The Network Marian High School
7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134
www.MarianHighSchool.net
Volume 59 Issue 7
May 2015
Marian graduate to become principal in June kathleenbever
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fter one year of Mrs. Kathy Tompkins and Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs acting as co-principals, Marian has announced Mrs. Susie Sullivan ‘80 as the principal for the 2015-2016 school year. The Marian graduate, who currently teaches American history and English at Russell Middle School in Omaha, knew that when the job became open, it would be a good fit. “I became interested in administration several years ago, but I was very picky about where I could work as principal,” Sullivan said. “I had to believe 100 percent of what the school stood for in order to work there.” Sullivan has been a strong believer of the Marian experience since she was a student here. “There are so many intangibles when one goes to Marian, things that you cannot explain to someone who has not gone here, or has not experienced it through a daughter,” Sullivan said. “I am familiar with the strong tradition of excellence and community at Marian and how important it is to keep those traditions going.” Aside from the Marian spirit, which Sullivan describes as “difficult to put into words” but “you know it is still there,” she understands the value of a Marian education. “It is imperative that [girls] have a safe place to find their best selves,” Sullivan said. “The all-girls environment and the presence of the Servants of Mary [and] the freedom to explore and learn in a collaborative, supportive and spiritual environment” are important aspects of a Marian education, according to Sullivan. And, like Sullivan can attest, the impact of the education does not end after graduation. “My college experience, 1,000 miles away from home, was not
overwhelming because I was academically prepared. I was not afraid to speak up in class or ask questions of professors because of my Marian background,” Sullivan said. “The lessons I learned at Marian have carried over into every aspect of my life.” Sullivan also feels passionate about the spirituality and faith life of Marian. “My years at Marian had a lasting impact on my own faith development. The faith formation provided by the Servants of Mary, the administration and faculty will resonate with students for the rest of their lives,” Sullivan said. Even though the religious environment has had such a positive impact on Sullivan, she acknowledges the challenges that may arise in a Catholic school. “There are so many challenges to our faith, it will be important to work with the Servite sisters and the Marian administration and faculty in making sure that we are all living up to our full potential in Mary’s image,” Sullivan said. Marian has not only had an impact on Sullivan, but it has affected the rest of her family, too. The alum had four
Marian’s biggest fans Mrs. Susie Spethman Sullivan ‘80 (in black) and Sr. Mary Gehringer and other Servants of Mary enjoy watching the Field Day festivities on April 24 at Sokol Arena. Sullivan wears a similar expression in the photo on the left, a picture of her as in the fall of her senior year.
sisters and five cousins attend Marian. She has a niece graduating this year and six potential nieces coming in the next five years. “When I look at my sisters, we all come from this same place, this same sense of strength and confidence which Marian instilled in each of us,” Sullivan said. Sullivan, a mother of three, notes how Marian has also influenced her sons. “In my own family, my Marian
Mrs. Susie Sullivan
Get to know the new principal • Graduate of the Marian Class of 1980 & Carroll College in Helena, MT • 1979 Homecoming queen • Current history & English teacher • Starts as principal on June 15, 2015 • Can be found at Marian meeting with president Ms. Mary Higgins, and current co-principals Mrs. Kathy Tompkins and Ms. Rochelle Rohlfs
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Opinion Year in review
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Blast from the past Mrs. Susie Spethman Sullivan (left) pictured with the Homecoming princesses of 1979. Photo courtesy of the 1980 yearbook
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Features In-Depth Marian girls around the world Field Day 2015
experience is reflected in how I have raised my own children. I have three grown sons, all Creighton Prep graduates, who have a deep respect for education.” Sullivan never had any daughters to send to Marian, but that didn’t stop her from staying connected with her alma mater. “I was able to keep in touch with Marian traditions through [my sons’] friends and my niece,” Sullivan said. She has also attended multiple alumnae events throughout the years. Sullivan recognizes the impact a principal can have on the Marian community for years to come. She hopes that her leadership will help students take advantage of their Marian experience so that it will continue to benefit them throughout their lives. “You don’t just go to Marian — you experience it and the lessons you learn are with you for a lifetime,” Sullivan said. “The camaraderie, the faith, the spirit of service, which is nurtured at Marian, stick with you forever. I hope to continue this experience for all girls and create new traditions to solidify the Marian legacy.”
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