HeartBeat THE ALUMNAE MAGAZINE OF SACRED HEART ACADEMY
FALL 2021
• COMMUNITY • REVERENCE • SERVICE • LEADERSHIP •
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Valkyrie Pride AND SHA SPIRIT SHINE!
Fittingly, in a year focused on building community, Sacred Heart Academy celebrated two fun-filled weeks sharing Valkyrie pride and SHA spirit with each other, our community, and Future Valkyries. Being part of the Heart is like no other!
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Alumnae Board 2021-2022 PRESIDENT
Christie Leigh Mueller Wells ‘02 VICE PRESIDENT
Amy Helm Baker ‘92 S E C R E TA RY
Maria Cowley Quinn ‘05 If you, or an alumna you know, are interested in giving back by joining the SHA Alumnae Board, please contact Megan Brumleve Theisen ‘95 at mtheisen@shslou.org or 502.736.6408. We’d love to have you! The Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae Association is comprised of nearly 12,000 women who have graduated from Sacred Heart Academy since it was founded in 1877. A member of Sacred Heart Schools, SHA is a Catholic, college preparatory all-girls school. Faithful to the mission of the Ursuline Sisters, SHA educates the whole person, fostering Christian values, personal integrity and responsible leadership in a supportive learning environment committed to academic excellence. To view all board members, visit sha.shslou.org/alumnae/.
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The HeartBeat is published three times a year for alumnae, parents and friends of Sacred Heart Academy by the Sacred Heart Schools Office of Marketing and Communications. © 2021, Sacred Heart Schools Please submit information for publication or address changes to: Sacred Heart Academy HeartBeat Magazine 3115 Lexington Road Louisville, KY 40206 502.896.8681 | alumupdates@shslou.org shslou.org Information in this issue was received prior to October 1, 2021.
Follow Your Heart /shalouisville
@shalouisville /shalouisville FALL 2021 HeartBeat
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STUDENT & FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS
Lindsey Adamchik, Grace Jarboe, Maddie Clingaman, and Hollings Ruml were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists and will go on to compete for the honor of National Merit Finalist along with scholarship opportunities. Lindsay Schiavone was also recognized as a National Merit Commended Student. Congratulations to these seniors!
We are bursting with pride for our seniors who turned in their IB 4,000-word Extended Essay! These 45 seniors have achieved a significant milestone on their journey to graduate with the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma. Congratulations to: Lindsey Adamchik, Isabella Auzenne, Ann Elizabeth Badaracco, Claire Bandy, Caitlyn Birk, Amie Boakye, Maddie Clingaman, Kiley Cook, Madison Cook, Mary Craddock, Grace Cummins, Nora Cummins, Laura Cundiff, Hannah Davis, Gracie Elder, Caroline Elliott, Gabbie Gardiner, Elizabeth George, Kathryn Harmon, Ally Harris, Sally Harrison, Riley Hurm, Grace Jarboe, Abby Jester, Margaret Keller, Kate Kirchdorfer, Claire Klein, Mary Kral, Olivia Lovan, Charlotte McCarthy, Ava Middleton, Abby Newton, Taylor Nguyen, Lauren Pappalardo, Georgia Paris, Libby Raque, Caroline Rogers, Hollings Ruml, Lindsay Schiavone, Olivia Settles, Suzie Sin, Tara Singh, Emma Talbott, Molly VonderHaar, and M. C. Zoeller (not pictured: Maddie Clingaman, Grace Cummins, Gracie Elder, Gabbie Gardiner, Margaret Keller)
Another Valkyrie has earned her wings! Congratulations to senior Charlotte McCarthy, president of Flight Club 502 and member of SHA's Flight Club, for earning her private pilot’s license! As president of Flight Club 502, Charlotte leads 383 local flight enthusiasts, including youth, adult advisory, and graduate members, and serves as an ambassador to young people interested in aerospace careers during after-school and summer classes.
We’re proud to see these SHA students showing their Ursuline Core Values of service and leadership as members of Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Teen Board and Teen Ambassador program. Congratulations to Abby Rutledge, Ophelia Lorenz, Grace Liby, Courtney Settles, Coral Ehret, Tinsley Meyer, Emerson Harned, Elizabeth Rice, Kinley Settles, and Jacqueline Teague (not pictured) for being selected to lead in our community.
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The Class of 2025 took a significant step on their journey as Valkyries at the annual Freshman Rose Ceremony and Mass. They received one red rose, promising to grow in faith, intellect, and character as they become Valkyries—Strong Women of Great Faith. They will receive a dozen red roses at graduation. It was a beautiful reminder of the traditions that make SHA so special and the beautiful moments that await them throughout their time at Sacred Heart. Congratulations to senior Lauren Pappalardo, who won the 2022 Distinguished Young Women of Louisville award and will compete at the national level. The winner is chosen based on a personal interview, academics, fitness, self-expression, and talent; Louisville native and broadcast icon Diane Sawyer is another former “distinguished” winner. Lauren is also a Navigation Team Mentor and a Jean Frazier Leadership Institute Frazier Fellow at SHA.
Senior Abigail Sutherland has been named the Midway University/KHSAA Girls’ Golf Student-Athlete of the Year! Golf coach Mackenzie Moir said: “Abigail is everything you can ask for in a student-athlete. She excels in the classroom, on the course, and in the community. Her commitment to her game and education is unmatched; she is hardworking, detail-oriented, and a great leader to others. She is one of the best ever to play golf for Sacred Heart and is going to go on to do great things at the University of Kentucky next year.” The golf team won their Region and placed third in the State Tournament!
Valkyrie Volleyball finished an amazing season in the semi-finals of the State Tournament after ousting Assumption and Male to win the 7th Region. Varsity Volleyball Coach, Brett Versen was named the 2021 KVCA Coach of the Year, Emily Young was 1st team all-state and Defensive Player of the Year, Tess Schrenger was 1st team all-state, and Julia McNeley was 2nd team all-state.
SHA Soccer also capped a winning season with a win over Assumption in the 7th Region Championship. Mallory Glass was named the Midway University/ KHSAA Student-Athlete of the Year for Girls’ Soccer and 1st team all-state alongside fellow senior, Reese Nelson, 2nd team all-state.
Congratulations to Varsity Field Hockey on winning SHA's 99th State Championship in October! In a hard-fought game against Assumption, the Valkyries got the win with a score of 1-0. Their motto all year was "One at a Time" and they did it. Not one KY team beat them this season, they stayed humble and hungry, put the TEAM FIRST and got the big one! Libby Parsons ’22 was the Tourney MVP and Lindsey Schiavone and Sloane Wearren were named to the All-Tournament team. FALL 2021 HeartBeat
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NOTABLE ALUMNAE in the Spotlight!
Francesconi Award Recipient – Sister Lorna Weiler, OSU Sacred Heart was so happy to present the Francesconi Award of Integrity to a true Valkyrie legend who has touched the lives of countless students over five decades at SHA. This prestigious award is named in honor of former Sacred Heart Schools President Charlie Francesconi. It is given annually to one employee who has contributed significantly to the school and Louisville community, enriches the lives of those around her by living the mission of Sacred Heart Schools, and demonstrates integrity through her daily interactions with others. No one is more deserving than Sister Lorna Weiler, OSU (SHA ’58)! Though Mr. Francesconi surprised Sr. Lorna with the award, everyone in the room began to catch on as he described her as someone who “keeps a watchful eye over all students, especially those who might be experiencing hardships, is faith-filled, smart, a gifted cook, quick to share advice, and loved by students and dogs. This person was teaching STEM before STEM was an acronym.” In honor of Sr. Lorna’s beloved tradition of handing out a dozen red roses to each SHA student at graduation, Amy Olson, Director of Mission Effectiveness, presented Sr. Lorna with her own bouquet.
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Olympic Silver Medalist – Brooke Forde, Class of 2017 Olympian Brooke Forde ’17 returned home to SHA to share her experiences in and out of the pool with fellow Valkyries. Brooke was kind, funny, articulate, poised – a true champion and role model. She took time to answer students’ questions, pose for photos, and even let Mac model her impressive silver medal! We are beyond proud of Brooke’s truly outstanding swimming career and her academic success at Stanford. We know she will continue to represent SHA with Valkyrie spirit in the future. What’s next for the Olympic medalist? She’s headed back to Stanford University for a master’s degree in epidemiology. At the assembly at SHA, she told her fellow Valkyries, “You have to be open to new things and new experiences,” and we hope our current students are motivated by her fearless leadership and incredible work ethic.
Sacred Heart Forever Honoring our Past, Building our Future
Our new strategic plan “Sacred Heart Forever: Honoring our Past, Building our Future” sets a path forward for SHA that ensures our education, facilities and programing provide our students a holistic Ursuline education. At SHA, we look to the future with innovative programs and facilities that will support our teacher’s best practices instruction.
