2024 Chez Nous Benefit Journal

RADICAL, RIGHTEOUS

and WAY AHEAD of OUR TIME!

BEVERLY VIRGINIA MARGARET J.

DONNA LYNN PAT McG.

RIP CAROL LINDA H. ELIZ.O'B. KEELIN MARIBEL ANDREA

50th ANNVERSARY EDITION

NOTRE DAME HOOP TEAM

The administration, faculty, and staff of Notre Dame School congratulate the Class of 2024 for their academic excellence.

PARTIAL LIST OF COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES:

American University

Bard College

Bates College

Binghamton University

Carnegie Mellon University

Catholic University

Connecticut College

CUNY Brooklyn College

CUNY Hunter College

Drexel University

Elon University

Fordham University

Fairfield University

Loyola Maryland

Loyola University Chicago

George Manson

High Point University

King’s College London

Manhattan College

Marquette University

Marist University

Michigan State University

New York University

Northeastern University

Pace University

Penn State

Pratt Institute

Providence College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Richmond University London

Rutgers University

Sacred Heart University

Santa Clara College

Saint Louis University - Madrid

Salve Regina University

Skidmore College

University at Albany

University of Bristol

University at Buffalo

University of California Irvine

University of Chicago

University of Delaware

University of Glaslow

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Universidad de Navarra

University of New Hampshire

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

University of St. Andrews

University of Vermont

Villanova University

Wesleyan University

100% of our graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

Over 95% of graduates over the last ten years have been awarded academic scholarships.

As of March 20th, the Class of 2024 has received over $11 million in academic scholarships to four-year colleges and universities through Merit, Honors, and Presidential Scholarships, and many more. SELECT LIST OF SCHOOLS FROM WHICH WE ARE EXPECTING TO HEAR

Boston University

Brown University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Duke University

Emory University

Georgetown University

Harvard University

Princeton University

Tufts University

Vanderbilt University

Wake Forest University

Yale University

PROGRAM

Chez Nous Benefit -------

Saturday, March 23rd from Noon until 4:00 p.m.

12:00 - 2:00pm

Introduction

Elizabeth Bixenman, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations

Grace and Welcome

Rev. Vincent Biagi, S.J., Chairperson

Awards Ceremony

Dr. Virgina O’Brien, S.U., President

Anne de Xainctonge Award

Elizabeth Roth

Chez Nous Angel Award

Mr. Michael Halloran & Mrs. Catherine Halloran

Chez Nous Parent Awards

Nick and Donna Marfino P’24

Steve and Flora McKiernan P’25

2:00 - 4:00pm

Student Speaches

Janelle-Stephanie Pascual ‘24

Giavannina Putignano ‘24

Live Auction

Jamie McDonald

Fund-the-Scholarship

Jamie McDonald

JAMIE McDONALD

Jamie McDonald started his career in finance, before becoming a TV host and master of ceremonies. As a host, he has worked with the Wall Street Journal, Real Vision, Condé Nast Traveler, and Visit Britain. Since 2017, he has raised money for UNICEF, The Boys and Girls Clubs, World of Children, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Joyce Theatre, Hands Up For Haiti, The Vineyard Theatre, Dramatics Guild Foundation, New York Academy of Medicine and many others.

Raise your paddle today and you will have an immediate impact on the future of our Chez Nous girls!

