VISIONS MAGAZINE - Spring 2019

VISIONS ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

SPRING 2019

New Riley Center for STEM Education Honors Academy’s Legacy of Academic Innovation

MISSION STATEMENT The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school, commits itself to the education of young women of grades 6 through 12 for responsible living in a global society. The Academy, rooted in the faith tradition of the Catholic Church, and the charism of Saint Julie Billiart, provides its students with a challenging academic curriculum within a rich spiritual community in order to: • inspire them to live the prophetic nature of the gospel, with a passion for justice and love for the poor, • enable them to develop the skills and desire necessary for life-long learning, • empower them to be honorable, compassionate leaders.

issue In this

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Blessing & Dedication The Riley Center for STEM Education

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Center for Global Leadership Global Learning Experiences

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Alumnae Celebrations & Reunions

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Communicators Who Inspire Alumnae Share Career Experiences

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Around Notre Dame News and Achievements

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Alumnae Class Notes News and Updates

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Faculty Insight Mrs. Kim Burke

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Athletics Winter and Spring Sports Updates

On the cover: Juniors Caroline Adams, Samantha Rosato, and Grace McHugh in one of the new mathematics classrooms in the Riley Center which overlooks the great lawn of the Mansion.

A message from the

PRESIDENT

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otre Dame’s success centers on its continued ability to tap into its rich legacy, celebrate its present, and plan for 21st century future challenges and opportunities, always celebrating the spirit of Saint Julie and her commitment to teach students “what they need to know for life.”

The blessing and dedication of our Riley Center for STEM Education on April 12 represented a milestone moment for Notre Dame as we linked a robust strategic vision and campus master plan with the creation of space that inspires and sparks the “what if” questions so critical to intellectual inquiry, innovative exploration and collaborative models of teaching and learning.

ADMINISTRATION

Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. President Jacqueline Coccia, Ed.D. Principal Kim Eife, MS Director of High School Lisa Hoban, Ed.D. Director of Middle School

VISIONS MAGAZINE

Judy Detwiler, Editor Director of Marketing and Communications

CONTRIBUTORS

Office of Advancement Jessica H. Turner ’06

DESIGN

Tim Conway Conway Design

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kriston Jae Bethel Maura Wilson Communications Coordinator

I thank the entire Notre Dame community for all our many efforts to make the Riley Center a reality. I am especially pleased that our seniors, the Class of 2019, had the opportunity to complete their academic year in the Riley Center as we now congratulate these talented young women on their June 1 graduation from Notre Dame.

As we continue implementation of our strategic vision, Notre Dame’s Center for Global Leadership offers new learning experiences for our students. This summer, a record number of Notre Dame high school students will travel internationally to participate in service, enrichment and academic exchanges in Costa Rica, France, Argentina, Japan and Singapore. Our middle school students will also travel to the experiential learning center at Heifer Global Village in Maryland in order to deepen their understanding of the global issues of poverty and hunger.

Finally, I hope you enjoy meeting six distinguished alumnae who acknowledge a critical part of their success as effective communicators to the support and strong foundation they received during their years at Notre Dame. We continue to be proud of all our alumnae who serve as leaders and role models for our students.

I trust that the alumnae, students, faculty and staff whom you meet in these pages - and the milestone events highlighted in this issue – testify to Saint Julie’s vision for the empowerment of Notre Dame women.

May we continue to cherish God’s goodness, even as we celebrate our rich legacy, our vibrant present and a future of promise and hope.

Sincerely, Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D. President 1

BLESSING AND DEDICATION CEREMONY

ACADEMY CELEBRATES BLESSING

The Riley Center for

The sun was shining and excitement was in the air as the Academy celebrated the much-awaited opening of our new, 30,000 square foot Riley Center for STEM Education on Friday, April 12. The Riley Center forms the cornerstone of Notre Dame’s five-year strategic vision to create a state-of-the-art, 21st century learning environment on the Academy’s 19th century Villanova estate.

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otre Dame’s President, Dr. Judith A. Dwyer, welcomed guests, students, faculty, and staff from the Center’s entrance plaza. “The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur has been celebrating milestones since 1856. We proudly stand in the legacy of Saint Julie as well as the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and their pioneering leadership within the Catholic faith community. The Riley Center continues that legacy as we recognize the ability of the STEM disciplines to heal and enhance the quality of life throughout the world.”

The Center includes technology enabled active learning (TEAL) environments with eight science laboratories, three lab prep rooms, eight mathematics classrooms, a design thinking and entrepreneurship classroom and labs dedicated to design and innovation, robotics and coding.

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George Van Kula, Chair of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees, offered his gratitude to school administrators, faculty, members of the Academy’s STEM Strategic Council, leaders of the Academy’s capital campaign, trustees, and donors, “The commitment that each of you has demonstrated is truly inspirational and will leave a lasting mark on the Academy of Notre Dame and the women who pass through its halls.”

Following a blessing by Father Robert Hagan, O.S.A., campaign leaders and student and faculty representatives joined President Dwyer and Board Chair Van Kula to officially open the building with a ribbon cutting. Guests toured the building with student ambassadors after the ceremony.

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AND DEDICATION OF

STEM Education “

How many advances in science and technology will be pioneered by

our graduates, inspired in no small part by the education they received in the Center for STEM Education. My sincere hope is that the collaboration among you, your classmates, and teachers will challenge and inspire you to do great things.

Art Installation Offers Optimistic, Forward-looking Message

~ Barbara Phelan Riley ’90 P’19’21’23

Highlighting the STEM Gallery is a suspended kinetic art installation

by California artist and sculptor Mr. Brad Howe. The piece is entitled, “Just a Beginning.”

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“Every day is a beginning, a first step renewed, a decision to engage.

The title Just a Beginning fits the great potential of Notre Dame’s students and offers a wish for their rich experiences and journeys ahead. With a model of a structure so vast in scale, the work is an invitation for students to dream and explore.”

Like the upcoming graduation of our seniors, today’s ceremony is actually the commencement of the next phase of this journey, when our teachers and students will bring to life all the possibilities that the new Riley Center for STEM Education will open up. I thank our teachers and students for your inspiration. For it is you who provided the ultimate motivation for this magnificent project to come to life. May you rise to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. ~ Brian McNeill P'10'11, Co-Chair, STEM Strategic Council 3

BLESSING AND DEDICATION CEREMONY

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Having seen the building's evolution from a simple idea of what we would like, putting it on a piece of paper, collecting best practices research, attending planning meetings with models in front of you, to having a physical structure that is going to create such a legacy for the students at this school has been an incredible journey. It’s marvelous, absolutely marvelous. ~ Mr. Daniel Cushing, STEM Department Chair

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This campus will always be home to us and we welcome the Riley Center for STEM Education as our newest place to learn to be our best selves, to be leaders in the world, no matter where our journey takes us.

On behalf of the entire student body, thank you for this amazing opportunity to further enrich our Notre Dame experience. We are all so proud to be part of this legacy. ~ Emma Kichula ’19, Student Council President

ARCHITECT IN FOCUS Collaboration Integral to Design of STEM Center The Riley Center for STEM Education was designed by SMP Architects, Philadelphia, under the leadership of Principal, David Ade, AIA. Here, Mr. Ade offers insights on the design process.

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Just a Beginning A luminous river of light, a hundred billion suns flow in suspended tranquility before our curious eyes, challenging us to peer into the mysteries and explore. ~ Brad Howe

The Riley Center for STEM Education is the cornerstone project in the realization of Notre Dame’s master plan, anchoring the southern edge of campus to define a new academic quad flanked by the Mansion and the Josephine Connelly Arts Center.

The SMP Architects design team collaborated with the Academy of Notre Dame community to create the new Riley Center for STEM Education in support of the school's curriculum goals and institutional mission. SMP’s design responded to the historic character of the campus, including the recently restored Mansion, while introducing a forwardlooking facility that embraces twenty-first century science, technology, engineering, and math education.

