dear neighbor without distinction.” The SJW Program empowers women committed to social change to respond to the needs of the times.
“I truly believe that OLP was the catalyst that inspired me to become a better leader and an empowered woman,” Ashley said. “One quote that always stayed with me after I graduated OLP was to do ‘all of which woman is capable.’”
Ashley plans to pursue graduate school or pharmacy school after she completes the SJW Program. For now, she will continue to enjoy this unique experience of changing the world through service.
This national program has seven locations spanning from New York to Los Angeles. When Ashley learned there was a site in L.A., she decided to apply and was accepted to the program. “I really wanted to go back to California after graduating and I loved reconnecting with the CSJ ideals that really transformed me in high school. Everything just fell into place and I knew God was telling me to do this year of service.” Ashley began the SJW Program this past August with six other young women and is part of the largest group since the program started in
W American Sign Language Returns to OLP BY SAMANTHA LEAGUE
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alking into an American Sign Language classroom is like walking into a library: everyone is silent. This doesn’t mean they’re not communicating, though!
OLP just brought American Sign Language (ASL) back into its curriculum, but ASL has deep roots with our CSJ Sisters. In 1836, a small group of the Sisters of St. Joseph moved to America to open a school for the deaf in St. Louis, MO. They set up their covenant in a small village named Carondelet on the outskirts of St. Louis . Their response to the need of the deaf community began the American congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and they still run one of the most prestigious schools for the deaf today. Ms. Sabrina Vasconcelos joined us this year as our ASL I and II teacher. She was exposed to, and fell in love with, the deaf community’s language and culture when a group of deaf people started attending her church in Brazil. In stark difference to Sabrina’s
Reimagining Possibilities THROUGH SOCIAL JUSTICE
College professor, author, activist, wife, and mother are just a few of the important titles that Genevieve Negrón-Gonzales ’96 holds. BY ALEXIS RODRIGUEZ
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his first-generation college graduate has had an amazing journey since her time as a student at OLP. After graduating from high school at the young age of 17, she left her home in Chula Vista and headed to the Bay Area to join her sister, Angelique Gonzales ’94 at the University of California, Berkeley. Four years later, Genevieve graduated with her B.A. in Ethnic Studies and later returned to Berkeley to earn her M.A. and Ph.D. in Social and Cultural Studies in Education. Genevieve’s fervor for social justice has motivated her to be actively involved in challenging injustice and eliciting change in society. Her research and activism focus on undocumented students, the political economy, higher education and social change. She has been able to turn her passion into a career where she teaches and encourages others to challenge injustices to create a just society. Genevieve is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership Studies in the School of Education at the University of San Francisco (USF). She is also the chair of USF’s Task Force for Support and Services of Undocumented Students where she advocates for this student population on campus. In recognition for her trailblazing work and commitment to inclusion within academia, Dr. Genevieve NegrónGonzales has been honored as the 2016 Emerging Leader Honoree for the Chicana/Latina Foundation.
experience, not many of her 18 students know a deaf person. The girls are interested in the language for a variety of reasons, ranging from “it’s a visually beautiful language” to “it’s fascinating to communicate without sound.” “Sometimes the girls struggle with not being able to talk, though,” Sabrina says with a smile. What many may not realize is that sign language is not a universal language. Signs vary from language to language, which makes it difficult for international communication. When Sabrina moved, she had to essentially learn two new languages: English and ASL. Sabrina’s personal experience with sign language has given her an advantage in the classroom. While her
Genevieve has written numerous articles about undocumented students that have been featured in the Harvard Educational Review, Jesuit Higher Education and The Journal of Latinos and Education, just to name a few. She also co-authored the book, Encountering Poverty: Thinking and Acting in an Unequal World that was published earlier this year. She takes joy in writing and sees it as a tool to help shape public opinion. Genevieve feels that her experience at OLP played a significant part in forming who she is today. “OLP inculcated me with social justice responsibilities,” she said, as she remembers her time serving as ASB president, a peer counselor and campus ministry leader. She fondly remembers religion class with Ms. Suzie Knapp ’79, which provided her with the framework to pursue social justice. She is grateful for the OLP faculty like Ms. Knapp and Mrs. Jeanette (Prantil) Handelsman ’64 who mentored her throughout her high school years. She attended Catholic school since 1st grade and while she values the importance of public education and feels strongly about fighting for the equality of it, she is very happy to have found her place at USF, a Jesuit Catholic college. In a way, she feels reconnected with OLP as there are many similarities between a Jesuit education and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, which OLP is rooted in. “Teaching at USF has reignited my interest in Catholic education and has fostered a space that allows me to do the work I want to do,” she said. Genevieve uses her leadership skills to inspire her students to invoke change in the world. She reimagines possibilities everyday as she teaches her students to think about and question why things are the way they are. She asks, “How can we reimagine what higher education in the United States looks like? How can we effect change?” They spend time discussing topics such as inequality, student debt and the cost of education. She interacts with students who want change and is very optimistic about the next generation of leaders. This December, Genevieve hopes to come back home to OLP for the Candlelight Procession during Christmas At Our House on December 8. She will bring her husband Jason Negrón-Gonzales, and her two children, Amado and Mayari, to enjoy the experience of one of her favorite OLP traditions.
