Inscape - Winter 2018/2019 by MotherMcAuley

inscape News from Mother McAuley High School

WINTER 2018

table of contents n McAuley Milestones...Fifty at 50

Carey Temple Harrington ‘86 Vice President of Institutional Advancement charrington@mothermcauley.org

n Reunions 41 n Alumnae News & Events

n Advancement Updates

n School News

Jennifer Ligda Busk ‘93 Director of Marketing & Communications jbusk@mothermcauley.org Peggy Evan Rourke ‘76 Director of Alumnae Relations and Development prourke@mothermcauley.org Maura Moran Vaughan ‘07 Assistant Director of Alumnae Relations mvaughan@mothermcauley.org

Inscape Magazine is published twice a year by Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Alumnae Relations, Mother McAuley High School, 3737 W. 99th Street, Chicago, IL 60655. Copyright 2018 Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

Design and layout by Karen Culloden Hoey ‘84 Printing by Accurate Printing

President’s Letter

Dear Alumnae and Friends, One of the greatest satisfactions in my position is seeing the extraordinary work of alumnae — in their professions, families, and communities. From California to New York to Florida and many more locations, I’ve come face-to-face with women who know they have the power to make a difference in bold and often unexpected ways. While our conversations often begin with me sharing the exciting ways we are preparing our school and students for the future, it quickly turns to stories of the alumna’s own McAuley years. They speak to being academically challenged and discovering a hidden self-confidence that permeated throughout every classroom, and every relationship, whether with classmates or faculty. As you read our feature, 50 at 50, you will see this theme resonate throughout the profiles. These women understand the gift of being immersed in a supportive environment dedicated to empowering girls to be confident, creative, and compassionate individuals — independent thinkers, aware of the needs of others, and ready to make a difference in the world. Whether they have made service a centerpiece of their lives, forged a path to entrepreneurship, or pursued careers and passions in the arts, business or elsewhere, they treasure the lasting value and reach of a McAuley education and the deep enduring relationships created here on 99th Street. Today, we are 170+ years strong. Every student benefits from the groundwork laid by our (now!) 27,000 alumnae, and they are charged to pave the way for those who will follow. When you share your story with us – through Inscape, at Career Day, serving on a committee or more – you ensure that the opportunities that were so generously provided to you remain valued and available to the young women of today who will lead and serve the needs of the world of tomorrow. I encourage you to show your support by joining us for one of our many events, and to share your own McAuley experiences with future Mighty Macs, friends and relatives. Our students and alumnae are our best examples of the lifetime advantage of a McAuley education. Thank you for your support. In Mercy,

Mary Acker Klingenberger ‘75 President

M cAuley M i l e s t o ne s - F ifty at 5 0

Turning 50 . . . .many people see it as an important milestone. I think for most women it is a reflective experience, a chance to look back and gain momentum for the second act. Many believe that women at midlife are finally having their moment. We asked our Mighty Macs to share their stories and reflect on their McAuley time and its impact on their trajectory. They became physicians, business executives, CEOs, educators and leaders in their respective fields. They are high achievers in all aspects of their lives. They hold themselves up to high standards and have accomplished many great things. While their careers are varied, they all have one thing in common - a diploma from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. It was at McAuley where the die was cast for a lifetime of success. These 50 women who are either about to turn 50 or already have reached that milestone all attended McAuley and provide proof of the outstanding accomplishments of McAuley grads. One can only imagine the achievements that lie ahead for the school’s current and future students. Thank you to all who shared their stories . . . please keep sharing. After learning about these amazing Mighty Macs, I am looking forward to the future and feeling grateful for the past. Go Macs!

Carey Temple Harrington ‘86 Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Carey Temple Harrington ‘86 Carey Temple Harrington ’86 returned home to Mother McAuley in the role of vice president for institutional advancement in 2013. Carey is passionate about building relationships with internal and external constituents that further the mission of the school. She oversees McAuley’s marketing, donor relations, fundraising, public relations, event planning and recruitment initiatives. Carey has an undergraduate degree in journalism and political science from Marquette University. Her career has led her to many well-known companies, including the Chicago Blackhawks, the McDonald’s Corporation, where she worked in the global office of Ronald McDonald House Charities; and Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, where she was the capital campaign manager and then director of major gifts before coming back to her roots on 99th Street. 4

Favorite teachers She was inspired by many of her English teachers at McAuley who ignited her interest in the written word. “Two that come to mind are Ann McKenna and Barbara Gaynor.” Mac memories “I loved being a part of chorus and the musicals. Shout out to Miss Lynn Cihlar and Sr. Ellen Marie for all of their work and dedication.” Celebrating 50 Carey and her best friends from McAuley saluted the new decade with a trip to New Orleans for the New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival. They welcomed their 50s with amazing music, incredible food, boundless laughter and cherished friends.

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50

Mc Au l ey Milestones

Fifty

M cAuley M i l e s t o ne s - F ifty at 5 0 Debbie Devine-Anderson ‘86 Service runs in Debbie’s veins, whether she’s providing it across a desk or around a table. Debbie a has been a school social worker for Dolton Riverdale School District #148 since 1995. More recently, she and her husband Charlie have become owners of Mount Greenwood restaurant, Joseph’s. “It was a dream of ours -- Charlie is a chef -- to open a restaurant. It’s a great opportunity to service the community we call home.” Watershed McAuley moment “I had four phenomenal religion teachers, including Mr. Loesch, Mr. Julliard, and Mr. Peplinski who had a lasting impact on me with regards to social justice. They taught me the importance of giving back and assisting those in need.” Three things that make McAuley special 1. Its empowerment of teaching girls. They can accomplish anything they set their minds to. 2. Kindness reigns. The girls treat one another as they wish to be treated. 3. The girls channel enthusiasm into all they do! They are excited about life! Life, loves and legacy Debbie and her husband have been married for 22 years and are parents to three wonderful children. Their daughter, Sarah, is a sophomore at McAuley. “I feel blessed to balance two great careers and have time to enjoy life with my family.”

Julie Phelan Barry ‘87 Julie Phelan Barry is an in-house real estate tax consultant for BJB Partners, a company owned by her husband. “I love the flexibility of working from my home since I have four kids. I’m also happy I’m able to use my past work experience to help our family business.” Impactful faculty “Sr. Rose Wiorek, our class counselor, helped me decide on a college major. She really took the time to meet and get to know our class of 520 girls.” Julie also enjoyed Mrs. Grant in Little School. “She was so knowledgeable and laid back. She taught us the basics of teaching while making it fun for the kids and us. I taught my nephew Tommy in four year preschool then.” Lifelong friendships Julie said she cherishes the many friendships she made while attending McAuley. “I still hang out with many grammar and high school friends,” she said. “My oldest child just headed off to school at the University of

Illinois at Champaign. Two of my best friends from grade school, Barb Johnson Nelligan ‘87 and Erin Broderick Mahoney ‘87 have two upper class kids there. They have already gone out of their way to help my freshman feel more comfortable at a large university. That’s what we do when you are from McAuley,” Julie added “We take care of each other.” Heading to the Keys A crew of 13 Mighty Macs from the class of 1987 are headed to the Florida Keys in January to celebrate the big 5-0, she said. “We will enjoy the beach, the sun, a few cocktails, and a bunch of laughs reminiscing about high school,” Julie added. “It’s so awesome when you’ve known your high school friends for more than 36 years and some for more than 42.” Fun fact “I back flipped off a chartered boat in the Aegean Sea off of the Greek island of Mykonos this past summer during a mother/daughter trip. This was no easy task with the boat rocking,” she recalled. McAuley life lessons “Every job I’ve ever had consisted of working with others, whether learning on a new job or training coworkers. It’s a must to collaborate and brainstorm on ideas and know how to make the job run more smoothly and to communicate when it is not. McAuley gave me the education, work ethic, and confidence necessary to succeed in the business world.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Kathy Kryczka Anderson ‘87 Last spring, Kathy Kryczka Anderson was appointed to deputy chief for the Naperville Police Department. She previously served as a commander in the Naperville Police Department’s Investigations Division. In a press release from the Naperville Police Department, Kathy shared, “It is an honor and a privilege to be afforded the opportunity to serve in this capacity in the department I have called home for nearly 25 years. In any leadership role I’ve held, I have always been committed to teamwork, training and sound decision-making, and I promise to continue to work within those values as deputy chief. I look forward to helping shape the future of this department while simultaneously honoring the traditions of its past and ensuring the continuation of its outstanding and groundbreaking work in the community.” Kathy earned a B.A. in criminal justice from Lewis University and graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command in 2017. She began her career at the Naperville Police Department as a patrol officer in 1993. She has been instrumental in the establishment and oversight of a Crisis Intervention Team as well as the enhancement of the field training program to provide a more valuable experience for new officers. As a school resource unit sergeant, Kathy established a more robust training for school safety and violence prevention, earning her the Illinois State Board of Education Award of Excellence in 2010. A Mac who gives back Since 2014, Kathy has co-chaired the Naperville Public Safety St. Baldrick’s Event, which has raised over $1.3 million for pediatric cancer research. She has also been awarded two Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) awards and one meritorious unit award, among other honors and recognition. Kathy shares that her McAuley education “provided me the strength to go into a non-traditional field for women and be successful. It taught me a strong work ethic and to treat all people with kindness and compassion, which helps me daily in my work.”

M cAuley M i l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Colleen Gallagher Billing ‘86 Colleen Gallagher Billing’s love of education along with her strong faith has only become stronger since graduating from Mother McAuley. A home-school teacher for the past 18 years, Colleen is a home school conference lecturer and is currently the communications teacher and director of events at Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family in Downers Grove. She also teaches students in fifth through eighth grade at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Westmont how to read at Mass. In addition, Colleen owns Peaceful Interiors, a professional organization business. “I will organize anything - purses, closets, garages or homes. I love beauty and order.” Faith in action Colleen is actively involved in N.E.T. ministries (National Evangelization Teams) which consists of groups of young adults 18 to 28 who travel the country to assist parishes and schools with retreats and spiritual support. Favorite teachers Sr. Corinne Raven, Sr. Cathleen Cahill and Mrs. Jan McAuliffe. “They were examples of joyful leadership, and Mrs. McAuliffe is the reason I became an English teacher.” Favorite Mac memories Playing volleyball, winning the state championship and being on student council. Celebrating her milestone birthday Colleen ushered in her 50th birthday with a “huge party and video with messages from friends.”

Lynn Overbeek Boutross ‘85 Lynn Overbeek Boutross is an interior designer who had one of her client’s homes featured on the cover of Luxe Magazine. “I enjoy being able to help make people’s homes and offices beautiful, safe and healthy environments.” Fabulous foundation The entire staff and curriculum at McAuley, she said, were a “fabulous foundation” that gave her the knowledge and courage to explore what she wanted out of life. She also says that three of her best friends are girls she met freshman year.

The entire staff and curriculum at McAuley, she said, were a “fabulous foundation” that gave her the knowledge and courage to explore what she wanted out of life.

Pizza discussions continue Lynn said she still talks about the “Pizza Special” at lunch with her former McAuley classmates. “I can’t believe we ate that all the time,” she said. Celebrating her 50th Lynn and some of her girlfriends went to Mt. Hood on an REI camping trip. Skills learned at McAuley Designing interiors, she said, is all about collaboration - with the clients, tradesman and vendors. It’s also important to have the confidence to voice your opinion and advice in an authentic way,” she added. “Mother McAuley develops and nurtures these skills, in the way that only an all-female school population can.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50

Dr. Juliet Bradley ‘86 Authentic, accessible, welcoming and unassuming are words used to describe Dr. Julie Bradley, a family practice physician who recently retired after serving 20 years as the medical director of a clinic for Cook County in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Southern Illinois Medical School, Julie is currently spending five months in Peru working as an international doctor after which she plans to travel the world visiting many countries in Europe and beyond with her 10-year-old son. Julie has practiced internationally in the past working in Nepal, India and Peru. While it was challenging, Julie said she found it rewarding working in both medicine and management for Cook County. As she managed and developed faculty through Cook County Hospital, she also was on staff with the residency program at both Loyola and Rush hospitals. She recalled how her path to becoming a physician developed after graduating from McAuley and heading to the University of Notre Dame. “I thought about pre-med, but also was interested in English,” she recalled. She almost transferred from medicine to English. She said when she didn’t “bomb out” of the pre-med curriculum, she continued on. Theology became yet another passion and she picked up a major in theology and coupled it with pre-med. She also learned a lot about the importance of social service work, a requirement at Notre Dame. “I worked at homeless shelters and food kitchens,” she said. “Each of these experiences built off one another.” After college, she went to Tijuana, Mexico and spent a year teaching adult literacy as well as pre-school at an orphanage. She then headed to Alaska where she worked 12-hour days in a salmon processing plant. She also traveled through Mexico, Guatemala, India, Thailand and Nepal before starting medical school at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

“I received an excellent education at Mother McAuley. . . The network of support from the Mother McAuley community was like no other.”

In her fourth year of medical school, Julie took another break to participate in International Medicine, practicing in Swaziland, Peru and India. Julie recalled that her parents wanted her to go to another school, but she had her heart set on being with her friends at McAuley. Her parents finally gave in and allowed her to go to Mother McAuley.

Teachers who had an impact She immersed herself in her education while at McAuley and said she had many great teachers, from Mrs. Gainer, her Spanish teacher, to Mr. Juillard, the latter influencing her decision to major in Theology. “He made me think of life differently,” Julie said. MAC Memories She has many great memories of her time at McAuley, from decorating lockers for birthdays to taking a ride on the Vincent mobile (scooter) and later suffering the consequences by having to cut the lawn in the school’s courtyard. “I received an excellent education at Mother McAuley,” Julie said. “The network of support from the Mother McAuley community was like no other.”

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F ifty at 5 0

Joan Fitzgerald Clopton ‘87 After studying economics and Spanish at the University of Illinois-Champaign, Joan Fitzgerald Clopton ‘87 worked at Crain’s as a healthcare journalist during the mid-1990s and the push for universal health coverage. She then worked in corporate America in both healthcare and telecom in marketing and investor relations, during the “Internet bubble.” Her career afforded her the opportunity to visit most big cities across more than 30 states, fueling a passion for travel. For the past 10 years, Joan and her husband Jon and two daughters Grace and Kate have hit the road, taking trips to scenic and historic sites and national parks and museums across the U.S. “Mother McAuley provided a wonderful integrated liberal arts education but also set the foundation for leadership for me as I served as an editor on the Inscape school newspaper, even though my greatest strength (and test scores) were math-based. My career, and ultimately my life, has been multi-dimensional, not concentrated in just one function, industry or arena. McAuley established a diversity of interests and strengths for me and I have never set limits or been afraid to change direction because of it. I am so grateful for that because I have a love of learning – and travel – that has never ceased.” With only a few more states left to visit, and her 50th birthday approaching, Joan booked trips to New Mexico, Utah, Idaho and Oregon. “I can’t quite believe it, but I will be seeing all 50 states by age 50! Perhaps taking Advanced Placement U.S. history my junior year at McAuley had something to do with it. It is never too late to visit all the places you learned about in school!”

Dayna Daubaras ‘85, Ph.D. Dayna Daubaras conducts research in diverse fields such as drug discovery and sustainable energy. “I enjoy learning something new every day and working with people from diverse disciplines and cultures,” Dayna said. McAuley inspired Dayna said it was her biology teacher Dr. Haas, who was visiting from Germany, and her Chemistry teacher Ms. Bauer who influenced her decision to pursue a science degree in college. “They taught the necessary basics, but also encouraged independent thinking,” she said. “My English class, ‘Women in Literature,’ was influential as well.” Special Mac memory Dayna said she still remembers a senior trip she took with friends on a cruise from New Orleans to Cancun and Cozumel. Thoughts on 50 “Thinking it may be all downhill after 50, I literally began climbing mountains to physically challenge my aging body. I started hiking long backcountry trails to high elevation scenic views,” she said. Travel adventures “My bucket list of items included visiting White Sands National Monument, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Glacier National Park. It was fortuitous that 10

my career brought me to places within driving distance to these national treasures,” Dayna said. McAuley lessons Clear communication and effective leadership skills, she said, are essential to progress, adding that leadership means being a good listener and making decisions based on factual information. “I have collaborated with scientists from Japan, Germany, and Spain, allowing us to achieve more by combining our expertise,” Dayna said. “In the pharmaceutical industry it was imperative to understand an individual’s strengths to ensure an effective team.” Dayna said her liberal arts education at Mother McAuley gave her a strong foundation and appreciation for the arts and literature. Being a well-rounded, effective writer and speaker, she added, are important for any career path.

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Jen Rees DeJarld ‘87

Julie Fenlon Delfinado ‘86

This fall marked Jen Rees DeJarld’s 13th season as head coach of the Mighty Mac Volleyball program. She has been coaching Volleyball at McAuley for the past 23 years. As head coach, Jen has led the program to six tournament appearances, with a record of 455-72 (.863% winning percentage) for 2017.

Julie Fenlon Delfinado graduated from Loyola University with a degree in English. After a stint writing for the Daily Southtown Economist newspaper (her interest in journalism took root at McAuley while she was the feature co-editor of Inscape newspaper), she realized a love for teaching English. This August, Julie celebrates her 24th year at Joliet Junior College, where she teaches College Composition 101 and 102, Children’s Literature, and Non-Western Literature in Translation, among other courses.

In 2016, under Jen’ direction, the Mighty Macs won their 15th state title and were deemed National Champions by Prep Volleyball, USA Today and MaxPreps – the first team ever to earn this distinction among all three outlets. The Macs were also named Volleyball Magazine’s Team of the Year. Jen was named 2016 ‘National Coach of the Year’ by Prep Volleyball, and ‘Coach of the Year’ by The Daily Southtown for 2013 and 2017, respectively.

“To have the opportunity to preserve the culture that helped form the person I am today has been the most gratifying experience.” “It has been both a privilege and a blessing to coach at Mother McAuley, a place so dear to my heart,” said Jen. “To have the opportunity to preserve the culture that helped form the person I am today has been the most gratifying experience. Surrounding myself with a staff of alumnae who carry the same passion has been a key component to our success over the years.” The volleyball roots run deep in Jen’s family. In 2013, she coached the Macs to the Illinois 4A Championship. Her daughter Ryann ‘15 was a junior on the team. Then in 2014, the Mighty Macs, which featured both of Jen’s daughters – Ryann and Jane ‘16 – finished the season ranked 7th nationally. Today, Ryann plays starting libero for The University of Notre Dame and Jane is a starting setter for Boston College. During her own impressive career as a Mighty Mac volleyball player, Jen won two state titles in 1984 and 1985 and went on to play at the collegiate level at the University of Iowa. In 2006 she was inducted in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Jen also is the co-founder of Michio Chicago Volleyball Academy, along with fellow Mighty Mac Therese Boyle-Niego ’82. She currently gives private lessons and serves as a consultant for Elite Volleyball Program.

“I love that I’m in contact with students from many different backgrounds. I teach traditional students age 18, direct from high school, all the way to the 50-year old plumber who is changing careers at this stage in his life and veterans who bring their experience of doing tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Julie began pursuing her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in literacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago – a feat that took 10 years to accomplish as she skillfully juggled her schoolwork with full-time teaching. McAuley memories Playing cello in the orchestra for the school production of “Oklahoma!” and learning to appreciate the long hours that people put in behind the scenes. Fun fact Julie, an avid cyclist, biked through Ireland with a tour group, and later through the Netherlands and Denmark on her own. Marking her milestone birthday Along with her extended family, Julie will celebrate with her husband and son by feasting on long hair pasta, symbolizing one’s hope for a long life—a tradition practiced by her husband while growing up in the Philippines.

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Kathleen Doyle ‘86 Ph.D. Kathleen Doyle wants people to know that she never expected to end up in Memphis. “If you asked me in high school I would have said, ‘why would I ever do that?’ but I landed a fantastic job at a very well-respected liberal arts college, and haven’t looked back.” Rhodes College is where Kathleen has spent the past 19 years as a professor in the Modern Languages and Literature department, of which she currently is chair. She has an M.A. and Ph.D. in romance languages and Spanish from the University of Chicago and says not only is her work in the classroom an important part of her identity, but “I really enjoy what I do and love opening peoples’ eyes to new cultures and new ways to connect with other people through language, the arts and literature. It’s very gratifying.”

Mac musings “I learned to question and not accept the simplest explanation of something; to keep looking for more, to be a critical reader and thinker and to question things in a respectful and compassionate way that is productive, but to constantly try to push the envelope a little bit.” Faculty favorites “Mrs. Cathy Gainer, my Spanish teacher. I found her very motivational -- she encouraged me to keep going with Spanish. Mrs. Nina Lesch ‘75 too, another Spanish teacher.” On a school night you might find her Playing trivia. “I’m on a team that competes in weekly trivia matches at a few Irish pubs in Memphis.” Turning 50 is nifty Her friends threw her a birthday party, complete with almost exclusively 80s music. “Thinking that, at 50, your best years are behind you, that would be awful! You still have the energy and creativity to take what your experiences have taught you and keep moving forward.”

Susan Dust Drynan ‘87 Susan Dust Drynan is a managing member of Celtic Commercial Painting, LLC, a union painting contractor in the city of Chicago and surrounding areas. “We have great employees that I enjoy working with each day, in addition to being able to work with my husband,” Susan said. “As an owner, I appreciate the ability to make decisions that can positively impact our company and its future.” McAuley lessons Susan said the McAuley staff taught her to work hard and that provided her the opportunity to attend a respected university. “Raising three children and running a household and business requires a good work ethic, which I was taught while at McAuley,” she said. Mac memories “Our talent shows were a favorite of mine,” Susan said. “There was a lot of talent at McAuley and I enjoyed this annual event that highlighted many outstanding students.” She added that thoughts of the senior awards given out close to graduation still put a smile on her face because they “truly represented the many personalities and wonderful traits of our seniors.” Milestone trip planned Susan said she and a group of McAuley classmates plan to travel to the Florida Keys in January to celebrate turning 50. This group has stayed in touch and gotten together at least twice a year for weekend getaways. “Some of us were college roommates and now have children who are friends. McAuley created a family environment that fostered these lifelong relationships,” she said. Skills learned at McAuley Susan said the leadership and collaboration skills she learned at McAuley are “incredibly important. Being a student council representative at McAuley laid the groundwork for further involvement at the University of Illinois with various organizations and now in the workplace,” she added. “Some of my favorite work experiences have been collaborating with a previous business partner and old friend, working towards solving issues and improving on them.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Christine Canavan Duffy ‘86 Christine Canavan Duffy has worked for the Cintas Corporation for the last 27 years and is currently vice president of the Global Supply Chain for the company’s Direct Sales division. Her team designs, manufactures, and distributes apparel programs for iconic brands like Marriott, Southwest Airlines, Disney, Coca-Cola and Sprint. “I love this industry because uniforms give people an identity (flashback to our brown and blue Berkley blouses), but clothes are very personal,” she said. “Our job is to offer apparel programs that our customer’s employees want to wear.”

