Mount Magazine Winter/Spring 2014 by Mount Saint Joseph Academy

Educating Founders since 1858

Moun t Sa in t Joseph Ac a demy Ma ga z i n e

“Serving the Dear Neighbor” Celebrauction XXX ● Pat McAdams ’59 ● McKernan Science Wing Dedication

Winter/Spring 2014

contents [Mount Magazine]

Departments 5

From the President

On the Mount

8 Go Mount 17 Development

Events 10 Quizzo

11 Celebrauction XXX 19 Science Dedication

Spotlights 14

Serving the Dear Neighbor: Spotlight on Community Service

16 Mount Website: A Fresh New Look & Feel

Alumnae

11 8

Front Cover: (l-r) Ayanna Jackson ’14 and Katie Mars ’15. Ayanna and Katie are highlighted in our cover story, Serving the Dear Neighbor: Spotlight on Community Service, on page 14.

Inside Cover: (l-r) Olivia Fitzpatrick ’14, Sara Curcio ’14 and Rebecca Smart ’14 sell keys during Celebrauction XXX. Bottom Inside Left: The Mount’s new website home page. Bottom Inside Right: Pat McAdams ’59, story on page 22.

Photo: Copyright University of Notre Dame Photography/Matt Cashore

20 Letter from the Alumnae Association President 20 Alumnae Events

22 The Heartbeat of a Fan Base by:

M arion Williams Berry ’59

28 Class Chatter

From the President

From the Editor Greetings from the Mount! Throughout Lent we are called to pray, fast and give of ourselves in sacrificial ways. For six weeks we may give up something we really enjoy. Maybe it’s chocolate, social media or a favorite television program. But what if our sacrificial focus during Lent involved doing more in service to others? What if our sacrifice was to give of our time and talents in service of those who are most in need? Our Mounties do this not only for Lent, but also on a daily and weekly basis throughout the year. In the pages that follow you will read about Katie Mars ’15 and Ayanna Jackson ‘14, two students who sacrifice their time and energy to help others. A little over a year ago we were presented with a story about an alumna who followed a calling all the way to Indiana. Pat McAdams ’59 has made quite an impact at the University of Notre Dame, becoming “the heartbeat of a fan base” for the ND women’s basketball team. This incredible story written by Marion Williams Berry ’59 gives you an inside look into Pat’s extraordinary life and accomplishments. One of the projects I was tasked with in early October was to find a new platform to host our website. By now you have probably seen our new look as this design launched during the first week of April. In this issue of the Mount Magazine we highlight the new features and the warm responsive design that translates across various platforms including computer, iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.

We hope, during this Lenten season, that you are inspired to assist our school in its noble purpose of education and community service. We hope that you enjoy this edition of the Mount Magazine and encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with us. Please send your letters and feedback to mount@msjacad.org. We wish you and your families a Happy Easter! All the best for a warm and sunny spring! -Maryellen Anastasio Managing Editor & Director of Communications

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& designer Maryellen Anastasio Jill Gregori, Leigh McFadden, Theresa Moyer, Barbara Oldt class notes Theresa Moyer, Barbara Oldt photographers Maryellen Anastasio, Theresa Moyer, Carol Siwinski writers Maryellen Anastasio, Marion Williams Berry ’59 printer Garrison Printing Co., Pennsauken, NJ managing editor editorial staff

www.msjacad.org/classchatter | send comments or corrections to: Mount Saint Joseph Academy Editorial Office, 120 West Wissahickon Avenue, Flourtown, PA 19031 | contact: 215-233-3177, ext. 327; manastasio@msjacad.org | website: www.msjacad.org submit class notes online at:

Dear Friends, Sinclair Lewis wrote, “Winter is not a season, it’s an occupation.” Is there anyone reading this that cannot testify to the validity of this statement? I thought I was developing a new career in snow removal with all the scrapers, brooms and mops I used to dig out my car each week. From my window at the Mount the snow piles looked like clouds at 35,000 feet! I suspect most of us can honestly say the Winter of 2014 tested the human spirit and sharpened or exhausted our board-game skills. By the time you read this letter we will be deep into Lent and looking toward the new life that is Easter. Ignatian spirituality invites us to “find God in all things,” and this well may be God’s reason for giving us spring. I hope that you are able to find some time to encounter new life and experience God’s great love in new and transforming ways. Within these pages are the memories created and the pictures that captured Celebrauction XXX, “Puttin’ On the Mount.” The evening was filled with the spirit and class of the 1920’s. The committee chairs and parent volunteers, in tribute to the memory of Linda Robinson Lawler ’79, worked to display the Mount at its finest. Our guests were generous in their bidding and the success of the evening was an acknowledgement and affirmation of your commitment to the future of our young women. I am genuinely grateful to Cindy Moore for the continued success of the Bid-Pal tool, and for the dedication and steadfastness she brought to this important fundraiser. Our master of ceremony, Steve Comly, of the Comly Brothers Auctioneers, kept us entertained as he prodded our guests to raise their paddles high for the Mount. For thirty years, the Comlys have supported us by donating their services. I am grateful and indebted to them for their outstanding and enduring service. Each year our theme is presented by the work of Jim Paul of Thomas J. Paul, Inc designers. “Puttin’ On the Mount” was a cut above, and it clearly represented the good taste of the twenties that Gatsby would envy. Thank you Jim for your zeal for our mission. In the end we return to those whom we serve, our students. Our seniors await college acceptances and their last high school prom, while our juniors anticipate their first prom at the Mount and SAT/ ACT. Our administration and guidance counselors greet the promising changes to the SAT by the College Board with confidence and enthusiasm. May the pages of this Mount Magazine inspire you and fortify your belief that we are truly educating founders. God bless,

Sister Katleen Brabson, SSJ

The Mount Magazine is an official publication of Mount Saint Joseph Academy. The Mount Magazine is published three times a year (April, July and November) for alumnae, parents and friends of Mount Saint Joseph Academy.

Winter/Spring 2014

mount saint joseph academy

On The Mount

School news from Mount Saint Joseph Academy

AWARDS

1 The Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar is a unique experience for high school sophomores who are recognized for their leadership skills. The seminar helps students to develop leadership, service and innovation skills. Selected among their classmates through an essay contest, Charlotte Sands ’16 and Natanya Renard ’16 will attend the seminar at Temple University from May 29- June 1. Charlotte and Natanya along with over 4,000 students from across the nation will participate in this event. Pictured right (l-r): Principal Dr. Judy Caviston, Natanya Renard, Charlotte Sands and President Sister Kathleen Brabson, SSJ. 4 Kristina Neal ’15 wrote and submitted Barbie Girl, a stageplay, to the Drexel University 10-Page Stageplay Contest. Kristina took second place in the contest winning a $3,000 annual scholarship to Drexel University. Acadram Director, Ms. Jean Korey, enjoyed the play so much she decided to include it in this year’s production, Girls. Kristina’s play focused on body image, self worth and the various issues girls face in today’s society. When audiences left the auditorium after seeing Kristina’s work they were intrigued, amazed and left speechless. Kristina truly wrote a hit! Pictured right: Kristina Neal with her screenplay in hand. 3

On January 11, both Team A and Team B competed in the 4th Annual LaSalle University Mock Trial Tournament. Thirty-two teams competed from both local and outlying area high schools. There were three rounds (three trials) to determine the top two teams. The top two teams would then compete in a final round. Team B did not advance beyond 6

Winter/Spring 2014

the initial three trials, but Allison McGettigan ’17 was the first Mountie to win an individual trophy at the LaSalle Tournament. Allison was awarded the fourth place individual witness trophy. Team A advanced to the finals against J.P. McCaskey (from Lancaster, PA). In another “first” for the Mount, Team A defeated McCaskey and won the LaSalle Tournament. Pictured right: Mock Trial Team A with their 1st Place trophy.

SERVICE

5 The screening of the documentary Girl Rising took place on December 19, 2013. Several hundred students, parents, faculty, staff, alumnae and board members were in attendance. The event was hosted by juniors in Mrs. Kennedy’s Christian Morality class and focused on the power that women gain through education. Attendees heard the stories of nine unforgettable girls living in developing countries. These ordinary girls confront tremendous challenges and overcome nearly impossible odds to pursue their dreams of receiving an education. Through a bake sale and donations, the class raised over $1,000, which will go to the Fraternite Valleennce Inc. Charity in Haiti. Pictured right: Mrs. Kennedy and the many Mounties who helped her organize the event.