curriculum incorporates ASL-basics and lesson plans, she is also preparing her students for interactions with those who know a different form of sign language. For example, one activity required students to describe household objects without using ASL so students get a better feel of what that may look like. Sabrina also requires her students to attend deaf events throughout the semester so they can be truly exposed to deaf culture.
The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 28 million Americans (about 10% of the population) have some degree of hearing loss.
Taking ASL I and II fulfills the 20-unit World Language requirement for graduation, and ASL I is a University of California-approved course. OLP is very excited to revive the language our founding Sisters crossed the Atlantic to teach. OLP MAGAZINE
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Sister Virginia Rodee, RSCJ ’53 HONORED AS ALUMNA OF THE YEAR
The kickoff to this year’s Alumnae Reunion Weekend included a hosted reception
and the Sister Claire Patrice Fitzgerald
Alumna of the Year Award Ceremony. More than 100 people joined the celebration honoring our beloved Sister Virginia
Rodee, RSCJ, and OLP class of 1953. The OLP Alumna of the Year Award began 30
years ago to honor a woman whose values and accomplishments are consistent with
the mission, core values and ideals of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet and the Academy of Our Lady of Peace.
“When we announced that Sister Gina
was selected as our Alumna of the Year,
the response was quick and it was clear: a
resounding YES,” said Head of School, Dr. Lauren Lek. “Sister Gina truly embodies what we hold dear at OLP. She is an
inspiring leader, whose life is guided by
faith and demonstrates a commitment to live in service to the dear neighbor.”
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While Sister Gina truly embodies the values of OLP and the CSJ, she was
humble about her award. “Though I am very honored with this award, I can
say quite truthfully that there are many other alumnae who are deserving of
it,” said Sister Gina. “I realize now, even more than in my youth, how blessed I was for the education I received at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, and that education has continued to be consistently excellent still today.”
As an OLP student, Sr. Gina excelled
Catholic University of Korea) served as
leadership positions including class
religious formation of new members in
academically and served in many
president during her sophomore and
junior years and ASB president during her senior year. In reflecting on her
role as a student leader, she said, “I
didn’t seek to be a leader, but felt that
if my peers chose me to serve, well then, I would do it!”
Sr. Gina has served on OLP’s Board of
Directors since 2008 and is a member of the Mission Integration Committee. She is also a current member of four other boards in San Diego. “We’re not sure
where she finds the time, but it’s clear
that Sister is called to serve in leadership positions quite frequently,” said Dr. Lek. Sr. Gina has devoted her life to serving God as a member of the Society of
Sacred Heart for Women and has worked in Catholic Education since graduating
from the San Diego College for Women
(now USD) in 1957. She taught in several schools in California before moving to
Korea in 1968, where she taught at the
Sacred Heart College and Seminary, (now
Dean of Freshman Students and led the the Society of Sacred Heart. She lived in Rome from 1986 - 1992, providing
formation for 103 religious from many
countries, and during that time was able
to travel to many places including Spain, England, Scotland and France.
In 1997, Sr. Gina returned to the U.S.
and joined the staff at the University of
San Diego, where she currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry. Her work at USD includes
sharing the Catholic identity, mission and core values with students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Sister Virginia Rodee has made an
indelible mark in the lives of people
across the world and at OLP. “She is
an inspiration to many and a reminder of how the charism of the Sisters of
St. Joseph of Carondelet carries on
in the lives of each and every one of
our alumnae,” Dr. Lek said. “We thank God for her and the many blessings she has brought to our school.”