. . . the No. 1 thing McAuley gave not only to her, but also her friends, and now her daughters, is confidence. “Over the years, I have met way too many women who struggle to find their identity in the workplace.” Influential teacher “In my role, I have the pleasure of doing a significant amount of public speaking. I vividly remember Ms. Debbie Maday’s English class when I had to stand in front of my classmates and recite a section from Romeo and Juliet, and I completely froze. There was about two minutes of awkward silence that seemed to last for hours before Ms. Maday asked me to sit down. I just wanted to die, but Ms. Maday kept me after class and told me how many people have a fear of public speaking. She also told me that the more I do it, the less scary it will be. I ended up trying again the next day. I was beet red and terrified, but I did it.” When Christine got to college she decided she wanted to go into advertising and remembered Ms. Maday’s advice. She signed up for multiple speech communication classes. “I tell that story today whenever I see someone nervous to step up to a microphone.” Special Mac memories “We had a class with some real ‘characters.’ We had an awesome talent show our senior year, celebrated the Bears and their Super Bowl Shuffle, and had some great events through National Honors Society and the Big Sisters/Little Sisters program. My favorite memories are tied to sports. I remember going down state on a bus for volleyball wearing the craziest red and gold outfits we could find. Now I look at Mac Nation and I’m so proud that the tradition of being goofy, passionate fans has only gotten stronger.” Just a number “I hear 50 is the new 30. (At least that’s what

I’m telling myself!) I celebrated in June with my awesome family and friends, but since there are so many of us still connected, my calendar was booked with birthday parties through the fall. It was a year-long celebration.” Random fun fact “About 20 years ago, I was in Las Vegas for a meeting, and met Kevin Costner in the elevator at 6 am. He was coming in from the night before, and I was running downstairs to grab some coffee. I always pictured meeting a hot celebrity in my travels, but I never imagined I would be rocking bed head, make-up from the night before, and my favorite red McAuley sweatpants.” Staying in touch “Most of my very best friends today are McAuley grads, and social media has been a great tool to connect with Macs all over the country.” McAuley’s greatest gift Christine said the No. 1 thing McAuley gave not only to her, but also her friends, and now her daughters, is confidence. “Over the years, I have met way too many women who struggle to find their identity in the workplace,” she said. “They worry too much about what others think, and try to imitate the style of other leaders.”

“At McAuley, we were encouraged to step out of our comfort zone . . . Our most inspiring leaders were women. Our best athletes were women. Our most gifted artists were women.” “At McAuley, we were encouraged to step out of our comfort zones. (And I’m not just talking about asking boys to a dance!) Our most inspiring leaders were women. Our best athletes were women. Our most gifted artists were women. We graduated knowing there wasn’t anything we couldn’t do, and when you look at some of the stories from alumnae, we’ve proven that theory right! We were fierce way before Beyoncé. I am living a great life because I knew who I was the minute I entered the workforce, and now I get the joy of mentoring other women around the country.”

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Bridget Gainer ‘86 Political aspirations run deep for Bridget. That fact hasn’t gone unnoticed. MSNBC’s Chuck Todd dubbed her a “rising star in Illinois politics” in 2014, and while many expected the 10th District Cook County Board Commissioner to toss her hat into the ring in a bid for mayor of the City of Chicago in the 2019 race, she has other plans. Instead, Bridget will continue to focus on her vision on advancing the economic and neighborhood development of her hometown, and the rights of women. “I’ve always loved politics, and running for mayor of Chicago is an incredible goal. I grew up here, I’m raising my kids here. What I love most about my work is that I can make a difference, I can have impact in the neighborhoods across Chicago.” After graduating from the University of Illinois, Bridget joined the Jesuit Volunteer Core (JVC). She was trained as an organizer by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and worked in Brooklyn, NY for four years. “When you don’t have traditional tools like power and money, you need to bring people together to create change and make an impact. That’s what I learned to do through JVC. Making that kind of change in Chicago is what I’m most proud of.” Since becoming Commissioner in 2010, Bridget has focused on the two most important things for a strong neighborhood – jobs and housing. After many neighborhoods in Chicago were hit hard by the financial crisis, Bridget created the Cook County Land Bank to rehab vacant housing. The Land Bank buys vacant housing and matches it with small developers to ensure that the investment benefits the community. Bridget also created the country’s first apprentice program for financial services. Now companies like Aon, Accenture, Wells Fargo and others offer job opportunities that do not require a college degree. Her work has earned recognition from the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Crain’s Chicago Business. Bridget also fights for women and children, especially those in the County’s criminal justice system. She eliminated the practice of separating new mothers awaiting trial from their newborns, led the fight to ban shackling pregnant detainees during delivery and created the first Citizen Advisory Board for

the Juvenile Detention Center. Separately, and with the support of United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, she recently launched Cause the Effect Chicago to get more young women off the sidelines. Today, the organization has over 2,500 members. The goals for the program spring directly from Bridget’s McAuley foundation. “Most professions, other than perhaps education or social services, are dominated by men in leadership roles, and women in leadership roles is too rare. That is why an all-girls environment is so important – especially in high school. At McAuley, girls ran all the clubs, women were in charge of the school, there was no sense that you should pull back or sit on the sidelines, which we know can happen during high school. I don’t think of this as a cocoon, instead, I think of McAuley as an armor that serves you well for the rest of your life. It gives girls four more years of a head start into becoming a leader.” Favorite McAuley memory “Sister Rose addressing our class at the junior ring ceremony. She talked about what it meant to make a commitment. Our rings represented a serious commitment which was symbolic of our faith, our values, our education and all that our parents had done for us. To commit yourself to someone or something and to give of yourself to others, whether a marriage, a career, motherhood or religious life, makes all the difference. If you don’t make a commitment you don’t make an impact, and you miss out on the great joy that comes from all of that.” Once a Mighty Mac… In 2014, Bridget was the first alumna invited by administration to address graduates and guests at the 2014 McAuley commencement exercises. She describes it as one of her toughest speeches both because she was in between 300 girls and their graduation parties, and that she really wanted to convey what a life-long gift a McAuley education would be.

“Most professions, other than perhaps education or social services, are dominated by men in leadership roles, and women in leadership roles is too rare. That is why an all-girls environment is so important – especially in high school. At McAuley, girls ran all the clubs, women were in charge of the school, there was no sense that you should pull back or sit on the sidelines, which we know can happen during high school.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty at 50 Bernadette Moore Gibson ‘87 Bernadette Moore Gibson blends her heritage and love of all things Irish into thriving, and dual, professional careers. As the director of pastoral care at Old St. Patrick’s parish in downtown Chicago, Bernadette says what she loves best about her work is “accompanying people at sacramental thresholds and times of loss and reminding them that they are not alone. It is a gentle reminder that everyone suffers and we all need one another.”

“McAuley gives girls the chance to explore their voice and find a platform in the conversation. The world would be a much different place without the voice of empowered and faith-filled women.” The spiritual inspiration fostered through her ministerial work carries over into Ballyea Jewelry Design, a Celtic jewelry company she founded in 1991. Per its website, “Ballyea specializes in custom jewelry for couples creating their own engagement and wedding rings, families that desire unique Celtic family rings or pendants, and Irish organizations including churches that want exceptional designs that symbolize spirit.” It was as a student at McAuley that Bernadette first demonstrated an interest in jewelry, particularly Celtic design. She earned her master’s of fine arts from the University of Illinois and later moved to Ireland to continue her studies.

Today, Bernadette and her husband operate Ballyea out of of a store in Michigan City, Indiana, but service clients all over the U.S. and across the pond to Ireland and the U.K. They also travel to Irish festivals throughout the country to showcase and sell their wares. She says both her careers are a canvas in progress, and that they allow her to “see God alive and present in the world -expressed through the beauty of ministering to people, whether through service or creating jewelry that is meaningful and beautiful.” What makes McAuley so special “The idea that there still is a place like McAuley that encourages and advocates, and is devoted to the vocation of women is a beautiful and empowering thing. McAuley gives girls the chance to explore their voice and find a platform in the conversation. The world would be a much different place without the voice of empowered and faith-filled women.” Most memorable MAC Sr. Corrine Raven. “She was generous, attentive, joyful, funny, and she met us where we were and stretched us to our potential.” Hidden talent “I spin a mean hula-hoop.” Favorite vacation spot Sedona, Arizona. “It centers me.”

Carine Towers Girardin ‘85 Carine Towers Girardin is owner of a real estate sales and marketing company and credits Mother McAuley with getting her to where she is today. “I believe my education and experiences at McAuley were crucial in forming the professional I am today,” Carine said. “I also believe that I own a successful business because of some of the early messages during high school that we can do whatever we put our minds to.” She said she loved everything about McAuley from the classes to her experiences on the track and cross country teams. Lovin’ 50 “I already ushered it in and love the experiences of this decade - empty nesting, enjoying the amazing things the kids are doing, traveling and the ownership opportunity of the company I had been with for over a decade.” Still runs Even after all the running she did at McAuley, Carine said she still runs daily with her dog.

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Kerri Carmody Gorman ‘86 Compassion for others is just one of many attributes Kerri Carmody Gorman walked away with upon graduating from Mother McAuley. It is that compassion that she has carried with her in her career as an occupational therapist (OT) at Eisenhower Cooperative in Crestwood. In her position, Kerri evaluates and establishes treatment plans for children who are developmentally delayed or have suffered a traumatic incident.

Shawn Gory-Good ‘86

“What I think I love the most, other than the actual work with the kids, is that I can offer hope to families who are discouraged, humor if they need it and options for the future that they might not have

Shawn Gory-Good is a paralegal specialist for the United States Government and has been a government employee for 30 years. Inspiring teachers There were many to choose from, Shawn said. “Sister Cathleen Cahill and I began a wonderful friendship and have kept in touch over the years. Sister Ellen Marie Ryan inspired me to continue playing a stringed instrument and I continue to play (guitar) for the Most Holy Redeemer choir.” Mrs. Sunquist, she said, had a lasting impact on her in that she regularly speaks French to passengers at O’Hare. All, she added, were wonderful teachers. Mac memory “...attending senior year with my Bears shirt on over my uniform when they won the Superbowl and the Big Sister/Little Sister roller skating party at Oak Lawn Roller Rink.” Milestone beyond 50th Shawn and her husband are celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary with their three children on a vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida. Stays connected Shawn said she keeps in touch with former classmates Candy Cain ‘86, Kelly Carsten ‘86, Clare McAuliffe Staudacher ‘86 and many others. Mac values “McAuley instilled confidence in us to express our ideas and gave us critical thinking skills,” she said. “We learned to believe in ourselves, stand up for our beliefs and treat others in a diplomatic and Christ-like way.”

considered,” she said. While a student at McAuley, Kerri didn’t know the path she would end up traveling, but “the seeds for success certainly were planted there. McAuley helped nurture qualities in me that have driven my choices in careers,” she said. “I learned empathy, and learned to respect that we all have gifts... whether we know it or not.” She feels very fortunate to be able to find the gifts in the children she works with and loves when families she has worked with in the past tell her they remember her or that she made a difference in their life. After graduating from McAuley, Kerri attended Moraine Valley Community College and then went to the University of Illinois at Chicago. When she was in school, she only needed a four year degree to become an OT. Now to become one, a master’s degree is required, and Kerri thinks in a few years, a doctorate will be required. The state of Illinois mandates that all OTs participate in continuing education, so Kerri continues to take classes and learn more about the field. Kerri’s first job out of college was at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab), working in the pediatric rehab. Her work centered around early intervention, working with children from birth to 3-years-old who had suffered injuries, prematurity or trauma. Her job required her to be out in the field, working with families in their homes.

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty at 50 Erin Halm ‘85 When she started having children of her own, she transitioned to outpatient clinics and is now in schools, where her focus remains on pediatrics. Her main responsibility is conducting evaluations and observing children to diagnose developmental issues. Her case load varies depending on need. In addition, she supervises OT assistants. She also gives presentations and conducts workshops, so there’s plenty of opportunity to develop skills in a lot of areas. Kerri met her husband, Jack Gorman, in her sophomore year and the two were high school sweethearts. They have four children - Mary Kate ‘14, a student at the University of Illinois; Ryan, a sophomore in college and graduate of Brother Rice High School; Grace ‘20, a junior at Mother McAuley; and Jack, 12. Cute McAuley memory One of her friends from Brother Rice was a janitor at McAuley in high school, and he let Jack (her now-husband) in on their first Valentine’s Day together, and he stuffed her locker with notes. Inspirational teachers Ms. Karen Neimanas, the senior counselor, is someone who impacted Kerri as a student at McAuley. Kerri struggled at times, but she said Ms. Neimanas never gave up on her and always encouraged her, telling her she was smart. “Every once in a while, Ms. Neimanas would sort of laugh at something I did, and made me feel like, she understood that I was just trying to fit in. I remember being at Moraine thinking that she would kill me if I didn’t go to college. She used to say to me, ‘you’re smart, why wouldn’t you apply yourself?’” Skills and strengths developed at McAuley “I learned how to write. People to this day have me edit their writing. We were taught the fundamentals of English so well at McAuley, and that’s a big strength because I write and present, and write out everything beforehand,” she said. “I think being surrounded by women and girls, you develop a network and you can just find yourself here. You develop your confidence here, you find your voice and figure out who you want to be. McAuley definitely gave me the foundation I needed to reach my full potential,” she said. Favorite things about McAuley Kerri was the emcee of the talent show during her senior year. She said it was awesome, so much fun. She always wanted to be a performer, and when she didn’t make the musical, she started getting involved with the talent show and used her skills in that way.

Erin Halm is an educational consultant in São Paulo, Brazil, and has published two novels. “What I like most about my job is that I help people who want to do their undergraduate or graduate studies in the U.S., Canada or Europe achieve that goal,” she said. “It’s great being part of something positive in people’s lives.” Inspirational teacher Mrs. Cathy Gainer, Erin’s Spanish teacher. “She introduced me to a whole new world that I could access just by speaking Spanish,” Erin said. Erin went on to study the rest of the Romance languages and ended up earning a Ph.D. (fully funded at the University of Pennsylvania) in medieval literature and historical linguistics of the Romance languages. “I even taught Spanish as part of my scholarship, and Mrs. Gainer was my role model there too,” she said. No harm, no “fowl” Erin recalled her role as a bird in the play “Peter Pan” while at McAuley. “They couldn’t find a bird suit for me to wear so it had to be in a chicken suit,” she said. “It was very funny; I was teased a lot, but it was so much fun.” Erin said the music and theater programs at McAuley are excellent. Milestone celebrations Erin ushered in her 50th birthday with a trip to Guaratuba, Brazil with her family, a lunch with some of her former McAuley classmates in Chicago, and a weekend get-away with college friends. Published author Erin has published two young adult novels under the pen name, E. M. McNulty, that take place on the South Side of Chicago in the 1980s. Writing, she said, is her hobby. “My dream is to make it my full-time occupation.” Stays connected Erin keeps in touch with her former McAuley classmates via social media and said while she is far away in Brazil, Facebook helps her remain connected to old friends. McAuley lessons essential Erin said the leadership and collaboration skills she learned at McAuley are very important in the workplace. “I might be old fashioned, but I also think that going to an all-girls’ school was great for developing leadership skills and self-confidence,” she said. “I loved my years at McAuley and if I were in Chicago (and had a daughter instead of two boys), I would send my daughter there.”

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Tracy Hayden Hemingway ‘86 Tracy Hayden Hemingway, an executive producer and writer at Edit One Inc., and an assistant producer of Communication at Lewis University, has published two children’s books and is working on a third. “I value working in a creative environment and also giving back through teaching and making an impact on future generations,” Tracy said. She credits all her teachers from McAuley for helping her get to where she is today. “All of my teachers had a role in leading me to my chosen career path.” Tracy recently took her “dream family trip” to Ireland with her husband and four children. They visited her grandmother’s cottage in County Cork and also reconnected with many cousins and Tracy’s first friend who moved back to Ireland in third grade.

Dr. Melanie Swiersz Heniff ‘86, M.D. Dr. Melanie Swiersz Henniff is a physician by trade, who moonlights as a law student. At 48 years of age, Melanie decided to get her law degree. Board certified in pediatrics, emergency medicine, and pediatric emergency medicine, Melanie spends her days in clinical practice at the trauma center at Methodist Hospital Indianapolis. “It’s chaotic and stressful, but really rewarding to help people and save lives. Every shift is different, never boring, and I enjoy teaching and training young physicians.

“That experience, coupled with my Advanced Placement classes made me feel very well prepared for college, so when I arrived I didn’t find my courses terribly difficult.” Melanie also is an associate professor for the Indiana University (IU) emergency medicine residency training program. By night she’s a student, specializing in health law, at the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

“There are a few MD/JD programs, and I thought about a combined degree during undergrad, but I opted to stick with medicine. Today I do a lot of medical/legal consulting, and so the timing seems right.” With an anticipated graduation date of 2020, Melanie plans to continue her work in emergency medicine part time, and to practice law as well. What would surprise your classmates? “That I went back to school at age 48. I think people always pictured me going onto a professional career, but maybe not emergency medicine given the high stress nature of the field. I think people think of me as more of an introvert.” Medi-ready at McAuley “My interest in science really began at McAuley. I found it challenging, and ended up getting a job at Holy Cross Hospital while I was a student. That experience, coupled with my Advanced Placement classes, made me feel very well prepared for college, so when I arrived I didn’t find my courses terribly difficult.” You might find it interesting During time trials and races, you may find her at the IU Medical Center at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She also spent six years as a flight physician for Lifeline, IU Health’s fleet of medical helicopters. Family affair Melanie’s husband, Tom, also is an emergency

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty at 50 Therese McKeown Hernandez ‘85 Therese McKeown Hernandez works in fundraising at an institutional investment management firm and was the first female member of an all men’s golf club in 2000. Therese said she remains in touch with some of her McAuley classmates and for her 50th birthday plans to travel with family.

medical physician. They have three children, the eldest of whom is studying veterinarian medicine at Purdue. On the run Sometimes on foot...Melanie has completed the Chicago Marathon several times and the Indy Half Marathon. Other times by plane... She and her husband recently traveled to Cuba with a medical and business study group. “The Cuban people are wonderful and welcoming, despite political tensions. They continue to evolve as a nation but have a well-developed primary care system and good health outcomes despite limited infrastructure.” In the books With law school finals looming, Melanie spent her birthday studying, but celebrated later.

Y’Llon Smith Herron ‘86 Y’Llon Smith Herron is the Second Vice President of Underwriting at Travelers Insurance. She said what she values most about the insurance industry is helping people recover after they have suffered a loss. McAuley life lessons “I think first the environment of allowing girls to be with other girls makes the learning experience more conducive to truly learning,” she said. “Part of that experience is learning to engage with people who are somehow different yet somehow the same. Learning to listen, find commonalities and focus on achieving your goals were all skills I learned at McAuley. Those skills are the foundation of leadership. Embracing collaboration through diversity of thought is what is critical today to be successful in any field.” Caring teachers Y’Llon said she loved her physical education teacher at McAuley because she always made her feel special. She recalled her giving the students treats, typically pretzel sticks, during class. “I did not like pretzel sticks so she would always have licorice for me,” she recalled. “It made me feel special that she cared enough to get me my own special treat.” She also recalled the help she received from guidance counselor Ms. Olenski during her senior year. “She helped me when deciding where to go to college and really helped me work through my concerns about leaving my mom to be an empty nester,” she said. “She was always there to listen and guide, yet never forcing her opinion on you. That’s a skill I now use with my own children.” Favorite Mac memories “One of my favorite memories was the retreat. It was overnight and it was coed. I remember at the end we had to go around and say something nice about a person. A young man in the group picked me and said he thought I was brave for sharing and he wished he could be more like me.” The Junior Ring Dance was another fond memory “I think my friends and I spent more time with each other than we did our dates,” she said. “It was so nice to get out of our uniforms and get dressed up for the evening.” Stays close to former classmates Y’Llon said her best friend is someone she met during her first week of school at McAuley. “I know that myself and many of my classmates still maintain friendships with each other. Those friendships have seen us through many of lifes ups and downs and we owe them all to McAuley.”

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Gina Farella Howley ‘86 Following her graduation from Northern Illinois University, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education, Gina Farella Howley worked for the Naperville High School District #203. She then made a career change, turning her focus to her passion: writing. Her work has been published in newspapers and magazines, such as Family Time, and in several books, including A Cup of Comfort for Couples: Stories that Celebrate What it Means to Be in Love, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She also has written poetry and prose for literary publications. “I value making a difference and being heard,” she said.

Dr. Emelie J. Ilarde ‘87, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. Dr. Emelie J. Ilarde is a prime example of what a McAuley alumna can achieve in life. President of Advocate Christ Hospital Physician Partners, Emelie serves on the Advocate Christ Hospital Governing Council and is the first and only woman to serve as a board member of the Advocate Health Care Accountable Care Organization, the largest in the country with the most covered lives. Emelie is board certified in Family Medicine and the newly elected CEO of Lawn Medical Center, a multi-specialty group made up of eight physicians with a focus on comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care from newborns to centenarians, healthy to chronically ill. “While I occasionally have a suit on and gavel in hand I really love the white coat and stethoscope. I love patient care, the daily interactions and relationships with patients and families,” she said. “For some families, I care for four generations. I don’t like the time I have to spend inputting data into the electronic record.” Emelie is a member of both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Chicago Medical Society, was named “Top Doc” by Chicago Magazine in 2018 and also has been honored for her volunteer efforts. She continues to play an active role in her faith and commit-

ment to the Catholic Church. She was a National Catholic Youth Conference 2018 chaperone, served as a catechist for the Saint Barnabas Catholic Church Religious Education Program from 2008-2017 and was a Cradles to Crayons volunteer. “My family and I volunteered at the Special Olympics 50 Anniversary Unified Cup. We were fitness professionals and assisted with performance stations. We cheered on the athletes and provided nutrition to athletes from around the world including Canada, Nippon, Jamaica, United Arab Emirates, China, Korea and Mexico,” she said. While at Mother McAuley, Emelie became more confident and improved her public speaking skills. She credited Ms. Judith Bobber for training her. “I continued to lector over the years for various parishes and when I moved to Holy Name, I told them I did not need the 10 hours of lector training since I was trained at Mother McAuley,” she said. MAC-colades In 1987, Emelie won the Mother McAuley Outstanding Service Award, and also received the Gold Congressional Award for Service, the highest award given by Congress to youth for initiative achievement and service. “I heard about this from Sister Marion Johnson. She encouraged me and was my advisor for the award. She came to Washington, D.C. for the ceremony and then sent me to the Jesuits at Loyola Stritch Medical School.” McAuley’s influence “At McAuley, a loving and prayerful community, I acquired an excellent education that served as a foundation for my successes as a woman, wife, mother and physician, ... or my Mrs. Mom, M.D.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty at 50 Inspiring teachers “I have good memories of my time at McAuley and especially remember Sister Corinne Raven and Mrs. Judy Bobber.” Island time Her 50th year also marked her 15th wedding anniversary. “I made a list of 15 things to celebrate!” She started the year with a trip to Hawaii, with her husband John, and their two children Joe (11) and Tim (7).

Kelly Blake Karstrand ‘86 Kelly Blake Karstrand is a high school French teacher, who recently received the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classroom fellowship from the U.S. Department of State. This will allow her to work in a school abroad next spring with the goal of developing international understanding. She said she finds her profession to be very rewarding. “I try to ignite a passion for exploring and expanding one’s horizons,” she said. “I hope that by introducing a new culture and way of life to my students, they learn to celebrate diversity and embrace tolerance.” French connection Mrs. Sunquist was Kelly’s inspiration to become a French teacher. “Her class was always my favorite. She instilled in me a love for the French language and the desire to travel. She made me always want to be better at French.” McAuley life lessons Learning female empowerment and working collaboratively are two important things she took away from her time at McAuley. “In the teaching profession especially, we have learned that working in isolation is not best practice. Being able to learn, experiment and work in a group setting is key to being successful.” Fun @ 50 highlight “I went curling, that crazy Olympic sport that uses curling brooms and stones on the ice.” Staying connected “Laura Spangler ‘85 is my best friend.”