VISIONS SPRING 2019

side of the building, which is clad in stucco and stone gables to embrace the traditional campus context. The science classrooms, in turn, occupy the south side and are rotated forty-five degrees to maximize the ideal solar exposure and views. These classrooms are clad in a more contemporary metal siding that is combined with elements of stucco and stone to remain contextual with the campus.

The intersection of science and math occurs in the dynamic Collaborative Corridors, where the building geometries form a variety of student gathering areas to support small group study outside of the classrooms. Collaborative learning is an essential aspect of current and future STEM education. It was an early goal established by Notre Dame and embraced by SMP through the creation of the Collaborative Corridor design concept. Key environmentally-responsive design strategies include solar orientation, extensive daylighting and views, efficient building systems and metering, integrated recycling stations, and resource efficient materials.

Central to the conceptual planning of the Center are relationships to the quad and restored Rose Garden. The dramatic STEM Gallery, which forms a transparent architectural link between these two exterior spaces, includes the main entrance to the facility and is adjacent to a new plaza.

The Gallery interior features a focused view out to the restored Rose Garden with a new amphitheater, a restored statue of Mary, and a landscaped grotto fountain.

The Gallery also serves as the crossroads between the two wings of the building, which house math and science classrooms.

The math classrooms occupy the north

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COMMUNICATORS WHO INSPIRE

COMMUNICATORS WHO

INSPIRE Effective communication skills are key to success in life, work, and relationships.

In a 2016 Bloomberg job skills survey, recruiters were asked to identify their most wanted, but most difficult to find job skills. Communications skills were identified as most important, regardless of industry. Leadership, strategic thinking, and problem solving skills rounded out their list of most-wanted skill sets.

At Notre Dame, innovative approaches in and beyond the classroom help ensure students develop the confidence, skills, and abilities to become effective communicators. In this issue, you will meet some of Notre Dame’s inspiring communicators.

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D’Arcy Rudnay ’73, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity Washington University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania. “I started my career as a teacher but quickly moved into the communications field and worked for several strategic communications agencies in Washington D.C. My experiences in D.C. paved the way for my career and established a broad foundation that enabled me to move into in-house roles at The Pew Charitable Trusts, Advanta Corporation, followed by Lincoln Financial Group and ultimately Comcast.”

colleagues and peers, gain the trust of your managers and executives, and really listen to those around you. For anyone working in communications, creating and executing sophisticated communications strategies, learning how to write and edit quickly and efficiently, and targeting a range of audiences clearly and decisively, and now understanding social and digital media, are crucial skills, among others, needed to be successful. No matter what type of role or leadership position you hold in the future, the same traits are applicable across the board – be honest, smart, work hard and have the courage to do what’s right.”

What makes an effective communicator and leader?

“In order to be a strong leader, you have to learn how to lead a team, how to be transparent with and supportive of your

Rudnay was instrumental in the re-branding of Comcast with the acquisition of NBCUniversal in 2011. “The rebranding of Comcast after we acquired

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D’Arcy Rudnay ’73 Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Comcast Corporation and 2019 Notre Dame Commencement Speaker NBCUniversal was one of the most interesting and challenging, yet rewarding, experiences of my career. The project took over a year to complete and was very complex. We were trying to establish a new mission statement, purpose, and brand position for Comcast that would capture the essence of our vision for our company in an incredibly fast-paced and ever-changing environment, while maintaining our culture and incorporating NBCUniversal’s unique business and culture. What made the end result so successful was our thoughtful approach to the exercise and the time we took to really understand what made our combined company so special. We interviewed more than 50 leaders across the organization and industries in which we work, and only in hearing from each of them about their perceptions and vision for our company and its future were we able to begin to effectively position Comcast NBCUniversal going forward.”

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Finding your voice and having the confidence to use it is a skill that takes time to develop, but is so important to being an effective communicator and leader.

How did Notre Dame impact your career? “Notre Dame allowed me to begin to create my identity and helped me to understand who I was as a person and what I hoped I could accomplish in my life. The school creates such a positive and nurturing environment where parents, teachers, and faculty are singularly focused on the students and their success. I made lifelong friendships with strong women who are still a part of my support system today. The Honor Code is also something that has remained with me throughout my entire life and has been the cornerstone of how I live and work every day. The Honor Code taught me how to act with integrity, how to really understand right from wrong, and gave me the courage and confidence to speak up and lead by example – both personally and professionally.” Rudnay’s two daughters are also ND graduates-Lis Moss ’03 and Kathryn Rudnay ’05.

“Understanding how and when to speak up and how to articulate your point of view will help position you for success no matter what professional journey you embark on in the future.”

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COMMUNICATORS WHO INSPIRE

After graduation from Notre Dame, Maria Aspan ’00, studied International Politics at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and began her career reporting on business for the New York Times. Prior to joining Inc. in 2014, she was a senior editor at American Banker. Aspan is also a contributing writer for leading national publications. “In February 2019, Harper Collins published my book, Startup Money Made Easy: The Inc. Guide to Every Financial Question About Starting, Running, and Growing Your Business. It compiles much of the financial advice I’ve edited and interviews I’ve conducted with successful entrepreneurs during the course of my career at Inc.”

Maria Aspan ’00 Editor-at-large for Inc. magazine and author of “Startup Money Made Easy: The Inc. Guide to Every Financial Question About Starting, Running, and Growing Your Business”

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Being an effective communicator and being a good leader both require a willingness to spend time listening to what others have to say and thinking about your response – rather than trying to control the conversation.

What makes you a good communicator?

“I’m a good listener; I’m fascinated by what’s new or unfamiliar to me; and I really enjoy the process of learning. I always loved to write, and consider myself very fortunate to write for a living.

Journalism also allows me to travel, to meet all kinds of people, and to constantly be exposed to new ideas and experiences. It has also given me an opportunity to develop my public speaking and broadcast communication skills. Writing a book, even one drawn from a lot of my own existing reporting, requires tremendous organization and sustained effort. There’s also a lot of invisible communication that goes into writing and publishing a book. I spent years reporting the book and months writing it, and then I spent several weeks working with my publisher to edit it, and several more months working to promote it.

Notre Dame and its faculty, staff, and students helped me find my voice and my confidence as a writer and a feminist, and taught me to think critically and to speak up for what’s right. My seven years at Notre Dame, and its emphasis on educating women of courage and conviction, has helped shape my career and my ongoing professional focus on the intersection of gender and business while covering some very traditional, often-maledominated industries. Through Notre Dame, I also met some extraordinary role models and some of the amazing women who remain my closest friends to this day.

Working on the literary journal and the newspaper gave me my first exposure to publishing and my future career. Through History Day projects, speech and debate club, and poetry and writing contests, I developed both my speaking and my writing abilities - and won some scholarship money for college, which helped me afford to attend my first-choice school!”

“Spend time examining what you do and don’t admire in how others communicate, to figure out how you can develop your own communication style.”

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Know the power of your perspective. If you have an idea, share it. If you have an opinion, present it. Leveraging your voice allows you to drive impact and have influence.

After graduation from Notre Dame, Khalida Ali ’02, attended Spelman College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.

“At Zendesk I am responsible for developing and implementing a global strategy that allows us to take a holistic and human centered approach towards building a diverse company that is inclusive for all. Prior to joining Zendesk, I was a Vice President at Bank of America where I served as the Chief of Staff to the Global Head of Campus Recruiting and Junior Talent Management. I have also worked at NBCUniversal and Morgan Stanley in Corporate Diversity and Inclusion. It was during my time at Morgan Stanley that I became interested in exploring career pathways and outcomes of individuals underrepresented in various sectors and industries.”

What skills do you consider most important to be an effective communicator in your position?

“It’s important to build relationships that are centered around trust. I also have to be an effective listener. These two skills are critical because I’m working with stakeholders across many lines of business and across all of our global offices. Communication allows for transparency and it can also provide the opportunity for more people to support the efforts we are looking to put forward. Communication actually allows me to grow community, which is something that I need in order to be successful.”

In June 2018, you spoke at South by Southwest on "The Art of Inclusivity in a Politically Divided US." How can effective communication begin to address bias in the workplace?