Sacred Heart Academy’s new strategic plan touches upon every area critical to the future of our school. In other academic institutions, the strategic plan is often viewed as a check-box item never to be touched after its’ creation. The administration, teachers, counselors, parents and students have all had a voice in our new plan, understand its’ importance, and it is part of every conversation we are having as we plan and grow. We are excited to use this living document to critically examine who we are, who we want to be in the future, and exactly how we are going to achieve our goals. I am honored to work on this plan with my colleagues and our stakeholders and celebrating our achievements over the next five years! FALL 2021 HeartBeat
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To purposefully engage students and our community in the Ursuline core values, in meaningful service to others, and in opportunities to experience our broader world more deeply. Goal 1: To enhance learning experiences that shape and form moral leaders with expanding world views. Goal 2: To strengthen the SHS community’s understanding of our Catholic identity and how the Gospel and Ursuline Charism animate the Ursuline Core Values and our activities. Goal 3: To grow the SHS community’s understanding of meaningful service as mutually beneficial activities that embrace the dignity of every human and build community. Goal 4: To build upon and integrate within all schools the teaching mission of Jesus and the inspiration and witness of the Ursuline Sisters' legacy and Catholic mission. Goal 5: To deepen the SHS community’s understanding and practice of Reverence as an opportunity to see and engage in the world more broadly.
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To enhance our academic experience by establishing a holistic and seamless curriculum across all schools and by implementing collaborations with other schools throughout the world. Goal 1: To develop students into servant leaders who work toward positive change in ecological stewardship, Catholic social justice, and inclusive communities. Goal 2: To expand student curricula choice as part of the foundational elements of the International Baccalaureate program. Goal 3: To attract, support, and develop highly qualified faculty and staff.
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To create and commit to a more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive campus culture and community. Goal 1: To develop relationships and programming to recruit and retain diverse staff, students, and faculty members. Goal 2: To create a welcoming and equitable community of belonging. Goal 3: To enhance the cultural competency professional development for faculty, staff, students, and families.
4 To increase the amount of financial aid and personal support available so that more students and families can attend and thrive. Goal 1: To grow charitable gift income so that financial resources in support of our students, families, faculty/staff, and administration are enhanced. Goal 2: To provide additional resources in support of the holistic development of each student. Goal 3: To build a framework in support of a comprehensive, coordinated physical health and wellness initiative across campus. Goal 4: To develop a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to programming that will support the social and emotional wellbeing of our students and community.
5 To modernize our facilities and create innovative learning spaces which promote environmental sustainability and community engagement. Goal 1: To enhance the efficiency and functionality of Sacred Heart Academy facilities. Goal 2: To enhance the learning and well-being of Sacred Heart Model School students. Goal 3: To enhance environmental stewardship and facilities efficiency across the SHS campus. Goal 4: To enhance the sense of personal safety across the campus.
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Education through Internship with the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute
Grace Guernsey ‘22, Restorative Justice, Jefferson County District Court, Louisville, Kentucky The Honorable Jessica Moore '99, Jefferson District Court, Division 11
Connecting Valkyries with SHA Alumnae
Many of our alumnae likely remember their first internship experience – real responsibility, hands-on learning, mentorship, and more. But, we suspect most of these experiences took place during college or after. That is not the case for our SHA students! Through the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute Internship Program, our Valkyries have the opportunity to complete an internship while still in high school! Internship experiences offer the opportunity for students to explore a career interest in a professional setting. Thirty-five SHA students arranged for either a 40-hour or 80-hour internship last summer. In addition to experience in the field, the students produced research, regular reflections, and a summative presentation this fall. Here we highlight a few of those internships found through or performed with Sacred Heart Academy alumnae. We spoke with these students and alumnae about what the program meant to them and why it’s invaluable to connect our alumnae with the young women following in their footsteps.
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“While I had the opportunity to observe probate and juvenile court and acquire firsthand court experience, the highlight of my internship was being in the presence of such a gracious, prudent, and fair leader: Judge Moore.” – Grace Guernsey ‘22 “I value remaining engaged with our current students through mentoring opportunities like the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute. I want our Valkyrie women to know that there are alumnae in every career path ready and willing to help them along the way. Valkyries like Ellen Hesen ‘76, Judge Audra Eckerle ‘84, and Judge Susan Schultz Gibson ‘78 have been amazing community leaders that I’ve had the privilege to work with during my career in law. I’ve looked up to these women with admiration and awe, but also as Valkyrie sisters I could reach out to for help or guidance. Our alumnae network is amazing!” – The Honorable Jessica Moore Spalding ‘99
Sally Harrison ‘22, Finance,
Kate Kirchdorfer ‘22, Philanthropy in Business,
Duneglass Capital, Chicago, Illinois
ISCO Industries, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky
Daniel Hosler,
Eleanor Venhoff Renfroe,
Managing Partner, and Founder, Duneglass Capital
Director of Communications, ISCO Industries, Inc.
Assisted by Elizabeth Wohlleb ‘95 and
“I am so grateful for the internship experience that allowed me to begin networking and making connections with people that I will keep in touch with throughout college and my future career path. My internship helped me grow as a risk-taker and gave me confidence that I am a valuable addition to a team. I would recommend every SHA student participate in the internship program because it is a great opportunity to get professional experience and explore fields in which you are interested!” – Kate Kirchdorfer ‘22
Shilpa Borkar Hosler ’95
“The most important takeaway from my internship experience was learning you are not interested in a career path is just as valuable as finding a career option you love. You can make the most out of your internship by asking lots of questions and learning what drew your worksite mentor to their current career over other opportunities.” – Sally Harrison ‘22 “From my perspective, leveraging networks to learn and grow as an individual is imperative, and I have been very fortunate that in my early life, I joined the Sacred Heart Schools network by attending the Academy. As I embarked upon a career in the institutional investing industry 22 years ago, the stark lack of women across all levels of the industry that persists to this day has highlighted for me an even greater importance on women helping women and leveraging networks. It can’t be understated what getting these talented young women “into the room” will do for their futures. Through my involvement with the Alumnae Mentor Networking program offered in early 2020 by the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute and the SHA Alumnae Office, I was able to help make a connection for Sally Harrison ‘22 for her summer internship. Unfortunately, my own office was closed due to the pandemic. Thanks in part to my own SHA network, I identified a potential avenue for Sally to get some real-world experience. I connected her with the spouse of another SHA alumna, Shilpa Borkar Hosler (’95), who owns a private equity investment firm in Chicago. The SHA alumnae network is an important value-add to students and alumnae and should never be underestimated.” -Elizabeth Wohlleb, ‘95
“This past summer, I had the pleasure of working with Kate Kirchdorfer ’22, as an intern in our department. Throughout my time at Sacred Heart, I had many strong female mentors. It’s important to me that I follow in their footsteps by continuing to support current students and help them discover what their passion may be. Learning firsthand from those who came before me was critical in my career development and helped lay the foundation for my place in the business world. The SHA community is unbelievably extensive and strong. I have met and connected with so many wonderful alumnae in the years following graduation and am constantly amazed at the reach of our Valkyrie network.” – Eleanor Venhoff Renfroe ‘98
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The Laurel Award At October’s annual Sacred Heart Society Dinner, we honored our 2021 Laurel Award recipients, Steve and Terri Holloway Sautel ’86. Dr. Karen McNay, Sacred Heart Schools President, expressed gratitude to Steve and Terri for their generous support of Sacred Heart Schools and Catholic education. Sacred Heart Schools initiated the Laurel Award in 2002 as a means to recognize donors who have been committed to Sacred Heart Schools or one of its four member schools over an extended period. The Laurel Award recipients demonstrate interest and dedication to Sacred Heart Schools or a specific school through the consistent and generous financial support of annual fund campaigns, capital campaigns, and other special projects. The laurel tree has long been a part of Ursuline history and is a significant element of the Ursuline Coat of Arms. The laurel tree is strong, deep-rooted, and wide-branched, much like the history of Sacred Heart Schools—and much like our many award recipients. Both products of Catholic education, Terri graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1986 and Steve from Saint Xavier in 1987. They both currently serve on their alma mater’s boards of trustees, and we are grateful for their leadership and support. Terri has chaired our board’s ad hoc Diversity and Inclusion Committee and serves as Board Secretary. Steve also serves on the Catholic Education Foundation Board. The Sautels both give their time generously to our community and are clearly passionate about Catholic education. In addition to their time and talent, Terri and Steve are generous and loyal donors to Sacred Heart Schools and many other Catholic organizations in town. Terri began her legacy of giving back to Sacred Heart Academy upon graduation, and she and Steve have been consistent and ardent financial supporters of our mission. They have assisted us with our STEM endowment initiative, scholarships and financial aid, diversity and inclusion efforts, and are consistent annual fund donors. We honor the Sautels for their time, talent, and treasure devoted to Sacred Heart Schools and thank them for their example of the Ursuline Core Values of community, reverence, service, and leadership.