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Kathryn “Kate” Kelly ’86 Kathryn “Kate” Kelly found her voice both figuratively and literally at Mother McAuley and she has been using it ever since to speak up for people, bring people together, to mentor and for advocacy. Kate has served as a U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois since 1995. Outside of work, she sang for 17 years at Saint John Fisher and now sings at her parish in LaGrange, Saint Francis Xavier. She is currently an adjunct professor in DePaul University’s School of Public Service graduate program and has taught in both DePaul’s College of Law and Loyola University’s School of Law. Kate has chaired five different committees with the Illinois State Bar Association, and has had the opportunity to swear in new U.S. citizens. She recently spoke about her experience of singing the National Anthem to newly-sworn in citizens on WGN Radio Chicago with hosts Pete McMurray and Jane Monzures. Kate also is a certified aerobics instructor, newsletter editor and does mediation work. Kate refers to her decision to attend Mother McAuley as the “best choice I ever made.” Mother McAuley had good academics and fine arts, and Kate wanted both. She was involved in musicals and plays and said she was so committed to chorus that she switched from honors courses to college prep for Spanish so she could be chorus president. The love of chorus and singing has stayed with her and for the past 25 years, during which she performed in the Chicago Bar Association Show, a musical comedy revue. Mother McAuley, she said, also taught her to be a problem solver and introduced her to public service, which are two key aspects of her life today. Favorite memories Musicals, Spanish club and being chorus president, singing at liturgies, campus ministry, American studies class and the city-wide history fair project on Rainbow Cone. Left law school without debt Kate quipped that her feedback from law school was “don’t raise your hand anymore and don’t apply for any more scholarships.” Goals at 50 Balance personal and professional life, raise independent productive adults. Giving back is important to Kate. “If you have a gift, you have to share it.”

Kate refers to her decision to attend Mother McAuley as the “best choice I ever made.” Mother McAuley, she said, also taught her to be a problem solver and introduced her to public service, which are two key aspects to her life today.

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty at 50 Lisa Goelz Messaglia ‘85 When opportunity knocked for Lisa Goelz Messaglia to transition from a career in real estate appraisal to one in academics, she answered. “I was working with Continental Bank, which was acquired by Bank of America, and I was asked to do a rotation in their college recruiting area/department. I was traveling regionally to recruit graduate and undergraduate students. At that time the University of Chicago – Booth School of Business was reorganizing and called me and said, ‘you’re the type of person we’d like to hire. Will you come talk to us?’ and the rest is history.” Fast forward 22 years to today Lisa is the associate dean of faculty and academic affairs at Booth, where she oversees academic services, registrar and academic operations, faculty services, and instructional design. She also manages a rapidly expanding staff that now numbers at 30. Previously, Lisa was the executive director of Booth, overseeing and implementing curriculum for MBA, executive MBA, and PhD programs and managing registration for seven degree programs at four campuses - Chicago/Hyde Park, Chicago/Loop, Europe, and Asia. “The Best part of my job is twofold - I work with and for a great group of people, including 200 faculty members, three-quarter of who are research faculty and who teach. The remaining 25 percent teach and have incredible professional backgrounds, serving as top executives at various firms and agencies. The other part I love about my job is designing solutions to the problems we need to solve. How do we deliver education and improve upon it? The world of work is changing dramatically and how do we prepare students and faculty for that world. That begs the question, ‘where do we want to go with our curriculum, what’s relevant, what should we be teaching?” McAuley memories “I remember attending my first McAuley open house, in seventh grade. My mom and I entered through the theatre wing and peeked into the Little Theatre, they were practicing for “The Boyfriend.” I heard these huge voices in this tiny space, and saw them doing a dance routine. I remember thinking, ‘that will be me someday.” And so it was. Lisa found her niche at McAuley singing in chorus and in school theatre productions. Some of her fondest memories involve faculty, like Sr. Ellen Marie Ryan and Brother Perkins. “He worked at Brother Rice and began a joint chorus between the schools. We sang at Masses and other events. Both he and Sr. Ellen had such an influence on me, mainly for their goodness more than anything else.”

Lisa still sings today. “I’ve always been singing. I am involved with two community groups in Frankfort where I live. One consists of 100 people aged 18 to 90 years old, then a subset which is a vocal jazz group.” Skill or strategy developed at McAuley “When you attended McAuley, you quickly realized that girls could be the smartest person in the room, they could be a leader, and they could make a difference. I gained a voice here. When I went to college I knew I could be a student leader because I had already done it. I think it built a really strong foundation. When you knew right away that you could make a difference as a woman, it was powerful.” The six degrees of a McAuley education “During a leadership retreat at Aspen, I was talking with someone about the power of single-sex education. Jane Bridgman ‘83, my Booth colleague, was across the room and overheard me say I attended McAuley. She turned and shouted that she did too. We were just a few years apart in school but never knew we had that connection.” When she’s not working You’ll find Lisa and husband, Mark, retreating to their vacation home in New Buffalo, Michigan, where Lisa enjoys cooking with ingredients she finds at local farmers’ markets. Mark often accompanies Lisa on her many business trips per year, allowing them to indulge their love of travel. Outside of work, their favorite destinations are Charleston, Phoenix and Nashville. You might find her reading “Anything: non-fiction, fiction, history, but I have an obsession with the Kennedys. I think I’ve read about 100 books on their family.” What about your life today would most surprise your classmates? “The person I am today is not a whole lot different than who I was then. I never needed to be in the front of the room, or in the spotlight; I never needed to be the star in a show. I could be in the choir and be perfectly happy. I view myself as a team player and a member of the community first and foremost. I view myself much more as someone who makes things happen behind the curtain. I care more about making a difference than people celebrating me. Maybe given that, people would be surprised that I have such a big job today.”

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Clare Kelly Metcalf ‘85 Clare Kelly Metcalf is an executive recruiter focused on recruiting CFOs and Board Directors for corporations. “In addition to my client work, I lead our firm’s Chicago and Minneapolis offices with a team of about 70,” she said. “I really value that our work has a major impact on an organization’s success as we enable its strategy through people. Everything starts with people.” Inspiring teacher “I distinctly recall Mrs. Cathy Gainer who taught honors Spanish. It was clear from the very first day that she expected excellence from everyone in the class,” Clare said. “You never showed up unprepared in that class.” Musical memories Clare said she has many great memories of her time at McAuley. The ones that really stay with her were the days in the chorus room and in the musicals. “It was obvious that Ms. Lynn Cihlar and Ms. Donna Martin really loved teaching music and theater and it was just really fun to be part of the plays and chorus,” she said. “They also inspired my love of theater which led to me joining the Board of Trustees for The Goodman Theatre.” Hawaiian celebration Clare said she celebrated her milestone birthday with a fun night with her family and then a trip to Hawaii.

applied for citizenship in Ireland after college when she was living in London. “It’s handy in case I ever want to work or live in Europe.” Stays connected Clare said she remains close to Erin Halm ‘85 and Katie Folliard ‘85, two of her former classmates from McAuley. “Last summer a group of us including Erin, Patsy Girzadas Coughlan ‘84, Beth Walker O’Brien 85 and Dana Simaitis Armagno ’85 got together for lunch. It’s amazing how quickly you can reconnect again,” Clare said. Collaboration, leadership are key Clare said she began honing her collaboration and leadership skills at McAuley and those skills are “imperative” in her job. “I interview and recruit experienced executives every day and those skills matter throughout one’s career,” she said. “They also matter outside the corporate world, whether it’s working on a committee for your kid’s school or as a volunteer in a nonprofit. McAuley does a great job instilling confidence and the idea that there are no limits to your potential.”

Two homes Clare is both a citizen of the U.S. and Ireland. She

Kathryn Morrissey ‘86 Kathryn Morrissey is an attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the deputy supervisor at the Markham Courthouse. “This position allows me to help people who have been victimized. I am in a position where I help seek justice for those victims as well as a just sentence for the accused,” Kathryn said. Kathryn credits Sr. Cathleen Cahill with setting her on the road to leadership. “I was included on the leadership council because I was president of a club. It gave me a sense of self assurance and self-confidence I hadn’t had previously.” Mac memories Kathryn remembers outside graduation and how hot it was for everyone in their long white dresses. She also recalled the terrible “smell of distillation of wood in freshman Introduction to Physical Science. Yuk.” Aloha 50 Kathryn said she planned to celebrate her milestone birthday with a weeklong trip to Hawaii. Betch’ya didn’t know Kathryn is a private pilot and owns a plane. Leadership, collaboration skills vital “I think these skills are essential. You are not going to go very far in any profession if you can’t get along with your co-workers or you don’t show any initiative.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Barbara Johnson Nelligan ‘87

Cathy Keaty O’Grady ‘86

Barbara Johnson Nelligan is president of a $20 billion registered investment company. Her group delivers regulatory administration and compliance support services to asset managers with U.S. domiciled mutual funds.

Cathy Keaty O’Grady is a Spanish teacher at Mother McAuley and a personal trainer at Treadfit, a local gym. “They are two very different jobs but yet in both I am able to help people reach their full potential. I am fortunate that every day I am encouraging strength in both mind and body.”

“I am fortunate to be part of a growing business unit within the organization,” Barbara said. “This has afforded me the opportunity to work on new product development and participate in decisions as we consider new markets and services for our clients. It has also allowed me to work with asset managers across the globe including Europe, Australia and Singapore.”

Main influences “My Spanish teachers at Mother McAuley were excellent educators who helped form my love for the language and I am still learning from one of them to this day! Thanks Nina Munizzi Lesch ‘75!”

Mac impact Barbara said she believes she has been impacted by the entire McAuley community. “I have such fond memories of so many teachers and counselors. I vividly remember classroom experiences in Spanish, biology and chemistry as well as our junior year retreat (I don’t think they had Kairos then),” Barbara said. “What I find funny now is that I moved on to the same block as my senior year honors English teacher, Mrs. Barb Gaynor. She was a great teacher and I admired her then just as I admire her now for her community involvement and for the genuine interest and care she shows her family, friends and neighbors.” Mac memory Three out of the four years Barbara attended McAuley, the volleyball team took the state title. “I remember how excited and proud everyone was. The pep rallies and games were truly electric. It was such a special experience. I see that same spirit in the student body today,” Barbara said. Milestone plans To celebrate her 50th, Barbara has a special trip planned to the Florida Keys in January with her “squad” of girlfriends from grade school and high school. “These ladies are truly beautiful people and I am blessed to call them my friends for more than 30 years (some much longer),” she said. “It is true that you form lifelong friendships from your time at McAuley. It is a Sisterhood that you carry with you long after graduation.” Lessons learned at McAuley Barbara said the leadership and collaboration skills she learned at McAuley are extremely important skills to have in the workplace. “In my experience, most business situations require you to work with multiple people with different levels of experience and different objectives,” she said. “I’ve found that the ability to listen is just as important as strong communication skills. In the end, the individual who is an active participant in both listening and discussion and can work with a team to build consensus is the most successful in advancing the business.”

Fond Mac memory “I loved my time at our senior lunch table by the windows.” I looked forward to it every day and it still brings a smile to my face when I see that tradition continue.” Milestone celebration plans “I celebrated my 50th in Boston with my family.” Random fun fact “I love karaoke.” McAuley connections “My McAuley friends meet at least once a month and just recently celebrated our 50th birthdays in Naples, Florida.” McAuley lessons for life “While I am working to help develop strong independent women, one of the most important lessons I have learned in my life is that we can’t do it alone. It’s so important to learn from others as well as share your strengths in work and life.” You may not know Cathy was recognized as an Outstanding Activity Advisor by the Illinois Directors of Student Activities (IDSA) in April 2018. This award honors individuals who, through their time and effort, have made an impact on their club or activity and who exemplify the ideal advisor. Cathy served as moderator of McAuley’s National Honors Society and raised more than $30,000 for various causes during her time as moderator. Cathy received her award at the IDSA Awards Banquet and Convention. 25

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Dr. Mary Szatkowski Ozers ‘86 Mary Szatkowski Ozers, valedictorian for the class of 1986, went on to become a scientist and is co-founder and chief scientific officer of Proteovista, a small biotechnology company in Madison, Wisconsin. Mary earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1996 with a focus on estrogen receptor biology, the major drug target for breast cancer. Her biotech company develops novel technologies and assays or evaluations, to enable new ways to discover therapeutics, detect biomarkers for disease, and translate personalized genomics into the clinic. “We focus on breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease,” she said. Mary also is adjunct in the Department of Oncology at University of Wisconsin-Madison where she performs more basic research on breast cancer. “I love my job because I can create new technologies that will hopefully help patients and have a real impact on their lives; that is really what drives me. I also have flexibility in my schedule, being a small business owner, for my two children.” Work-life balance Mary volunteers, serving on the board as vice president of the Southern Wisconsin Figure Skating Club, a nonprofit organization in the Madison area that supports learning to figure skate and higher skating skills. “I used to figure skate (for fun) as a child, and my daughter skates competitively as an individual and as part of a synchronized skating team.” She also volunteers in her children’s schools and used to volunteer with Girl Scouts. McAuley influences “My chemistry teacher, Ms. Jan Sulek, was a huge influence in my life, instilling a love of chemistry. She was an excellent teacher. Sr. Corinne Raven was also very supportive of me. I remember I got chicken pox as a senior and was horribly sick for two weeks, and she was very understanding. Also Mrs. Lang, my English teacher, instilled in me a love of literature.” Overcoming hurdles McAuley, Mary said, helped to instill confidence and a belief in herself. “This is critically important to me. There are still few female leaders in the scientific industry and in academia. Unfortunately, the #Sciencetoo move

ment was an issue for me too, with both subtle and overt gender discrimination and harassment, mainly during and after graduate school.” She said now as the leader of her own company, she can sidestep most of that. “Without my positive educational experiences at both McAuley and then at Northwestern University (where I went to undergrad), I am not sure I would have fared well,” Mary added.

“I am really lucky that I went to McAuley. It’s funny because I think, being an all-girls’ school, I learned that I could do math and science just as well as anyone else. I never even realized there was any form of male/female bias in the science/math fields, and McAuley gave me a solid foundation as a teenager. McAuley also gave me inspiration to want to give back to others and to volunteer.” “Mrs. Sulek once told me that I was 1 in 6.022 e+23 (Avagadro’s number in chemistry) and, when I am discouraged, I remember that compliment and work harder.” Random fact “Just a few years ago, I still had not traveled to Europe, so I decided our family was going to Paris, Venice, and Rome over spring break. Not looking too closely at the calendar, I had not realized that I had planned for us to go to Rome over Easter. What was I thinking?! Well, we decided to make the best of it and were able to go to the Vatican for the papal blessing on Easter Sunday and even saw the Pope (we were about 50 feet away from him). It was really special.” McAuley gratitude “I am really lucky that I went to McAuley. It’s funny because I think, being an all-girls’ school, I learned that I could do math and science just as well as anyone else. I never even realized there was any form of male/female bias in the science/math fields, and McAuley gave me a solid foundation as a teenager. McAuley also gave me inspiration to want to give back to others and to volunteer.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Marie LeConte Pawlak ‘87 Marie LeConte Pawlak is the managing principal of the Planning101 Group, an Organizational Health Development (OHD) practice. Leveraging her global background and 25 years of corporate operation and executive experience, she works for top companies and organizations in higher education, nonprofits, and manufacturing industries, guiding companies to create a leadership succession plan that matters. She has also worked as a financial literacy speaker at colleges and universities across the country. In addition to OHD, Marie speaks and trains on leadership, professional team development, and micro business. Her energetic speaking style and unique ability to engage and motivate her audience to action has earned her the reputation as a motivational speaker. “My mission is to inspire individuals to build better workplaces for their teams,” Marie said. “I don’t see myself as an expert in leadership and organizational health, but a lifelong student.” While she began her career in higher education she decided to move to training, and loved it. After going back to school and completing a master’s degree, she went into manufacturing and became vice president of operations to gain a wider variety of industry experience. From there, she said she was ready to open up her own business. “I got tired of hearing others talk about how miserable work is,” she said. “I did some research and found the key to it is leadership and how leaders treat their workforce. I believe we can create better environments so people aren’t miserable at work.” Marie creates curriculum for each company and consults with its leaders to decide what would work best for their environment and their workforce. She completes assessments, sometimes does workshops, and partners people with coaches if necessary. She said her goal is to create real engagement in companies. “It’s about valuing the people in your organization and about them valuing themselves and their work,” Marie said. A graduate of Lewis University’s Executive Coaching Program, Marie also holds a master’s in organizational leadership. She had originally planned on following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a lawyer, but when she went to college and studied political science and philosophy, she wasn’t fulfilled and knew it wasn’t the path she really needed to take. Work/life balance When she’s not working, Marie is a volunteer and member of The Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit organization that engages design, marketing, IT, strategic management, human resources professionals and executives in pro bono service projects to build the infrastructure of other nonprofit organizations. She is part of a team that helps with different projects and has some opportunity to pick and choose which ones. Marie tries to get on projects that deal with immigrant issues, education, or

women. She’s been volunteering with them since 2005. Little known fact Marie has traveled and lived across the globe. She worked for a Japanese company and lived in Japan for four years. When she applied, she thought the job was in Canada and she didn’t know how to speak Japanese. She said the experience was life-changing. She had a one-year contract to begin teaching English, which then morphed into her helping companies bring their employees into Western countries. She learned a lot about the Japanese style of business and training/developing and how adults learn, and she made lasting friendships. “I found my voice and discovered what I wanted to do. It was a great experience,” she said. McAuley lessons “More than my university experience, I feel like my McAuley experience prepared me for my time in Japan. I’ve always been fearless but in my last few years of grade school, I became very shy and really withdrawn. McAuley helped to bring that fearlessness back out of me and let me take chances and not be afraid of failure, but to learn from it. I think that was the biggest lesson that I got from my time at McAuley. If you fail, you pick yourself up and do it again and keep trying until you get it right. When I found out the job was actually in Japan, I didn’t say no, I just said ‘OK.’” Special memory In her junior year, Marie decided to take all eight periods of classes instead of having a lunch break. There were classes she really wanted to take and this was the only way. Her theology teacher knew she didn’t have a lunch and let her best friend, Tracy Boygan ‘87, smuggle in sandwiches for Marie. “When I think about that, I think that rules are important and you should follow them and they’re there for a reason, but sometimes it’s OK to break them if the rule is affecting the humanity of the person. You have to learn when to bend so you don’t break.” Thoughts on single-gender schools “It’s a shame that single sex schools, especially for women, are going away,” Marie said. It might sound old-fashioned but I really do believe that it’s a really important thing to be able to have a high school, exclusively for women, because it allows us to develop without having – I don’t want to call boys a distraction because that’s not it, it’s not that they’re a distraction – but it allows us to find ourselves in a world that doesn’t allow us to do that. Especially when you have to face a world where you’re already behind the eight ball because you’re a woman and you have to prove yourself constantly. It’s so valuable to have the support, the education, and the environment that allows you to fail and to grow and to learn without having the competition.” 27

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Ellen Jarasek Phillips ‘85

Maura Reidy ‘86

Ellen Jarasek Phillips went on to become a drama teacher and director and said what she values most are having creativity and laughter present in her life every day. “More importantly, I value contributing in building confidence and strength in young women,” she added. “I believe it is so important in today’s world. I recognize the importance thanks to my years at McAuley.”

Maura Reidy’s career has enabled her to meet the Pope on the White House grounds and spend her days at the world’s largest museum, research and education complex.

“My McAuley girls are my go to,” she quipped. “They know me better than anyone on earth. I treasure those relationships.” Lessons learned at McAuley Ms. Donna Martin, she said, taught her “how to embrace my creativity with grace and intelligence.” She also taught Ellen to laugh at herself and her own my mistakes - an invaluable lesson. “I miss her so much.” Grateful for McAuley “I feel like I am one of the lucky people in the world who is in a job that they truly love,” Ellen said. “The path I have been on has lead me to the place I am today. I am so thankful for my McAuley years. They started me on my way. Knowing how special my alma mater was, allowed me to recognize immediately that Trinity Hall was needed in my area. Now, I have a job I love and I am sharing this amazing experience with my two daughters.” Island birthday celebration Ellen ushered in her 50th birthday with a trip to Hawaii. “I love the beach almost as much as I love the stage,” she said. McAuley girls forever Ellen says she stays close to her former McAuley classmates. “My McAuley girls are my go to,” she quipped. “They know me better than anyone on earth. I treasure those relationships.”

For more than 20 years, Maura has served as congressional liaison for the Smithsonian Institution, which runs 19 museums, the National Zoo and has research facilities throughout the country and the world. She handles appropriations and budget work in the Office of Government Relations. The Smithsonian’s budget this year is $1 billion. “It’s basically the central office responsible for all coordination and communications with Capitol Hill, administration, and even the local government in Washington, D.C., since they’re a neighbor of the city,” she said, adding that her job enables her to work on everyone’s project from a budget perspective. Maura enjoys her job because “there is always something new and different going on. There are routine responsibilities every year, such as submitting the annual budget to congress, but there’s always something new, like opening new museums or exhibits or dealing with new controversies.” She says she gets to work on fascinating projects that most wouldn’t think the Smithsonian would be involved with, but with such a huge portfolio of issues, collections and experts, as well as such a variety of museums with a multitude of focuses they are the go-to agents. Maura deals with everything from endangered species to working with artwork that was looted in Germany during World War II. Maura attended Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Ind., where she studied political science. While a student, she spent a semester in Washington, D.C. at American University, and she interned for an Illinois senator on Capitol Hill. Upon graduation, Maura was offered a job with the senator. She said “the stars completely aligned” for her in that regard. She worked on The Hill and had the opportunity to work for young Mayor Daley both in Washington, D.C. and in Chicago.

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She moved back to D.C. in 1994 and got a job on Capitol Hill working for the late Illinois Congressman Sidney Yates, who was chairman of the committee that supported environmental programs and the National Endowment for the Arts. She started working for the Smithsonian in 1999 after Yates retired. The Smithsonian opened its newest museum, the National Museum of African American History & Culture, in September 2016. Maura said this was one of the best parts of her job. The Obamas had a big part in the museum’s opening which occured while President Obama was still in office. This was a highlight for her because it was a connection to home and a great piece of history. Outside of work Maura is a full-time working mom (she has a son who is a junior in high school, a daughter who is a freshman and her youngest, who is in sixth grade), and she volunteers at their schools. She also has been involved in women in government relations organizations. McAuley memories Maura was always interested in history and politics, and said history classes at McAuley were her favorite. She credits McAuley with encouraging her to study political science in college. Skills learned at McAuley “Communication skills and diplomacy - those are things that you learn at an early age,” Maura said. Her first job on Capitol Hill was challenging because she had to make a lot of decisions that affected a lot of people. She said she “needed to know how to gently let people down. I didn’t want to disappoint people but I kind of had to, and I couldn’t give people everything what they wanted.” Part of those skills, she added, were learned while at McAuley. Funny story about McAuley At the end of her sophomore year, her skirt was shredded in the front and she got in trouble for it. Her mom, however, wouldn’t buy a new one because it was the last month of the school year and she would be getting a different patterned skirt for the following year. Instead, Maura sewed two skirts together and wore that for the rest of the year, even though it was uneven in the front and back. She didn’t get in trouble again. Celebrating the milestone Maura’s birthday is at Christmas so she had a party to celebrate her 50th in January. She is also planning a trip to Paris to officially celebrate.

Susan Pasquinelli Reinstra ‘85 “Susy” - as she was known - Pasquinelli Reinstra has lived most of the past 30 years in Northern California and is a partner at a large law firm that represents technology and growth companies. “I really enjoy helping biotechnology and life science companies, since the potentially life-saving work they do is so important,” she said. Credits Sr. Corinne While Susy initially intended to go into medicine, she said her decision to switch to law instead was likely due in part to her senior English class with Sr. Corinne Raven. Mac Fun fact Susan was the valedictorian of her class! Fun turning 50 “I had a big party in my yard with a huge pan of paella my husband made.”