PRESIDENT Dr. Virginia O’Brien, SU

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNAE RELATIONS

Elizabeth Bixenman

2024 CORE COMMITTEE

Adrienne Ratto P’25

Ally Hemming P’25

Amy Bell P’24 & P’22

Caroline Damodar-Desloire P’24 & P’22

Cathy Gallagher P’25

Catherine Pino P’19 & P’15

Donna & Nick Marfino P’24

Georgina Micheli P’24

Wendy Lee P’25

Li Rielly P’25

Linda Ferrando P’25

Louise O’Connor P’22 & P’19

Mary Ellen Brannigan P’24

Meredith Fales P’25

Paulette Radulovic P’21 & P’23

Rich Wesolowski P’26

Rosie Morado P’25

Sandra Davis P’24

Sharouna Dadlani P’26

Steve & Flora McKiernan P’25

Rebecca Meier-Dern P’25

Mary Beth Vineyard P’27

Kim Rose P’27

Jessa Schwartz P’27

Lisa Ferraro P’27

Anna White P’27

Tierney Norris P’27

Veracelle Vega-Hansen P’25

PARTICIPATING FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS & FRIENDS

Alaric Lejano

Anne’s Leaders

Brian Dempsey

Claudine Baldwin

Colleen McGrath

German Garcia

Glenn Stordeur

Glee Club

Iris Rivera

Jaclyn Brilliant

Jacqueline Elias

Anthony Jenks

Jacqueline Governale

Karina Vargas

Maria Vulcano

National Honor Society

Nicole Wakabayashi

Penny Grote

Rigo Chery

Ruthie Landry

Samantha Keefe

Sr. Mary Dolan, SU

Yazmine Mendoza

Jean Marie Glenister

ANNE DE XAINCTONGE AWARD RECIPIENTS

1991 - Lillian Leach Friedlander ‘26

1992 - Sr. Catherine Keating, S.U.

1993 - Sr. Elizabeth DiTolla, S.U. ‘59, Former Teacher and Principal

1994 - Sr. Mary Dolan, S.U., Former President, Former Principal

1995 - Sr. Regina Ahern, S.U. ‘37

1996 - Carol Gose DeVine ‘66

1997 - Jeanne Burchell ‘47

1998 - John R. Joven, Former Principal

1999 - Sheila Lewis Houde ‘54

2000 - Molly Sheils ‘60

2001 - Mary Maloney Murphy ‘52

2002 - Barbara Rowbo Seymour ‘77

2003 - Carolyn Wahlig Szostek ‘65

2004 - The Class of 1959

2005 - Irma Fiordalisi, M.D. ‘70

2006 - Sisters of St. Ursula

2007 - Florence Molinari Foti ‘77 — Lifetime Achievement Award

2011 - Agnes McComiskey Quinn ‘61

2012 - Patricia DiTolla ‘62

2013 - Nancy McNamara Haney ‘58, accepting in memory of the Stratemeyer Sisters

2014 - Antoinette LeQuire Schott ‘59

2015 - Arlene Deninger Prendergast ‘60

2016 - Edith Dalton Marinucci ‘56

2017 - Brigid Frey Dzierzanowski ‘77

2018 - Patricia Cullen ‘73

2019 - In Memory of Maureen T. Brolly P’85, P’91 & GP’17

2020 - Talya Pinto Santillan ‘95

2021 - Vivian Cardia ‘70

2022 - Mary Burke Heyman ‘55

2023 - The Honorable Dakota D Ramseur ‘88

CHEZ NOUS ANGEL RECIPIENTS

2016 - Mary Frances Sheridan Delaney ‘56

2017 - Virginia Turezyn ‘75

2018 - Jane Chen Firester ‘83

2019 - Sr. Patricia Bruck, SU

2020 - Richard Battaglino P’91 & P’95 and Thomas Lacorazza

2021 - Judy and Russ Carson

2022 - Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein, Esq.

2023 - Martin Cottingham P’23

We are honored to present the Anne de Xainctonge Award to Elizabeth Roth

Anne de Xainctonge Award

Elizabeth Roth

Elizabeth Roth was introduced to Notre Dame School (ND) by her good friends Michael and Cathy Halloran. It only took attending her first annual benefit to turn her into a long-standing supporter. At the first and every benefit since, she got the opportunity to glimpse into who these dynamic young ladies had become. She was set on being part of their journey at ND as well as where ND would take them after graduation. As a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, she was always impressed at the college acceptance rate for the girls as well as the high level of scholarship funds these ladies were able to amass. Whether through the leadership of parents, teachers, advisors, and supporters at ND, it was obvious to her that these girls learned early on the value of a solid higher education and how to pay for it!

Several years ago, Elizabeth was asked to serve on the Notre Dame Board of Directors. Through those years, she witnessed the hands-on dedication of Sister Ginny, Sister Mary, other faculty members, as well as the other Board Members. To be part of this group was truly an education and honor for her. Every aspect of running a world-class entity like the Notre Dame School was professionally and thoughtfully addressed. Not a detail was overlooked.

As Elizabeth continues in her career at Morgan Stanley, she is dedicated to supporting ND in general, and specifically the tuition program. Graduating from ND gives each of the students a ticket to a more productive and meaningful life. She is grateful and humbled to be part of that journey. She wishes all the students of ND the best life has to offer them as they pursue their bright futures.