EVENTS

2 In mid-February Sarah Lowe, Chief of Staff at United States Liability Insurance Group, visited the Mount to meet with students who received the A Front Row Seat to Learning Grant. Funded by the The Nerney Family Foundation, the Mount is awarded two $5,000 grants per class. It was formed to provide financial assistance to deserving students who strive to reach their fullest academic potential and

have a desire to attend an independent school that can offer them a strong education and a caring environment. The Mount began the partnership with AFRSTL in November 2006. Pictured right (l-r): Amanda Leto ’15, Jennifer Geatens ’14, Sarah Lowe, Anne Kennedy ’14, Beaonca Ward ’16 and Jasmine Wiggins ’15. 7 The Firebirds first district competition was held at HatboroHorsham High School on March 1 and 2. Firefly, the team’s robot, was a strong contender during matches and was able to withstand the many rigors of competition. This year’s competition is called Aerial Assist. The game is a combination of several sports, including volleyball, basketball and soccer. The goal is to get as many points as possible in a two minute and 30 second match. Robots must navigate through the arena and score 24-inch (in diameter) exercise balls into either a low goal, close to the floor or a high goal, about 6.75 feet off the ground. Robots can also score bonus points by passing the ball to other robots in their alliance as they move the ball toward the goal. Pictured right: The Firebirds prepare to compete at Hatboro Horsham HS. 6 Acadram’s 2014 production of Girls: Sisterhood, Sincerity, Serendipity and Self Image focused on the daily struggles of the modern-day girl. The production explored the issues of body image, self worth, ethics, cheating, sisterhood and high school. The audience was able to connect with the passion and enthusiasm of the cast. Note: The final one-act play in the production was Barbie Girl, written by Kristina Neal ’15 (read more about Kristina’s screenplay under the Awards section). Girls was produced and directed by Ms. Jean Korey and ran in mid-March. Pictured right: Kayley DiPaolo’17, Imeirah Page ’15 (bench) and Devon Vonder Schmalz ’17.

mount saint joseph academy

go mount w i n t e r s p o rt s w r a p - u p

indoor track Head Coach: Kitty McClernand (fourth season) Team Captains: Theresa Adams ’14, Alyssa Kist ’14, Sarah Lynch ’14

Individual & Team Accomplishments:

Courtney Higginson ’14: Qualified for the Meet of Champs in the 400m. Sarah Lynch ’14: Qualified for the Meet of Champs in the 400M, long jump and the high jump. Competed in indoor State and National Championships. The 4x800 team of Julianna Kardish ’16, Caroline Kardish ’17, Tara Gallagher ’15 and Alyssa Kist ’14: Qualified for the Meet of Champs. Alyssa Kist ’14: Qualified for the Meet of Champs in the 3000m. Maddie Reiche ’15: Qualified for the Meet of Champs in the High Jump.

Season Recap:

The girls endured a tough season having to deal with the harsh winter weather in Philadelphia. The team worked hard to improve and qualified seven girls for the Meet of Champs. Sarah Lynch ’14 also represented the team at the state championship placing 10th respectively and also competed at the NYC Armory and finishing 19th nationally in the high jump.

swimming Head Coach: Janet Pudlinski (13th season) Overall Record: 4-3 League Record: 4-1 League Finish: Second Team Captains: Jessica Dolan ’14, Christina Formica ’14 Individual & Team Accomplishments:

New Records: 200 Free Relay (Time: 1:41.18): Jessica Dolan ’14, Catherine Zimmerman ’16, Stephanie Eble ’15 and Katherine Schaefer ’17 8

Winter/Spring 2014

Pictured above (l-r): Julianna Kardish, Alyssa Kist, Caroline Kardish and Tara Gallager .

400 Free Relay (Time: 3:39.48): Liz DeGroat ’16, Christina Formica ’14, Stephanie Eble ’15 and Haley Sannem ’15 AACA All Stars: Diving: Emily McMullen’16 200 Free Relay: Jessica Dolan ’14, Catherine Zimmerman ’16, Stephanie Eble ’15 and Katherine Schaefer ’17

Season Recap:

This year Mount swimmers welcomed former alumna swimmer Caroline Menapace ’08 back to the team as assistant coach. The team also added new training facilities to help improve their practice schedule. The girls’ hard work paid off with a second place team finish at the AACA Swimming Championships. Highlights from the meet included second place finishes from Emily McMullen ’16 in the 1M diving and the 200 Free Relay Team of Jessica Dolan ’14, Katie Zimmerman ’16, Stephanie Eble ’15 and Katherine Schaefer ’17, third place finishes from Haley Sannem ’15 in the 100 free, Julia Comerford ’16 in the 100 Breaststroke and the 400 Free Relay Team of Liz DeGroat ’16, Christina Formica ’14, Stephanie Eble ’15 and Haley Sannem ’15. The team had 41 swimmers in individual races and scored points in 30 of the 41 individual events. The swimmers capped off the season with a strong showing at the AAA District I Swimming and Diving Championships, qualifying in 11 individual swims and three relays. The following swimmers competed in individual events: Stephanie Eble ’15 (100 free, 200 free), Christina Formica ’14 (200 Individual medley, 100 fly), Liz DeGroat ’16 (200 Individual medley, 100 free), Haley Sannem ’15 (100 free, 100 back stroke), Rachel Sandquist ’16 (100 fly), Katherine Schaefer ’17 (500 free), Julia Comerford ’16 (100 breast stroke). Both days ended with Mounties setting new school records (see new school record times and teams above). The team looks forward to preparing and improving in the off-season.

basketball Head Coach: John Miller (seventh season) Overall Record: 27-4 League Record: 15-1 League Finish: First Team Captains: Alex Louin ’14, Carly Monzo ’14, Colleen Steinmetz ’14

Individual & Team Accomplishments:

Alex Louin ’14: AACA All-Star, First Team All-League, AACA MVP and Markward Female Player of the Year Carly Monzo ’14: AACA All-Star and First Team All-League

Season Recap:

The Mount proved to be a top team in the AACA this year boasting a league record of 15-1. The team captured their fifth league title in eight years beating St. Basil’s with a score 42-30. This year also marked a milestone for head coach John Miller picking up his 200th win as coach of the Magic, his career total now reaching almost 700 wins. The Mount captured two tournament championships this year at the Methacton Tip-Off and George Snear Christmas Tournaments. This was the eighth consecutive year the Mount won the George Snear Christmas Tournament. The Magic also placed third in the District 1 tournament. The season wrapped up with the girls competing in the first two rounds of the state tournament. The team looks forward to playing in summer leagues and continuing to make improvements for next season.

mount saint joseph academy

Quizzo Over 250 people from the Mount community came out to test their knowledge and compete at this year’s Quizzo event on Friday, January 31st. Once again, our emcees, Dave Cavanaugh (father of Courtney ’05 and Mackenzie ’07) and Chris Lally (father of Michele ’08) entertained the audience and challenged them with tough questions. Many thanks to the all of the student volunteers who helped that evening including Anna Signoretta ’15 and Maggie Buck ’15 who shared their musical talents. We are especially grateful to Mrs. Dona Travaline Schmidt for organizing the evening! Over $5,000 was raised and the proceeds will be split between the Robotics team and the MSJA Technology Fund.

Celebrauction XXX CELEBRAUCTION XXX

Celebrauction XXX, held on March 1, 2014, was a great ONMount. THEThis success, raising over PUTTIN’ $200,000 for the delightful evening was filled with fun, excitement and easy electronic bidding. Featured in photos on the next two M O U N T S AIN T J O S E PH AC AD E M Y pages are Sister Kathleen Brabson, Director M AR CSSJ, H 1, 2 0Auction 14 Cindy Moore, Principal Dr. JudySPONSOR Caviston, Board MASTER Members, parents and Mounties!!

MOUNT

PRESIDENT OF MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY S . K A TH L E E N B R A B S O N , S S J

CELEBRAUCTION XXX IS DEDICATED IN HONOR OF

L I N DA L A W L E R Master Sponsor

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

MAUREEN AYES MARY KATE BLACK ELLEN BOCKLET MARYANN BROPHY BETH BROWN STEVE BURGOYNE FRAN CHADWICK CATHY CIPRESSI ROBIN COMERFORD URSULA DE LUCA DINA DILISIO SANDRA ELLIOT MICHELLE GALLAGHER PEG HAVARD

CLAUDIA HUOT ROSEMARY KRUSE CARL KRUSE LYNN LOFTUS GENE LOUIN REGINA LOUIN MARY ROSE LYNCH DEANNA MARRONE EILEEN MATCHETT SUZANNE MAYES NANCY MCKERNAN SHEILA MCLAUGHLIN MARY ANN MCPAUL SHERRY MISCHLER

Platinum

Thomas J. Paul, Inc.

