Visions Winter 2023

VISIONS

IRISH VOLLEYBALL WINS 9TH CONSECUTIVE PAISAA TITLE • 30 YEARS OF KAIROS AT ND

a letter from dr. hotchkiss

Dear Notre Dame Community,

Living the Fourth

Our students have been “living the fourth” since the moment we opened our doors over 100 years ago, as you will read in the feature story in this winter 2023 issue of Visions. Through a number of signature programs and experiences, particularly the Kairos retreat for seniors, Notre Dame students gain a deep understanding of themselves, their talents, their passions, and their faith, as well as the gifts and perspectives of others. Each day, our girls are given the tools they need to learn and to flourish, at school, in their communities, then at college, in their careers, and in all they choose to do after they depart the Gates.

The 2022-2023 school year has been exciting and enlightening. So far this year, our athletes have brought home three championships - in cross country, field hockey, and volleyball. Our actors presented two lively performances of Legally Blonde in the Upper School and Matilda, Jr. in the Middle School (read more about Matilda, Jr. in the summer/fall 2023 issue of Visions); we established two new “teams” to support the experience of every Notre Dame student; we continue to serve the community in myriad meaningful ways; and our students continue to excel in co-curricular programs like Model UN and the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice.

Notre Dame has always been committed to the health and well-being of our students, but this year, we elevated mental health and wellness even further by establishing our ND Cares initiative. A partnership with The Social Institute, the expansion of the Student Support and Well-Being Office, and kicking off JED Foundation work in the Upper School have inspired our commitment to the heart, mind, and spirit of our community.

I hope to see many of you on campus in the coming months as we celebrate ND. Please join me at our end-of-year academic events, Alumnae Reunion on May 6, or our STEM Symposium speaker, Dr. Mae Jemison, on July 21.

In peace, courage, and simplicity,

Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss HEAD OF SCHOOL

Our Mission

The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur commits itself to the education of young women in 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 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 lifelong learning

• Empower them to be honorable, compassionate leaders

living the fourth

30 Years of Kairos AT THE ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME

by Jessica Turner '06

FOR 30 YEARS, Notre Dame students and alumnae have been “living the fourth.” The mantralike description is modeled on the four days spent on the Kairos retreat. The girls have their doubts on the first day. What will this retreat hold for me? Is it really as wonderful as people have said? The second day, they learn to trust in the method of Kairos. Some girls say “cry the third” due to the intense emotions they experience on the retreat, but the feeling is still the same: they absolutely love Kairos by the third day. Finally, they live the fourth. Not only is it an apt description for how alive they feel by the end of the retreat, it is also a call to live out the lessons they have learned about God, their faith, and themselves.

Doubt the First. Love the Second. Trust the Third. Live the Fourth.

Doubt the First

Kairos wasn’t always part of the Notre Dame experience. Former English teacher Vince Small and his wife Joyce were the first ones to bring the idea of Kairos to the school after seeing how the retreat affected their sons at St. Joe’s Prep. They didn’t just want their boys to have the experience; they wanted their girls to have it as well. Their daughter, current art teacher Kate Small Rupertus ’93, says, “My parents were struck by the transformative possibilities of a retreat like Kairos because it calls you to consider different things and gain insights into other peoples’ perspectives - things maybe you don’t think about in the everyday hustle and bustle of life.”

Former Campus Minister Michelle France remembers it took some persuading to get everyone on board for bringing Kairos to Notre Dame. Sister Woody and Father Joe Machini had been leading Kairos at St. Joe’s for a long time. They came to Notre Dame’s campus for a faculty meeting to explain the retreat and answer all the questions the faculty had. Yes, it was a beautiful spiritual experience for the students. Yes, it was important. And yes, it was worth the time missing from class.

Each Kairos retreat has adult leaders as well as student leaders. Since no student from Notre Dame had ever been on the retreat before, the very first student leaders were boys from St. Joe’s. Rupertus was one of 18 girls who attended Kairos I, and everyone who participated then became leaders on Kairos II and III.

Love the Second

Religion teacher Sue Woehlcke attended Kairos II and has been on many Kairos retreats since. Recently, her son attended Kairos as a faculty leader at Archbishop Carroll. “He would hear me going on about how wonderful it was, but he wasn’t a believer that it was important,” she says. “Now, not a year goes by that he’s not a believer in the power and impact of Kairos.” Woehlcke remembers that even Sister Nancy had been skeptical about the retreat because it kept the girls away from the classroom for most of the week. After she went on her first Kairos, she, too, became a believer in its importance and value.

France believes Kairos is one of the most powerful experiences of the truly integrated spirituality and faith that exists at Notre Dame. When explaining the Kairos experience to parents, France used to employ a roller coaster metaphor: “Up until that point, they’ve studied the scope and velocity of a roller coaster, they’ve learned where the biggest coaster is, what it’s made of, and the trip it takes over the years, but on Kairos, they actually ride it. It’s the difference between learning my faith and interacting with my faith.”

Vince Small went on at least 20 Kairos retreats. “The experience was wonderful,” he says. “I absolutely loved how they mixed up the groups, like putting the athletes with the artists.” This is intentional: the groups are not made up of best friends and usual social circles. Kairos is meant to expand your view, and the best way to do that is

by closely interacting with classmates that you don’t typically hang out with.

The most important quality to bring to Kairos is open-mindedness. Caroline Fullem ’22 calls it a chance to see yourself and your peers in a brand new light. “It can be a huge step out of your comfort zone, but that is what makes it so special,” she says. “It is essential to go in with an open mind and open heart because it really is what you make of it.”

