SEM Today Magazine by Buffalo Seminary

Today Summer 2019

Running the Show What Leadership Means at SEM

On the Cover Running the Show

EM Theatre teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair Susan Drozd directed Fun Home, the TONY Award-winning musical autobiography by Alison Bechdel at Shea’s 710 Main Theater in the spring. “A dream come true,” is what Susan called the opportunity. The Buffalo News rated it «««««(5)! Susan (being Susan), then shared the production and the dream with all of us. SEM students and faculty were invited for free to the preview night, and she arranged for sophomore Katie Bergstrom to intern with her sister Kari, who was the show’s costume designer. (Read Katie’s story on page 7.) Susan, who can’t stop teaching even when she’s directing a professional show, took the first night of audience reactions which were shared with her one at a time and turned them into a community project. She had a large board put in the lobby and Post It notes with markers. Audience members were invited to write about the moment in the play that most moved them. She captured an outpouring of emotion and created space for what the classical Greek tragedians termed catharsis: enlightening the spirit through theatre. Freshman Nora Collins won SEM’s August Wilson Monologue Competition with Grace Harvey ‘21 as runner up. Susan, who introduced the competition to SEM (making us the only independent school to participate) was thrilled when Nora went on to place 2d at the regional competition at Buffalo State College on February 9 and went on to compete in New York City!

Annual magazine for the alumnae, friends, parents, and students of Buffalo Seminary Summer 2019 Head of School Helen Ladds Marlette (P ’13) Director of Communications/ SEM Today Editor Erin St. John Kelly (P ’13 & P ’17) In Memoriam & Class Notes Editor SEM Historian Gary R. Sutton Contributors Katie Bergstrom ‘21 Kanika Durland, Assistant Head of School Isabel Finkbeiner ‘19 Christine Gillis, Residential Fellow Molly O. Greene ‘98, College Counselor Grace Heidinger ‘18 Alicia Land '19 Julianna G. Jordan ‘05, Alumnae Coordinator Caitlin Littlefield, Dean of Teaching & Learning Jesse Mank, English Faculty Kacie Mills, Assistant Athletics Director Ashley Morlock, Annual Fund Manager Fiona Regan ‘20 Joanie Wienckowski, Science Faculty Jiaxuan “Jocelyn” Yang ‘19 Photography & Art Ryan Bronstein '15 Caitlin Cass, Fine Arts Faculty Guess Chen '21 Mary Curtin ‘19 Amy Doyle (P ’18) Susan Drozd, Fine Arts Faculty Garrett Fisher (P ’22) Michele Goldfarb Kyle Hopkins (P '13 & P '16) Heather McCarthy, English Faculty Tessa Pszonak ‘17 Natalie Stothart, Assistant Head of School Designer Cassandra Ott *P = Parent Cover: Photo by Amy Doyle SEM theatre teacher, director Susan Drozd at dress rehearsal for Fun Home at Shea's 710 Main Theater.

Please Recycle or SHARE me !

By Helen L. Marlette

| Letter from Head of School

On January 7, 2019 during morning meeting, I stood in front of the school and declared that I was going to read a book a week. I wanted to rekindle my love of books and decrease my growing screen time. Never did I imagine the response my declaration would generate. I received book recommendations from students, parents, alumnae, faculty, and friends. Many of my subsequent conversations have been about ideas and people, not just which book to read. I persevered through books that never caught my imagination and tore through books that made me sad to finish. I learned about life on the East Side of Buffalo in the 1980's and the challenge of two cultures clashing. I became curious about the Morman faith, and I was reminded of the power of friendship. So now, at the mid-point of 2019, I am not only sticking to my goal and enjoying my reading, but also, I discovered I could lose myself in a book as quickly as I could get lost on the internet. It reminded me that learning is enhanced by engagement, experience, and practice. While I read a book about golf technique, my putting only got better after practicing. Visiting my son and daughter in law in Switzerland increased my appreciation for the architecture of cathedrals, and spending time with our family confirmed that reading alone or connecting through Facetime doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace sharing a meal, a hug, or an adventure together. How do we balance technology with life at SEM today? We were the first school in WNY to introduce laptop computers for all in 2008-9. We learned much in the last 10 years. Our faculty is comfortable integrating technology into their teaching, all of our students are introduced to coding, we have a four-year computer science curriculum, and distance learning is a reality for students studying away from campus. This past year we collaborated with Crosswater Media for a class that combined virtual reality with artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. We are committed to making sure our students have the technological skills and knowledge necessary for future success. Technology is used to support and enhance student learning, not replace the important connection between our faculty and students and the lively discussions that are hallmarks of a SEM education. Our students, from all over the world, are engaged with each other, they experience the world beyond our campus through community service and international exchanges, and they still practice the lessons taught in our classroom through homework and presentations. The swift pace of change heightens the need to continuously evaluate the educational applications of ever-changing technology and requires that we think about the challenges that may result from new technology. We must consciously focus on developing character, personal responsibility, creativity, and civility in tandem with technological skills. It is in rising to the challenge that I find hope and a strong case for education and for SEM. We are committed to life-long learning, to staying connected and supporting one another, to accepting responsibility for our actions, and embracing the opportunities that come with change. Forward thinking, creative problem solving, and personal connections have served SEM well since 1851, and give me confidence that we can rise to any occasion in the future.

Helen leads Hanging of the Greens December 2018

The Future is SEMinist! SEM students don't become leaders with the simple passage of four years; the growth takes the focused attention of a community of educators, a board of trustees, engaged alumnae, and families who are dedicated to nurturing girls’ intellect, curiosity, responsibility, and community engagement. At SEM, girls play all the parts! Whether it’s in a play, or as president of the School Government Association, founding and running a club, or programming in the virtual reality lab... At SEM, girls do it all. That’s the power of girls’ school and that’s the power of SEM. Girls must step up and lead because there are no boys to defer to. That simple, profound absence proffers power. We ask girls to dig deep, to persevere, to be curious, and to share their spirit and talent generously. On graduation day we’re confident in the women we send out into the world. - Erin St. John Kelly

CELEBRATE FALL 2019 @SEM The Annual All-School Picnic 9/6

Don’t miss the annual picnic on Bidwell Parkway presented by the Parent Association. Welcome new families and spend time with old friends! Enjoy great food, pick up SEM gear — kick off the school year in style!

Open Houses

10/2 & 10/24 from 6 - 8 PM

Parents, alumnae, and trustees are invited to join us as we show prospective families what makes SEM stand out among girls' schools. If you are able to volunteer, please contact Director of Day Admission Alexandra Tramposch at admission@buffaloseminary.org.

Sweet Pickle on the Parkway

10/5 from Noon - 4 PM

After-Pickle-Party in the MagavernSutton Courtyard 4 - 6 PM. We’re closing Bidwell Parkway to hold our first ever pickleball tournament! We’ll have pickleball clinics and paddles every hour on the hour!

Find out more: contact Amity Mann at amann@buffaloseminary.org for information about in-kind donation and sponsorship opportunities! Tournament Entry Fee: $30 After-Pickle-Party Only: $10 Fees support the SEM Annual Fund.

Fall Play 10/31 - 11/2

“We love theatre and we play all the parts!” is the SEM theatre department credo. Fall and spring, friends, family, faculty, alumnae, and the public are invited to an all-girl production chosen and directed by theatre teacher Susan Drozd.

SEMQuest 11/16

Join fellow parents, faculty, trustees, and alumnae for a casual fun-filled evening of games, music, and a silent auction and fun with the Steinway Spirio player piano! Funds raised ensure faculty support, classroom updates, technology enhancement and out-of-classroom educational experiences. Contact Amity Mann if you would like to volunteer at amann@buffaloseminary.org.

Grandparent Afternoon 11/26

Don't let grandparents miss the fun at SEM as granddaughters show how they love their school. Enjoy performances, the Steinway Spirio, cookies and coffee, a family picture, and the opportunity for an interview as part of StoryCorps' national oral history project The Great Thanksgiving Listen. RSVP to development@buffaloseminary.org.

Holiday Bazaar 12/7

This festive and fun holiday tradition just keeps on growing! Browse and shop with local merchants and artisans and try your luck at the always spectacular basket raffle. Support SEM clubs and the BSAA when you stop in at their booths and snack on tasty treats!

Revel & Alumnae Reception 12/20

All alumnae are invited to Revel and to a reception that follows in the Colby Room. Share stories & hot cocoa with former teachers and classmates!

Table of Contents 10 20 24 30 38 42

Becoming a Steinway Select School Red Letter Days for the Red-Tailed Hawks Living @SEM 168th Commencement Reunion for 4’s & 9’s Class Notes

The Class of

2019

Congratulations!

Summer 2019

"It's important to know when you should speak up and when you should step back and let someone else contribute."

Photograph by Michele Goldfarb

Running the Show: The Evolution of Two SEM Girls Fiona is a member of the SEM Ensemble and performed in Decision Height (pictured above, backstage) and Peter and the Starcatcher.

hile music has always been a part of my life, recently theatre has become important to me, Theatre and music are both collaborative forms of art; everyone involved has a role in creating something artistic and unique and the piece can fall apart if just one person’s job isn’t completed. In both these collective efforts, leadership is necessary in order to come together.

In a musical ensemble or chorus such as SEM’s, the group depends on each musician to contribute their part to the piece. Similarly, in theatre, trust and responsibility are shared within the group. Whether setting props, making costumes, or directing behind the scenes, every member of the cast and crew ensures that the show runs smoothly.

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Leadership is knowing when to step-up and when to support. If everyone in an ensemble or a band played or sang their part at their highest dynamic, it would be chaos. In the same way, no idea would be heard if everyone working on a play shared their thoughts at the same time. Good leadership also requires organization and care. In music, from an audience member’s viewpoint, a conductor can look like someone frantically waving their arms around for no reason, but in reality, they are leading the whole group. Our conductors and directors at SEM model good leadership and we owe a lot of the success we have to them. Being in the arts has taught me when and how to be a leader, to share my ideas respectfully, and to listen. I am sure that others involved in the arts at SEM are grateful for the skills it has taught them as well.

– Fiona Regan ‘20

“

heatre is all problem-solving,” said theatre teacher Susan Drozd, and I’ve learned it couldn’t be more accurate. As someone who had been fascinated with puzzles and attempting to guess the solution to mystery books since I was a kid, I was immediately drawn to the combination of skills and talents necessary to productively work theatre.

Until my freshman year at SEM, theatre was something that had never been on my radar. However, the pull of meeting new people and in the spirit of trying new things, I decided to try-out as a crew member for the spring 2018 production of This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing. That decision opened many doors that most likely would have never opened.

" Our reading of plays is all about building empathy. " -Susan Drozd SEM is often invited to the dress rehearsal of Susan's professional shows. Katie and classmates attended Fun Home.

One door came in the form of the Broadway musical Fun Home, which Ms. Drozd directed for MusicalFare theatre at Shea’s 710 Theater this May. I had the unique opportunity to help out Ms. Drozd’s sister and costume designer, Kari Drozd.

Fun Home is a musical based on the memoir by cartoonist Alison Bechdel. It beautifully captures seemingly disjointed moments from Ms. Bechdel’s life and weaves them into a story of love, finding who you are, acceptance of who you found yourself to be, and the power of memory. Like Fun Home, each production I’ve worked on with Ms. Drozd in school or in the Theatre District has taught me distinct lessons and has left me with wonderful memories. Working on props for This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, means that I can proudly say that I am a master of the art of fish puppeteering! The fall 2018 production of Peter and the Starcatcher gave me the opportunity for greater leadership – I began to get the cues of when to take charge and when it was appropriate to lead by listening. As assistant stage manager in this spring’s Decision Height, I bettered my communication skills while also picking up the art of doing what needs to be done without being told.

"Theatre has greatly deepened my appreciation for small details." When asked the first art form that comes to mind, many might choose painting, drawing, music or singing. Theatre is what I love. It combines many other art forms and the art of collaboration to create a piece that is unique through perspective, emotion, and immersion. Theatre has allowed me the privilege of a deeper comprehension of others, myself, and even of all art. The life of theatre is one that I can’t say I expected, but I am so proud to say I was a part of all the worlds created in the plays that I have worked on so far.

– Katie Bergstrom ‘21

Summer 2019 Photo by Amy Doyle

Running the Show: Art

By Jocelyn Yang '19

This winter, SEM students made contributions to the arts both inside SEM and in Western New York. “It's been a great year to see so many student artists shine in the spotlight,” said SEM art teacher Caitlin Cass. Combining art and academics is exciting and it’s what Jing "Lexi" Bian, Jiahe "Guess" Chen, Beccah Dunklin, and Katie Pohlman did when they wrote poems and illustrated the annual Sophomore Poetry Anthology. Choosing to integrate the arts into their academics, Thea Overdorf '19 presented her own Expressionist inspired paintings as her Senior Capstone SEMinar and Huaze "Shannon" Shao shared the history and modern applications of Chinese porcelain. She investigated it thoroughly, even taking a pottery-making workshop in China last summer.

I was inspired by having volunteerd in a Beijing art gallery and decided to explore the field of museum studies and applied to the competitive Albright-Knox Art Gallery Future Curators program. A team of 20 high school students from all over Western New York was chosen. I learned what goes on behind the scenes when curating a show and had the privilege of using the gallery’s collections, exhibitions, and staff to learn from.