We are honored to present the Chez Nous Angel Award to Mr. Michael Halloran & Mrs. Catherine Halloran

Chez Nous Angel Award

Mr. Michael Halloran & Mrs. Catherine Halloran

When Michael and Catherine Halloran moved to NYC in 1986, they had an immediate desire to volunteer their time and meet new people their age. They joined the Inner-City Scholarship Fund’s Junior Committee. Mike and Cathy enjoyed the volunteer and social activities offered, yet they wanted to be more connected to a school. As luck would have it, or divine intervention, Cathy and Mike met Sr. Mary Dolan, SU in the early 1990’s. She told them about Notre Dame School of Manhattan, its mission, values and the aspirations of the young women at the school. Sister Mary quickly had two new supporters, and Cathy and Mike have never looked back. It has been an honor and privilege to be involved with a school that provides a world-class education and gives young women their voice and agency.

Cathy gladly served on the Notre Dame Board of Trustees for 14 years. Mike was a friendraiser, fundraiser and Chez Nous Benefit master of ceremonies for many years. More notably, the benefit surpassed the $100K mark due to his unwavering support and guidance. Throughout our years with ND, they have supported a student’s tuition. Unlike most people their age, they like to say, “We still have a child in high school!”

After they retired, Michael from a long career at IBM, and Cathy from healthcare, they moved to their current home in Durham, North Carolina. From afar, they continue to support Notre Dame. The young ladies of Notre Dame continue to inspire them and give them joy. To be associated with Notre Dame, the faculty, administration, students, and Chez Nous spirit is both humbling and exciting for Mike and Cathy.

We are honored to present the Chez Nous Parent Award to Donna & Nick Marfino P’24

Chez Nous Parent Award

Nick grew up in Buffalo, NY: the land of blizzards, Bills, and wings while Donna was born in Brooklyn and is a lifelong New Yorker. After staying upstate to attend Syracuse University, Nick received a BS in Accounting and Marketing. Then Nick made his way to the big city and eventually got his MBA at Columbia University in Finance. Donna earned a BS in education at St. John’s University (the great basketball rival of Syracuse). However, Donna followed her creative passions and changed course by receiving an AS degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Donna became a knitwear designer working at firms like Kaufman Franco. She has even made clothes for many celebrities like Taylor Swift and J Lo! Nick worked on Wall Street in his dream job: equity options.

The upstate boy met the downtown girl when Nick’s cousin Sue, who worked for Donna’s customer (Brooks Brothers), thought they would be a good match. They married and raised a son Nicholas, a sophomore at Lynn University, and a daughter Anna Rose, a senior at Notre Dame.

Anna went to the Epiphany School from kindergarten to 8th grade. She wanted to attend an all-girls Catholic high school that valued rigorous academics and vibrant spirit in sports, plays, events, etc. She also prioritized an excellent art program that would allow her to further develop her creative talent. Anna found all this and more at Notre Dame. She knew ND was the perfect fit for her when she first saw the beautiful flowers in the window boxes on her first tour.

Sr. Virginia and the faculty have provided a unique environment where Anna has been both challenged and encouraged academically. She went from struggling with math to winning the Geometry Award! The skills she learned in her art classes led her to contribute designs for three consecutive ND Christmas Cards. But perhaps the greatest opportunities have been where ND promotes fellowship and service through activities like Anne’s Leaders, Retreats, the National Honor Society, and Peer Tutoring.

As Parent Ambassadors, we have contributed wherever we can, from assisting in the creation of the costumes for school plays to helping with this wonderful Annual Benefit. We are truly honored to receive this award and blessed to be a part of this wonderful Notre Dame family.

We are honored to present the Chez Nous Parent Award to

Flora & Steve McKiernan P’25

Chez Nous Parent Award

Flora was born and raised in Queens. As a native New Yorker, Flora attended St. John’s Prep HS and St. John’s University for both Undergraduate and Graduate School studies. She believes that this education prepared her for the success she has had in her career in advertising. Today Flora is the SVP of Advertising Sales at Disney. She has been with Disney for the last 24 years. Prior to that she was at FOX where she met Steve.