Past Honorees 2020 Bert and Barbara Trompeter '50
2014 Carl Hafele
2008 Chip and Kathy McNamara
2019 Dr. Mark and Mrs. Cindy Lynn
2013 The Estate of Charles S. Anning & Marjorie Sass Anning ‘37
2007 Nick Simon
2018 Carolyn Hemmer Matula '78 2017 Thomas A. Musselman 2016 E. Peter Rutledge 2015 Norma Bender
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2012 Brown-Forman Corporation 2011 Orson Oliver 2010 Nick King 2009 Doris Boland Jones SHMS ’45, SHA ‘49
2006 Mary Jane Hoben ‘73 2005 Drew Fellon 2004 Jim and Diane Thorp Buchart ‘65 2003 Al and Barbara Horton 2002 Ursuline Sisters of Louisville
Enduring Heart
Kristin Steudle ’87 has given her time, talent, and treasure to Sacred Heart Academy for 25 years. Kristin is an avid supporter of the SHA Annual Fund, not having missed a year since graduation. Her firm, Stuedle, Spears & Company CPA, has also sponsored our annual fundraiser, Interlude, since 2009.
Kristin is a current Alumnae Class Rep and reunion planner for her class. Previously, she served on the SHA Alumnae Board and the Sacred Heart Schools Board of Trustees. She also received the Heart Award in 2014 for her dedication and commitment to SHA. Kristin has undoubtedly shared her heart with our community and has been instrumental in the continued strength and success of Sacred Heart Academy. In perhaps her most enduring contribution, Kristin established the Mary Falvey Stuedle Memorial Scholarship in 2013 and has designated a Traditional IRA and 401K planned gift to support the fund. This planned gift will ensure that Kristin’s contributions continue for many years to come. Kristin shared with us what growing the endowment means to her. She established the endowed scholarship to celebrate her mother’s life, Mary Falvey Steudle ’61, and her strong belief in Catholic education. It also leaves a legacy for the class of 1961 and the classes of her daughters: Melinda ’82, Lisa 83’, and Kristin’s class of 1987. Why an endowed scholarship?
Why did you choose a planned gift over another type?
You know this is a great question! I had many reasons why I thought this was a perfect way to honor my mom and hold her memory dear. My mom’s two sisters and sister-in-law graduated from SHA, and her brothers went to the Model School. Her lifetime friends who were with her until her last day on Earth were SHA classmates. Ultimately, Sacred Heart truly was a big part of her whole life.
As I have earned more and therefore been able to give more, I have been amazed to learn that the more I give, the more I seem to get. I certainly don’t mean getting more in a monetary sense but in a warm, fuzzy feeling of satisfaction in knowing I’m helping someone else have the same experience I was blessed to have. Or in seeing the fruits of a planned gift when a new program comes to fruition like the expansion of the Learning Differences, STEM, or the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute programs. While we always need to grow the annual fund to allow for more student financial aid, I also love the thought of a lasting legacy from a program taking root within the school.
Both of my parents saw the importance of Catholic education because they were lucky enough to experience it themselves. Our family did not have a lot of extra money growing up. We always had what we needed, but it was a true sacrifice for Mom and Dad to send three girls through Catholic grade school and high school, pretty much one right after the other. It was, without a doubt, important to Mom that we go to Catholic schools. Upon Mom’s death, my Dad suggested we list SHA in lieu of flowers in her obituary. I loved the idea and was surprised that I hadn’t thought of it myself. I was a SHS Board Trustee at the time, and we were making an effort to grow and encourage endowed gifts. My Dad and I had attended the donor dinners at Trinity, and I had an idea of where their endowment stood, as well as St. Xavier’s fund. I would do anything to help SHA reach those endowment levels. With my love for SHA and wish to continue honoring my mom each year, it was natural that we endow this scholarship in her memory. I firmly believe she is smiling down, knowing that we can grant scholarships every year in perpetuity in her memory!
What does your involvement with SHA mean to you? I so enjoy being involved at SHA because it makes me feel young again every time I’m on campus. Our campus is so beautiful and not something I appreciated when I was younger. Perhaps I am re-living and seeing what I missed as a student with much more mature eyes! I have been so lucky to walk in Mom’s footsteps and maintain treasured friendships with many SHA classmates. Even when we don’t see each other often, we can always pick up that bond within minutes. For me, it’s an undeniable sisterhood bond, similar to a sorority, and I thoroughly enjoy it!
Are you interested in supporting the endowment at Sacred Heart Schools or have questions about planned giving or estate gifts? Contact Beth Clingaman, Vice President for Advancement, at bclingaman@shslou.org or 502.736.6467. FALL 2021 HeartBeat
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Class of 1971
ESTABLISHES SHA SCHOLARSHIP IN HONOR OF 50TH REUNION
To many, the idea of establishing – let alone funding – a scholarship at any academic institution, is a daunting task. There is the primary issue of finding the dollars to endow a scholarship, determining individuals willing to contribute, and learning the various components of establishing a scholarship for it to directly benefit a student in short order. When a handful of members of the class of 1971 approached the Sacred Heart Schools Advancement Office with interest in establishing a scholarship in honor of their 50th reunion, our team worked to pull together tools to educate the alumnae and communicate best practices for such an endeavor, which includes inviting SHA Annual Fund donors to continue their support, in addition to making a potential gift to the scholarship fund. 1971 alumnae Mary Sue Mattei Doran and Melissa Mershon led the effort from the class’s side to learn the process of creating a scholarship, and we began strategizing as a team to make their dream – and future Valkyries dreams - a reality. On a Zoom call in early December 2020 with a small group of ’71 alumnae and again in later communications with a broader group, Mary Sue Mattei Doran shared a story of a client of hers who had a daughter who deeply wished to attend Sacred Heart Academy, but because of her financial situation, she simply could not make 14
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that dream a reality. This barrier to a SHA education stuck with Mary Sue, who expresses gratitude to her family, for enabling her to attend SHA. It had long been a dream of Mary Sue’s to do something concrete that would assist more young women in their dreams of attending SHA. The idea had taken off among Mary Sue and her classmates, to establish a scholarship not only to help future Valkyries and to celebrate their 50th reunion, but to honor the many sacrifices the ’71 alumnae’s own families had made during their time, so that they could attend SHA. The minimum to establish a scholarship at SHA is $25,000 – the industry standard for a school of our size. If funded within 5 years, the scholarship can then spin off dollars to fund a scholarship annually, in perpetuity. The ’71 class was determined to fund their scholarship by June 2021, when Reunion Weekend would be celebrated on campus. Not only did they achieve funding the scholarship in less than 6 months, but they also exceeded the $25,000 minimum and raised over $40,000!! Because of their hard work, diligence and passion for this project, SHA will be able to award a scholarship from the class of 1971 in the Fall of 2022. It is truly an extraordinary achievement, and the first of its kind at SHA. Not only did they fund the scholarship, but this class continued to support the SHA Annual Fund as well – a critical funding source for SHA to meet immediate needs at the school. We are grateful for the vision and generosity of these strong women of great faith, true Valkyries. Below are a just a few sentiments from some of the alumnae who contributed to the scholarship initiative. In total, 108 donors made gifts to fulfill the Class of 1971 Scholarship.
If you are interested in contributing to the Class of 1971 scholarship – or any scholarship at SHA - simply visit our website and select the named scholarship you wish to support. Your Annual Fund participation also continues to be incredibly important to SHA, so we hope you will consider supporting both if you are able. If you would like to learn more about establishing a class scholarship in honor of a special reunion year for your class, let us know! Please Class of 2019…Join us on November 27 from 4:30pm-6pm for the ‘Welcome Home’ event in the SHA contact Megan Brumleve Theisen ’95, SHA Alumnae Director at mtheisen@shslou.org /502.736.6408 or SHA Director of Annual Giving, Sarah Wunderlin ’04 Connector! at swunderlin@shslou.org/502.736.6528
Welcome Home Class of 2019
Pick up your yearbook, visit with friends and fulfill your pledge commitment to the SHA Annual Fund. We’ll be excited to welcome you back “home” to SHA!