“We have to start having the conversation. Bias in the workplace impacts interpersonal dynamics and relationships. Some of the often cited examples of workplace bias are related around communication. Whose ideas are recognized and heard? Who steers and leads meetings? How are resumes screened? Which candidates move forward in a process? Which are overlooked?

There are many examples of bias. Many are related to communication.

The challenge is that bias impacts the employee experience. When looking to address bias in the workplace, there has to be shared understanding and awareness that these things potentially take place. You have to bring people to the table. Have the conversation and then determine how to address and move forward.”

Khalida Ali ’02 Senior Manager, Diversity and Inclusion at Zendesk driven on a daily basis. Being involved with student government and various student clubs provided lots of opportunities to hone communication skills. I also can’t overlook the classroom dynamic - that’s probably the breeding ground of fostering strong communication skills. We were expected to speak and have discussions about whatever topic was being discussed.”

Ali was featured on the May 17, 2019 cover of San Francisco Business Times as one of the "Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business."

“Notre Dame is such a special place. Make the most of every experience. Take full advantage of all opportunities to hone your voice. You’ve got something to say and we want to hear it!”

“I share quite often that attending Notre Dame was a transformative experience. I have a high regard of my experience from high school. By virtue of attending a single-sex school that was highly supportive, there were no limits to our potential and what we could achieve in life. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by other girls who were smart, intelligent and

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COMMUNICATORS WHO INSPIRE

Rosemary Connors ’01 NBC10 News Anchor and Reporter

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One of the best parts of my job is that I talk to all kinds of people from all walks of life.

I am tasked with getting every side of the story. This is crucial in order to be an effective communicator in any industry.

Rosemary Connors ’01, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

She also holds a law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. After positions with television stations in Colorado and Florida, Connors returned to the Philadelphia area to work for NBC10. “As a reporter and anchor, I think about why the viewer should care about the story I am covering.

Does it affect their family or their community? Am I providing useful information? I try to put myself in the shoes of the person listening to the message. I think about how that person’s perspective might influence the way I communicate. Sometimes it reflects sensitivity, other times seriousness. Knowing your audience will help you better express what you want to convey.

Listening may be just as important as speaking, when it comes to communication. Even when I think I know how a story will unfold, I am always surprised. I learn new information from the people I interview in the field. I listen closely to what they have to say, making sure I have the full picture before I file my report. I find that people are more willing to open up and share their experiences when they feel connected to you.

That connection comes from doing the research, asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to the responses.

Notre Dame helped me find my voice. The all-girls’ environment provided a positive space to explore my interests and

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discover my strengths. Navigating high school can be inherently intimidating, but Notre Dame was welcoming and made me feel comfortable in my own skin. I developed educated opinions and learned to speak up. I tried out for teams and took on leadership roles in class projects. The single-sex atmosphere allowed me to forget my inhibitions and focus on my goals.

Serving on student council gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other girls from different grades and different backgrounds. It taught me to appreciate other people’s perspectives and use that point of view to inform my own decisions.

By the time I left for college, I was a confident young woman with a strong sense of self. I wanted to be an advocate for others, which led me to pursue a career in journalism and a law degree. I would not be the person I am today, if I had not gone to Notre Dame. Girls need strong women leaders to show them what’s possible in life. From the teachers to the alumnae, Notre Dame exposed me to role models who taught me that grit and determination are essential to achieve your dreams.”

“Be clear about what you want.

It requires you to step outside of your comfort zone and express your desires. When you communicate clearly with others, there is less room for misunderstanding and missed opportunities.”

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After graduation from Notre Dame, Maya Noronha ’01 attended Georgetown University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Government with a minor in Catholic Studies, and a Juris Doctor. “My experience with civil rights law and policy has included developing policy proposals at a think tank, direct advocacy at the executive branch, advising Members of Congress as a staff member on Capitol Hill, representing clients in discrimination court cases at a law firm, and working at a Federal agency’s civil rights office which promulgates regulations, takes enforcement actions, and conducts public outreach on prohibited discrimination.

As a counselor of law and a public servant, I learned how important it is to take the effort to hear the other person, and seriously consider their point of view.

Instead of talking past each other, then you can talk with each other.

In law school, I developed a strong interest in the specialty of conscience and religious liberty law. My first jobs after graduation were in voting rights, immigration, and human rights, which gave me great experience, but I continued to communicate my interest in conscience and religious freedom.

Through networking, I introduced myself to scholars and practitioners, expressing my interest in their field, inquiring about their career path, and sharing my law journal article.

Two years ago, I received a phone call out of the blue from my current boss asking if I’d like to work for him. I had not applied to any specific job opening, but I remembered when I had emailed him my journal note and expressed general interest in the field of conscience rights. Because I had communicated my career interest so effectively, the job actually found me!

I am motivated to communicate on behalf of those—such as the young, the ill, or those with disabilities—who are unable to speak for themselves. The principle of Catholic social teaching recognizing the inherent dignity of each human person was cultivated in me as a student at Notre Dame. Seeing each and every human being as a child of God has inspired me to be an advocate for the civil rights of those who are excluded, denied just treatment, coerced, silenced, or ignored.”

Maya Noronha ’01 Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights* How did Notre Dame impact you?

“At a co-ed grade school I attended before Notre Dame, I was too shy to speak in front of a crowd, run for election, play, sing, dance, or act on stage. However, with supportive sisterly classmates and encouraging teachers at ND, I found the strength to do it. I participated in oratorical contests, Model UN, and Mock Trial.

I raced to hit the buzzer for Hi-Q, wrote op-eds for the student newspapers, and served as president of the junior school. I played in ensemble, starred in our production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and won the Spirit Day’s grapefruit eating contest. I did not just study; I flourished! All those were amazing activities with wonderful people, and I don’t think I would have been able to do it anywhere else.”

“As the late Sister Regina Finnegan always said, ‘Do well and do good.’ She taught me that I should use my talents and work to do well academically and professionally, but all this work ought to be directed to the greater glory of God and the common good of all people.” *Title and employer is for informational purposes only. The reflections by Maya Noronha are provided in her personal capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services, or United States.

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COMMUNICATORS WHO INSPIRE

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When you focus your full attention on someone, ask follow-up questions, are enthusiastic and genuinely curious about what the person you are speaking to has to say, you not only are going to learn more, but your response will be more educated.

Following her graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010, Stephanie Hayden ’06 (with students above) joined her family’s commercial real estate firm. “I get to meet remarkable individuals from all walks of life, which inspired me to start High Five Success Stories. I interview successful people from different industries who can offer advice and inspiration to listeners. We touch on topics relevant to surviving the choppy waters of adulthood and careers including, rejection, the art of listening, time management tactics, being a full time working mother, maintaining a positive mindset, overcoming adversity, taking risks, what advice you would give to your 30 year-old self, and more.” One of Hayden’s recent podcast guests was Rosemary Connors ’01, profiled in this issue.

As a podcaster, what skills do you feel are most necessary to communicate effectively with your listeners? “I must remember that the listeners are tuning into the podcast to hear the featured guest story, not mine! I always try to “disappear” in each interview, only chiming in to help each guest navigate and deliver their incredible story in the best possible way.

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Stephanie Hayden ’06 Producer and interviewer for the podcast series, “High Five Success Stories” and Leasing Associate at Maguire Hayden Real Estate Company

I think part of being a good communicator is being a good listener. Two of my past podcast guests, Kelly Croce Sorg ’97 and Martie Wolfington Gillin (a mother of five ND alumnae), talk a lot about “active listening” – where you listen to learn, not to respond. I think that active listening is a skill that someone must develop and make a daily practice– I still struggle with it, but I am working on it!”

Hayden shared her experiences as an interviewer and podcaster with students in Ms. Julia Tully’s seventh grade religion classes who produced their own podcasts. Tully is a 2008 graduate of Notre Dame. Students used interviews, personal stories, newscasts, or fiction to create podcasts that connected the themes of the Gospels to their own lives.