ALUMNAE SCHOLARSHIP FUND With the launch of OLP’s first annual Alumnae Reunion Weekend, we also re-launched the OLP Alumnae Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to students who embody the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, show academic potential, and demonstrate financial need. Through the generous support of dozens of alumnae, friends and colleagues of our Alumna of the Year Award recipient, Sr. Virginia Rodee, RSCJ ‘53, members of the OLP Board of Directors and the greater OLP community, we have received more than $22,000 in contributions toward the scholarship fund! Our goal is to raise $30,000, which will allow us to endow the scholarship. With an endowed scholarship, the principal funds are preserved and invested, allowing the school to continue to grow the fund and at the same time, distribute the scholarship every year in perpetuity. OLP’s curriculum, values and culture shape young women who are exceptionally well prepared for the next phase of their journey. At OLP, education is so much more than preparing our students for college--it’s providing an experience that strengthens their relationship with God, shapes their friendships, builds their confidence, and helps them discover their passions. Your gift will truly have an impact on a student in need.
Can you help make an OLP education possible for girls from all socioeconomic backgrounds by contributing to the Alumnae Scholarship Fund? Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated and will help OLP meet its goal of ensuring that an OLP education is accessible to students from all socio-economic backgrounds. Send in your donations today, or give online at aolp.org/giving.
S A V E T H E D A T E : A L U M N A E R E U N I O N W E E K E N D A U G . 1 1 - 1 3 ,O L2P 0 7Z I N E M A1 GA
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PILOTS T A K E F L I G H T MAR IE S H ELTO N ’ 1 2 Marie Shelton ’12 has spent the past couple of years creating Theatre for Social Change pieces in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Last year she directed ¡Ay Mamita! (co-produced by the Teatro Nacional de Guatemala and the Universidad Francisco Marroquín). It was devised, written and performed by a collaborative of artists, activists and students that she assembled called “El Colaborativo.” The play addressed Latin American machista culture by focusing on a Guatemalan law allowing 14-year-old girls to marry while the marrying age for men was 18. ¡Ay Mamita!, a common catcall in Guatemala, is a story about a 14-year-old mestizo girl (1/2 white, 1/2 indigenous) who is married off before her Quinceñera. In other words, she becomes a “Mamita”: a little mother. Theatre is not an immediate part of Guatemalan culture. It’s not produced except for commedia, melodrama and the circus, and people (especially youth) don’t attend. ¡Ay Mamita! opened to a full house. The play was even attended by Guatemalan congressmen and women as well as American and British ambassadors. Two months after the play premiered, the Guatemalan Congress raised the marrying age for women in Guatemala from 14 to 18. Marie credits OLP for helping to encourage her artistic side and giving her the courage to attempt things bigger than herself – to tell stories not only for sake of telling stories, but to move mountains. She believes there is power in telling untold stories, and especially stories about women. Marie just produced Twelfth Night and Alicia en Wonderland – the latter of which was an allegory for the Guatemalan civil war. She will be moving to Los Angeles where she will continue to dive into the deep end of untold stories. She continues to work as freelance model, actress, writer and director. She never subscribed to the “you have to be this OR this” mentality… Instead, Marie proudly says, “I can do it all. That’s an OLP thing.”
BEATRIZ CA BA Ñ AS ’ 1 3 & S O FIA S EI KA LY ’ 1 3 Beatriz Cabañas ’13 and Sofia Seikaly ’13 were interns at NBC 7 San Diego this summer. Beatriz was the Digital Content Intern and Sofia was the News Intern. Beatriz was responsible for writing articles for the website and updating NBC 7 social media pages. She was also in charge of taking pictures and covering events such as San Diego Comic Con and the MLB All-Star Game. Sofia’s responsibilities included shadowing and aiding reporters in the field with research and conducting interviews, writing news pieces for the afternoon newscasts including the sports segment, and assisting the investigative team. They had the opportunity to attend morning meetings where they pitched ideas and stories for website articles and the afternoon newscasts. Beatriz is a Film and Digital Media major with an emphasis in Digital Media and a Marketing minor at Loyola University Chicago. Sofia is double majoring in both Spanish and Television Production and Broadcast Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcast News at Chapman University. They are both seniors graduating this spring. 22 | O L P M A G A Z I N E
B RE N DA G OFF ’70 Brenda Goff ’70 and her husband, Monty, celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary August 27, 2016. Their first 40 years were busy and fun, raising their daughters and moving all over the country for Monty’s career. After moving back to San Diego in 1998 to take care of family, they decided to move up to Washington State. They have been living in Port Angeles since 2001 where they have built a home together and are still working to perfect it. Although Monty has had a series of health issues since 2012, Brenda said that the Lord has answered their prayers and Monty is starting to feel better. It has been a long haul, but they are thankful that they have not had to make this journey alone.
H E IDI (N OLT E ) M ILBU RY ’9 6
Heidi Milbury gave birth to her first child on February 4, 2016. Emmett James Milbury weighed 7lbs 3 oz. and was 20 1/4 inches long.
