JAGUAR SIGHTINGS How Alverno and Our Alumnae are Spreading Light During this Dark Time
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PHILANTHROPY REPORT Thank You for Supporting Alverno!
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Inquiries should be directed to: Wendy Finch-Burk, Director of Development and Institutional Advancement 200 N. Michillinda Avenue Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Phone: (626) 355-3463 ext. 232 Email: wfinch@alvernoheights.org
ADMINISTRATION Julia V. Fanara, P’01, P’03, P’05, Head of School Sara McCarthy ‘05, Assistant Head of School Lisa Primero-Solano, Dean of Students
ALUMNAE COMMITTEE Daniela Lopez Barragan ‘97 Andrea Bertollini ‘91 Andrea Bonilla ‘05 Vanessa Ferandell ‘97 Sara McCarthy ‘05 Caroline McLoughlin ‘09 Theresa Lindsey ‘77 Jennifer Macias-Overhoff ‘91 Jennifer Torres Siders ‘98
EDITOR Selena Mone Director of Alumnae Relations and Advancement
PHOTOGRAPHS Belle ‘n’ Beau Photography, Susana Capra ‘04
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C•o•n•t•e•n•t•s Alumnae Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 From Head of School, Julia Fanara Dear Alumnae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From Your Director of Alumnae Relations Alverno’s Recipe for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Please Submit Your Entries! Paper Heart Concierge and Sierra Madre Helping Hand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Meghan Malooly ‘10 Essential and on the Frontlines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Celina Minissian ‘12 No Mercy Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Melissa Campos ‘08 Empowered Woman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Rita (Mercurio) Farfsing ‘72 Jaguar Sightings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Spotted: Alverno Alumnae to Celebrate Alverno Needs New Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Together, We Can – or, Should We Say, Van?! Philanthropy Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Thank You for Supporting Alverno ‘Somehow Saints’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Mary Lea Carroll ‘71 – New Book Available Now In Loving Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Par for the Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back page Alverno Golf Classic: February 5, 2021
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Save the Date for Our...
The Virtual Do-Over! Please Join Us for Our Virtual Gala on Saturday, March 20, 2021 as We:
Bid on wonderful Live and Silent Auction Items Celebrate our Anniversary Alumnae Award Honorees representing each decade 1960s – Eileen Higgins Richards ‘64 1970s – Ellen Driscoll ‘72 1980s – Mary Skousen Radford ‘85 1990s – Daniela Lopez Barragan ‘97 2000s – Paula Morreale ‘05 2010s – Nalleli Cobo Uriarte ‘19
Enjoy the Company of the Alverno Community (virtually) Raise Funds for the Students of Alverno Heights Academy!
Even though we won’t be gathering in person, Alverno is excited to host this virtual bash. So dress to the nines, or simply throw on your pj’s and pearls, as we celebrate together from the comfort and safety of home!
Please Watch for Further Details and Information Coming Soon!
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12/8/20 10:18 AM
Dear Alverno Alumnae,
M
uch has happened in the world since we last corresponded. We have now been without students in our classrooms for 8½ months; we have been through a bitter election process that has divided households and friends; there has been social unrest across the country; and we are dealing with a virus that just doesn’t want to go away. Yes, this is quite a challenging time to be running a school. Oh, yes, and we opened a lower school. Alverno has always been the school to not follow the status quo. For those of you who were graduates of the ‘60s, you came to Alverno because it was the new school in town, full of possibilities and open to diversity. The Sisters of St. Francis were strict, but they were also visionary. You lived in a world not unlike our world today. Those of you who were graduates of the ‘70s saw a time when Alverno went through transition, as the Sisters changed the name of the school to Alverno High School in 1972 and then sold it to the Immaculate Heart Community in 1978. The ‘80s had its own challenges with threats of recession and high interest rates. There were problems in the middle east and central America and a changing culture across the country, as well as here at Alverno. The ‘90s started with Alverno’s brother school going co-ed and negatively impacting Alverno and taking it more than a decade to recuperate from, but moved into the 2000’s hopeful again. Then we came face-to-face with the recession of 2008. Alverno was hit hard by this, but we fought back and rose from the ashes. Now, once again, Alverno is going through a transition. In the spring of 2020, we added a lower school. The purpose of this walk through time is to say that through all of the ebbs and flows in the lifetime of Alverno, through all of its transitions, it has remained the same school in spirit, fight, and philosophy. It was founded by women who had a “journeying spirit” and were not afraid to embrace change when the times dictated it. They sold Alverno to the Immaculate Heart Community, which was created out of the inspiration of Vatican II. Theirs is a strong and solid philosophy based on the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ. To this day, Alverno depends on the strength of those who have come before us to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with the changing tides of time. Change is hard for many of us to accept, but in order to survive, one must be willing to grow and adapt. We are thrilled to be able to bring the beauty and strength of the Alverno philosophy to a whole new generation of girls and boys. We hope to teach our boys to value and respect girls as equal to them and to teach our young girls that they are equal to boys in every way. Our goal is to show them that “the fundamental dignity of every person is based not on possessions or accomplishments, but on being created in God’s image, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and destined for resurrection” which comes directly from our philosophy. Alverno Heights Academy is now a lower school (TK-8) and an upper school (9-12). The upper school is all about the girls. When our girls return, they will continue to have all of the amazing and awesome opportunities they have always had with full use of the terrace, the classrooms, and the field. Our beautiful 13-acre campus is now being utilized to provide an education for 345 students! Please continue to keep Alverno in your prayers as we move forward into our next 60 years! We are hoping you all have a happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year! God bless,
Julia Fanara Head of School 1
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ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
12/8/20 10:18 AM
Dear Alverno Alumnae,
W
hat can I say that hasn’t already been said about this scary and bizarre moment in history we continue to endure? Let’s admit it: I think we’ve all grown weary of hearing about this “unprecedented” 2020 and, frankly, I’m running out of Zoom puns. While there is no escaping the fear of the unknown characterizing our current reality, we at Alverno are determined to create something positive out of all this uncertainty. And we haven’t needed to look far for inspiration, as so many members of the alumnae community are finding ways every single day to give back, to reach out, and to lift each other up. Our dedicated and hardworking faculty are doing the same – sacrificing so much of themselves to continue educating and supporting students. From afar, through a screen, instruction and interaction thanks to the internet… this isn’t how anyone envisioned the 2020-21 school year unfolding. Campus, too, feels strange and lonely without the vibrant cacophony that is sneakers shuffling, lockers slamming, voices carrying, and bells signaling that class has begun. The comforts of school have now blended with the comforts of home and, for many students, it’s anything but comfortable. This, however, is where Alverno seems to shine – at the intersection between tradition and innovation. Rather than let the weight of the world crush our spirits, the Alverno community is working together to strengthen our foundation. And that foundation continues to be fortified by the sheer resilience demonstrated by our students, day in and day out. They set the example for the rest of us; and for them, we endeavor to keep delivering not only an exceptional education, but a steady hand to hold [figuratively speaking]. Drive-through events, online pep rallies, outdoor and safely-distanced opportunities to visit campus (come on, you all know Ms. Cales wasn’t going to let even a pandemic and freezing temperatures keep the Fall Play from entertaining select audiences!)… The leadership team at Alverno is working tirelessly to ensure that our students know we are here for them. “We’ll be there for you.” It is the simple, brilliant, pop culture-driven message around which the Admissions Office has centered its outreach efforts this year. Based on the timeless TV show Friends, this promise – that Alverno will be there for you – extends far beyond prospective students and families. It encompasses, rather, the spirit of our entire school community. I couldn’t escape publishing an Alumnae Magazine with a pandemic-related ‘theme’ because, for the time being, there is no escaping that this is the world in which we are living. What I refuse to do, though, is publish a magazine with anything other than honest portrayals of how our alumnae are handling the current circumstances with grace, positivity, and compassion… for that is exactly what they are doing. My beloved grandfather, who believed wholeheartedly in the power of an all-girls education, used to often remind me that, “It’s a good day to have a good day.” While there are many things right now that don’t feel particularly good, I hope YOU do – especially after reading about all of the good news that your fellow alumnae wanted to share. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all of us here at Alverno – be safe, stay healthy, keep faithful, and always remember that we’ll be here for you. Gratefully,
Selena Mone Director of Alumnae Relations
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Alverno’s Recipe for Success Alumnae, do you have a cherished recipe that holds a special place in your heart (and your kitchen)? Would you like to share that recipe with our community AND help us donate to hungry families across the U.S.? The Alverno Alumnae Office wants to ring in the New Year the best way we know how: by eating good and doing good! We would like to put together a book of recipes submitted by all of YOU. We will curate a digital version of the book that can be downloaded for a gift of any amount – and then Alverno will donate half of all recipe book proceeds directly to Feeding America!* Although our upcoming holiday gatherings are going to look very different this year, food (and the love that goes into it) brings us together like nothing else can – even from afar. Sharing
recipes old and new, passing down secret ingredients to younger generations, taking a virtual cooking class from the safety of home… these are traditions we can continue to embrace, from one household to the next. But many families are struggling to put food on the table. And we at Alverno want to do our part to help. Won’t you please join us? Submit your favorite recipe(s), along with any photos you’d also like to share, to: smone@alvernoheights.org. Upon our return from Winter Break, we will begin compiling the recipe book and creating the digital download. Thank you for contributing to Alverno’s Recipe for Success!
*Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization providing over 4.3 billion meals annually and serving virtually every community in the United States. 3
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ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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In These Tough Times, Many are Turning to Meghan Malooly ‘10 for a
Helping Hand
The 2010 edition of the Troubadour yearbook lists Meghan Malooly as the alumna “Most Likely to Lend a Helping Hand.” My goodness, did her classmates obviously know her well! What a supremely fitting prediction that Meghan has since transformed from a ‘likely’ possibility to a proud reality. Though she’s no stranger to supporting her local community, Meghan has found a unique way to offer her care and talents now that they’re needed most. While the current circumstances continue to present challenges to so many, and as everyone tries to adjust to the [temporary, God-willing] ‘new normal,’ Malooly ‘10 is embracing this opportunity to shine a light into the darkness. She has found a meaningful way to remind our city of Sierra Madre that we are, truly, in this together - as neighbors, as friends, as people. We caught up with Meghan to learn more about her new business, booming community service project, and the inspiration behind her efforts to lend a helping hand... continues on next page
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SM: Your name is a well-known one in Sierra Madre these days. Can you please tell me about Paper Heart Concierge Services and The Sierra Madre Helping Hand? MM: Paper Heart Concierge Services is a business I started during quarantine. It used to be Meghan’s Pet-Sitting and More; but once quarantine orders went into place, no one needed a pet-sitter or babysitter (since everyone was staying home), so I adapted and rebranded. I now offer an array of services geared towards making sure our clients are happy. We do just about everything, including: pet-sit, babysit, run errands, event/wedding plan and grocery shop. I’ve even driven to Pomona to pick up a lizard for a client! I’m very blessed to have amazing clients that make all the hard work worth it; I strive to make sure they’re happy, and can customize our services to ensure they get what they need. I’m currently in the process of teaming up with a PR firm to help generate more business. On top of running my business, I also run The Sierra Madre Helping Hand, which I started in order to support the Sierra Madre community. We help people that live, work (including those laid off because of Covid) or grew up in Sierra Madre. It’s basically an organization that’s here to help those in need. In the last 6 months we have raised over $8,000.00 to help with community members’ bills and groceries. We’ve probably had two or three times that amount donated in food! Every week, I get boxes and bags of food dropped off, as we are currently providing groceries for eight families (four to six people in each household, ranging from one year old to adults) weekly. We also take different kinds of donations if there is a need. We’ve collected kids’ clothing, games, diapers, toys, etc. I always tell the families to let me know if there’s something specific they need, whether it be food or other essential items, and I’ll do my best to get it for them. We aim to provide fresh produce every other week, and purchase it from Fit Bar Superfood Café in town. The owner, Maddie, has been incredible during this time and sells us the produce at cost. She’s also set up a craft station in front of her store for anyone who would like to make a card to donate to assisted living homes or firefighters/first responders of the Bobcat Fire. She donates a percentage of Fit Bars’ 5
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earnings on Saturdays to Helping Hand every week. She has been an absolute gem, allowing people to drop off nonperishable items at her store! I also try to promote community togetherness through fun events, both virtual and inperson. One of my favorite activities is “Secret Santa Flowers” - we get flowers (that were going to be thrown away) donated, and I have people send me a name and address in town where I can drop off the flowers to brighten someone’s day. As the holidays are coming up, we’re brainstorming ideas to make this time special for the families we help. A few community members have already “adopted” families for Christmas (meaning they’ll provide some gifts and food to ensure these families have a blessed and happy holiday). We’re constantly thinking of new programs and ideas to bring the community together and help our families in need! One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is trying to become a non-profit. Right now we are just an organization and because of that, large stores and corporations cannot donate food or money to us. I’ve reached out to non-profit lawyers and was told I could either a) assemble a board of directors and create bylaws, or b) find an existing non-profit that would be willing to bring us in under their umbrella status. Sierra Madre has donated so much to Helping Hand and the town always comes through, but I don’t want people to feel like they have to keep donating if they aren’t able to anymore. You were recently featured on ABC 7 News, correct? Tell me about that experience. Yes, I was contacted by a reporter who wanted to do a short story on The Helping Hand. Since Fit Bar has been such a great help through all of this, it was a no-brainer to ask that Maddie be interviewed as well! Not going to lie, I was absolutely terrified talking on camera! I’m a very loud, exuberant person and when I’m nervous, that gets amped up even more! But the reporter and cameraman were so nice and encouraging and I really wanted to do it to help our families. It was completely out of my comfort zone and not something I had ever planned on doing, but I will do whatever it takes to get these families what they need.
I feel responsible and connected to them and I will do this for as long as I can. It was definitely surreal to see myself on the news and we’re all our own worst critics, but I was very touched to have been interviewed and for the exposure for Helping Hand. Pasadena Now will be printing an article about the Helping Hand soon, as well. You’re doing so much to give back to the community of Sierra Madre - what inspires your giving spirit? I’ve always had a passion for taking care of people and making them happy. Not to sound corny, but it was through Alverno that I developed a love for community service. That carried on through college and into my everyday life. I joined a community service sorority (Omega Zeta Chi) and loved giving back with my sisters. When the pandemic hit, I started grocery shopping for people that were considered high-risk for catching the virus. As the situation progressed, I was approached by a woman who wanted to donate groceries to a family in need. After asking around, The Helping Hand was born! It has been an amazing experience to see the town come together to help each other. Every time I put out the ‘bat signal’ that we needed food or money for bills, they always answered! All my life, I’ve wanted to work for a non-profit, so I’m in awe that I’m currently running one! (Well, sort-of, though not officially...Yet a)
ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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2020 has been a remarkably tough year for everyone, and we’re all feeling the pressure given the current state of the world. How do you deal with everything going on, how do you stay sane? How have you remained in touch with friends and people close to you? 2020 will never be forgotten - it took a hold of us and said “NOT TODAY!” (to everyone about everything). I would not be surprised to wake up and see a zombie walking down the street, because it feels like in 2020, anything can happen! Jokes aside, it has been difficult for everyone. My dad was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder right after the quarantine came down, so that definitely made things more complicated and scary. To reduce exposure, I stay six feet away and never touch him since I still go out into the world. Covid has been a strain on everyone physically, mentally, and financially; but seeing the giving spirit in the people of Sierra Madre has been a bright light in this dark time. I’m so busy with Paper Heart and Helping Hand that these projects keep me sane and help me from going stir crazy. Throwing myself into this work has felt extremely rewarding. And I already considered myself a Netflix guru before, but now I am a straight-up pro! *laughs* The funny thing about all of this is that I have quite a few friends whom I’ve gotten much closer to than before. I’ve had virtual movie nights with friends, where we watch the same movie and constantly text or call one another throughout. My parents sometimes have a virtual happy hour with their friends. I feel like Covid has definitely changed the way we do certain things and that some of these new realities are here to stay. What advice would you give our current students dealing with remote learning and not being able to attend Alverno in the traditional sense, on campus? What advice would you give our youngest and newest alumnae who are dealing with similar obstacles attending college virtually, searching for jobs in this market, etc? To all of the students who are now having to learn from home, I’ll tell you what I tell the brides I work with: “This might not be how you imagined it would be, but just because it’s different doesn’t make it bad.” I’m all about ‘the new normal’ because it constantly changes. Although you can’t WINTER 2020
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physically be on campus or with your friends, you can find virtual ways to connect (e.g. have club meetings over Zoom). One thing I’ve learned that has helped with both Paper Heart and Helping Hand is that if I want or need something - and I can’t find a way to get it - I have to create a way. I started Helping Hand because I wanted to support those I considered to be part of our community, but who didn’t qualify for help from other relief organizations. There’s always something you can do; even if you don’t reach your goal in the end, you can know that you did everything in your power to try to get there. Learning at home has to be distracting and difficult, but you can do it! Through FaceTime, Zoom, Skype and all of the apps that allow us to see each other in real time, you can still meet and bond with your new class. Hopefully Alverno can also set up virtual meet-and-greets where you can do fun activities together, but safely from your home. What lessons did you learn at Alverno that are proving especially helpful now? Alverno taught me to be myself. I know that sounds cliché but truly, Alverno allowed me to be my loud, super enthusiastic self. It’s because of Alverno that I joined a community service sorority and met friends for life! It’s because of Alverno that I felt comfortable starting an organization in the middle of a pandemic. I realized the other day, after “throwback” photos were posted on the Alumnae Facebook page, that my Senior Superlative was “Most likely to lend a helping hand.” Alverno knew, even before I did, where my destiny would take me! *laughs* What can your fellow alumnae (and/or Sierra Madreans) do to help support your efforts? I am always looking for volunteers to run deliveries once a week. We have three families we deliver to, and any help with drop-offs would be so appreciated. We also constantly need food, so perhaps an alumnae food drive could help bring in much-needed essential items! The biggest thing I need help with is trying to become an official non-profit so that I can get my families what they need (without stressing every week about whether we’re going to have enough food). If any fellow alumnae have information or can assist with this process, please connect with me!
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The Definition of “Essential” – Nurse Celina Minissian ‘12 on the Frontlines at Cedars-Sinai Faces of Cedars-Sinai: Nurse Celina Minissian Oct 19, 2020 Victoria Pelham When Celina Minissian decided to volunteer at Cedars-Sinai as a high school junior, she had no idea how much of an impact the hospital would have on her life. At the time, her dream was to play professional soccer. Can you imagine officially starting your career as a nurse during the height of a global pandemic? Me neither. But that is exactly what Celina Minissian ‘12 did just a handful of months ago. At the very hospital where she first began volunteering as an Alverno student, Celina is serving her community – and serving as an inspiration. The very definition of “essential,” she is ensuring the safety of her patients every day (during a time when almost nothing feels safe). She is living her purpose; and we at Alverno couldn’t be more proud. I am humbled and grateful to share the following story with you, which I received expressed permission from Celina to copy here. Please enjoy author Victoria Pelham’s interview with Minissian ‘12 (originally published on October 19th on the CedarsSinai blog - link below). And please keep her – and all of the brave medical professionals – in your thoughts and prayers as the world continues to battle this virus…
The game brought her from her native Pasadena to compete as a center midfielder at the University of California, Davis. That is, until a series of injuries forced her into the hospital once again and set the ball rolling on a different career track. How did you decide on nursing? CM: It all began when I was a teen volunteer. I got glimpses of nursing. Then, when I had back surgery, I was in the hospital for a couple days and was there with the nurses under their care. I realized, “Wow, this is an amazing profession,” just being able to put yourself aside for your shift, giving your all to your patients and doing everything you can to make them feel comfortable and safe at the hospital.
Once I figured out that I couldn’t pursue soccer during college because of injuries, I knew I needed to find another path. Nursing was almost a calling for me. It just all fit. It encompasses so much of who I am, my personality and the compassion I have to care for people. I’m very driven, and I know what I want. When I made those goals, I knew I was going to work really hard to accomplish them. I volunteered again at Cedars-Sinai as a Transforming Care at Bedside (TCAB) volunteer and decided this is definitely where I want to be.