“Always remember to believe and trust in yourself. Remember that Notre Dame has already instilled valuable life values and skills that will set you apart from the rest!”

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Notre Dame students have a unique opportunity to develop their critical thinking, writing, public speaking, and listening skills through the Academy’s Mock Trial team. Students in grades nine through twelve assume all responsibilities for the defense and prosecution of a case. From opening arguments, to cross examination, to final judgment in a Delaware County courtroom filled with practicing lawyers, students are challenged to present a compelling argument, think on their feet, and maintain their composure. Caroline Chapman ’19 has been a member of Mock Trial since ninth grade.

“By participating in Mock Trial, I have gained so much experience communicating my ideas and points effectively in front of my peers, faculty moderators, and the schools that we compete against. I have gained a plethora of skills from Mock Trial that will be incredibly useful to me not only in college but throughout the rest of my life. These skills include communication, public speaking, critical thinking skills, collaboration, memorization, and quick thinking.”

Making the Case for Mock Trial Members of Notre Dame’s Mock Trial Defense Team: (from left): Olivia Renzi, Kyrah Potter, Alexandra Loke, Ava MacLaughlin, Caroline Chaplin, and Katherine Lanzalotto

Rethinking the Book Report While messaging apps facilitate communication, the essential, nonverbal components of effective communication, such as tone, visual cues, and context are missing. “My students are so used to texting that this filters in to their academic writing,” said middle school teacher Mrs. Jenn Brown.

“In the first week of school we explore what it means to be an effective speaker and communicator. I emphasize to my students that public speaking is an invaluable skill, one they will need for the rest of their lives, not just their academic careers.”

For a recent seventh grade classroom assignment of The Outsiders, students created a “book in a box” that depicted physical symbols related to a particular character in the novel. Through this characterization project, each student presented her box to the class, describing relevant symbols, colors, and images and explained why she selected a particular character. “I assess their voice, tone, pitch, delivery, and response to questions from other students as part of the grading rubric,” explained Brown. Ninth grade students refine their ability to deliver a persuasive speech following their reading of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. “My students are learning to write an arguable thesis and defend their ideas.”

Researchers, Essayists, and Authors Thrive at ND Religion teacher Dr. Norma DaCrema’s eyes light up when she talks about Notre Dame’s many talented writers. DaCrema guides the Academy’s newspaper staff, serves as a faculty advisor to students who enter the annual Scholastic Art and Writing competitions, and supports students who participate in the annual Harry Potter scholarly essay contest at Chestnut Hill College. Students present their works as part of an academic panel. “I love to see our students present with such confidence,” said DaCrema. “They present from a place of ownership of their work. It’s very thrilling to see our students do so well in that context.”

At Notre Dame, writers find a home for their published research in the Academy’s scholarly journal, The Looking Glass and creative writers and artists are published in the Academy’s literary magazine, Tournesol.

All seniors participate in an independent capstone project that includes investigation, preparation, and presentation of an 18 to 25 page research paper at the conclusion of the academic year.

Dr. David Califf, Chair of the English and Arts Department, and high school English teacher, Mrs. Kim Burke, are mentors to the students. “Many businesses want renaissance men and women who need to write and communicate, in addition to their career focus,” said Califf. “They want to see you through different lenses, not that single lane of doing the work. Humanities, and writing-directed employees stand out in the job market.

You have to be a convincing writer and communicator.”

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FACULTY INSIGHT

them develop the skills they need to complete this project throughout the year, going from five-minute presentations up to twenty minutes,” said Burke. “Before their presentations, we talk about how to use precise language so the audience has a clear idea of your position on your thesis.”

In 2015, Burke began working on the school theater productions by designing the lighting scheme. She then became stage manager, and ultimately director.

The Academy presents two musicals and a play each year. “I wanted to make sure we have student roles in production because that’s how I learned when I was in school. We let them take on directing and producing roles, and now we have a student director, choreographer, and producer.” High school students also take on the positions of acting director and music director for the middle school play to give them more experience and connect across the grades.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Communicators

by Jessica H. Turner ‘06

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rs. Kim Burke has the opportunity to observe Notre Dame students develop their communications skills from many vantage points - as a high school English teacher, student council moderator, senior capstone project advisor, and as director of the Academy’s theater program.

Burke has been a student council moderator for twelve years, along with World Languages teacher Ms. Alexandra Costa. “I’ve always seen student council as a venue where the students have a place to own something. I love watching them solve problems, and even though it’s hard to step back sometimes, it’s never been a chore, because they are so excited by that responsibility and ownership.”

If the students want to suggest an event, they have to write and submit a formal proposal. Burke makes sure they know how to craft a formal, precise, and professional email to help them succeed not only as members of the student

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council, but also in the real world after graduation. The communication and leadership skills they learn in student council are lifetime skills, no matter what career path and interests they pursue.

At Notre Dame, all seniors plan, prepare, and present a capstone project. The program began four years ago under the leadership of Burke and English teacher and department chair Dr. David Califf. In creating the program, the two educators asked the question, “What is the ultimate result of a Notre Dame education? What does it look like in writing? What does it look like on stage at a podium and in the world?” The students propose a topic of their own choice that has a real-world as well as a personal connection to them. Then they write an eighteen to twenty-five page paper and present their project as a twenty-minute presentation to their peers and invited faculty. The students must also fulfill two field experiences, which can include visiting a museum, interviewing an expert, or even attending college classes. “We help

From student council proposals to capstone projects to theatrical performances, practice and revision are key to success. “The students have to learn how to get the formulas and steps right.

Sometimes it’s hard to accept that writing and speaking are practiced processes and you have to revise and go back. For the senior projects, you have a different audience on paper than you do in the presentation. In the theater productions, you have to rehearse in order to get it just right on opening night. Theater requires clear enunciation and projection.

We help them gain the confidence to know that they are the experts in their field when they are presenting their projects or performing on stage.”

While teaching her students how to use and improve their communication skills is important, Burke really enjoys the more personal aspects of these capstone projects.

“It’s nice to see them pick their topics for themselves and pursue their passions because you learn something about them.

And they teach me new things all the time!”

VISIONS SPRING 2019

News from the

Students Attend Conference on Global Challenges Students from the Academy’s Global and STEM Scholar programs and Design Thinking classes attended Drexel University’s 12th Annual Student Conference on Global Challenges: Creativity & Innovation. The program included panel discussions led by Drexel’s faculty, and undergraduate and graduate students around a major global challenge theme. Sophomore Sydney Worrell, a Global Citizen Scholar, reflected on her experience saying, “A presentation I found particularly interesting was on ecofeminism in rural Kenya. The panel described the Green Belt movement, an organization which uses the conservation of trees as a platform for female leadership. This movement was truly inspiring to me because of the ability to tackle two issues at once: deforestation and the oppression of women, especially in countries such as Kenya.”

Middle School Students Attend Leadership Conference Seventh grade students Cookie Quirk, Reese Russo, Paz Sorg, and Erin Sweeney traveled to Canada in April to participate in a student leadership conference hosted by The Study, our sister school in Montreal, Canada. The annual conference gives students in grades five, six, and seven the opportunity to develop leadership skills. The theme for this year’s conference was “Leading the Future of the World Together.”

Notre Dame Participates in International Model UN Conference Seven seniors participated in the 10th Annual HagaMUN Model UN Conference at Gymnasium Haganum, the oldest high school in The Netherlands. The theme for the conference was, “Celebrating International Cooperation,” and ND students represented various UN countries as they debated current global challenges and wrote resolutions alongside their peers from around the world. Following the trip, Senior Erin Byrd reflected on her experience, “I now really appreciate the value of learning a second and even third language, as everyone we met spoke two or more languages fluently. I plan to continue to take Spanish in college now."

Academy Hosts Sister School Visitors This spring, the Academy welcomed students from our sister schools in Japan and Taiwan. Students from Notre Dame Seishin, Hiroshima, had the opportunity to reconnect with ND friends who had visited Japan last year. Students from Sacred Heart High School for Girls, New Taipei City, Taiwan, visited campus in April. Students from both schools collaborated on a Design Thinking challenge. Notre Dame students will travel to Japan and Singapore for an academic exchange this summer.

