2023 Chez Nous Benefit - Journal

Jack Raslowsky President

Kim Smith Headmaster

PARTIAL LIST OF COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES:

Anglo-American University

Binghamton University

Bucknell University

Clemson University

Columbia University

Elon University

Emerson College

Hawaii Pacific University

Hobart and William Smith College

Howard University

James Madison University

Johnson & Wales University – Providence

Loyola University Maryland

Marquette University

McGill University

Middlebury College

New York University

Northeastern University

Pennsylvania State University

Pepperdine University

Providence College

Purdue University

Rollins College

Rutgers University

Sacred Heart University

Salve Regina University

Santa Clara University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Tufts University

Trinity College Dublin

Universiteit Maastricht

University of California, Los Angeles

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Massachusetts – Amherst

University of Miami

University of Michigan – Ann Harbor

University of Notre Dame

University of Pittsburg

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

University of San Francisco

University of Scranton

University of Scranton

University of Tampa

University of Vermont

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin Madison

Villanova University

Washington University St

The administration, faculty, and staff of Notre Dame School congratulate the Class of 2023 for their academic excellence.

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 22nd, the Class of 2023 has received over $10 million in academic scholarships to four-year colleges and universities through the Posse Foundatoin Scholarship, Merit, and Presidential Scholarships, and many more.

Barnard College

Boston College

Colgate University

Duke University

Emory University

Georgetown University

University of Pennsylvania

Vanderbilt University

Vassar College

University of Virginia

SELECT LIST OF SCHOOLS FROM WHICH WE ARE EXPECTING TO HEAR

Chez Nous Benefit -------

Saturday, March 25th 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

The Honorable Dakota D. Ramseur ‘88

Chez Nous Angel Award

Martin Cottingham P’23

Chez Nous Parent Awards

Caroline Damodar-Desloire P’22 & P’24

Thom and Julia Roemischer P’23

2:00 - 4:00pm

Student Speaches

Meyen Dolley ‘23

Brooklynne Roman ‘23

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

2023 CORE COMMITTEE

Adrienne Ratto P’25

Ally Hemming P’25

Amy Bell P’24 & P’22

Carrie Clores P’25

Caroline Damodar-Desloire P’24 & P’22

Cathy Gallagher P’25

Catherine Vadasz Licitra ’91 & P’24

Catherine Pino P’19 & P’15

Donna & Nick Marfino P’24

Eileen Griffin O’Brien P’24 & P’22

Felicia Sestak P’24 & P’22

Georgina Micheli P’24

Helen Lennon P’24

Joanne Andreassi Cseh P’23

Julia Glazer P’23

Karen & Brian Osborne P’23

Katherine Allison P’24

Kyle Thomes P’24

Juliann McKnight P’25

Li Rielly P’25

Linda Ferrando P’25

Louise O’Connor P’22 & P’19

Marty & Kathleen Cottingham P’23

Mary Ellen Brannigan P’24

Mary Schmutter P’24

Meredith Fales P’25

Nicole Bezinski P’25

Paulette Radulovic P’21 & P’23

Pamela Russo

Randi Altomare P’23

Rich Wesolowski P’26

Rosie Morado P’25

Sandra Davis P’24

Sharouna Dadlani P’26

Steve & Flora McKiernan P’25

Tricia Burke P’24

Veracelle Vega-Hansen P’25

Wendy Lee P’25

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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

James Hillman

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

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

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.

Anne de Xainctonge Award

The Honorable Dakota D. Ramseur ‘88

The Honorable Dakota Ramseur was inducted as a Justice of the Supreme Court of New York State in January 2023. Dakota was born in Brooklyn, and raised in public housing in Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. Her father, who earned his JD while she was in grammar school, taught her the love of law and the importance of giving back. While at Notre Dame, Dakota volunteered with AIDS patients at St. Clare’s Hospital and participated in the Archbishop Leadership program. She served as Senior Class President and has been an active and supportive alumna since graduation, volunteering for Career Day and mentoring students interested in pursuing legal studies.

Dakota attended Howard University and New York Law School, where she served on Moot Court, as President of the Black Law Students Association, as a Student Representative of the Student Bar Association, and where she also hosted high school students for “Law School for a Day.” After earning her Juris Doctor, Dakota worked for the New York City Bar Association before moving to the District Attorney’s Office of Kings County. As an Assistant DA, Dakota advocated for alternatives to incarceration, including drug treatment. As an Associate at Armienti, DeBellis and Whiten, LLP, she litigated a variety of cases before the New York City Civil and Supreme Courts.

Dakota was elected to the New York City Civil Court in 2013. After working toward equal justice and treatment under the law at the Bronx Criminal Court, Dakota shifted to the Bronx County Family Court, which Dakota describes as the most challenging and rewarding work she has done, noting, “I never stop thinking about the children I adjudicated.”

