Empowered Woman

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.

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.

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. 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 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 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.