I was so thrilled to find out that we exceeded our goal! Being a part of a group of women who care enough to help others attend SHA means a lot to me. Following my mother and aunt to Sacred Heart made me feel like it was a family. The friends I made while at SHA have extended my family. I hope we can continue to grow the scholarship fund in the future. Sharon Smith Davenport My years at Sacred Heart were special, memorable, and valuable. This sentiment was echoed by my fellow classmates. Endowing the first scholarship by a class of alums, was the ultimate example of paying it forward. The class of 1971 would like to now challenge all other classes to rise to meet the challenge and put your money where your heart is. Jamie Wadell Giving to the SHA scholarship fund was a way for me to honor the education and foundation I received at SHA. A student who is awarded this scholarship will be able to enjoy these same benefits, without the added burden of financial worries. We all know that education costs – at all levels of education – are increasing. This scholarship can help reduce those costs so students can benefit from the high-quality education we all still value in our lives today. Debra Cowart Steckler It was a wonderful, unifying suggestion that our Class of ‘71 get together virtually and raise enough money for an endowment to create the Class of ‘71 Scholarship while commemorating our 50th Reunion! It was the perfect way to pay-it-forward and leave a lasting legacy. What FUN we had connecting with our former SHA Classmates, remembering so many stories about our SHA years, sharing how four years at SHA led to our happiness & success in life and anticipating the tremendous joy for at least one young girl each year to get some financial assistance from our Class of ‘71 Scholarship Fund so that she will be able to attend the BEST school - Sacred Heart Academy! Sally Eggleton Lynch I am so happy and proud to have contributed to the SHA Scholarship Fund. My hope is that in some small way, my contribution will help give another young, underserved student, the advantage and opportunity to get a great education and create memories that will last a lifetime. My high school years at SHA were some of the best years of my life. I am forever grateful and blessed! Gayle Lockhart Butler Peer Pressure. It gets a bad rap these days, but peer pressure is not always a bad thing. Classmates have talked about this scholarship for months and thanks to this "pressure" I gave so I could be part of this group of dynamic, caring, energetic women. I'm glad I did! Mary Elizabeth Schwartzel Nenninger
The expense of a Catholic high school education at Sacred Heart is an investment in the life and well-being of a young girl at a critical stage of her academic, spiritual, and emotional development. Today, these expenses are no longer kept low through the contributed services of the dear sisters who formed so many of us for years. Competitive and just administrative expenses for the faculty comprise a significant portion of the budget. Education today also requires significant investments in technology and exceptional facilities to remain competitive as we prepare our young women for their futures. Such expenses impact the tuition charged, and that figure can make this valuable educational opportunity seem like an unreachable dream for many families. Donor gifts of scholarship funds help Sacred Heart maintain an economically diverse student body deserving of the chance to experience the wonders of our community. Whether the first from a family or another Valkyrie joining a long line of her relatives, your donation provides hope for a brighter tomorrow. When you provide a donation that supports need or academic-based financial aid and scholarships, the school can support the aspirations of these girls while also being a good steward of the finances needed to meet all aspects of the budget. Mary Anne Pellegrini Beiting, Ed. D. My parents sacrificed to send us to Sacred Heart and to give us a Catholic education. We wanted to honor our parents by establishing this scholarship, so that others could have this wonderful opportunity. Mary Sue Mattei Doran When I think of all the incredible things our classmates have accomplished and the awesome women they have become, I know it is in part because of the excellent education we received at Sacred Heart. Our class valued this education and wanted to ensure girls needing assistance could have this experience also. Our fears of not being able to reach our goal quickly evaporated when our classmates stepped forward to support this scholarship. Besides donations from our class, family members of our deceased classmates made gifts in their memories. I was thrilled that my SHA “Big Sister” Anne Berry Tapp O’Brien (1968) also supported our efforts. This legacy endowed scholarship is our 50th Reunion gift that will continue to give for years to come. Melissa Mershon I was very fortunate to be able to graduate from Sacred Heart. Due to being the oldest of eight children and the rising cost of tuition at the time, several of my sisters did not have the opportunity to attend SHA. Contributing to this scholarship means that I am helping to provide a quality education and great experience at Sacred Heart for a young lady who wants to pursue this dream! Ann Bell Sacred Heart prepared me so well for college and helped me form lifelong friendships. I hope my contribution to the scholarship fund will enable more young women to have the opportunities that Sacred Heart can give to them. Patrice Frank
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FROM THE Alumnae Director Dear Valkyrie Sisters, What a year it has been since my last communication to you in the HeartBeat. I’m so pleased to be writing you from our Ursuline campus which is buzzing with full classrooms of busy students – artists, performers, athletes and academically-minded young women who are as grateful as we are to be back to full, in-person learning for the 21-22 school year. We’re joined throughout campus by our students from Sacred Heart Preschool, Sacred Heart School for the Arts and Sacred Heart Model School, who are equally busy and peppering our beautiful 48-acre grounds with laughter and intellectual curiosity as they grow and develop. Let’s not forget our wonderful faculty and staff who continue to advance our mission of being a Catholic community rooted in the Ursuline tradition, that inspires diverse learners to become globally-minded, compassionate leaders. As always, it is an exciting time to be on campus and to be a part of this dynamic place where we are celebrating our campus theme of “Community Caring for Community.”
faculty and staff are focusing special attention on the social-emotional wellbeing of our cherished students. And soon, we will gather to honor our SHA Alumnae Award recipients at the Mellwood Art Center on February 10, 2022. What a class of honorees it is!
We have picked up right where we left off pre-pandemic; safely and successfully bringing groups of current and forever Valkyries together to welcome new and returning students with summer lunches for the freshman and sophomore classes hosted by our Forever Valkyries Club and bringing generations of Ursuline-educated women to SHA for our traditional Revive the Ties dinner. We’ve hosted the first two Lunch & Learns for junior and senior students in the fields of law and business, bringing six talented and generous alumnae back to the halls of SHA to share their insights on education, career and the elusive “work-life balance”.
I invited Christie Leigh to share with you a bit about herself and her vision for the Alumnae Board. I am grateful for her enthusiasm and passion for serving you, our alumnae, students, and families and I know she – like many presidents before her – will lead this board in new and innovative ways this year. Thanks not only to Christie Leigh, but to our entire board for their commitment this year. Working alongside these women is one of the true privileges and joys of my life.
Our Class Reps gathered in October to hear from our new principal Kelly Lanza, Dr. Karen McNay and Haylen Wehr ’22, among others, about a new strategic plan for Sacred Heart Schools, and how our Lunch and Learns
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Are you sensing a theme here? Our COMMUNITY is strong, it is dedicated and it is passionate about continuing the legacy of a SHA education – the premier Catholic education for young women in our community – for generations to come. Without the commitment and leadership of our SHA Alumnae Board’s 38 members, much of the above would simply not have been possible. The Alumnae Board continues its evolution with the leadership of our 2021-2022 SHA Alumnae Board president, Christie Leigh Mueller Wells ’02. A special thanks to past president Callie Wall, for her tremendous work and fresh ideas during her two-year term as president.
~Megan Brumleve Theisen '95
ALUMNAE Connection You are serving as the SHA Alumnae Board president for the 2021-22 academic year. What are some of your
What are some of the ways the Alumnae Board is giving back to SHA through their service this year?
goals for the board this year?
We understand that there are plenty of needs right here within our Sacred Heart Academy community. As a board, we volunteer and serve in any capacity where there is a need on campus from being role models and mentors to driving students to prom; from helping set up for Open House to dress, shoes, and food drives. Our mission is to be involved and show the current Valkyries what it is to be a Forever Valkyrie and that includes continuing our core values of service and community.
One of my first orders of business as president was to make sure our members understood our purpose and mission as board members and how we can make a difference in the Sacred Heart community. At the beginning of each meeting, we review our mission and goals so that each agenda item can be aligned with our purpose: 1) Fundraising: Knowing that tuition doesn’t cover all operation expenses, how can we support and encourage financial support, 2) Involvement: Alumnae engagement and involvement on campus from the board and our classmates, 3) Recruitment for SHA: Sharing our positive SHA experiences and the value of a Sacred Heart education with our networks to help increase enrollment, 4) Valkyrie Role Models: Being strong, courageous, and thoughtful women showing current Valkyries what it is to be a Forever Valkyrie long after graduation.
What are a few of your favorite elements of serving as an Alumnae Board member and president? My favorite part of the board and serving as president is being involved in what is going on on campus. Learning the ins and outs of initiatives and the latest changes at the Academy keeps me motivated to lead the board in a meaningful way. I also love project management so I have enjoyed creating programs and initiatives with our board and seeing them through.
How should alumnae interested in getting involved with the board communicate their interest?
As a group of talented and motivated-to-serve women, we are a gold mine of Valkyries who want to see Sacred Heart Academy and the girls succeed. My goal as president is to further develop relationships with the new administration and campus organizations so that we are seen as a valuable resource ready to contribute to the growing needs of the school and the students.
We would love to have you! We are looking for women who want to contribute to developing future leaders in our students and especially need members from the 60s, 70s, 80s decades. If you are interested in getting more involved and joining the board, please email myself at ChristieLeighWells@gmail.com or Megan Theisen at MTheisen@shslou.org. We can give you more insight into what we are doing as a board as well as board requirements and get you started in the process to join.