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From nearly 600 artwork submissions by high school students from all over Western New York and Southern Ontario, SEM sophomore Beccah Dunklin's painting Insight was chosen for Somewhere Behind, Somewhere Ahead, the 2019 Future Curators exhibition. Her painting, which explores African-American arts and culture, was hung in the Albright-Knox's second-floor gallery in April and May. For Beccah, having her artwork in the show was not only an honor and recognition as an artist but also, she said, “an opportunity to meet other artists and learn from their artwork in the exhibition.”

As for me? Learning curation and being immersed in art helped me determine what I want out of my future college experience. Inspired by the Young Curators program, I’ve chosen Emerson College in Boston where the school community values art education.

By Jesse Mank English Faculty

alk through the halls during any given lunch period and you’re bound to find a SEM girl somewhere playing the ukulele, guitar, or piano, sometimes even singing along. As a new SEM teacher, I noticed this and thought it would be a good idea to create a club to encourage musical collaboration and performance. After all, every morning at SEM begins with the entire school facing a stage — why not use this opportunity to celebrate our talents?

It was in this spirit that the SEM Music Collective was born. When a member is looking to perform, she can choose from the many musicians advertising their skills on the bulletin board outside the front office. Besides guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice, the board advertises students who play brass, woodwinds, and drums. The collective's inaugural performance occurred in January 2019 featuring sophomores Grace Harvey and Izy Embler; since, we have enjoyed 11 total performances from 16 musicians. Freshmen Na’Mia Kelly and Kat Mueller collaborated on two original compositions.

| A Music Collective is Born

While everyone is proud of the students who performed this year, there are 28 Collective members who’ve expressed interest in sharing the stage during a Morning Meeting performance, indicating that next year will be even more musical! An official club since January, run by co-presidents Bre Schmidt '22 and Alex Galbraith '20, the Collective’s plans for next year include training a stage crew and assembling a house band to perform at SEM extracurricular events. We’re all looking forward to the music and memories next year will bring!

Senior Mary Leslie’s performance in a six-piece band.

ENSEMBLE Accolades Sophmores Penny Joseph (saxophone), and Lillian Khang (viola) in SEM’s Ensemble, both scored 100% on their New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) evaluations, qualifying them for the NYSSMA All-State Performance Groups. Over 6,500 sophomores and juniors from across the state prepared for All-State evaluations in the hope of being selected, only 900 make the grade.

Student and faculty glee clubs sang together at Revel, directed by Ron Martin.

Photograph by Susan Drozd

n our 168 years, there may never have been a day without music at SEM. Our day starts with singing, often ends with lessons, and is punctuated in between with Ron Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music classes, and with girls rehearsing, composing, and just playing for the joy of it. When a brand new Boston model grand piano arrived at SEM from legendary Steinway & Sons factory on August 6, it heralded a new musical initiative for the school. The new Steinway piano is an outward sign of our commitment to become a Steinway Select School which will make SEM a destination school not only for the area's musicians but for musicians from around the world. "The Steinway piano and the initiative with the peerless company is representative of our commitment to excellence," said Head of School Helen L. Marlette. It also fits with some of our most essential traditions, she said. From singing in morning meetings to the senior song at Class Day, everyone remembers the music from their years here. Excitingly, the arrival of the new piano also establishes our first scholarship for a musician. The SEM-Steinway Scholarship will be awarded to the girl who demonstrates exceptional ability in music (instrument or vocal) and

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who will actively enrich our school community using her talents. Interested applicants for the Class of 2024 are required to submit an audition video that best showcases her talent. "It will help us attract really wonderful girls who love music," said Admission & Enrollment Director Laura Munson '79. SEM has a staggering 10 pianos. This past winter Peter Wagner from Steinway & Sons conducted a fascinating inventory of their ages and conditions that revealed seven are in "poor" condition and 3 are in "fair" condition. Of our four Steinways, only one is in fair condition. Built in 1909, our oldest piano is in the music room, the chapel piano was built in 1915; both venerable instruments are in poor condition.

Our goal is to have fewer, better pianos.

As historic artifacts, our pianos don't produce the quality sound they once did. Among other issues, all of SEM's pianos including the Steinways, have cracked soundboards, making them virtually impossible to restore.

A Prelude:

Becoming a Steinway Select School From November 4 - 26, a magical Steinway & Sons Spirio high resolution player piano will visit the SEM chapel.

Classes, concerts, and community events are being planned. The Spirio features a world class video music library with thousands of performances recorded by artists from every genre: jazz, classical, blues, pop. Anderson and Roe, Duke Ellington, Glenn Gould, Jenny Lin, Art Tatum and ABBA are included. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a recording of Jerusalem! While the videos play, the piano plays! We have committed to the Steinway initiative to enhance and build upon our existing music program. Our Ensemble, Glee Clubs (student and faculty), the Semachords, our play accompanists, and Music Collective musicians will be thrilled by the new instrument. Once accredited as a Steinway Select School, SEM will be one of a handful (currently 16) of high schools in the nation, let alone for hundreds of miles, that has achieved that honor. Our reputation as a destination school for musical students will be unparalleled. We will also be able to host outside musicians and ensembles for performances to benefit the WNY community. The purchase of a new grand piano for the chapel brings with it a second SEM-Steinway scholarship.

The purchase of the first new Steinway was made possible by the generosity of the 2019 Reunion classes, SEM graduates from years ending in 4's and 9's. Helen Marlette said the gift acknowledges the unique and poignant place music has here for generations of students. "Music is SEM. Music is part of our heart and soul."

COME PLAY!

A new Boston model Steinway piano arrived on August 6th.

To find out more about SEMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s musical quest to become a Steinway Select School please contact Director of Development Amity Mann at amann@buffaloseminary.org. Summer 2019

Cum Laude Society Honors Shannon Shao FaceTimed with family after the ceremony.

Cum Laude Society Fall Induction 2018

November 28, the Buffalo Seminary chapter of the Cum Laude Society inducted seniors Isabel Finkbeiner, ZoĂŤ Knauss, Maddie Love, Huaze "Shannon" Shao, and ZhangZhu "Aurora" Wan. June 10, seniors Ellen Kahng, Erin Griffis, Kexin "Veronica" Zhang, and Nicole Nobrega, were inducted as part of our annual Class Day ceremony. The Cum Laude Society is a national organization. Membership is based solely on academic achievement.

Cum Laude Society Spring Induction 2019

National Honor Society At Student Recognition Day on May 30, the following juniors were inducted to the SEM chapter of the National Honor Society. These students will act as peer subject tutors during their senior year.

SARD Award

Each spring, the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents host the Erie-Niagara Scholastic Achievement Recognition Dinner to recognize the top three scholars in every senior class in every school in the two counties. On Thursday, May 16 ZoĂŤ Knauss, Maddie Love and Isabel Finkbeiner were honored.

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Sara Barone Julia Beck Petra DeRose Sophie Fogel Katherine Gareis Emma Hammel Lilly Johnsen

Kendra Johnson Magdalen McCulloch Mary Grace McHale Ariana Nieves Fiona Regan

Madison Rettig Zhe Su Erin Tesluk Claire Vlachos Chuqi Zhang Xihan Zhu

Alicia Land '19 and Andrea Wagner (math faculty) presided over the NHS induction.

Interviews by Jocelyn Yang ‘19

Running the Show: | Student Leadership 2019-20

In order to see the change, it has to start with us. Journey Hairston ‘20 SGA President

Journey is honored to be elected as SGA president next year. From Semachords, to the lacrosse team, to Red Key, she has learned the concepts of community and inclusiveness in mixed groups of people. She deeply cares about different voices that make up the SEM community and makes sure that student concerns are heard and are addressed in a timely fashion. "It's not just about what I can bring to the table; it's about what we all can do together," said Journey, "In order to see the change, it has to start with us."

Journey, fourth from left, with the Semachords at the opening of the new Explore and More Children's Museum.

Dagny Rebhan ‘21 SGA Vice President

Dagny is looking forward to serving as SGA vice president. Currently the president of the sophomore class, Dagny has had the chance to practice the responsibility of representing needs and concerns of the class. With a goal of "bringing the family [SEM] closer," she will support the SGA president to ensure that each student feels included and their voice is heard. In addition, she will serve on the Judicial Review Committee bringing unbiased decision-making.

Lily Hamlett ‘20 Community Service Board Chair

Red Key Ambassadors: Kailyn Lane, Alicia Land and Dagny.

Lily has been on the Community Service Board for three years. She is passionate about all kinds of community service events and hopes to have more students involved in service next year. "Community service is something students should want to do, and enjoy doing it to give back the community you love."

Lily (left) helped prepare food at Ronald McDonald House.

Mick Tesluk ‘20 Hornet/Jacket Board Chairperson

Mick is excited to be chair next year and to help out with and create all kinds of H/J events. From a big family, Mick has the experience of mediating to get everyone's voice heard and plans to use that skill to remain completely neutral as the chair of H/J. She will plan H/J events and school-spirit activities in advance and most importantly, make it fun.

Fall 2018, Mick and the junior class volunteered at the Food Bank of WNY.

Petra DeRose Senior Hornet Captain Eloise Fisher Senior Jacket Captain Eloise (left) and Petra (right) are members of SEM's squash team.

Summer 2019

The Varsity Crew team cleaned up Father Conway Park with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.

Above: Molly (left) and Isabel (right) decorate the Giving Tree for the Family Help Center during Giving Week 2018. Ronald McDonald House

(left) Making beds for a Code Blue emergency at St. Luke's Mission of Mercy.

SEM students sold newspapers for the Buffalo News Kids Day this spring.

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Day and Residential students volunteered at the Fall shoreline cleanup with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.

By Isabel Finkbeiner ‘19, Community Service Board Head

Running the Show: | A Standout Year for Service

his year I had the pleasure of serving the SEM community as the Community Service Board Head. As a School Government Association (SGA) elected officer, I lead a board of elected students from each grade who work to connect SEM students to the Buffalo community through service learning projects. My three goals for this year were to increase and diversify student participation in service events, to launch a new program for monthly service projects entitled “2nd Friday Service,” and to mentor the future leaders of the board.

School year 2018-19 service hours: 4,700 with 100% participation from students in all four classes! This year we partnered with 12 organizations in a variety of service projects aimed at helping disadvantaged children and families, tutoring refugee children from the West Side, cooking meals and collecting food for families in need, and preserving Buffalo’s waterfront. We worked with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Charter School of Inquiry, the Family Help Center, Ronald McDonald House, Buffalo Psychiatric Center, the ENERGY and FLY afterschool programs through Westminster Economic Development Initiative, Explore and More Children’s Museum, Food Bank of Western NY, Canopy of Neighbors, Gowns for Prom, The Buffalo News, and the Buffalo Junior League. During our annual giving week in December we served a record 185 families in Buffalo, and supported two of our students’ mission trips to El Salvador. We continued our partnership with The Family Help Center through the Giving Tree and we collected gifts for the 50 neediest children served at the center. In advisory groups students made cards for patients at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, and our girls worked with other local high schools at St. John Kanty Church packing toys for children for the holidays. Finally, we collected school and medical supplies for families in El Salvador in support of our students Jessica ‘20 and Emmaleigh ‘19, who were going there on mission trips.

Semachords at Temple Beth Zion for Canopy of Neighbors. Photo by Kyle Hopkins

Our overall student participation in service greatly improved from the previous school year and we averaged 10-14 participants in each of our 2nd Friday Service Events. Through the hard work of our dedicated students, supportive faculty, and engaged parents and alumnae, the entire SEM community came together to further SEM’s commitment to inspire a love of service for a lifetime, in all of our students.

Summer 2019

Running the Show: STEAM Power

May 2019 Freshman STEAM Challenge Winners: Coding: Mara Quinn Engineering: the team of Katrina Seymour, Ana Roman & Jessica Vo Juliana Victor's engineering project was a kinetic pair of feathered wings worn by Gabriella Oddo.

Make It: the team of Angelina Myles & Martha Odhiambo Special awards to our robot coders: Angelina Myles and Onvida Serixay

Each year, students in SEM's honors and AP math classes participate in the monthly New York Math League (NYML) contests. On May 30 at Student Recognition Day, the following students were recognized for having the top five highest cumulative scores among SEM participants: Penny Joseph, Tia Browder, Lilly Kahng, ZoĂŤ Knauss, and Huaze "Shannon" Shao. Every February, ten freshmen/sophomores and ten juniors/seniors are selected to participate in the American Mathematics Competition. Xihan "Helen" Zhu received a certificate of achievement for earning the top SEM score on the AMC 12, while Jing "Lexi" Bian received a certificate of achievement for earning the top SEM score on the AMC 10.

On Wednesday, February 13 SEM students competed in the annual American Mathematics Competition (AMC). Each year, we select 10 juniors/seniors and 10 freshmen/sophomores to participate, based on their scores on the monthly New York Math League (NYML) contests which are taken by all honors and AP math students.