A lifetime member and former Co-Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee of the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch, Dakota has also served as President of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. She is on the Executive Board of the Civil Court Judges Association and is a member of the New York Women’s Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers Association, and Judicial Friends. She is an active and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the recipient of the New York Women’s Galaxy Award and the Kathleen Grimm Medal for outstanding commitment to public service.

As this year’s Notre Dame Anne de Xainctonge Awardee, Dakota notes that “Notre Dame was an ideal partner to my father in building my self esteem, my desire to learn and grow, and in fostering a sense of self within a greater community.”

We are honored to present the Chez Nous Angel Award to Martin Cottingham P’23

Chez Nous Angel Award

Martin Cottingham P’23

Martin Cottingham is a Principal specializing in transaction management in Avison Young’s New York office. A real estate veteran with over 23 years of experience, Marty’s success leading major initiatives at Avison Young is the product of his hard work, knowledge of the industry and unique background.

Marty is a preferred provider for national transactions for JPMorgan Chase, providing an array of services including office and retail leasing, consulting and sales in cities across the country. His tireless efforts working with NYU Winthrop University Hospital’s real estate task force reduced portfolio operating costs across the owned and leased facilities in the hospital’s network, enabling the institution to identify over $5 million in savings. Marty also worked with city officials to transform vacant lots on Brooklyn’s Coney Island Boardwalk into the stunning 5,000-seat Ford Amphitheater.

Marty’s accomplishments have been recognized by the Real Estate Board of New York, which named him a finalist for the Most Ingenious Deal of the Year Award for arranging the relocation of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) headquarters from Harlem to 1133 Avenue of the Americas. The NBPA project also received the Design & Construction of a New Facility Award from the New York Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

In Cottingham’s spare time he focuses much of his energy supporting his community, in particular endless hours and strong ties to the Irish Community. Cottingham’s Irish roots can be traced back to his paternal grandparents; John Cottingham hailing from Clifton, Galway and Nora Cottingham from Swinford, Mayo. At the age of 18, Cottingham became a member of the Brooklyn Irish American St. Patrick’s Day Committee. His involvement and passion for his heritage later paved his future to become a strong propenent in keeping the Irish American culture and traditions on the forefront. Cottingham dedicates much of his time and ties to several organizations to help raise funds for childhood education in our local communities and those in need. Cottingham is the Former President of the Emerald Society, Knights of Saint Patrick Member, Futures in Education Board-Member, Chairman of the Great Irish Fair since 2007 and former honoree of the Irish Studies Program at Lehman College, to name a few.

Both his work and community involvement grow from his love of New York, endless support from his wife, Kathleen and two children, Brendan & Genevieve, and his unwavering desire to always look for the best solution for those around him—whether through real estate or in his community.

We are honored to present the Chez Nous Parent Award to Caroline Damodar-Desloire P’22 & P’24

Chez Nous Parent Award

Caroline was born in Brittany, France, and due to her father’s business she lived a peripatetic childhood growing up in Gabon, Cameroon, and the United Arab Emirates. Upon returning to France as a teenager, she got her Bachelor’s degree from Université de Droit, Aix en Provence. She went on to graduate school at Pantheon-Sorbonne University, Paris; and armed with a Master’s in Maritime Law, she then joined a marine insurance brokerage firm in Paris. A chance meeting at the firm with Sunil, who was visiting from New York on business, led to a trans-Atlantic courtship, marriage, and move to New Jersey, where he lived. After her move she continued in the marine industry here in New York, working for major insurance brokers Marsh, Aon, and Starr Marine.

Caroline and Sunil are parents of two beautiful daughters: Anita, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2022 and now is a freshman at Stevens Institute of Technology, following in her dad’s footsteps; and Victoire, who will graduate from Notre Dame in 2024 and is now visiting different colleges in the US and Europe to seek a home for the university phase of her life.

Caroline has always been very involved in her daughters’ education and schools. From being a class parent in their pre-K Montessori school in Manhattan, to President of the Parent Teacher Association at their Middle school, volunteering and fundraising has been the leitmotif of Caroline as a parent. She became part of the Benefit Core Committee here at Notre Dame when Anita was in the 9th grade in 2018, and since then has enjoyed helping the school and meeting other parents.

The decision to join Notre Dame was very easy, as both parents wanted a high level of academics in a secure environment. They are very grateful for the teachers and administration at Notre Dame for helping their daughters grow into confident young women.

Caroline is very honored to be the recipient of the 2023 Chez Nous Parent Award and is looking forward to a successful and delightful Chez Nous Benefit.