Trust the Third

Kairos is often described by alumnae as one of their fondest memories of their time at Notre Dame. Rupertus agrees that it’s an amazing time out from regular life, “where you have dedicated space and energy to figure out who you are, who you want to be, what’s most important to you, what impacts you the most, and how you want to shift and change perspectives. That recentering is what inspires you and guides you forward.”

DeAnna Supplee-Evans ’08 reflects that she felt as though she didn’t truly know her classmates until they all went on Kairos. Even though they had known each other for years before attending, they “bonded in a meaningful spiritual way that does not happen by just sharing the halls or classrooms.” The ability to get away and take the time for a dedicated retreat meant so much to her just as it has to countless other alumnae.

Current Campus Minister Julia Tully ’08 describes Kairos as “an opportunity for students to reflect on their relationship with themselves, God, and others, and to start to look at their faith in an adult way. It’s a chance for the girls to be themselves in a way that they feel safer to do in a smaller group, and to understand relationships in a different way. They can see their peers leading, they see their teachers as real people, and they see what it’s like to be in a relationship with themselves. It helps them understand how much they’re loved by God and by their family and friends.”

In addition to being one her favorite parts of being at Notre Dame, for Marissa Baum ’14, Kairos creates an environment to be yourself away from the everyday pressures of life where you can express your happiness as well as your struggles. Alexa Meissner Chambers ’09 states that Kairos “really helps you see how supported and loved you are, which you don’t always get a chance to feel.”

I think that Kairos is such an important part of the Notre Dame experience because it adds an extra layer to our years of schooling. Notre Dame surely prepared me for what lies outside of the gates, but Kairos prepared me for much more. Kairos allowed me to be more vulnerable, a trait that many people are scared to express. I came to realize that only by being vulnerable can we make emotional progress within ourselves. Inner perseverance and emotional awakening are not

Live the Fourth

On the importance and lasting effects of Kairos, Joyce Small notes that it “opens up each student to their own specialness, which enhances the whole high school experience. It emphasizes the presence of God in their lives. I think it makes them much more aware of other people, more accepting of other people, and it makes them feel loved and connected.”

Rupertus adds that while Kairos is not a specifically Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur retreat, it meshes very well with the ideals and values of the Order, especially teaching the girls what they need to know for life. She says, “Interacting with others and treating others and ourselves with kindness and respect: that’s important no matter who you are, but it ties in very well with the mission of Notre Dame.”

Rupertus is excited about her son’s upcoming Kairos experience, especially how she and their other family members who have attended will be able to connect with him on a deeper level. Tully also comments that the Academy is now seeing early Kairos participants sending their own daughters to Notre Dame and carrying out this capstone tradition. It’s a part of the ND experience that mothers, daughters, and other family members can share.

Mary Mulholland ’10 will never forget the Kairos experience and all of the surprises that came with it. She says, “I still, to this day, have the mindset that ‘everyone has a story’ and to not judge someone because you don’t know what they’ve been through. I’ll never forget the love from that retreat that has continued nearly 15 years later. It truly represents the human experience and all that we go through and overcome, and most importantly, having others we can turn to and lean on. It encourages us to be women of faithfulness, strength, honesty, integrity, and trust.”

In Their Own Words

Want to hear more from our alumnae on their experience with Kairos? Scan the QR codes below to hear their interviews.

One of the things I loved about Kairos was, when you’re not on Kairos, knowing what the other girls are going through at that moment — knowing what night it is and what special thing they’re going through, and getting excited for them — knowing they’re coming back a little bit changed like you were and being a part of the deeper sisterhood of Notre Dame and Kairos.

It’s a chance for the girls to be themselves in a way that they feel safer to do in a smaller group, and to understand relationships in a different way.

[Kairos] really helps you see how supported and loved you are, which you don’t always get a chance to feel.

things that can be taught inside of a classroom. I think I can speak for my classmates when I say that Kairos allowed us to fully peel back all of our layers and let ourselves ‘feel.’ I had never felt more loved and supported than when I was on this retreat, and I would go back in a heartbeat. I encourage everyone to engage in Kairos if they are granted the chance.

–Ava Pastore ’22

– Mary Davis ’10

– Alexa Meissner Chambers ’09

– Julia Tully ’08

Around

ND First Day of School

students for the first day of the 2022-2023 school year on September 6.

New Faculty and Staff

We’re thrilled to welcome fantastic new faculty and staff members to the Notre Dame community. Joining Director of Upper School Erin Pratt, Director of Student Experience Troy Sams, and Director of Student Support and Well-Being Laura Schmidt (read more at right) are Mary Davis, Admissions Associate; John Zack, Facilities; Stacy Kim, Middle School Counselor; Alexa Meissner Chambers ’09, Part-time Dance Teacher; Madelyn Dyer, Religion/English Teacher; Sarah R. Garcia, Social Studies Teacher; Ryan Lowrie, Music Teacher; and Toni Miller, Katherine Smith, and Anselee Trotta in our Math Department.

Erin R. Pratt

DIRECTOR OF UPPER SCHOOL

Erin Pratt began her tenure as Director of Upper School on July 1, 2022. Pratt joined Notre Dame from Friends Select School, where she served as Upper School Associate Director and Math Teacher. Prior to Friends Select, Pratt taught math and was Dean of Students at Merion Mercy Academy. Pratt received her BS in Comprehensive Science from Villanova University and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University.