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Co-coached by science faculty Samantha Basile and Joanie Wienckoawski, seniors Kexin "Veronica" Zhang (left) and Beini Ding earned a medal in Protein Modeling at the New York State Science Olympiad at Buffalo State College on February 2, 2019.

hen I was little, I wondered how I would ever discover what I was meant to do. My potential job list included a professional golfer, of course with a set of all pink clubs, a dentist, and a singer. I could never have imagined that I would find my passion in what I have today: computer science. I was always good at math and science, but did not think of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) as a pursuit because I loved school and wanted to do everything. But my freshman year was a turning point in defining who I am and what I love to do: I took my first coding class. After taking the required coding course with Ms. Adamczyk, what ended up happening blew my mind... I actually like it. The more I got into it, the more I loved it, and as it turned out, I was good at it too. A trimester was not enough - I had found my passion. I love coding because I can be creative and use my math skills at the same time. I couldn't get enough of it, so I didn't. I took all of the classes I could and when there were none left to take, I even made one of my own. But, the deeper I dug into to the programming field, I noticed what was wrong about what I was getting into. The software development industry comprises mostly men, and the majority of them are white. In 2015, only 18% of women earned all of the computer science degrees in the nation, and only 6% are women of color. Even though I knew these facts, I never really saw it because everything I had done was within the walls of SEM. The first time I saw that gender and race disparity personally was at the New York State Science Olympiad competition in my sophomore year. I was excited to participate and a bit nervous, especially for the coding event. I got to the competition room a bit early and it was all boys, but I didn't think much of it because not everyone was there yet. As the room filled up, I noticed that other than me, my teammate, and one other girl, a boy filled every chair. I was stunned. And then, last summer, I took a computer programming

Julia Beck ‘20 won a 2019 Upstate New York Affiliate Honorable Mention for Aspirations in Computing from the National Center for Women & Innovations Technology.

class at the University of Maryland. I walked in not knowing anyone, but I did notice one thing: I was one of the few girls in the class of about 50. It can be disheartening and can drive girls away from the software development industry. About 74% of middle school girls express interest in STEM but by the time they get to college, just 0.4% choose to major in computer science. There are many reasons behind this gender gap but in particular is "unconscious gender bias," displayed by the teachers and adults who influence what we pursue. I remember when I was little being asked if I wanted to be a teacher or nurse. The boys were asked if they're going to be a doctor or engineer. Being

a girl of black and Hispanic background, it's hard to find role models that look like me, or are even just women, in the software development industry. It can be discouraging not to see other women

doing what you want to do.

When there are barely any girls in the room for a computer science class I am in, I have learned that it actually creates a bond between the few of us and I wouldn't trade the friendships I've made for anything. Even though there aren't many minority women, or women to look up to in programming, it inspires me to be, and to motivate others to become a person little girls can look up to. Katherine Johnson, the famous black NASA mathematician, said "Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men." Keeping this in mind, even if I get discouraged, I know it's possible.

– Alicia Land ‘19 Condensed from Alicia’s Senior Presentation

"Then I made a club to get more people involved and to take advantage of all of the fantastic resources we have at our school," said Alicia, pictured at the club fair with seniors Molly Enstice and Lucia Schmidt.

Summer 2019

Preparing Students to Lead in | an Uncertain World

By Kanika Durland Assistant Head of School for Academics and Equity

ncreasingly, more and more schools talk about global education and character, but at SEM, our collective efforts have been aimed at these two areas since our Core Values were identified as part of the Strategic Plan of 2012.

We know that the issues our students will tackle upon graduation will be global and far-reaching: climate change, immigration, technological improvements and risks. We have focused our pedagogy on Global Community Engagement and Character & Integrity. True to our tagline — Our oldest tradition is forward thinking — we are looking at our long-held values — reaffirming and advancing them in innovative ways. The changes and challenges of the world today have compelled us to reconsider how we best prepare a SEM girl to tackle the challenges before her.

Art inspired by David Brooks's The Road to Character, the summer 2018 All-School Read.

How do we steer our students towards the most responsible, honest, and kindest version of themselves? How do we unite fields of study so that students may more fully apply their learning? The answers mark where SEM stands today in advancing global education and character development for women in the 21st century: • We will choose a campus theme to be our focus for the academic year, which will influence our curriculum, speakers, events, and activities. Our AllSchool Read will kick-off our engagement with the identified theme. • Every month, on the 3rd Tuesday, faculty will meet from 8-10 AM and students will come in at 10 AM. The morning meeting will increase faculty collaboration time without losing school days, and allow us more time to address student needs. • We will run a variety of learning experiences that touch on our theme and/or our values (global education and character). • A new freshman course SEMinar will begin to build the skills and perspectives necessary for SEM students to address complex issues in their upperlevel coursework.

Diwali dance workshop at the reimagined Hanging of the Greens.

Buffalo Seminary

Buffalo Seminary's Core Values: 1. Intellectual Challenge 2. Diversity & Inclusiveness 3. Women & Leadership 4. Courage, Confidence & Independence 5. Character & Integrity 6. Global Community Engagement

By Grace Heidinger ‘18

| Running the Show: The First Year Out College prep at SEM starts the first day of freshman year. Throughout the four years, students tackle AP and advanced courses to prepare us for what the future of college holds. When college starts to become real, Mrs. Greene’s office becomes a home to students. I found so many opportunities to get involved at SEM, which gave me confidence to get involved at college. Throughout my four years of high school, I was a member of a number of clubs, held leadership positions in some of those clubs, and was the president of Red Key. The leadership and communication skills I established from holding these positions lead me to joining Lambda Sigma, a service fraternity and becoming its marketing chair, and I joined another professional fraternity, and Alpha Omicron Pi, a social sorority. Having SEM in my blood gave me the confidence to go through recruitment. Getting involved in the Duquesne community helped me form new friendships, strengthen communication skills, and gain more confidence, just like it did at SEM.

Grace Heidinger & Brooke Pohlman in the foreground with Tess Rine and Katie Kraft on Class Day 2018.

admit walking into a college lecture hall filled with over 50 seats is a lot different than walking into a classroom with a Harkness table surrounded by 15 wooden chairs. But, whether a SEM graduate is attending a university with 2,000 students, 50,000 students, or somewhere in between, the confidence SEM instilled in us follows us wherever we go, inside and outside of class. I recently finished my first year at Duquesne University, and it’s safe to say I would not have had an easy transition or the success I had if it weren’t for what I learned on the other side of the big wooden doors at 205 Bidwell. In fact, I don’t think I would have left the state or city for college if SEM hadn’t expected me to dream bigger about my future. I often find myself reflecting on a recent experience and somehow connect it to SEM. I owe the biggest thank you to SEM for helping me establish time management skills to balance my academics, activities, and friends. At SEM, the combination of college level classes with a decent amount of homework and the free periods to do that work was a splash of college prep.

Learning how to successfully write a critical analysis paper my freshman year of high school was something I took for granted. After getting my first paper assignment in college, I felt confident. However, this was not the case for other students in the class; I overheard one say,“What’s a thesis?” and in that moment I mumbled under my breath, “Thank you, SEM.” I learned in high school how to utilize my free periods productively, I stayed on top of my work and avoided falling behind. My classmates can also thank SEM for our self-confidence. Brooke Pohlman ‘18, who just finished her freshman year at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, felt the same way. “I found myself to be one of the most active participants in the classroom. I was never scared to speak in class, but this was not necessarily the case for others around me,” she said. Walking into her first college class was intimidating, but because she had SEM, she did not slouch in her seat to avoid getting called on. It’s now almost a year since I graduated but it feels like I never left. The hashtag doesn’t lie… #OnceaSEMGirlAlwaysaSEMGirl.

Summer 2019

Red Letter Days for | the Red-Tailed Hawks

By Kacie Mills, Assistant Athletic Director

Thank you to all the athletes, coaches, parents, students, and fans for your continued support and dedication to the success of SEM Athletics. With the completion of the 2018-2019 school year, it is a great time to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments for the Red-Tailed Hawks. Buffalo Seminary saw nine student-athletes selected to the Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association (MMHSAA) All-Catholic First Team and five earned AllWNY Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention.

There were many exciting memories from this past year, one of which was welcoming back alumna and legendary basketball coach Tara VanDerveer '71. She addressed Morning Meeting on December 20, 2018. She stressed the importance of doing what you love, being disciplined, having compassion for others, and challenging yourself to be a better person. In addition, Tara spent time speaking with our student leaders in the library, under Miss Angell’s watchful gaze, where she credited SEM for giving her the foundation to work hard and emphasized the value of leadership and being team player.

We enjoyed watching five teams compete in MMHSAA Championships and witnessed a cross-country runner and swimmer advance to the state competitions! Lastly, we proudly recognized five student-athletes from the Class of 2019 who will continue their athletic careers at the NCAA Division I and Division III collegiate level in either rowing, lacrosse, or squash.

Eva Cunningham, Helen Marlette, Tara VanDerveer '71, Kacie Mills

It gave me great joy to know that the values Olympic gold medalist Tara VanDerveer holds are also at the core of the SEM athletic philosophy, and are what we emphasize to our student-athletes each day.

ALL-WNY SCHOLAR-ATHLETE HONORABLE MENTIONS Erin Griffis ‘19 Soccer Zoë Knauss ‘19 Cross Country Alicia Land ‘19 Soccer Kailyn Lane ‘19 Field Hockey Nicole Nobrega ‘19 Soccer

Buffalo Seminary

As we look ahead to next year, we will continue to push our students to raise the bar of excellence on the field, the court, the water, and in the classroom. #GOSEM!

BASKETBALL MMHSAA B Division 1st Team All-Catholic: Bridget Conboy ‘19, Jenna Smolarek ‘19 B Division Honorable Mention All-Catholic: Kailyn Lane ‘19 (1) SEM basketball coaches and team captains received the

BRIAN HANSEN MEMORIAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD from WNY Board of Officials for Women’s Sports

(W.N.Y.B.O.W.S.) Coaches Eva Cunningham, Kacie Mills, and Grace Cunningham Captains: Seniors Bridget Conboy ‘19, Kailyn Lane ‘19, Jenna Smolarek ‘19

CREW

At the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships May 11 & 12 in Saratoga Springs, NY the Novice 8 finished 7th with Gabby Oddo, Rowan Brown, Molly Schultz (cox), Lydia Eno, Kelsey Hammel, Martha Odihambo, Cecilia Rath, Mina Dreishpoon, and Sarah Abramowitz. The Varsity 4 finished 5th with Isabel Finkbeiner (cox), Alivia LaRue, Emma Hammel, Anya Casey, Sophie Bates. At the Mercyhurst Regatta in Erie, PA on May 18, the Novice 4 won silver with freshmen Sarah Abramowitz stroking, Kelsey Hammel in three seat, Lydia Eno in two seat, and Mina Dreishpoon bowing. The Novice 8 also won silver with freshmen Molly Schultz stroking, Mara Quinn, Martha Odihambo, Ceci Rath, Kelsey Hammel, Sarah Abramowitz, Lydia Eno, and Mina Dreishpoon. Annabelle Daley coxed both Novice boats. The JV 4 won 4th place with juniors Sophie Bates stroking, Katie Pohlman in three seat, Eva Maines in two seat, and Emma Hammel in bow, coxed by Molly Schultz.

CROSS COUNTRY (3) MMHSAA, Small Schools Division, Zoë Knauss ‘19 1st Team All-Catholic. 4 consecutive years undefeated. Regular season new school record: 20 minutes 24.41 seconds. Qualified for the New York State Federation Cross Country Championship in Wappinger Falls, NY for 4 consecutive years.

GOLF

(4) Brooke Hogle '21 and Aubrey Schmidt '22 competed in the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Golf Championships in Staten Island, NY. Aubrey went on to qualify for NYSPHSAA Girl’s Championship on June 3.

ICE HOCKEY 4

(5) MMHSAA Alexa Groh ‘21 named one of the top players in the WNY Girls Hockey Federation by The Buffalo News. “It’s hard to pick just one player from the Association’s team, but the sophomore from Buffalo Seminary is a tenacious, fast forward who works hard for everything she gets on the ice. She surpassed last year’s goal total in just nine games this season and is averaging 1.44 points per game.”

Summer 2019

LACROSSE

(6) These three girls triumphed at Lacrosse in an extremely cold spring! Zoë Knauss and Bridget Conboy were named MMHSAA All-Catholic 1st Team and Lily Hamlett had an Honorable Mention.

SAILING

(8) April 28 at the NYISA-NW All-Girls Regatta in Rochester. Seniors Grace Cannon and Maddie Love won 1st place and Olivia Tedesco ‘22 and Julia Beck ‘20 placed 3d to qualify for the 2019 Spring MASSA Girls Fleet Race Regatta in Toms River, New Jersey.

SQUASH

(7) US Squash Team High School Championships, Division V: 2d Place

SWIMMING

(9) NYSPHSAA 1st place in the 200 Yrd Freestyle Relay: Erin Tesluk ‘20, Helen Tesluk ‘22, Jessica Napier ‘20, Lauren Levy ‘22 2d place in 400 Yrd Freestyle Relay: Erin Tesluk ‘20, Gretchen Gwitt (Nichols), Helen Tesluk ‘22, Lauren Levy ‘22 2d Place in the 200 Yrd IM: Helen Tesluk ’22. 1st Place in the 50 Yrd Free: Lauren Levy ‘22. Lauren Levy ‘22 qualified for the State Championships in Ithaca, NY in the 100 Yrd Butterfly.

RUNNING THE FIELD: SOCCER CHAMPIONS!

Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association Girls B Division League and Playoff Champions Erin Griffis ‘19 - Player of the Year B Division. 1st Team All-Catholic: Emma Donovan ‘20, Rosemarie Franjoine ‘20, Samantha Kane ‘20 and Nicole Nobrega ‘19. B Division 2nd Team All-Catholic: Alessandra Celotto ‘20, Eve Desjardins ‘22, Alicia Lane ‘19, Sophia Vaquero ‘19.