Do you have some personal goals for yourself as you serve in this leadership capacity?
What can alumnae who are living away from Louisville do, to give back to SHA?
It has been a joy and an honor to serve in this role. Every minute of board business is rewarding as we are truly making a difference. In my leadership role, I am striving to learn more about opportunities for involvement throughout the campus in addition to athletics and alumnae relations. I strive to be a president who encourages ideas, feedback, and involvement and follows through to make them a reality. My goal is to capitalize on the generosity of time, talent and treasure of our members to create an impact and a lifelong relationship between students and alumnae.
First and foremost, make sure we have your updated contact information. Secondly, donating to the Annual Fund so your Valkyrie legacy continues. After that, we have virtual ways for you to be a mentor to students through the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute, as well as opportunities for you to have an intern in your office during the summer for Academy students or Valkyries during their collegiate career. Then of course, any time you are in Louisville, reach out and stop by campus to see what has changed (you’ll be impressed!). Principal Kelly Lanza and the faculty would love an opportunity to show you what is going on on campus.
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ALUMNAE Connection Can you share a favorite memory of your time at SHA? It would be cliché to talk about winning a state championship in field hockey, but that experience was a result of learning about hard work, teamwork and community support during an adversity-filled season. More than that season was the relationships built with fellow classmates and faculty alike. Perhaps the experience that contributed most to developing me as a person was running for Student Council President. It is that experience that taught me that if I don’t push myself to take risks, get involved, and try for something great, I’ll never find out what I am capable of. I’d like to think that my leadership and program development skills have evolved over the years, but that was the foundation to me never shying away from trying.
Who were some of the teachers/coaches who had the greatest impact on you during your high school years, and why? Four years in the classroom and five sports later, I was impacted by a variety of styles of coaching, mentoring and teaching. Mr. Buckman - who taught my business class showed me the fun that comes with working hard and making a profitable product. Ms. Cunningham - AP Psych - was constantly serving as the level-headed resource for young girls with emotions flying wild. Ms. Cowgill - the front office secretary who practically ran the school - was kind and warm and perhaps taught me life’s biggest lesson that I call on daily. With my mother a mere 5 minutes past our pickup schedule, Ms. Cowgill declined my request to use the office phone to call my mother. She sternly assured me that, “Patience is a virtue. Now go wait.” Donna Moir - as a friend and coach, she lived the example she set of fully supporting, encouraging, and developing an enriching atmosphere for female athletics. I have much of my athletic career to thank Donna for working tirelessly to generate our renowned programs. And lastly, the Colonel. I worked closely with the Colonel to get to the root of what it meant to be a Valkyrie and what we stand for. Even though not everyone appreciated the white shoes and longer skirt rules, we developed high standards for being a Valkyrie and continue to build on those today. Before the Colonel got here and listened to us as a Student Council Executive Board, the core values were hidden somewhere deep in the Ursuline philosophy. I learned that with a vision, a purpose, and commitment to seeing something through, you truly can turn around a culture and create an environment of change and legacy. It’s pretty amazing to be on campus all of these years later and to see the emphasis the faculty, students, and curriculum put on our core values. 18
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SHA ALUMNAE BOARD 2021-2022
PRESIDENT
Christie Leigh Mueller Wells ‘02 VICE PRESIDENT
Amy Helm Baker ‘92 SECRETARY
Maria Cowley Quinn ‘05 PAST PRESIDENT
Callie Wall ‘05
Emily Bearden ‘04
Amanda Bearden Miller '14
Sarah Gardner Beauerle ‘96
Lynne Porco Mueller ’78
Lauren O’Connor Bisig ‘05
Michele Oberst ‘80
Samantha Combest ‘15
Bethany Padgett ‘15
Alison Mulrooney Conway ‘97
Lee Wilkinson Receveur ‘05
Sara Freibert Evans ’03
Eleanor Venhoff Renfroe ‘98
Dana Young Ferree ‘89
Abbey Fargen Riley ‘04
Michele Zoeller Fussenegger ‘90
Caroline South ‘10
Judy Watson Gordon ‘76
Shelby Sullivan ‘11
Abigail Thompson Green ‘02
Kenya Turner ‘93
Allison Hartley ‘00
Leslye Neff Ulmer ‘80
Ruth Dilger Kelly ‘66
Ellen Kaelin Venhoff ‘66
Allison Kramer Dillon ‘10
Mary Gwen Tafel Walker ‘11
Diana Riesenberg Kupper ‘10
Sr. Lorna Weiler ‘58
Natalie Wilkerson Legel ‘07
Erin White ‘93
Laura Hubbard Means ‘78
Samantha Combest Wingate ‘15
Sarah Dentinger Merrick ‘95
Annalee Cato Worthington ‘84
ALUMNAE Connection SHA Alumnae Director, Megan Brumleve Theisen ’95, had the pleasure of visiting with Sister Martha Buser, OSU SHMS ’45 & SHA ’49, at her home in Louisville. Sister Martha recently celebrated her 2020 Jubilee as an Ursuline Sister, marking 70 years (now 71 years) in the Ursuline community. Thank you, Sister Martha, for your commitment to the Ursulines, the Church, God, and St. Angela. Here is an excerpt from the interview. Your knowledge and love of St. Angela Merici is well known among many on our campus, but can you share a bit about your journey in coming to know St. Angela better? She is a very contemporary figure. She could be the woman who lives down the street from any of us today, and she was a happy and kind woman. She taught people to be kind to one another, to be patient, not to talk about one another negatively, and to let the gossip go. St. Angela encourages us to love one another and be a beacon so that other people want to be GOOD. St. Angela came at a time when the concept of the individual was becoming more prominent. She taught us to love individually – unconditionally – you must love people for who they are. How do you recommend that laypersons and alumnae continue to live out the Ursuline mission and St. Angela’s charism? How do we inspire our students to know her, to understand her great wisdom and the risks she took for God? Continue to teach the charism of St. Angela in the schools. We should remind our students not to take life so seriously; lighten up a bit, be happy. We all know who’s in charge here-God. St. Angela was a happy person, and we are good, so we should be, too. You spent many years on the Ursuline campus as a student, educator, and Sister. Can you share some of the changes that have taken place that make you most proud as an alumna and an Ursuline? I am proud of the ways the schools have grown. The building where I went to grade school is no longer there; it is one of the few buildings that we have dismantled in our history, and it was near the current Brescia Hall. I recall when Brescia was built, and I remember not wanting the building to go up because it was where we played! But the buildings have all been used for so many great purposes; one was a dorm for Ursuline College, another for college classrooms. Where the Model School is now was the Academy building when I attended SHA. I spent four years in that building. Overall, I am impressed and so pleased with how the campus has evolved. What was recently done with the Motherhouse is remarkable to me. To see all the updates made on the inside makes me very happy, and I am so pleased with how well they have taken care to upgrade and repurpose the space for the schools’ administration. The auditorium (Ursuline Arts Center) has been enhanced, though it is very much the same building I remember, with more comfortable seating, the addition of the atrium, etc. I think the broad variety of
productions really lends itself to the changes that have been incorporated. And the amphitheater! It is just beautiful, and it makes me proud to show it to people. On 9/11/01 – the day our country was attacked – we had an all-campus prayer service in the amphitheater/ front campus grounds. It was such a moving experience that I will never forget. It is wonderful how the schools utilize the space as they do, on the grounds that face Lexington Road. When I was a student here, we did not use the space in such a way. It makes me so proud to see how students, faculty, administrators from our entire campus have come to know that space as one that we frequently use, whether to come together as a campus or teachers take their students outside to enjoy the space and outdoors. We have used our facilities so well on this campus. I am extremely impressed with the educational changes at the schools, too. I recently was in the classrooms at the Model School and saw the modern settings for students. It is just amazing. What do you view as some areas of great opportunity at Sacred Heart Schools as we enter a new phase of leadership in the schools and within the Ursuline leadership as well? Do you have a vision of what you would like our schools to look like 10, 25, 50 years from now? I’d like the schools to keep doing what they are doing; keep that up. Be open to change. I think the schools are in capable hands and are doing remarkable work. The Sisters are also doing remarkable things. We are only 45-strong, but we do pray. We are serious about that. People used to say to me, “What grade do you teach?” Now, they say “Please pray for me.” If you could share one message with our alumnae sisters and students at SHA, what might that be? Believe in how good you are. Be your best self. Do not be influenced by how others may characterize you, be happy in who you are. Teachers have a powerful position to be able to bring out the good in children, perhaps even when others may not be focused on it. We need more of that. I would also remind them to spread the joy of God, the beauty of God. A final thought - I love being old. If I can continue to hold the love in my heart that God has given me, I will be pleased. I never want to become a grouchy, older person. Be happy because you are good. One of the people I work with as a spiritual guide tells me that he wakes up each day and says to himself, “I am alive, and I am loved.” That is a really great way to start your day. You can’t go wrong with that.