15

AROUND NOTRE DAME

AROUND

NOTRE DAME

Liturgy Celebrates the Sisters of Notre Dame On Friday, February 1, the Academy remembered the life and charism of St. Julie Billiart, Foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, with a special Mass. During the Mass, Sister Maria Delaney, Sister Maria Verrilli, and Sister Helen Bellew affirmed their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, asking, “Our good God, keep us faithful so that we may stand with the poor in the most abandoned places, build your community on earth, and proclaim your goodness all the days of our lives.” Thank you for your faithful service to our community.

Middle School Musical Entertains with Honk, Jr. Middle school cast and crew presented Honk, Jr., to enthusiastic audiences in February. The musical is a humorous retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story, “The Ugly Duckling.”

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Students Take Home Second Place at World Affairs Council Competition Seniors Katie Lennon, Eileen Shelton, Caroline Voegele and Sophia Skorup earned second place at The World Affairs Council's WorldQuest Trivia Competition in Philadelphia on February 15. Rounds of questioning ranged from NATO, to space law, to the World Health Organization.

Junior Wins Global Expression and Thought Essay Contest Notre Dame Junior Grace Rivers was recognized as a winning essayist by the Global Education Benchmark Group for her submission titled, “No Service.”

Grace thoughtfully expressed her experience living without cell phone service while in remote areas of Peru last summer.

VISIONS SPRING 2019

Students Serve Others through Outreach Students in all grades live Saint Julie’s commitment to serving the poor, the needy, and those who are neglected in our communities. Each middle school grade helped package food for the Share Food Program in Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that supports area community food banks. High school students served meals and offered companionship through their service at Women of Hope, Women of Change, and St. Francis Inn.

Students Excel at Regional Science Fairs A total of 79 Notre Dame students, nine in middle school and 70 in high school, participated in multiple science competitions during the 2018-2019 academic year. Eight middle school students placed and won awards at the Delaware County Science Fair, with five students receiving monetary awards.

Junior Cecilia Quirk received a first

place award and a monetary prize award for her research on sound proofing. 61 students attended the regional meeting of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of the Sciences. 30 students received a first award, 30 received a second award, and one received a third award. Cecilia Quirk (far right) received a perfect score and the Humanitarian Science Award for her research on the Efficacy of Different Sound Barrier Designs and ninth grade student Mary Wirtel (at right) received a perfect score and the Judges’ Award for her research on Carbon Dioxide Production based on Sugar. Congratulations to all student participants for their achievements.

Seniors Recognized as National Merit Finalists The Academy is pleased to announce that seniors Anna Miranda and Eileen Shelton have been named National Merit Scholarship Finalists by demonstrating through distinguished performance high potential for future academic accomplishment.

Finalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Eight Notre Dame seniors were recognized as National Merit Semifinalist and Commended Students in the fall.

Junior Receives Leadership Award Eva Kraus ’20 was honored as a 2019 recipient of the Widener University High School Leadership Award. The award, which includes a $20,000 scholarship for students who decide to attend Widener, recognizes high school students who have demonstrated courage by standing up for what is right, found a way to address a wrong, or made a difference in the community.

17

AROUND NOTRE DAME

Academy Introduces New Scholar Program Congratulations to the Class of 2022 Notre Dame STEM Scholars of Excellence, Global Citizen Scholars, and Arts Scholars. The STEM Scholar of Excellence program provides opportunities for students to demonstrate scholarship in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Global Citizen Scholar program enables students to develop global competencies through participation in globally focused courses, experiences, and international travel. Joining the Global Citizen Scholar and STEM Scholar of Excellence programs this year, the Arts Scholar program provides an opportunity for students to engage more deeply in a rigorous course of study specifically designed for continued study at the collegiate level in their discipline.

STEM Scholars of Excellence (Listed alphabetically): Antonia Almeida, Kyleigh Calvert, Julia Dever, Sarah Kichula, Dani Laverty, Emma McGuinn, Evelyn O'Neill, Emmanuella Oyakhire, Serafina Peluso, Phoebe Phillips, Gabriella Recchilungo, Adeline Romo, Madison Roselli, Abigail Rowley, Paige Shelton, Samantha Smoot, Emma Steel, Natalie Stuart, Ava Trask, and Andrea Wat.

Students Selected for 2020 Symposium The Academy looks forward to hosting our first International Sisters in STEM Symposium in July 2020. This academic gathering will bring together students and faculty members from our sister schools in Argentina, Canada, China, Japan, Peru, and Taiwan for a week of cross-cultural collaboration on STEM projects surrounding the theme of Enhancing Environments. Each school will select eight students to participate in one of four STEM tracks: Medical Science, Environmental Science, Robotics & Coding, and Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship. Each track will focus on solutions to multi-dimensional issues that affect our world.

The Academy congratulates the following ND students who have been selected based on their applications and interviews: Standing (L to R): Madison Roselli, Kyleigh Calvert, Emma Oyakhire Sitting (L to R): Andrea Wat, Alexandra Loke, Kyrah Potter, Isabel Oliver, Sophia Pappano. Students in all grades will have the opportunity to participate as Symposium volunteers.

The Symposium will be held from July 20-24, 2020.

Middle School Students Innovate

Global Citizen Scholars (Listed alphabetically): Carlee Beck, Catherine Chapman, Caroline Crossed, Olivia Friess, Grace Ganley, Molly Hughes, Colleen Murtagh, Clare Rivers, Ciara Rogers, Bella Scarpato, and Farrah Sheffer.

Arts Scholars (Listed alphabetically): Arden Dougherty (Instrument Music concentration), Madison Frank (Literary Arts concentration), and Charlotte Lignowski (Choral Music concentration).

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After reading Primates, The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas, Mrs. Kathleen McGuiness’s sixth grade language arts classes participated in a STEAM Design Thinking project.

Each class chose a current global issue portrayed in their literature and designed a product that would help solve the issue. Students researched information on landfill waste, the health of animals in captivity, and water usage in the United States. Each class finalized their work by delivering a group presentation on their design process and product. The innovation of each class was evident in their development of environmentally friendly, no waste coffee sticks; a product to measure and control excess water usage; and an interactive play station to enrich the lives of primates in zoos and enhance visitors’ experiences.

VISIONS SPRING 2019

Students Recognized at Honors Convocation On May 16, Notre Dame students were recognized at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s annual Academic Honors Convocation. The event, held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, honors students representing the top three percent of their graduating class. Congratulations to Margaret Quirk, Isabelle Molinari, and Jessica Schneider. Cecilia Quirk ’20 served as flag bearer.

Margaret Quirk also received the Phi Beta Kappa Book Award, which is presented to a senior who embodies the Phi Beta Kappa ideals of academic achievement, character, and a love of wisdom and learning as the guide of life.

Accolades Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Leah Bowers, Health and Physical Education Teacher, received her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Health from West Chester University.

Mrs. Jacqueline Coccia, Principal, received her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Drexel University. Her research focused on women in K-12 school leadership positions.

World Languages Department Honored for Eighth Consecutive Year The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur is honored to be the only school in Pennsylvania to be recognized with the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association Golden Globe Award eight consecutive times. This highest award honors exemplary high school foreign language programs based on 11 evidencebased performance indicators. Congratulations!

Mrs. Kim Eife, Director of High School, is presenting at the June conference of the National Coalition of Girls Schools on the topic, “Proven and Effective Events to Engage Alumnae.” She will share Notre Dame’s successful involvement of alumnae in the Academy’s STEM Day, Full STEAM Ahead, and Sisters in STEM programs.

Mr. Tyler Gaspich, Director of Information Resources and Technologies, graduated from the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) Early Career and Aspiring Technology Director’s Institute.

Mr.Gaspich has presented at educational conferences on the topics of incorporating

design thinking in the classroom, using technology to create a borderless classroom, and global classrooms. He was recently published in EdSurge, an online education news and technology resource for K-12 and higher education.