Your aunt, Dr. Margo Minissian, noticed that spark in you early on too. Did she play a part in pointing you in that direction? My aunt has always told me I had an amazing personality for nursing. She was the one who relayed the information that Cedars-Sinai had the teen volunteer program, and we’d always have those conversations about nursing. She has definitely been a major mentor in my life and an encouragement through it all. How do your experiences on the soccer field translate to your job now? I was the one to be a playmaker on the field and a leader for my team in that position. I was also captain. I underwent many surgeries during my time as a competitive athlete—knee surgery, back surgery and ankle surgery all during my undergrad years. Those set me back a lot in terms of my competitiveness and being able to be with my team on the field. It made me very resilient, and the intense rehab I had to go through really set me up for building my drive and my desire to get back onto the field. I think that led to how I approach nursing. continues on page 10
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/f-o-c-nurse-celina-minissian.html?fbclid=IwAR26tn1Se3T-n-gZ0d-7UApvxymQBICz8dVj8g5c_zKFjGFIPid27lb1nmQ#.X49pQ1RaJBA.facebook 7
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ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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Not Even a Pandemic Can Stop Her Melissa Campos ‘08 Shows No Mercy [Fitness]
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t’s no secret that the fitness industry has - like most others - been hit hard since the initial lockdown back in March. The Covid crisis has changed the way that many people view and participate in physical activity. Home gyms are being outfitted with equipment selling at skyrocketed prices… Instructors are conducting ‘classes’ via Zoom and social media outlets to keep folks movin’ and groovin’ from the safety of their living rooms… Families and pods are taking neighborhood walks or exploring nearby hiking trails to get those steps in… And some private training facilities have moved a small portion of distanced/masked clientele to outdoor spaces, doing what they can to offer regular gym-goers a semblance of ‘normalcy.’ However you slice it, the business of fitness is, more than anything, a business built on relationships. How, then, does a boutique gym owner manage to maintain those relationships during a time characterized by [physical] distance, apprehension, increased health concerns, and legitimate fear of how to work out with others safely? While so many in the industry are at the mercy of circumstances far outside their control, Melissa Campos ‘08 is finding a way to keep No Mercy Fitness thriving. Tougher than her signature workouts, Melissa has proven - to herself and her members - that the power of a ‘fitness family’ can shine a light during even the darkest of times. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Melissa at her facility. We had a wonderful (and properly socially-distanced) chat about how she’s kept her business afloat, the overwhelming support she’s received from her members and local community, and why she never lost faith in her dream. Your former Dir. of Alumnae Relations was thrilled to reminisce and to share her story of resilience… WINTER 2020
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SM: This is such a cool space! [As a fellow fitness coach, I was like a kid in a candy store visiting Melissa’s gym!] Please tell me about The Yard and No Mercy Fitness. MC: No Mercy Fitness started two years ago. I began to notice that this part of my life that was, at one point, simply a hobby, had transformed into basically another job. I found myself at a crossroads, working 14-16 hours days to accommodate the amount of clients asking for training and my full time office job [at Alverno]. I loved both; but I found my love for training growing, as I researched and learned new programming methods and support strategies to show my clients. I was eager to teach them about how capable and strong they really were (if only they would allow themselves to be pushed past the limitations in their own minds). So, after about six months of trying to make both work, I made a decision - to leave my full time job to pursue this new passion. I thought to myself ‘you don’t have kids and you are young, trust your talent and passion’...only to find out a couple months later that I was three months pregnant! But, I had already made the decision and was in the thick of it, so I kept working; and within six months of operating out of a homemade garage gym, we [Melissa and her business partner] found The Yard and purchased the business. And now, we are celebrating a full year at The Yard, and two years of No Mercy Fitness. To say that we have been blessed is an understatement. Being able to watch our clients and guide our members in their fitness journey has been such an amazing honor. This community of men and women not only support their own health, but each other, as well - and it is such a powerful feeling. I can only imagine, of course, how Covid has affected your business. What changes have you made/implemented in order to stay relevant and retain clients during this time? And where do you see the fitness industry heading given the current climate? When we first experienced the shut downs, my business partner and I had to think on our feet and move fast. Luckily, because I had just returned from maternity leave, I had a series of online programs that continues on next page 8
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I’d already created for my clients as preparation for when I was on leave. We used that model to instruct our members from The Yard. We went 100% online relying on clients to help us post and share our online program; and with their help, we stayed afloat. In preparation for re-opening we sat down with a Director of Operations at a hospital, who looked over our protocols to ensure our members (as well as us, as business owners) would be safe. We were able to put protocols in place that allow for members to essentially stay in a designated area to complete their entire workout, without ever having to share equipment or be less than eight feet from a fellow member. We have seen a lot of fitness trainers move almost completely online - but for us, we have remained a business that thrives on in-person interactions. The heart of our business is the in-person interactions, not just the results members get as part of our training and coaching. The men and women that come to our gym come as much for the community as much they do for the physical results.
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You’ve created a No Mercy Fitness athletic apparel line, too, right? How can fellow alumnae support this endeavor? Yes, this is a new endeavor, but so far it is doing amazing. We are currently working on a website where you will be able to purchase online! But for now, you can follow our Instagram page: theyard_nmfit and message
us directly for sizing and pricing on all items. We have legging, sports bras, and crop tops - all of which allow for full range of motion and a stylish look while working out. [Author’s note: I purchased a pair of leggings and a crop top, and both are great! Squat-proof, comfortable, flattering, tagfree, and featuring tastefully-sized logos.]
ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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As the former Dir. of Alumnae Relations, you are well-acquainted and still involved with the school; but you’ve managed to make this other dream come true, and during a pandemic, no less! What advice might you have for current students dealing with the oddity of remote learning? And what about for our youngest alumnae dealing with a bizarre college experience thus far? This year has been completely different, in so many ways for so many people. For current Alverno students and young alumnae, I would say: The days that you ask yourself, “Why? Does it even matter? Would it make a difference if I didn’t show up today?” - the answer is YES. The days when you don’t even feel like trying are the days that count the most. Those days that you push through in order to show up for yourself are days that build character and discipline - and discipline is what will get you through life, because the fact of the matter is, motivation is momentary. For Alumnae in college right now, I know this is not what you imagined; BUT I have learned everything can have meaning to it, if you look for it and work towards it. Years from now everyone will look back and say, “The year 2020 was packed with emotions: anger, sad, stressful, scary and unsettling”...but you can also add to that narrative by being able to say how you used this unprecedented time to build yourself in new ways. Every day is a choice, so the question is: What do you choose for your life?
In addition to all of the craziness this year, you’re also enjoying mommyhood! Tell me how you’ve managed to embrace and juggle family with everything else. Motherhood is beautiful, exhausting, invigorating, frustrating, and so much more all at the same time. I have worked with youth for years and always imagined the day I would have my own child. But in all those images, I never truly understood the love you have for YOUR child. Although everything about this pandemic has been so unknown, it actually ended up working as an extended maternity leave (which I could not be more grateful for). I had only gone back to work for one week before everything shut down; and in that week, I missed my son so much! I began to feel for mothers who have the typical 9-5 jobs - so much credit to all of you! My schedule is flexible, which I am so blessed to have because I cannot imagine being gone from JoAnthony for eight hours straight. Being a mom is literally the toughest job and most rewarding every second of every day - but being a working mom, specifically an entrepreneur mom, is a completely different beast. I struggle to find the balance of it all: work, growing my business, self-care, being present with my son, family, and friends. It is a lot. “Mom Guilt” is a real thing and it’s frustrating - but also fascinating - to see
how society has imposed these expectations or biases of what Mothers should and should not do. And although I am new to motherhood, I already know that my relationship with my son and myself is the most important - so to all my fellow moms, new and well-versed mothers, YOU CAN DO IT ALL. Will it be easy? NO - but it will be worth it. Remember to ask for help - it does not make you weak, it makes you strong. And remember that your mental health as a person - not a mom, wife, friend, etc - but as a PERSON comes first, and doing things to fuel your soul is never selfish. Overall, I am learning how to excel in this new chapter of life. I am honestly excited to see how our life develops. JoAnthony allows me to thrive because now it’s not just me it’s US.
Nurse Celina Minissian ‘12 on the Frontlines at Cedars-Sinai
continued from page 7
You were hired at Cedars-Sinai in May. What’s it like starting as a nurse in the middle of a pandemic? There were a lot of changes being made in the new graduate program, but I thought they did an amazing job. I was the first cohort the new grad program had to shift, in terms of doing virtual education and in person with physical distancing.
it’s opened a lot of doors for me to learn and experience more.
complications. We also get trauma patients and patients who have lung procedures.
Many of our patients are immunosuppressed, so it’s a really scary time for them. Being there to show that comfort and compassion for them has honestly been really fulfilling. It’s only given me more drive to be there for my patients.
We try to ensure they are safe and comfortable. During the night, we do our best to make sure they get the sleep they need to recover while keeping a close eye on them.