While Susy initially intended to go into medicine, she said her decision to switch to law instead was likely due in part to her senior English class with Sr. Corinne Raven.

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Kim Melnik Rice ‘86 It might surprise her classmates to learn that Kim Melnik Rice is an entrepreneur. In grade school and high school, you likely would have found her with her nose buried in a book, or studying. Yet, bubbling beneath the surface was an extrovert, with an entrepreneurial spirit, destined for success. Kim is co-founder of R&M Consulting, a Women Business Enterprise (as recognized by Chicago and the State of Illinois) that specializes in tax and internal audit services. Its 75 employees service Fortune 1000 companies like McDonald’s, Kraft-Heinz, Baxter, Duracell and Walgreens. While her business partner, Jay, manages the firm operations, Kim is busy cultivating relationships as its chief marketer and sales agent. As she shared with Inscape, and reiterates on her LinkedIn page, “I like to work closely with our clients, developing tailored solutions that best reflect their wants and needs. Clients are still the reason that I come to work every day, and helping them is still the best reward.” “For me, this is more than a job. I love working with my team, building a culture and company, and I love the client interaction, meeting people, and networking -- all of it. Everything I do is building my legacy.”

Nature vs. Nurture It was not fortuitous that Kim came to McAuley, but driven by her own ambitions. “In grade school I was very shy, very smart and very much a bookworm. When it came time for high school, I pushed my parents to send me to McAuley. My district school was Eisenhower, but I knew I would get the education I wanted for myself at McAuley.” “I fell in love with the school. I found my groove and other girls like me who were excited about their education. We weren’t the cheerleaders or athletes; we were the academic group -- very focused on classes and grades -- and that was perfectly acceptable. I loved that I could be a smart girl and I could be myself. McAuley offered a supportive, nurturing environment that encouraged us to be whatever we wanted to be, and that our options were limitless. The whole experience is one that was extremely positive and instrumental in shaping who I am today.” Kim attended DePaul University. She enrolled in the Strobel Honors Program, which welcomed the top 100 accounting students. “It allowed me to begin accounting classes right away, which is unusual, but I decided I liked it and that it would provide a good business foundation so that later, should I choose, I could pursue something beyond accounting.” “Entering college, I was extremely well prepared. Some of my McAuley classes were harder than the ones I took at DePaul. I immediately saw classmates who were not prepared at all and, in fact, were stunned by the complexity of the homework. That was never an issue for me.”

Susan Sieja ‘85 Susan Sieja is the senior director of bequests for ALSAC / St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude is one of the world’s leading pediatric hospitals, for research and treatment into catastrophic diseases in children, such as cancer. ALSAC is the fundraising organization for St. Jude, and Susan works with donors who have left St. Jude in their estate plans. “I am inspired every day by the mission of St. Jude - the patients and families, as well as the doctors, nurses and researchers,” Susan said. “I am also inspired every day by the donors - those people who give so generously to help find a cure for cancer in children and to take care of the children and families who are undergoing treatment. There is a feeling of hope that exists in the halls of St. Jude and that someday we will find a cure for cancer, and that inspires and motivates me every day.” Lesson learned at McAuley “I remember so many lessons from different teachers over my four years at McAuley, and an underlying message of service, caring for others and striving to do your very best,” she said. Mac memories Susan said her most special memories involve the women she met over the years - many in her freshman year who are still dear friends to this day. “I remember how daunting it was to try and find my locker on my first day of freshman year, and then suddenly, four years went by and I knew all the hallways like the back of my hand.” 30

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Kim says she also enjoyed psychology and other liberal arts courses in college, which have proven beneficial as she works with people more than numbers. “Early on in my career, my blended skill set was attractive to many firms. I had a solid accounting and technical background, but also ability to sell services. Most people generally have one trait or the other.” Kim went on to earn her master’s degree in tax at DePaul, and her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. “I always had a penchant for business,” says Kim. “My dad was the accounting supervisor for a large Chicago law firm, and from a young age I would join him if he went to the office on weekends. I just loved the vibe of a business office environment. That early experience helped direct my professional interests.” Beyond her office, Kim shares her business prowess through her work on the Women’s Board at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This August, she became its assistant treasurer. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, which provides scholarships for accounting students. Kim also is on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Finance Exchange, an exclusive organization whose membership is by invitation only to executive level women in finance. Her expertise and success have not gone unnoticed. Kim received a Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois CPA

Society and was named one of the “40 Under 40” leaders in the tax and accounting profession by the CPA Technology Advisor. Hobbies Kim has collected and studied wine for the past 15 years, even sitting for her third level certification through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). “I’ll probably pursue something in the wine industry at some point in my life.” California’s Napa Valley is a frequent destination for Kim and her husband Kurt Bonatz, although she’d like to branch out with trips to France and Germany in the not too distant future. Her love of wine pairs well with her love of food. Very, very, good food. Kim snagged a coveted reservation at the famous French Laundry in Yountville, California, and recently dined at Joël Robuchon’s Las Vegas restaurant. Closer to home, she and Kurt have been to every Michelin-rated restaurant in Chicago. Going off the grid. “I spend most of my days going to events, board meetings, networking, etc., so I want to be alone in a warm relaxing place.” This was a perfect recipe to ring in her 50th year. Kim and Kurt enjoyed a vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico in February to mark the occasion. What about you today would most surprise your classmates? “How much of an extrovert I’ve become, and how that has led me to become an entrepreneur. If you knew me when I was 10 you would not think I’m the same person.”

Love of travel Susan said she feels that the more she travels, the more she grows. For her 50th, she went on two trips - a women’s adventure weekend with six close girlfriends (two of whom are McAuley grads) in Oregon, and later in the year, three weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam. “Each trip was magical in its own way. On each trip, I met new people, from backgrounds and experiences completely different from my own,” she said. “One of the greatest (slightly scary, but totally exhilarating) adventures I’ve had was spending three days at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. We learned to work with the elephants, riding them, bathing them, learning the commands that the mahouts (elephant handlers) use. It was humbling to be accepted by these gentle giants into their world.” Stays connected Susan remains in touch with former classmates. Some of them, she said, are her best friends to this day. “One positive thing about social media is that we can stay connected to people who were an important part of our life in the past, even if we live across the country now,” Susan added. “I believe that women are the future of the world. As women, we need to support each other, while challenging each other to think differently and act bravely. I absolutely believe that women are born leaders, with a special style of leadership that is collaborative and creative and nurturing, while at the same time bold and fearless. We need to tap into that part of ourselves and let it shine.” 31

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0

Donnavieve Hamilton Smith ‘86, Ph.D. As associate professor of marketing at North Central College in Naperville for 14 years, Donnavieve Hamilton Smith says it’s her previous life outside the classroom that inspired her work with students today. With a passion for fashion, Donnavieve received her undergraduate degree in marketing and textiles and apparel from the University of Illinois (U of I). After studying at the London College of Fashion, and interning in Paris, she worked as an assistant buyer of men’s sportswear for May Department Stores. “It was more grunt work than I anticipated, but that experience served me well. I tell my students that doing the grunt work is part of growing in any career field.” After earning her MBA in marketing, an internship with Baxter led to a job selling laboratory supplies for the company to universities and businesses. But a desire to become a professor was a powerful one for her. “I knew bringing practical experience to the classroom would be beneficial. I draw upon examples from my days at May and Baxter and both help tremendously when discussing concepts and theories in class.” In 2002, Donnavieve earned her Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A highlight of her teaching is serving as the faculty instructor for the North Central’s American Marketing Collegiate Case Competition. This year-long event brings together top marketing students to work on a marketing challenge by developing and presenting to top executives at real companies (during a conference in New Orleans) an Integrated Marketing Communications plan. Don“Time at McAuley helped strengthen navieve’s teams have placed among the top 10 teams -- from a total of 90 -- in the past five years for their work developing plans for Hermy faith. I prayed in the chapel when I shey’s Take 5 Bar and eBay. Students from over 90 colleges submit was enduring tough times. the integrated marketing plans but only those in the top 10 present to My experience helped shape my values marketing execs.

and instill a sense of what is important. It helped direct how I wanted to live my life. My involvement with Action Reaction helped fortify my desire to work with those in need.”

McAuley memories “My time at McAuley helped strengthen my faith. I prayed in the chapel when I was enduring tough times. My experience helped shape my values and instill a sense of what is important. It helped direct how I wanted to live my life. My involvement with Action Reaction helped fortify my desire to work with those in need. Since then I’ve worked with food pantries and supporting homeless women at Deborah’s Place in Chicago. I’ve also made a mission trip to Kenya, Africa.”

Wise words “To always aim for the stars and to never sell myself short. That is something my McAuley counselor, Ms. Sue Olsenki shared with me and still sticks with me today. She always reminded me of my true potential.” Milestone birthday plans “I want to take a trip somewhere exciting, maybe Thailand or the Holy Land.” Spinning her wheels Having completed three 65-mile cycling rides with Major Taylor Cycling Club of Chicago, Donnavieve has her sights set on completing a century, or 100-mile ride. Off the bike, she’s been practicing yoga for eight years. The next half century Looking ahead to her retirement, Donnavieve says she’d like to become fluent in Spanish but also wants to continue her service work. “I want to give more in new and different ways, perhaps in working with the homeless. My focus is to do work that feeds my spirit.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Jennifer Joyce Smykowski ‘86 Jennifer Joyce Smykowski went on to a career in finance and for the past 12 years has worked as an accountant for a privately held company that works with Native American Tribes and their businesses, mostly casinos. She works from home and travels occasionally to Oklahoma City, where her company is now headquartered. “While it’s a large company, they really appreciate their employees,” Jennifer said. Her job conssits of accounting, HR, and sometimes internal controls. She shared that the casinos owned by the company range from the size of a garage to ones large enough to be along the Las Vegas strip, making her job interesting. Her first job after college – she graduated from the University of Illinois (U of I) business school, where she focused on finance and accounting – was working as an internal auditor for Waste Management, one of the largest waste disposal companies in the world. “It was a great first job as it enabled me to travel all over the U.S. and Australia,” she recalled. Jennifer’s next job also offered her the opportunity to travel. She worked as a controller for a Chicago-based restaurant group, opening new restaurants across the country and maintaining the financial operations of established restaurant groups, such as the Michael Jordan Restaurants and the W Hotel food and beverage operations. She landed that position through a connection with another McAuley alumna. “It was fun and I ate some incredible food,” she said. “It also was a chance to learn a little bit about everything that goes into opening a small business.” When Jennifer decided to start a family, she began searching for a new job that would not require traveling. She found her current position through Craigslist, and feels it has been a great place to work while raising her family. She has two children, whom she adopted domestically. Her daughter just started fourth grade, and her son started first.

teaches YC to her daughter and her classmates and assists with fundraisers at her children’s school. She also works in the school library when she can, and coached softball this summer for her daughter’s team.

“McAuley definitely challenged me academically and socially and made me a more confident, assertive woman. Looking back I think we all left McAuley as more independent thinkers, doers, women and humans.” Stays connected “I have been meeting with the same McAuley and South Side friends for a book club for over 25 years. We meet every six weeks.” McAuley inspired “My love of numbers and accounting started with an accounting class I took in my senior year. I loved the whole puzzle of accounting and it definitely steered me to the business school at U of I,” she said. Skills learned at McAuley “McAuley definitely challenged me academically and socially and made me a more confident, assertive woman. Looking back I think we all left McAuley as more independent thinkers, doers, women and humans.” Special McAuley memories Riding ‘McAuley Style’ to school with three or more on the front bench seat, laughing and joking while walking to the 103rd Street CTA bus, making candy chains for birthdays with penny candy from Reilly’s candy shop and trying to jazz up uniforms. Jennifer also recalled the many assemblies where each girl would be funnier than the next. “All these memories are very special and important pieces of who I am.” “I received an excellent Catholic education in a community that empowered us to think independently, critically and compassionately. I learned how to be a friend. I still have my circle of McAuley friends nearby physically and in my heart. We share a bond that will never be broken. It is a special feeling knowing that those friendships and the feeling of sisterhood will always be there, no matter where our lives take us.”

Jennifer volunteers at her church, St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, and is on the Youth Catechesis (YC) Council. She

M cAuley Mi l e s t o ne s - F i fty at 5 0 Clare McAuliffe Staudacher ‘86 Clare McAuliffe Staudacher teaches math at Mother McAuley and said she is fortunate to be back at the school with a daughter as a student and her mother as a co-worker. “I graduated from college with a degree in accounting and would come to McAuley’s Career Fair to talk about accounting. I remember seeing Mrs. Nina Munizzi Lesch ’75 bringing her class down to the gym and thinking that I would like to be a teacher so I made the career switch to education.” Gastronomic Mac memories “Pizza combos and chocolate chip cookies in the cafeteria. I can still get the cookies as a teacher, but the pizza combos are no longer sold and I don’t think my metabolism could handle them anymore.” Remaining teachable “I am going to start a second master’s degree the day after I turn 50.” Teachers to colleagues “Some of my co-workers are my former teachers and I still have a hard time calling them by their first names.” Staying connected Clare stays in touch with other alumnae and has even taught many daughters of fellow alumnae. McAuley lessons live on Clare said McAuley taught her the importance of working with others. “As both an accountant and a teacher, it was incredibly important that I could work well with other people,” she said.

Miriam Tolan ‘86 Miriam Tolan is an actor and an occasional teacher. “I value the courage of my students. It’s scary to put yourself out there. They inspire me,” she said. Many great teachers “I had several great teachers at Mother McAuley. I remember Mr. Sean Loesch, a religion teacher who was so patient and funny and really nice. He once led the class on a guided meditation,” Miriam recalled. “It was my first time and it made a real impression on me.” She also remembered Ms. Donna Martin and admired how she always seemed so invested and passionate about her work. Enjoyed detentions “I know it’s weird, but I liked detention on Saturdays. I remember one time being assigned schoolwork and really just getting lost in a book - it might have been Steinbeck,” Miriam recalled. Detentions, she added, solidified her love of reading. She remembered another time being assigned to pick up litter and how much she loved walking around the school when it was almost empty. “It felt magical,” she said. This past July, Miriam took her oldest daughter to Amsterdam for the 25th Anniversary of a show she had performed in. “I also had the surreal experience of performing at Mother McAuley with The Second City in the early ‘90s. I did a scene with Adam McKay that cracked me up,” she recalled. Collaboration essential Miriam credits McAuley with teaching her the value of collaboration. “The ability to work well with others is invaluable,” she said, “because it requires that you place value on yourself and others equally.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Kathy Lovell Thompson ‘85 Kathy Lovell Thompson is the head of Government Relations and Community Outreach at CIBC (formerly The Private Bank). “While I have many responsibilities, what I value most about my job is the ability to help the communities that CIBC serves by offering financial literacy programs that include credit training, first-time home buyer, college savings, etc… We have the ability to improve lives and inspire hope just by providing good information,” she said. “This can mean the difference between renting versus owning one’s own home, a low-interest rate personal loan versus a high-interest rate credit card.” Mac mentors “When I reflect upon my four years at McAuley, I remember a few key people who were wonderful mentors, great friends and very inspirational - Sr. Cathleen Cahill, Sr. Nancy Houlihan, and Nancy O’Brien Kane ‘84,” Kathy recalled. Senior year memories Kathy said she enjoyed all four years at McAuley, but senior year was the most special. “I was elected student council president and, at senior awards, I received the ‘Ms. McAuley Award,’” she said.

“These are extremely important skills to have in the workplace. My job depends on me working with people who are both internal and external to the bank,” Kathy said. “I know for a fact that I began to build that skill set while I was a student at McAuley.”

Milestone celebration in Mexico Kathy and some of her friends from the class of 1985 went to Mexico to celebrate turning 50. “We had a blast,” she said. You may not know Most people do not know Kathy has a twin. “People often ask if we are identical even after they learn that my twin is a boy,” she quipped. Collaboration skills essential “These are extremely important skills to have in the workplace. My job depends on me working with people who are both internal and external to the bank,” Kathy said. “I know for a fact that I began to build that skill set while I was a student at McAuley.”

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Michelle Dinneen White ‘86 Michelle Dinneen White is the founder and Director of Play Smart Literacy, an early childhood and family engagement outreach nonprofit group. “We build language and relationships through play,” Michelle explained. “Play Smart Literacy focuses on families and young children (birth - age 5) living in Chicago’s most vulnerable communities. In these communities, one out of two children are not enrolled in pre-school.” “We use all of our tech components as a means to build relationships with both parents and children. Through the use of many social media platforms and effective, evidence-based programs, we create many touch points for parents to stay engaged.” “I love that we are using the love, warmth and playfulness of families to boost child brain development in a way that is simple and easy to start today.” Inspired by McAuley group Michelle was part of the Action-Reaction group and also Ms. Joan Marie Maher’s religion class. For half of senior year she and other students studied social justice theology and visited a family homeless shelter. “It was an awesome class,” she said. “We played games with the children and helped some of them with their homework. Ms. Maher was very involved at the time trying to set up the shelter. A few years ago, after I started Play Smart, I was visiting St. Martin de Porres shelter and brought Play Visits to their pre-k room.” She said she realized after talking to Sr. Therese O’Sullivan, the director, that this was the same shelter she visited as a McAuley student. Her mantra “We belong to each other.” Warm welcome Michelle moved to McAuley as a junior from London, Ontario, Canada and said she will always remember the warm welcome she received from students and staff at the school and the personal orientation the summer before school started. Small world Kathy Lovell Thompson ‘85, the student council president who Michelle said “took her in,” is now her neighbor.

Michelle said she thinks the most important workplace skills include finding points of connection with others, supporting others and enhancing the good around you. “When we

Long milestone celebration “I have been celebrating for a while. I have been using it as an excuse to spend time with the people I love,” she said. “I went to Yellowstone with my husband and five girls in June and am going to visit with friends from McAuley and Canada throughout the rest of the year.”

work to give our best and

Fiddle player Michelle has played the traditional Irish fiddle since the age of 10 and enjoys playing with other musicians. She plays in a few bands when she has time, and once she played at the White House at a St. Patrick’s Day party for President Bill Clinton.

possibilities for what can

remain open to the essence of others, the be created are amazing.”

Skills learned at McAuley Michelle said she thinks the most important workplace skills include finding points of connection with others, supporting others and enhancing the good around you. “When we work to give our best and remain open to the essence of others, the possibilities for what can be created are amazing.”

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty at 50 Vania Montero Wit ‘86 Vania Montero Wit currently works as an in-house attorney and vice president and deputy general counsel of United Airlines, reporting to the company’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer and general counsel. In this role, Vania provides counsel and direction to the business on a variety of legal issues, primarily focused on litigation, labor, employment and benefits. “What I value most about my role is the ability to partner with my internal clients to come up with solutions to business challenges,” she said. Mac memories “I have good memories of many teachers from McAuley. One that comes to mind is Sr. Corinne Raven,” she said. “My journey to where I am today is in part the result of the education I received from McAuley. I believe it prepared me well for college and law school.” She added that she has fond memories of her friendships and school spirit around the school’s sports teams - in particular the volleyball team. Setting into 50 Vania turned 50 this past spring. “I initially feared reaching this milestone, but as it neared, I really didn’t think it was a big deal,” she said. “Like any working mom, you focus on the tasks you need to get through and turning 50 quickly fell to the bottom of my list.” Love of tennis Vania has been to the U.S. Open many times. “I would love to take a year off and attend all of the major tennis Grand Slam tournaments - Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open,” she said. Mac connected Vania said she has a group of friends she remains in touch with who were classmates at McAuley. “We have fond memories of our time at McAuley,” she said. McAuley lessons critical “Working collaboratively is very important in the workplace,” she said. “I manage a large group of attorneys and legal professionals and I can’t stress enough how important it is to work well with others.”

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Mary Carol Witry ‘86 Mary Carol Witry consistently moved her way up the corporate ladder throughout her time in the business world. After graduating from McAuley she went on to receive an executive secretarial diploma from Southwest School of Business in 1987 and immediately went to work at Trainor Glass Company, a “Top 5” U.S. based glazing subcontractor headquartered in Illinois. She started as a clerical worker and went on to hold various roles in production, estimating and project management before moving into various senior management roles as chief estimator, general manager, vice president and board member. In 2004, Mary started at Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE), the largest building envelope company in North America providing custom-engineered curtain walls and window walls, architectural windows, storefront systems, doors, skylights, architectural glass and hardware. OBE is a subsidiary of Dublin, Ireland-based CRH, the third largest building materials company in the world. She started out as vice president of architectural and technical services, assumed the role of vice president of development before being promoted to president of Canadian Operations, a role that was expanded to include several U.S. facilities. Before retiring from the company in 2017, Mary had become OBE’s chief operating officer, responsible for multiple operations throughout North America. “The best part of my job was coaching new team members and watching them develop,” she said.

“I think the McAuley education strongly reinforced the values my parents instilled in me,” she said. “Most notable was to believe that you can do anything (within reason) as long as you work hard and give it your best effort.”

While retired, Mary is in no way resting on her laurels. She is a volunteer at the Crisis Center for South Suburbia and routinely takes her dog, Rosebud, to Rosary Hill Home to visit residents. “I think the McAuley education strongly reinforced the values my parents instilled in me,” she said. “Most notable was to believe that you can do anything (within reason) as long as you work hard and give it your best effort.” She said what makes McAuley special is its diversity, adding that it’s easy to find a group of girls with common interests. Special McAuley moment A special Mass was held in Mercy Chapel to celebrate Mary’s parents’ 25th wedding anniversary. Marking her milestone Mary celebrated her 50th in December with a trip to Paris with her sister and two other McAuley alumnae: Barbara Tuider Gordon ’86 and Lorri Johnson Nagle ‘81.

M cAu ley M ilesto n es - F ifty a t 50 Mary Plockelman Young ‘86, P.E., P.T.O.E. With a passion for math and science classes that began at McAuley, Mary Plockelman Young directed her interests into a successful career as a civil engineer. Twenty-seven years later, Mary is co-owner of Civiltech, a firm that provides a full range of transportation, civil, construction, environmental, water resources and structural engineering services. Mary’s expertise lies in comprehensive impact studies, traffic engineering, and environmental/location-design studies. She has directed studies for projects ranging from intersection improvements to major roadway corridors. She recently took on her most exciting project to-date. “Civiltech currently is overseeing the roadway work for the development of the new Barack Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. It’s probably the coolest project I’ve been involved with. Several roads have to be closed so we are evaluating how to mitigate that. This includes looking at improvements to other roadways in order to handle traffic. I also am doing the environmental studies, looking at air quality, performing noise analyses, biological research so that what we’re proposing doesn’t significantly impact the environment.” Civiltech boasts a large number of female engineers, especially at a time when women still trail men in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. “Even when I started here we had five women, which was unusual. To work at a place with such diversity was really wonderful.” Overall, the firm has grown from a total staff of 15 to 100. Often the only girl in her college engineering classes, Mary is proud that her McAuley teachers encouraged her to pursue math and science studies in college. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I gravitated toward engineering. The thing I really liked about it is that you see results. As an engineer you are designing things, you’re building things and I really like that. It was my biggest draw to the field.”

Most engineers don’t have good writing skills. I think McAuley set me up to be a good writer and taught me how to use grammar appropriately, and construct sentences and paragraphs. It’s something that served me well over the years. Even though I’m mostly in a technical field you still have to draft letters and memos and technical reports, and I really had a great foundation coming out of McAuley.