Mrs. Marianne Gonzaga, School Nurse, earned certification as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Mrs. Lisa Hoban, Director of Middle School, received her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Seton Hall University. Dissertation title: “Trends in Pennsylvania 8th and 11th Grade Student Test Performance since the Common Core Implementation.”

Mrs. Nora Moffat, Director of The Center for Global Leadership, presented at the National Coalition of Girls Schools’ “Educating Girls Symposium” with author Homa Tavangar on the topic, “From 21st Century Girls to 21st Century Global Leaders.” She recently was a panelist for the CFA Society of Philadelphia’s Diversity & Inclusion in Investment Management Conference.

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ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS LACROSSE TEAM MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST PAISAA CHAMPIONSHIP WIN The girls’ varsity lacrosse team entered their first-ever PAISAA Championship as the number one seed matched against rival and number two seed, Agnes Irwin.

Despite being the top seed, Notre Dame felt like the underdogs as Agnes Irwin had participated in the past six PAISAA championships. Following a delayed warm-up due to inclement weather, the game did not start as the Irish had hoped, falling behind early and trailing at halftime 6-3.

The second half was a different story as Notre Dame, who has proven over the season to be a second half team, fought back to score five goals in the first five minutes to take the lead and control of the game. The teams battled back and forth with Notre Dame answering every attempt by Agnes Irwin to come back. The Irish held a two-goal lead with three minutes left, when after an Agnes Irwin timeout, they were able to cause a turnover and run out the clock to secure the 12-10 win and the program’s first-ever PAISSA lacrosse title.

The team was led by senior Claire Gola with five goals and two assists; junior Georgie Gorelick with three goals and one assist, including her 100th career goal; and senior Maggie O'Brien with eight draw controls and six ground balls.

The team finished the season with record of 18-3 and finished in the top 25 nationally for the first time in the school’s history.

MAGGIE O’BRIEN RECEIVES INTER-AC AWARD Senior lacrosse and soccer team captain Maggie O’Brien was named 2019 Notre Dame recipient of the Girls’ Inter-Academic League Directors Award at the recognition dinner in May. The award is presented annually to a senior athlete who has been a multi-sport varsity athlete and has exemplified the following characteristics dedication to their team and school and an outstanding representative of the Inter-Ac League in sportsmanship and leadership.

Each Inter-Ac school honors one senior athlete.

O’Brien will be continuing her lacrosse career next year at Richmond University. O’Brien was also recently named a 2019 Eastern PA Girls’ US Lacrosse All-American.

STUDENTS MAKE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS On May 6, seniors Emma Wood, Sarah Hahn and Ellen Lavin committed to continuing their chosen sport at the collegiate level. Emma will play lacrosse at Ursinus College, while both Sarah and Ellen will join the crew team at Fairfield University. These students join the 12 seniors who signed their National Letter of Intent in the fall.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP

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The middle school spring sports season ended on a high note. Track (photo at left) competed in the Inter-Ac Championships at Germantown Academy. This is only the second year the team has competed in the meet and the number of participants continues to grow. Varsity and JV lacrosse ended their season by celebrating 18 eighth graders before their final game against Anchillae Assumpta Academy. Golf pro, David Zimmaro at Overbrook Country Club praised the team saying our golf players were “engaged, working hard together, and having fun.” Two eighth graders were on the fencing team roster this year: Madalyn Dixon and Alexandra McCulloch, and we had our first-ever middle school student on the sailing team this year with Ava Delvescovo. Notre Dame is looking forward to another successful middle school sports program for the 2019-2020 season.

VISIONS SPRING 2019

at Notre Dame SENIOR BASKETBALL PLAYERS RECEIVE AWARDS On March 27, ND’s senior basketball players, Emma Kichula, Mandy McGurk, Caitlyn Mullen, and Maggie Pina were honored with the Ferguson award for Academics by the Markward Club. The club honors the best of Philadelphia boys’ and girls’ basketball in a season ending awards banquet. Mandy McGurk was selected as the Inter-Ac and Dennis W. Hill Player of the Year Award.

JESSICA SCHNEIDER NAMED TO HALL OF FAME Senior Jessica Schneider was recognized as a Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Delaware County Chapter Winter Scholar Athlete following her successful indoor track season.

This award is given to senior athletes who excel in their athletics, academics, and extracurricular and community service activities. Schneider received her award at a luncheon in March. She will be attending the University of Notre Dame where she will be running track.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP The softball team (photo at left) made history this spring as they reached the final of the PAISAA Championship for the first time in ND history. The team played a great defensive game against an unbeaten Penn Charter. Junior pitcher Grace Jackson kept PC to six hits as the Irish had a good day offensively with nine hits. Unfortunately, the Irish could not get the “clutch” hits they needed to put the points on the board and Penn Charter won the game by five runs to one. Our young golf team had a great end to the season with a second place finish at the PAISAA Championship at French Creek Country Club. On the track, the high school track and field team competed well at both the Inter-Ac Championship and the PAISAA Championship. Our Crew team, led by first-year head coach Mike Berger, had a good showing at the City Championships and the Stotesbury Regatta and were excited to race in their new boats, Saint Julie and Cuvilly.

WINTER/SPRING INTER-AC ALL LEAGUE HONORS Basketball

First Team

Second Team Swimming First Team

Second Team Lacrosse First Team

Second Team

Special Recognition Softball First Team

Second Team Golf First Team Track & Field First Team

Mandy McGurk Maggie Pina Maeve McErlane Mia Abruzzo Ashley Kolessar Madison Kolessar Natalie Stuart Maggie O’Brien Claire Gola Georgie Gorelick Belle McHugh Mikayla Dever Lindsey Barnes Hannah Gillespie Grace Jackson Caroline Adams Hannah Jackson Stefanie Bonini Jessica Schneider

• WINTER/SPRING ALL DELCO TEAM Basketball First Team Amanda McGurk

Maggie Pina

Honorable Mention Alison Lynch

Maeve McErlane Swimming First Team Mia Abruzzo

Ashley Kolessar

Madison Kolessar Indoor Track First Team Jessica Schneider Track & Field First Team Jessica Schneider

Second Team Lindsey Smith • WINTER/SPRING MAINLINE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK Mia Abruzzo Swimming Madison Kolessar Swimming Mandy McGurk Basketball Mikayla Dever Lacrosse

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ALUMNAE CELEBRATIONS & REUNIONS

ALUMNAE

Celebrations & Reunions

Alumnae Christmas Party

On December 18, 2018 over 125 Alumnae, staff, faculty and guests gathered together for the 6th Annual Alumnae Christmas Party at The Union League of Philadelphia.

Class of 2017 and 2018 Reunion Nearly 30 Alumnae from the Classes of 2017 and 2018 were reunited with their classmates and faculty members on January 8, 2019.

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VISIONS SPRING 2019

Museum Highlights Tour Faculty Member and Department Chair, Dr. Califf, led a group of Alumnae on the Museum Highlights Tour at the Philadelphia Art Museum on March 22, 2019.

Alumnae Association Meeting On March 7, 2019, Alumnae gathered for an Alumnae Association meeting and an opportunity to share in service to prepare and donate food to local organizations.

Alumnae Luncheon at the 46th Annual Fine Art Show Executive Alumnae Board Members and Chairs of the Alumnae Luncheon at the Fine Art Show, Kristen McNeill ’11 and Molly Kelly Joyce ’04, welcomed home 65 Alumnae and guests on February 2, 2019.

Rittenhouse Square Alumnae Luncheon The Rittenhouse Square Alumnae gathered for the annual Mass and Celebration at Overbrook Golf Club on April 6, 2019 with sixty-five people in attendance.

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ALUMNAE CELEBRATIONS & REUNIONS

REUNION WEEKEND 2019 Alumnae Reconnect and Celebrate

Class of 1954

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Class of 1959

Class of 1964

Class of 1969

Class of 1979

VISIONS SPRING 2019

Class of 1984

Class of 1994

Class of 2004

Class of 1989

Class of 1999

Class of 2009

Class of 2014 Additional Reunion photos can be viewed on the Academy’s SmugMug page: ndapa.smugmug.com.