SA RAH POIS ET ’13 & MARY DEVLIN ’72
KA ITLYNN B R OW N ’ 08 , RENEE WA DDE L L ’ 08 & JU L IA A R MF I E L D ’ 9 0 OLP alumnae entrepreneurs are taking over the Pacific Beach Promenade. Kaitlynn (Katie) Brown ‘08 and Renee Waddell ‘08 have been best friends since grade school. Although they went to different colleges, (Katie attended Dominican University of California in San Rafael and Renee went to the University of California, San Francisco) they were both located in the Bay Area and remained close friends. So it wasn’t surprising that four months after Katie opened her clothing boutique, Trendy and Tipsy, in November of 2015, Renee opened up shop two doors down. Trendy and Tipsy is a clothing boutique that offers the latest, affordable fashion and restored oneof-a-kind, vintage pieces. In March of this year, Renee had the grand opening for Dolce Italian Ice where she offers delicious flavors of dairy-free Italian Ice, creamy frozen custard, and a variety of delicious toppings. Last month, she hosted an art show at her store where she featured artwork by Catherine Coppenrath ‘08, a fellow OLP alumna. Katie and Renee soon learned that another OLP alumna owned a business in the same shopping center. Julia Armfield ‘90 owns Beads and More, located a few stores away from Trendy and Tipsy. Julia worked at Beads and More in the early 90s as a beader and loved it! She was promoted to manager and shortly after that she bought the store and became the owner in 1998, at 26 years old. “Buying Beads and More was one of the best decisions of my life,” Julia said. “I’ve met the best people, the best customers, the best friends, and of course my fiancé Juan at the store.” Julia, Katie and Renee are glad they have the OLP connection and welcome all OLP alumnae, current students, faculty and staff to their stores.
JACQ UE LY N P HI L L I P S ’ 09
After five years or writing, Jacquelyn Phillips ‘09 recently published her first novel, Cat and Mouse (The Games We Play) in August 2016.
IN Memoriam
We remember our beloved alumnae who have gone to their eternal rest. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Sarah Poiset ’13 finished a 10-week internship in August at HBO in Los Angeles before heading back to Georgetown University for her senior year of college. She was under the mentorship of HBO’s current Senior Vice President, Participations & Residuals, Mary Devlin ’72, also an OLP alumna. “We were immediately bonded by our Pilot pride, constantly discussing the valuable lessons an OLP education taught us,” Sarah said. Sarah first met Mary during a career fair at OLP her junior year and kept in contact with her over the years. She was glad she had the opportunity to join Mary’s team as an intern this past summer. “Mary taught me that as a woman in the male-dominated industry, we-as in other women in the industry-must stick together in order to make it and help better each other’s careers,” Sarah said. “Although there will be more obstacles in our way, we cannot apologize for being a woman and must get our foot in the door in order to succeed.” As part of the Participations & Residuals team she assisted with abstracting legal contracts, preparing financial statements, and financial analysis. She also competed with teams of interns to research, write, and pitch a potential opening scene for a new HBO show. Sarah said that her internship was meaningful and memorable because of Mary’s mentorship. Sarah loved her time and experience at OLP. “It made me a confident woman, willing to put myself in difficult situations in order to succeed,” she said. “It also taught me how to establish deep and meaningful relationships with my friends, building each other up instead of competing to outdo each other.” She credits OLP for learning the art of public speaking, which prepared her for her internship. One of Sarah’s favorite memories of OLP is Wacky Wednesdays with her friends. She also has some words of wisdom for incoming freshman, “Enjoy your time at OLP. It will fly by and you will meet some of the most genuine people, people that you can rely on for the rest of your life.” And her advice for graduating seniors is, “Do not forget what you learned at OLP. Don’t lose your voice just because boys surround you.”
MIRIAM D ETE RT ’4 3 MA RY LOUISE HOFHE IME R ’52 E DDA CONTRE RAS ’59 MA RSHA RAYMOND ’59 E LA INE ( BIEWE R) MC E LHINNEY ’6 5 TA IDE LUZ P E REYRA ’8 0 ROC HE LLE ( BE RNA RDINI) P ETE RSO N ’ 81 OLP MAGAZINE CA RLA GOMEZ ’8 4
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SAV E T H E DAT E FEBRUARY 11, 2017
OLP’s 32nd Annual Gala and Auction A dynamic evening in support of OLP Students, including a spectacular auction and live entertainment by student artists. Reserve your ticket, table or sponsorship today at www.aolp.org/gala
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