Buffalo Seminary

Running the Track: Inaugural Year for Indoor Track

uffalo Seminary had its first ever winter Indoor Track and Field team for the 2018-19 season. Representing the Catholic High School Athletic Association, SEM girls competed against 38 other teams from public, private, and parochial schools in Western NY. Traveling to outstanding indoor track facilities at Buffalo State, Fredonia State, and Houghton Colleges, our girls had the opportunity to experience first hand the highest level of high school indoor track and field in New York State.

The 2018-19 Indoor Track and Field season established SEM school records for all events competed this year. In addition, every girl set and broke personal best marks several times. The MVPs were freshman Angelina Myles and sophomore Peyton Wagner.

– Coach Steve Mikos

With 20 girls on the team SEM brought talent and commitment. Finishing the regular season as the # 1 and # 5 Freshmen in the Catholic High School Athletic Association for all of NYS for 600 Meters were Essence Julien and Angelina Myles. Finishing as the # 5 Freshman in the 55 Meter Hurdles was Emmy Robinson. SEM also had girls ranked in the TOP 20 for their class with Freshman Nevaeh Parker in the 55 Meter Dash, Sophomores Tia Browder in the 1500 Meter Run and Ana McNamara in the 3000 Meter Run, and Senior Zoë Knauss in the 1000 Meter and 1500 Meter Runs.

NCAA College Signings We are proud that the SEM Class of 2019 had a record number of students committing to play a diversity of college sports after graduation. They will participate in NCAA Division I Rowing and Division III Lacrosse and Squash. Front, L-R: Zoë Knauss - Bates College, Lacrosse; Erin Griffis, Maia Dreishpoon - Hobart & William Smith College, Squash; Back, L-R: Isabel Finkbeiner - Southern Methodist University, Rowing; Anya Casey - Fordham University, Rowing

Freshman swim team member Lauren Levy was one of about 150 Jewish-Americans representing the USA at the

15th European Maccabi Games, July 29-Aug. 7 in Budapest, Hungary. More than 2000 athletes from 42 nations competed.

Lauren said she was nervous but looking forward to the adventure. “I just want to do well over there,” she said. “But at the same time, I’m also excited to meet new people, travel to new countries, experience new cultures, and be around fellow Jewish athletes.”

Summer 2019

Living @SEM |

By Christine Gillis, Residential Fellow and Lipke House Director

or many people, August 10, 2018, was just another summer Friday. But for me, it was the start of a remarkable next chapter in my life. On that beautiful day, I drove seven hours from my home in Massachusetts to SEM. From the moment I got out of my car and saw gorgeous Elmwood Village, I knew I was in for an incredible adventure. This was the day I became officially a part of residential life at SEM, and every day since then has been filled with unforgettable moments.

On my evening rounds, I saw the pure joy and excitement as Jocelyn, Veronica, Ines, Juliette, Banny, Lucy, and Christine broke into an impromptu sing-along of “We Are the Champions” when they learned school was cancelled because of high winds. I’ve seen pandemonium break out at dinner when the girls learned that they had a snow day for the third day in a row. You would have thought they had all just won the lottery by the hugging and jumping up and down that was occurring in the Atrium!

As both a fellow in residential life and house director, I have had the pleasure of seeing how wonderful living at SEM is. Our residential students are remarkable young women from Argentina, Bahamas, Canada, China, Kenya and Vietnam, and we had long-term exchange students from France and Germany.

I saw Phuong (from Vietnam), Jessica (from Vietnam), Katrina (Bahamas), and Martha (from Kenya) see and feel snow for the first time, fascinated by this icy substance falling from the sky. One night after dinner, I got to join in on an impromptu snowball fight in front of the homes with Lily, Guess, Spencer, Susan, Carol, Lily, Amy, and Cindy. I visited Toronto, Canada with several residential and day students (Martha, Katrina, Juliette, Ines, Adele, Valentine, Onvida, and Harvey) with Mrs. Marlette at the wheel. We admired the view from the CN Tower for the first time explored the city, and concluded the trip with a stop on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

I saw the sisterhood that forms between students in the residential program; girls form bonds that go beyond the traditional friendships of high school as they span continents and cultures. Not only do they go to school together, they live, eat, study, play sports, and go on excursions together. On Thanksgiving break, many of the students went away together instead of traveling home. Spencer, Cindy, and Susan went away to NYC and Orlando together. Guess, Amy, and Lily went to Atlanta together. Nancy and Irene went to NYC together.

The best part of working in the residential program is that there truly is never a dull moment.

I hosted movie nights filled with singing, laughing, and of course many snacks. We have watched Pitch Perfect, The Kissing Booth, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. The girls selected each movie we watched, and all three houses were at these movie nights.

Canalside ice skating. L-R, back row: Helen Wu, Valentine Arnoux, Juliette LeBlond, Ines Neveu, Phuong Ha, Adele Queval, Nancy Wei, Lily Song, Christine Ding, Helen Zhu, Shannon Shao, Lucy Chen, Nicole Zhou. L-R, front row: Jessica Vo, Katrina Seymour, Lexi Bian, Jocelyn Yang, Martha Odhiambo, and Banny Ding. Photo by Isabelle Fisher

Thanks to the wonderful faculty of SEM who think-up and host the residential events, the girls have had outings like a fall afternoon apple picking, and a winter day of ice skating at Canalside. Faculty members have held movie nights, a Lunar New Year celebration, and a Harry Potter themed afternoon. They have offered basic guitar lessons and taken students on trips to a gigantic Asian food market. The girls have had opportunities to delve into arts & crafts with pottery making, ornament making, and cookie decorating. It all allowed students to form bonds with each other and get to know faculty outside the classroom.

Above: Nicole Chu and Phuong Ha on a residential life weekend trip to apple pick at Becker Farms in Gasport, NY. Photo by Heather McCarthy Left: Martha Odhiambo glowed with happiness at her Easter Egg finds from a hunt in the residential houses. Right: Lucy Chen demonstrated the jewellery organizer she invented and submitted in the Make-It category of the Freshman STEAM Challenge.

Summer 2019

Living @SEM

Left to Right: Helen Wu, Helen Zhu, Beini Ding and Fiona Zhang at the giant Asian food market on Niagara Falls Boulevard.

Chinese, Vietnamese, French, German, and Buffalo girls celebrated Halloween together.

For Halloween, my house filled with the smell of brownies and chocolate chip cookies as the girls watched Corpse Bride. To spread some holiday cheer, my house had a Secret Santa which no one had ever done before! We went together to see SEM’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher to support our very own prefect Aurora, who was in the cast. In our latest house activity, we joined with Oishei House for an evening of laser tag. I have the most wonderful conversations about everything from college to a girl’s particular culture and family. I learned about dumplings from Jocelyn, talked about the field of psychology with Spencer and Susan, and had an impromptu dinner where I got to try rice noodles for the first time with Jessica, Phuong, Katrina, and Martha. I have nothing but gratitude for my year living at SEM. The girls who live here are truly exceptional and I have learned so much from them. I never know what great conversation I will have or which hat I will put on next. However, one thing I know for certain is that SEM is home. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the incredible experience that is living at SEM.

Buffalo Seminary

Senior Kexin “Veronica” Zhang spent some of her evening study hours with her laptop by the fire in the library.

Sophomore Amy Li ‘s parents visited with Director of Admission Laura Munson and a Golden Education translator on a spring trip Laura took to China.

| Running the Show: Global Education

January 2019: Exchange students from Institution St. Joseph in Le Havre with their SEM exchange partners Valentine Arnoult, Salomé Clement, Juliette Leblond, Inès Neveu, Adèle Queval.

(left) Bridget Conboy, Madame Fisher, Eloise Fisher, Kendra Johnson (right) Mick Tesluk ‘20, Kendra Johnson ‘20, Madi Rettig ‘20, Claire Vlachos ‘20, Katie Bergstrom ‘21, Lily Hamlett ‘20, Eloise Fisher ‘20, Madame Fisher, Bridget Conboy ‘19, Ciara Lambert ‘19, Mrs. Leslie, Hannah Cain ‘21

Dagny Rebhan ‘21, Deanna Abdellatif ‘19, Grace Cannon ‘19

Juniors Rachel McDonnell, and Georgia Bontempo

pring break 2019, two groups of SEM students traveled in two completely different directions: one to Argentina and France and Belgium. For two weeks, SEM girls experienced Latin American or Francophone culture while exploring and practicing language. Spanish language students chaperoned by Lizz Coffey (director of Summer Programs and Biology faculty) and Dijana Savijia (Spanish faculty) went to the city of Córdoba, Argentina. They visited churches, monuments, historical buildings, and art, and fit in time to shop and eat lots of new food - including dinners consumed on Argentinian time, at about 10 PM. On the more adventurous side of the trip, the girls ziplined, worked through a high ropes course, and rock climbed. When they weren’t high up in trees or shopping, the girls sat in on classes for two days at a local school. Meanwhile, a group of 10 girls chaperoned by Ann Leslie (P’19 & ‘22) and Isabelle Fisher (French faculty P’ 20 & P’23) traveled to France. Those girls had hosted a girl from Lille for two weeks around Halloween. When the French girls came to Buffalo they were immersed them in American culture. They went to Sabres games, skated at Canalside, pumpkin carved in the MagavernSutton Courtyard, and even wedged in a quick day trip to Toronto. When the SEM girls in France and Belgium roamed the streets as tourists, trying french pastry at local bakeries, and visiting a lot of museums.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience where I was given the opportunity to make friends across the world.” Mick Tesluk ‘20 Sophomore Mick Tesluk observed the French taking lots of time with family and friends and noted they are very close to one another. “They take time to sit back, relax, and create conversation, compared to America where everyone else is always on the go.” Ann Leslie’s favorite moment from the trip was noticing the girls’ confidence speaking French grow. “The girls were rather timid at first but by the end they were speaking to everyone around them,” she said. “Not speaking French myself, it was fun to turn to the girls to teach me some of the language.” Spanish teacher Dijana Savijia and Grace Cannon '19, Anna Shultz ‘20, Carmen Huang ‘20, Emmaleigh Michaels ‘19, Deanna Abdelatif ‘19, Georgia Bontempo ‘20, Dagny Rebhan ‘21, and Rachel McDonnell ‘20,

– Grace Heidinger ‘18

Summer 2019

Meet the SEMsational Class of 2023! |

By Kacie Mills, Associate Director of Admission

The next class of SEM girls comes from 21 different schools throughout Western New York and includes international residential students from Kenya, China, Bahamas, and Canada. The residential students are not pictured above, they will be united with their classmates at new student orientation in early September.

This is a class of gifted scholars who are also athletes, artists, multilingual, world travelers, horseback riders, musicians, rising pop stars, animal lovers and avid readers. Many members of the Class of 2023 describe themselves as caring, outgoing, and creative. This class has a witty sense of humor, believes in working hard, and having fun.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to another great year at SEM with these new students in our mix!

Girl Power all summer long! Follow & Post to #SEMREUNION2020

SUMMER@SEM

Day camp for girls entering grades 4-9 June 22 - August 14, 2020

& SLEEPAWAY@SEM For girls entering grades 7-9

Write it, Film it, Solve it, Code it, Tie-Dye it, Knit it, Sew it, Bead it, Bake it, Play it, Learn it, Dance it, Sing it, Sail it, Row it... Explore it @SaS! 28

Buffalo Seminary

Our oldest tradition is forward thinking One of the oldest girls' schools in the U.S., we've designed a constantly innovating culture of achievement, scholarship, creativity, service, and leadership since 1851.

Join us for

Open House

October 2 & 24 from 6 - 8 pm

Scholarship & Entrance Exam Saturday, December 14

Review us! Among of the most influential aspects in a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school search are reviews; recommendations are powerful endorsements. Reviews have an immediate effect on our reach and reputation even for fundraising. This year a generous donor specifically cited our Niche rating as a reason to fund scholorships at SEM. We would benefit by more alumnae, parent, and student voices on the following sites:

Facebook | Google | Niche Boarding School Review | Private School Review Thank you for taking the time to describe what SEM means to you where it will have immediate and lasting impact.

The Buffalo Seminary 168th Commencement June 11, 2019

The Class of 2019 formally commenced into its future on June 11, 2019. The 168th Commencement was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, as it has been for as long as anyone can remember. The graduates are a compelling mix of scholar-athletes who will compete at college, and stellar students going on to universities and colleges in the US and Europe; two are professional ballet dancers and one will be a U.S. Marine. This year, we successfully live-streamed the ceremony on Facebook for the first time. We hope it will be a new tradition that will connect loved ones and alumnae who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be at the church to the ceremony. Video of the ceremony is available on YouTube at SEMVideo. The formal graduation picture is on our website.

Buffalo Seminary

Left: Alumna, former SEM teacher and alumnae relations coordinator Betsy Bloom â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08, now an Upper School English teacher at the Thayer Academy, gave a timely commencement address. Center: Eager parent paparazzi await the procession. Right: First year at SEM English faculty Jesse Mank received the John W. Brown Endowed Award for Young Faculty from Helen L. Marlette.