Upon graduation at SUNY Cortland Steve started his career in media at CBS and subsequently spent over 30 years at FOX and was instrumental in helping launch FOX Sports in 1994. As a lifelong NY sports fan, his fondest memories at FOX include many NY Yankee World Series Games as well as several NY Giants Super Bowls.

As successful as their careers have been, nothing is more important to them than faith and family. They have two amazing children -Jack (who attended Fordham Prep HS and is currently a sophomore at Indiana University) and Kaitlyn (Junior at Notre Dame and Varsity Basketball Co-Captain). Their many interests include traveling especially to Greece and Ireland where they both still have family (as noted in the photo above).

From their first visit to Notre Dame, they knew this was the place for Kaitlyn. Notre Dame is the perfect blend of faith, values and dedication. This comes through upon entry into this wonderful school in the heart of NYC. Notre Dame provides so much more than a great education. It provides a sense of community. Being a part of this wonderful community for the past three years has been very special. Flora and Steve have seen Kaitlyn grow into a smart, confident, driven young lady. They want to thank everyone at Notre Dame for leading our daughters and providing them a great foundation for their future success. As Flora and Steve look ahead, they will continue to give back and do all they can for Notre Dame. They are honored to be recognized for this prestigious award from Notre Dame School. Here’s to another successful Chez Nous Benefit. Go ND Hoops!!!

The Everest Leadership Club at Notre Dame is an affiliate of the Everest Leadership Academy.

The Club at Notre Dame focuses on developing the social character (the soft EQ, or emotional intelligence leadership skills) that prepares people to become great leaders.

The book entitled “The Leader in Each of Us” is an essential component of the teachings of the Academy.

Register on the website www.everestla.org and you will be entitled to all the services offered by the Academy at no charge including an e-version of the book which you can read or download. You can also request a hard copy to be mailed to you.

Congratulations to the Entire Notre Dame Family

May the light of Mother Anne’s lamp guide your steps along the pathways of mercy and of justice throughout your lives.

Sisters of Saint Ursula

2024 Notre Dame Summer Camp

June 24 - July 18

Monday to Thursday

No camp July 4th. Morning session only July 18th (all campers welcome).

Register now for Notre Dame’s summer camp for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade girls. In the morning, students may take three out of five exciting classes. In the afternoon, campers venture out to explore NYC.

Fees:

Morning Session: $1,200 9am to 12pm

Afternoon Session: $1,200 12pm to 3pm Full Day: $2,400

English Science

Coding Art Math

Afternoon NYC Experience: Students embark on field trips to a variety of destinations: museums, fishing off the pier, movies, and the Central Park Zoo. Students will also engage in performance art and community service.

For more information and/or to register, email Kevin McDonald, NDSummerCamp@ChezNous.org with the subject line “Summer Camp.”

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CONGRATULATIONS NINA & THE CLASS OF 2024!!!!

As financial opperations consultants, we give strategic advice to our clients to help them maximize their business opportunities. Here is our strategic advice to the Class of 2024:

"He gave the grads some parting advice: 'Whatever it takes, never, ever forget to call your mother. And I do mean call, don't text.'"

The Notre Dame School Board of Trustees is honored to serve the Students, Teachers, and Staff of Chez Nous.

Thank you Sister Virgina O’Brien, our Fearless Leader! Wishing all our students a great Chez Nous lifetime experience.

Chez Nous Sisters always.

Ms. Johanna King Vespe Aulisa ’01

Rev. Vincent Biagi, S.J. (Chairperson)

Dr. Monique Sulle Bowen ‘90

Ms. Patricia A. Cullen, Esq. ’73

Sr. Mary Dolan, S.U.

Mr. Raymond P. Dolan (Vice Chairperson)

Ms. Virginia M. Dolan

Mr. Michael F. Doyle, FAIA

Rev. George Drance, S.J.

Rev. Kenneth Gavin, S.J.

Mr. Thomas Jacquot

Det. Justine Killion ‘91

Ms. Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein, Esq.

Ms. Ann Lopez

Ms. Maria-Teresa Mata

Dr. Virginia O’Brien, S.U. ‘70

Dr. Grace C. Pilcer, Ph.D.

Ms. Sarah Raslowsky P’18 & P’21

Ms. Talya Santillan ‘95

Mr. John Spollen, Esq.

Ms. Carolyn Wahlig Szostek ‘65

Ms. Nancy T. Vincent, Esq.