Troy L. Sams

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Troy Sams joined the Notre Dame community as our new Director of Student Experience on August 1, 2022. Sams came to ND from Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School where he served as Dean of Work Study since 2019 and Dean of Students from 2015-2019. A graduate of Temple University, Sams also spent close to 10 years at The Gesu School, where his roles included 6th Grade Teacher, Speaking Action Team Chairman, and Dean of Students.

Laura Schmidt

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT AND WELL-BEING

Laura Schmidt joined Notre Dame as the Director of Student Support and Well-Being in July 2022. Schmidt earned an MS in Counseling and Human Relations and a BA in Theology, Ethics, Economics, and Public Policy from Villanova University. Before joining the Academy, Schmidt was the Head of Counseling, Founding School Counselor, and School Administrator at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School.

Student Council and Campus Ministry Installation

Congratulations to all of our Middle School and Upper School Student Council and Campus Ministry students who were inducted this year!

We pray that we may become women with hearts as wide as the world, women who live with a passion for justice and love for God’s poor. May the truth we seek and accept shine through all we are and do this year and always.

Seven ND Students Recognized by National Merit Corporation

Based on their National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test scores, Rebecca Jackson, Lindsay McBride, and Emmanuelle Pinto have been named National Merit Finalists; Riya Patel and Julia Vaughan Youakim have been named Commended Students; and Catherine Molina and Olivia Mulligan were selected for the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Nora Moffat Presents at ICGS Global Forum on Girls’ Education

Last summer, Notre Dame attended the Global Forum on Girls’ Education, presented by the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. Mrs. Nora Moffat, Director of the Center for Global Leadership, was a fellow at the conference, presenting her research topic entitled “How Does the Development of Perspective-Taking Skills Influence Real-World Problem-Solving Capacity in Grade 10 Girls in a Design Thinking Course?”

“I left feeling deeply inspired, rejuvenated, and ready to continue the work of global education at ND!” Moffat said. For two years, Moffat worked with her international research group as they planned, carried out, and wrote action research projects and papers.

Notre Dame Students Attend Diversity Leadership Conference

From November 30-December 3, Ava Barrera ’24, Sophia Bramley ’24, Hilary Whitaker ’24, Kyla Payne ’25, Chidera Madu ’24, and Liv Mulligan ’23 traveled to San Antonio, TX, to gather with over 8,000 students and teachers from various independent schools around the globe as part of the annual NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference and People of Color Conference.

A Visit from

Dr.

Dr. Kamali Thompson visited Notre Dame on November 7 to speak about her life as an Olympian and PGY-2 Orthopedic Resident at Temple Health. Dr. Thompson taught students how to find confidence in themselves and the importance of failure — how to deal with it, learn from it, and recognize when things are and are not in their control.

Kamali Thompson

– Jada Wade ’23, Student Council Athletics & Activities President

Spirit Day

Yellow Ends the Drought!

It was a long drought for the yellow classes at ND, but it finally ended this year all thanks to the Class of 2023. Spirit Day brought the entire Notre Dame community together for a day of skits, dance parties, games, and so much more.

Main Line Students of the Week

Lindsay McBride ’23 was named Main Line Student of the Week for the week of September 25, 2022. A National Merit Finalist, Lindsay was one of just three students to win the 2022 Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest. Lindsay is also a Diocesan Scholar, a STEM Scholar, a Germination Project Fellow, and a Research Student at UPenn in the Teen Research & Education in Environmental Sciences Program. She also created a crossword puzzle that was purchased and published by the New York Times, appearing in the January 18, 2023, issue!

Eleinna Calderon ’23 was named Main Line Student of the Week for the week of November 27, 2022. Eleinna assisted Doctoral students at UPenn last summer, researching the pancreas. She is co-founder of Notre Dame’s Latin Student Union and was recognized for her performance in the National Spanish Exam sponsored by The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. She is part of the Global Citizen Scholar Program, and has worked as a volunteer with iCan Bike, a week-long camp that assists youths with disabilities in learning how to ride a bike.

Student of the Month

Grace Yacobe ’25

Sophomore Grace Yacobe was named September Student of the Month by Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Magazine. An active student ambassador, STEM Scholar, and President of the Play It Forward Club, Grace won 1st place in the tri-state biology competition and was one of 13 students to present their research at the PA Junior Academy of Sciences meet, where she achieved a perfect score and was awarded a Director’s Award for Biology. She then entered the Delaware Valley Science Fair, which included over 700 projects, and was awarded a bronze medal as the 3rd place winner for grade 9, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) with students from over 80 countries.

Neuroscience Class Studies Muscle Contraction

Students in neuroscience used SpikerBoxes as an EMG to detect the neurological activity that occurs during muscle contraction. Students held books as weights for an isometric exercise— one where the muscle is contracted and stays contracted the whole time. The students held the weight for 60 seconds or shorter if muscle failure occurred. Students then analyzed the recording for RMS value which they used to estimate the decrease in the electrical activity of the muscle over time.

National Honor Society & National Junior Honor Society

Congratulations to the new members of the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society who were inducted this year.

Service Activities Giving Back

Meals for Many

The Meals for Many Club prepared multiple meals throughout the school year during Community Time for the Caring for Friends organization. Faculty and student volunteers cooked, packaged, and cleaned up afterward all in the spirit of service! A big thank you to all who made this possible!

Fr. Bill Atkinson Pilgrimage

On September 29, ND students participated in the Friends of Father Bill and Modern Catholic Pilgrim, Fr. Bill Atkinson Pilgrimage. The four-mile walk started at St. Thomas of Villanova ending at Our Lady of Assumption. The pilgrimage was a “journey of faith and friendship seeking the intercession of S.O.G Fr. Bill Atkinson.”