Thea Overdorf ‘19 and the Barton family Graduates Nicole Nobrega and Alicia Land

Ayesha Khan ‘19 and her family

Mary Leslie ‘19 with parents Don and Ann Leslie

Graduates Isabel Finkbeiner and Maddie Love

Alivia LaRue will join the United States Marine Corps after graduating

Graduates Ellen Kahng, Huaze “Shannon” Shao and junior TK “Carmen” Huang

Zhangzhu “Aurora” Wan ‘19 and Irene Zhang

Freshmen Anna Roman and Katrina Seymour

Maia Dreishpoon, Nicole Nobrega, Muriel Ventura Pontin, Yufan “Beini” Ding and Ellen Khang about to process!

Juniors Rosie Frangione, Grace McHale, Jenna Pantano and Fiona Regan gathered to watch the seniors.

Graduates Kexin “Veronica” Zhang and Miriam Ings

Jann Fretz ‘49 awarded her granddaughter Emily Fretz her diploma

Graduates Kailyn Lane, Jenna Smolarek and Bridget Conboy

Best Fit: SEM’s Authentic Antidote | to College Admission Stress When the college admission scandal broke on March 12, 2019, members of the Class of 2019 were confronted with clear evidence of a reality they only suspected existed outside the walls of SEM - that some individuals rely on something other than their own merit to earn admission to the colleges of their choice. In keeping with their communication style, the Class of 2019 engaged in thoughtful and informed conversations about this hot topic, and each came to the same realization: she was even more proud of her authentic and honest college search and application process.

Buffalo Seminary

By Molly O’Connor Greene ‘98 College Counselor

They did it all themselves - the research, the visiting, the essays, the Common App, and, rather than focusing on the name of the school, they instead embodied SEM’s philosophy of truly finding the best fit college for them. Our students’ unique and diverse interests led them to complete 349 applications to 171 different colleges and universities. The trend we see is not targeting big-name, “elite” schools for the sake of reputation, but rather, a continued commitment to best fit.

Photograph by Tessa Pszonak '17

The Class of 2019 Acceptances and Matriculation The remarkable students of the Class of 2019 have truly found their best ďŹ ts at every kind of college: our 44 seniors applied to colleges and universities from California to DC, to New England, to Canada, and to France and the UK, to women's colleges, and to Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They will study STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & design, mathematics), business, music, ďŹ ne arts, and the humanities. Class of 2019 Acceptances with Matriculations in RED Adelphi University Alfred University (2) American University The American University of Paris Arizona State University Bates College (2) Bentley University Binghamton University (2) University of California San Diego Santa Barbara Canisius College (7) Carleton University (Canada) Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University (2) Cazenovia College (2) College of Charleston Colby College University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut (4) D'Youville College Daemen College (4) University of Dayton (3) University of Delaware Denison University DePaul University (4) Duquesne University (6) Eckerd College Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Emerson College Fairfield University Fashion Institute of Technology (3)

Fordham University (6) Franklin & Marshall College (2) Gannon University George Mason University The George Washington University (2) Georgia State University Goucher College (2) Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2) (3) University of Houston Howard University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ithaca College John Carroll University (5) Keuka College Loyola University Chicago (4) Loyola University Maryland (2) Loyola University New Orleans (2) Macalester College Manhattan College Marist College University of Maryland, College Park Marymount Manhattan College University of Massachusetts, Amherst Mercyhurst University (3) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (4) Mount Holyoke College Nazareth College (2) University of New Hampshire at Durham New York University (2) Niagara University (3) University of North Carolina at Greensboro Nova Southeastern University Ohio University Pace University, New York City (2) Pennsylvania State University (4) University of Pittsburgh (5) Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2) University of Rhode Island University of Rochester Roger Williams University Rutgers University, New Brunswick (2) Saint Joseph's University (2) Sarah Lawrence College (2)

Savannah College of Art and Design Siena College Skidmore College (3) Southern Methodist University (2) St. Bonaventure University St. John Fisher College St. John's University St. Lawrence University Stetson University (2) Suffolk University State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo State College (2) (4) College at Geneseo (3) College at Potsdam Fredonia (3) Oswego Purchase College (2) (3) Stony Brook University University at Buffalo (3) (11) Syracuse University (2) The University of Tampa Temple University (3) The Ohio State University (2) University of St. Andrews University of Toronto (Canada) University of Vermont (3) University of Virginia Virginia Tech Wagner College Wake Forest University Wells College Wesleyan University University of Wisconsin, Madison (2) The College of Wooster Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University (3) International Student College Matriculations as of May 1, 2019 Emerson College New York University The George Washington University University of California, San Diego University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Wesleyan University

Summer 2019

Endowed Speakers Enlighten and Entertain | By Ashley Morlock

Annual Fund Manager

We are forever grateful to donors who endowed our lecture series so that students, faculty, alumnae, and friends may continue to explore and learn in perpetuity. Each year, SEM hosts several speakers to share their insight on topics of interest to the community.

Adsit Lecturer

The Adsit Lecture Series was established in 1999 by Harriet McNulty Adsit, class of 1926, along with her husband Willcox Adist. The series aimed to bring distinguished scientists, authors, politicians, scholars, and lecturers to share their expertise with students and faculty. On September 14, 2018 sisters Jane and Kate Regan visited SEM to talk about women and art through the life and work of their mother Jennifer Read Regan '52 (a former SEM Colby Artist). Jennifer was honored posthumously at the Burchfield-Penney Art Gallery with a show of her collected stitched narratives from September 14, 2018 - January 27, 2019. Jane and Kate discussed their mother’s time at Buffalo Seminary, as well as SEM’s influence on her later work. Regan’s work explored relationships, politics, and the place of women in society. Her intricately detailed fabric art “A Stitched Narrative” depicting SEM life hangs in the front hall.

Wilkinson Poet

The Wilkinson Poet fund was established in 1986, under the will of Elizabeth McNulty Wilkinson ’25 to bring practicing poets to SEM’s campus and classrooms to enrich teaching and learning of poetry, in support of SEM’s English department. On April 12, we were pleased to welcome Dr. Rebecca Hazelton as the 2019 Betty McNulty Wilkinson ’25 Poet. Dr. Hazelton is an award-winning poet with four published books of poetry. A two time Pushcart prize Former Wilkinson Poets Rochelle Toarmino, Rebecca winner, her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Best New Poets, Hazelton, Janet McNally and Ainsie Baird '55 and The Best American Poetry anthology series. She was selected by poet-in-residence Janet McNally, author of the poetry collection Some Girls (White Pine Press) and the novel Girls in the Moon (Harper Teen), and Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing at Canisius College. Each winter, the poet-in-residence leads the sophomore class in a series of poetry workshops which culminate in the creation of an anthology and the Wilkinson Lecture.

Prince Lecture

The Prince Lecture was established by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Prince and their daughters Alison Prince ’75 and Jennifer Prince Bronstein ’78. The lecture has become a shared event between Nichols School and Buffalo Seminary. On April 26, Nichols School and SEM co-hosted Harry Dent at their respective campuses. In addition to speaking to students, Dent held a luncheon for alumnae and friends at the Saturn Club, where he discussed his journey from desk and briefcase in Chicago, to woodlot and chainsaw in Quebec. Mr. Dent, a Nichols School class of ’75 alum, worked in marketing for Quaker Oats for nearly two decades, before serving as president of the U.S. Cereals Division. After moving on to strategy and innovation consulting firm, Strategos, Dent left his managing director position to pursue a life in the woods building log cabins. His unconventional path inspired students and alumnae alike.

Buffalo Seminary

The 2019 Colby-Oishei Artist confronts everyday risks.

EM was honored to welcome printmaker and University at Buffalo print media professor Adele Henderson as the 2019 Colby-Oishei Artist on Friday, April 19.

it's also interesting that her work engages with environmental issues and conversations that are occurring around the globe, and I highly respect that." To see more of her artwork, visit her website — adelehenderson.com.

The artist each year is generally selected by a special committee formed of local artists, curators, and the alumnae of the school, including Pamela M. Henrich ’62 who gave the 2017 Colby-Oishei lecture and Rebecca Wing '08 who has exhibited work at galleries in Buffalo such as Box Gallery, Dreamland, and the University at Buffalo.

– Jocelyn Yang ‘19

Colby-Oishei Artist

Adele Henderson focuses on art practices that deal with timely environmental issues. “Her prints and drawings confront everyday risks, from complex issues like global warming and corrupt business practices to more run of the mill risks like car accidents and self-loathing. Adele explores human vulnerability with research and a meticulous hand," said SEM art teacher Caitlin Cass in her introduction of Ms. Henderson in the chapel.

Established with a gift from Patricia Oishei Colby ’32 in honor of Robert W. Colby to further foster art education and art appreciation, by naming women artists connected with the Western New York community to serve as Colby-Oishei Artists, who spend time on campus with their work to the benefit of the SEM community.

Growing up the country in Nebraska, Ms. Henderson has long had a fascination and deep respect for nature. One of her printing series, "Red List,” consists of illustrations from the 1898 edition of the Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia of extinct or endangered species. "It took me months to do this research from the Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia," Ms. Henderson said, "But if I didn't scan the documents and reprint them out by hand, no one would see them again." "It was fun to print our own copy of her print Cape Penguin," said Onvida Serixay '22, "I think overall

Constitution Day SEM History Department Chair Douglas Hopkins nominated the Constitution Day James Otis Lecture Series for the Erie County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, which it won.

SEM History Department Chair Doug Hopkins, Liberty Bell award winners Michael Perley, Esq. P’04, Hon. William Skretny and Jackson Center Co-founder Greg Peterson at a reception for winners of the Liberty Bell Award at the Saturn Club on Law Day, May 1, 2019.

The Series, for high school students, is the brainchild and creation of the American Board of Trial Attorneys (ABOTA) and Michael Perley, Esq. a former SEM trustee and parent (Casey ‘04) and partner at Hurwitz & Fine, P.C., the Jackson Center (co-founder Greg Peterson), and Judge William Skretny.

Summer 2019

Meet the Development Team

Shown as listed, left to right

Our team is much more than a fund-raising operation, we are your link to SEM! Our goal is to generate greater understanding, commitment, and financial support so that SEM can continue to enrich the lives of our students. We have several new faces in the office, and hope you will take the time to get to know us. We are here for you! Alumnae Relations Coordinator Julianna Glauser Jordan ’05 returned to SEM in

August of 2018. She is the first point of contact for alumnae wishing to visit campus, plan an event, contact classmates or faculty members, or update their personal information. Julianna is instrumental in the planning process for reunion each year and offers support to alumnae planning individual class gatherings for reunion weekend. Additionally, she works closely with the Buffalo Seminary Alumnae Association and the Head’s Council on Alumnae Engagement on strategies to maintain positive relationships with SEM graduates. Send class notes to: JJordan@buffaloseminary.org

Director of Development Amity Lippes Mann came to SEM in August of 2018

after over a decade in development at Unyts. Amity is thrilled to be at SEM because she feels it is a special place where incredible educators and alumnae come together to provide a remarkable education for our students. She oversees all aspects of fundraising and alumnae relations, and is instrumental in facilitating generous gifts to the Annual Fund, endowment, building preservation, and student scholarships. Amity plans gatherings and lectures for trustees, life and honorary trustees, and special friends of SEM and also promotes strategic partnerships with local businesses and foundations. amann@buffaloseminary.org

Annual Fund Manager Ashley Morlock joined the team in October of 2018,

after working in fundraising at Villa Maria College and Canisius College. She is pursuing her Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. Ashley loves working for the Annual Fund because she sees results immediately; the kindness of donors leads to really wonderful opportunities for students! In addition to managing the Annual Fund, Ashley compiles information and writes the alumnae e-newsletter, plans special events, creates web and print content, and works with an incredible network of SEM volunteers. amorlock@buffaloseminary.org

Buffalo Seminary

Database Manager Nancy Miller believes SEM is truly a family affair! Her

daughter Carey is a longtime member of the English and History faculty, and her twin granddaughters Auguste and Eva Maines are wrapping up their sophomore year at SEM. Nancy has over 25 years as a SEM employee and is responsible for maintaining accurate records for all alumnae and friends. She also notifies the Head of School of all gifts, and makes sure we thank our donors in good time! We are fortunate to have Nancy’s experience and diligence in making sure our donors’ wishes are respected. nmiller@buffaloseminary.org

SEM Historian Gary Sutton should be a familiar face because he has

worked at SEM for nearly 50 years! After educating hundreds of girls as a French teacher, Gary joined Development as SEM Historian. Gary is a wonderful resource to faculty, staff, and students. Gary edits Class Notes and In Memoriam, and combs the news for stories about anyone with a SEM connection.

The vision of Buffalo Seminary has been to empower young women by providing an excellent learning environment. Planned gifts from SEM's graduates and friends continue to provide the financial support to realize this vision.

Legacy Opportunities

Gifts that can provide income during your lifetime Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity or a Charitable Reminder Trust to provide for a steady stream of lifetime income for yourself and an ultimate gift for SEM. Gifts that yield immediate benefits Outright Gifts, Securities, Property Gifts that sustain SEM in the future Last Will & Testament, Life Insurance, Retirement Accounts Considering a planned gift to SEM? We look forward to welcoming you to the Elm Legacy Society. Please contact Amity Mann at amann@buffaloseminary.org or 716-885-6780

RecordSetting SEMday! May 1, 2019 marked our 6th annual SEMday. This one-day fundraising campaign coincides with college decision day (when choices and deposits have to be made) and the Class of 2019 wore their college sweatshirts with pride! After a fun morning meeting led by Director of College Counseling Molly Greene ’98, students spent the day celebrating SEM. Spurred on by photos, social media posts, and email updates throughout the day, the SEM community came together in record numbers. Thanks to 128 donors and two special fundraising challenges, we raised $30,869.28!