Best skill honed at McAuley “My writing skills. Most engineers don’t have good writing skills. I think McAuley set me up to be a good writer and taught me how to use grammar appropriately, and construct sentences and paragraphs. It’s something that served me well over the years. Even though I’m mostly in a technical field you still have to draft letters and memos and technical reports, and I really had a great foundation coming out of McAuley. When life imitates your art Over the course of six weeks Mary and a few coworkers helped design and construct a new garage for another colleague. “I really like home improvement projects.” Ushering in 50 Although she won’t be donning any candy ribbons, a la McAuley birthdays, plans are in the works for a girls’ weekend to Nashville.

Fifty

reunions

Nearly 100 alumnae from the Class of 1968 returned to McAuley on April 28 for their 50th Reunion. The Honorable Gloria Coco, Sallie Wiechern King, Sissie (Lorraine) Holland McClowry, Jackie McLean, Kathy Roche Napleton, Rose Graffe Norris, Ellen Napleton Roche, Mary Kisman Shoplas and Janet Murphy Tisoncik led the charge to make sure all the ladies enjoyed a wonderful evening reminiscing and sharing stories of where life has taken each of them. Original Rainbow Cone was served for dessert – a fun representation of two Southside traditions coming together! Thank you to Lynn Sapp ‘78 and Kathi Sapp Brizek ‘68 for donating the cones. A 5pm Mass, celebrated by Fr. Ken Budzikowski, began the festivities. Afterwards, the ladies were treated to cocktails, appetizers and a buffet dinner. Photocopies of yearbook pages and Inscape newspaper from their days as students lined the walls and popular songs from the era played throughout the Dining Hall, where the dinner was held.

Remembered in the Prayers of the Faithful at the Mass were those classmates who have passed on. Christine Bickel Hack

Rita Erxleben

Barb Minogue Kerrigan

Linda Brannigan Sullivan

Susan Gannon

Marilyn Murphy Hickey Susan Poremba

Mary Coghlan Mitchell

Mary Hannon Pliscott

Carol Deliberto Goodwin

Ann Kean Gardiner

Laura Privara

Diane DeSantis VanLente

Katie Koller Doerr

Janice Valentine

Suzanne Dressel

Barbara Meehan

Syrless Warren

Sallie modeled her McAuley uniform!

“What a wonderful night I had at our reunion. I know I share that with many others who attended. The Mass was beautiful, the music, the singing, all of it. The reception was so fun (the crazy woman in the uniform), great music! The food was delicious, loved the cranberry, orange vodka drink! I am very aware of the amount of work you all do, just to put on the 50th reunions. Being part of the committee, I have received cards, phone calls and emails thanking me for all that the committee did for the reunion. I know all of you deserve the accolades and I’ve passed that on. So, thank you so much, what a night! – Sallie Wiechern King ’68

alumnae news & events

Alumnae News & Events

Alumnae Basketball Night January 4

More than 50 alumnae cheered on the Mighty Mac basketball team as they went up against Trinity on January 4. During the game, we honored legendary basketball coach Carol Rossi Carey. Carol worked at McAuley from 1972-1980 as a basketball coach, PE teacher, club moderator, and mentor. She left a lasting impression on all she met during her time here. Carol was killed by a drunk driver in 1983 after moving to New Jersey with her family, but her spirit lives on at McAuley in the memories many alumnae share of her, as well as the Carol Carey Award that is presented every year to a senior basketball player who embodies the characteristics Carol possessed. Members of Carolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family flew out to Chicago for the event. All attendees enjoyed a reception in our new lounge after the game.

College Hang Out January 11

College-aged alumnae ended their Christmas break with the annual College Hang Out on January 11. They swapped stories about college classes, campuses, and experiences; flipped through their senior year yearbooks; caught up with their favorite teachers; and enjoyed a south side favorite: Barracoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pizza!

alumnae news & events Career Day

March 2

Do you love your job?

We know McAuley alumnae are making a MIGHTY impact on the world, and our students had the chance to learn all about it at the annual Career Day on March 2. The variety of career fields - engineering, broadcasting, finance, law and speech pathology, to name a few - represented the breadth of opportunities our students will have once they graduate from McAuley. Juniors and seniors kicked off the day with a presentation from Mary Lu Andrasco Wasniewski ‘78, the assistant director of Career Services at Saint Xavier University, and all students had the chance to attend the fair and speak to alumnae during designated periods in the morning.

Did you feel well-prepared for college and your career because of your experiences at McAuley? Did McAuley’s single-gender atmosphere makeyou a more confident leader? Then save the date for

Career Day 2019 and share your expertise with our students!

MARCH 1, 2019

Alumnae were invited to either take a boxed lunch to go after the fair, or hang around in the lounge to network with fellow Mighty Macs.

Donor Appreciation Breakfast March 16

Donors were invited to McAuley on March 16 for a Donor Appreciation Breakfast. We enjoyed giving our scholarship recipients the opportunity to meet our generous donors, and to spend time thanking our donors for all they do to help our community. Each spring, Mother McAuley hosts a special breakfast in gratitude for donors’ generosity and belief in the value of a McAuley education. Anne and Mike Cullen and recipients of the Bridget Ann Cullen Memorial Scholarship

Julie Owens Burns ‘82 and recipients of the Owens Foundation Scholarship.

Mark and Josie Coffey Singler ‘95 and recipients of the Mary Kean Coffey ‘63 “Pay It Forward” Scholarship.

alumnae news & events Mac Fit at Treadfit

April 10

We loved reconnecting with some of our western suburb alumnae on April 10 at the new Treadfit Western Springs! Thanks to owner Jenny Dunne Harkins ‘92 and her assistant for the night, Treadfit instructor Caitlin Cody ‘10, for leading a great workout class and networking event that highlighted McAuley’s emphasis on educating strong women - both physically and intellectually!

Night at the Park: Mother McAuley White Sox Game May 8

McAuley supporters came out in droves for a night at the ballpark for the annual Mother McAuley White Sox game on May 8! The evening highlighted the best of McAuley - from our Hero of the Game, Gretchen Maty ‘11, a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne, and an Engineer Officer serving as a Sapper (combat engineer) Platoon Leader at Fort Bragg, NC; to our talented A Cappella and Mac Melody choirs, who brought the house down as they sang the National Anthem; to our awesome alumnae, parents, students, and friends who showed their Mighty Mac spirit and attended this great event! All attendees received a Mother McAuley/White Sox hat. A special thanks to the Mother McAuley Fathers’ Club for their hard work in planning the event.

Senior Class Gift The Class of 2018 gave back to McAuley through the Senior Gift Campaign this spring. They raised money for a picnic table for the courtyard so future Mighty Macs can enjoy the sunshine during open periods, as well as the McAuley Fund, which supports our talented teachers, classrooms, extra-curricular opportunities, and financial aid & scholarship. They raised more than $1,100!

alumnae news & events Senior Breakfast & Alumnae Induction May 11

On May 11, the Class of 2018 was officially inducted into the Alumnae Association, joining a community of 27,000 alumnae strong! To celebrate, the alumnae office hosted a special breakfast before the end-of-year prayer service and induction ceremony. Visual Arts and Technology faculty member and alumna Jill Capuano Kotas ‘93 shared a reflection with the Class of 2018, tying in pieces of her McAuley experience as both a student and teacher. She likened their time at McAuley to the process of crafting clay into a work of art, sharing how their “elemental mixture of clay” is the base material for their life. Jill shared, “At this point, you may not be fully aware of the extent to which McAuley is a part of your clay makeup but it will happen. You will leave this building in a few days but you will always have McAuley with you. You will go out into the world and you will live and be caretakers of our critical concerns of immigration, racism, women, nonviolence and the Earth. You will have the flexibility to adapt to situations and you will be resilient and strong in your endeavors, because each one of you is a beautiful creation with your unique elemental makeup… But there is one element that we all have in common, one element that separates us from the rest - we are Mighty Macs!”

Mother McAuley’s Mother’s Day Mass & Beverly Breast Cancer Walk May 13

For the second year, Mother McAuley hosted an early-morning Mother’s Day Mass at the starting line of the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk. Celebrated by Father Tom Hurley, the Mass brought together alumnae, family, and friends in prayer, and honored all of our loved ones who have fought or are currently fighting against breast cancer. It was a wonderful celebration of life, family, the perseverance of the human spirit and the resilience and support of this community.

Pictured from left to right are Sue Brett Enright ‘79, Shannon Enright ‘11, Meghan Ryan ‘07, Claire Ryan ‘12, Bridget Ryan ‘16 (front), Cate Ryan ‘08, Ellie Brett Ryan ‘82 and Moira Ryan ‘15.

The celebration continued with the 19th annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk, which stepped off at the end of Mass. This year, team Mother McAuley was made up of 145 walkers who raised $3,880 for Little Company of Mary Hospital’s award-winning Comprehensive Breast Health Center. A mighty thank you to all who joined us! 45

alumnae news & events Power of the Sisterhood June 12

On June 12, we co-hosted the second Power of the Sisterhood: All Girls’ School Networking event with Josephinum Academy, Our Lady of Tepeyac, Regina Dominican, Resurrection, Rosary, Trinity, and Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart. The event was sponsored by and held at Northern Trust in downtown Chicago, and brought together alumnae from the participating schools, as well as co-workers, friends, and current/soon-to-be McAuley moms. The night was full of women supporting each other, getting inspired by each other, and empowering each other in their various career fields.

The Helen M. and Richard B. Carey Scholarship The Helen M. and Richard B. Carey Scholarship launched this fall for our enthusiastic incoming freshman.This new, renewable, legacy scholarship was established by 2017 McAuley Hall honoree Marita Carey Sullivan ‘65 and her siblings in honor of their loving parents, Helen and Richard. Helen was the happy face in the front office of McAuley from 1969 to 1982. She made sure McAuley girls were all accounted for and on time, each and every day, through the attendance office. She believed in a strong, Catholic all-girl environment that would prepare young women for success. Her strong legacy continues with her great-granddaughter, Emma Galvan ‘20, empowering and embracing the Mercy way.

Regional Reunions McAuley is on the move! President Mary Acker Klingenberger ‘75 and Carey Temple Harrington ‘86, vice president for institutional advancement haves been traveling around the country to host regional reunions for our out-of-town alumnae. Join us for these 2019 gatherings: San Diego, CA - February 5-7 Atlanta, GA - February 25-28 Naples, Florida - April 4-6

alumnae news & events These Macs came back! Mariyana Spyropoulos ‘82, President at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Great Chicago, spoke to students on January 30, and donated a rain barrel to Mother McAuley. On April 13, students in the environmental science and earth & space science classes took a field trip to the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, where they took a tour and visited with Mariyana. On March 8, Trish Biondo Soltys ‘85, 2014 McAuley Hall Inductee, gave a special presentation to moms and daughters at a Mothers’ Club event. Trish is best known as a former on-air personality for US99 FM Radio in Chicago. She shared her experiences of empowering herself and cultivating selfconfidence to overcome challenges in the workplace. The Mac Money Club is open to students of all levels, and focuses on financial literacy, understanding the stock market, and learning about the various careers students can pursue in the business field (including careers outside of finance, such as marketing, entrepreneurship, etc.). Throughout the past school year, alumnae and businesswomen spoke at their meetings, sharing insights on their journey in the business world, including college major, internships, and day-to-day responsibilities in their current role. The students loved hearing from Maggie Shea ‘10, a social media specialist for Baird; Jenny Dunne Harkins ‘92, the owner and founder of Treadfit; McAuley president Mary Acker Klingenberger ‘75, who previously worked for BMO Harris Bank in various roles, including regional president; and Emilia DiMenco, president & CEO of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), who is a nationally-recognized leader in the field of women’s economic development, providing services to support & accelerate women’s business ownership and strengthen the impact of women on the economy. Throughout the year, alumnae were invited to speak to the Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars (CMHS), a program instituted to recognize superior academic achievement, offer opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment, encourage further development of skills and talents, and reward high-scoring students for their endeavors. On May 3, Jennifer Costello Fortner ‘94 and Elizabeth Nye ‘14 shared insights on their college preparation and job responsibilities for careers in Business. On May 24, college-aged alumnae who were members of CMHS visited with students to share advice and information on their colleges, majors and campus life. (These alumnae are pictured to the right.)

Mariyana Spyropoulos ‘82 donated a rain barrel to Mother McAuley.

Jenny Dunne Harkins ‘92, owner of Treadfit, speaks to the Mac Money Club.

Mac Money Club with Emilia DiMenco and President Mary Acker Klingenberger ‘75.

(back row from left) Alyssa LaBella ‘17, Maeve Fitzgerald ‘17, Sarah Law ‘16, Mary Graeber ‘15, Meaghan Baker ‘15, Catherine Burns ‘15, and Maggie O’Grady ‘15 (front row from left) Tyler Bentley ‘17, Nora Murphy ‘16, and Marlena Sweiss ‘15.

alumnae news & events

Alumnae Notes 1961 Winifred Godfrey ‘61 held an art show, “Home Grown in Beverly: Winifred Godfrey Flowers Fifty Years Later,” at the Beverly Arts Center January - February 2018. Her signature oil paintings feature large, close-up images of

Photo credit: Chicago Tribune

flowers. She’s also known for painting portraits, including a powerful series highlighting the indigenous people of Guatemala. As Howard Ludwig noted in his article, “Painter Winifred Godfrey returns to Beverly Arts Center for homegrown show,” published in the Daily Southtown on January 3, “Godfrey was among the first students to enroll at Mother McAuley when it moved to Mount Greenwood in 1956. A nun there encouraged her to follow her passion and talent for art. Upon graduation from the all-girls Catholic school, Godfrey went on to study art at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.”

1965 Arlene Peterson Powers ‘65 curated a show at the La Jolla Library Art Gallery in California, which ran from March May. The show was titled “The Colors of Spring,” and featured works by local artists.

1968 Kathleen Flynn Dujsik ‘68 received the Bert Ellis Award at the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago Compassion in Action Dinner and Auction on February 17. This award recognizes and honors a board member who sets a

standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to participation, and inspires others to make service to others a central part of their lives. For more than 26 years, Kathy served in various positions in education and development for the archdiocese. She also found time to serve on the South Regional Advisory Board of Catholic Charities for six years. Her leadership and support helped Catholic Charities organize their annual South Holland Fall Food Drive. In addition, she has supported their fundraising events by serving on several event committees and working towards their mission to serve those in need. McAuley Life Trustee Carole Intrieri Wilson ‘68 works at Little Company of Mary Hospital Cancer Center as an integrative therapy artist. She teaches art classes to cancer patients and produces an annual calendar featuring their work. Additionally, she is a certified guided imagery practitioner providing this one-on-one service to help reduce stress/anxiety/fear and promote relaxation and wellness for cancer patients. In her “former life,” she was the marketing director for two financial institutions for Little Company of Mary.

Gynecology at UT Southwestern, and holder of the Dr. Fred Bonte Professorship in Radiology. She serves the Department of Radiology as vice chair of academic affairs, after several roles in residency education, and Parkland Health and Hospital System as medical director of Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound. Her clinical interests include fetal and gynecologic imaging with ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR), imaging, and imaging of maternal complications of pregnancy. She also is one of five members of the Strategic Planning Committee for Undergraduate Medical Education, a group tasked with implementing an innovative medical school curriculum at UT Southwestern; is a member of the university’s Promotion and Tenure Committee; and serves as the course director for Radiology Grand Rounds.

1973 These Mighty Macs were thrilled to be together in Madison, WI in June 2018, where they reminisced and took a boat ride on Lake Mendota. (from left) Madonna McCollum Ashe, Therese Klinger Taff, Sue Schuyler Nikolich, Gloria Green, Cissy McIntosh Thunander, Ginny George Costigan, and Mary Desmond Patton (not pictured on boat was Carol Christiansen Callahan).

1972 Diane Twickler Wendel, M.D., FACR, ‘72 was named the 2017 Distinguished Clinical Educator at University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical School in January 2018. Dr. Twickler is a tenured professor of Radiology, and Obstetrics and

1973 Alumnae Gathering

alumnae news & events

Carla Hall ‘73 sits on the editorial board of the Los Angeles Times. In April, McAuley President, Mary Acker Klingenberger ‘75 had the chance to visit with her in California. Carla writes about homelessness, reproductive rights, popular culture, animal welfare, and human rights in Asia and Africa, among other topics. Before joining the editorial board, she was a general assignment reporter for the LA Times’ California section. She previously worked for the Washington Post’s Style section, where she juggled writing with acting roles in small theaters and even a few TV shows. She has a bachelor’s degree in the history of science from Harvard University. Donna Espisito Hughes ‘73 is currently an art educator at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, IL and an adjunct professor of Fine Arts at Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL. In recent years she has been elected as NEA/IEA Delegate for the annual IEA and NEA RA Conventions held in Chicago, Boston, and Minneapolis. State and National education issues such as school safety, funding, pension reform, and school laws, are current, important issues facing education leaders today. Her daughter Heather Hughes ‘98, also an educator, has earned her master’s degree, and currently works with special education students. They both share a love for learning and appreciate their strong McAuley education foundation, and Mercy tradition.

1974

1982

Lynn Muzik ‘74 is an entrepreneur who recently launched dentibrite™, through which she holds multiple patents on several dental appliance cleansing solutions. Lynn received a B.S. degree from the College of Business at the University of Illinois, in ChampaignUrbana Illinois, and has completed executive coursework towards an MBA from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, California. She lived in northern California for 18 years and recently relocated to Raleigh, NC. For 20+ years she worked in senior management and was a member of the launch team at Discover Financial Services and MasterCard International.

Clare O’Donohue ‘82 published her latest novel, “Beyond the Pale”, on May 8, 2018. The novel is a mystery/spy caper set in Ireland. You can read more at www.clareodonohue.com.

1976 Laura Guilfoyle ‘76 recently published her autobiography, “Can You Tell Me Why?” on Amazon and Kindle. It is the story of why she was spared the mental illnesses which devastated her family.

1979 The Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska appointed Kathleen (Kate) Cranley Gallagher, Ph.D. ‘79 as director of research and evaluation in January. In this position, Kate plays a leadership role in developing applied research and evaluation studies involving children from birth through Grade 3 and their families as well as the early childhood professionals who care for and teach young children. Before moving to Nebraska in 2016, she spent 13 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she taught in the School of Education and served as a research scientist at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.

Mariyana Spyropoulos ‘82, president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, spoke at the City Club of Chicago on April 17. The City Club of Chicago provides a venue for members and non-members to hear politicians, business leaders, and community leaders discuss a wide variety of public policy issues.

1983 Alumna and 2013 McAuley Hall inductee, Liz Doody Gorman ‘83, was appointed as executive director of the Illinois Toll Highway Authority in February. In this role, she manages the agency’s daily operations, oversees its $1.45 billion budget and leads its nearly 1,500 employees in ensuring the Tollway’s 1.6 million daily drivers travel on a safe, efficient and customer-friendly highway system that incorporates innovative roadway designs and cutting-edge technology. Alex Meneses ‘83 was recognized as a 2018 Latina of Influence by Hispanic Lifestyle, an independently produced program that is distributed on several Public B ro a d c a s t i n g Stations (PBS) and general

alumnae news & events market television channels throughout California, Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas. Alex is an actress in Hollywood, and can currently be seen on The CW Network’s critically-acclaimed series Jane the Virgin. In addition to her acting career, she has served on the Board of Trustees at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 10 years and has helped to raise tens of millions of dollars for the hospital. She also serves on the Boards for United Hope for Animals and The Chicago Symphony, is a member of The Chicago Historical Society, and established an endowed scholarship at Mother McAuley in 2005. In August, Alex returned to McAuley for a visit and tour of the school! Kimberly Price-Butler ‘83 is a 28-year career civil servant for the federal government. In 2015, she was named the director of policy and systems for the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

1986 Check out all the great news of these alumnae in this issue feature story, 50 at 50!

1987 Lola Dunn O’Brien ‘87 is still smiling while married with two children! Lola is a busy art teacher, wife and mother. She follows her passion through teaching visual art to local elementary students, a career she’s held for more than 24 years. She lives blocks away from her childhood home and is excited to currently have her own daughters become Mighty Macs! Volunteers gather together every year to “spruce up” Lake Katherine in memory of alumna Cynthia Weglarz-Rountree ‘87, who passed away in 2001 and spent her life working on environmental affairs. The group met again on May 12.

1988 Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald ‘88 was the alumnae speaker at Mother McAuley’s graduation ceremony. This marked the fifth year that an alumna was invited to address the graduates during commencement. Colleen is the medical director of clinical research at Loyola University Medical Center. As a practicing physician and an associate professor, she specializes in the departments of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Read more about her speech on page 69. Michelle Walsh Ozanne ‘88 moved out to San Diego following her graduation from Marquette University. She currently has a family and an active real estate practice in the San Diego area. Dr. Debra Vinci-Minogue ‘88 is the program director for ESL and bilingual endorsement at Dominican University. She presented a session on mindfulness in the classroom at a professional development workshop for the American Association of Teachers of French Chicago/N. Illinois Chapter in April.

neurship workshops and financial empowerment workshops in schools. Janelle Powell-Towne ‘89 founded The Home 2 Home Project in 2017. The Home 2 Home Project is a 501(c)3 organization based out of LaGrange that collects gently used furniture and household items and repurposes them

in formerly homeless clients apartments when they are transitioning out of shelters into homes of their own. Since the organization began in March 2017, they have completed more than 30 full family “move-ins,” added a second location in Orland Park has been featured on the Patrick McCormack Radio show on Relevant Radio in Chicago. Karen Schissler Van Assen ‘89 began her tenure as assistant principal at Brother Rice High School on July 1. She has worked at Brother Rice for 23 years as an English and theology teacher, athletic trainer, resource director, and grant writer.

1989

1990

LaShundra Harmon ‘89 is a financial adviser with THG Financial Strategies. She was the “Number One New Adviser” in 2016, and, for the second year in the row, sold the most life insurance policies in her firm. She is the only female vice president in her firm. She started a nonprofit, the Association of Financial Mommies, through which she teaches entrepre-

Sunu Chandy ‘90 works as the legal director at the National Women’s Law Center, and also helps to run the Legal Network For Gender Equity.

1991 Laura Stack Finn ‘91 coaches Irish Dance at the Lavin Cassidy School in Worth. Her U19 ladies ceili team, which includes two current McAuley students, Tara Campbell ‘19 and Elizabeth Gildea ‘20, took first place in their age group at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, at the end of March. Students Maggie O’Malley

alumnae news & events ‘20 and Annie Shea ‘21 also dance for Lavin Cassidy and won first place in their U16 age group! Margaret Ogarek ‘91 is a Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office deputy supervisor in the Child Advocacy and Protection Unit.

1992 Molly (Margaret) Bowes Brouder ‘92 earned her B.S. degree in nursing from Saint Xavier University in August 2017, completing the accelerated program and graduating magna cum laude. She currently is working at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Molly received her B.A. degree in social work from Saint Mary’s Minnesota in 1992 and worked in her field at Advocate Christ Medical Center for 16 years before pursuing her nursing degree. Molly, her husband Jeff, and their three children reside in Mt. Greenwood.

1993 Alecia Hanton Giunta ‘93 is the owner of Chicago Ridge Medical Imaging. Alecia has worked as the vice president of operations and as an ultrasound sonographer at her Chicago Ridge location and purchased the business is March 2015. In February, Colleen McKeever Marszalek ‘93, 1st vice president - director of customer operations and retail products at Marquette Bank, had the opportunity to volunteer with Mighty Mac students at Our Lady of the Ridge, as-

sisting with their BEDS homeless shelter. Marquette Bank provided a cook team, and the McAuley students filled supply bags for the homeless, helped distribute drinks, and more! Julie Wogan McKee ‘93 received the National Catholic Education Association 2018 Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award! for her contributions to Catholic education as a music and theatre teacher at McAuley. She is one of only 26 teachers nationwide to receive this honor. Julie accepted her award in April during an award banquet at the NCEA 2018 Convention & Expo in Cincinnati. She and the other honorees are highlighted in the NCEA magazine, Momentum.