Most Reverend Gerald T. Walsh

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Owens '25, Nevaeh Blake '25, and Michelle Riaz '27 on your outstanding academic performance!

We are so proud of your accomplishments.

With special thanks to Bob & Penny Grote for their 30+ years of dedication and service to Notre Dame School and its students!

Jack & Judy Houlihan

ALUMNAE REUNION

Join your Chez Nous sisters for an evening of fun!

Friday, May 3, 2024

5:00 – 7:30 pm Notre Dame School, 327 West 13th Street

Toast the anniversary years ending in 4 & 9

Take a tour of Chez Nous at 327 West 13th Street

Enjoy hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer!

QUESTIONS? If you have any questions please reach out to Elizabeth Bixenman at (212) 620-5575 ex. 317 or bixenmane@cheznous.org.

REGISTER By Friday, April 26th at cheznous.org/alumnae/reunion Registration is FREE!

1.

The Heckscher Foundation for Children has pledged a $100,000 matching grant to Notre Dame School, and only our alumnae can help!

To receive this matching gift, ND alumnae need to collectively:

To

2024 Summer Fitness Camp

July 22nd to August 8th

Students’ athletic training outside of practice and competition is equally important to their entire physical and personal growth. Notre Dame’s Summer Fitness Camp offers instruction in personal training and more such as strength/power, speed/agility, confidence, leadership, and nutrition. Our fitness camp works to fully develop the body and mind. Registration is for 8th & 9th grade girls. Students in the morning session will attend four 35-minute classes from 9:00am to 11:45am. Students taking part in the advanced athletes class will extend their day until 2pm. Students may bring their own lunches to camp or be given permission to eat outside during the full-day program.

Sports Skills Training Beginner/ intermediate - 35 minutes - 2 Sessions each day

The focus of the class will be on developing technical skills that athletes can use to improve their participation in higher-level game play. Volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball are the sports that the ND Fitness Camp will emphasize.

Sports Conditioning Training - 35 minutes - 1 Session each day

The focus of this class is on developing the athlete's speed, quickness, agility, power, and strength. Core strength and mental toughness training will be included.

Yoga/Dance - 35 minutes - 1 Session each day

This class focuses on incorporating yoga and mobility exercises, which have been proven to help with strengthening, flexibility, balance, and focus. The class is designed to enhance physiological and mental processes that lead to improved athletic performance. This course will also provide students with a general introduction to the principles of healthy eating that are essential for longterm physical and mental wellbeing.

Afternoon Session - Building the Intermediate Athlete - 2 hours

The objective of this class is for individuals to improve one athletic talent while working on more advanced drills and competitive game play. The class will be split into four teams, and they will compete in games of volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball.

Register

https://cheznous.myschoolapp.com/page/athletics/summer-fitness-camp?siteId=1660&ssl=1

Weekly Fees - Camp Meets Monday - Thursday

$400.00 Morning Session - 9am to 11:45am

$600.00 Full Day Session - 9am - 2:00pm

Schedule is subject to change based on enrollment

If you have any additional inquiries, kindly email vulcanom@cheznous.org

FlynnO’Hara Uniforms is the largest privately-owned supplier and retailer of high-quality school uniforms, gym wear, and medical attire in the United States. Since 1972 we have remained family owned-and-operated, providing industry-leading quality and customer support to over half a million students each year.

BEST WISHES TO ALL AT NOTRE DAME

The Raslowsky Family

Rebecca ’18, Rachel ’21, Sarah, Jack, John and Christian

We celebrate Notre Dame and all the Partnership graduates flourishing there.

CLASS OF 2023 PARTNERSHIP GRADUATES

At Apple Bank, we’ve always believed that a strong community and a strong bank go hand in hand.

We are proud to support the families, businesses and organizations in the neighborhoods we serve.

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Rich Angle, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist

Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis

ra2590@columbia.edu

1 West 81st Street New York, New York 10024 (212) 877-6258

CONGRATULATIONS

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Supporters of Chez Nous

Jaclyn Brilliant & Anthony Jenks

Jonathan & Barbara Denham

William & Phyllis Keefe

Mary O’Shaughnessy

Sprengle Family

Pure Logic

Christopher Hansen & Veracelle Vega-Hansen Rimkus

to the Class of 2024! Congratulations