Denim Day

Students wore their pink and denim best on October 6 to raise money for breastcancer.org. The day included a fashion show and bake sale. A school record was broken with over $3,600 raised!

Latin Student Union

Holds Pulsera Project Bracelet Sale

How’d I do it? Day after day, help of others along the way, valued friends, sisters, brothers, I simply borrowed the strength of others.

–Fr. Bill Atkinson

Constructing Candy Dispensers in Design Thinking Middle School students put candy dispensers constructed by students in Design Thinking to the test.

On October 14, the Latin Student Union held a Pulsera Project bracelet sale! Funds from the sale benefited employment and education in Central America.

Homeboy Industries Visits Notre Dame

On October 26, Notre Dame welcomed Fr. Greg Boyle, Oscar, and Joseph from Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the community were able to listen, learn, and ask questions about the program. It was an afternoon filled with important conversations surrounding service, our relationships with others, and more. “This place [Notre Dame] has never been the place you were going to just come to, but the place that you go from.” —

Fr. Greg Boyle

ND Goes to D.C.

At the end of October, ND students traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice, a place for members of the Ignatian family to “be empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged, and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked.” Students attended networking sessions and advocacy training workshops, then they participated in Advocacy Day on the Hill, speaking with representatives from Senator Pat Toomey and Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s offices to discuss climate change and other social justice topics.

Model UN

In November, Notre Dame students participated in the 5th Annual St. Andrew’s Model United Nations (SASMUN) at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware. Grace Yacobe ’25 was awarded Best Delegate, and Ceci Massaua ’23 was awarded Honorable Mention. It was also the first Model UN for nine of our students!

Day of the Dead

Students in Spanish III and Honors Spanish III celebrated Día de los Muertos by creating an ofrenda. Students put pictures of loved ones and traditional decorations such as candles, skulls, tissue paper flowers, and Cempasúchil, or marigolds.

ND Serves in New Orleans

During Christmas break, ND juniors and seniors traveled to New Orleans with Ms. Tully and Mrs. Carosella for a service trip, assisting The Arc of Greater New Orleans, which recycles Mardi Gras beads and employs adults with intellectual disabilities.

Bubbles in Biology

In a biology lab, soap bubbles were used to model several properties that are characteristic of cellular membranes such as flexibility and their ability to self-repair.

Arts NEWS

Dance Performance

The ND Dance Program, led by Mrs. Pam Devenney and Mrs. Alexa Meissner Chambers ’09, presented two stunning performances on January 12 and 13.

Fall Musical

Legally Blonde

On November 11 and 12, Notre Dame Upper School students presented two fabulous, soldout performances of Legally Blonde, the Musical. Members of the cast and crew worked tirelessly for three months, learning blocking, choreography, songs, building and painting sets, gathering props, and creating costumes. Congratulations to all the actors, crew, and directors involved in the production!

NEWS Athletics

Victory!

Three Fall Sports Bring Home Championship Titles to ND!

Inter-Ac and PAISAA Championships for Cross Country

For the second year in a row, the Varsity Cross Country Team won the Inter-Ac Championship! Therese Trainer ’23 placed 1st, and Mary Rossano ’25 (3rd), Kara Sweeney ’26 (7th), Ava Del Vescovo ’23 (8th), Maura Brady ’23 (9th), and Chloe Calvert ’25 (17th) all placed in the top 20.

Then, on Saturday, October 29, ND Cross Country brought home the PAISAA Championship for the Irish!

Volleyball Wins 9th Consecutive PAISAA Championship Title

On Friday, November 4, the Varsity Volleyball team won their 9th consecutive PAISAA Championship title! They went 3-0 against Germantown Academy in front of an enthusiastic sea of green fans in this stellar milestone.

Field Hockey Wins Share of Inter-Ac Title

In November, Varsity Field Hockey clinched a share of the InterAc Championship title. The team’s outstanding 9-1 league record tied with Episcopal Academy for the top spot, and they finished 16-5 overall on the season!

Irish Athletes in the News

Tori Abruzzo ’25 Selected to USA Swimming National Select Camp

Congratulations to Sophomore Tori Abruzzo who was selected by USA Swimming to attend their National Select Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. The camp is designed for the top USA Swimming member athletes in the nation to have a once-in-a-lifetime camp experience.

Making this camp means a lot to me because it is something I’ve worked hard to accomplish and I’m excited to have the opportunity to travel to such a cool place.

–Tori Abruzzo ’25, Swimming

academy

All-League Honors for ND Fall Sports — Three Inter-Ac MVPs!

We are thrilled to announce that three Notre Dame athletes were named Inter-Ac League MVPs — Margo Kemp '23, Volleyball; Saylor Milone '24, Field Hockey; and Therese Trainer '23, Cross Country. Congratulations, also, to the following students who were named to the Inter-Ac All-League Teams:

Cross Country

1ST TEAM: Maura Brady ’23, Ava DelVescovo ’23, Mary Rossano ’25, and Kara Sweeney ’26

Field Hockey

1ST TEAM: Maeve Seeger ’24, Reese Czajkowski ’24, and Aly Maguire ’23

2ND TEAM: Sydney Dalton ’23 and Kiera Sack ’26

Soccer

1ST TEAM: Audrey Cain ’23 and Avery Hannah ’24

2ND TEAM: Abby Reger ’24, Natalie Maye ’23, and Sophie Hall ’25

Tennis

1ST TEAM: Caroline Daly ’23

2ND TEAM: Ella Abramson ’24

Volleyball

1ST TEAM: Megan Dougherty ’23

2ND TEAM: Allison Czachor ’25

Nine ND Student-Athletes Commit to Compete in Collegiate Athletics

On National Signing Day, Notre Dame celebrated the nine student-athletes who announced their decisions to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level after they leave the Gates. Congratulations to:

Jada Wade | Softball UNC Wilmington

Therese Trainer | XC & Track The Pennsylvania State University

Maddie Rohlfing | Field Hockey Colgate University

Katie Onderdonk | Lacrosse University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Main Line Athlete of the Week: Margo Kemp ’23

Congratulations to senior Margo Kemp, who was named Main Line Athlete of the Week for the week of October 17-23! A senior middle blocker and captain, Margo was a first team All-Main Line and All-Inter-Ac girls’ volleyball selection for the PAISAA champions last fall. She has been an integral part of the Irish squad’s success this fall, leading the team in kills and blocks, and second in aces. Margo has verbally committed to play volleyball for Xavier University next year.

Thank You, Coach Adele!

Field Hockey Coach Adele Williams Steps Down as Head Coach, Transitions to Director of Coaching Role

Coach Adele Williams has decided to step down from her role as Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach and will serve as Notre Dame’s Director of Coaching for Field Hockey. In this new role, Williams will oversee the entire field hockey program, from managing the coaching staff to organizing recruitment efforts and Admissionsrelated events, including our long-standing Shamrock Tournament. The future of the field hockey program is in good hands, as Coach Brandi Ritz, who has served as Head JV Coach for the last two seasons, will become the new Head Varsity Coach.

For the last 21 seasons, Coach Williams has dedicated countless hours to the ND field hockey program. She ends her impressive tenure with an overall record of 335-74-18, which includes 12 Inter-Ac Championships and four PAISAA Championships.

Makenna Davis | Rowing Villanova University

Bridget McTear | Rowing UCLA

Margo Kemp | Volleyball Xavier University

Audrey Cain | Soccer Rutgers University

Annie Greek | Basketball Susquehanna University

FALL 2022 in Photos

Mother Daughter Liturgy and Picnic

Father Daughter Communion Breakfast

The ND Admissions Team is seeking to partner with you, our parents and alumnae, to share the Notre Dame experience with prospective families. If you would like to host a “Coffee & Conversation” gathering in your home or nearby location, please contact Maria Gunn, Director of Enrollment Management, at 610-687-3867 or mgunn@ndapa.org.

Whether in the morning after school drop-off or in the evening, Maria, along with Head of School Dr. Hotchkiss and ND student ambassadors, will join you to share Notre Dame’s vision for women’s education with your guests.

Special thanks to current parent and alumna Lindsay Higgins McFadden ’93 for hosting our first Coffee & Conversation event of 2023. Lindsay, joined by her daughters Marin ’29 and Caitlin ’25, discussed the extraordinary benefits of a Notre Dame education with friends and neighbors who have daughters interested in grades 6-12.

Every gift matters and every donor counts!

ND GETS IN THE Christmas Spirit

BC2M Affirmation Tree

In December, Notre Dame’s Bring Change 2 Mind Club displayed their annual Christmas tree adorned with positive affirmations.

Christmas Concert

Cuvilly Hall was filled with the sounds of Christmas on December 14 at the Christmas Concert. Congratulations to our ND students on a beautiful performance that put us all in the holiday spirit.

EVENTS Alumnae

Notre Dame Advisory Council Meeting & Regional Alumnae Reception Held in Washington, D.C.

November 3, 2022 | Washington, D.C.

Notre Dame is thrilled to once again hold Alumnae Advisory Council and Regional Alumnae events this year, kicking off with Washington, D.C. gatherings on November 3, 2022. Dr. Laura Hotchkiss, Head of School, joined D.C. alumnae to discuss the state of ND and connect with our alumnae community.

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

December 4, 2022 | Notre Dame Campus

Alumnae celebrated the holiday season with the 3rd Annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa on December 4, 2022. Notre Dame welcomed more than 60 alumnae and their families back to campus to visit Santa, catch up with their fellow ND sisters, and show their children where Mommy went to school!

ND at The Reeds

Alumnae Christmas Party Honoring

Ms. Gallagher

December 13, 2022 | Philadelphia, PA

At the 9th Annual Alumnae Christmas Party held at The Union League of Philadelphia on December 13, 2022, more than 120 alumnae gathered to share a toast and celebrate Sally Gallagher’s nearly four decades of service at the Academy.

On August 4, 2022, members of the Notre Dame community joined Head of School Dr. Laura Hotchkiss for our annual summer event at The Reeds at Shelter Haven.

Alumnae Spotlight

THE CLASS OF 2022 PRESENTS SENIOR CLASS GIFT: Leah’s Lifting Room

Each year at Notre Dame, the Senior Class presents a gift to the school in honor of the memories of their time together. The Class of 2022 chose to update the fitness center, generously donating funds towards the renovated space that is now named "Leah's Lifting Room." All 108 members of the senior class donated towards their senior class gift! The fitness center now serves as a symbol honoring the life and legacy of Physical Education Teacher and Coach Mrs. Leah Bowers.

The renovation project includes new signage, new carpet and flooring, a dynamic photo wall collage, wall-mounted TV, and new cardio, TRX and weight-lifting equipment, and more. THANK YOU to all of the members of the Class of 2022 for your generosity in support of this special gift!