In the units, there are a lot of changes being made as well, so we’ve had to be very flexible in the learning experience. Coming in as a nurse during this pandemic has been very humbling, to say the least, and also very exciting for me as a new graduate because
What does your job entail? I’m a night shift nurse. Most of my patients come in for cardiothoracic surgery, such as heart and lung transplants, valve replacements and pacemaker inserts. They’re medically stable but still at risk for surgery
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My patients can decline very quickly, so being able to assess and evaluate them thoroughly and often is crucial. My unit is all I’ve ever known because I worked as a volunteer there, as well. The teamwork on that unit is incredible. If I need help, they’re always there. 10
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Empowering the Students of Alverno – Rita Farfsing ‘72 Continues the Legacy
The Farfsing name is a well-known one within our school community. So is Mercurio… A legacy family, Rita ‘72, Anna ‘73 and Lena ‘78 all graduated from Alverno (as did Rita’s daughter, Rachel, in 2000). These strong, talented women embody so much of the Alverno spirit; and as a hardworking Italian immigrant, their father was the epitome of the American Dream. Ensuring that all four of his children receive a private education (son, Alex, graduated from La Salle in ‘81), Mr. Mercurio set an example of steadfast determination carried on by his daughters. And that determination is proving especially vital now, in light of not only the changes happening in our world, but also right in our own backyard. 11
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Amid the craziness of this year, Alverno has managed the seemingly impossible: continuing to provide our girls with an exceptional education [remotely] and expanding that education to include the addition of the new Lower School. It has taken a village to bring this venture to fruition; and the quiet, yet invigorating influence of Rita Farfsing ‘72 proves that behind every great man is, truly, an even greater woman. SM: Many in the community know that your husband, Ken, is a member of the Board and is committed to helping Alverno in numerous ways. But you do so much behind-the-scenes for our school… Talk about your involvement with Alverno. Specifically, what has your experience been with helping to develop the new Lower School? RF: Ken and I have a long history of involvement through our children’s school years, then into Rachel’s high school years. We started as members of the APA and Ken served as Treasurer, then eventually President. When [former Head of School] Ann Gillick initiated the Master Plan, I suggested to her that Ken would be best suited for helping with Buildings and Grounds, given his extensive experience in city planning and management. When the opportunity arose for Alverno to adopt a Lower School, I was itching to help out in some way. In the beginning, I was just an observer, tagging along with Ken and walking the modular construction site(s) on campus. I enjoy construction because my dad was a masonry contractor. Finally, when supplies and tablets came in, I could be more hands-on. My sister, Anna, helped out, too – she was on campus when the Lower School students were given their materials for remote learning. In that small way, I was happy to help out our Founding Families and the faculty. ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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Rita’s sister, Anna ‘73, helps Lower School Head Joanne Harabedian ‘69 greet the newest members of Alverno as TK-8th grade students pick up their remote learning supplies
As someone actively involved in maintaining and furthering the future of Alverno, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing schools and our educational system as we all navigate the current pandemic? This pandemic has challenged this country on countless levels. Our daughter, Rachel, is a high school teacher, and I have witnessed firsthand her struggles with teaching remotely. I often use the analogy that we’re in a kind of world war – if we use the example of the Greatest Generation, everyone pitches in and sacrifices are made. Future generations are going to ask us what we did during this pandemic… Hopefully we can recount our patience and persistence with pride. How have you, personally, stayed motivated during this time? As I understand it, you are involved with a number of volunteer organizations, correct? Have you been able to maintain any of these commitments during the last few months? My biggest motivation during this time has been to stay safe and healthy so that I may continue to visit my mother (who is in assisted living), and our children may continue to visit us. As everyone knows, our whole social life has been pulled out from under us. But we just have to be compliant and patient.
affiliated with Huntington Hospital, volunteers have not been able to return until recently (and still only on a very limited basis). It’s very fulfilling to be instrumental in raising funds for worthy institutions, including Alverno. You are part of what we call a Legacy Family here at Alverno. How has this school helped to propel you in life, and how did your Alverno education influence your path? What compels you to remain such an active supporter of the school? My dad was basically a bricklayer. He came to the United States from Italy, and was motivated through education. He absolutely loved this country! He learned English, became naturalized, and then after two attempts, passed the contractor’s exam. But his work was physically hard. So he made sure all of us had a great private education. And because of our time at Alverno, my sisters and I have had wonderful careers. My dad was tickled pink when Rachel continued the legacy at Alverno. Historically, Alverno graduates easily move on to premier colleges and universities. With our new Lower School, Alverno’s own legacy is surely cemented with this new breath of life – and together, with our new Founding Families, we will continue to support Alverno Heights Academy.
The best move I made was to join a couple of organizations before I retired (I worked as a Registered Dental Assistant for 42 years). I joined The Women’s Committee for the Pasadena Symphony Association in 2008. Thank goodness we can still conduct meetings via Zoom, and our Home Tour this year will be virtual. I also started to volunteer at the Huntington Collection about ten years ago, and have served on their Advisory Board for the last two years. Because we’re WINTER 2020
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Jaguar Sightings Spotted: Alverno’s Empowered Women
Rebecca Iraheta ‘10 Are those wedding bells we hear? They are for Rebecca Iraheta ’10, who is celebrating her recent engagement to John Dunbar. Clearly a romantic, Dunbar proposed at sunset on Coronado Island in San Diego. Rebecca, of course, said ‘yes!’ “It was a beautiful surprise and we are both excited about building our lives together.” John and Rebecca have known each other for almost 10 years; they met back in 2011 at Pasadena City College, where they were both taking an Emergency Medical Technician class. John took the skills learned in that class with him to Arizona, where he later moved to become a firefighter, engineer, and, eventually, paramedic. Rebecca stayed in California, completing a master’s program at Mount Saint Mary’s University here in Los Angeles and graduating with her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. But, their love story was far from over… After reconnecting in San Diego in 2019, John and Rebecca started a new chapter. And despite the challenges of this past year (including John’s deployment to the fires in both Yucaipa and Fresno), they continue to plan for not only a happy ending, but a happy wedding, too. The ceremony will take place the day after Rebecca’s birthday at St. Vincent Church in downtown LA. An alum of their parochial school, Rebecca was also “blessed” to be a part of the teaching staff at St. Vincent after completing her master’s program. Both selfless individuals, John serves as a Fire Captain, and Rebecca is currently working at Community Research Foundation in San Diego as a bilingual marriage and family therapist. She credits Alverno for inspiring her desire to give back to others. She reflects that “the lessons of love and compassion” she learned during those years taught her to have “the empathy to hold space” for others in need. “Alverno also gave me my best friend, Elise Torres ‘10, for whom I am so grateful. Elise will be my maid of honor,” beams Iraheta. A special ‘thank you’ to proud mom and wedding planner, Judith Vasquez, who first reached out with news of her daughter’s engagement. “She has such wonderful memories of Alverno and this is such a joyous occasion, we want to share it.” Joyous, indeed; and just the kind of good news we need these days. Congratulations to John and Rebecca, and heartfelt wishes for a beautiful future together from all of us here at Alverno! 13
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ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
12/8/20 10:18 AM
Mary Sneed ‘70
While the country has been closely watching elections at the national level, there are newly-filled local offices – with connections to Alverno – that are more than worth celebrating. In her first try at public office, Mary (Ianossi) Sneed ‘70 was just elected to the Temple City Unified School District Board of Education. She is bringing a unique perspective to the board: as a former teacher (for 25 years!), a classified aide, a parent, and a volunteer, Mary has deep and numerous ties to the district. “I’m looking forward to having this opportunity to give back to our school [district] community,” says Sneed ’70. Eager to learn what inspired this decision to run for local office, we asked Mary to share what she’s been up to all these years, and how Alverno has helped carve her path… “I completed my MFA in Graphic Design in 1976 with the intention of working as a graphic designer, which I did independently for a few years after I married in June of 1976. [Then] I started volunteering in our sons' school and realized how much I enjoyed working with children. One of the aides encouraged me to become a classroom aide, which I did for five years. One of the teachers I worked with kept asking me when I was going back to school to get my credential. My excuse was that I had children at home. His answer was always, ‘So, you're not going to have kids if you go back to school?’ I still thank him for encouraging me to change my career path. It wasn't until I was 40 that I went back and earned my credential. I was so fortunate to have a profession I loved for 25 years. I loved teaching even up to the last day I taught and the first day of my retirement. I think that is a lesson for your students: find your passion and be willing to change your life's path until you find it. When I was in college, I thought I knew just where my life was headed. I'm so glad I was open to taking that other path. It was helpful to have a supportive spouse who encouraged me to go back to school, and further encouraged me to go back and earn my Masters in 2001. He has always been my biggest cheerleader. When I decided to run for the Temple City School Board, he was still encouraging me. Since the election, several times a day he still tells me how proud he is that I ran, came in first, and was elected. He soon realized after we were married (we've been married for 44 years) that I was raised to give back to our community. That is why I decided to run for the school
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board. Even after my retirement, I was still concerned about issues affecting our schools. I guess once an educator, always an educator I still feel like I have a lot to give back to the district that took a chance on me so many years ago. I am very grateful to the Temple City community for their support and encouragement throughout my campaign, and I'm going to give this new adventure my best efforts. If there was one thing I learned during my years at Alverno, it was to be a strong woman, and never let life place barriers in the road you travel. We received an outstanding education that provided us the tools to conquer the world. In our many small ways, we have made a difference. Your current students are facing new challenges with distance learning. I would encourage them to fully participate in every aspect of their learning, even from a distance, and to take the lead in all their activities and passions. As I mentioned earlier, I was raised to give back to our community. I encourage your students to go out into the world and make a difference. Let the world know what an Alverno graduate represents. Although many of my classmates and I have now retired, we include many educators, lawyers, a judge, and many, many community involved women. We are pretty proud of the Class of 1970.” And we at Alverno are pretty proud of you, Mary. Thank you for everything you’ve done – and continue to do – for the local community, the landscape of education, and the future of our young, empowered leaders.
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Yes, we can! Or, should we say, van... As Alverno manages to navigate the oddities of educating our children during a pandemic, we also have a very real need for something to navigate with once students return to campus. Our two beloved Alverno vans have served us well, and at 14 and 11 years old, we continue to keep them wellmaintained and going strong. But two vehicles for a student population that now totals more than 340 is simply not enough!
Your gift towards a new van supports... Field and Class Trips Senior government simulation exercise at the
Part of the exceptional education that Alverno provides includes special activities and opportunities that take our students off-campus, allowing them to expand the scope of what they learn in the classroom. And now, with the addition of the Lower School, demand for transporting our Jaguars exceeds current supply. At a time when so much of the world is stuck idling, we are shifting into overdrive – blessed to be expanding and building upon all that makes Alverno special. But before we can put pedal to the metal, we need your help filling up the tank. As you consider your donation, please know that we understand what a strange time this is; but while it may not be the ideal moment to ask, Alverno could use your help now more than ever. We are, as always, truly grateful for your gift of any amount. And, above all, our Alverno family prays that your own family is well and safe. How to give: click the “Donate Now” button at the top of alvernoheightsacademy.org, or mail a check to the address listed at the bottom of this letter!