1994 Jennifer Costello Fortner ‘94 was a cochair for the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations, which were held July 17-21 in Chicago. Jenny most recently served as the Special Olympics Illinois Board Chair, and worked hard to plan events for this special occasion, including: the Unified Cup at Toyota Park, a free event showcasing world class soccer celebrities playing with Special Olympics athletes on July 20; a Global Day of Inclusion at Soldier Field, a free event offering sports activities, interactive games, exhibits, delicious food offerings, and live entertainment for the whole family on July 21; and a starstudded concert headlined by Chance the Rapper and special guest Usher at Northerly Island on July 21. Bess Hendry ‘94 was named principal of Blair Early Childhood Center in January 2018. Bess had previously served as

assistant principal at the school, which serves children with special needs. Jennifer “Sis” Phelan Killen ‘94 joined the Cook County Government approximately six years ago after 13 years in private consulting, and serves as the assistant superintendent for the Department of Transportation and Highways, the first female in this position in the Department’s more than 100 year history. Her contributions have been integral to the transformation of a 270 plus person department from one that solely focused on its own assets to one that has assumed a leadership role in the region through strategic partnership and investment. As assistant superintendent, she has direct oversight over the entire department. The department is a full-service agency which provides planning, engineering, construction management and maintenance services for transp o r ta t i o n assets throughout Cook County. She loves to educate others on the services that the civil engineers provide and how her work at the county truly has a direct impact on one’s quality of life.

1995 Katie Dunneback ‘95 was selected as a recipient of one of the 2018 Service Awards by the Romance Writers of America for volunteer service to the national organization and local chapters over the course of her 18 years of membership.

1996 Kelly Krauchun ‘96 is an attorney at The Law Offices of Daniel Herbert & Associates. Ellen Gergits Metz ‘96 was named head of schools for the Noble Network of Charter Schools in Chicago in April. For the past 13 years, she served at Noble’s

alumnae news & events original campus in a variety of roles, including teacher, assistant principal and then principal. In the 2018-2019 school year, she will begin her next Noble chapter as head of schools, overseeing all 18 of Noble’s campuses.

1997 Amy Vaicik Brumett ‘97 is a Speech/ Language Pathologist working for Oak Lawn-Hometown School District #123 with the Early Childhood population. She also works part-time for Little Company of Mary’s Speech/Swallowing Department. She got married in August 2015 and welcomed her first baby, Emma Bernadette, in September 2016. Julie Kujawa ‘97 became the assistant principal at Blair Early Childhood Center in January 2018. Julie had taught at the school, which is located in the Clearing West neighborhood and serves children with special needs, for 17 years prior to her new appointment. Katie Schumacher-Cawley ‘97 was named assistant women’s volleyball coach at Penn State. Most recently, Katie was the University of Pennsylvania head coach, and before that had spent 14 years coaching at the University of Illinois at Chicago, including eight as the head coach (2009-16). Katie was inducted into the Mother McAuley Hall of Honor in 2014. Cousins Bridget Kinsella Segroves ‘97 and Meghan Mulryan ‘03 prepared students from Christ the King and Sutherland, respectively, for the Ridge Run, which was held on Memorial Day in the Beverly neighborhood. Each year, the local grammar schools participate in a friendly competition that promotes exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle.

1998

1999

Dr. Anita Remirez ‘98, a faculty member at Richard J. Daley College, received the Luminary Award from the school. Anita is known for her enthusiasm and energy, serving as the faculty advisor to the Daley chapter of the Society of Hispanic Engineers and bringing new developments and opportunities within the engineering fields to students while motivating them to stay focused and confident.

Diana Burban ‘99, McAuley journalism and English teacher, won the 2018 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago (SPAC) and McCormick Foundation Fellowship award. The annual honor awards one Chicago journalism teacher with $1500 to attend a summer conference.

Krista Anderson Ryan ‘98 came to the rescue of a stranger after he suffered a heart attack at an Alsip gym. Katie, a cardiac nurse at Advocate Christ M e d i c a l Center, performed CPR and used an A u to m a te d External Defibrillator (AED) while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. She had the opportunity to reunite with him in August. Leslie Werosh Visbal ‘98 is the executive director of Ability Now Bay Area, a nonprofit that educates and empowers adults with disabilities in the San Francisco bay area, and has held the position since March 2015. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University Bloomington (2002), a master’s of public administration degree from San Francisco State University (2011), and was recently married on Maui in June 2017. She lives in the East Bay of San Francisco with her husband.

2000 Andrea Prestinario ‘00 helped produce “A Taste of Things to Come”, a new musical that played at the Broadway Playhouse from March 20 – April 29. The musical followed the lives of four women as they lived through the changing world in the 1950s and 1960s, set to music reminiscent of the era.

2002 Catherine Antolec ‘02 started a new position in the legal field with Horwitz, Horwitz, & Associates as the workers’ compensation legal assistant. She feels so blessed to be a part of a great firm! Her education from Mother McAuley played a very important role that she values every day. She also is currently a member of the Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA).

2003 Denise Hill ‘03 ran as an independent candidate for the State Representative seat of the Illinois 25th House District in the November 2018 general election. She focused her platform on dealing with economic security, education, and environmental issues in the 25th District, which includes Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, South

alumnae news & events Shore, South Chicago and East Side. Denise was former inaugural chairwoman of Hyde Park Kenwood Community Council and former chairwoman of the Ray Elementary School Local School Council.

meet the demands of a changing technology world.

2007 Stephanie Seweryn ‘07 was a panelist for #LadyBoss, a forum “designed to

2009 Colleen Krahn ‘09 was named queen of the 2018 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Kellianne Grant McDonough ‘03 started a workout class, StrollerSculpt, an outdoor workout that allows parents to bring along their children. Colleen O’Ryan ‘03 has served as a Chicago Firefighter and EMT since April 2016.

2005 Katie Spelman ‘05 directed and choreographed the critically acclaimed production of “Cabaret” at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora this spring. On March 16, music and theatre students went to see the show, and had the opportunity to talk with members of the cast and crew and to FaceTime Katie, who was in Denver already working on her next project.

2006 Julie Kirsits ‘06 is a 4th grade teacher at St. Catherine of Alexandria. At the end of February, AP Chem and AP Calculus classes visited the Motorola Innovation Center in downtown Chicago. While there, students attended a presentation of their focus on applications that support our first responders and had a “hands on” lesson in coding. The day finished with networking and lunch with women leaders in all facets of STEM - engineers, design team and product development! A special thanks to alumna Theresa LaVelle ‘06 for hosting the students. Stephanie Rahman ‘06 is a manager in the EY Advisory Technology Transformation practice, leading large client engagements and advising CIO’s on strategic direction and helping them

highlight the work of Chicago ladies in business and act as an inspiring think tank to connect strong, like-minded entrepreneurs all around the world and in Chicago.” The panel focused on the topic, “When do we say we’ve got it all the while still trying to get it??”

2008 In April, Mary Claire Youpel ‘08 was featured on the University of Illinois’ college of agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences website for her work as a Safety Officer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps aboard the federal research vessel NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter. Since then, Mary Claire has begun working for the U.S. House of Representatives, where she performs clerk duties for the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.

Alex Wazny ‘09 has been a member of the Peace Corps, stationed in Ethiopia, since the fall of 2016. She graduated from Illinois State University’s learning and behavior specialist program in the department of special education in 2013, and was featured on their blog in July. She says of her decision to volunteer with the Peace Corps, “I wanted to have the chance to live a life that was completely different than the one I was born into, to experience what it was like to live on the other side of the world, particularly in Africa. Peace Corps was a great way to do that.” You can read the full blog post at illinoisstate. edu/2018/07/embracing-ethiopia/.

2010 Jazmyn Jefferson ‘10 teaches in the city, working hard with urban youth to close the achievement gap. Erin McQuinn ‘10 graduated from Creighton Dental School this spring and started working for Dr. John Kozal’s office in Oak Lawn.

2011 Tatianna Ingram ‘11 graduated with a B.A. degree from the University of Memphis in 2011 and a master’s in education from Mercer University in December 2017. She’s currently a resident director for Mercer University.

alumnae news & events Mary Kellogg ‘11 is an event manager for a custom media company called Guerrero Media. She plans corporate events for clients like Facebook, Netflix, HP, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and more. Gretchen Maty ‘11 was recognized as the Hero of the Game at Mother McAuley’s White Sox Night on May 8. She is currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C. as 1st Lt, 82nd Airborne, Sapper, Combat En g i n e e r ing. Gretchen was deployed to Gabon, Africa in July 2016 to work with multi-level military teams from France and Gabon and was then deployed to Iraq from January 2017 – September 2017. She graduated from Marquette with a degree in math and a minor in military science. Jasmine Taylor ‘11 recently graduated from Illinois State University’s School Psychology program with a Specialist degree. She will be a school psychologist in the Peoria Public School District.

2012 Kayla Jackson ‘12 completed her master’s degree in social work from Dominican University in May and began a position as social justice ministries coordinator at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago.

2013 Kaitlain McLaughlin ‘13 finished school at Saint Xavier University and is working as a corporate accountant at The Scion Group in downtown Chicago.

Jordan Wilson ‘13 graduated from Western Illinois University with her B.A. degree in political science and a concentration in pre law.

2014 Congratulations to these Mighty Macs who graduated from college this spring! Kaylyn Adams ‘14 graduated cum laude from Butler University with a B.S. degree in elementary education. In September of this year, she began pursuing a master’s degree in child study and human development at Tufts University in Medford, MA. Samantha Allen ‘14 graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois with bachelor degrees in Spanish and psychology, and a minor in leadership studies. This fall, she is attending George Washington University in Washington D.C. to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology. She’s looking forward to this next step, and wears her McAuley pride every day! Bridget Boland ‘14 graduated from St. Louis University with majors in international business and marketing, and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, she moved to Seattle to begin a finance rotation with Boeing.

Pharm.D at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy in Downers Grove. She will be graduating in February 2021. She also is dual enrolled at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN working on her B.S. in health & human services with an anticipated graduation in 2019. In addition, she’s a student pharmacist intern with CVS Health and has been with the company for a little over three years. In May, Gabrielle Ennis ‘14 graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. degree in hotel administration with an emphasis in services marketing and operations management. As a student, she completed internships with the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago, Aramark Corporation in Philadelphia, and American Express in New York City. She began working as a marketing analyst for American Express at the World Trade Center in August 2018. Julia Geraghty ‘14 graduated from St. Louis University as a computer science major. She now works as a software developer at Solstice, a technology consulting company in Chicago. Kaitlyn Leone ‘14 graduated in December 2017 from Loyola University, majoring in political science and minoring in communication studies, Catholic studies, and pre-law studies. She started at the University of Illinois College of Law and plans to graduate in 2020. Margaret Mallon ‘14 received a B.S. degree in speech and hearing science from the University of Illinois. This fall she began graduate school at Northwestern University to become a certified speech language pathologist.

Jennifer Buschbach ‘14 graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s in integrative biology. This fall, she is attending The Ohio State University in pursuit of a doctorate in optometry as well as a master’s in vision science!

Elizabeth Malone ‘14 is a graduate of St. Louis University, where she majored in health management and policy with a minor in public health. She now works for Northwestern Memorial Hospital as a process improvement program coordinator and plans to continue her education with either a master’s of health

Caitlin Czerwinski ‘14 is a second year pharmacy student working toward her

administration or master’s of business administration.

alumnae news & events Sara Nolan ‘14 will graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago in December 2018 with a major in mechanical engineering. This summer, she worked as a Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Summer Camp teaching aide for the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Engineering. Elizabeth Nye ‘14 graduated from the University of Chicago in May with a degree in public policy with a finance focus, and a minor in human rights. She continued to play basketball throughout college, leading the team as the captain during her senior year. She has since started a job at Accenture Strategy as a consultant, and plans to pursue a graduate degree at a later date. Margaret O’Brien ‘14 received a B.S. degree in speech and hearing science from the University of Illinois in May. She is now pursuing a graduate degree from Saint Xavier University in order to become a certified speech pathologist. Annabel O’Leary ‘14 graduated in May 2018 from Ball State University with a bachelor’s in deaf education. She accepted her first teaching position at Ox Bow Elementary in Elkhart, IN working with KG-1st grade Deaf/ Hard of Hearing students. Kathy Powell ‘14 was one of 24 students taking part in the 2018 Illini 4000 Bike America ride, a trek across the United States during which they logged an average of 70 miles a day. Illini 4000 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on raising money for cancer research while documenting the American cancer experience through The Portraits Project, a series of stories told by cancer survivors, patients and caregivers.

Emily Wiedeman ‘14 graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a B.A. degree in communication studies and pre-law studies. This fall, she began graduate school at Eastern Illinois University as a graduate assistant studying media and critical studies.

2015 Erin Coghlan ‘15 studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain in the spring of 2018. She Skyped with two Spanish classes in March to tell them about her experiences. Ryann DeJarld ‘15 returned to Mother McAuley with the University of Notre Dame’s women’s volleyball team for a 5-set scrimmage against DePaul University in April. Ryann, who helped the Mighty Macs win a state title in 2014, has set Notre Dame’s career digs record and helped the Fighting Irish reach the NCAA tournament in the fall of 2017. In February, Suzanne Dwyer ‘15 was named one of Butler University’s “Top 100 Most Outstanding Students.” This honor comes from a nomination by a faculty member, followed by an application, and rounds of judging. Butler’s Top 100 recognizes students who have gone above and beyond in academics, service, and leadership. In addition, Suzanne received the Chapman Champion Award on February 17. The award “recognizes one member of the Butler family who is making a unique, above and beyond contribution to the campus or Indianapolis community, either through academic or charitable efforts.”

which are delivered to patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). Sarah also participated in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership of Wisconsin Seminar 2018 Leadership in Action. Participants in the seminar helped create Stuffed Love Heart pillows, which will be used in Conquering CHD Kits delivered to infants, children, teens and adults facing open heart surgery for CHD.

2016 Alejandra Alvarez ‘16 recently joined Kirkland & Ellis LLP Law Firm as a file assistant. She began her junior year at Valparaiso University as a prelaw economics and political science major this fall. Kathryn McCarthy ‘16 gave a tour to a group of McAuley students who visited Marquette University on February 27. The group also ran into Erin Walsh ‘16 and Amy Geraghty ‘16 at lunch in one of Marquette’s dining halls.

Stuffed Love, the nonprofit organization founded by Sarah Dynia ‘15, will be featured on the advertising in every order from Fairfield World Poly-Fil. Fairfield World supplies Sarah with the stuffing for her stuffed heart pillows,

2017 Caroline Wallace ‘17, a current freshman at the University of Illinois, was awarded the Chick Evans Scholarship in the spring.

alumnae news & events Cathleen Cotter ‘68 married Charles Ivers on April 28, 2018. Nicole Filippone ‘09 married Josh Hodur in April 2018. t Katie Doyle ‘98 married Noel Deane on May 19, 2018 at the Abbey Resort in Fontana, WI. More than 30 Mighty Macs celebrated with the couple, including 10 Mighty Mac bridesmaids!

marriages Brenda Fitzgerald ‘03 married Mr. Vivian Doyle from Co. Wexford, Ireland on January 1, 2016 at St. James Sag Bridge Church in Lemont. t Leslie Werosh ‘98 married John Visbal on June 17, 2017 in Maui, Hawaii.

s Carrie Williams ‘03 married Randy Sturm at Incarnation Church in Palos Heights on December 30, 2017. Her bridal party included fellow alumnae Laura Williams ‘97, Carrie’s sister and matron of honor (second from left); Sara Cuhr Allred ‘03 (second from right); and Jessica Cusack Lambert ‘03 (first from right). t Victoria Acevedo ‘04 married John Barrett on March 10, 2018.

Maggie Rooney ‘09 married Joe Keenan on May 19, 2018. Julie Owens ‘82 and Chris Burns were married June 9, 2018. t Hilary Sterk ‘05 married Tommy Tully on June 9, 2018. Colleen Raminski ‘07 married Brian Radzevich on August 26, 2017 at St. Francis with a reception in Oak Brook. The church was able to play the Suscipe during their Mass. t Debra Peterson ‘02 married Joseph Scholl on September 16, 2017 at St. Gerald in Oak Lawn. A reception at the Doubletree Hotel in Alsip followed.

t Margaret Engstrom ‘91 married John Pickert on March 31, 2018. Many alumnae were in attendance, including her sisters, (from left) Michelle Engstrom McCartney ‘83, Megan Markacek Chenier ‘01, Kim Engstrom Byrne ’84, Natalie Markacek ‘98 and Melissa Markacek Bedwell ‘96.

Elyse Lunz ‘05 married Jason Gordon on August 11, 2018.

alumnae news & events

births & adoptions Jerry and Anna Bogdanowicz Suwada ‘05 welcomed daughter Liliana Emma and May 18, 2016.

Colleen Carey Morgan ‘05 and husband James welcomed their daughter, Rose Bridget, on December 2, 2017.

t Colleen Roberts-Erickson ‘02, husband Patrick, and big brother Will, welcomed Evelyn Sandra Erickson on April 18, 2017.

Kerry Cunningham ‘98, her husband, Randy, and big brother Travis welcomed future Mighty Mac Parker Jean on January 8, 2018. Abby Girdauskas Yap ‘01 and husband Lowell welcomed son Lowell Michael Hans Yap III on January 22, 2018. Anne Larmon Ringrose ‘01, husband Thom, and big brother Will, welcomed Samantha Marie on January 23, 2018.

s Joshua and Emily Mitsdarffer Meyer ‘01 and big sisters Mercy-Julia and Romona welcomed Josefina Alice on December 12, 2017.

t Kathleen Niemiera Clair ‘98 and her husband, Ron, welcomed their son Luke Asher on May 9, 2017. Luke joins big brothers Tyler, Andrew and Dylan.

t Michelle Madden Dahman ‘07, husband Ed, and grandma Susan Yore Shukstor ‘77, welcomed Damian Neale on December 21, 2017.

s Joe and Katie Farrell Duhig ‘01 welcomed Cameron on February 7, 2018. Cam joins older brother Tommy and older sister Molly.

t Paul and Elyse Schmudlach Kruse ‘06 welcomed daughter Ava Madisyn on November 30, 2017.

s Dave, Katie Pierucci Lubke ‘92, and big siblings Noah, Jessica, and Joey, welcomed Maggie Lowetta on February 7, 2018.

alumnae news & events Faculty member Lauren Dowden and her husband Pearce welcomed Millie Bea on March 5, 2018.

Susan Torpy ‘07 and husband Joe welcomed their son Ian Paul on June 1, 2018.

David and Ann Hahn Smith ‘05 welcomed son Benjamin Hahn Smith on March 26, 2018. Ben is the nephew of Dr. Katherine Smith Browne ‘01 and Patricia Smith ‘06.

Colin and Kaleigh Nolan Powers ‘07 welcomed their son Nolan Patrick on June 10, 2018.

McAuley counselor Kathleen Mixan ‘03 and her husband Eric Vari welcomed son, Charlie West, on April 10, 2018.

s Joseph and Michelle Perez Cavanaugh ‘99 welcomed son Jackson Joseph Cavanaugh on March 3, 2018.

Kerry Ryan Lynch ‘98, husband Chris, and big sisters Mary Cate, Maggie, and Brydie welcomed Martin “Marty” William on April 13, 2018.

Faculty member Becky Kujawa Finn, husband Chris, and big sisters Lily and Abby, welcomed Elizabeth “Ella” Jean on June 13, 2018. Kannan and Katie O’Keeffe Vinaitheerthan ‘06 welcomed daughter Meena Marie on June 16, 2018. Meena is also the granddaughter of faculty member Robin O’Keeffe.

Contact the alumnae office at 773-881-6565 or alumnae@mothermcauley.org to get a McAuley shield to proudly display in a photo with the Mighty Mac alumnae at your wedding! Tag Mother McAuley in your baby and wedding photos on social media.

deaths Eileen Barry Smith ‘68, sister of Cathy Barry Berleman ‘63, Joan Barry Lindquist ‘65, and Lillian Barry Artus ‘70, passed away on December 17, 2010. Karen Ann Welter ‘80 passed away on May 4, 2013. A correction to an announcement from the fall 2016 issue of Inscape: Daniel Kelley, husband of the late Eleanor Wittl Kelley, SXA ‘38, and father of Kathleen Kelley Gradl ‘60, passed away on February 23, 2016.

2017 Mary Louise Lauterbach Nolan SXA ‘48 passed away January 16, 2017. Marcella Sullivan, mother of Marianne Sullivan Landis ‘73; mother-in-law of Karen Mitrick Sullivan ‘80; grandmother of Mary Beth Sullivan ‘13, Kathleen Sullivan ‘16 and Kristen Sullivan ‘19; sister-in-law of Marcella Jordan Farrell ‘64; and aunt of Margaret Farrell McNeela ‘93, Mary Farrell ‘99, and Kathleen Farrell Duhig ‘01; passed away

in February 2017. Paul L. O’Toole, husband of Deanne Dempsey O’Toole SXA ‘58 and brotherin-law of Kathleen Dempsey Moyer ‘63, passed away March 2017. A correction to an announcement from the winter 2018 issue of Inscape: Marilyn Millerick Durkin, mother of Susan Millerick Kelley ‘65, Lynne Millerick Murray ‘68, Carol Millerick Nick ‘70, Therese Millerick Eggert ‘72, mother-in-law of Judy Azzarello Millerick ‘75, Cecily Ahern Millerick ‘81, and grandmother of Terese Murray O’Keefe ‘98, Mary Kate Murray Heywood ‘01, Patty Murray Shannon ‘05, Julie Murray ‘08, Anne Nick ‘08, and Margaret Millerick ‘18 passed away on June 10, 2017.

Judith Ihlenfeldt Molinari SXA ‘57 passed away June 19, 2017. Richard Aruldoss, brother of Stephanie Aruldoss Hawkshaw ‘83, Patricia Aruldoss ‘88, Denise Aruldoss ‘91, Lisa Aruldoss ‘95, and uncle of Caroline Hawkshaw ‘19, passed away on July 3, 2017.

Michael John Gradl, Sr., husband of Kathleen Kelley Gradl ‘60 and son-inlaw of the late Eleanor Wittl Kelley, SXA ‘38, passed away on August 22, 2017. Mary Catherine Gorman, mother of Mary T. Gorman Gallagher ‘66 and Ellen Gorman Ferring ‘69, and grandmother of Mary Brigid Gallagher ‘98, Ellen Gallagher Therens ‘00, Therese Gallagher ‘02, and Margaret Gallagher ‘11, passed away on August 30, 2017. Margaret Murphy Anderson SXA ‘56 passed away on September 10, 2017. Joanne Darlington Vail SXA ‘44, mother to Sally Vail Ryan ‘71, Mary Ann Vail Parent ‘75, Lisa Vail ‘79 and grandmother to Katie Ryan Bastian ‘98, passed away September 26, 2017. Maureen McWeeney McGuire ‘61, mother of Beezie McGuire ‘88 and sister of Thomasina McWeeney Volkman ‘69, passed away on October 5, 2017. Florence Ryan, mother of Cathy Ryan ‘75 and Colleen Ryan-Ryan ‘78, and mother-in-law of the late Lauren Putz

alumnae news & events Ryan ‘83, passed away on October 6, 2017. Kathlyn O’Connor Rybarczyk ‘60 passed away on November 30, 2017. Paul Jarchow, husband of Maribel Lesch Jarchow SXA ‘53 and brother of the late Patricia Jarchow Solari SXA ‘42, passed away on December 3, 2017. Susan Trimble Petricig ‘62, sister of Darcy Trimble Bowen ‘82, passed away on December 6, 2017. Dorothy Parker, mother of Pat Parker ‘67, Marianne Parker Doyle ‘69, Kim Parker Walz ‘74, Maureen Parker Casey ‘76 and Margaret Parker Hopkins ‘80, passed away on December 14, 2017.

Paul McCarthy, husband of Sherry Lambert McCarthy ‘86, father of Megan McCarthy ‘04 and Alyssa McCarthy ‘12, brother of Mary McCarthy Danaher ‘85, Molly McCarthy Cranley ‘90 and Maureen McCarthy McClelland ‘98, brother-in-law of Laura Lambert Allison ‘87, Rebecca Lambert Gavin ‘91 and Elyse Lambert Stichter ‘01, and uncle of Maggie Cranley ‘17, Vanessa Gavin ‘18, Maureen Cranley ‘19 and Catherine Cranley ‘21, passed away on January 12, 2018. Wanita Romero, grandmother of faculty member Lauren Dowden, passed away on January 12, 2018.

Mary Helen O’Connell Peterson ‘62 passed away on December 15, 2017.

Peter Anthony Ruddy, son of Susan McNally ‘82 and cousin of Mallory McNally ‘17 and Emily McNally ‘20, passed away on January 13, 2018.

Sister Patricia “Pat” Illing, R.S.M., formerly Sister Mary Jeron, passed away on December 18, 2017. Sr. Patricia was a founder of the McAuley Little School program.

Susan Walsh-Haggerty ‘65, mother of Ruari Walsh Haggerty ‘21 and sister of Judy Walsh Campbell ‘60 and Janice Walsh ‘69, passed away on January 14, 2018.

Dr. James Allan McNicholas, father to Mary Therese McNicholas Galka ‘72, Jean McNicholas Spiegelhalter ‘75, Dr. Susan McNicholas Rowan ‘76, Kathy McNicholas Daniels ‘80, Dr. Eileen McNicholas McCaffrey ‘85, grandfather to Julie Galka ‘01, Aileen Rowan Lysaught ‘04, Megan Rowan ‘08, Mary Kate Daniels ‘09, Emily Daniels ‘12, Margaret Daniels ‘14 and father-in-law to Dr. Daniel Rowan, member of the Board of Trustees, passed away on December 24, 2017.

Colette Barajas ‘71, grandmother of Bianca Barajas ‘04, passed away on January 15, 2018.

Carol Costello Lucas ‘73 passed away on December 29, 2017.

JANUARY 2018

Sharon Maloney ‘61 passed away January 15, 2018. Nancy Connolly, mother of Kristen Connolly Cahill ‘87, Katie Connolly Vreeland ‘90, and grandmother of Emily Cahill ‘16 and Grace Cahill ‘21, passed away on January 16, 2018.

FEBRUARY 2018 Joseph Gabler, husband of Sheila Lamb-Gabler ‘80 and brother-in-law of Rosemarie Lamb ‘74 and Colleen Lamb Ferrara ‘77, passed away February 2018.

Rosanne Murray ‘74, sister of Terry Murray ‘72 and Margaret Murray ‘75, passed away on January 3, 2018.

Rich Jakes, father of Christine Jakes ‘10 and former Fathers’ Club president, passed away February 2018.

Mary Mortimer Meany ‘63, sister of Karen Mortimer Williams ‘60 and the late Jean Mortimer Brannigan ‘58, passed away on January 7, 2018.

Joy Triezenberg ‘15, sister of Faith Triezenberg ‘09 and Hope Triezenberg ‘12, passed away on February 2, 2018.

Graciela Orozco, mother of Gabriela Vazquez Hearsch ‘08, passed away on January 10, 2018.

Honor Green, mother to Margaret Green Schmiedeknecht ‘67, Marianne Green Russell ‘69, Tricia Green Devine ‘70, Sue Green Lotysz ‘72, Gloria Green ‘73, Mary

Green Riordan ‘74, Barb Green Allen ‘75, Carol Green Rygiel ‘78, and Gail Green Wingate ‘79, passed away on February 6, 2018. James Kulikauskas, uncle of Julie Kulikauskas Mikuzis ‘99 and Laura Kulikauskas ‘07, passed away on February 7, 2018. Kevin J. Hallagan, father to Anne Marie Hallagan Vasil ‘82, Patricia Hallagan Falimirski ‘83, Mary Jo Hallagan Jenkins ‘84, Theresa Hallagan King ‘86, Meghan Hallagan Watts ‘88, and the late Sharon Hallagan Pellizzari ‘87, passed away on February 8, 2018. Kenneth J. Ozinga, longtime friend of Mother McAuley, passed away on February 8, 2018. James R. ‘Jimmy’ Pasquinelli, Jr., son of Barbara Moore Pasquinelli ‘57, brother to Susan Pasquinelli Reinstra ‘85, brother-in-law to Maureen Kenny Pasquinelli ‘89 and uncle to Katie Pasquinelli ‘19, passed away on February 8, 2018. Patricia Lamphier, mother of Denise Lamphier Bossler ‘88 and Karen Lamphier Suglish ‘89, passed away on February 14, 2018. Thomas Sullivan, Sr., father of Marianne Sullivan Landis ‘73; father-in-law of Karen Mitrick Sullivan ‘80; grandfather of Mary Beth Sullivan ‘13, Kathleen Sullivan ‘16 and Kristen Sullivan ‘19; brother-in-law of Marcella Jordan Farrell ‘64; and uncle of Margaret Farrell McNeela ‘93, Mary Farrell ‘99, and Kathleen Farrell Duhig ‘01; passed away on February 14, 2018. Arthur Zervos, son of Pamela Isherwood Zervos ‘79, passed away on February 21, 2018. Debbie Knepper Hanson ‘88 passed away on February 23, 2018. Marybeth Tobin Brawley ‘75, sister to Ann Tobin Hoglund ‘78 and Rose Shea Pera ‘75, passed away February 26, 2018 Mary Wurst, mother of faculty member Vicky Kazin, passed away on February 27, 2018.

alumnae news & events MARCH 2018 Leslie Crowley, mother of Joanne Crowley ‘18, passed away in March 2018. Frank Cunningham, father of Patricia Cunningham Fee ‘69 and Cathy Cunningham Barnes ‘73, passed away March 2018. Dorothy O’Neil, mother of Jane O’Neil Quinlan ‘74 and Joan O’Neil ‘80, motherin-law of Janet Caserta O’Neil ‘75, grandmother of Colleen Quinlan White ‘94, and great-grandmother of Grace White ‘22, passed away in March 2018. Judith Desmond, mother of Jennifer Desmond Mustari ‘86 and grandmother of Sara Mustari ‘19, passed away on March 8, 2018. Nancy Crudele, mother of Catherine Crudele Button ‘94 and mother-in-law of Judy Neary Crudele ‘91, passed away on March 14, 2018. James Bracken, father of Shannon Bracken ‘01, passed away on March 16, 2018. Joanne Troglia Boschert ‘04 passed away on March 17, 2018. Erin DeValk Eustaquio ‘92 passed away on March 17, 2018. Marilyn Meneses, mother of Alex Meneses ‘83, passed away on March 19, 2018. Anne O’Neill, mother of Marybeth O’Neill Carlson ‘81, the late Nancy O’Neill ‘84, Maureen O’Neill Flynn ‘86, Therese O’Neill Rath ‘89, mother-in-law of Judy Phillips O’Neill ‘84, and grandmother of Erin Carlson ‘12, Lauren Carlson ‘14, Carolyn Carlson ‘15, and Marie O’Neill ‘17, passed away on March 26, 2018. Patricia McNeil Wiegand SXA ‘48 passed away on March 31, 2018.

and Peggy O’Malley Kelly ‘84 and grandfather to Shannon O’Malley ‘09, passed away on April 2, 2018. Thomas and Dolores Smith, father and mother to Marifran Smith ‘88 and John Smith, long-time member of the Father’s Club; father-in-law and motherin-law to Dorie Filpovich Smith ‘83; and grandfather and grandmother to Brenna Smith ‘13 and Addison Smith ‘17; passed away on April 4, 2018 and April 3, 2018, respectively. William Patrick O’Hara, brother of Helen O’Hara Mick ‘58, passed away April 5, 2018. Charles McLaughlin, brother of Mary Ruth McLaughlin Rudd ‘72 and Sharon McLaughlin Mohseni ‘75, brother-in-law of Gail Dunn McLaughlin ‘70, and uncle of Nina Mohseni ‘02, Aryanna Mohseni ‘05, Stephanie McLaughlin ‘07, Kathleen McLaughin ‘09, Olivia Mohseni ‘11, and Colleen McLaughlin ‘16, passed away on April 10, 2018. Thomas Stehney, son of Susan Cortez Stehney ‘66; brother of Megan Stehney ‘93 and Melissa Stehney Schumacher ‘97; nephew of Judy Cortez Hughes ‘61, Diane Cortez Sullivan ‘71, and Meg Stehney ‘75; and cousin of Courtney Sullivan ‘02 and Jennie Sullivan ‘04; passed away on April 10, 2018. Eileen Kramer, mother of Donna Kramer Sweeney ‘71, Karen Kramer Broderick ‘73, Jeannie Kramer Casciato ‘78, the late Eileen Kramer ‘83, Florence Kramer Webster ‘84 and Joannie Kramer Murray ‘86; and grandmother of Abby Casciato ‘01, Molly Broderick O’Connell ‘03, Margaret Broderick Bush ‘04, Jill Sweeney ‘04, Kara Broderick Gansel ‘06, Elizabeth Sweeney ‘09, Kelly Kramer Harrigan ‘10, and Katlyn Broderick ‘13, passed away on April 15, 2018.

MAY 2018 APRIL 2018 Robert “Bob” Walsh, Jr., brother of Karen Walsh Stevens SXA ‘55, passed away in April 2018. Alfred J. O’Malley, father to Kathy O’Malley Broderick ‘73, Patty O’Malley ‘75, Debbie O’Malley-McKeown ‘76

Philip Bartolotta, grandfather of Mary Kate Brendich ‘13 and Caroline Kelley ‘18, passed away May 11, 2018. Donald DiFilippo, husband of Judith Muraida DiFilippo ‘65 and father of Victoria DiFilippo Jacklin ‘94, passed away on May 16, 2018.

Sandra Gonzalez Mitchell ‘89, sister-inlaw to Josy Spiga Gonzalez ‘88 and aunt to Felecia Gonzalez ‘11, passed away on May 20, 2018. Patricia Ann Thiese Fitzgerald ‘65, mother of Colleen Fitzgerald, MD ‘88, Meggan Fitzgerald Duffy ‘91, Tricia Fitzgerald Halper ‘93, Sarah Fitzgerald McCormick ‘95, and sister of Margaret Thiese Johnson ‘62 and Mary Barbara Thiese Murphy ‘69, passed away on May 29, 2018.

JUNE 2018 Joseph L. Rezetko, grandfather of Emily Rezetko ‘08, Abbey Rezetko ‘13 and Hannah Rezetko ‘18, passed away in June, 2018. Amy Machairas, aunt of Sarah Torpy Paprocki ‘05, Susie Torpy ‘07, and Eileen Torpy ‘09, passed away on June 1, 2018. Alicia Rogers Lee ‘58 passed away June 15, 2018. Donna Krieger, cousin to vice principal Sr. Lois Bromark and former McAuley theology teacher, passed away on June 19, 2018. Mary Catherine “Cathy” Conniff ‘70 passed away June 27, 2018.

All birth, wedding, and death submissions for this issue of Inscape were due by July 1, 2018. All submissions received after July 1 will be included in our next issue. To submit news of a death in our community, please visit mothermcauley.org/alumnae/ in-memoriam or email alumnae@ mothermcauley.org. If we have omitted any information, please contact the alumnae office at alumnae@mothermcauley.org

alumnae news & events

Calling all college-aged alumnae Join us for a pizza party on Thursday, January 10 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at McAuley! Catch up with your friends and favorite teachers. The Class of 2018 will also have a chance to pick up their senior yearbooks. Visit the McAuley website to save your spot!

Save the date JANUARY 18 Alumnae Basketball Night

FEBRUARY 1 Celebration 2019

MARCH 1 Career Day

APRIL 7 McAuley Hall Induction

We are excited to announce that Mother McAuley is now a school page on LinkedIn! Connect with fellow Mighty Macs by adding Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School to the education section of you profile in one of two ways:

1969 50th Reunion

To add Mother McAuley to your profile, scroll down to “Education,” click the plus sign, and start typing in “Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.” The school will appear in a drop-down; choose this option, add any additional information if you wish (activities, graduation year, etc.) and hit save in the bottom right.

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If you already have Mother McAuley listed, make sure you’re connected to our school page by scrolling down to “Education” and clicking the pencil icon next to McAuley. In the pop-up, click the first box for “School,” and choose Mother McAuley from the drop-down. If the drop-down does not automatically appear, delete and re-type “Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.” Once you do this, you will be included on McAuley’s “Career Insights” page on LinkedIn. We want this page to be a resource for you to connect and network with fellow Mighty Macs, as well as see all of the ways alumnae are being leaders and innovators in their fields. This page can be found at https://www. linkedin.com/school/mother-mcauley-liberal-arts-high-school/alumni/.

Make sure you follow our page, as well, for updates on alumnae events and news!

MAY 3

Mother McAuley Mother’s Day Mass and Beverly Breast Cancer Walk

JUNE 10 Mother McAuley White Sox Game

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Planning for the Future so McAuley In 2017, we were able to complete Phase 1 of Future Ready – the renovation of our lounge and front entrance – because of the generosity of alumnae and donors. For this, we are so very grateful. The success of that venture assured us of our campaign mission and kindled a greater interest in its progress. This summer Phase 2 of Future Ready: The Campaign for Mother McAuley was completed. Construction began in June with the reinvigoration of approximately 17,000 square feet of existing space located in C-wing, representing the first overhaul of the C-wing classrooms since the school opened in 1956. Very few updates have been made to the space since that time. The transformation of classrooms and hallways in the first and second floor of C-wing, located nearest to 99th Street, is home to English, math and social science classrooms.. The outcomes promise to provide all students with a premier 21st-century college preparatory experience that is rich in collaboration and project-based learning.

Original Hallways

Team work and collaboration skills are necessary for the workforce of the future. That means that today’s students need a variety of learning opportunities that keep them engaged and invested in their education. Studies have shown that classroom environment directly correlates to student achievement. Dynamic spaces and techniques foster cooperative action and conflict resolution, creating an idea-rich atmosphere and more opportunities for engagement. Activating corridors and hallways, in concert with open classrooms, facilitates students’ working with each other and their teachers on projects of common interest. The fresh space creates an atmosphere that is tech-friendly and communal, with access to virtual learning environments.

“We know that the career choices of students might not be solidified, but we also know that many jobs will require them to work on teams, so teaching students how to collaborate in a school environment is setting them up for future success. The flexible seating allows desks to be moved and naturally formed into various pods, setting the tone for team work. As an alumna, parent and school principal, I’m excited to be able to share what McAuley has to offer and how it is designed to meet our 21st century learners.” Dr. Ann Marie Kordeck Riordan ‘88 Parent to Nora ‘22 Principal, Christ The King School

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Girls are Ready! On September 5, we welcomed Fr. Tom Hurley to bless the new renovated classrooms and hallways, the Houlihan Family Entrance, and the Kitty Mac Cafe -- sponsored by the Napleton and Roche families. To echo the beautiful blessing shared by Fr. Tom Hurley, “May these walls breathe with the faith, hope, and love of all those who have come before and will come after us.” As a further extension of learning, the hallways have been reconfigured and activated. Excess lockers were removed and carpet and benches installed with the intent to create more usable space and stimulate informal learning and collaboration. Restrooms also were renovated. The momentum of the campaign continues, thanks to generous donors whose gifts allow us to create an environment that is transformative for our students. We know we can continue to rely on the support, prayers, and financial generosity of donors now and as we continue our plans to make our school, and the young women we serve, Future Ready.

FutureReady The Campaign for Mother McAuley

C-wing classroom & hallway updates include: • 21st century, modular furniture that allows for multiple configurations, e.g., solitary study, group work, conference seating, etc. • modernized and environmentallyconscious finishes and surfaces, including new antimicrobial carpet tiles that can be easily cleaned and individually replaced, as needed. • flat panel televisions that allow for compatibility with the iPad® and other technological advances, such as Skype. • relocation of the visual display board to the corridor wall. • roller window shades to reduce heat loss as well as glare often created by natural light. • LED, energy-efficient and dimmable lighting, with smart controls. • new doors and hardware. • fresh, bright coats of wall paint. For more information, or to donate to the Future Ready campaign, contact Carey Temple Harrington, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at (773) 8816557 or charrington@mothermcauley.org

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Original Classroom

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We are FutureReady!

Kitty Mac Café Ellen Napleton Roche ’68 and Kathy Roche Napleton ’68 and guests pose in front of the recently-named Kitty Mac Café, funded by a generous donation from the Napleton family. The Café offers Starbucks brewed beverages and snacks, before and after school, and during all lunch periods.

The Houlihan Family Entrance We are incredibly grateful to the Houlihan Family, who so thoughtfully donated funds for the renovation of our front entryway. Fran is our honorary campaign chair, as well as a Life Trustee. He and his wife, Patricia, are parents to four McAuley alumnae: Kathy Houlihan Janke ‘78, Mary Fran Houlihan Mattoon ‘80, Maureen Houlihan Otten ‘82 and Aileen Houlihan Fitzgerald ‘91.

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Celebration 2O18 Our annual Celebration Gala took place on February 2, 2018 at Beverly Country Club. The evening celebrates individuals who exemplify the charism and values of foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley. This year Mother McAuley honored Mike and Anne Cullen with the Catherine McAuley Leadership Award, and inducted two distinguished members of the McAuley community as Life Trustees: Sister Ruth Mutchler, RSM and Raymond Lazzara. Proceeds from the evening benefit tuition assistance for Mother McAuley students. More than 60 percent of the young women who attend Mother McAuley receive some form of financial aid. The Catherine McAuley Leadership Award Mike and Anne Cullen established the Bridget Anne Cullen Memorial Scholarship in honor of their youngest daughter, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 17. Bridget was a senior at McAuley. The Cullen family immediately felt the outpouring of love and support from the students, faculty and the entire McAuley community. The scholarship in Bridget’s honor is a testament to the community’s compassion toward the Cullen’s tragedy. It also is a reflection of the community’s commitment to achieve positive outcomes through educational opportunities, despite originating from such sorrowful circumstances. The Cullens are grateful that the scholarship continues to provide support to others who share their value for raising their families in a faith-based community, and their desire that girls experience a Catholic education at Mother McAuley High School. “We wanted to take all the love and support that we received during our darkest hours and turn it into a benefit for local families who want to provide their daughters with a Catholic education at Mother McAuley,” said Mike Cullen, during his remarks. “Bridget loved McAuley dearly, and McAuley loved her just as much as we do.”

Life Trustees The distinction of life trustee was established in 2014 to honor individuals whose contributions of their expertise and time has demonstrated their sincere commitment to Mother McAuley. Sister Ruth Mutchler, RSM and Ray Lazzara have integrated their faith and knowledge to become successful leaders and compassionate ministers of the Mercy charism in their personal and professional lives. Sister Ruth Mutchler, RSM, served as formation director for the Mercy community before coming to Mother McAuley in 1969 to work as a guidance counselor before becoming executive director and principal. She then spent six years serving on the Sisters of Mercy Leadership Team. Returning to education, Sister Ruth served as principal of Saint Michael’s School in Orland Park. She later became director of The Institute of Women Today in Chicago – now called Margaret’s Village. Last March, Margaret’s Village presented her with the Committed Heart Award. Sister Ruth was a member of the McAuley Board of Trustees in 1975 and 1976. “My years at Mother McAuley were most challenging and rewarding,” shared Sister Ruth. “In the 70’s our student population was over two thousand; we went from electric typewriters to computers; Saint Ignatius went co-ed; we started the Fathers Club, and we went down state for the first volleyball Championship game. This was an exciting

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time and I would not change a thing.”

In his remarks, Ray joked about being the only man ever awarded a diploma from Mother McAuley. The distinction came following a McAuley event Ray helped sponsor many years ago. “It was a great memory,” Ray shared. “I’m sure this Mother McAuley community will continue to thrive under the great leadership that I’ve seen demonstrated here tonight.”

Ray Lazzara is the owner of the Martinique Banquet Complex in Burbank, formerly The Drury Lane Theatre/Martinique Banquets on 95th Street and Western Ave. As a business owner and parent of two McAuley alumnae, Ray has been a loyal support of Mother McAuley and the community. He has been a past sponsor of McAuley’s Celebration and the annual alumnae golf outing, both of which benefit student tuition assistance. He also helped underwrite and campaign to make the McAuley library computerized in 1997. Ray served on the Mother McAuley Board of Trustee from 1996 to 2006.

Following the award presentations, guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, and a live and silent auction. A paddle raise to generate donations for student tuition assistance also was held after a video was shown which featured current McAuley families sharing their gratitude for a wonderful education, and those who support them. The video, along with photos from the evening, can be viewed on the school website, www.mothermcauley.org

Celebration 2019 Friday, February 1, 2019 Beverly Country Club | 6:00 pm | Cocktail Attire x MOTHER MCAULEY LIBERAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL HONORS

Richard and Maryjeanne Burke Catherine McAuley Leadership Award

Sister Mary Catherine McDonagh, RSM Susan Scully Schultz ‘73 Life Trustees

school news

graduation

Our Newest Alumnae: The Class of 2O18! Families and friends gathered at the Shannon Center on the campus of Saint Xavier University on Sunday, May 20 to celebrate the 232 graduates of the Class of 2018, marking McAuley’s 62nd commencement ceremony. The ceremony began with a prayer and remarks by Principal Eileen Boyce O’Reilly ’03, followed by the valedictorian’s speech, remarks by President Mary Acker Klingenberger ’75, and the conferring of diplomas. The salutatorian then introduced the alumnae speaker. Remarks by the faculty speaker and student speaker rounded out the event. In keeping with a tradition dating back to 1846, graduates donned floor-length white dresses, complemented by long white gloves and the carrying of red roses. Valedictorian Catherine Rogers completed her senior year with a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 4.49 and leaves the school with many accomplishments to her name. During junior year, Catherine earned a perfect score of 36 on her ACT, and earlier this month she was named a National Merit Scholarship winner. She also is an Illinois State Scholar. This year, she attends the University of Illinois, where she intends to study engineering. During her remarks to her class-

The Class of 2018 proudly boasts: • 100% accepted to colleges & universities • 85% accepted to their first choice school • $41 million in merit-based scholarships • 1 National Merit Scholarship Winner • 2 National Merit Commended Scholars • 2 Chick Evans Scholars • 3 A. Franklin Pilchard Scholars • 15 college athletic commitments

school news

These young women are continuing their education at institutions across the United States, including: • Belmont University • Boston College • Loyola University • New York University • The Ohio State University • University of Illinois • University of Michigan • University of Notre Dame • Washington University

mates and guests, Catherine reflected on the paths and success that have prepared them for life beyond McAuley. “Our job now is to take what we’ve learned and use this to better the world, in whatever way we can,” said Catherine. “It may be as simple as always remembering that people want to be good and do good, or as huge as discovering a cure for a deadly disease. The ripple effect of doing small things is extraordinary, and can lead us to the realization of something much bigger. So focus on doing good, and who knows, one day it may become something more. Continue learning about yourself, about the world, and about your passions. We have been prepared to succeed as we shape our own future. Because of our dedication and passion, McAuley girls will not only achieve; we will dominate.” This marked the fifth year that Mother McAuley invited an alumna to address the graduates during commencement. The class salutatorian has the honor of introducing the alumnae speaker. With a G.P.A. of 4.47, senior Grace Trippiedi earned this distinction for the Class of 2018. Grace was named a National Merit Commended Scholar and an Illinois State Scholar. She attends Miami University of Ohio where she plans to major in engineering. This year’s alumnae speaker, Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald ‘88, is the medical director of clinical research at Loyola University Medical Center. As a practicing physician and an associate professor, she specializes in the departments of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She also serves as vice-president/president elect for the International Pelvic Pain Society and is extensively involved with The Women’s Health Foundation. “’Labore improbus omnia vincit.’ For those of you who study Latin you know that means ‘hard work conquers all,’ said Dr. Fitzgerald during her remarks. “Any person who has achieved success in life will tell you that the key is an unwavering perseverance in the pursuit of your goal. You need to dream big. Practicality in life is important, but never settle below your aspirations because someone told you ‘it’ll take too long’ or ‘that’s not practical’ or ‘are you sure you want to do that?’ Do not get to a point in your life where you are giving up your dreams in order to please someone else. Reach for what you want, and never stop chasing it until you get there.”