2022-2023 Executive Alumnae Board Officers and At-Large Members

Megan McNeill Trost ’94, President

Cerise Knowles James ’91, Vice President

Kaitlin Smith Donnelly ’08, Secretary

Samantha Carroll Harris ’05, Treasurer

JoAnne DiLauro Alexander ’57

Danielle Dunn O’Connor ’01

Hannah Fuss ’16

2022-2023 Rittenhouse Square Alumnae Board Officers

Loretta Salvadore Hartnett ’55, President

Janet Salvadore Colella ’59, Past Treasurer

Rose DeRienze ’55

Frances Casey Hansen ’55

Joan Lotuff Kummeth ’54

Jeanette McGann Lamb ’64

Anne Stevenson McAdams ’57

Patti Devereaux McAleer ’66

Rosalie Foti Morgan ’56

Joan Pacella ’58

Kasey Morgan Price ’60

Irene Ricci Rejewski ’59

Nancy Rigney ’51

Alumnae CLASS NOTES

1970s

Nina Maria Fite ’75 has served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Global Talent Management for the past two years. Prior to that, she was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Angola from January 2018 through November 2021. Ambassador Fite previously served as the United States Consul General in Montreal, Canada from 2014 to 2017, and as Consul General in Lahore, Pakistan from 2011 to 2014. Nina is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, having spent more than 30 years focusing on trade, environmental issues, and postconflict economic development. Her assignments include serving as the Deputy Economic Counselor in Kabul, Afghanistan and as the Political/ Economic Section Chief in Luanda, Angola. We were thrilled to have Nina as our Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2022 last June.

Dr. Camille Lewis Brown-Privette ’77 recently earned a new position as President of the Consortium of Catholic Academies in Washington, D.C.

1980s

1980s continued

Janine Barsoum ’89 spent 20 years of private practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Main Line Health, delivering many babies from the Notre Dame community. Recently, Janine was promoted to Director of Drug Safety, Oncology at Merck & Co in Upper Gwynedd, Pennsylvania.

Carol Ryan Livingood ’89 joined the Timoney Knox Firm as a Partner in 2022 in the Wills, Trusts and Estates Department. She focuses her practice on all aspects of estate planning and estate administration. Carol previously was the managing partner of Davis Bennett Spiess & Livingood – a firm which had been serving individuals, families and businesses on Philadelphia’s Main Line since 1930.

Meghan O’Neill ’89 recently opened an art studio in Newtown Square. She is one of the artists featured in Notre Dame’s 50th Annual Fine Art Show & Sale, and she was recently recognized by Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Magazine.

1990s

Jane Foreman ’92 relocated from San Francisco, CA, to Denver, CO, after working for Kikkoman for over seven years. She recently started a position at Potatoes USA, the Commodity Board for the US Potato Growers, where they support over 2,000 potato growers around the country. Her role is to expand the use of potatoes across menus in the US.

Ginamarie Ellis ’93 married Thayer Schroeder on June 4, 2022, at their home in Wawa, PA. The intimate ceremony was officiated by two former mayors of Chester Heights, one of whom is the cousin of Ginamarie’s new husband. This was extra special for the couple, as Ginamarie is the current mayor of Chester Heights. In attendance were fellow 1993 alumnae Carey Chopko Sanchez and Lindsey Emigh, and Tracey O’Keefe, mother of two Notre Dame alumnae.

1990s continued

Nicole McCauley Forzato ’94 was recently appointed to serve as a trial judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Chester County, Pennsylvania through 2023.

Nicole officially began serving her term in July 2022.

Erica Wilson ’97 owns a small law firm, MSW Law Group, specializing in elder abuse and neglect cases.

Meg Kane ’99, President & CEO of Signature 57, has been named the host city Officer and Executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026 for the FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Angela Guarino ’00, her husband, Colin, and big brother, Justin, welcomed Jonathan Paul Rodgers on December 22, 2022.

Khalida Ali ’02 has been promoted to Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion at Vista Equity Partners.

2000s

Melissa Williams Powell ’00 built a career in corporate America for over 20 years as a CPA at companies such as E*Trade, Discovery Communications, and Amazon. Recently, she started her own business, Powell Franchise Group, which sells franchises to business professionals and entrepreneurs, representing over 700 brands in 25 different industries.

Joanne Liberatore McCloskey ’82 retired from Reliance Insurance after nearly four decades with the firm. Joanne celebrated her next chapter by embarking on an 8-day, 3461-mile motorcycle trip to the Florida Keys with her husband, stopping to see family and friends along the way.

Rosemary Connors ’01 and her husband, Benjamin Cross, welcomed Evelyn Rose Cross on November 20, 2022.

Ashley Hall Loester ’02 and her husband, Steve, welcomed Jackson Thomas in August of 2021. Ashley is a pediatrician at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.

Maureen Malloy Loester ’02 is a Director of Industry Marketing and Professional Services at Clarivate.

Megan P. Sweeney ’03, Public Policy and Crisis Communications Professional and Director, recently received the Impact Award for her volunteer service.

Daina Andries ’05 graduated from Thomas Aquinas College. She thought she wanted to pursue an academic career, studying and teaching French literature, and for a time, she did just that. She received a scholarship with a stipend at the University of Delaware, where she earned a master’s degree, graduating with honors. She has since made a career change and is now the co-founder of her own company, Epidaurus Health, which utilizes information technology to streamline and simplify the reimbursement of prescription-drug purchases.