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GIVINGHeart TOHeart As a SHA alumna and the Director of Annual Giving for Sacred Heart Schools, one of my favorite parts of Reunion Weekend is presenting an oversized check to Dr. McNay to recognize reunion year giving!
Last year, SHA was blessed to have 19% of alumnae in classes ending in 1 and 6 supporting the SHA Annual Fund. Their giving represents 11% of the SHA Annual Fund goal for 20-21. We would not have a successful Annual Fund without our reunion giving program, THANK YOU! This year I hope to continue that tradition and challenge my Forever Valkyrie sisters in the classes ending in 2 and 7 to help SHA present another check in celebration of your commitment to Dear Sacred Heart. Making a gift in celebration of your reunion year is a great way to give back to a place that gave each of us so much. Make your gift now in celebration of your class by visiting www.shslou.org/giving/ or mail your check to SHA Annual Fund, 3115 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206. Together in Heart,
Would you be interested in some friendly competition? Consider making a challenge gift to SHA to help your class increase participation in the Annual Fund. Your gift will support students and faculty and inspire classmates to make their gift to SHA. Are you celebrating a milestone reunion? Is your class interested in doing something in addition to your Annual Fund gift? Read more about the journey of the Class of 1971 establishing their scholarship (pgs 14-15). We can walk you through putting together some amazing ways to celebrate your big reunion! Please contact our office to discuss ideas.
Sarah Wunderlin ’04 Director of Annual Giving Don’t hesitate to contact Sarah Wunderlin’04 at swunderlin@shslou.org or 502.736.6528 to learn more.
Calling SHA Alumnae in the Classes of 1962-2017… 2022 is your Reunion Year!
Join us on campus the evening of Friday, June 3 for a tailgate-style gathering, Golden Grads Luncheon (classes of 1972 and prior) and class parties Saturday, June 4 and Mass & Brunch in the Motherhouse on June 5. Mark your calendars and plan to return to Dear Sacred Heart to renew your SHA Valkyrie ties. It’ll be a weekend you’ll never forget!
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Class Rep Connect Sacred Heart Academy
Revive the Ties
SACRED HEART ACADEMY ALUMNAE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021
Revive the Ties is back! After we missed a year of welcoming alumnae and their current Valkyrie students, it was wonderful to once again celebrate the strong legacies of three Louisville Ursuline schools--Sacred Heart Academy, Ursuline Academy and Angela Merici High School. What a wonderful night of community with more than 150 Forever Valkyries!
The SHA Alumnae Board hosted its annual Class Rep Connect event October 8, 2021, the first in-person class representative event in two years! We welcomed alumnae class reps from every decade back to the 1950s – over 80 in total, including three of our cherished Ursuline Sisters, Sister Judith Rice ’62, Sister Rita Joseph Jarrell ’62 and Sister Martha Jacob ’53. Alumnae gathered in community over dinner and heard a dynamic set of presentations from Dr. Karen McNay, President of Sacred Heart Schools, Beth Clingaman, SHS VP of Institutional Advancement, Kelly Lanza, Principal of SHA, Lauren Hitron ’99, Director of the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute and Haylen Wehr ’22, who shared about her leadership experience as a Frazier Fellow. When you graduate from SHA, you join a special network of nearly 12,000 living alums from all over the country who love and support you in your personal and professional life. You're part of the heart! A special thank you goes out to our SHA Alumnae Board and Class Rep committee chair, Samantha Combest Wingate ’15, Alumnae Board president Christie Leigh Mueller Wells ’02 and the 365 class representatives who help keep the Valkyrie bonds strong!
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CLASS Notes
1957
1990
Alumnae from the class of 1957 gathered in August for lunch and to catch up with one another. Theyy have regularly gathered (taking a break during the pandemic) since graduating from Dear Sacred Heart and it’s clear their Valkyrie bonds continue to be strong!
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH – a leading expert in the field of food allergies and a boardcertified pediatrician – has released the book Food Without Fear. The book aims to help the reader better understand their relationship with food, and how it can best serve our bodies, especially for those who suffer with food allergies. Dr. Gupta is also a health researcher and serves as the founding director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. We know this book will have a positive impact on the lives of many. Congratulations, Dr. Gupta!
1969 Congratulations are in order for Agatha Kenealy Fox and her husband, Terry. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by friends and family. Cheers to many healthy years ahead for this beautiful couple.
1991
1970’s Alumnae from classes throughout the 1970s gathered with Sister Lynn Jarrell ’66 over Reunion Weekend to celebrate the first ever “Deech” (Debate & Speech Club) reunion on June 5, 2021. The Club was moderated by Sister Lynn during her time as a teacher at SHA. A luncheon gathering was organized by alumnae Mary “Beth” Hammer ’76 and Mary Ann Fenwick Weisenberger ’78. The alumnae gathered together to share what they have been up to since graduating and reminisced about their favorite memories of this special group that they were a part of – what an incredibly inspiring group of women! The debate & speech skills took these women so far in their lives, that was clear from the discussion among the group. The photo includes: Beth Hammer ’76, Mary Ann Fenwick Weisenberger ’78, Meg Hammer Adams ‘79, Cynthia Pierce Elder ‘76, Stacey Hennessy ‘76, Nancy Bilek Robinson ‘77, Sr. Lynn Jarrell ‘66, Melissa Uhl Draut ‘77, Carol Haffner Heckman ‘78, Maynette Smith ‘79, Carol Banks Scharmer ‘78, Minga Banks ‘75, Lisa Lange Krebs ‘75, Kathy Quesenberry ‘79, Barbara Eickmeyer Blaylock ‘77, Chris Sheridan Curl ‘75. 22
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Laura Schwab was inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni in September of 2021. Laura received her J.D. from University of Kentucky’s J. David Rosenberg College of Law in 1998. She is currently serving as the Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Rivian, an electric car company. Congratulations to Laura! Photo by Tim Webb
1994 is thrilled to announce the release of her second chapbook, Matrilineal, available online for purchase at Georgetown, KY-based Finishing Line Press. Congratulations, Therese!
CLASS Notes
1995 As a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Angela Sanfilippo Casey, MD’s medical practice focuses on the treatment of skin cancers, which she notes are in many cases, preventable. Inspired by her own three daughters, ages 7, 10 and 13, Dr. Casey set out to create a skincare line for girls that would help provide safe and effective skin care while helping girls learn healthy habits at an early age, to foster prevention rather than treatment of skin damage as they grow older. The result is the Bright Girl by Angela Casey MD skin care line, the first of its kind for girls ages 6-18. The brand empowers girls to understand, appreciate and care for their wondrous skin. Dr. Casey worked closely with a team of cosmetic chemists and other experts to create the exact skincare formulas that she wanted her own daughters to have. Every active ingredient was hand-picked. Now, she finds herself borrowing their lotions and cleansers instead of the other way around! To learn more, visit www.brightgirl.com and follow on Instagram at @brightgirlbeauty. What a couple of years it has been for Kristen Jordan. After embarking on the journey to complete her MBA through the Northwestern University Kellogg Executive MBA program in 2019, Kristen received a cancer diagnosis and months of surgeries and treatment, moved to a new home, continued her role as mom to son Julian, all in the midst of a global pandemic! In July 2021, Kristen proudly graduated from her MBA program and is so grateful for the support of her classmates, family and friends for getting her to this point. Her health is good, and she is looking forward to all that the future holds for she and Julian! Talk about a strong woman of great faith!
1996 Kelly Kimbel-Doyle wanted to check off an item on her bucket list: to finish a Half Iron Man (70.3 miles). December 2020 in Frankfort, Michigan 70.3 was found as the race destination. This challenge isn’t for the lackadaisical type as it takes more mental strength than physical at times to swim 1.2 miles, tackle a 56-mile bike ride and then run 13.1 miles (a half marathon) to the finish. Training was grueling at times meaning 4 am wake up calls several times a week for many months so family time would not be as interrupted. Training miles since 1-1-21 totaled 58.4 miles swimming, 2,369.23 miles biking and 209.5 miles running, but it took a lot of conditioning before that too. Kelly took her time yet finished strong with a 7:48:49 finish. A proud moment that will last a lifetime! She is already trying to figure out where she can travel to for the next one!
2003 Kudos to Brooke McVeigh Mugavin, who was named as one of Louisville Business First’s 2021 “Forty Under 40”. Brooke serves as the vice president of operations/chief transition officer, Confluent Health. Congratulations, Brooke!
