3 minute read
Alumnae Profiles
Sara McCarthy ‘05
When I think back on my time at Alverno, there are two things that I am most grateful for: the teachers who inspired my educational journey and my friends. All of the teachers I had at Alverno were dedicated not just to the subject they taught but to the students in their classroom. I learned so much from them about the world, about the importance of using our gifts to make a difference in that world, and their work ultimately inspired me to return back to Alverno.
Advertisement
Alverno has always been a special place for young women
whether that was in 1960, 2005, or today. I am grateful for my classmates who made me laugh, who pushed me, and who have been my sisters and stood beside me on some of the brightest and darkest days of my life. Now back at Alverno, I have the blessing of growing that sisterhood with not just the women I work with who are alumnae, but also our current students as well.
Susana Capra ‘04
I loved my time at Alverno as a student. I made amazing friends and was inspired by my teachers. We were empowered to be strong women and that is why we continue to teach today.
Rocio Alcaraz ‘96 I loved being part of the National Art Honor Society and providing service opportunities
for students. The teachers were always supportive and cheered you along the way. My favorite subject was English with Ms. Fanara and Ms Holmgren. Having Whoopi Goldberg (who was filming on campus) wave to me while reading inside the library is still my favorite story to tell!
Andrea Bertollini ‘91 I loved Ms. Garabedian, Ms. Tymon, Ms. Busser's dance class, senior steps, dances on the school terrace, off-campus lunch, break food from the cafeteria and the
Jose's - Alcaraz and Santana. Sadly, a part of my weekly life was detention with Ms. Refner and disciplinary action in the library with Ms. Tylac.
Sue Behrens ’78
I really liked the beautiful, open campus and the freedom of the modular scheduling we had in the 70's, but the thing that I loved best about attending Alverno is the life-long bond I made with friends who are still a major presence in my life, even if we
are separated by time or distance. I wasn't crazy about the idea of going to an all-girls school when my parents made that decision, but I believe not having boys around allowed us to be our true selves and is what strengthened our relationships.
Alex (Fanara) Grimstad ‘03 What I loved - Being an athlete!
I loved the chance to try all the new options, including cross country! I also loved my math classes with Ms. Van and learning Physics with Ms. Hawks!!
Ellen (Behrens) Hoffman ‘74 What I loved most about attending Alverno was (and is) the life-long friendships I established here. I keep in touch and get together often with fellow alumnae from the great class of '74!
Joanne (Larkin) Harabedian ‘69
My time at Alverno introduced me to many amazing women who have become lifelong friends. Alverno also gave me the foundation to be brave and bold.
Angela Terrazas ‘90 What I love most about my years at Alverno is the foundation that was laid, through teachers, friendships, and experiences, to help me grow into the independent, strong, and inquisitive woman that I am today.
It is a true testament to the impact an alma mater has made on a student when they come back as an adult to teach at the school that helped them grow into the woman they are today. At Alverno Heights Academy we are always grateful for those who return to build on that legacy. This commitment to Alverno by our alumnae creates a bond that impacts our current students and contributes to the success of our entire school community.
Here are our inspiring faculty and staff members who experienced an Alverno Heights Academy education: Deanne Carnighan, Andrea Bertollini ‘91, Rocio Alcaraz ‘96, Ellen Hoffman ‘74, Angela Terrazas ‘90, Sara McCarthy ‘05, Joanne Harabedian ‘69, Alex Grimstad ‘03, Jennifer Jukic, Susana Capra ‘04. Not pictured: Hourig Baghdasarian, Sue Behrens ‘78
– John F. Kennedy