Reagan Library Lower School tour of Descanso Gardens Forensics class visit to downtown courthouses and opportunities to interview judges (including Alverno alumnae!) Fullerton Theatre Festival and transportation to off-site Alverno performances Media/TV Production visits to the ABC lot for behindthe-scenes interviews Jaguar Athletics Home and Away games Weekend tournaments
Not only can we promise that every dollar raised will support this goal of purchasing a new van, but your individual gift helps ensure that every Alverno student will benefit from it. We eagerly look forward to the day when remote learning is in the rear view, and our kids once again have full access to the Alverno that you, as alumnae, know and love – on and off-campus. Every gift makes a difference, and every donation is appreciated. You are in the driver’s seat! Thank you for helping Alverno to continue moving forward, and for supporting your school through tough times and better ones ahead.
Physical conditioning camps in Malibu and Big Bear Campus Ministry and Service Programs Grade level retreats Service opportunities with local non-profits Spiritual retreats with local parish schools Leadership Opportunities High School Nights for
Selena Mone Director of Alumnae Engagement
Wendy Finch-Burk Director of Development
student ambassadors Neighboring school visits to facilitate student government conventions
200 North Michillinda Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
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ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
12/8/20 10:18 AM
2019-20 Philanthropy Report Recognizing gifts made from July 1, 2019- June 30, 2020.
Leadership Gifts Villa del Sol d’Oro Circle
Mission To empower each young woman to be exactly the person she wants to be.
(Gifts of $10,000 and above) Anonymous Ken and Rita Mercurio Farfsing ‘72, P’00, BOT Doris Gillick Robert and Emilie Hoyt P’22 Michael Lopez and Julie Dyer Lopez P’11, P’16, BOT Robert and Antonia Navarro P’94 Antonio and Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13 Mickey Segal The Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation The George H. Mayr Foundation The Rose Hills Foundation Carla and Mary Hayden Tomaso Terry Merlo Traver ‘65, BOT Tom and Karen Zimmerman P’94, BOT
2020-21 Board of Trustees Ken Farfsing P’00, Chair Patrick Bowler, Jr. Kathryn Clare, IHM Ellen Driscoll ‘72 Richard Enderlin P’07 Julia Fanara, P’01, P’03, P’05, Head of School Fr. Michael Higgins, CP Julie Dyer-Lopez P’11, P’16, P’23 Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13 Terry Merlo Traver ‘65 Tom Zimmerman P’94, Trustee Emeritus
2020-21 Alverno Parents’ Association Robert Studer, President Anna Zuniga, First Vice President Nysha Dahlgren, Second Vice President Sharon Pevsner, Treasurer Aileen LaCorte, Service Hour Coordinator Irma Campos-Martel, Parliamentarian Linda Aguilar-Fraley, Recording Secretary Faith Larson, Gala Chair Lisa Villanueva, Sports Representative
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Mt. Alverno Circle
(Gifts of $5,000-$9,999) Anonymous Filippo and Julia Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05, BOT, Staff Gonzalez Goodale Architects Immaculate Heart Community Andrea Edmonds LaFountain ‘03 Robert and Antonia Navarro P’94 Leigh and Harry Olivar Trader Joe’s Terry Merlo Traver ‘65, BOT
Immaculate Heart Community Circle (Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999) Anonymous David and Deanna Balsam P’23 Andrea Bertollini ‘91, Staff California Community Foundation Kathryn Clare, IHM, BOT
Robin and Janie Guentert GP’14, GP’16, GP’21 Michael and Barbara Dorazio Kaiser ‘65, P’93, P’96 Shirley Lara P’20, P’23 Meline Sirounian ‘89
Franciscan Founders Circle
(Gifts of $1,000-$2,499) Anonymous Manuel and Jane Abascal P’20, P’21 Mark and Grace Fisher Adams P’23 Maria Albert P’21 Javier and Terri Alcala P’20 Adriana Alvarado P’10, P’21 Walter Alvarez and Laura Mejia P’21 David and Susan Andres P’16, P’22 Lisa Arroyo P’23 Anthony and Julie Kim Aya-ay P’22 Claudia Ball P’21 Katherine Van Kuran Berkman ‘67 Ernie and Kimberly Betos P’23 Patrick and Shaunna Bowler, BOT Richard and Loretta Burns P’23 Bayardo and Lorena Calderon P’20 Sergio Campos and Irma Martel-Campos P’21 John and Marta Capoccia P’01 Xue Wen and Miaoju He Chen P’20 Darren and Lorene Clark P’23 Kevin and Kristin Cook P’21 Stephen and Kathleen Gonzalez Curren P’17, P’18, P’21 Garth and Nysha Dahlgren P’23 Joshua and Anna Dauz P’23 Michael and Lynn Dean P’23 Maria Dela Rosa P’22 Miguel and Jade Montano Delgadillo P’22 Timothy and Lauryn Divers P’23 Drew and Sheryl Domenghini P’23 Michelle Drabik P’21, P’22 Ellen Driscoll ‘72, BOT Carmen Ductoc P’20 Todd and Karen Dugovanec Ely P’22 Richard Enderlin and Grace O’Brien P’07, BOT Randolph and Kristin Estrada P’14, P’16, P’21 Lynne Fearman Thomas and Kathleen Flynn P’21 Francis and Dorothea Fong P’20 Patrick and Linda Aguilar Fraley P’22 Olga Franquez P’21 Stephanie Frizzell P’21 Juancarlos and Noemi Medina Fuentes P’23 Taci and Aprile Boettcher Garcia P’23 Juan and Ruby Vera Godinez ‘87, P’17, P’20 Ligia Hernandez and Mary Godinez P’21 Gerald and Maria Figueroa Gonzales P’21 16
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Anthony and Teresa Alvarado Goss ‘82, P’16, P’21 Blanca Guerra P’20 Eugene and Tamara Gutierrez P’20 Chris and Linda Morales Gutierrez P’21 Ranjo Sagusay and Morella Hammer P’21 Daryl and Lynn Haselton P’22 Armando and Linda Hernandez P’23 Kennedy and Jennifer Higdon P’21 Kathleen Johnston Holtsnider ‘64, P’93 Robert and Emilie Hoyt P’22 Joseph and Christy Jakl P’22 Tom and Kari Janzen P’09, P’11, P’13 Robert Maruna and Diana Kobashigawa-Maruna P’19 Stephen and Aileen La Corte P’23 Basilio and Sonia Landeros P’20 Lara Larramendi P’13 Anthony and Faith Larson P’22 Wende Lee Tracy Loechner P’21 Michael and Jennifer Loomis P’22 Sean and Gina Lopez P’21, P’24 Justine Smith Lorehn ‘64 Juin Lu P’22 Todd and Cynthia Mansbridge P’22 Vivian Marcelino P’22 David and Michelle Garza Marquez P’23 Bridget Marshall ‘64 Valerie Marz P’21 Craig and Toni Mazaros P’22 Sara McCarthy ‘05, Staff Robin McCarthy P’05 Jessica Miller P’21 Juan Munoz and Veronica Castillo-Munoz P’21 Ricardo and Sandra Daza Ocana P’23 Sarah O’Gara ‘64 Francis Okwu and Carrie Fundingsland P’21 Bharat and Stacey Patel P’22
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Meredith Petersen ‘01, P’20 William and Sharon Pevsner P’23 Guohua Qian P’22 William and Mary Skousen Radford ‘85, P’08, P’11 Paul and Mary Rallion P’23 Jose and Erin Ramos P’22 Ali Rezaei and Naeimeh Nickouei Rezaei P’21 Debbie Hunter Ritschel ‘64 Rudy Rivera P’23 Veronica Robles P’21 Carlos and Maria Ruiz P’21 Chuck and Diana Russom P’23 Victoria Ryan P’20 Carlos and Ann Marie Molina Salazar P’22 Sergio and Melissa Aguirre Sandoval P’23 Martha Sandoval P’22 Malcom and Maria Sao P’19, P’21 Rebecca Schuster P’23 Israel and Yvette Serrano P’23, P’25 Zan and Wei-Ming Chen Shang P’18 Sannan and Lu Chen Shi P’23 Kirk and Lisa Andrews Simone ‘87 Steven and Ana Simpson P’21 Matthew and Erin Sloan P’23 Jim and Lucy Santillan Smith ‘79, P’22 Steve and Helen Harlan Smith P’22 Soto and Sanchez Investments Robert and Catherine Stockinger Studer P’22 Fernando Tenorio and Blanca Andujo Tenorio P’23 Sergio and Susana Torres P’16, P’21 Albert and Rebecca June Ubungen P’21 Valerie Velasco P’21 Lisa Villanueva P’21 David and Estella Sundquist Villegas P’22 Kirk and Rosana Wallace P’23 Ellie Wei P’22 Craig and Sonia Wheeler P’22 Kimberly Wu P’23
Li Xie P’20 Xueliang and Guishuang Zhang Xu P’23 Feng Yan P’22 Anthony Yniguez P’21 Suwei Zhou P’22 Tom and Karen Zimmerman P’94, BOT
St. Claire Circle
(Gifts of $500-$999) Anonymous Stephanie Blank P’21 Sylvia Cabrera P’20 Joseph and Leslie Carmell P’20 Michael Cooper P’20 Thomas and Mary Rose Courtney P’06 Jason and Maureen Davis P’20 Dirk Dierking and Kristine Larsen P’22 Amira El-Farra P’10 Claudia Garcia P’21 Priscilla Gaytan P’22 Rachel Harper P’21 Todd and Sandra Chen Jiang P’23 Paul Lindheimer P’17, P’20 Gladys Marisol Lopez P’22, P’24 Patricia Elfelt Mahoney ‘64 Mr. Deli Catering, Inc. Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center Hans Nagel GP’23 Susana Ortega P’22 Pasadena Community Orchestra Foundation Robert and Carol Pennington Linda Peters ‘66 Don and Debbie Ramirez P’19 Robyn’s Nest
Barlow Circle