Save the date for Reunion 2020!

June 5 & 6, 2020

Class of 1970, it's your 50th reunion!

Classes ending in 5’s and 0’s - it’s especially for you! Go to buffaloseminary.org/reunion for activities, accommodations, and to get inspired!

REUNION WEEKEND June 7 & 8 was a huge success! Over 100 alumnae from class years ending in 4 & 9 enjoyed SEMBerry cocktails and class pictures in Magavern-Sutton Courtyard, scrumptious dinner in the gorgeous chapel and of course, reuniting and finding new SEM sisters!

Head of School Helen Marlette presents the Outstanding Service Award to Director of Admission Laura Munson ’79 and Executive Assistant to the Head of School Ann Goldman More ’79. Laura, whose two daughters attend SEM (Isabel ’19 & Caroline ’21) and Ann have worked tirelessly as their Class Agents, making sure the Class of 1979 had the most robust turnout at Reunion!

Class of 1969 accepted the Oshei Cup for most generous reunion class in contributions – a whopping $11,090! From left to right: Susan Gordon, Regina Gerstman, Sarah M. Fox, Jane Krueger Montgomery, Randy Cole (with cup), Cynthia Cole, Karen Ellentuck, Linda Bagley Grant, S. Marcy Baer.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now

lumnae from the classes ending in 4’s and 9’s generously gave their time on a busy weekend to participate in a career panel. The conversation ranged from what SEM meant to their work lives to what in their experience, SEM could do to better prepare our students for their futures as working women. The women were (left to right): Engineer for Geosyntec Consultants Jule Carr '09, Psychologist Molly Beck-Joslyn '99 PhD, Founder of Suzuki Strings of Denver Vanessa Vari '94, Bloomberg Editorial and Research Head of Communications Kerri Chyka '99, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York Molly Roach '74 & Deputy Technical Assessment Lead for the U.S. Army Applications Laboratory Casey Perley '04.

Buffalo Seminary

Women from the Class of 1944 celebrated their 80th Reunion! Mary Rose Hennessy Hays from St. Petersburg, FL, Molly Potter Scheu in from Hanover, NH and Alison Coatsworth Johansson from Buffalo, NY.

Class of 1994 celebrated their 25th Reunion! Lydia Goldman Langer, Vanessa Vari, Elke Sanders Catania, Rayleen M. Tolejko and Cheryl Caprio.

Members of the Class of 1989 flank beloved retired science teacher Deanne O’Day (in red). Left to right: Bridget Baratto-Sanchez, Deanne O'Day, Leslie Brown Rothschild, Alexandra Manias Arnold and Leslie J. Isroe Curtin.

Class of 2014 with English & History Faculty Carey Miller. Natalie Voos, Emilia Navarrete, Meghan Sullivan and Marissa Egloff.

The youngest alumnae from the Class of 2014 - Annabelle Cleary and Sarah Obletz.

Katherine Dickinson Serfaty ‘99, Leslie Padgett Vishwanath ‘99 and Kerri Chyka '99 who enjoyed our new bespoke cocktail, the SEMberry.

Allie Friedman ‘05 and BSAA member Lauren Stegeman ‘06.

From the Class of 1974 Molly Roach, Liz A. Morrison, and Amy Goldstein.

Casey Perley looks forward to seeing more of her classmates in 2024!

GENERATIONS OF SEM WOMEN

Left: Alison C. Johansson ‘44 and her daughter Jean M. Johansson ‘79 and niece Sarah M. Fox ‘69. Right: Dr. Maureen Hays-Mitchell ‘74 and her mother Mary Rose Hennessy Hays ‘44 and her sister Dr. Judith Hays Benedict ‘79.

News from the Buffalo Seminary Alumnae Association Buffalo Chapter Fall into SEM Happy Hour 2018 On November 13, over 30 alumnae gathered for the BSAA Fall into SEM happy hour at Resurgence Brewing Company. Alumnae from across the decades reminisced about their days at SEM over tasty Buffalo brews.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss Holiday Bazaar Dec. 7, 2019 Each year, the SEM Holiday Bazaar brings together local artisans, student groups, and the Buffalo community for a festive day of shopping and holiday cheer. Thank you to the BSAA for supporting this fabulous event!

SEM Alumna and a Teacher Volunteer at Southern Border Alumna Heather Kimmins '08 and Spanish teacher Dijana Savija spent time in Dilley, Texas, supporting asylum seekers at the South Texas Family Detention Center. The team from the University at Buffalo provided pro-bono representation and translation services in partnership with the CARA Family Detention Pro-Bono Project.

SEM Alumna Heather Kimmins '08 (top row, second from right) is a first-year law student at the University at Buffalo. Dijana Savija (bottom, left) is a 2019 University at Buffalo PhD candidate.

Smiles at the Alumnae Squash Match The 3rd Annual Alumnae Squash Match was held on December 21. Planned to coincide with Revel, the match was a resounding success and brought many young alumnae back to SEM. Thank you, Isabelle Schlehr '17 (to the right of Coach Phil Barth), for making the event possible!

SEM theatre teacher Susan Drozd (right) and SEM costume designer Kari Drozd (left) sell handmade clothing and accessories.

Buffalo Seminary

Head's Council on Alumnae Engagement SEM Everyone, Everywhere

Head’s Council on Alumnae Engagement Members 2018-19

The Head’s Council on Alumnae Engagement (HCAE) was established in June 2017 as a leadership team to support SEM’s Head of School and set broad direction for transitioning the Buffalo Seminary Alumnae Association (BSAA) to a new organizational model with national and international focus.

Betsy Bloom ‘08 BWNY & National BSAA Chair Kilby Bronstein ‘10 Co-chair Margaret Brown ‘72 Lucy Butterbaugh Coburn ‘73 Co-chair Dahlia Fetouh ‘92 Bethany Grabiec Jacobs ‘94 Networking Chair Emily Insalaco ‘92 Kara Hornung Kerwin ‘98 Erin Sozanski Komorowski ‘03 Joanna Glauser Marymor ‘00 Erin K. O’Brien ‘86 Alumna Trustee Alicia Saia ‘86 National Events Chair Carrie Brown Wick ‘76 Communications Chair

HCAE Vision Statement Building on the friendships and shared experiences of the unique all-girls education that SEM provides, the vision of the HCAE is to strengthen connections between the school and her alumnae, and to cultivate contacts and community among alumnae living “Far from thy shelt'ring arm.” The ties that unite us are not limited by time or place.

Show support for your alma mater with to-go coffee & water bottles!

Mission Statement Led by team of alumnae representing a broad range of classes and geographic regions, the mission of the HCAE is to maintain our connection to one another and the school for personal and professional fulfillment, and to advance the mission and reputation of SEM. We are committed to fostering and maintaining the sense of community and support that we cherish from our time at SEM. In support of this mission, the HCAE undertakes to: • Communicate to all alumnae SEM’s desire to engage with alumnae beyond their traditional WNY base and announce opportunities to connect with the school and with other alumnae for socializing, networking, and learning about current goings-on at SEM • Establish new chapters of the BSAA in cities and regions beyond WNY by organizing social or educational gatherings to bring alumnae together, and identifying and encouraging local alumnae leaders to further develop connections and community in their area • Serve as a resource and catalyst for individual alumnae to build personal and professional connections and conversations with alumnae in their community or in areas of career or personal interest • At the request of the Head of School, provide advice and perspective on matters affecting SEM’s mission, vision, values, and traditions For more information on how to plan alumnae events in your area please reach out to Julianna Jordan '05 at jjordan@buffaloseminary.org or 716-885-6780 ext. 221.

To order, email Julianna Jordan '05 at jjordan@buffaloseminary.org

Summer 2019

Class Notes The old-fashioned basics are the best soil for a lifetime of learning.

40's

Rosemary (Woodworth) Whiting ‘40 and Richard “Bud” Whiting celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at The Terrace in Delaware Park. The couple married on March 4, 1944.

Mary Rose Hennessy Hays ‘44

It was so nice to meet Helen at lunch in Sarasota and hear of the new progress and amazing plans.

50's

Ethel Roblin Melzer ‘50

Blessed with a beautiful red-headed great-grandson who makes us smile every day, thanks to FaceTime! ...Getting used to retirement, but miss working!

Yvonne Hollister “Toppy” Beach ‘52 About to become a great-grandmother again--#2. YES!

Gail Summerfield Ker ‘54 I’m looking forward to our 65th reunion.

Claire Miller McGowan ‘54

At the Sarasota Yacht Club on March 8. Top, from left: Betsy Cutting Brown '53, Jerry Walsh Clauss '47, and Ginny Daniels '58. Seated: Mary Rose Hennessy Hays '44.

Mary Tornow Stouten ‘44

Sally Stouten Hatch ’66 and Molly Stouten Terrill ’70 wrote: On February 22, 2018, our mother, died in Greensboro, NC, after a long illness. She passed away peacefully with both of us and her only grandchild, Tamara, in her presence. In June of this year we gave her a beautiful service at St. John’s Grace Episcopal Church in Buffalo. The service and reception were attended by many of her and our SEM friends including: Alison Coatsworth Johansson ’44, Sally Danforth ’70, Lucy Butterbaugh Coburn ’74, Sally Jeacock Munschauer ’43, Janie Urban Constantine ’66, Janie Craig Morris ’66, and Camie Rockwell Greene ’66. Mother loved SEM, and would have loved the mini-reunion! And we loved seeing everyone. Many thanks to all who could make it and to the many more who acknowledged Mary’s passing.

Mary Moot Buerger ‘45

Keep up the good work educating girls. I hope you still base your curriculum on the so-called “classical education” and have not become descended into modern “feel good” and popular studies.

Class of 1954—Kavinoky Theater on Sundays: Marge House Keller, Claire Miller McGowan, and

Joan Dickey Taggart Ansie Silverman Baird ‘55 Nothing Now Astonishes not the halt between footsteps the slow opening of doors the closing not the noisy everyday life in the streets the clutter and crash or trash cans or shrill voices at dusk no, nothing now astonishes not even the silent rattle of the heart.

This poem appeared in The Buffalo News on May 5, 2019. It's from her new collection of poems Porch Watch. Her previous books of poetry are In Advance of All Parting, winner of the White Pine Press Poetry Prize in 2009, and The Solace of Islands, published in 2016. Ansie taught and served as poet-inresidence at SEM for 40 years.

Starr Lanctot Ramsey ‘57 Thanks to Iris!!

Buffalo Seminary

Joanne Mooney Schuetz ‘59

Joanne has been selected as one of 14 women from around the US to represent Presbyterian women in a mission to the Finger Lakes region of New York State, where they will study and learn about the strong women of faith who led the women’s right to vote and worked toward equality of all people. Following the July 2019 mission, she will speak to women’s groups and churches in the Southeast. A graduate of William Smith College in Geneva, New York, Joanne knows the area well and looks forward to learning more about strong women of faith who paved the way for women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery.

60's

Judith Hansen Benson ‘60 Make plans... Next year will be our 60th.

Judith Becker-Cavallon ‘60

60/60 in 2020! Be there—our last milestone reunion. A short but special Christmas in Aspen/Snowmass visiting nephew, niece, and great-nephew who live and work in the area.

Carolyn Jones Gurney ‘61

I am glad to still be in contact with five or six SEM grads. I thank Sandy Severson Harwood helping SEM all these years.

Barbara French Pace ‘61

SEM classmates celebrated more than 60 years of friendship in Denver in October, 2018. Enjoyed the Botanic Garden, Colorado Springs’ red rock formations, the Kirkland Museum’s art collection, and a terrific production of Oklahoma!

Corny Roberts Dietz, Ruth Greenberger, Pat Waterman, and Bobbi French Pace, all Class of ‘61

Jean Boer Cleverly ‘62

Never a year passes in which I do not appreciate my SEM education more based on personal responsibility instead of total reliance on outside authority.

Regina Gerstman ‘69

Mom is 96 and still kicking. I work two days a week in private practice. I sang at Lincoln Center with my choral group for Choral Guild International!!

Marritje VanArsdale Greene ‘69

Our three children have all returned to San Francisco and live near us with their families. Our seventh grandchild is due this summer! That’s what keeps us busy!

Virginia "Ginny" Schaefer Horvath ‘75

will retire as president of SUNY Fredonia in July. Ginny has been its president since 2012. She plans to relocate to Ohio to be with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. All of us in the SEM community wish Ginny all the best as she moves into her future.

Isabella Bannerman ‘78

Hello to all and especially my ’78 buddies. Many thanks to Cindy Pope and Jennifer Prince Bronstein for making our reunion special.

Jennifer Prince Bronstein ‘78

Roberta Rich ‘63 spoke at the 20th Century Club’s Author’s Luncheon on May 10. Her bestselling debut novel, The Midwife of Venice, established her as a prominent voice in historical fiction. Her two following novels, The Harem Midwife and A Trial in Venice are international bestsellers. Shelley Cole Drake ‘66 was the featured subject of Buffalo Stories, a sold-out fundraiser for Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP). Shelley is the senior vice president and Western New York regional president for M&T Bank and president of the M&T Charitable Foundation. She is a Life Trustee at SEM and has dedicated herself to mentoring women at the bank and non-profits. Camie Rockwell Greene ‘66 was

awarded William B. Hoyt Award by Carolyn Hoyt Stevens for her dedication and support for Planned Parenthood at its gala October 3, 2018.