SUE ELLEN MORRIS BETH MORRIS SIOBHAN MORRISSEY PATTI PRIMAVERA JILL ROMANELLI RITA SCANLON JOHANNA SCHOELLER DIANNE SIGNORETTA SHARON SMART KRISTENE SNAKARD MARY BETH STEFANOWICZ MICHELE WOODROW JACKIE WOOLEY DANA WORTHINGTON

PUTTIN’ ON THE

MOUNT

A U C T I O N D I R E C T O R C I N DY M O O R E

Gold

Chadwick Services Company Parx Casino

Silver

Aramark C-Jay LLC Cozen O’Connor Global Packaging, Inc. Grant Thornton LLP George C. Hines and Lois Trench-Hines ’60 MSJA Board of Directors NSM Insurance Group The DePaul Group The Kist Family

Winter/Spring 2014

Bronze

Armstrong, Doyle and Carroll, Inc. Carr & Duff Christine Agency Delaware Valley Concrete D.M. Sabia & Company Dr. & Mrs. Luis Mercader Dugan, Brinkmann, Maginnis & Pace East River Bank Fenningham, Stevens & Dempster Harrington & Associates, PC Health Advocate, Inc. JDM Materials, Co. Morris Capital Management Group The Brown Family The Cericola Family The McHugh Family The McLaughlin Family The Monzo Family The Zakrzewski Family

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Celebrauction XXX

Winter/Spring 2014

Celebrauction XXX

mount saint joseph academy

“Serving the Dear Neighbor” Spotlight on Community Service Pictured above: Ayanna Jackson ’14 poses with over 59,000 tabs she collected for Ronald McDonald House.

ince it’s founding in 1858, Mount Saint Joseph Academy has nurtured a time-honored commitment in its students to “serve the dear neighbor.” Today, our girls continue the tradition to serve with their generous donation of time and talents, selflessly given to organized community service groups within and outside our school walls. Mounties don’t see community service as something forced upon them; the desire to help others is in their nature as Catholic women following God’s call to love each other deeply. “Community service is about being both a giver and a receiver. It is truly a transformational experience,” Sister Joannie Cassidy, Director of Campus Ministry said. “ When one reaches out in service to another, we come to know another person’s story outside of our own.” The Mount offers a myriad of opportunities for students to become involved in community service. From the Theology Department’s incorporation of service into their curriculum to the Community Service Corps’ (CSC) programming, there are many ways for Mounties to get involved. “I would say 99 percent of our students are participating in community service in some way,” Mrs. Katie Kennedy, Chair of the Theology Department said. “Our girls are taking the initiative, it is more than a requirement to them. It is part of their life. ” This year the Mount initiated two new events, the Girl Rising film screening and a service trip to Haiti. Girl Rising is a documentary about the lack of educational opportunity for girls in other countries. The film put a human face on the 14

Winter/Spring 2014

global education crisis experienced by young women outside of the United States. Screening this documentary inspired our girls with a sense of responsibility to help those less fortunate. “Girl Rising was an incredible way of getting our girls thinking about these issues,” Kennedy said. “I received a phone call a few months ago from the Director of Campus Ministry at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School asking if we would be interested in a service trip to Haiti. He told me that there was a girls’ school there that we could work with. After watching Girl Rising, the answer to his question was easy -- yes, we would love to participate.” Eight Mounties, along with chaperones Mrs. Kennedy and Ms. Amanda Benincasa ’08, will travel to Haiti this summer and tutor young Haitian girls. These are just two examples of our students’ commitment to “serving the dear neighbor.” This only scratches the surface. The opportunities our girls have to get involved in service are endless. Service opportunities range from the Mississippi Service Trip, which returns two student leaders, 10 Mounties and two chaperones, tutoring at LaSalle Academy, Operation Santa Claus, the Thanksgiving food drive, serving at the Saint Frances Inn soup kitchen and the list goes on. Our students take initiative day in and day out without a need to be recognized. Ayanna Jackson ’14 and Katie Mars ’15 are just two of many Mounties who participate in community service in and outside of school. They have put their time and energy into community service projects not only at the Mount, but take their efforts off campus too.

Ayanna started collecting soda can tabs over a year ago. After enlisting the assistance of friends, family and classmates to save their tabs, she collected over 59,700 tabs, which fill the two large water jugs above. “I started collecting the soda can tabs because I thought it was a fun and different way to do community service,” Ayanna said. “It was a way to get a larger group of people involved. I was able to incorporate my family and friends and, most importantly, my grandmother.” Ayanna’s grandmother loved the idea of collecting soda can tabs and was happy to provide sandwich bags filled with tabs for her granddaughter. “I felt a great joy as I accumulated tabs because I knew it was for such a great cause,” Ayanna said. The tabs were then taken to Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia where the thousands of soda can tabs translated into money. The money goes to support more than 2,000 families of seriously ill children. “Ayanna’s gentle and giving heart is apparent to everyone who meets her,” Kellyann Cilio, Chair of the Science department said. “It doesn’t surprise me that she would continue to work in her own quiet way to do what she could to help the Ronald McDonald House.” Ayanna also participates in a community service project through her business marketing class. “We create a small business, sell a product at school and donate all the proceeds to a charity or family in need,” Ayanna said. “This year the proceeds are going to a little girl named Heyden Kane who is fighting cancer. We cleverly named our company ‘Hope for Heyden’.” It is incredible that with schoolwork, the fall musical, Acadram, the Muse (the Mount’s literary magazine), and working two part-time jobs at Rita’s and a small movie theater, Ayanna still finds time to give back to others. “How she does it all is a mystery to me,” Marc Jackson,

Ayanna’s father said. “If I had to guess I would say her desire and kind spirited nature keeps her pushing forward with all of her tasks.” “Community service will always be a part of my life,” Ayanna said. “Service gives me a good feeling in my soul that I always wish to feel, it is a win-win for everyone involved.” Ayanna is looking to study psychology and international business when she heads off to college in the fall. “I applied and was accepted to many schools but decided that Temple University would be the best fit for me,” Ayanna said. “I plan on continuing to participate in community service projects throughout college!”

Katie Mars ’15

Katie can be heard over the loud speaker on a daily basis sparking students’ interest in becoming involved in CSC, the March for Life and so much more. The call to serve others started early for Katie. “Katie was in elementary school when a speaker from Food for the Poor spoke at church one weekend,” Katie’s mother, Mary Pat ’82 said. “When she heard that children in Haiti were so hungry that they often ate cookies made from dirt, she started baking cookies and selling them at soccer games to raise money for Food for the Poor. She named her cookie fundraiser ‘Cookies for a Cause’.” That was just the beginning for Katie. In her early elementary school days she volunteered for Martin Luther King service days. When she wasn’t scheduled to play in a middle school sporting event, Katie could be found visiting the Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home, organizing team fundraisers for Central Bucks Middle Schools Relay for Life and making soup for local soup kitchens. “The librarian at Katie’s middle school used to call her a ‘serial signer-upper’,” Mary Pat said. “She would sign up for as many activities as her schedule would allow.” When Katie arrived at the Mount her freshman year she continued to be a “serial signer-upper” when it came to service. She joined a variety of service activities including Face-to-Face, the Saint Frances Inn, tutoring at LaSalle Academy, Support the Troops Club and Community Service Corps (CSC). One of the most rewarding experiences Katie has had through the CSC program has been as a tutor at LaSalle Academy. She is in her third year tutoring Jonah, a sixth grader, in math. “We aren’t just learning math, we are learning from each other,” Katie explains. “He teaches me more than I teach him.” If you can imagine Katie adding more to her already full plate of service, schoolwork, soccer, softball and a part-time job at Dairy Queen –believe it, there is more! Katie is the founder of two charities, Turn House into Home and The “Senior” Prom Project. “Katie started Turn House into Home the summer Pictured left: Katie Mars ’15 founder of two charities.

Ayanna Jackson ‘14

Continued on page 18...

mount saint joseph academy

Mount Website

A Fresh New Look & Feel

ver the last few years the Mount has drastically increased its web based communication for alumnae, parents and the greater Mount community. As technology continues to evolve and enhance the way we communicate, we must keep pace with the change. In May of last year, conversations began about moving to a new, more robust website that offered a user-friendly interface. With the help of Margaret Toth, Chair of the Technology Department, we were able to find the right company for the job, Finalsite. The importance of developing an application that our Mount community can access via various electronic devices was paramount when choosing a vendor. Our goal throughout this process was to make the new site as user-friendly and visually appealing as possible. The updated features and seamless navigation we built into our new website allows the Mount to draw a larger audience back to the site. What makes the new site a vast improvement from our old site is that we are now able to deliver a consistently high level of quality across various technological platforms including mobile devices, tablets, iPads and desktop computers. There’s only one way to see the difference. Give it a shot, hop on your device of choice and enjoy the experience. To make it easier for our audience to navigate around our website, we created a chain link icon button labeled “Offices & Resources” (this circular button can be found in the upper right corner of the home page). Clicking on this button alleviates the frustration of searching the website to find the information you desire. Major areas of interest are now located in one place. Some of the links featured in this section include PowerSchool, Blackboard, Naviance, employment opportunities, athletics, department links and links based on current and future school year activities Towards the bottom of the home page, there is a dark purple bar that features news, calendar and quick links. This tab, when accessed, opens a panel of information on news, Mount happenings, a full school calendar and quick links to register for various events! Lastly, the navigation portals for parents, students, faculty and alumnae can be found in the top right corner of site

Winter/Spring 2014

pages. These portals are protected by a login and have specific content that is targeted to each constituent group. (Please Note: some portals may still be under construction at this time.) We spent a great deal of time deciding how we wanted to be perceived by visitors to our site. We wanted our web presence to showcase the Mount’s mission, charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, our holistic approach to education, rigorous academics, innovative students and the esteemed tradition of being a top college preparatory school for girls in Philadelphia. We feel this has been achieved, through fresh high-end design with full-screen photos. The design phase truly proved to be one of the toughest parts of the process. Our old site wasn’t able to utilize the full browser window leaving unused white and purple space along the sides and bottom of the site. This gave our website a cold feeling. The new website design offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, yet still speaks to our prestigious tradition of educating young women. Our goal is to continue to embrace new technology as it evolves so our web-based communications are always on the cutting edge. We hope you enjoy the new Mount website as much as we do and we welcome your comments and suggestions! Note: Please bear with us as we continue to make improvements and work out any kinks in our new website throughout the next month. We hope you enjoy our new look and feel and welcome your feedback. Send questions and comments to mount@msjacad.org.