We are honored to present the Chez Nous Parent Award to Thom and Julia Roemischer

Chez Nous Parent Award

Thom grew up in New York’s Adirondack Park and Julia in the suburbs just north of New York City. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with a degree in technical photography and moved to New York City to pursue photography and print production at C2Media. Julia graduated with a BA in Art History and Spanish from St. Lawrence University and an MA in Arts Administration from NYU. They met at work – he on the production side of a digital printing company and she on the sales side. They settled in New York City and raised their son, Jack, and daughter, Lily there.

When it came time for Lily to apply to high schools, it was Notre Dame that stood out in the crowd of many options in several boroughs. From the moment she stepped foot into the school, there was a unique feeling of comfort and confidence that this was THE school for her. She loved the welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of the student body and teachers. Lily has been encouraged to develop her intellectual curiosity and creativity. The Roemischers are so grateful as a family that she has had the opportunity to attend high school in one of the biggest cities and most vibrant neighborhoods in the world, yet has had the experience of a warm and nurturing community in the middle of it all Chez Nous. It is at Notre Dame that she has been able to grow academically and thrive over the last four years.

During the height of the pandemic, Thom and Julia were impressed with Notre Dame’s ability to pivot quickly to maintain an in-person and virtual connection to classwork and to Lily’s classmates and teachers. They were pleased with the continuity of community building and academics, even in the face of great challenges.

As Lily’s time at ND is drawing to a close, it is bittersweet. The Roemischers are all excited for the next chapter, but know that they will all miss being an active Notre Dame family. They are comforted by the fact that Lily will forever be part of the Notre Dame community as an alumna.

It has been their pleasure to support Notre Dame in their mission during Lily’s high school years. Thank you to the teachers and administrators who have worked so tirelessly to provide her and her classmates with a wonderful high school experience!

Acheson Doyle Partners is delighted to support the

Dame School and Chez Nous

Spaces for learning require architectural design and planning initiatives that are especially attuned to life safety, accessiblity, adaptability and acoustic considerations. Acheson Doyle Partners Architects celebrates collaboration, sensitively co-creating spaces with educational institutions that embrace inclusivity and a breadth of learning methodologies.

Our expertise in historic preservation, hospitality and sacred space design allows us to design classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums and dormitories with exceptional care and attention to detail.

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

The Fabulous, Fun-Loving, Fiftieth-Anniversary Class of 1973 Congratulates the Class of 2023!

KEEP CALM THE PIES ARE ON

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2023 Notre Dame Summer Camp

June 26 - July 20

Monday to Thursday

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: $1,000 9am to 12pm

Afternoon Session: $1,000 12pm to 3pm

Full Day: $2,000

English Science

Coding

Art Math

Afternoon NYC Experience: Students embrark 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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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

Ms. Virginia M. Dolan

Mr. Daniel Dougherty (Vice Chairperson)

Mr. Michael F. Doyle, FAIA

Rev. George Drance, S.J.

Rev. Kenneth Gavin, S.J.

Mr. Thomas Jacquot

Det. Justine Killion ‘91

Ms. Ann Lopez

Dr. Virginia O’Brien, S.U.

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

Most Reverend Gerald T. Walsh

Notre Dame School and our daughter

Dylan Phillips

We are pleased to support

Jim Phillips

Kristi Roche

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

We are so proud of your accomplishments.

With special thanks to Sr. Virginia O’Brien and Sr. Mary Dolan for their unwavering dedication to Notre Dame School and its students.

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Houlihan

If you have any questions and/or would like to help organize our 2023 Alumnae Reunion, please reach out to Elizabeth Bixenman, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, at (212) 620-5575 ex. 317 or bixenmane@cheznous.org.

2023 Summer Fitness Camp

July 24th to August 10th

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, nutrition. Our fitness camp works to fully develop the body and mind. Registration is for incoming 9th & 10th grade girls. Students in the morning session will attend three 50-minute classes from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Students taking part in the advanced athletes’ class, will extend their day until 3pm. Students may bring their own lunches to camp or be given permission to eat outside during the full-day program.

Sports Skills Training - 50 minutes

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 Performance Training - 50 minutes

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/Mobility and Nutrition Training - 50 minutes

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 Advanced 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.

Fees:

Morning Session: $800 9am to 12pm

Full Day Session: $1,600 9am to 3pm Monday to Thursday

To register, please take the following steps:

1) Click HERE STEP 1 to register online!

(2) Complete HERE STEP 2 to process your payment and confirm your registration.

If you have any additional inquiries, kindly email by clicking the link below: Maria Vulcano

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.

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Supporters of Chez Nous

Jaclyn Brilliant & Anthony Jenks

Jonathan & Barbara Denham

Emily Plunkett Fleischer & Daniel Mahoney

William & Phyllis Keefe

Mary O’Shaughnessy

Sprengle Family

Pure Logic

Christopher Hansen & Veracelle Vega-Hansen

Pat & Marie Walls

Colin & Nina D’Abreo