Marritje VanArsdale Greene and family

Everything is going so well. Kilby ’10 (Current President of the BSAA) and I bought the “famous” Half & Half store in 2016, and it’s been a great venture for us and for Buffalo, as the store is a very “new” Half & Half Boutique. Ryan ’15 is about to graduate from the College of Charleston and is bound to be in New York City to live and work.

70's Christina Sprague ‘71

A big year for us. We downsized, moving to a condo from our house where we lived for 33 years. And our daughter, Alex, a librarian at Hamilton College, was married in June in the beautiful Hamilton Chapel. A joyous and wonderful gathering of family and friends.

Susanne Dunlap ‘72: The multi-

published historical novelist’s newest book was released on April 22. LISTEN TO THE WIND is the first volume in a trilogy about the Cathars in medieval Southern France.

Dr. Debra Ann Reilly-Culver ‘74

Leaving Academic Plastic Surgery after 27 years. Plan to concentrate on my overseas surgical mission work teaching burn care/helping women victims of violence. Exciting new life chapter.

Jennifer, Ryan and Kilby Bronstein

Ann Baumler Harrington ‘79

Sorry to miss our 40th reunion this year. I am traveling to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons with my family. Hope to visit Buffalo in the fall.

80's

Shari L. Willis ‘81

I am extremely happy Buffalo Seminary still exists in educating young women. May Buffalo Seminary forever reign.

Lisa Faturos ‘84 was named vice president of finance at McGard LLC.

Summer 2019

Erin O’Brien ‘86, Assistant Dean and

Director of Graduate Programs, UB School of Management (currently a PhD student) and Karyn Pecky St. George ‘88, PhD, Administrative Director of the Honors College and an Adjunct Instructor were recognized for their outstanding achievements and service to UB and given the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service on May 28. The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service recognizes individuals who have repeatedly sought improvement of themselves, their campuses and ultimately the State University of New York and, in so doing, have transcended the normal definitions of excellence.

Susan Henderson ‘87

The United States Agency for International Development recently celebrated Peace Corps Week by profiling SEM alumna Susan Henderson '87. Susan served for two years in Togo, and returned to the Peace Corps as staff MD from 2013 to 2018. Susan is currently working in D.C. as the USAID Liaison for the President's Malaria Initiative and Medical Officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

90's

Dr. Victoria “Tori” Brooks Capolupo ‘94

Happily married (Chris Capolupo), living in North Buffalo. I’m still the medical director of the psychiatric emergency room at Erie County Medical Center and have two beautiful kids: Tess (b. 2013) and Luke (b. 2017).

00's

Hannah Creeley Cedermark ‘01

Living in Wilmington, NC, with husband, Craig, and two boys Arthur (3.5 years old) and Bo (14 mos). Think often fondly of SEM and thankful for such great education to live an engaged and strong life and career.

Joanna Glauser Marymor '00, Emily O'Leary '05 Naima Pearce '05, Julianna Glauser Jordan '05 Amy Brownschidle Wopperer '05 and Tara Matthews-Cuevas '05.

Margaret Mugel ‘11 I miss Buff Sem! Hope everything is going well. Keep changing lives!

Tara A. Ellis ‘88 The Food Bank of WNY, Meals on Wheels for WNY, and the Meals on Wheels Foundation formed a joint organization to tackle the root causes of hunger while better reaching underserved populations and more efficiently meeting the needs of the community. The new organization, FeedMore WNY, expands on Meals on Wheels’ and the Food Bank’s current programming with plans to add new services, including child summer and afterschool feeding programs, food pantries for mobile seniors and workforce development training through the establishment of a community kitchen. Tara A. Ellis is the president and CEO.

20's

Dagny Rebhan ‘21 Grandmother, Lorraine Granville, writes: My granddaughter enjoys SEM so much. She has grown so much in the last two years into a very articulate, beautiful woman. Thanks.

Former Faculty

Glenna Leous - Keep doing what SEM does. SEM IS AWESOME!!! Sophie Michaud, previously assistant

10's 1987 Susan Henderson, far right, during her Peace Corps service in Togo from 1991-1993

Ellie Cleary ‘18, who plays hockey at SUNY Potsdam, was named to the Northeastern Women's Hockey League's All-Rookie Team. She led the Potsdam Bears freshmen with four goals and three assists for seven points including two game-winners and two power-play goals.

head at SEM, has been named assistant head of the upper school at the Prairie School in Racine, Wisconsin. According to Michaud, “Initially, I was drawn [to Prairie] because the school was founded by a woman with a vision; women with vision are unstoppable. The school’s creativity drew me in as well. I can’t wait to anchor myself and my family in this environment."

Harry Schooley attended the all-school trip to see the UB Bulls play Coach Tara VanDerveer’s Stanford Cardinal at UB on December 20, 2018. He was festooned with a SEM crest flag and joined by faculty Doug Hopkins and Susan Drozd.

Fatima Siddiqui ‘17 visited Dr. Goetz’s freshman physics class to describe her life as an engineering student at Boston University.

Space constraints in the printed issue of SEM Today may require the editing of submissions. Please add full Class Notes online to buffaloseminary.org/class-notes, where space is infinite!

Lifetimes of Leadership Betsy Bloom ‘08 The 2019 Commencement speaker!

At SEM, I did not have to jockey with male peers for a role in student government or a voice in the classroom. Rather than having to “take what I could get,” I focused my mental energy on discovering what it was I wanted. During my time at SEM, I learned that there was no role I couldn’t fill, no sport I couldn’t play. All of the leadership roles, from the captain of the crew team to the head of Mock Trial, were filled by women. The effect of this was two-fold: everywhere I looked, I saw a strong female role model, and I knew, should I choose to pursue a leadership opportunity, I would be judged solely based on my abilities, not my gender. During my time at SEM, I was very active in student government. When I first decided to run for class president, I did so knowing that I would not be called “bossy” or “aggressive,” certain that I would be judged on my skills and strengths and not limited by the societal constructs that impede women in the “real world.” At SEM, the stigmas of female leadership are non-existent, and thus, students are encouraged to pursue opportunities they might otherwise dismiss.

Lucy Butterbaugh Coburn '73

While I admit to being more comfortable in non-leadership roles, I know that SEM's investment in my schooling bred the mind of a leader. Due to my single sex education I was able to focus on my own maturity and improvement rather than the distractions found in a co-ed environment. This allowed me to freely develop skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking -- all of which are vital skills for a leader. I was never afraid to ask questions and find I am still extremely inquisitive to this day. Thank you, SEM!

Judy Becker Cavallon ‘60

I can’t really say I’ve been a leader in adult life (professionally i.e. management or in volunteer/civic functions). However, my role as class president in my sophomore and senior years gave me the confidence to speak in front of groups either spontaneously or otherwise along with voicing my opinions/concerns. My four years at SEM probably can count as my most productive, in retrospect with classes, homework, and extracurricular activities at school. Of course, the goal was college but the school environment really fostered this. It was an important, formative time for me in creating self-discipline and time management.

Ann Goldman More ‘79

Since 2016, I have run over 2,000 race miles. In 2017, I ran a WNY record number of races: 231 as listed on Buffalorunners.com. The record stands to this day. Since 2016, I have run over 650 races plus over 180 more races since 2011. I have been running since 1989, my first race was the Canisius High School Chilly Challenge. I’d just quit smoking and started running the month before. My official PR time for a 5K race is 22:57. I have run all distances with my longest being a 25-mile ultra (just 1.2 miles short of a full marathon) and have competed in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and The Netherlands. Ann and Jerry at the Superhero Race & Wellness Walk on June 7, 2019 in Buffalo, NY.

Jerry Walsh Clauss ‘47

Jerry was listed in The Buffalo News as number 1 runner in her age group (85-90) of 2018. Her granddaughter gave her a Fitbit and from February 2018 to February 2019 she walked what she likes to characterize as the distance of the island of Japan - 2,000 miles. Jerry walks at least five miles every day - to her tennis matches. “It’s a great way to meditate,” she said. Sometimes I go through and name every kid in my 8th grade class during walks and subjects and new memories come back.” She tries to eat well and plays tennis which besides fitness has a bonus effect of lots of friends who are at least 25 years younger!

Summer 2019

In Memoriam Dr. C. John Abeyounis

Judith Regan Peter ‘57

Father of Jenny Gubernick Parker ‘79

Robin Hopkins Amper ‘65

Sherlock “Skip” Herrick

Sister of Kathleen Regan Dalzell ‘63, niece of Babette Beir Baer ‘43, cousin of S. Marcy Baer ‘69

Dorothy Hey

Louise Plumb Pieper ‘56

Sister of Former Trustee Jane Hopkins Carey ‘75, sister-in-law of Ann Adam Hopkins ‘61

Grandmother of Emily Felong ‘19

Susan Roberts Bean ’43

Wayne W. Hoover

Mother of Emelie Bean Ventling ‘76 and Former Trustee Douglas Bean, grandmother of Kristen Bean Blackman ‘04

Elizabeth “Liz” Bernel ‘69 Dr. J. Paul Binette

Grandfather of Giselle Binette ‘13

Leora “Lee” Jean Zander Buddenhagen ‘53 Ann Clark ‘49 Marcia Mock Collins ‘73 John “Trey” W. Cryer

Brother of Beverley Cryer Brewer ‘56

Wendy Dimet ‘74 Martha Farrar ‘45 Arthur “Archie” Glick

Former Trustee, father of Emily Glick ‘13 and Alexandra “Allie” Glick ‘14

Dr. Donald C. Gregory

Husband of Joan Magavern Gregory ‘47, uncle of Sarah Magavern Ambrus ‘79, cousin of Honorary Trustee James L. Magavern, Esq., Margaret Magavern Hargraves ‘53, Jane Magavern Beebe ‘64, Mary Magavern Worrell ‘60, William J. Magavern II, Esq., Former Trustee Monica Angle, Priscilla “Polly” Magavern Wolfe ‘88, Emma Magavern ’03 and Anna Magavern ‘15

Richard Gubernick

Father of Lisa Abeyounis ‘82

Buffalo Seminary

Elizabeth Cooley Pinto ‘54

Father-in-law of Former Board Chair The Honorable Amy C. Martoche ‘88

Ronald J. Raven, Ph.D.

Helen P. Kantanista

Judith Stephens Ressel ‘53

Grandmother of Bethany Grabiec Jacobs ‘94, Esq.

Donald W. Katz

Father of Julie Raven ‘90

Edward “John” Rettig

Grandfather of Madison Rettig ‘20

Father of Jody Katz Chassin ‘70 and Dr. Wendy Katz ‘73

Mildred “Millie” Shurtleff Ryley Sattler ‘41

Diane “DeDe” Webster Kluckhohn ‘60

Mary Driscoll Schryver ‘33

John James Lenahan III

Arlie P. Sears ‘73

Brother of Susan Lenahan Kimberly ‘68

Elizabeth C. Levi ‘69

Daughter of Claire Levy Levi ‘42, sister of E. Sue Levi Elwell ‘66 and Amy Levi ‘71

Norma Jean Lewis

Gretchen Gregor Shaw ‘49 Dr. Phyllis Roberts Staplin ‘56 Mary Tornow Stouten ‘44

Mother of Sally Stouten Hatch ‘66 and Molly Stouten Terrill ‘70

Grandmother of Grace von Simson ‘13 and Clare von Simson ‘17

Grandfather of Mary Trincanati ‘95

V. Dennis McDade

Wendy J. Weisberg ‘58

Former Trustee, father of Diane McDade ‘75 and Grace McDade Babikian ‘79

Lois Howard Merritt ‘45 Mary “Mitzi” Wilhelm Miller ‘52 Eleanor Miles

Mother of Former SEM History Teacher, F. Curtis Miles ‘72

Rudolph P. Trincanati

Brittany M. Williams-Cook ‘09 Wayne D. Wisbaum, Esq.

Husband of Janet Katz Wisbaum ‘58 Brother-in-law of Susan Katz Diner ‘63

Amy M. Zeckhauser

Mother of Margery Zeckhauser ‘65 and Judith Zeckhauser ‘67 More online at BuffaloSeminary.org

rthur Glick Buffalo Seminary Trustee 2010-2014

We are saddened at the passing in March, of Arthur “Archie” Glick, who left an indelible impression in person and enduring legacy at SEM through his generosity. Archie was a parent of Alexandra “Allie” ‘14 and Emily ‘13, and a trustee. Both Allie (crew) and Emily (squash and tennis) were accomplished student-athletes at SEM. Former Head of School Jody Douglass and Archie at a Board of Trustees reception.

obin Hopkins Amper ‘65

A passionate conservationist, sister of Jane Hopkins Carey ‘75 and sister-in-law of Ann Adam Hopkins ‘49. Mrs. Amper died April 26, 2019. With her husband of 51 years, Richard, Robin was active in the establishment in 1977 of the The Long Island Pine Barrens Society, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that successfully secured protection for the pine barrens. The barrens sit atop Long Island’s only water aquifer, the region’s only natural source of drinking water. In 1995 Governor George Pataki signed legislation that designated the 100,000-acre Long Island Pine Barrens as New York State’s third forest preserve. (The other two at that time were the Adirondacks and the Catskills.) The 1965 Seminaria seems to have captured Robin’s essence.“ Adaptability and dependability characterize Robin. She has a capacity for knowing what to do - when to be serious and when to be carefee and fun-loving,” the editors wrote. “She is so systematic about her duties she can accomplisth a great deal in very little time. She also has a deep interest in others and gladly volunteers to assist her classmates.” After SEM, Robin attended Stephens College, a women’s college in Columbia, Missouri, graduating in 1967. “In her conservation work and everything else she did, she made SEM proud,” said her sister Jane, a former SEM trustee.