Sister Claire Hélène Society Sister Claire Helene was a beloved teacher who inspired two generations of Mount alumnae during her 35 years here. The Society that bears her name was established to recognize alumnae, parents and friends of the Academy who have notified the school of provisions that they have made in their estate planning that will benefit future generations of Mounties. There are many ways to include the Mount in your estate plans. A Bequest is a provision in your will that does not affect your current cash flow of assets and can be amended if your circumstances change. A Gift Annuity is a simple contract between you and the Academy whereby cash, appreciated securities or other assets are contributed to the Mount. In return, you would receive a tax deduction and a pre-established guaranteed income for life. For more information about planned giving and the S. Claire Helene Society, contact Jill Gregori, Director of Development, at 215-233-1859 or jgregori@msjacad. org.

PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) The PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and PA Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) are programs which provide businesses a dollar for dollar tax credit for up to 90% of their business tax when directed to a non-profit school such as the Mount. When EITC and/or OSTC funds are received, the Mount distributes these funds as tuition aid to students from families where the household income does not exceed $75,000 plus $15,000 for each additional child in that family. EITC has been a PA state program since 2001. Due to recent media publicity it receives an ever increasing number of applicants. Applications are due on but not before July 1 unless a business commits for 2 years. Then, applications may be submitted on May 15. OSTC funds are made available as scholarship aid to students who choose to go to a non-public school because they live in a public school district that has been designated as “under performing”. This is a newer program and there are still funds currently available in 2014 for this program. The application process is a simple one – all online. For more information go to www.newpa.com/EITC or call Maggie Doyle, Director of Finance at 215-233-3177 Ext. 316.

mount saint joseph academy

Development

2013-2014 Mount Fund Goal $400,000 Mount Fund Gifts to Date $316,210

Thank you for your generosity! With just a few months to go in this year’s Mount Fund Appeal, we thank you for your support and gratefully recognize our top alumnae classes and current parent participation to date.

79%

The Mount Fund appeal ends June 30. There is still time to make your gift in support of the girls. Your gift will reach us today when you give online at www.msjacad.org/giving.

Top Five Alumnae Classes for Participation

Parent Participation by class

1955:

2016: 2015 & 2017: 2014:

20% 18% 16%

42%

1964:

1954: 1950: 1948:

34% 31%

McKernan

Science Wing Dedication The Mount community gathered on January 12th to celebrate the blessing and dedication of the McKernan Science Wing. Following a short program in the auditorium, everyone formed a procession to the Science Wing where Monsignor Michael Matz blessed the rooms and offered prayers for our students, faculty and benefactors. Sister Kathleen presented Mrs. Nancy McKernan with a bouquet of flowers in gratitude for the McKernan’s generosity to the Founders in the Science Initiative. A reception followed in the Library. Prior to this event, members of the Connelly Foundation had a reception in honor of Mary Grady Duden ’56. Mary was surrounded by her family and fellow Board Members and was touched that the Foundation named the Chemistry Lab in her honor. Mary, a member of the Foundation’s Board, thanked those gathered and reminisced about her days at the Mount and the influence that the Sisters of Saint Joseph had on her education.

29% 28%

These Mount Fund figures are as of press time, March 26, 2014.

Serving the Dear Neighbor, continued from page 15 after her freshman year at the Mount. She spent a week with classmates and Sister Joannie Cassidy on a community service immersion with Philadelphia’s JusticeWorxx program,” Mary Pat said. “The girls helped move the homeless into housing. One thing all the girls seemed to notice was the bare walls and empty feeling in the houses.” This experience is what compelled Katie to kick-start Turn House into Home. Katie reached out to various private and public high schools to ask the schools to donate student-made artwork to the cause. Katie has placed over 160 pieces of artwork so far. “Now when the homeless are moving into a new shelter or a house it feels warm and welcoming, like a home,” Katie said. Shortly after Katie started Turn House into Home she got the bug to start a second charity called The “Senior” Prom Project. “Katie went to visit her grandparents at their nursing home and modeled her prom dress for them,” Mary Pat said. “Her grandfather paraded her around to show other residents her dress.” 18

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The next day Katie’s grandmother called her and suggested that next time Katie bring all her friends in their prom dresses and do a fashion show for the nursing home residents. Katie was able to get a large group of friends together and the first fashion show was underway shortly after her first visit with her grandparents. “The first fashion show was very well received so Katie decided to expand the fashion show to other area nursing homes.” As Katie enters her senior year at the Mount this fall she looks forward to continuing to serve others and is looking to attend a college in the southern United States. “My ultimate goal is to one day own and operate my very own non-profit women’s shelter,” Katie said. “I want to help women get back on their feet after tough times.” “She has a heart that welcomes others, the young and aged alike feel at home and valued in her presence,” Sister Joannie said. “Katie is evidence that one person can truly touch many.” These are just two of many Mounties who sacrifice their time and energy to help others on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Our Mounties truly value the importance of community service and embody our “serve the dear neighbor” philosophy. mount saint joseph academy

Alumnae

From the Alumnae Association President Dear Alumnae, Finally, spring has arrived or at least we hope! I trust your past few months have been filled with good health, great memories and much happiness! Have you had a chance to stay updated with the latest happenings at MSJA? Are you following us on Twitter and/or Facebook? If not, please tune in as great things are taking place. Many thanks to the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Mother St. John Fournier who started this amazing journey for us many years ago. To say we have been busy is an understatement. In early December, almost 300 friends came together for our annual Lunch with Santa. January brought lots of laughter and memories as our college-age alums gathered in Fontbonne for the annual College Age Social. In late March, shoppers of all ages enjoyed the Spring Fling Shopping event. Alumnae Day was a huge success and a special one for me as it was my 20th reunion! I am excited that the first two of my many nieces are about to enter The Mount and begin the same journey I embarked on in September 1990. A group of ambitious women leaders are working hard to get the Mount Network up and running. We are excited to share this with you. More information will follow soon. Finally, I ask that you will join me in supporting the Mount Fund. It is because of your generosity that the work and mission of MSJA can continue to have a lasting impact on future generations of young women.

Megan Osborne Romano ‘94

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Alumnae Race

On Saturday, October 26, 2013 the Mount raced three Alumnae eights at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, Philadelphia’s premier crew competition. The Mount raced more alumnae boats than any other high school or college program, men or women. The Head of the Schuylkill also boasted the most female competitors this year than any other year! The results for the alumnae Head of the Schuylkill Regatta are below.

3rd place, Women’s Alumnae 8+ - “Purple” crew Cox Sabrina Harkins ’10, Emma Brown ’09, Becky Lederer ’08, Meg Scher ’09, Angelique Hrycko ’04, Rose Ehrlich ’12, Briana Sylvester ’12, Erin McKenna ’01 and Coach Meg Schluckebier ’08. 7th place, Women’s Alumnae 8+ - “White” crew Cox Alex McGill-Wilson ’11, Jen Young ’07, Kara Lederer ’07, Meredith Walsh ’06, Meg Welsh ’09 Bonnie Mueller ’90, Colleen (Hughes) Frens ’01, Michele Morris Woodrow ’81 and Ari Harkins ’10. 11th place, Women’s Alumnae 8+ - “Gold” crew Cox Coach Meg Kennedy ’92, Kerry Roman ’06, Coach Meredith Weber ’08, Coach Molly Thompson ’08, Coach Colleen McNamara ’08, Coach Jen Fasy ’03, Gabrielle Jordan ’07, Lizzy Kiernan ’08 and Coach Betsy Thompson ’09.

All my best,

Head of the Schuylkill

New York City Alumnae Happy Hour

Philadelphia Alumnae Happy Hour

The New York Chapter of the Mount Network held its inaugural event on February 19th in New York City. About 25 Mount Alumnae attended and had a great time catching up with former classmates! The group discussed the main initiative of compiling a regional NY Alumnae base, and plan to organize events on a quarterly basis going forward. Please contact Meghan Flaherty ’00 (flahertymeghan@yahoo.com) or Allison Cohen ’00 (agcohen17@gmail.com) if you reside in the NY area and are interested in joining the NY Chapter of the Mount Network.

On December 17, 2013 the Mount Network (Philadelphia Chapter) hosted its inaugural Holiday Happy Hour at the Café in Center City, Philadelphia. The hope is to schedule more happy hours in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to reconnect alumnae on a regular basis. If you have any interest in planning a future event or have an alumnae recommendation to host a future event, please contact Caroline Harkins Gorman ’02 at 267-481-0546 or by email at carolinecgorman@ gmail.com. mount saint joseph academy

Alumnae

The Heartbeat Of a Fan Base by: Marion Williams Berry ’59

rilliant is just one of the words that comes to mind when we, the Class of 1959, describe our classmate Patricia McAdams. To this day Pat credits the Mount with her success and helping her develop a strong appreciation for the game of basketball. Our class remembers her frequent “number one” academic class rank for four years and can’t forget her aptitude when it came to math and the sciences. The Mount exposed Pat to girl’s sports for the first time in her life. Prior to arriving at our school, many sports and after school activities were strictly for boys; football, basketball, Boy Scouts, choir, altar servers, the list was endless. When she realized that she didn’t have the athletic skills to participate in sports, she decided to volunteer. She would stand on the windowsill of our fifth floor gym in St. Joseph’s Hall in her blue serge uniform with the white cuffs and collar to manually update the scoreboard. “Attending Mount Saint Joseph Academy expanded my world beyond Northeast Philadelphia,” Pat said. “Our classmates at the Mount represented a wide range of backgrounds.” In our junior year we were introduced to Sister Mary Kieran, SSJ., a young and vigorous math and science teacher. Pat and S. Mary developed a long-standing friendship as Sister exemplified the art of teaching, which was Pat’s planned vocation. Pat went on to attend college and after just one year, she decided to follow her sister and four aunts into the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, though the Sisters of Saint Joseph always held a fond place in her heart. Pat chose her

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Photo: Copyright University of Notre Dame Photography/Barbara JohnstonHouse.

religious name, Sister Joseph Kieran in honor of the Sisters of St. Joseph and “Kieran” to honor S. Mary. In fact, her friendship with Sister Mary endured for over 48 years. “Sister always gave me unbiased advice,” Pat said. The last time Pat saw Sister Mary was three weeks before she died in 2005 while Pat was in Philadelphia for her aunt’s funeral. In 1967, Pat was sent, by her order, to earn her master’s degree at the University of Notre Dame. That was the beginning of a wonderful journey. She loved Notre Dame, but the timing of her return to teach at Immaculata University was remarkable. Pat returned to Immaculata at a time when the school was putting women’s basketball on the map with back-to-back National Championships in 1972, 1973 and 1974. In fact, she taught calculus and basic college math to several of the players on those championship teams. She also started her second career at Immaculata as chief sustainer of women’s basketball. In the mid-1970s, Pat entered a doctoral program in computer engineering at the University of Missouri at Rolla; she was one of only three women in the program, a trailblazer! She loved discussing the problems of the new technological age, developing solutions and pondering the endless possibilities of its application in the real world With Ph.D. in hand, her order sent her to assist in technologically advancing the Diocese of Harrisburg. Pat worked long hours answering various service calls and moving about to assist people with computer and technology issues. During this time she started to realize that she was not

fully living the religious life. She was faced with a difficult decision. Pat left the convent and took a position at Pikeville College in Kentucky teaching computer science. After visiting Notre Dame during spring break, she ran into Fr. Hesburgh, Notre Dame’s President Emeritus, whom she came to know while pursing her master’s degree at the university. He asked her if she would be interested in returning to Notre Dame…the rest is history. In 1992, Pat returned to Notre Dame prepared to engineer the administration building for a technological revolution. She managed the campus workstations for over 450 university employees. The world got smaller when Pat returned to Notre Dame. Theresa Grentz, the star of the early 1970s Immaculata women’s basketball team had coached Muffet McGraw, a native of West Chester, graduate of St. Joseph’s University and now the head women’s basketball coach at Notre Dame. McGraw came to know Pat very well. “One day I said Patricia, ‘you know we have a new dean; he has to get season tickets (to the women’s basketball games).’ So Patricia turned into quite the women’s basketball promoter. She introduced the team to anyone new on campus, and then badgered them into buying season tickets and volunteering at the games,” McGraw said. Last season (2012-13), prior to the start of the University of Connecticut game, Pat had “Irish Volunteers”, including Fr. Hesburgh, wives of the Provosts, the Graduate School Dean, the Vice President of Research, the Associate Provost and the Vice President for Internationalization to hand out pompom shakers to fans. “People are a little afraid of her,” McGraw laughs. “It’s you will volunteer, and they are there!” Pat laughs in both agreement and astonishment. The women’s basketball team had their first sellout crowd in 2001. “They (fans) are from all walks of life,” she said. “I take care of half the campus’ technology needs, so I know a whole lot of people and have worked with most of them. Everybody helps until they hear ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ Then, even if they still have stuff to do, I make them go in because it’s not fair if they can’t watch the game.” Pat’s volunteers are the driving force behind one of the top-ranked and most highly supported women’s basketball programs in the country. Patricia is there every single game managing her volunteers, encouraging them as her background of thirty years in the convent and teaching comes through- she brooks no nonsense. The 50, mostly senior citizen, volunteers suit up for games in lime-green aprons, with their names embroidered in blue script next to the Fighting Irish logo. They sell programs,

hand out pompoms, posters and, as usual, greet over 9,000 patrons as though they are close friends and relatives streaming through their own front doors. On this particular Saturday a sellout crowd of 9,149 packs Notre Dame’s arena. The venue becomes a lime green mass of organized hysteria as the team faces second ranked UConn. The Irish fans make a Notre Dame home game one of the toughest places for opposing teams to play. Patricia’s dream, on this day, is to keep Notre Dame in first place and Connecticut out of the race! The game ends in a 76-74-overtime victory for Notre Dame, which breaks the Huskies’ 57-game regular-season Big East winning streak. This marks the first time Notre Dame has beaten UConn twice in a row. After the game, McGraw credits the fans with being instrumental in the victory. “We wouldn’t have won that game today if it weren’t for the crowd,” she tells reporters. “It was electric in there.” Pat’s duties extend well beyond managing volunteers on game day. She spends time coordinating bus trips for away games, as well as folding and packaging 7,500 limegreen (McGraw’s favorite color) T-shirts that go out to season-ticket holders each year. Stephanie Menio, Associate Athletic Director at West Point, was Notre Dame’s coordinator of women’s basketball operations and marketing for seven years. When she arrived at Notre Dame she was immediately steered toward McAdams. “She’s the heartbeat of the entire fan base,” Menio said. “She would call and say, ‘Make sure when you send out the seasonticket holder email, there are eight spots left on the bus for the Cincinnati road trip.’ She’s incredible and that’s what makes the fan base what it is. Our (Notre Dame) fans are running the program; it’s not only us coming out to play the game.” “When I would try to organize something back in the early days, Patricia would say, ‘I can do a spreadsheet’ or ‘Let me take care of this bus trip.’ It grew to the point that I didn’t know what I’d do without her,” McGraw remembers. In early January of 2008, the Notre Dame women’s basketball team and everyone whose life Pat touched almost found out what it would be like without her. On January 28, 2008, Patricia drove to the Notre Dame women’s basketball game in West Virginia. She was on her way back to Notre Dame and close to home when she saw an accident on the icy road. She stopped to help and got out of her car to call 911 and make a police report. Another car, rounding the bend, slid on the ice and struck her. The force of impact pushed her backwards over the guardrail. She suffered a broken pelvis, clavicle, six broken ribs and a crushed left

“If I hadn’t gotten out of the car I would have been killed instantly.”

mount saint joseph academy

Alumnae

Photo: Copyright University of Notre Dame Photography/Matt Cashore

arm. She lost one leg at the site and the second later. She’ll tell you it was two weeks before she realized she lost her legs but says heartily, “At least nothing happened to my brain,” Pat said. She certainly does not ask for sympathy as she forges ahead in life; always looking at the bright side. “If I hadn’t gotten out of the car, I would have been killed instantly,” she said matter-of-factly. “My car was crushed by the car that hit it and the whole back end was pushed into the wheel. All my bones were broken, but I had no injuries to internal organs. If I were shorter (she was 5-foot-10), I would have been killed, instead my legs took the brunt of the collision and I came very close to losing my arm,” Pat said. The doctors worked hard to repair her arm and it is a gift that allows her to continue to drive and work. “My left arm is not perfect, but it works,” Pat said. During Christmas vacation in 2011, Pat had surgery to remove some of the wires and a screw because over the years the wires began to cut into some ligaments, and she was having a lot of pain. “Other than that, I am in very good health,” Pat said. “I can still do what I have to do although it takes me a lot longer