2005 SHA graduates from multiple generations gathered in Chicago, IL for the wedding of Julie Wunderlin to Alex Miramontes on September 4th. Thanks to Roni Rose Photography for capturing this group of Valkyries including: Terese Kearns Fister ’70, Meg Fister ’05, Pat Wunderlin Stiglitz ’65, Sarah Wunderlin ’04, Julie Wunderlin ’05, Rachel Wunderlin Rothschild ’04, Anita Zeller Wunderlin ’77, Ann Marie Brodarick ’05, Audrey Fenwick ’06, and Emily Teaford ’06.
2007 Tess Finnegan McQueen and her husband Tyler McQueen welcomed their first son, Arthur Finnegan McQueen, into the world on August 22, 2021. The family resides in Louisville.
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CLASS Notes
2008 Rachel Carney Heitkamper and her husband Rodger welcomed their son, Weston Brown on Sunday, April 4th. He joins big brothers Max, Braden, William and Russell.
Sara Browning Lucas and her husband welcomed their handsome son Colt Liam Lucas into the world on January 14, 2021. The family reside in Paducah, KY.
2011 Katie Bishop Ferch '11 married Derek Ferch on June 5, 2021 at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Many SHA alumna were in attendance including (from left to right) Maddie Peabody '11, Alexa Lioutas '11, Corinne Peabody '13, Olivia Niehoff '12, Morgan Clemons Davis '11, Katie Bishop Ferch '11, Kristin Windchy Law '03, Mary Gordon Stough '10, Kristen Clemons '20, Connie Ferch Kuebbing '04, Kristina Garvey '03, Becca Kopple Hilbert '03, Annamarie Carden Campbell '11.
2013 Kristin Matula was honored to be promoted to First Assistant Field Hockey Coach at American University this July after serving as the second assistant for three years! “I am excited to take a step forward in my coaching career. This promotion allows me to continue to dedicate my time and passion to the exceptional field hockey program at American University and I pinch myself every day I get to coach the sport that I love and witness a group of strong female athletes succeed both on and off the field." Congratulations on this promotion, Kristin! In September we wear gold...and cut our hair! September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and this year to celebrate, Alli Overfield donated ten inches of her hair in support of the patients she serves. Alli is currently a registered nurse in pediatric oncology, a job she dreamed about since her time at Sacred Heart. Advocacy, education, and service are at the center of what she does each day as a nurse. Donating her hair was a small way to put these values into action to remind her patients that no child fights alone.
2015
CLASS NOTES UPDATE & PRAYER REQUEST If you have news to share or a new mailing address, please contact our alumnae office: Sacred Heart Academy Alumnae Office 3115 Lexington Road Louisville, KY 40206 mtheisen@shslou.org You may also share information online by visiting: https://sha.shslou.org/apps/form/class-notes 24
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Jasmine Lacy Young just finished a Frank Sinatra tribute show in an outdoor tent over the summer and it was so much fun! It has been such a dream to be performing again since the long pandemic hiatus. Now, she is performing as Pilar in Legally Blonde the Musical. Both shows have been with Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and it has been a wonderful experience working with this company! Jasmine also has other exciting projects lined up that will be announced soon! She is feeling so grateful for the love and support from her Louisville family especially, SHA. Without her mentor, and one of her biggest supporters, Jill Schurman, she says she wouldn't be where she is today!
FOSTER THEIR CREATIVITY at
• Group Dance and Drama Classes + Productions • • Group Visual Arts Classes • Private Music and Vocal Lessons • Whether your young star loves acting, dancing, painting, or singing, or wants to learn the violin, guitar, piano, harp, ukulele, and more….Sacred Heart School for the Arts has an after-school or summer spot waiting!
Register now, and watch them shine!
Classes begin in January and run through April or May, many with a culminating performance in our state-of-the-art, 500-seat Ursuline Arts Center theatre.
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IN
Memory
Alumnae Amy Alsup Aubrey ’77, died July 13, 2021. Carol Hasselwander Bauer ’54, mother of Nancy Bauer ’83, Sara Bauer Thomas ’88 and grandmother of Brook Bauer ’16, Allison Bauer ’19, Meredith Bauer ’21, Lilly Bauer ’21, Lindsay Thomas ’22 and Lauren Thomas ’24, died May 21, 2021. Rosanna Schmitt Buckley ’60, died June 5, 2021. Christina Marie Duff ’06, died September 4, 2021. Leah Michelle Fields ’08, daughter of Diane Rusch Fields ’79, died June 30, 2021. Nancy Freibert ’76, sister of Cathie Freibert ’70 and Ellen Freibert ’72, died May 28, 2021. Mary Ellen Wickham Harrison ’54, sister of Colleen Wickham Sparks ’57, died September 14, 2021. Carol Hardman Holloway ’66, died August 9, 2021. Nila Lea Hammond Jaeger ’76, sister of Katherine Anastasia Hammond ’79, died August 21, 2021. Sarah Elizabeth Keaney ’99, daughter of Patty Eckerle Keaney ’71 and sister of Susan Keaney Brown ’97 died July 14, 2021. Mary Agnes Yurt Kenney, grandmother of Melissa Pawley ’05, Allison Pawley ’10, Lydia Pawley ’13, Maria George ’15 and Laura Kenney ’23, died September 14, 2021. Suzanne Smith Klemenz ’48, died September 7, 2021. Carolyn Hubbuch Knop ’51 mother of Cara Knop Boone ’73, Donna Knop Long ’78, Caroline Knop ’83, Tamara Knop DeMuth ’88, grandmother of Erika Knop Minielly ’08, Kristi Knop Stewart ’11, Mary Long ’13 and sister of Marilyn Hubbuch Allen ’50, died August 23, 2021.
Family Elizabeth Campbell Moir ’07, sister of Catherine Campbell Meyers ’06, Annamarie Campbell Carden ’11, daughter-in-law of Donna Bender Moir ’79 and sister-in-law of Megan Moir ’08, Mackenzie Moir ’11 and Meredith Moir ’15, died August 27, 2021. Jean Willenbrink Perrone ’50, mother of Elaine Perrone Griffin ’75, Jeri Perrone ’77, Jan Perrone Wold ’78, Lou Ann Perrone Fenwick ’78, Ellen Perone Rettig ’88, grandmother of Audrey Fenwick ’06, Emily Perrone ’17, Magdalen Perrone ’22 and sister of Sr. Louise Marie Willenbrink, OSU, ’52 (dec.) and Ruth Willenbrink Gonzales ’57, died August 20, 2021. Rose Marie Cassidy Pierce ’48, died June 3, 2021. Mary Jane Smith Shaughnessy ’45, mother of Debbie Shaughnessy Bauer ’72 and Teri Shaughnessy Jamison ’76, died May 23, 2021.
Reza Ahmari, husband of Ann Wagner Ahmari ’64, died June 1, 2021. Robert Arnold, husband of Sharon Cecil Arnold ’59, died October 2, 2021. Earl Buehner, father of Jenny Buehner Ramsay ’71, died September 21, 2021. Jesse Charles Bollinger Jr., father of Jamie Bollinger Taylor ’74, Jessica Bollinger ’76, grandfather of Julie Taylor Locke ’98 and brother of Nellie Bollinger Stahlman ’57, died August 1, 2021. Maxine Branham, mother of Connie Branham Johnson ’72, Kathy Branham Adamson ’73, Cynthia Branham Brown ’78, grandmother of Katie Brown Smith ’04 and Kathleen Adamson Leezer ’05, died May 26, 2021. Dianne Carney Burger, mother of Bethany Burger Winebrenner ’91, died June 22, 2021.
Maynette Bailey Smith ’49, mother of Maynette E. Smith ’79 and Allison Smith Jones ’85, died June 2, 2021.
Gentry Buckler, father of Monica Buckler Altman ’96 and grandfather of Emory Jackson ’19, died June 11, 2021.
Susan Price Spalding ’56, died May 18, 2021.
Leonard Stanley Chauvin Jr., grandfather of Kate Chauvin ’09, Lucy Chauvin ’11 and Claire Chauvin ’14, died May 13, 2021.
Alexis Von Roenn Stevenson ’69, daughter of Catherine Bauer Von Roenn Davis ’40 (dec), sister of Joan Von Roenn Winkler ’63, Peggy Von Roenn Widener ’71 (dec), Vicki Von Roenn Green ’75 and Mary Lynn Von Roenn Garrett ’77, died August 8, 2021. Amy Barnes Underwood ’87, died July 28, 2021.
Oliver Clark, father of Diana Clark ’72 and Susan Clark Schultz-Gelino ’76, died January 5, 2021. Mary Ollie Clayton, grandmother of Erin Will ’91, died August 1, 2021.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Davidson Whearley ’60, died August 15, 2021.