(Gifts of $250-$499) Anonymous Anonymous Luis Beltran and Veronica Jauregui P’20 Susana Capra ‘04, Staff Vaughn and Elaine Cassingham Alfredo and Gabriela Chavez P’20 Ronald and Jean Coleman P’95, P’99 Betsy Edelberg and Randell Allen Mary Ekler Scott and Michelle Gianoli P’18 Michelle Glaze Katharine Guerrero, Faculty Marylouise Ortega Lau Efendi and Michelle Lianto P’17, P’20 Juan and Olivia Luquin P’22 Heather Pain P’22 Nancy Wegmann Riffle ‘70 Andy and Veronica Rivera P’21 St. Ignatius of Loyola St. Rita School James Tiedeman and Rosella Cusi Tiedeman P’18 Patricia Van Koetsveld ‘82
ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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Distinguished Circle of Honor Alverno’s Distinguished Circle of Honor acknowledges donors whose cumulative lifetime giving level is $50,000 or above. Visionary
($500,000+) Anonymous Alverno Parents’ Association The Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation The George H. Mayr Foundation The Rose Hills Foundation
Benefactor
($250,000-$499,999) Antonio and Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13, BOT
Patron
($100,000-$249,000) Anonymous Richard Enderlin and Grace O’Brien P’07, BOT Ken and Rita Mercurio Farfsing ‘72, P’00, BOT Doris Gillick IBM Immaculate Heart College Immaculate Heart Community In Memory of Joan Lindgren (Celeste Frey-Smith) Robert and Antonia Navarro P’94 Mickey Segal Carla Tomaso and Mary Hayden
Sponsor
($50,000-$99,999) The Ahmanson Foundation Stephen Allen P’05 Filippo and Julia Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05, BOT, Staff
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The William R. and Virginia Hayden Foundation Lear Family Foundation Leigh and Harry Olivar Terry Merlo Traver ‘65, BOT The Glenda Ulfers Trust Tom and Karen Zimmermann P’94, BOT
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Campaigns and Funds Adopt-a-Pillar Campaign Robert and Antonia Navarro P’94 Alumnae Bricks Todd and Lynda Harris P’18 Athletic Fields Capital Campaign Anonymous Stephen Allen P’05 Andrea Bertollini ‘91, Staff Lara Larramendi P’13 Patrick Bowler, BOT John and Marta Capoccia P’01 Vaughn and Elaine Cassingham Kathryn Clare, BOT Ronald and Jean Coleman P’95, P’99 Thomas and Mary Rose Courtney P’06 Amira El-Farra P’10 Filippo and Julia Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05, BOT, Staff Gina Fanara ‘01 Ken Farfsing and Rita Mercurio Farfsing ‘72, P’00, BOT Wendy Finch-Burk, Staff Scott and Michelle Gianoli P’18
Patricia Elfelt Mahoney ‘64 Bridget Marshall ‘64 Robin McCarthy P’05 Francis Okwu and Carrie Fundingsland P’21 Debbie Hunter Ritschel ‘64 Victoria Ryan P’20 Kathleen Villarruel Schneider ‘80 Antonio and Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13, BOT Mickey Segal Zan Shang and Wei-Ming Chen P’18 Kirk Simone and Lisa Andrews Simone ‘87 MelineSirounian ‘89 St. Rita School James Tiedeman and Rosella Cusi Tiedeman P’18 Carla Tomaso and Mary Hayden Terry Merlo Traver ‘65, BOT Kirk and Rosana Wallace P’23 Founders’ Circle (Planned Giving) Anita Eberlen Cruver ‘69 Julia V. Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05 Sarah O’Gara ‘64 Robin McCarthy P’05 Debbie Lasham Schweiner ‘73
Campus Ministry Program Margaret Walters Mott ‘67 Facilities Fund Ken and Rita Mercurio Farfsing ‘72, P’00, BOT Michael Lopez and Julie Dyer-Lopez P’11, P’16, P’23, BOT David and Deanna Balsam P’23 Faculty and Staff Fund Michael Lopez and Julie Dyer-Lopez P’11, P’16, P’23, BOT Student Activities Program Robin McCarthy P’05
Robin and Janie Guentert GP’14, GP’16, GP’21 Katharine Guerrero, Faculty Kathleen Johnston Holtsnider ‘64, P’93 Tom and Kari Janzen P’09, P’11, P’13 Barbara Dorazio Kaiser ‘65, P’93, P’96 Andrea Edmonds LaFountain ‘03 Shirley Lara P’20, P’23 Anthony and Faith Larson P’22 Marylouise Ortega Lau Michael and Julie Lopez P’11, P’16, P’23, BOT Gladys Marisol Lopez P’22, P’24 Justine Smith Lorehn ‘64
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In-Kind Gifts David and Deanna Balsam P’23 Andrea Bertollini ‘91, Staff Lynne Fearman Gonzalez Goodale Architects Wende Lee Michael Lopez and Julie Dyer-Lopez P’11, P’16, P’23, BOT Robin McCarthy P’05 Mr. Deli Catering, Inc. Antonio and Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13, BOT Robyn’s Nest Soto and Sanchez Investments
Scholarship and Financial Aid Program Anonymous Anonymous Scholarship Fund Kathleen Albade Allen ‘65 David and Deanna Balsam P’23 Sue Behrens ‘78 Katherine Van Kuran Berkman ‘67 Andrea Bertollini ‘91, Staff Angela Terrazas Bohanec ‘90 Joan Caforio GP’23 California Community Foundation Ron Hutson Memorial Scholarship Fund Thomas and Mary Rose Courtney P’06 Jeffrey and Monica Boyer De Francisco ‘95 Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation Carrie Estelle Doheny Scholarship Fund Filippo and Julia Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05, Staff Martha Ferkol GP’23 Mary Jean Chase Field ‘70 Abigail Fong ‘06 Doris Gillick Ann Marie Gillick Scholarship Fund Ellen BehrensHoffman ‘74 Harriet Hoy P’91 Immaculate Heart Community (IHM) Immaculate Heart Community Scholarship Fund Maria Ioele ‘88 Kathleen Ipekjian Nancy Iredale ‘65 ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
12/8/20 10:18 AM
Patricia Jorgensen Nancy Chase Kallenberger ‘65 Kate Witherington, Staff Barbara Kennedy-Dalder ‘67 Justine Smith Lorehn ‘64 Jennie Michael Malek ‘99 Steven and Suzette Mason P’98, P’00 George H. Mayr Foundation George H. Mayr Scholarship Fund Robin McCarthy P’05 Sara McCarthy ‘05, Staff Paula Morreale ‘05 Hans Nagel, GP’23 Ann Nguyen ‘94 Sarah O’Gara ‘64 Leigh and Harry Olivar Jenise Ellis Memorial Scholarship William and Mary Skousen Radford ’85, P’08, P’11 Nancy Wegmann Riffle ‘70 The Rose Hills Foundation Rose Hills Scholarship Fund Nancy Rowe Rossi ‘67 Antonio and Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13, BOT Marissa Seanez Memorial Scholarship Fund Donna Starkey Rueda ‘76 Paula Ban Stewart ‘74 Peggy Dostalek Van Kerckhoven ‘77 Deborah Yacko Wiseman ‘70 Adrienne Speyer Wittenberg ‘89 Jack and Bunny Speyer Scholarship Fund Alverno Parents’ Association Supporters Businesses A&B Catering - Andrea Bertollini ‘91 Act III Alverno Board of Trustees A Noise Within Autry Museum/LACMA/Pasadena Museum Belle N Beau Photography Bolton and Company WINTER 2020
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Casa del Rey Chiquita Bonita CKW School Uniforms Collenette Dance Studio & Gigi’s Dance Studio DJ JessFunk El Portal Focus Chiropractic Foothill Credit Union Huntington Learning Center Ice House I Love L.A. In-N-Out Kleen Los Angeles Philharmonic Leonora Moss Los Gringos Tacos Merle Norman Cosmetics New York Yankees Nuccio’s Nursery Paco’s Mexican Restaurant Pasadena Pops Rebecca Alfaro Design Sts. Felicitas and Perpetua The Hat VMKS Retirement Plan Specialists Waterworks Aquatics, Pasadena
Andrea Bertollini ‘91 and Gaelle MacDonald Ernie and Kimberly Betos P’23 Stephanie Blank P’21 Rene and Lisa Brancheau P’19 Richard and Loretta Burns P’23 Bayardo and Lorena Calderon P’20, P’23 Paul and Cynthia Cales P’12, Faculty Sergio and Irma Martel Campos P’21, P’23 Deanne Carnighan Xue Wen and Miaoju He Chen P’20 Darren and Lorene Clark P’23 Francesca Colombo Kevin and Kristin Cook P’21 Michael Cooper P’20 Stephen and KathleenGonzalez Curren P’17, P’18, P’21 Garth and Nysha Dahlgren P’22
Individuals/Families Manuel and Jane Abascal P’21 Mark and Grace Fisher Adams P’23 Maria Albert P’21 Javier and Terri Alcala P’20 Adriana Alvarado P’10, P’21 Walter Alvarez and Laura Mejia P’21 David and Susan Andres P’16, P’22 Lisa Arroyo P’23 Anthony Aya-ay and Julie Kim P’22 Claudia Ball P’21 David and Deanna Balsam P’23 Seth and Linda Bass, Staff 20
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Joshua and Anna Dauz P’23 Michael and Lynn Dean P’23 Maria Dela Rosa P’22 Miguel and Jade Montano Delgadillo P’22 Dirk Dierking and Kristine Larsen P’22 Timothy and Lauryn Divers P’23 Drew and Sheryl Domenghini P’23 Michelle Drabik P’21, P’22 Carmen Ductoc P’20 Todd and Karen Dugovanec Ely P’22 Randolph and Kristin Estrada P’14, P’16, P’21 Filippo and Julia Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05, BOT, Staff Ken Farfsing and Rita Mercurio Farfsing ‘72, P’00, BOT Thomas and Kathleen Flynn P’21 Francis and Dorothea Fong P’20 Patrick and Linda Aguilar Fraley P’22 Olga Franquez P’21 Friends of Alverno Stephanie Frizzell P’21 Juancarlos and Noemi Medina Fuentes P’23 Taci and Aprile Boettcher Garcia P’23 Juan and Ruby Vera Godinez ‘87, P’17, P’20 Ligia Hernandez and Mary Godinez P’21 Gerald Gonzales and Maria Figueroa P’21 Anthony and Teresa Alvarado Goss ‘82, P’16, P’21 Robin and Janie Guentert GP’14, GP’16, GP’21 Blanca Guerra P’20 Chris Gutierrez and Linda Morales P’21 Chris and Linda Morales Gutierrez P’21 Eugene and Tamara Gutierrez P’20 Ranjo Sagusay and Morella Hammer P’21 Dolores Gonzalez Haro Rachel Harper P’21 Daryl and Lynn Haselton P’22 Armando and Linda Hernandez P’23 21