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Alumnae

than it takes others.” After months of therapy, supported by her family, priests, Notre Dame fans, old friends in Harrisburg and Rolla, Patricia sold her first home and moved into her new, beautiful and handicap-accessible home. She was overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of those who stepped up to assist her. Only two 1959 Mounties were able to make our formal 50th Reunion in Philadelphia so Pat offered to have a 50th celebration at Notre Dame in the summer of 2009, just one year after “the accident.” She arranged everything! We stayed in graduate school housing where, at night, we sat together in one or the other’s suite. We retold stories from our Mount days, reducing each other to tears and laughter. With Pat’s discount in hand, we swarmed over the two floors of the bookstore, choosing gifts for our grandchildren. We toured her office, the administration building and the chapel where, in 2008, unknown to Pat, crowds overflowed the chapel for Mass to pray for her. We toured the men’s football locker room- empty in July- with its iconic “Play like a Champion Today” at the stairwell leading to the field. Then we were off for a wonderful tour of the stadium and field. Perhaps the greatest highlight was celebrating Mass in Father Hesburgh’s chambers and our participation in the minor elevation of the Eucharist. Father had returned early from a fishing trip just so he could say Mass for Pat and her friends. To know that Pat lives with such love from her Notre Dame family gave us all a sense of complete awe and comfort. Everyone we ran into knew her and everyone made a fuss over her; it was so pure. She is so loved on that campus. Patricia tells us that, at 72, she has given up her office in the administration building and has cut back her hours to 20 a week. What she does not tell us is that by doing this, a younger person has a chance for a full-time position. We laugh at the 20 hours a week, too. The first emergency and out she will go to solve any dilemma. No, she doesn’t get down on the floor anymore or do any heavy lifting; she is in director mode now. Notre Dame is her home, heart and soul. When asked if she could attend a mini-reunion that several of us from our college class had arranged in February, she said, “It is the Pink Zone weekend here at Notre Dame. I am in charge of the silent auction, so there is no way I can get away.” Pat is an inspiration to everyone she meets and to all the Mounties past, present and future who know the incredible story of her dedication and love. Let’s give a cheer for Pat and the Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team!

Mount/NYC Initiative On Thursday, November 14th a group of 15 Mount seniors visited NYC to participate in the first ever Mount/ NYC Initiative. The Initiative, which began with an idea from alumna Kate McCauley Hathaway ’71, invites a group of current seniors to experience the big apple and meet with Mount alumnae in various careers. This year the girls attended sessions on fashion and law, business, finance, commercial real estate, technology and broadcast journalism. Thank you to all of the alumnae who participated in this great event. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to networking with their “big sisters” in New York!

Authors Note: With thanks to many of our classmates who contributed their recollections - among whom were: Susie, Connie, Joan G, Jody, Louise, Phyllis, Carolee, Betty Jane, Janice, Sara Lee, Diane, Maureen, Mickey and more, I know! Pat McAdams is a very special person to all of us. -Marion

mount saint joseph academy

Alumnae

Lunch With Santa

On Saturday, December 7, 2013, Mount Saint Joseph Academy hosted its annual “Lunch with Santa“ for families and friends of its Alumnae, faculty and staff. Over 300 people were in attendance, including 150 children who got to visit with Santa Claus. The children enjoyed making gingerbread houses, reindeer food and decorating Christmas ornaments for their family Christmas trees. The Christmas spirit was alive and well as children and families shared in a fun afternoon!

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Alumnae

College Age Social The MSJA Alumnae Association welcomed its collegeage alumnae, graduates from the classes of 2010-2013 to the annual College Age Social held on January 7, 2014. Close to 100 young alumnae gathered to connect and visit with Mount friends and faculty. We are extremely grateful for the assistance and hard work of our Co-chairs: Kelly Moyer ’10, Sarah Rocco ’11 and Alexandra Kist ’12.

mount saint joseph academy

Class

Chatter News & Notes from the Mount Saint Joseph Academy alumnae and school community.  -Signifies a death in a alumnae or community members family.

1940s (Correction) Margaret Donoghue Coupe ’43 (deceased) was omitted in the Fall 2013 Mount Magazine legacy photo of freshman daughters/granddaughters. Margaret was the grandmother of Francesca Bernal ’17.  Kathryn

Hyland Davis ’43, on the death of her sister, Frances Hyland Emanetoglu ’49.  Rosemarie

Callaghan Ford ’48, on the death of her daughter, Christine Marie Ford Domitrovich

 Mary

Carroll Hickey ’48, on the death of her sister, Jacqueline Carroll O’Donnell.

Helen Branagan Thomas ’48 (deceased), son, Major General Raymond A. Thomas, III, (Tony) and brother of Mary Katharine (Kate) ’83 and Sara ’86 Thomas, and nephew of Anne Branagan Letter ’50 and Charlotte Branagan Farley ’52 was promoted to Lieutenant General at a ceremony in Fort Myers, Arlington, Virginia, in November 2013. Tony is now a three star General and has been appointed Associate Director of Military Affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency. He is the liaison between the Army and the CIA. Previous to this appointment he was the Commanding General for NATO Special Operations Component Command in Afghanistan. Tony is a 1980 graduate of West Point and has served in many parts of the world. 28

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Chatter

1950s  Mary

Louise Shields Gallagher ’50, on the death of her husband, Matthew P. Gallagher, Jr.

 Margaret O’Hara Givnish ’50, on the death of her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Regina Mimi Givnish Quinn.

Gloria Garcia-Velez Arazoza ‘54 states that every day she thanks God for the great gift of having lived at the Mount for her high school years. The education and spiritual formation she received from the Sisters of Saint Joseph has been invaluable during her life. Marjorie Todd Shaughnessy ’54 and husband, Jim, are enjoying their five kids’ families and their 15 “grans”. Still teaching preschool at St. Joseph’s, her 18th year as Director. Great Fun! Marjorie treasures her years at MSJA!  Barbara

Holm Quinn ’56 and Christine Holm Horner ’61, on the death of their father, Alfred C. Clu Holm.  Margaret

McGee McAleer ’59, on the death of her husband, Daniel John McAleer.

1960s  Norina

Melograna Bonner ’61 and Delia Melograna (former faculty), on the death of their aunt and sister respectively, Lucy Schiavi Cappelli. Elvira Madden Breslin, Esq. ’61 is actively concerned in business, finance, reading, gardening,

design, animal rescue/rehab and woodwork. She continues as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, US Tax Court and U.S.D.C./PA and DC. Her children live in the Washington, DC area where her daughter is a pediatrician, and son uses his MBA in technology endeavors, and his wife is in real estate. Elvira and husband, John are living in Gettysburg to be closer to her children. Margaret O’Connell Feeny ’61 and husband, Bill, moved to Ohio to be near one of their three children, Norah. Their other children, Ted and Catherine, live in Denver and Seattle and they love them just as much!  Joanne

Junker McConnell ’61, on the death of her brother, Jules F. Junker Jr. Gloria Lutsky Derham ’62 has retired from her accounting career. Hoping to relocate closer to her daughter, sister, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. S. Mary Carroll McCaffrey, SSJ ‘62, is now working at Corpus Christi Parish, Lansdale, as a Pastoral Minister. She meets many Mounties who are parishioners. Lawler Keidel ’64 and Jamie Lawler Rosati ’80, on the death of their sister-in-law, Linda L. Robinson Lawler ’79.

 Marie

Kathleen Kropp Hart ’65 earned a certificate in Thanatology from ADEC (the Association for Death Education and Counseling). Kathleen and her husband, Gordon, volunteer at “Peter’s

Elizabeth Jacobs Barker ’74 (seated l-r): Patricia Zugay Burkholder ’74, Susan Reynolds Antczak ’74 and Susan Narducci Harbaugh ’70. (back row l-r): Ellen RosaBian Cericola ’82, Margaret Gallagher ’66 and Elizabeth ’74.

she has entered academia, earned a PhD and just this year has been granted tenure as Associate Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. She also teaches cadets at the Norwegian Naval Academy and commutes between her home in Bergen and a flat in Trondheim. She still manages annual visits with her growing family, which now includes her four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Place”, a center for grieving children and families in Radnor, PA. She facilitates a group of four to six year olds who have lost a parent, while Gordon leads a group for the surviving parents. Both find this work to be very rewarding.

 Bonnie

 Susan

 Virginia

Feeley ’66, MaryAnn Feeley Messmer ’72, Mary Beth Scott ’95, Joan Scott McHale ’97 and Carol Petermann ’05, on the death of their mother and grandmother respectively, Mary Jane Feeley.

 Susan

Peruto de Marco ’68, Lori Nicoletti Peruto ’79, Christina Peruto Post ’97, Lisa Peruto ’99 and Samantha Peruto ’07, on the death of their father, father-in-law, and grandfather respectively, A. Charles Peruto Sr. Pamela Meitner, Esq. ’68 announces her son, Bill, is engaged to be married in 2014.

 Kathleen

Cardamone Gerhardt ’69, on the death of her father, Peter Louis Cardamone. Cecilia Haskins ’69 announces that since relocating to Norway,

O’Rourke ’69 and Caroline Menapace ’08, on the death of their sister and mother respectively, Mollie O’Rourke Menapace ’71.

1970s Bendinger Wischhusen ’70 and Victoria Wischhusen ’09, on the death of their former husband and father respectively, Robert R. Wischhusen.  Diane

Janton Mock ’72 and Stephanie Mock’ 03 on the death of their mother and grandmother respectively, Corrine Louise Bozzelli Janton (former MSJA Faculty). Elizabeth Jacobs Barker ’74 would like to share a photo of alums at the 21st Annual Golf Outing. (Pictured above)  Lisa Bianchini Bergman ’76, on the death of her brother-in-law, John F. Bergman.  Dawn Kownacki ’76, on the death of her father, George W. Kownacki.

 Maria

Verde Castelucci ’77, on the death of her mother, Dolores T. Kipe Verde.

 Rosina

Carlino Gilbert ’77, on the death of her father, Peter Domenic Carlino.

Victoria Walsh Garner ’78 is living and working in beautiful Buffalo, NY, as the Director of College Counseling at the Nichols School. Her work is challenging and extremely rewarding. She is living in the Elmwood Village which reminds her of Chestnut Hill and believe it or not, the weather, is for the most part, delightful!  Esther

McDermott Malazita ’78, Elizabeth Malazita ’08 and Annemarie Malazita ’11, on the death of their father-in-law and grandfather respectively, Albert F. Malazita.  Christine

Harris Farrell ’79, Marie Harris Shute ’81 and Barbara Harris Wagner ’82, on the death of their mother, Laura E. Byers Harris.

1980s  Susan

Miazga Cecilia ’80 and Aileen Miazga Wexler ’82, on the death of their father, Peter M. Miazga.  Ellin Jones ’80, on the death of her husband, Raymond Mang Jr.  Linda

Vass Neducsin ’80 and Janet Vass Gallagher ’83, on the death of their mother, Lorraine F. Keller Vass.

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Chatter

Molly Coyle ’00 (l-r): Meghan Flaherty ’00, Abigail Rowley Swider ’00, Nora Jacquette Moffat ’00, Brea Sinnott ’00, Mollie O’Rourke Menapace ’71, Molly Coyle Jouflas ’00, Maryanne Coyle, mother of the bride and MSJA school nurse, Mary Elizabeth Cattie Tursi ’70, Mary Elizabeth Tursi Moyer ’00, Louise Hunsicker Dougherty ’00 (Matron of Honor) and Valerie Hughes ’00.

Amy Borek Enck ’99 (l-r):

Lauren Voss ’99, Amy Spiecker Dedic ’99, Lauren Roberts Ficca ’99, Karen Whitaker ’99, Elizabeth Harris ’99, Rachel Borek Jankowitz, MD ’95 and Kelly Mannes ’08.

Jennifer Dolan ’96  MaryRose

Hasson Lynch ’80, Grace Lynch ’13, Margaret Lynch ’17, Laura Dolan Remaker ’00 and Erin Hildebrandt Lafemina ’02 on the death of their mother-in-law and grandmother respectively, Dorothy M. Dolan.  Irene

Buhalo-Vey ’80 on the death of her mother, Anna E. Mahoney Buhalo.

 Karla

Klumpp Deegan ’81 and Holly Klumpp O’Laughlin ’82, on the death of their father, Robert L. Klumpp.  Mary

Kathryn Quinn Wright ’81, on the death of her mother, Mary Ann Regina “Mimi” Givnish Quinn.  Ellen

Rosa-Bian Cericola ’82 and Kristen Cericola ’09, on the death of their father-in-law and grandfather respectively, Donald V. Cericola Sr.

Dr. Angela Stout ’83 states “Happy Founders Day!” Continue to make us Mounties Proud!  Rae

Whatley ’83, on the death of her father, Edward Del Rae Davis III.

 Kim

Livesey Veon ’85, Kelly Livesey Doherty ’87 and Emma Veon ’17, on the death of their mother and grandmother, respectively, Dorothy Schieber Livesey.

Winter/Spring 2014

 Frances

Grabish Irons ’86, Beatrice Grabish Hogan ’87, Lisa Grabish Bruder ’88 and Kathleen Grabish Jozefowski ’90, on the death of their father, Stanley J. Grabish.  Jocelynn Kelly Keidel ’87, on the death of her father, Joseph F. Kelly.

(Correction) Christine Purdy Burns’ ’88 name was omitted from the Fall Annual Report of Gifts.

1990s Christine Lamprecht Wilmerding ’90 and husband, Reed, welcomed a baby boy, Henry Johann, to their family on November 22nd. Big brother Luke (5) and big sister, Sophie (3) are very proud. Serbin Curtin ’91, on the death of her mother-in-law, Katherine Welden Curtin.

 Bethann

Harrington Short ’93, on the death of her sister, Ginny Tucci-Dugan.

 Jill

Pie Christy ’93 and Claudia Kuneck ’14 on the death of their mother-in-law and grandmother, respectively, Christine Collins Christy.

 Andrea

Amy Kaltneckar Dixon ’94 and husband, Ed, welcomed a baby boy, Luke, on September 17, 2013.

Rita Flynn Jolls ’94 and husband, John, are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Nicholas Richard Jolls, on February 8, 2013. He shares a birthday with Mom! Gabriella, three, is thrilled to be a big sister.  Denise

Krystopa Richards ’95 and Julie Krystopa Skrocki ’99, on the death of their grandmother, Theresa M. Wesolowski Mallen. Lisa Hargadon Sherrick ’95 and her husband, Andy, have relocated from Hoboken, New Jersey to Wallingford, Pennsylvania. They welcomed their first child, Grace Leeland, in November 2013. Jennifer Dolan ’96 was married to Charlie Breznicky, on January 11, 2013 in Jamaica. Mounties in attendance were sister of the bride, Emily Dolan’98, sisters of the groom, Michele Breznicky Brinkerhoff ’98, Colleen Breznicky Parfitt ’00, Lindsay Breznicky ’08 and friends Erin McClafferty Erfle ’96, Andrea DiMaria Griffith ’96 and Shannon Rowley Lavelle ’96. (Pictured above) Kristi Kopach Crocker ’96 and her husband Billy are excited to welcome their twins, Bryn Katharine and William Thomas! Bryn and Will joined big brother Ryan Gabriel (2 years old) on Christmas Eve 2013. Kristi and her family reside in Plymouth Meeting.

Catherine (Katie) Horstmann ’00 Patricia Hanlon Rist ’96 completed her pediatric dentistry residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in July. She is happy to share that she joined Mount graduate, Dr. Angel Stout’s ’83 practice, Chesheim Dental Associates.  Kimberly

Biedermann Miklusak ’97, on the death of her mother, Patricia O’Malley Biedermann Gaul. Katie Romano Bartlomiejus ’98 and her husband, Casey, welcomed twins, Aubrey Kate and Nathan James on September 7, 2013. They joined their big brother, Caz, 4 years old. Deirdre Brett Horan ’98 and her husband, Patrick, welcomed Conor Patrick, their fourth son, on Thanksgiving Day (11/28/2013). Conor weighed 8lbs., 6 ozs. and was 21 ¼” long. Big brothers Kevin, Jack and Will are so happy to have another brother to play with!

 Alexandra

Duzinski ’99 (deceased), on the death of her great aunt, Philomena O’Hanlon. Amy Borek Enck ’99 married William Enck, on July 13, 2013, at the Flourtown Country Club. Amy works for a life sciences company in Morrisville, NC and Will is an assistant professor of computer science at North

Carolina State University. Amy and Will reside in Raleigh, NC and are expecting a honeymoon baby girl April 12th. (Pictured on page 30)

2000s Molly Coyle ’00 married Stephen Jouflas, on June 1, 2013 at Our Mother of Consolation Church in Chestnut Hill. Many Mount alumnae were in attendance. (Pictured above) Lauren Grous Garraux ’00 and husband, Dave, proudly announce the birth of their son, Rex Alexander, on October 12, 2013. Lauren and Dave reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Lauren is an associate at K&L Gates LLP. Megan Garvin Heere ’00 and her husband, Mark, are excited to announce the birth of their adorable son, Benjamin Francis, born on July 4, 2013. Catherine (Katie) Horstmann ’00 married Matthew Gibson (Archmere Academy ’00) in Greenville, Delaware, on May 11, 2013. Helping to celebrate were fellow Mounties, Rosemary Andries Horstmann ’64, Anne Horstmann Gibson ’99 and Chrissy Crognale Pittaoulis ’00. (Pictured above)

 Elizabeth Rymar ’00 and Laura Rymar Ferro ’04, on the death of their grandmother, Martha Hrynczak Rymar.