Legacy Residential Scholarship Do you know a girl who would be a great SEM girl? A great Hornet or Jacket? She doesn’t have to be from Buffalo anymore… Because whether she’s from around the block or around the world – Buffalo Seminary has a place for her in our 5- or 7-day boarding program in the beautiful historic homes next door to the school. Scholarships are now available for residential girls referred by a graduate, trustee of the school, or SEM family for the 2019-20 school year. The purpose of this scholarship is to build our SEM community with talented young women who have a connection to the school. To nominate a candidate, contact Director of Admission Laura Munson ‘79 at 716.885.6780 or email admission@buffaloseminary.org.

Let's Keep in Touch! Did you know SEM sends an e-newsletter exclusively for alumnae? Our newsletter profiles notable alumnae near and far, shares upcoming events, and gives updates on faculty and student accomplishments. If you don’t receive our e-newsletter, we may not have your email address. Email Ashley Morlock at amorlock@buffaloseminary.org or call 716-885-6780 x. 233 to sign up today! Summer 2019

Grandparent Morning at SEM Each year on the day before Thanksgiving break, students invite their grandparents and special friends to join them at SEM. On November 20, 2018, grandparents and guests accompanied students to classes, participated in The Great Listen oral history project, and attended a special morning meeting in the chapel.

(left) Na’Mia Kelly ’22 and grandmother Alice Combs pause for a photo in Colby (Upper West-Chester). (right) Pamela JacobsVogt, Molly Enstice ’19, Paula Enstice, and Kevin Enstice gather in Colby (Upper West-Chester).

(left) Eve Desjardins ’22 waits for morning meeting to begin with grandparents Laila and Yves Desjardins. (right) Alumna, former trustee, and SEM grandmother Janice Roberts Fretz ’49 addresses the group at morning meeting.

(left) Alicia Land ’19 and her grandmother Sheila Roach in the chapel. (right) Sasha Wittenbrink ’22 poses with grandparents Nishat and Ijaz Mian.

Buffalo Seminary

Running the Show: Donors Lead the Way! Since we opened our doors in 1851, financial contributions have always been vital to the continuing success of the school. You can put a student in a SEM classroom who otherwise would not be able to attend. A gift to SEM will have an immediate impact on a student's life.

Annual Giving

By making a gift, you take a leading role in providing stellar learning opportunities for future influencers, humanitarians, and explorers. Annual Fund dollars go to work immediately, addressing our most pressing needs and seizing exciting opportunities for our students.

The Founders’ Society

The Founders’ Society is a special set of donors who give at least $1,000 to the Annual Fund each year. This elite group of alumnae, parents, friends, and faculty members takes an interest in the future of our girls, and makes a significant investment in their outcomes.

Leadership Reunion Giving

SEM has an established tradition of going above and beyond when celebrating class reunions every five years. In fact, many alumnae are proud to join the Reunion Club by giving an additional 50%100% above their typical annual gift. Each year, alumnae celebrating reunion years have a tremendous impact on the Annual Fund.

Endowed Support

A healthy endowment is critical for the long-term viability of Buffalo Seminary. An endowed gift is invested and grows over time, while SEM uses the investment income to support student scholarships, building maintenance, equipment replacement, or any other project that requires long-term funding. Endowed gifts allow donors to support SEM in perpetuity.

Current Use Scholarships

Some donors prefer to make a large, short-term impact by covering half or all of a student’s tuition at SEM. These generous donors agree to provide the same level of support to their student(s) throughout their career at SEM. A current use scholarship helps bright and deserving girls access a top-notch education, and allows donors to witness the impact of their very special gift first-hand!

Elm Legacy Society

Planning ahead for a future gift allows you to achieve your charitable goals and can help provide a financially secure future for you, your loved ones, and Buffalo Seminary. When you make a planned gift to SEM, include SEM in your will, or name SEM as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, you become a member of the Elm Legacy Society.

Jennifer D. Roberts '92 Trustee

As I get older, I realize more and more how SEM profoundly impacted my life. While I began my freshman year of high school as a very insecure and unsure girl, I was filled with idealism and hope, which was nurtured in a way that could only be achieved at SEM. SEM embraced me into a community of unapologetically smart, talented and tenacious girls who then sent me on an upward bound trajectory to become my truest self. Throughout the years, I have continued to map my present day life experiences back to life skills and tools that I gained from my time at SEM. The SEM experience not only gives girls an education filled with academic rigor and scholarship, but it also fosters the development of young women who then can become the inspiration for the next generation of girls.

I give to SEM because I want to be sure that SEM continues to provide this truly transformative experience for girls who may not otherwise be granted with this opportunity of a lifetime.

Susan Hammel Parent Chair

My husband and I contribute to the Annual Fund, and I agreed to serve as the Parent Chair as we truly believe the education provided by SEM is without comparison.

My daughters have matured and grown in countless ways due to the exceptional teachers, staff and administration at SEM, and are both discovering and pursuing their passions. The Annual Fund helps provide scholarships to students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to study in such a rigorous setting, and gives students access to new sports and activities. It also allows SEM to continue making improvements to the laptop program, and helps to keep our historic buildings beautiful. Every past, present and future student benefits from the money provided to the Annual Fund, and we are committed to helping SEM continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities to the young women of WNY, and to the international students who call WNY home during their high school years.

buffaloseminary.org/give Summer 2019

Volunteer Leadership 2018 - 2019 Board of Trustees Officers Chair: Michael E. Maxwell, Esq. Vice Chair: Patrick J. Long, Esq. Treasurer: James Kramer Secretary: Josephine Siddiqui

Members

Suzanne Bradley '73, MD Mark Burlow Robert Carr Jennifer Cornacchio Douglas Dreishpoon Richard Gold Kara Hornung Kerwin '98 Helen L. Marlette (ex officio) Brian Melber, Esq. Erin K. O'Brien '86 Elizabeth Montesano Roach Jennifer Roberts '92 Claire Schen, PhD Katharine Bowen Smith '92 Christopher Tolomeo

BSAA Buffalo Chapter Officers

President: Kilby Bronstein '10 Vice President: Lauren Stegemann '06 Treasurer: Georgia (Gigi) Pooley Helliwell '76 Corresponding Secretary: Faith Hoffman-McQueen '62 Recording Secretary: Allie Friedman '05 Ex-officio/Liaison: Julianna Glauser Jordan '05

Chapter Members

Amy Hayes Atkinson ’84 Missy Bell DeLaria '89 Heather Rumsey Gibson '91 Mary Jewett Harty ’70 Allison Joseph '10 Heather Kimmins '08 Erin Klass '01 Nadine Matala-Kowalski '82 Robin Marti ’83 Jessica Murphy ’90 Erin O'Brien '86 Joan Ginther Wadsworth ’74

Honorary Members

Gaby DeRose '74 Diane Ward Forbush '50 Phyllis Gabbey '58 Mary E.B. (Memo) Oshei ’74 Mary Ross Rice ’52

Annual Fund Leadership

Chair: Molly Beck-Joslyn ’99 Parent Fund Chair: Susan Hammel Grandparent Fund Chair: Janice Roberts Fretz ’49 Faculty Fund Chair Roland E. Martin

Life Trustees

Marjorie E. Barney Frederick B. Cohen, Esq. Jody Douglass Shelley Cole Drake ‘66 Joan Willard Gruen ‘51 Amy J. Habib Mark E. Hamister Barbara Cowan Hyde ‘43 Luella Harder Johnson ‘57, PhD Susan Lenahan Kimberly ‘68 David Knauss Charles F. Kreiner, Jr. Madeline Ambrus Lillie ‘68, MD, PhD Amy Martoche ‘88, Esq. Philip R. Niswander, MD Melanie Franco Nussdorf ‘67, Esq. Kevin O’Leary William H. Pearce, Jr. Charles R. Rice Mary Ross Rice ‘52 Amy Habib Rittling ‘86, Esq. David G. Strachan Michal Wadsworth Deceased: Joan Kostick Andrews ‘48 Francis S. Faust, Esq. L. Nelson Hopkins, Jr. Murray S. Howland, MD Elaine F. James ‘42 Paul Koessler Robin Simon Magavern ‘52 Rosemary Smith Marlette ‘41 Joseph H. Morey, Jr., Esq. M. Ruth Fowler Niswander ‘43 Betty Lehman Oppenheimer ‘37 Jean Reese Oshei ‘32 William H. Pearce, Sr. Madeleine Breinig Reid ‘33 Susan Rubenstein Schapiro ‘48, PhD Thomas Stewart Annette Stevens Wilton ‘52

Honorary Trustees

Ansie Silverman Baird ‘55 Janie Urban Constantine '66 Alice Sullivan Dillon ‘51 Marritje VanArsdale Greene ‘69 James L. Magavern, Esq. Suzanne Marlette Sears ‘73 Gary R. Sutton Tara VanDerveer ‘71 Rosemary Woodworth Whiting ‘40 Deceased: Katherine Crandell Bassett ‘50 Mary Henrich Botsford ‘33, MD Betty Butzer Brown ‘44 Melissa Reed Chudy ‘78 Virginia Deuel ‘33 Robert E. Dillon, Jr. Betty Duthie Kittinger ‘30 Jean Wende McCarthy ‘31 Marion Osborn ‘40 Betty Johnson Ott ‘40 Dorothy Doane Scott ‘26 Patricia Runk Sweeney ‘56 Linda Kittinger Wadsworth ‘56 June Seufert Walker ‘39 Margaret L. Wendt 1903

Founders’ Advisory Committee Katharine Bowen Smith '92, Chair Monica Angle Margaret Brown '72 Jane Hopkins Carey '75 Geraldine Walsh Clauss '47 Jennifer Cornacchio Linda Cornelius ’71 Shelley Cole Drake ’66 Kara Hornung Kerwin '98 Susie Lenahan Kimberly '68 James Kramer Patrick Long, Esq. Michael Maxwell, Esq. Barbara Fischer McQueeney '74 Katharine Heasly Metzger ’63 Erin K. O'Brien '86 Michael Perley Elizabeth Montesano Roach Claire S. Schen Suzanne Marlette Sears ’73 Josephine Siddiqui Ex-Officio: Director of Development: Amity Lippes Mann Head of School: Helen Ladds Marlette

Parent Association

President: Ann Wiedenbeck Galbraith ’85

School Government Association President: Mary Leslie ‘19 Vice President: Julia Beck ‘20

Senior Class

President: Hannah Danziger Vice Presidents: Zoë Knauss Maddie Love

Junior Class

President: Jessica Napier Vice President: Katie Gareis

Sophomore Class

President: Dagny Rebhan Vice President: Alexa Groh

Freshman Class

President: Katarina Mueller Vice President: Gabriella Odo

Residential Student Prefects Oishei House: Huaze (Shannon) Shao ‘19 Niscah House: Jiaxuan (Jocelyn) Yang ‘19 Lipke House: Zhangzhu (Aurora) Wan ‘19

Residential Ambassador Minting (Spencer) Xu ‘20

Community Service Board Isabel Finkbeiner ‘19

Hornet/Jacket

Chair: Anya Casey ‘19 Hornet Captain: Maddie Love ‘19 Jacket Captain: Zoë Knauss ‘19

Your support powers SEM

The New Yorker, spring 2019

End Note

EM’s Fine Arts department is a collection of talented, practicing artists whose professional work keeps them connected and contributing to the world around us. Fine Arts faculty members Caitlin Cass, Susan Drozd, Ron Martin, and Tammy Wetzel regularly take students on trips to concerts, galleries, and speaker series, using the WNY art world as a resource… This year, for example, students went to a workshop with cartoonist Lynda Barry at Canisius College, a meet and greet with author Jesmyn Ward at the Just Buffalo Literary Center’s Babel series, and visited the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Caitlin Cass, SEM art teacher and award-winning cartoonist of the historically arcane is having a banner year. Since this time last summer, she has had a number of her cartoons published in The New Yorker, she’s received a New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship in fiction, and she’s going to spend this fall on a partial sabbatical as an artist in residence at the Women’s Studio Workshop in Rosendale, NY. Her year-long comic project Women's Work: Suffrage Movements 1848-1965 which updates on the Burchfield Penney Art Center's website every other Monday will culminate in an exhibition at the Burchfield Penney in March of 2020. October 4, a solo exhibition of her work to celebrate 10 years of her postal constituent project will open at the Western New York Book Arts Center.

Thank you! Residential students visited Caitlin Cass’s Myths and Maxims show at Argus Gallery, fall 2018.

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Want to order Caitlin Cass's Miss Angell holiday cards? Contact Julianna Jordan at jjordan@buffaloseminary.org

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