Lauren Katona ’05 is an Assistant District Attorney at Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

2000s continued

Shannon McKenna Missimer ’06 was in the midst of being a stay-at-home mom four years ago when she committed to shifting her focus on gratitude. This refocus led to the creation of her small business, The Motion of Gratitude, whose mission is to help individuals and communities feel the impact of intentional Gratitude. Four years later, The Experience, a 28-Day Gratitude Initiative, was created. The Experience is a combined physical product & digital experience designed to give people a starting point and the tools they need to feel how powerful intentional Gratitude can be in their own lives.

Tori Guglielm ’06, Creative Director & Founder of Camelot in Charleston, S.C., has paired her real estate experience, project management, and marketing skills to offer local entrepreneurs a package deal: turnkey content and listing services. Camelot’s mission is to help big and small brands, businesses, and industry leaders create story-driven content that increases awareness and sales. With strategy at the forefront of thoughtful and welldeveloped marketing, Tori has created a blueprint for her clients that has been proven to inspire, elevate, and create serious buzz.

Arianna Scavetti ’07 is a Partner, Complex Commercial Litigation at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

Katie Mathisen McManemin ’08 and her husband, Bryce, welcomed their second son, Lyle Shea, on August 8, 2022.

2000s continued

Kelly McCallion ’09 and her fiance, Alexander Logue, got engaged on May 21, 2022, in Sea Isle, NJ. They got married on February 11, 2023, at St. Margaret’s of Antioch Church in Narberth, PA, followed by a reception at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia, PA.

Hannah Sisk ’09 and her husband, Ben LeVeque, welcomed baby girl Tessa Ann Sisk LeVeque on June 26, 2022. Aunt Francesca Sisk ’12 serves as a top-notch godmother.

Alex DeLuca ’09 is an accomplished travel advisor with Travelmation. Alex helps her clients embark on spectacular trips all over the world.

2010s

Anna McCahon ’10 married Edward Morris in Ridley Creek Park in August of 2022.

Eryka Lynn Waller ’10, recipient of the Notre Dame Distinguished Alumna Award, was featured on CBS for her incredible gift as a Dance Teacher and Mentor for our youth.

Bridget Burns ’10 married Nihja White in a beautiful destination wedding in South Florida.

2010s continued

2010s continued

Madeleine Tague ’11 and her wife, Amy, welcomed baby James on December 2, 2022.

Christen Boas Hayes ’12 is the Regulatory Policy Advisor for Virtual Currency at Treasury Department/ Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Kelliann McGlynn ’13 is enjoying success in Finance with a career as a Deals Advisor at Colm Advisory.

Katie Gerzabek Salem ’13, who was inducted into the Notre Dame Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022, was recently named the new Head Coach of Towson University’s Field Hockey Program.

Kelcy Mackel ’13 married Max O’Connor on May 7, 2022, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, with the reception at the Ballroom at the Ben. Classmate Erin Chandler was by her side as a bridesmaid.

2010s continued

Maggie Pina ’19, a former star basketball and field hockey player at Notre Dame, is in her fourth year at Boston University. She completed her undergraduate degree with honors in August 2022 and is pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice. After a stellar start to her college basketball career, garnering Patriot League Rookie of the Year honors, Maggie is now also playing field hockey for the Boston Terriers.

Olivia Traynor ’18 has joined Hamilton Lane as a Direct Investment Analyst. Olivia graduated from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (UP) with a degree in Business and Managerial Economics. Olivia was a member of the DI Golf Program during her time at UP.

Meghan McCullough ’10 and Ryan Ansel married on June 25, 2022. Photos were taken on ND’s campus, the mass was held at St. Denis, and the reception took place at Overbrook Golf Club. Bridesmaids from the Class of 2010 included Steph Curry, Amanda Davis Penza, Katie Blumenthal Raynes, Beth McCabe LeStrange, Chelsea Mullin, and Erin Clawson (not pictured), with many other Notre Dame guests and classmates in attendance at the beautiful wedding.

Stephanie Powers ’10 celebrated her engagement to Rory Magargee, Malvern Prep Class of 2010, and their upcoming wedding in June 2023.

Tara Vaughan ’10 married Brian Thornton at the Cathedral in Philadelphia on October 1, 2022. The reception took place at the Union League.

Devon Gorbey ’11 is in the final year of her PhD program at the University at Buffalo (UB), researching Arctic climate change in the past, present, and future. In September 2022, she was one of eight student climate leaders at UB selected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss her research and the White House’s plan for climate action.

Erica Westlake ’14 graduated from the Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine in May 2022.

Natalie Burns ’16 began a new position as a Scientific Recruiter Practice Lead at Actalent.

Tess Phillips ’17 graduated from the University of Notre Dame, moved to New York City, and is an Associate Programming Manager at Overtime.

Emily Ramnarace-Carroll ’18 recently received a scholarship to the Villanova School of Business, and she is now pursuing her MBA.

Abby McNamee ’18, former lacrosse star for the Irish, received an award from the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust from her time spent as a Caddie at Llanerch Country Club. The award will go towards her academic career at Duquesne University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science.

Mandy McGurk ’19 was named captain of the University of Pennsylvania Women’s Basketball Team and is enjoying a great season in the Ivy League.

Anna Dewey ’19 is an incoming MMBSI Commercial Bank Analyst at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. She completed her summer internship at JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries Summer Analyst. Anna shares that she is “beyond grateful for the amazing experience I had, and I am excited to share that I have accepted a full-time offer to join the MMBSI team in New York after my graduation from Boston University.”

2020s

Lindsay Goldschmidt ’20 visited the ND Upper School Women’s Chorale in the fall to help students learn how to use the Musescore App, where they can write their own a capella arrangements in small groups, then perform a few of their compositions at the Spring Concert in April.