Rebecca Crew, mother of Donna Crew Quesenberry ’78 and grandmother of Katelyn Quesenberry ’17, died June 29, 2021.
Erin Brady Worsham ’76, sister of Kelly Brady Dockter Dean ’74 and Shannon Brady Lutz ’81, died June 2, 2021.
Albert Doll Jr., father of Pamela Doll Costin ’84 and Karen Doll English ’88, died September 1, 2021. James Dooley, husband of Martha Bayens Dooley ’59, died October 1, 2021.
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HeartBeat SHSLOU.ORG
IN Memory Georgia M. Doukas, mother of Debra Doukas ’85, died July 13, 2021. Anastasia Downs, mother of Edith Downs Rendon ’78, Susan Downs Geyer ’80 and Kathleen “Kitty” Downs Huber ’81, died September 27, 2021.
Alan Hughes, son of Nancy Zehnder Hughes ’53, brother of Elaine Hughes Howard ’81 and Anne Marie Hughes Horn ’83, died August 11, 2021.
Charles Edward “Chuck” Russ Jr, father of Rebecca Russ Spencer ’99, died September 29, 2021.
Stella Miller Kaelin, mother of Karen Kaelin Scully ’69, died May 31, 2021.
Daniel Miller Smith, father of April Smith ’95, Loren Smith Catrambone ’97 and Hayley Smith Lopez ’05, died September 3, 2021.
John Emmerich, husband of Connie Westerman Emmerich ’56, died August 23, 2021.
Clayton Allen “Clay” Keibler, brother of Lauren Keibler O’Connor ’00, died September 2, 2021.
Jean D. “J.D.” Farley, father of Becky Farley Ritz ’69, Vicki Farley Whalen ’71, Janice Farley Vetter ’75, grandfather of Bridget Vetter Hester ’05 and Olivia Vetter Povieng ’11, died June 1, 2021.
John “Junie” Frederick Klostermann Jr, brother of Sharon Ann Klostermann ’61, died August 19, 2021.
James “Jay” Felz, husband of Sarah Stivers Felz ’75 and father of Mary Katherine Felz Hammond ’08, died July 5, 2021. Bernice Fisher, mother of Mary Jo Fisher Lipp ’66, died June 22, 2021. Mariellen Francis, mother of Mindy Francis Glass ’87, grandmother of Megan Ciampa ’10, Kelsey Ciampa, ’12, Sarah Ciampa ’16, Molly Glass ’20 and Mallory Glass ’22, died July 25, 2021. Robert E. “Eddie” Franklin, father of Melisa Ann Franklin Tomes ’80, died August 8, 2021. Joseph Anthony Fries, father of Catherine Fries McCracken ’83, died July 11, 2021. Frederick Thomas “Fred” Godecker, brother of Sherry Godecker McFarlane ’64, Barbara Godecker Dunne ’66 and Nancy Godecker Minieri ’69, died June 12, 2021. James Halpin, father of Maria Halpin Buckner ’85, died September 6, 2021. Robert “Bob” Mathew Haragan, father of Ellen Haragan ’69, Nancy Haragan ’69 (dec.) and Mary Haragan Radway ’72, died October 15, 2020. Catherine Harrod, sister of Beth Harrod Barrett ’72, died September 17, 2021. Dennis Joseph Haugh, husband of Nancy Stauble Haugh ’58, father of Laura Haugh-Scheidt ’81 and grandfather of Carolyn Haugh ’14 and Erin Haugh ’21, died May 16, 2021. Joseph Rene Havill, father of Stacey Havill Watson ’82, Kristin Havill Rock ’92 and grandfather of Emily Watson ’13, died July 26, 2021.
Louise Kelly, mother of Susan Kelly Davis ’71, died June 16, 2021. Jeanne Quinn Kircher, mother of Beth Kircher Atkins ’79, died August 18, 2021.
Hugh Mattingly Spalding, Jr, brother of Betty Spalding Rataj ’66, died July 28, 2021. William Joseph “Bill” Spath, brother of Rose Mary Spath Kithcart ’72, died June 26, 2021. Doug Stegner, father of Beth Stegner Peabody ’79 and Missy Stegner Vella ’86, and grandfather of Madeline Stegner ’11 and Corrine Stegner ’13, died June 23, 2021. Leonard “Len” Strom, husband of Susan Smith Strom ’64, died July 17, 2021.
Michael Kurzendoerfer, brother of Marilyn Kurzendoerfer Rose ’66, died August 18, 2021. William “Skip” Lepping, father of Kathy Lepping Fiorini ’67, Laura Lepping Fitzgibbons ’68 and Karyn Lepping Cooper ’69, died July 11, 2021. Edna Madison, grandmother of Mareah Madison ’09, died September 20, 2021. Ronald McGuire, father of Kathy McGuire Deeds ’80 and Peggy McGuire McWilliams ’81, died July 17, 2021. Carrie Kay McCoy McKenzie, mother of Tamara McKenzie Boren ’02, died August 15, 2021. Susan Meyer Moore, mother of Jessica Moore Spalding ’99, died August 1, 2021. George Joseph Motiff Jr., father of Monique Motiff Burns ’87, died May 15, 2021. Dorothy Byerly Mullane, mother of Nancy Mullane Berry ’74, Amy Mullane Soergel ’78 and Jeanne Mullane Oliver ’82, died June 19, 2021. Dennis McDermott Murphy, husband of Lisa Linville Murphy ’70, died August 28, 2021. George Robert O’Bryan, father of Michelle O’Bryan ’85, died May 7, 2021.
Shirley Ann Sullivan, mother of Katie Sullivan Caswell ’85, died May 21, 2021. J. Clifford “Cliff” Todd, father of Mia Todd Smith ’80, Stacy Todd ’82 and Kelly Todd Cohen ’84, died July 13, 2021. Bernita Ward, mother of Nancy Ward Davis ’69, died August 18, 2021. Fred Weitendorf, husband of Terri Kruse Weitendorf ’82, died August 9, 2021. Charles Kenneth Weixler, father of Julia Weixler Habsburg ’72, Elaine Weixler Brown ’74 and Alyce Weixler ’81, died June 21, 2021. Mary Lou Weixler, mother of Julia Weixler Habsburg ’72, Elaine Weixler Brown ’74 and Alyce Weixler ’81, died May 10, 2021. Paul Wesley, father of Carrie Wesley Stein ’86 and Tiffany Wesley Terry ’91, died September 10, 2021. Glenna Weyland, mother of Mary Jean Weyland Gandolfo ’72, and Cheri Weyland Hunt ’76, died August 31, 2021.
Fred Oechslin Jr., husband of Kim Shircliffe Oechslin ’70, died August 14, 2021. Shirley Gruner Renders, mother of Stephanie Renders Mueller ’94, died May 4, 2021.
Edward “Ed” Hennekes, father of Lisa Hennekes Allen ’87, died May 11, 2021. Vernon Higgs, father of Pam Higgs Martin ’75 and grandfather of Anna Martin Lovelace ’08, died November 21, 2020. Ruth “Anne” Gregory Hoeck, mother of Joan Hoeck ’76 and Beverly Hoeck Woock ’77, grandmother of Beth Hoeck Anderson ’95 and great-grandmother of Gracie Anderson ’24, died August 29, 2021.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of a classmate, family member or classmate’s family member, please call 502.896.8681. You may also send a check, payable to “Sacred Heart Academy” to Sacred Heart Schools Office of Institutional Advancement 3115 Lexington Road Louisville, KY 40206 FALL 2021 HeartBeat
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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Louisville, KY Permit No. 1644
3175 Lexington Road Louisville, KY 40206 A member of Sacred Heart Schools Sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Sacred Heart Schools is a proud partner of Compassionate Louisville
Follow Your Heart /shalouisville
@shalouisville /shalouisville
2022 SHA Alumnae Award Honorees ALUMNA OF THE YEAR
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 SHA ALUMNAE AWARD HONOREES!
Allison Aubrey ’86
HEART AWARD Greg Daunhauer
HONORARY DIPLOMA
Marty Burke Murphy ’67
Jill Schurman
1860 Mellwood Avenue
VALKYRIE HALL OF FAME URSULINE TEACHING LEGACY AWARD
Eleanor Cowley Mitchell ’04
Patricia Hart ’69
Whitney Collins Thompson ’01
HeartBeat SHSLOU.ORG
February 10, 2022 Mellwood Art Center
Heather DeVore Lange ’98
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Save-the-date for our celebration dinner to honor these outstanding individuals and their contributions to our Sacred Heart Academy community.
Emma Brink ’11 Matthew Carson
Louisville, KY 40206 Visit sha.shslou.org/alumnae-awards/ to purchase your tickets today! Questions? Contact SHA Alumnae Director Megan Brumleve Theisen ’95 at 502.736.6408