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Kennedy and Jennifer Higdon P’21 Robert and Emilie Hoyt P’22 Joseph and Christy Jakl P’22 Robert Maruna and Diana Kobashigawa-Maruna P’19, P’22 Stephen and Aileen La Corte P’23 Basilio and Sonia Landeros P’20 Shirley Lara P’20, P’23 Anthony and Faith Larson P’22 Patricia Lee Enrique and Mercedes Legaspi P’10 Susie Lindheimer P’17, P’20 Tracy Loechner P’21 Michael and Jennifer Loomis P’22 Gladys Marisol Lopez P’22, P’24 Michael and Julie Lopez P’11, P’16, BOT Leonard and Gina Lopez P’21 Juin Lu P’22 Todd and Cynthia Mansbridge P’22 Vivian Marcelino P’22 Michele Marquez and Raylene Acevedo David and Michelle Garza Marquez P’23 Valerie Marz P’21 Craig and Toni Mazaros P’22 Jessica Miller P’21 Juan Munoz and Veronica Castillo-Munoz P’21 Ricardo and Sandra Daza Ocana P’23 Francis Okwu and Carrie Fundingsland P’21 Bharat and Stacey Patel P22 Meredith Petersen ‘01, P’20 William and Sharon Pevsner P’23 Guohua Qian P’22 Paul and Mary Rallion P’23 Jose and Erin Ramos P’22 Ali Rezaei and Naeimeh Nickouei Rezaei P’21 Rudy Rivera P’23 Veronica Robles P’21
Carlos and Maria Ruiz P’21 Chuck and Diana Russom P’23 Victoria Ryan P’20 Carlos Salazar and Ann Marie Molina P’22 Sergio and Melissa Aguirre Sandoval P’23 Martha Sandoval P’22 Malcom and Maria Sao P’19, P’21 Rebecca Schuster P’23 Anthony and Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13, BOT Israel and Yvette Serrano P’23, P’25 Sannan and Lu Chen Shi P’23 Steven and Ana Simpson P’21 Matthew and Erin Sloan P’23 Jim and Lucy Santillian Smith ‘79, P’22 Steve and Helen Harlan Smith P’22 Robert Studer and Catherine Stockinger P’22 Fernando Tenorio and Blanca Andujo Tenorio P’23 Sergio and Susana Torres P’16, P’21 Debbie Tymon Denise Tymon Albert and Rebecca June Ubungen P’21 Richard Vasquez The Velasco Family Lisa Villanueva P’21 David and Estella Sundquist Villegas P’22 Kirk and Rosana Wallace P’23 Ellie Wei P’22 Craig and Sonia Wheeler P’22 Monica Wolfe P’19 Kimberly Wu P’23 Li Xie P’20 Xueliang and Guishuang Zhang Xu P’23 Feng Yan P’22 Anthony Yniguez P’21 Suwei Zhou P’22
ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
12/8/20 10:18 AM
Donors Alumnae
Anonymous Madeleine Aguilar ‘08 Kathleen Albade Allen ‘65 Suzy Ares ‘93 Sue Behrens ‘78 Katherine Van Kuran Berkman ‘67 Andrea Bertollini ‘91 Angela Terrazas Bohanec ‘90 Susana Capra ‘04 Class of 2020 Caroline Dragos ‘19 Ellen Driscoll ‘72 Gina Fanara ‘01 Rita Mercurio Farfsing ‘72 Kathleen Faubion ‘69 Mary Jean Chase Field ‘70 Abigail Fong ‘06 Teresa Alvarado Goss ‘82 Alexandra Fanara Grimstad ‘03 Ellen Behrens Hoffman ‘74 Kathleen Johnston Holtsnider ‘64 Maria Ioele ‘88 Nancy Iredale ‘65 Barbara Dorazio Kaiser ‘65 Nancy Chase Kallenberger ‘65 Sarah Kelsey ‘88 Barbara Kennedy-Dalder ‘67 Andrea Edmonds LaFountain ‘03 Justine Smith Lorehn ‘64 Patricia Elfelt Mahoney ‘64 Jennie Michael Malek ‘99 Bridget Marshall ‘64 Sara McCarthy ‘05 Meredith Petersen ‘01 Paula Morreale ‘05 Margaret Walters Mott ‘67 Ann Nguyen ‘94 Sarah O’Gara ‘64 Linda Peters ‘66 Mary Skousen Radford ‘85 Nancy Wegmann Riffle ‘70 Debbie Hunter Ritschel ‘64 Nancy Rowe Rossi ‘67 Donna Starkey Rueda ‘76 Kathleen Villarruel Schneider ‘80 Lisa Andrews Simone ‘87 Meline Sirounian ‘89 Paula Ban Stewart ‘74 Lucy Santillian Smith ‘79 Donna Starkey Rueda ‘76 Paula Ban Stewart ‘74 Terry Merlo Traver ‘65 Patricia Van Koetsveld ‘82 Peggy Dostalek VanKerckhoven ‘77 Deborah Yacko Wiseman ‘70 Adrienne Speyer Wittenberg ‘89
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Board of Trustees
Faculty and Staff
Fr. Michael Higgins, CP from Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center Julie Lopez P’11, P’16 Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13 Terry Merlo Traver ‘65 Tom Zimmerman P’94
Andrea Bertollini ‘91 Silvia Bolanos Cynthia Cales P’12 Eileen Cameron Susana Capra ‘04 Deanne Carnighan Sharon Dandorf Lisa Edwards P’14 Julia Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05, BOT Wendy Finch-Burk Giselle Grams Michelle Gray Alexandra Fanara Grimstad ‘03 Katharine Guerrero Hoku Janbazian Corrine Jimenez Maria Jones P’11 Judy Lee Tim Lewis P’19 Nina Lopez Sara McCarthy ‘05 Selena Mone Lisa Primero-Solano Melissa Royal Mike Sifter Lindsay Weishaar Kate Witherington
Patrick Bowler, Jr. Kathryn Clare, IHM Ellen Driscoll ‘72 Richard Enderlin P’07 Julia V. Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05 Ken Farfsing P’00
Foundations and Corporations
Anonymous Foundation Amazon Smile Foundation Benefit Mobile EScrip Ralphs Grocery Company Trader Joe’s California Community Foundation The Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation The George H. Mayr Foundation The Rose Hills Foundation
Suzy Ares ‘93, P’17 Yasmine Balkis Monica Barsever Linda Bass Lee Ann Bechthold Ken Berry
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Friends Betsy Edelberg and Randell Allen Steven and Ana Simpson Vaughn and Elaine Cassingham Mary Ekler Lynne Fearman Kim Ferreira Doris Gillick Michelle Glaze Inclusive Global Gene and Cynthia Inoue Kathleen Ipekjian Patricia Jorgensen Charlotte Lacey Marylouise Ortega Lau Wende Lee Lachlan and Joyce E. McClenahen Russ Meek Krista Moll Mr. Deli Catering, Inc. Harry and Leigh Olivar Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Pasadena Community Orchestra Foundation Robert and Carol Pennington Joanne Pineda Cheryl Powell Theresa Robinett Robyn’s Nest Mystic Rosa Jennifer Scibetta Mickey Segal Cathie Snyder Soto and Sanchez Investments St. Ignatius of Loyola St. Rita School
Parents
Anonymous Manuel and Jane Abascal P’21 Mark and Grace Fisher Adams P’23 Maria Albert P’21 23
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Javier and Terri Alcala P’20 Stephen Allen P’05 Adriana Alvarado P’10, P’21 Walter Alvarez and Laura Mejia Alvarez P’21 David and Susan Andres P’16, P’22 Suzy Ares ‘93, P’17, Faculty Lisa Arroyo P’23 Anthony and Julie Kim Aya-ay P’22 Claudia Ball P’21
David and Deanna Balsam P’23 Luis Beltran and Veronica Jauregui P’20 Ernie and Kimberly Betos P’23 Stephanie Blank P’21 Sylvia Cabrera P’20 Bayardo and Lorena Calderon P’20 Paul and Cynthia Cales P’12, Faculty Sergio Campos and Irma Campos-Martel P’21 John and Marta Capoccia P’01 Joseph and Leslie Carmell P’20 Alfredo and Gabriela Chavez P’20
Xue Wen and Miaoju He Chen P’20 Darren and Lorene Clark P’23 Ronald and Jean Coleman P’95, P’99 Kevin and Kristin Cook P’21 Michael Cooper P’20 Thomas and Mary Rose Courtney P’06 Stephen and Kathleen Gonzalez Curren P’17, P’18, P’21 Garth and Nysha Dahlgren P’22 Joshua and Anna Dauz P’23 Jason and Maureen Davis P’20 Jeffrey and Monica Boyer De Francisco ‘95, P’26, P’28 Michael and Lynn Dean P’23 Maria Dela Rosa P’22 Miguel and Jade Montano Delgadillo P’22 Dirk and Kristine Larsen Dierking P’22 Timothy and Lauryn Divers P’23 Drew and Sheryl Domenghini P’23 Michelle Drabik P’21, P’22 Carmen Ductoc P’20 Lisa Edwards P’14, Faculty Amira El-Farra P’10 Todd and Karen Dugovanec Ely P’22 Richard and Grace O’Brien Enderlin P’07, BOT Randolph and Kristin Estrada P’14, P’16, P’21 Filippo and Julia Fanara P’01, P’03, P’05, BOT, Staff Ken and Rita Mercurio Farfsing ‘72, P’00, BOT
Thomas and Kathleen Flynn P’21 Francis and Dorothea Fong P’20 Patrick and Linda Aguilar Fraley P’22 Olga Franquez P’21 Stephanie Frizzell P’21 Juancarlos Fuentes and Noemi Medina P’23 Claudia Garcia P’21 Priscilla Gaytan P’22 Scott and Michelle Gianoli P’18 Juan and Ruby Vera Godinez ‘87, P’17, P’20 Ligia Hernandez and Mary Godinez P’21 ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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Gerald and Maria Figueroa Gonzales P’21 Anthony and Teresa Alvarado Goss ‘82, P’16, P’21 Blanca Guerra P’20 Eugene and Tamara Gutierrez P’20 Chris Gutierrez and Linda Morales P’21 Ranjo Sagusay and Morella Hammer P’21 Bob and Jeanette Hanna P’17, P’19 Rachel Harper P’21 Todd and Lynda Harris P’15, P’18 Daryl and Lynn Haselton P’22 Armando and Linda Hernandez P’23 Kennedy and Jennifer Higdon P’21 Karen Higuera P’11 Kathleen Johnston Holtsnider ‘64, P’93 Harriet Hoy P’91 Robert and Emilie Hoyt P’22 Joseph and Christy Jakl P’22 Tom and Kari Janzen P’09, P’11, P’13 Todd and Sandra Chen Jiang P’23 John and Maria Jones P’11, Staff Barbara Dorazio Kaiser ‘65, P’93, P’96 Robert Maruna and Diana Kobashigawa-Maruna P’19 Stephen and Aileen La Corte P’23 Basilio and Sonia Landeros P’20 David and Shirley Lara P’20 Lara Larramendi P’13 Anthony and Faith Larson P’22 Tim Lewis P’19 Efendi and Michelle Lianto P’17, P’20 Paul Lindheimer P’17, P’20 Tracy Loechner P’21 Michael and Jennifer Loomis P’22 Michael and Julie Lopez P’11, P’16, BOT Juin Lu P’22 Juan and Olivia Luquin P’22 Todd and Cynthia Mansbridge P’22 Vivian Marcelino P’22 David and Michelle Garza Marquez P’23 Valerie Marz P’21 Steven and Suzette Mason P’98, P’00 Craig and Toni Mazaros P’22 Robin McCarthy P’05 Jessica Miller P’21 Juan Munoz and Veronica Castillo-Munoz P’21 Felipe and Ricarda Nava P’16 Robert and Antonia Navarro P’94 Ricardo and Sandra Daza Ocana P’23 WINTER 2020