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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

Alumnae CLASS NOTES 1954 Eileen McHugh ’54 resided in Malvern, PA for 45 years until recently moving to the Hershey’s Mill community in West Chester, PA.

1956 Faith Christensen Johnson ’56 welcomed her 5th grandchild on October 31, 2018.

1959

Patricia O’Neill D’Avanzo ’69 received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Georgetown University in 1973 and has enjoyed a successful career working in surgery and patient education in hospitals.

She resides with her husband, Joseph, in Michigan. They have one daughter, Nicole, and two grandchildren, Owen and Noah.

Mary Hayes ’69 is the proud aunt of Caroline Hayes ’09, Christen Boas Hayes ’12, and Lauren Boas Hayes ’09.

Dorothy McCormick, SNDdeN recently celebrated her retirement from the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Her life's work and leadership impacted students, lecturers and colleagues alike. Her inspirational ways began long before her days in Kenya, as she was the only female to receive her M.B.A. from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1966.

She was recently featured in the winter publication of Endeavor for friends of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Elisa Loprete Hibbs ’77 is celebrating her 30th year as Business Manager for Villanova University’s Theatre. Her son, Christopher, is a sophomore in the business school at Villanova University. Her daughter, Ciara, is a junior at the Academy of Notre Dame. Elisa will be a class parent next year for Ciara's senior year.

1982 Theresa Heimbecker Sablosky ’82 is the Founder and President of Good to Go Care Boxes, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Theresa founded Good to Go when her son became a U.S. Marine. The organization sends care boxes to deployed troops, and since 2016 has shipped over 1,500 boxes.

1988

Christine McGuckin Schmitt ’69 and her husband, Ed, have four sons, eight grandchildren, and are expecting two more grandchildren, a set of twins, in July.

Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas ’88 was honored as the 2018 Delaware County Community Advocate by The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Shannon has been working in the field of children’s mental health for the last 27 years and is the Coordinator of Children's Mental Health Services for Delaware County in Pennsylvania. Shannon’s daughter, Joy, will attend the Academy of Notre Dame in the fall as a sixth grade student. Joy will be the fourth generation Notre Dame woman to attend the Academy. Joy’s grandmother, Joy Lucas Fitzpatrick ’63 and her greatgrandmother, Eleanor MacDonald Lucas ’26 also graduated from the Academy.

1969

1993

Mary Lou Facciolo Aylesworth ’69 was a Laboratory Director in the Department of Urology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is currently a wildlife ranch owner and manager in Texas.

Ginamarie (Gina) Ellis ’93 ran for local office in 2017 and was elected. She was sworn in as Borough Councilwoman in Chester Heights, PA on January 2, 2018.

She chairs the Communications and Public Relations Committee and serves on the Historic and Community Events Committees.

She is also the webmaster and content creator for other local elections. Gina owns a sales and marketing company and is the Business Development Director, USA for a Canadian software company. She also is in her tenth year teaching body combat at the Rocky Run YMCA in Media, PA. She and her two sons live in Chester Heights, PA.

Leslie Schmidt DeLigio ’69 received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Old Dominion University in 2014. Leslie and her husband have twin sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren. In addition, Leslie has three sisters who all graduated from Notre Dame.

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1977

1976 Carroll Carney Robertson ’76 welcomed her granddaughter, Warren Carroll Robertson on March 15, 2019. She is the first great grandchild for Carroll’s mother, Margaret Carroll Carney and the first child of her parents, Craig and Beth Robertson.

Warren’s great aunts are Susan Carney Fahey ’77 and Marie Carney Flaherty ’81.

VISIONS SPRING 2019

1995 Maureen Doron ’95 is the founder of Skirt Boutique, a unique fashion boutique store and experience. She opened the Bryn Mawr, PA location in 2001 and since then has expanded with two additional locations in the Rittenhouse area of Philadelphia and Stone Harbor, NJ.

2000 Bertina Hu ’00 is in full-time ministry with a local Christian church in Taipei, Taiwan, where she teaches youth and young adults in local and international settings.

She is passionate about nurturing a sense of community and intentionally building relationships that honor God and share Christ's love with people. She continues to play tennis and volleyball, enjoys Muay Thai, hiking, photography, and tasting the delicious local food in Taiwan.

2001 Gwenn Daniels Nolan ’01 is the founder of Mother Compost, a sustainable waste management solutions organization the serves the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.mothercompost.com.

Lina Sestokas Scroggins ’01 graduated from Harvard University and went on to a career with Google, as a Program Manager.

In this role, she focused on utilizing technology to build a better healthcare system. She presented to Notre Dame’s Robotics team via teleconference as part of the Sparks Talks series where Alumnae provide insight to current students about their career path in STEM.

2004 Deirdre Duffy Burke ’04 is the Clinical Research Program Manager at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Lindsay Gosnell Green ’04 is a Senior Manager, working in Marketing Automation & Campaign Strategy at Wolters Kluwer.

Kristen Snyder Miller ’04 graduated from Penn State University in 2009 with a major in biology, a minor in psychology and two Division-1 Women’s Rugby National Championship gold medals. Kristen began her physical therapy career at Magee Rehabilitation in 2012, after graduating with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Drexel University. Kristen received her neurological specialty certification last year and works with people who have sustained brain and spinal cord injuries or have chronic neurological conditions.

2005 Tina McCarthy ’05 received her private pilot’s license at the age of 18, and went on to graduate from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management Flight. She trained with the U.S. Marine Corps to become an aviator in 2011 and a First Officer in 2013. She also worked in public relations and communications at the Philadelphia International Airport and was recognized as a Top 40 under 40 recipient in Airport Business Magazine in 2014. Tina holds an instrument rating, commercial license, multi-engine rating, high altitude and high performance endorsements.

September Rinnier Votta ’05 is the co-founder of Tuckernuck, a retail store featuring women’s and men’s apparel, unique gift ideas and much more. September cofounded the business back in 2012, and it has since grown to over 22 employees.

2006 Juliette Dallas-Feeney ’06 is the Head of Brand Partnerships for Love Stories TV, a program that features wedding stories and shared videos.

Alexandra Fox Ott ’06 is a nurse practitioner and recently purchased Medi Weight Loss clinic after working there for the last four years. The clinic, located in Berwyn, PA, offers a modified ketogenic way of eating to promote healthy sustainable weight loss. The clinic provides free assessments to those interested in learning more about the program.

2008 Kaitlin Smith ’08 is currently a Senior Project Implementation Manager within the Portfolio Review Department at Vanguard, responsible for leading enterprise-wide efforts to launch new products or change products within the firm’s existing U.S. product lineup. Kaitlin graduated magna cum laude from Villanova University in 2012 with a B.A. in Economics and Finance. In 2015, she earned a M.S. in Financial Services from St. Joseph’s University, and is currently pursuing an M.B.A. from St. Joe’s. She holds her Series 7 and Series 63 FINRA licenses, and is Bloomberg Market Concepts certified.

Julia Tully ’08 married Thomas Nailor on October 13, 2018. Mary Emily Pagano ’08, Kaitlin Smith ’08, and Anne Jordan ’08 were bridesmaids. Megan Smith ’10, Krista Funari ’08, Juliann Downs ’08, Kathleen Blackney ’08, Kristy Cloetingh ’08, and Kelsey Sweeney ’08 were guests at the wedding.

Melissa (Missy) Pohlig ’08 is a Certified Financial Planner and a member of the team at Thrive Wealth Management.

Throughout her career in financial services, she has spoken at numerous conferences and has been published in NASDAQ, Financial Advisor Magazine, Fox Business, Iris, and Michael Kitces’ Nerd’s Eye View.

She volunteers with Ryan’s Case for Smiles, a non-profit which helps families cope with the trauma and stress of their child’s illness.

Missy is currently Vice President and oversees their Young Professionals' Board.