Grace Trippiedi & Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald ‘88

school news Maryrose Sheridan was elected by her classmates as student speaker. Maryrose served as a Kairos leader, Advisory Board leader, Student Council Spirit Ambassador, Varsity Club leader, National Honor Society member, Peer Minister. She also wore the “M” costume at school athletic games this past year. In her remarks to her classmates, Maryrose likened their McAuley experience to that of an adventurous road trip. She is enrolled at the University of Kansas. “Despite not knowing what direction our roads are taking us after today, I know we will get where we need to be. Take a second to look in your rear view mirror and recall where you were freshman year when you drove down 99th street on that first day. But make sure you look forward. Do not fear the bumps in the road ahead because you’ll be that much closer to your destination. Just as the roads we will choose will take us farther away from where we are now, those same roads will always lead us back to McAuley. This school has prepared us to handle the traffic, and the sharp turns and that’s what we must never forget.” Dean of Upperclasswomen, Mrs. Meg Griffin Gardner ’99 was selected as the faculty speaker, and shared these words of wisdom with the graduates: “It would be unrealistic to say that these four years have always been easy. You have undoubtedly faced adversity, have experienced disappointments, and have confronted obstacles at various points along the way. But class of 2018, let me be clear about something, it is in these very hardships where you have found your greatest strength. Often it is the most difficult times in our lives that reveal our true character and our true selves. It is when you weren’t sure if you could make it through one more math class, that you persevered. It is when you lost someone close to you, that you were supported. It is when you saw more obstacles than you did opportunities that you found the resilience to power through.”

All in the Family Sixty members of the Class of 2018 have a mother who graduated from McAuley, and 11 have a grandmother who graduated. More than 20 families participated in our Legacy Family photo shoot! Held at McAuley the morning of graduation, legacy graduates (those with a sister, mom, aunt and/or grandmother who attended McAuley are invited to have courtesy photos taken to celebrate the occasion.

Rogers Family

Shea Family

To conclude the ceremony, senior members of the McAuley Advanced Chorus sang, “Home” in tribute to their class, followed by the Suscipe, the school tribute to a written work of Catherine McAuley.

Maggie Sullivan ’18, daughter of Suzanne Curran Sullivan ’92 wore her mother’s McAuley graduation dress to the ceremony!

Healy Family

Alberts Family

school news

School News MACademic Success Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars Throughout the year the Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars welcomed several alumnae who spoke about their college experience and careers. University of Chicago and Northwestern students and CMHS alums Elizabeth Nye ‘14, Maura ‘Joyce ‘14, Sarah Dynia ‘15, and Tiffany Anderson ‘14 visited and discussed “What I Wish I Knew About College When I Was a Sophomore.” Carol Frigo ‘10 shared details of her work as a statistical analyst since her graduation from the University of Illinois.

Car Competition In April, Jessica Carroll ‘18, Dorah Floyd ‘18, Tina Targia ‘18, Christina Sweiss ‘19, Lily Murphy ‘19 and Eva Molina ‘20 participated in the Argonne Autonomous Car Competition at the Museum of Science and Industry. Since October, the students spent time researching the parts needed for the car, submit a written proposal, design and create a self-driving car. During the competition, the car had to maneuver through a course that included various terrains and environmental conditions (rain, wind, heat) by following a white line. The project heavily incorporated principles of engineering, physics, electrical circuitry as well as computer coding. Only 10 schools in the Chicagoland area where chosen to participate!

In November, six alums who shared information about their STEM careers in pharmacy, engineering, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and clinical research. Pictured left to right are Maggie Allison ‘07, Julia Crane ‘07, Katie Maslar ‘11, Emily McGinnis Connolly ‘07, Sara Sabadosa ‘11 and Melissa Zeilner’’06. Also in May, 12 college age alums from nine schools told the girls about their colleges and majors. From the class of 2017, we welcomed Alyssa LaBella (Notre Dame), Maeve Fitzgerald (University of Minnesota) and Tyler Bentley (University of Michigan). From the class of 2016, Nora Murphy (Butler University) and Sarah Law (Valparaiso), and from the class of 2015 Maggie O’Grady (Saint Louis University), Catherine Burns (Saint Louis University), Marlena Sweiss (Loyola University Chicago), Mary Graeber (Saint Louis University), and Megan Baker (University of South Carolina.) Also in May, Jennifer Costello Fortner ‘94 and recent newly-minted college graduate, Elizabeth Nye ‘14 returned to speak to speak about careers in business!

Science Bowl Our Mighty Macs competed in a Science Bowl competition held at Whitney Young High School. McAuley had two teams compete in the eventone team of juniors and one senior and a another team of one junior and freshmen/sophomores. Great job, Macs!

school news Math Competition

Shipwrecked In April, our Environmental Science and Earth & Space Science classes competed in “Shipwrecked: The Water Filtration Project” at Lewis University. Students worked for months designing, testing and building a prototype. Eight students from these classes, along with Dr. Roz Iasillo and Mrs. Lane Vail ‘97, presented this prototype at the competition and brought home the top prize! Because of all their hard work, McAuley will receive a water bottle filtration system for our school!

On January 27, McAuley hosted 240 students for a math contest. Fifty one of the students were Math Macs -- the most number of students of the eight schools that participated! Our students placed in the top 5 for the Geometry, Algebra 2, and PreCalc events. In the team events, our two 2-person teams placed in the top 5. Our eight person junior/ senior team placed 2nd and the oral presentation by Catherine Rogers ‘18 and Kaleigh O’Hara ‘18 placed 2nd. In May, the team participated in the state finals, finishing 22nd in the Pre-Calc competition, with Catherine Rogers placing 51st. Geometry placed 18th, orals placed 17th and our junior/senior team placed 21st. A big shout out to our Math faculty for their helping coordinating and assisting with the competitions!

Academic Decathlon Congratulations to the Academic Decathlon Team in their efforts at State on March 10 at Northeastern University! The team placed 1st overall Non-CPS schools and VonSteuben CPS and 8th overall. The top team score was held by Colette Manahan and others ranked in the top 10 in individual events and the Science Division. Faculty Lisa Pawelski Rollheiser ‘77 and Mary Devoto prepared the students for the extensive subject matter covering seven disciplines, Interview, Speech and Essay with a theme this year of Africa. Team members are Isabel Luna ‘18, Isabella Rutherford ‘18, Kate Monahan ‘19, Colette Manahan ‘19, Erin Sullivan ‘19, Clare Graney-Dolan ‘19, Moira Staudacher ‘19, Isabella Nuggent ‘20, Maggie Reed ‘20, Maeve Sullivan ‘20 and Karina Widman ‘20. Clare Graney-Dolan finished 4th in her division in Math. Maggie Reed ’20 won a Silver medal in her Honors Division for her Speech entitled “Truth and Forgiveness.”

Engineering Statistics Students from Mr. Bob Thomas’s Engineering Principles Class built basswood bridges as part of the Engineering Statistics Unit, requiring students to analyze stresses and design a solution to handle stress. After completing their bridges in class, seniors Catherine Rogers, Bridget Connelly and Emma Olsen competed in the IIT bridge contest on January 23.

school news Motorola Innovation Center In February our AP Chem and AP Calculus visited the Motorola Innovation Center in downtown Chicago, where they attended a presentation on applications that support our first responders and had a “hands on” lesson in coding. The day finished with networking and lunch with women leaders in all facets of STEM - engineers, design team and product development! A special thanks to alumna Theresa LaVelle ‘06 for hosting the group!

Inscape Wins Awards On March 7, the Intro to Journalism and Journalism Honors classes, taught by Diana Burban ‘99, Katie Perna, and Deanna Pierce, traveled to Roosevelt University to attend the annual Scholastic Press Association of Chicago Journalism Conference and McCormick Foundation High School Media Awards. The Inscape staff won the following awards: Superior Public Service Announcement; Superior Original Cartoon - Rachel Kapusciarz ‘18; Excellent Overall Newspaper, Excellent Non-Sports Photo - Kimmy Konkoleski ‘18; Excellent Sports Photo - Clare Murphy ‘18; Excellent Infographic - Maeve Lorimer ‘18; Excellent Opinion Article - Erin Sullivan ‘19; Excellent Sports News Article - Maddie Dederichs ‘18.

Writing Award

Washington University Chemistry Tournament A group of our Chemistry students participated in the Washington University Chemistry Tournament (WUCT) held in St. Louis. Fifty students from 15 states competed in the competition. WUCT was founded by a group of WU students dedicated to creating more opportunities for high school students to enjoy and explore the field of chemistry. Attendees participate in a series of chemistry exams, take part in engaging activities and an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the day. Congratulations to Nicole Uchman ‘18, Rachel Greene ‘18, Elvira Alexander ‘18, Christina Targia, ‘18 and Madeline Murtaugh ‘19.

Charlotte Wagner ‘19 was a winner in Yes! Magazine’s “Love Letters to the Resistance” contest. Responding to the prompt, “Think about what matters most to you about our country’s future. Write a letter to someone important to you, describing that future you imagine and hope for,” Charlotte wrote a letter to Mary Magdalene, and after submitting it she worked with magazine editors to revise and improve it. Jing, the content coordinator had this to share: “Charlotte took risks and pushed boundaries and wrapped it all into a positive place at the end.”

school news

fine arts

Illinois High School Theatre Festival In January, McAuley students attended the Illinois High School Theatre Festival at Illinois State University. Ten students auditioned for college & all had at least 12 callbacks, with some earning as many as 28 callbacks! Our tech team placed 9th out of 19 teams and was the only all girl team in the tech olympics! The girls had to connect sound, hang and lights, build flats and more. Sam Brosseau ‘20 took first in sound connection for the whole event and Annie Chellberg ‘18 was part of the costume crew for the All-State show, Big Fish.

Visual Arts Mini Career Fair The Visual Arts & Technology Department in conjunction with the Mother McAuley Chapter of The National Art Honor Society hosted a mini career fair highlighting creative careers in the visual arts and art/technology. Alumnae and guests shared their educational and career experience with visual arts students and had artwork and portfolios available for students to look through.

Art from the Heart Art students competed in the annual Art from the Heart contest sponsored by Advocate Christ Medical Center. The winning artwork adorns the walls of the hospital. This year Victoria Perez ‘18 took top honors, earning 1st place. Honorable mentions went to Keira Kirby ‘18, Maya Krueger ‘20, Amya Padilla ‘19 and Lizzy Ward ‘19.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Congratulations to Abby Graeber ‘20, Rachel Kapusciarz ‘18, Yessica Pineda ‘18, Emily Tonkovich ‘18, Charlotte Wagner ‘20 and Elizabeth Ward ‘19 on taking top honors in the prestigious Scholastic Art, Midwest Regional Competition! Presented by the nonprofit organization, The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the country’s longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12. This program year, more than 330,000 works of art and writing were submitted to 122 affiliate regions across the country.

Artwork by Samantha Dederichs ‘20

school news

athletics

Athletes Commit In April we celebrated our senior athletes who committed to continuing their sport in college! Congrats to these graduates Top row: Erin Breakey, water polo at Saint Francis College; Vianney Valadez, lacrosse at Saint Ambrose University; Celcia Palzkill, hockey at Salve Regina University; Maura Healy, lacrosse at Saint Ambrose University; Allie Helmold, rowing at Indiana University; Lizzy McCuan, softball at Moraine Valley Community College; Keeley Leary, cross country at Saint Xavier University; Lia Munoz, cross country at Saint Xavier University. Bottom row: Mary Catherine McKendry, water polo at Saint Francis College; Jillian Schultz, water polo at Saint Francis College; Moira Mixan, volleyball at Loras College; Kacey Powers, softball at Concordia University Chicago; Maddie Motola, softball at Saint Xavier University; Sara Russell, softball at Roosevelt University; & Bevin Carter, volleyball at the University of Saint Francis.

MAC Fans On March 18 our Mighty Mac fan section was named the 2018 IHSA Student Section State Champions! A group of Senior Varsity Club leaders traveled to Peoria to accept the championship banner.

Pictured from left to right are seniors. . . Moira Mixan, Olivia Homel, Michaela Dillon, Grace Harkins, Hannah Rezetko, Mary Rose Sheridan, Kelly Gallagher, and Nora Shea.

school news Bowling The team enjoyed its most successful varsity season on record, losing only seven points (during the GCAC regular season) and finishing in first place. The Macs finished 8th in the IHSA Regional. Elizabeth Zaczyk ‘18, Kristen Scheffler ‘18, and Becca Jiricek ‘18 earned all-conference honors and six of the seven varsity team members earned GCAC all-academic honors. The team defended its title in the M&M Bowl and came in first place in the Bremen High School Invited Consolation Bracket. Kristen earned an individual medal at the Bremen High School Invite and was named the GCAC “Bowler of the Year” - a first for McAuley bowling. Kristen and Becca both qualified as individuals for the IHSA Sectional.

Lacrosse Our lacrosse program had a very successful season! Varsity finished 8-7 and played for the sectional championship, with a close loss of 12-11 to O’Fallon Township.

Soccer

Basketball Our Mighty Mac basketball team played a fantastic season! The Macs defeated Lincoln-Way East to win the Sectional Championship on February 20. On February 26, they traveled to Illinois Wesleyan to compete in the SuperSectional game where they were defeated by the Edwardsville Tigers. Eight fan buses made the two and a half hour trek to the game to cheer on our Mighty Macs! We are so proud of our basketball team and all the fans who supported them throughout the season!

Varsity soccer finished its season 12 - 10. They advanced to the 3rd place game of the PepsiCo Showdown (game cancelled due to weather) and finished 3rd in the Chicago Cup tournament. The varsity team travelled to Disney World over spring break and played Blacksburg HS from Virginia to a 0-1 loss. The team was awarded the Sportsmanship Award in the GCAC and Izzy Garrity ‘18, Grace Hynes ‘19 and Emily Lieser ‘18 were named all-conference in the GCAC, and Izzy, Grace, and Maeve Sheridan ‘19 were named to the all-sectional team.

Softball Varsity softball tied for 4th place in the GCAC tournament, and JV placed 5th in the tournament.

Track & Field Despite the rainy, cold weather spring weather, track took 2nd place out of 11 teams at the U-High Meet, 3rd place out of 13 teams at the Hillcrest Invite, 3rd place out of 11 teams at the Sandburg Invite and at both indoor and outdoor conference took 5th place.

These fans dressed as McAuley dads!

Tara O’Malley ‘18 participated in the 3-Point Shooting contest at the state finals, scoring seven 3-pointers! Great job, Tara!

school news

Women’s National Hockey Gold Medal Winner Congratulations to Abbey Murphy ‘20 and the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team on bringing home the gold medal at the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship at the Ice Palace in Dmitrov, Russia! Our McAuley family had a great time celebrating Abbey with a cart ride when she returned home with her medal.

Waterpolo Right from the start the Mighty Macs water polo team dominated its schedule. In the first two weeks of regular play they defeated three, top five, state ranked teams. The Macs went on to win the tough Naperville Central Tournament, defeating Mundelein, Fremd, Sandburg, and beating host Naperville Central. They remained undefeated at the Lyons Sectional, and defeated rival Fenwick, ranked #2 and Naperville Central, ranked #4, in regular season play. Advancing to the state quarterfinals, the team lost 12-9 to Stevenson. The Macs finished the season ranked #3 in the state, according to illpolo.com. Jill Schultz ‘18, Becky Schofield ‘19, Maddie Schultz ‘21 and Mary Kate McKendry ‘18 were named to the all-state team.

Did you play basketball as a McAuley student? Join us for Alumnae Basketball Night

Friday, January 18 6:00pm The Macs will take on the Wolfpack of St. Ignatius! Game to be hosted by Brother Rice.

Alumnae get in free to the game. Following the match we’ll host a pizza party meet and greet with our team.

school news

MACs give back and more... Appalachia The Appalachia Mission Project held a snow cone sale to raise funds for the Sister’s Shoes Program. Students worked at the Tropical Sno Cone sale to raise the money to buy the shoes. The goal of the program is to give a new pair of shoes to every pre-k through 5th grade student in Dickenson County.

BEDS Homeless Shelter Members of NHS volunteered at Our Lady of the Ridge on February 21 to work with their BEDS homeless shelter. Students packed ‘gift bags’ with donated necessities such as toothbrushes, warm clothes etc. to be given to the homeless people spending the night.

Ice Cream Social In March, the National Honor Society (NHS) hosted its Annual Ice Cream Social. This year, NHS Partnered with A New Direction, working out to wipe out domestic violence. Throughout lunch periods students and faculty competed in “strong Women” competitions, which included planks, wall sits, long jumps and push-ups. After school, students and faculty enjoyed ice cream and dancing! A special thanks to NHS moderator, Mrs. Cathy Keaty O’Grady ‘86, and the members of the NHS for making this day a great success!

Fleece Blankets Members of the National Art Honor Society spent time with residents at Mercy Circle, cutting and putting together fleece blankets for charity. In a few weeks, NAHS members and Mercy Circle residents with gather together again to make Easter Baskets!

Sister’s Shoes Our Macs were able to buy 62 pairs of shoes for Sister’s Shoes! Students traveled to Appalachia over Spring Break.

school news Polar Plunge The cold water didn’t break these warm hearts! More than 40 of our Mighty Macs participated in the Polar Plunge at North Avenue Beach back in March to raise funds for Special Olympic Athletes. Our very own Kiley Melean ‘19 kicked off the 18th annual event by singing the National Anthem.

Macs in the News! Mandy Janis ‘18 guest starred as the Kid Sportscaster on the WGN 720-AM Dean Richards’ Radio Show! McAuley celebrated our rich Irish history at several Saint Patrick’s celebrations. The Mac Melody Show Choir and Brother Rice/Mother McAuley Band participated in the WGN Morning News live broadcast at Bourbon Street on March 16. On March 11, the A Cappella choir joined Dean Richards in studio for his Sunday morning radio show on WGN 720AM. McAuley, and the Brother Rice/Mother McAuley Band marched in the South Side Irish Parade March 11. The weather was great and we enjoyed seeing so many McAuley supporters along the parade route.

Mandy Janis ‘18

school news Macs on the Move! Spring break saw our students visiting spots across the United States abroad!

Costa Rica! Students immersed themselves in the culture as they meet local families, dine on native cuisine, engage in service and much more.

New Orleans Twenty-three members of Advanced Chorus, Mac Melody and A Cappella choir brought their beautiful voices to The Crescent City. They sang at an Easter Sunday jazz Mass, attended a Cajun cooking class, performed at a jazz brunch on a river boat and participated in a music exchange with Sophie B. Wright Charter School.

Glascow, Scotland Annie Shea ‘21, Maggie O’Malley ‘20, Elizabeth Gildea ‘20 & Tara Campbell ‘19 traveled to Glasgow, Scotland to compete with the Lavin Cassidy School in the World Irish Dancing Championships. Annie & Maggie competed in the girls ceili team U16, Maggie also competed in the U16 girls solo competition. Elizabeth & Tara competed in the U19 ladies ceili team. Both of the teams took 1st Place in their respective age groups!

West Virginia Our annual Appalachia Mission Project service trip included students who spent the week building and repairing homes in West Virginia. During their travels, they made a stop in Louisville, Kentucky and helped serve meals at the local Salvation Army. They then made a stop at our sister school, Mercy Academy, where students hosted our girls for the night.

school news

Catholic Schools Week McAuley participated in the nationwide celebration of Catholic Schools’ Week in January. The overall theme focused on gratitude for attending a Catholic School. Our Campus Ministry Team planned events and activities for students and faculty. Students collected donations for Almost Home Kids, a transitional care center for children with complicated health needs. We hosted an all-school Mass with Fr. Mark Walter, a dress down day to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House and the Appalachia Trip, enjoyed treats, courtesy of faculty and staff, and students wrote notes to faculty, thanking them for making their time at McAuley so meaningful.

International Women’s Day On March 8, our students celebrated International Women’s Day! This year’s theme was “Press for Progress” and the color was purple. To honor the Day, students placed their purple hand print on a banner and wrote the name of a woman in their life they look up to. The banner was then hung in the Main Hallway.

Mental Health Awareness Week The Counseling Department sponsored Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), March 14 - 16. They coordinated programming and events, some in response to student suggestions that addressed symptoms of negative and positive mental health, coping techniques, resiliency, relaxation opportunities and lots of snacks. The Mission of MHAW is to bring awareness to students’ common experiences and, more importantly, assist them in learning ways they can address and combat negative feelings, both, independently and with the help of an adult.

school news Admissions Update Mother McAuley welcomed 226 young women to the class of 2022 this August! These young ladies are prepared to engage in our rigorous curriculum and challenged to embrace the Mercy mission. They’ll gain the confidence and tools to give them a competitive edge as they move onto college and into careers. Here are some fun stats on the Class of 2022.

They have earned:

$278,000 in scholarships

The students represent:

feeder schools

zip codes

We welcome:

And here’s a fun fact…

The three most popular names are:

Tradition of Excellence scholarship recipients

Agatha O’Brien Scholars (testing 95% or higher on the entrance exam.)

1. Emma 2. Grace 3. Madeline

Lots of Legacies!

students have a mother who graduated from McAuley

students have a grandmother who graduated from McAuley

have a sister who attends McAuley

In April, the Class of 2022 and their families were invited to be our guest at our Freshman Fiesta Dinner. This evening has become an annual tradition when administration, faculty and staff welcome and thanks families for choosing McAuley! In August, they were celebrating at the Freshman Family Picnic.

Do you know a McAuley girl? Help them get started on their Lifetime Advantage! 82

Shadow Days Now through May 7th Grade Shadow Day Monday, February 18, 2019

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Please be part of our “GO GREEN” initiative and recycle this magazine when you are finished with it.

2019 REGIONAL REUNIONS The Mighty Macs are hitting the road!

Join us for one of these very special regional reunions.

o, California

San Dieg ARY 5-7 FEBRU

Alumnae in these areas are encouraged to join school president, Mary Acker Klingenberger ’75 and vice president for institutional advancement, Carey Temple Harrington ‘86 for a very special evening. Come enjoy conversation, cocktails and camaraderie with fellow alumnae and members of the Saint Xavier Academy and Mother McAuley community. More information to follow.

ia GeorgY 25-28 , a t n a Atl UAR R

FEB

Naples, Florida APRIL 4-6

Connect with us Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School (formerly Saint Xavier Academy)

@McAuleyMacs

www.mothermcauley.org

@mothermcauley

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School Alumnae