Danielle DeSilvis Sapsford ’00 married Brian Matthew Sapsford II, on March 9, 2013 at Normandy Farms in Blue Bell, PA. They met and live in Washington, DC. Danielle has recently started a new career as a registered nurse at the Reston Hospital Center in Virginia. In addition to attaining a BSN from Marymount University, Danielle has also obtained a MS in Health Promotion Management from Marymount, as well as a MEd in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University. (Pictured on page 32) Suzanne Loughery Simon ’00 and husband, Jonathan, welcomed baby Graham Charles, on September 5, 2013. Graham joins big brother, Benjamin (3). Jessica Karpuk Wiesak ’00 honored her last and most wonderful homeroom 10D (now 12D) with a “1 to 1” Walking Founder’s Day gift. Erin McKenna Endicott ’01 and her husband, Daniel, are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Astrid Elizabeth on June 27th. They are residing in Ambler, where they own and operate Forest & Main Brewing Company, which

mount saint joseph academy

Class

Chatter

Lora Dunn ’02 (l-r):

Marie Lawler ’09 and Marta Lynn Lawler ’16, on the death of their mother, Linda Robinson Lawler ’79.

Danielle DeSilvis Sapsford ’00 was given the “Best of Philly” award for “Best Brewpub” in 2012. Julie McGlynn ’12 and Rachel Heller ’13 have been great employees at the pub this summer.

Dr. Keren McCarthy ’01 has recently joined an Internal Medicine practice in Chestnut Hill, Todd Aaron, MD and Associates. Julia Rocchi ’01 is pursuing her Master’s in Writing (Fiction) at Johns Hopkins University, while managing digital content at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Sue Smith Seman ’01 and her husband, Steve, are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Kathleen Lynn. Kate was born on July 31, 2013. She joins her big brother Sam, who will be three in March. Julia Rocchi ’01 was chosen as Kate’s godmother. Lora Dunn ’02 married Joseph Woodhull in August 2013 at Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic National Park. Lora is living in Portland, Oregon, where she is a Staff Attorney for the Criminal Justice Program of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. (Pictured above) Amy Blank ’02 is a postdoctoral scholar doing research in Mechanical Engineering at Rice University, Houston TX.

Winter/Spring 2014

returned to Boston as a Graphic Design Major at the College.

 Leah

Megan Johnston Illg ’02, Katherine Hinkel ’02, Emily Dunn ’09 (bridesmaid), Andrea Felice ’02 and Lauren Spencer ’02.

 Marianne

Maxwell ’02, on the death of her father, Joseph J. Maxwell Jr. Julia White Ramos ’02, husband Jason, and daughters Annaliese and Isabelle are happy to welcome new son, Michael, to the family. Julia recently moved to a new career as a business analyst with State Farm, and husband Jason is finishing his PsyD. Larry White, father of Julia ’01 and Megan White Nye ’01, appeared on Jeopardy! December 23-25, winning big! Ann Kelly ’03 is working for the National Republican Congressional Committee as a Political Director for Top Targeted Races in the 2014 election cycle. Regina McKenna ’04 is an attorney for Madden and Madden LLP, in Haddonfield, New Jersey, practicing Civil Defense.  Mary

Sasso ’04 , Madeline Sasso ’07 and Eva McGrath ’15 on the death of their Uncle, John M. McGrath.

 Courtney

Hain ’05, Jacqueline Hain ’08 and Robbie Hain (MSJA Board Member), on the death of their grandmother and mother respectively, Katharine Lowry Brennan.

Aislin Lavin ’05 wanted the Mount community to know that she is serving as a Peace Corps

Volunteer in Armenia. Her primary project is to teach English with Armenian English Teachers in a small village of less than 1,000 people in the southern-most part of the country. In addition to helping teachers to expand their resources and teaching methods, her secondary projects include a position as co-coordinator of GLOW Camp, serving on the Volunteer Advisory Council and Collaborations with other volunteers to develop women’s empowerment initiatives and animal rights campaigns.  Helene Pospischil ’05, on the death of her grandmother, Lorraine Deviato Pospischil.

Megan O’Leary ’07 recently graduated from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy with a Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning, concentrating in Urban Design and Environmental Planning. Megan is currently working as a planner for the City of Philadelphia’s Water Department on the nationally recognized Green City Clear Waters Program with respect to storm water management. Emily Dunn ’09 graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rochester in 2013 and is now a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Delaware, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology.

 Marley

Breslin ’13, on the death of her grandfather, Albert J. Trautwein.

Amanda McKenna ’09 graduated from the College of Charleston, Class of 2013, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

 Marianne

Wischhusen ’09, on the death of her grandmother, Elvera B. Vera Staley Wischhusen.

Loftus ’15, on the death of her grandmother, Sophie Terleski.

 Alena

 Eliza

Dunn ’14, on the death of her grandfather, James W. McPhillips.

Josephine Mustin ’12 has completed her first year at Massachusetts College of Art & Design in Boston. Josie interned at the Electric Factory Concerts in Philadelphia over the summer and

 Madeline

Stromberg ’15, on the death of her father, Edward Gustav Stromberg.

 Kerri

2010s

Clark ’15, on the death of her grandfather, William Kupcha.

Lipovsky ’13 and Michelle Lipovsky ’17, on the death of their grandmother, Helen M. Lipovsky. DeNardo ’14, on the death of her grandfather, Thomas V. Cooney.

 Victoria

 Annarose

 Mary

Katherine McGuire ’14, on the death of her grandmother, Frances H. Addario McGuire.

 Kate

Ewing ’16, on the death of her grandmother, Eliza Ewing

 Catherine

Zimmerman ’16, on the death of her grandmother, Patricia “Trish” Cunningham Murphy.

 Kristen Bahr ’17, on the death of her grandfather, Henry Elton Bahr.

 McKenzie Winchester ’14, on the death of her grandfather, Mervin Burnett.

SAVE THE DATE The

Mount

Do you have chatter to share? We enjoy hearing from you about various achievements, announcements and other important milestones in your life! Please submit class notes online at www.msjacad.org/classchatter

Deadlines for notes: 22nd

Annual

Blue Bell Country Club

Summer: May 15 Fall: September 15 Winter/Spring: February 7

SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

mount saint joseph academy

Class

Chatter

end note



We extend our sympathy and prayers to the families of the following alumnae: Sister Anne Reilly Mattson, GNSH ’ 44 Frances Hyland Emanetoglu ’49 Susan Richmond ’52 Mollie O’Rourke Menapace ’71 Linda Robinson Lawler ’79

New Arrivals Christine Lamprecht Wilmerding ’90, on the birth of a son, Henry Johann Amy Kaltneckar Dixon ’94, on the birth of a son, Luke Rita Flynn Jolls ’94, on the birth of a son, Nicholas Richard Lisa Hargadon Sherrick ’95, on the birth of a daughter, Grace Leeland Kristi Kopach Crocker ’96, on the birth of twins, Bryn Katharine and William Thomas Katie Romano Bartlomiejus ’98, on the birth of twins, Aubrey Kate and Nathan James Deirdre Brett Horan ’98, on the birth of a son, Conor Patrick Therese Branagan Meyeroff ’99, on the birth of a daughter, Madeleine Faith Lauren Grous Garraux ’00, on the birth of a son, Rex Alexander Megan Garvin Heere ’00, on the birth of a son, Benjamin Francis Suzanne Loughery Simon ’00, on the birth of a son, Graham Charles Erin McKenna Endicott ’01, on the birth of a daughter, Astrid Elizabeth Sue Smith Seman ’01, on the birth of a daughter, Kathleen Lynn Julia White Ramos ’02, on the birth of a son, Michael

Winter/Spring 2014

Together we make a difference! Our Mounties raised $3,000 during Charity Day on February 28, 2014. The proceeds went to The Wounded Warrior Project and OLMC Haitian Medical Mission, each of which received $1,500.

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Summer At the Mount!

Sports Camps

Camp Glee

The Mount is offering eight different sports camps this summer! Camps are open to girls entering grades 6-9 in the Fall of 2014. All camps will be held at Mount Saint Joseph Academy.

Join us for an intensive two week music and dance program. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this opportunity to meet new friends while learning what it takes to be a star. Enrollment is open to girls entering grades 5-9!

Dates and times vary depending on the camp. Please check our website for dates, times and camp offerings.

When: June 16-27 Time: 9:00 a.m.- Noon Camp performance on June 27, open to family and friends!