2009 Jacqueline O’Neill ’09 works for David’s Bridal as a wedding gown purchaser.

Taylor Santora ’09 is a Membership Sales Consultant at Philadelphia Sports Club in Radnor, PA.

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ALUMNAE CLASS NOTES

2010 Victoria Angelucci ’10 attended St. Joseph’s University, where she played three varsity sports and majored in chemical biology and interdisciplinary health services. She continued her studies at Georgetown University School of Medicine, where she served as Vice President of her class, engaged in numerous mentoring and teaching activities, and organized the first ever medical student Kairos retreat focusing on wellness and selfawareness. Upon graduation in May 2019, Victoria will be a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, the largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.

Anna McCahon ’10 received her degree as a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. She now works in a private practice in Newtown Square, PA. Prior to that, she was a student-athlete at Yale University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in history of science and medicine.

Meghan McCullough ’10, the former University of Pennsylvania Women’s Basketball Team Captain and Ivy League Champion, visited campus during Christmas break to provide inspiration to Notre Dame’s Varsity Basketball Team.

Cathy Lee McNeill ’10 qualified and competed in the 2019 Boston Marathon.

Her family was there to support her, including her father, who is a four-time qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Julie Savelloni ’10 obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Jefferson College of Pharmacy at Thomas Jefferson University.

Julie completed her post graduate year 1 residency at University of California San Diego Health with a focus on ambulatory care. Following her residency, she began her clinical career as a Transitions of Care Pharmacist at Einstein Medical Center. She is passionate about transitions of care, patient counseling, and diabetes management.

2011 Jessica Bellwoar ’11 is the Conservation Associate with Penn Environment, working to protect Pennsylvania's parks, forests and waterways from ongoing plastic pollution, run-off and leaching, encroaching development, and funding cuts to Pennsylvania's Environmental Protection Agency.

Brianna Buysse ’11 is one of several Alumnae who have come back to the Academy to participate in SparksTalks, an Alumnae speaker series hosted by the Notre Dame Robotics Team. Brianna shared with current students the details about her education and career path as an Analyst and Growth Equity Investor for NewSpring Capital.

Antoinette Mastropieri ’11 married Bryan Peter on June 8, 2018, in Tomball, TX, just outside Houston.

Jennifer Wagner ’11 graduated from the University of Alabama in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. While at Alabama, Jen competed on their women’s rowing team and rowed against top talent all around the country. After graduation, she pursued a career in kinesiology working at Druid City Hospital in their Cardiac Cath Lab. With over three years of sales experience in two different industries, Jen currently holds the position of Senior Business Development Manager for firstPRO, a premier Accounting & Finance staffing firm.

2012 Christen Boas Hayes ’12 began her work as a Financial Regulatory Analyst after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Swarthmore College. She currently lives in Washington, D.C. and works as an analyst monitoring legislative and regulatory developments affecting the financial services industry, with particular interest in financial technologies and cryptocurrencies.

Emily Fuss ’12 is currently a Sales and Cloud Controller within the Field Finance organization. Emily manages the Subscription and Compensation Centers of Excellence for North America in addition to supporting the SAP Success Factors cloud business unit.

Emily is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University’s Haub School of Business.

Rebecca Robins ’12 is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force in Bagram, Afghanistan.

She was majoring in Aero Space Engineering at the University of Maryland and left to honor her calling for the U.S. military. She plans to attend Pennsylvania State University upon her return from duty.

2014 Alexandra Bradley ’14 graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Scranton and now works with Acme Markets as an Assistant Store Director.

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VISIONS SPRING 2019

Corey Loftus ’14, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2018 with a degree in art history, is the youngest preservationist in the city of Philadelphia, relentlessly working to preserve the architecture in West Philadelphia. The collection of Victorian homes that resemble gingerbread houses would be demolished if it wasn’t for the efforts of Corey, who has written as much as 40 pages in defense of the structures. Along with her work as a preservationist, Corey spent several months teaching English to students in Colombia while applying to graduate school programs.

Jenna Meissner ’14 began her career as an intern and is now a Traffic Anchor and On-Air Personality for PHL17 Morning News. Prior to starting her professional career, Jenna graduated summa cum laude from Temple University’s Klein College of Media & Communication where she studied journalism with a specialization in broadcast. In addition to appearing on-air daily, Jenna also coordinates projects behind the scenes such as editing, producing news packages, and writing for the morning broadcast.

Arrivals

In Memoriam

1994

Ann Wilson Curcio ’54 - January 12, 2018

Preeya Noronha Pinto ’94, her husband Ashok, big sisters Seraphina and Lucy, and big brother John welcomed Joseph Eustace Anand Pinto on March 15, 2019.

2003 Meghan Boova Gillispie ’03 and her husband Brad welcomed a baby boy, Augustus Robert, on January 11, 2019.

2004 Maral Avetian Sheruda ’04, her husband Michael and big sister Amelia welcomed Michael G. Sheruda Jr. on February 6, 2019.

Katherine Corkhill Barthelmeh ’04 and her husband Brandon welcomed Audrey Rose Barthelmeh on March 9, 2019.

2005 Lauren Huntington ’05 and her husband Brian Sliwinski welcomed their first daughter Hailey Rose Sliwinski on March 8, 2019.

Stephanie Medoff Raign ’54 - March 21, 2019 Therese Noone Schireson ’68 - January 16, 2019 Eileen Fisher Short ’66 - October 26, 2018 Maureen Duffy Way ’61, sister of Patricia Duffy Augusterfer ’66 and Mary Kay Duffy ’69 and predeceased by her mother, Lucie Slattery Duffy ‘33 - December 9, 2018 Robert Boyd, husband of Katheryn Burt Boyd ’62 - December 1, 2018 Bruno A. Giordano, grandfather of Kristin Yeakel ’13 and Heather Yeakel ’14 – December 6, 2018 William Murphy, husband of Barbara Hendrick Murphy ’60, grandfather of Johanna Murphy ’21 and predeceased by sister, Marie Murphy McNamara ‘52 – December 23, 2018

2016 Phoebe McLernon ’16 was named to the prestigious All-American team for her efforts in leading the University of Virginia’s soccer team to an amazing season, advancing to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen during her junior year. Phoebe is a rising senior at the University of Virginia.

Joanne I. Tierney, mother of Susan Mezger ’81, Elizabeth Weinstein ’85, and wife of Paul Tierney – February 15, 2019 Robert Pushaw, father of Cynthia Reeves ’76 and grandfather of Elizabeth Reeves ’08 – February 16, 2019.

Robert Allan Box, husband of Mimi Baumgardner Box ’68 – March 1, 2019 Brian McHugh, father of Ann Chandler McHugh ’81 and predeceased by daughter Tracey McHugh ’85 – March 10, 2019 Catherine P. Quinn, grandmother of Cathy Lee McNeill ’10 and Kristen McNeill ’11 – March 20, 2019 Ronald Ianieri, predeceased by his mother, Judith Devereaux Ianieri ’57, uncle of Kaleigh Ianieri ’20, and nephew of Patricia Devereaux McAleer ’66 - March 21, 2019 Doris Curran, grandmother of Lauren Curran ’19 – March 24, 2019

Help light a path for every student with a gift to The Notre Dame Fund.

Your gift of any size is an opportunity to express your ongoing support for Notre Dame and our mission. Make your donation by going online, using Venmo @AcademyofNotreDamedeNamur, making a stock transfer, or mailing a check. Please contact Mimi Koelle with any questions at 610-971-4919 or mkoelle@ndapa.org.

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2019-2020

Calendar of Events Golf Classic Tuesday, September 24 Applebrook Golf Club

Admissions Open House Sunday, September 29 Notre Dame Campus

Entrance Exam for New Applicants Saturday, October 12 (HS) Sunday, October 20 (HS and MS) Notre Dame Campus

Experience ND Day Wednesday, October 23 Notre Dame Campus

47th Annual Fine Art Show and Sale Preview Party with Artists Friday, January 31 Art Sale Open to Public February 1-9 The Mansion

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