Alumnae Spotlights

2020-2021 ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHTS

NOREEN GILLILAND ‘04

UNITED STATES ARMY

Noreen Gilliland graduated from Flintridge Sacred Heart in 2004. She went on to Sonoma State University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political

Science. Noreen knew serving her country and doing her part was something very important and something she wanted to do as the United She completed her Bachelor degree so she would enter the US Army as a commissioned making historic gains toward equality in service and excellence in leadership and she wanted to be a part of that change, and she just did that.

As a Lieutenant, Noreen served as a Transpor United States and in Iraq (2010). As a Captain, she Division both in the United States and in Afghanistan. As an Airborne Company Commander in 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, she was deployed to Afghanistan (2018) with 101st Airborne Division headquarters under the leadership of General Nicholson, United States Forces Afghanistan Commander. After 10 years, in 2019, Noreen left the United States Army as a Captain. She and her husband are a proud dual service/dual military family as her husband, David, served in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the 1st Marine Division. She now lives in Indiana with her husband and two sons and is a Project Coordinator and Logistics Analyst for Science Applications International Corporation, Aircraft Armament Arm Indiana.

We cannot thank Noreen, and all of our alumnae who are and have served in the United States

Military, enough.

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DEVYN BAKEWELL ‘16

NOVELIST

A recent graduate of Howard University, Devyn Bakewell ‘16 “Greater Love,” was released this past Decem-

ber. In the debut of her series, readers get to know aspiring screenwriter Ryan and football player Devyn, who face respective trials and tribulations in a way that is authentic, funny, serious, and relatable.

The L.A. Sentinel News says, “Devyn Bakewell gives everyone a glimpse into the ups and downs, challenges and triumphs of today’s students through the eyes of young African Americans as they navigate between adolescence and adulthood.”

In an interview given to So Booking Cool, Devyn said “...I think a lot of readers will be able to see themselves in both characters. And I think that they’re gonna be able to relate to them in a way that they need to, a way where they can feel connected and know that it’s okay to be imperfect and it’s okay to learn to grow past, you know, what this world has given you, if it’s hurt or struggle. And just make it better, and learn how to love and be happy through that. ”

SCAN WITH YOUR PHONE TO WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH DEVYN ABOUT HER NEW BOOK!

NINE ALUMNAE, TWO CURRENT STUDENTS AND ONE BIG GOAL

2021 LOS ANGELES LLS STUDENT OF THE YEAR CAMPAIGN

Students and alumnae teamed up to raise money for cancer research during the pandem-

ic. KC Smith Reichert ‘90, Beth Krappman Marra ’91, Jenny Sauer Shepard ‘93, Renee Romano Shannon Sullivan ‘93, Gina Romano Cockriel ‘97, Christina Plump – Acker ‘00, and Nicole Romano Lamb ‘01 along with current students Campbell all part of two teams competing in the 2021 Los Angeles LLS Student of the Year Campaign.

They were inspired to begin raising money because of two special Tologs: Victoria Heinen ‘90 who lost her battle with Hodgkin’s disease at age 21, and Evan, the 10-year-old son of Beth Krap kemia. Collectively they are trying to raise $150k to help fund blood cancer research and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. During the month of February, the month of love, it is truly inspiring to see these Tolog sisters come together for a common goal.

LARA MINASSIANS ‘17

OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE: DEAN’S AWARD WINNER OF EXCELLENCE

A special graduate worth recognition is alumna Lara Minassians, Class of 2017, who is graduating from Occidental College. Lara is an Armenian-American from Glendale, CA who decided to stay local for college. She went to Oxy with the passion and desire to share her Armenian goals throughout the past four years. Along with her best friend and roommate, Serena Karina Pelenghian, they together revived the Armenian Student Association and not only sparked an incredible friendship but also bonded with the Oxy community which supported their educational, collaborative and interactive events that aimed to unite Armenian and non-Armenian students.

Lara’s passion for working with others was tain of the Women’s Volleyball team. She led her team with integrity and trust which she showed through her hard work and love for her teammates. She is a psychology major, and worked as a research assistant in the labs of both her academic and research adviser Professor Cabral and former adviser, Professor Hopmeyer. Luci Masredjian, Director of Disability Services and Student Support shared, “when I think of a college student that has contributed positively to campus and the community, I think of Lara Minassians. She is the embodiment of Occidental’s four cornerstones of Equity, Excellence, Community and Service.”