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Francis Okwu and Carrie Fundingsland P’21 Susana Ortega P’22 Heather Pain P’22 Bharat and Stacey Patel P’22 Meredith Petersen ‘01, P’20 William and Sharon Pevsner P’23 Guohua Qian P’22 Rogelio and Regina Quizon P’18 William and Mary Skousen Radford ‘85, P’08, P’11 Paul and Mary Rallion P’23 Don and Debbie Ramirez P’20 Jose and Erin Ramos P’22 Ali Rezaei and Naeimeh Nickouei Rezaei P’21 Andy and Veronica Rivera P’21 David and Maricela Rodriguez P’23 Carlos and Maria Ruiz P’21 Chuck and Diana Russom P’23 Victoria Ryan P’20 Carlos and Ann Marie Molina Salazar P’22 Martha Sandoval P’22 Malcom and Maria Sao P’19, P’21 Rebecca Schuster P’23 Antonio and Debbie Seanez P’03, P’13, BOT Israel and Yvette Serrano P’23, P’25, P’31 Zan and Wei-Ming Chen Shang P’18 Sannan and Lu Chen Shi P’23
Matthew and Erin Sloan P’23 Steve Smith and Helen Harlan P’22 Jim and Lucy Santillian Smith ‘79, P’22 Robert Studer and Catherine Stockinger P’22 Fernando Tenorio and Blanca Andujo Tenorio P’23 Gina Tervalon P’12, P’19 James Tiedeman and Rosella Cusi Tiedeman P’18 Sergio and Susana Torres P’16, P’21 Albert and Rebecca June Ubungen P’21 Valerie Velasco P’21 David and Estella Sundquist Villegas P’22 Kirk and Rosana Wallace P’23 Ellie Wei P’22 Craig and Sonia Wheeler P’22 Li Xie P’20 Kimberly Wu P’23 Xueliang and Guishuang Zhang Xu P’23 Feng Yan P’22 Anthony Yniguez P’21 Suwei Zhou P’22 Tom and Karen Zimmerman P’94, BOT
Grandparents
Joan Caforio GP’23 Martha Ferkol GP’23 Robin and Janie Guentert GP’14, GP’16, GP’21 Hans Nagel GP’23 Janet Reiswig GP’23
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2019-20 Summary of Gifts
2019-20 Giving
Amount Received
by Donor Categories* Board of Trustees $115,984
Grandparents $3,900
Current/Alumnae Parents $274,754
Alverno Fund Campaign
$ 113,217
Foundation Grants and Corporate Gifts*
$ 129,979
Restricted Gifts
Friends $110,664
Faculty/Staff $12,545 Alumnae $33,627
Athletic Fields Campaign
$ 181,349
Facilities
$ 3,671
Visual/Performing Arts
$ 5,000
Other
$ 2,450
General Scholarships
*The sum of the individual categories exceeds the actual total due to donors who are listed in more than one category.
2019-20 Giving by Campaign Categories In-Kind APA Fundraising $19,820 Support $45,160
Alverno Fund $113,217
Scholarships/ Financial Aid $185,919 Gratitude Gala $32,871
Restricted Campaigns $198,070
This report was prepared with great care. However, despite our sincere efforts to avoid omissions or inaccuracies, we know they can occur. Please accept our heartfelt apologies for any errors and advise the Advancement Office of any corrections.
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$ 5,600
Scholarships and Financial Aid* Foundations/ Corporations $129,979
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Adopt-a-Pillar Campaign
$ 10,130
Financial Aid Program
$ 1,200
Anonymous Scholarships
$ 7,000
Carrie Estelle Doheny Scholarships
$ 35,000
Jenise Ellis Memorial Scholarships
$ 5,000
Ann Marie Gillick Scholarships
$ 20,000
Ron Hutson Memorial Scholarships
$ 2,589
Immaculate Heart Community Scholarships
$ 5,000
George A. Mayr Scholarships
$ 40,000
Rose Hills Scholarships
$ 40,000
Marissa Seanez Memorial Scholarships
$ 20,000
In-Kind Gifts
$ 19,820
APA Fundraising Support
$ 45,160
APA Gratitude Gala (online auction)
$ 32,871
TOTAL
$ 595,057
* Gifts that are restricted to scholarships and other specific funds may be listed under multiple categories, but are counted only once in the total. ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
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In Loving Memory It has been a particularly tough year of loss for our very own Assistant Head of School, Sara McCarthy ‘05, as well as Sara’s amazing husband, John Pennington. This page of remembrance is lovingly dedicated to members of the McCarthy and Pennington families who recently passed away. May these angels in Heaven watch over John and Sara, and may this [dedication] by the Alverno community pay proper homage to these men. We hope and pray that all those who knew James, Rob, and Scott continue to receive peace and comfort. We pray, too, for anyone who has experienced the effects of COVID-19, and extend our sincere condolences to those who have lost a loved one to the virus. Our hearts go out to all of the frontline workers risking their own health in order to save lives. In this strange and dark time, we lift our eyes up and seek the light of hope – hope for healing, hope for unity, and hope for beauty from the ashes.
Scott Glaze
James J. McCarthy
January 15, 1957 – June 12, 2020
June 21, 1954 – January 18, 2020
Scott was married to Robin McCarthy’s (Sara’s mom) sister for 37 years. He helped Sara with a multitude of things, from loving puppies to playing with the ducks they once had. Robin was kind enough to share the following story… “Sara was shopping for a car and Scott agreed to go with her. As she was talking to the salesman, Scott suddenly disappeared. She wondered why he left her there alone and the salesman thought he was done with the pitch! Sara was very confused when Scott finally reappeared. He had crawled under the car to check the systems for safety issues. Quickly, Scott told the salesman it was a ‘no-go’ and he wasn’t about to put his niece at risk. Later on, Scott told John, Sara’s dear husband, that he’d hunt him down (Scott was a big hunter) if John hurt his niece. Quite the story, but Scott wouldn’t have ever hurt a soul. And he was the one mainly responsible for Sara’s love of dogs, like Shadow [her Golden Retriever and the unofficial mascot of Alverno]. Scott also previously worked with Alverno’s Facilities Department to install new roofs on the school’s campus buildings.”
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James J. McCarthy went home to the Lord on January 18, 2020 after a long illness. Born on June 21, 1954 in Marin County, CA to Diarmuid (Mac) and Catherine, his family lived in Marin before relocating to Sacramento for his father’s job. There Jim graduated from Mira Loma High School and American River College, before attending San Francisco State University, where he received a degree in Urban Planning. After returning to Sacramento, James worked for the California Department of Transportation and met his future wife, Robin. They married in 1980 and relocated to the Pasadena area, where James continued working for Caltrans, retiring as Deputy Director of Planning in 2021. James and Robin had two children, Sara and Patrick (U.S. Navy MA2, active). He was a dedicated Giants and 49er fan, a dog lover, and caring husband and father. He is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by wife Robin, daughter Sara (John), son Patrick (Kelsey), sister Joan (Robert Adams), three nephews, cousins, and two great-nieces.
ALVERNO HEIGHTS ACADEMY ALUMNAE MAGAZINE
12/8/20 10:18 AM
Robert D. Pennington July 2, 1953 – October 16, 2020 Robert D. Pennington was called home to the Lord on Friday, October 16. Born on July 2, 1953 to William and Elizabeth (Pratt) Pennington in Seymour, Indiana, he spent most of his life in North Vernon, where he was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish. Known as Rob to his friends and family, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and was a skilled craftsman. After meeting his wife Carol (Randall) in high school, they were married in November at North Vernon Methodist Church and settled in town. They are the proud parents of two children, Brandy and John. He worked for 15 years at Contel, and served as the Director of Operations at Cole Tech in Columbus since 2010. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by: his wife of 47 years; his daughter Brandy (Oscar Rodriguez) of Apex, NC and their children, Oscar and Elena; his son John (Sara) of Pasadena, CA; his sister Hope Gayle (Francis) Deppe of North Vernon; his brother Jerry (Carol) of Columbus, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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