CLASS NOTES

NEW ARRIVALS

Angela Guarino ’00 and her husband, Colin, welcomed Jonathan Paul Rodgers on December 22, 2022.

Rosemary Connors ’01 and her husband, Benjamin Cross, welcomed Evelyn Rose Cross on November 20, 2022.

Ashley Hall Loester ’02 and her husband, Steve, welcomed Jackson Thomas in August 2021.

Katie Mathisen McManemin ’08 and her husband, Bryce, welcomed Lyle Shea on August 8, 2022.

Hannah Sisk ’09 and her husband, Ben LeVeque, welcomed Tessa Ann Sisk LeVeque on June 26, 2022.

Madeleine Tague ’11 and her wife, Amy, welcomed James on December 2, 2022.

IN MEMORIAM

Elizabeth Laufer ’46 | June 11, 2022

Kathleen Milione Ferraioli ’48 | May 21, 2021

Gerry Kane Elmore ’49 | November 5, 2022

Mary Tefft ’50 | October 27, 2021

Jean Powell Arwood Bagdon Sq ’57 | May 2, 2022

Jane Gallagher Goggin Sq ’57 | January 1, 2023

Janet Salvadore Colella ’59, sister of Loretta Hartnett ’55 and aunt of Julia Hartnett ’85 | November 26, 2022

Audrey Sandra Wolfin Sq ’59 | June 7, 2022

Eileen Cancelli Baldassari Sq ’61 | July 20, 2022

Frances Eileen Opstad ’70 | November 10, 2022

Eileen Chisari ’71 | July 21, 2022

Ann Hagan ’71, aunt of Melanie Hagan ’02 and Amy Hagan ’05

November 16, 2022

Patricia A. Somers ’72, sister of Nancy Somers Dougherty ’73 December 21, 2021

David Egen, husband of Maureen Mahon Egen ’60 | October 26, 2021

Ann Taylor, grandmother of Jenna Taylor ’12 | December 25, 2022

Martin Casey, brother of Frances Casey Hansen, Sq ’55 | April 15, 2022

Joseph O’Brien, husband of Joan McCaffery O’Brien Sq ’57

May 30, 2022

Sharon McNamara, mother of Kate McNamara ’00 | June 10, 2022

Joseph Corbi, grandfather of Izzy Casale ’21 | June 12, 2022

Robert S. Goggin, husband of Jane Gallagher Goggin Sq ’57 July 3, 2022

Drew Reilly, father of Alyssa Reilly ’22 | July 3, 2022

Neva Walsh†, mother of Laura Walsh Forrest ’82, Kathryn Walsh McCarey ’84, Patricia Walsh Bader ’87, Caroline Walsh Gillen ’87, and the grandmother of Kennedy Walsh ’17 | July 12, 2022

Elizabeth Ashdale-Lament, mother of Sara Lament ’17 September 12, 2022

John Shutack, father of Jackie Shutack Wong ’99 and Corie Shutack ’00 | October 2, 2022

Joseph Conan, father of Lindsey Conan-Dryer ’00

October 7, 2022

Bonnie Balcer, mother of Sara Balcer Mullen ’99

October 9, 2022

Please keep all of our loved ones in your prayers.

Saturday, May 6, 2023

ITINERARY

12:30-2:30 pm

Reunion Luncheon for the Classes of ’48, ’53, ’58, ’63, ’68, ’73, ’78, ’83

Celebrating 50 years with the Class of ’73 THE MANSION

4:30-5:00 pm

Guided Campus Tours

5:15 pm

Alumnae Mass

THE MANSION CHAPEL

6:00–9:00 pm

Reunion Cocktail Reception for All Classes ending in 3s and 8s Spouses and guests are welcome THE MANSION

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

We have arranged a special discounted room rate of $179. Please call the hotel by April 7, 2023, as part of the Notre Dame Reunion Block to receive this discounted rate.

560 Sproul Road

Villanova, PA 19085

610.687.0650

Speaker Series 2 23

SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR IMPRESSIVE SPEAKERS

Laura Tierney

Parents of Alumnae

If this issue is addressed to your daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address in your home, please send the new address to:

Alumnae Office, Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

560 Sproul Road

How to Proactively Empower Your Child(ren) to Navigate Social Media and Technology in Healthy, High-Character Ways

Villanova, PA 19085 or email lpower@ndapa.org

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

6:30 pm

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Speaker Series 2 23

SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR IMPRESSIVE SPEAKERS

Laura Tierney is the Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, which delivers a turnkey, gamified, online learning platform that empowers students to navigate their social world — social media and technology — to fuel their health, happiness, and future success.

Laura Tierney

Dr. Mae Jemison

Dr. Mae Jemison Launching Women Into Science and Tech

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023

How to Proactively Empower Your Child(ren) to Navigate Social Media and Technology in Healthy, High-Character Ways

Launching Women Into Science and Tech

Friday, July 21, 2023

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Dr. Mae Jemison, engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, was the first woman of color to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She will discuss the importance of STEM in developing the next generation of problem solvers and entrepreneurs.

6:30 pm

Follow What’s Happening at Notre Dame

Laura Tierney is the Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, which delivers a turnkey, gamified, online learning platform that empowers students to navigate their social world — social media and technology — to fuel their health, happiness, and future success.

Dr. Mae Jemison, engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, was the first woman of color to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She will discuss the importance of STEM in developing the next generation of problem solvers and entrepreneurs.

ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR