Notre Notes Fall 2023 Edition

Back to school at Notre Dame San Jose

STUDENTS RETURN TO CAMPUS FOR A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR!

PAGE 3

ASB STUDENTS IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR 2023-24

PAGE 5

ALUMS PROUDLY SHARE EXCITING LIFE UPDATES

PAGE 10

Notre Dame took its annual pilgrimage to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph for the first liturgy of the year, Mass of Commissioning. This year's liturgy included a blessing of students, faculty, staff and administration, as well as members of the Board of Directors and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as we formally welcomed Ashley Rae Mathis as our new Head of School. We were honored to have Ms. Mathis' family and friends in our presence for this extra special and very moving blessing.

Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of San Jose, Fr. Ernesto Orci, Fr. Joseph Nguyen and Deacon Steve Herrera led us in prayer.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Welcome!

Dear Notre Dame community,

Each day I find myself everpresent and grateful for the opportunity to serve our esteemed community. Years ago, conversations around the Mathis dinner table lingered around two elements: faith and education. My loved ones made it known that our family was intrinsically rooted in this unique merger. Decades later, I stand more affirmed than ever that Catholic education is the answer for navigating our complex world.

I witnessed this indelible impact firsthand at our inaugural Mass of Commissioning this September. Notre Dame community members gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, where Bishop Oscar Cantú presided over our first liturgy of the year. Our student leaders led mass with great poise and confidence! It was exemplary to see them living our mission to cultivate lifelong learners, spiritual seekers, justice advocates and community leaders. It was a momentous occasion; joy, love and goodness filled every row in the cathedral.

I hold dear my responsibility to lead Notre Dame as Head of School. I acknowledge that in order to truly claim success as a Catholic school in the 21st century, we must confidently preserve the heritage of our past, while competently sharing its wisdom with the future. We uphold the legacy of our founders and the faith of our Sisters by serving those around us; we give to the world, by sharing the gospel of Christ; we change the world by living both with joy.

Joy. That was the message embedded in Mathis family conversations decades ago. I am so grateful to carry that with me as we journey ahead.

In Notre Dame,

ASHLEY RAE MATHIS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Board of Directors

Kathy Almazol

FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, SJ DIOCESE

Linda McMullen '66 Bearie

FORMER HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, SJ DIOCESE

Demerris Brooks-Immel '87

SENIOR DIRECTOR, CHILD MIND INSTITUTE

Katie Colin

EXEC. DIRECTOR, US EAST-WEST PROVINCE SNDDEN

Darhil Crooks

DIRECTOR, APPLE

Sister Terry Davis

SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Pani Dixon CONTROLLER, MARVELL SEMICONDUCTOR

Nancy Erba (chair) CFO, INFINERA CORPORATION

Sister Mary Farren

SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Mark Fernandes PARTNER, SIERRA VENTURES

Mark French PARTNER, KPMG

Kristy Gannon CEO, FLUXX LABS

Selina Garrison DIRECTOR, INTUIT

Jen Hall FORMER HR EXECUTIVE, INTUITIVE SURGICAL

Greg Hanson COO, INXEPTION

Jenny Hsia '99 PRINCIPAL, ARC PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURE

Lisa Quintero '91 Jensen

SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, CRAWFORD GROUP Rose Que '82 Lue

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY LEADER

Ruth Ann McNees COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, ATTORNEY

Laura Murphy COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER, ATTORNEY

Alexandria Nguyen '94

ATTORNEY, BERLINER COHEN LLP

Anisha Patel '16 ANALYST, CISCO

Rose Pierro '63 Simmons FORMER OPERATIONS OFFICER, HEALTH CARE

Eileen Tanghal FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER, BLACK OPAL VENTURES

Melinda K. Postle '88 Thompson GENERAL COUNSEL, MIRO

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION

Notre Notres is created and published by Notre Dame High School in San Jose, CA. If you have any questions about this publication, please contact communications@ndsj.org or (408) 294-1113 ext 2133.

Notre Dame High School | 596 S. 2nd Street, San Jose, CA 95112 | www.ndsj.org | @notredamesj

READ MORE AT: www.ndsj.org/board

Dr. Beverly Mathis, Ashley Rae Mathis, Dr. Tya Mathis Coleman and Raymond Mathis.

We’re Back!

As the first day of school drew near, campus came back to life with students, and the joy and excitement in the air was palpable. The Class of 2027 completed freshman orientation, where students were introduced to their teachers, learned their locker assignments and got to meet the classmates who will be by their side for the next four years. Meanwhile, the Royal Blue and Gold Dragons participated in one of our newer traditions of seniors painting the bell in Pardini Park with their class colors. Our co-curriculars, including the Janksters robotics team and theater department, put on successful end-of-summer boot camps to get ready for the school year ahead.

Before we knew it, the first day of school arrived and students filled the halls with hugs, laughter and countless pink coffee cups in-hand after visiting Nirvana Soul’s pop-up coffee stand. Notre Dame’s new Head of School, Ashley Rae Mathis, welcomed students at the crosswalk in the morning and gave them the warm greetings she quickly became known for around campus.

The first day of school wouldn’t be complete without our Start of School Assembly, where students cheered for their 2023-24 ASB student council and welcomed new faculty and staff to Notre Dame. Ms. Mathis also shared a beloved mantra with the students, teaching them a callback: “God is good all the time,” to which students cheerfully responded in unison, “And all the time God is good.” How good it is to be back at Notre Dame!

Fun Fact

The senior bell was donated to Notre Dame in 2014 by Dr. Keith Cooper, father of Justine Cooper '16 of the Blue and Green Wolves. The bell originated from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, CO, and used to have their mascot painted on it. When Wasson HS was demolished, Mr. Cooper donated the bell to ND. He had never seen a school with as much spirit as his high school until he encountered ND! The 2016 Blue and Green Wolves inaugurated the painting of the bell and launched a new annual tradition for years to come.

2023 Royal Blue & Gold Dragons

Justine Cooper ’16 & Dr. Keith Cooper

2016 Blue & Green Wolves

ASB Student Council (2023-24)

Associated Student Body (ASB) students are elected each year to represent Notre Dame under a leadership theme of their choosing. The theme for 2023-24 is CommUNITY with the mission to develop a deeper sense of unity and greater community amongst their peers. Meet our council below and learn more about them!

We all know how it feels to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. CommUNITY is the foundation upon which our Notre Dame family thrives and I can't wait to see our growth throughout this year!

ASB SCHOOL VICE PRESIDENT

Stepping onto ND’s campus for the first time, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging — of CommUNITY. A healthy and happy high school experience is rooted in feeling connected to one’s classmates and school, so it’s essential that we put CommUNITY as our priority this year!

Tanisha Fitzgerald, M.Ed. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP

I want Notre Dame students and the programs that they participate in to grow in ways that they never thought were possible this year. I am confident that the only way to ensure this happens is if we are truly united. To articulate my vision to our school and class councils, I used the image of a redwood tree. I was reminded how much I loved them when I attended UC Santa Cruz when I read this year’s ND Reads book, A Dream Called Home, by Reyna Grande.

As we welcome the Class of ’27 and savor every last moment with the graduating Class of ’24, I believe it is crucial to create connections that go beyond high school. We will form a commUNITY that embraces and picks each other up, arms linked together — forever.

Through developing commUNITY, we create a family. When we all join together, we achieve more. Unity enriches our experience at school and allows us to leave a positive mark on our journey as students.

ASB SCHOOL STUDENT LIFE COMMISSIONER

Change begins with unity, and unity is cultivated through our vibrant commUNITY. Notre Dame is a melting pot of diverse perspectives and ideas, making it essential for us to wholeheartedly embrace the richness within our community.

After a bit of research, I found that while redwood roots don’t go particularly deep, they’re able to withstand earthquakes, landslides, floods, strong winds and other trees falling against them because their roots are intertwined! When their roots are united, redwood trees can hold one another up, share their energy, build their resiliency and grow to their full potential. This year’s theme is about us realizing how much better we are when we work together.

London G. ’24

ASB SCHOOL PUBLICITY

CommUNITY creates a collaborative environment where we can learn from one another, share diverse perspectives and build lasting relationships. CommUNITY creates a sense of belonging and allows everyone to feel both safe and at home every time they step through the Reed Street gate.

School consists of so many unique opportunities to learn, ask questions and build confidence. This kind of learning environment comes from a strong foundation, intentionally built with trust, encouragement and, most importantly, commUNITY.

Fatima A. ’24

ASB SCHOOL SPIRIT COMMISSIONER

The bond between Notre Dame students and faculty creates meaningful interactions and fosters joy. Together we all form a commUNITY, and I wouldn’t want to be a part of any other!

Rachel A. ’25

ASB SCHOOL SERVICE COMMISSIONER

By promoting a strong CommUNITY, everyone can build trust, celebrate diversity, collaborate effectively, address challenges and enhance our experience at Notre Dame.

Niamh R. ’24 ASB SCHOOL PRESIDENT

Nimisha A. ’25 ASB SCHOOL SECRETARY

Sonali D. ’25 ASB SCHOOL BIG/LITTLE SIBLING COORDINATOR

Srishti V. ’24

Thy L. ’24

Rio F. ’25

ASB SCHOOL ATHLETICS COMMISSIONER

BY

Friday,

Join

15th annual Women of Impact —

This year we will honor two women: social justice advocate, founder and businesswoman, Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, and Sr. Rosalie Pizzo, SNDdeN, a Class of 1952 graduate who built a legacy career in education and pastoral ministry. Funds raised at this event support tuition assistance and expand opportunities for students at Notre Dame High School.

SIGNIA BY HILTON SAN JOSE, 170 S. MARKET ST., DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE

PRESENTED

Sr. Rosalie Pizzo '52

DE NAMUR

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins

FOUNDER & CEO, PROMISE

You're invited to join us for a free author talk with the ND community!

For 17 years, Notre Dame has selected a book to read and discuss as a community of students, faculty, staff, alums and friends. The selected books deepen our school's culture of Education for Justice and Leadership, while engaging our community intentional dialogue that reflects our Catholic identity. In addition to reading and discussing the book, the Notre Dame community has the opportunity to meet the author at our annual ND Reads event.

Reyna Grande is the author of the bestselling memoirs, The Distance Between Us and this year's ND Reads selection, A Dream Called Home: A Memoir. In this memoir, Reyna chronicles her experience coming to the United States as an undocumented child immigrant from Mexico and as the first in her family to go to college.

Reyna is the recipient of several awards, including an American Book Award, the El Premio Aztlán Literary Award, a California Latino Spirit Award and the Barnes and Noble Writers for Writers Award.

Celebrating Milestone Reunions

· Class of 1953

· Class of 1958

· Class of 1963

· Class of 2003

These classes will celebrate on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 at Notre Dame High School with an opportunity to reconnect with fellow classmates, meet the new Head of School Ashley Rae Mathis and tour the new Mary Beth Riley Center for Women’s Leadership.

Save the Dates!

Class of 2018: Five Year Reunion

Friday, Dec. 22, 3 to 5 p.m. at Jack's Bar in San Jose

Class of 2013: Ten Year Reunion

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2 to 6 p.m. at Hapa's in Los Gatos

Senior & Alum Networking Lunch

Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 12 to 1:30 p.m. An opportunity for alums to connect with the graduating seniors and welcome them into the lifelong alum network.

ND Alums come full circle

24 alums have chosen ND as their workplace. They have come full circle to their alma mater to help empower the next generation of women's leadership. These alums bring diverse experiences and a passion for Notre Dame's mission to their classrooms, departments and teams.

(Pictured left to right, back row): Monica Gomez '90, Sascha Stankovich '91 Warner, Alicia Aguilar '95, Caitlin Stone-Collonge '16, Artemisa Bobst '04, Tammy Huang '15, Tammy Castillo '09, Jessica Krent '15, Chelsea Beck '12, Alex Cunningham '08, Laura Diaz '01, Trishya Movilla '08, (Pictured left to right, front row): Joycelyn George '17, Cara Cavigliano '00 Borromei, Jessica Angelo '05, Eugenia Barba '10

(Not pictured): Marilou Figone '60 Cristina, Laila Omid '16, Divya Nair '20, Emma Ryan '18, Ali Bueno '06, Becky Chang-Miguel '06, Sophia Arenas '05, Brianna Bittel '23

Please stay in touch!

Every Notre Dame graduate is part of a network of alums whose history, legacy and traditions date back to 1851. Through participation in our activities and programs, we aim to create a global network that supports the lifelong growth of each Notre Dame student. We encourage alums to visit campus, keep us updated with your life events and stay connected with our community.

If you have an update to share, we want to hear about it! Please visit our Class Notes submission form to share news on family, career, school and more: www.ndsj.org/classnotes

If you have a new mailing address, email address or other updated contact information, please fill out this form so we can update our records: www.ndsj.org/alum-update

C CLASS

01 Sarah Whittum ‘20 As a senior at New York University, Sarah produced her first music video — ‘Un Paseo’ — a production about love that celebrates artists in NYC. anahitavisuals.com/unpaseo

02 Haley Cornelison ‘19 Haley graduated magna cum laude from Whitman College with a BA in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She will begin Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery, studying to become a doctor of podiatric medicine.

03 Avery Wagoner ‘16 Avery has been working at The Walt Disney Company for more than a year. She is part of Disney Ad Sales and is enjoying the experience.

04 Trisha ‘09 & Trixie ‘14 Ilas Trixie and Trisha come from a family of dentists and both are now practicing dentists in the Bay Area. They both have DDS degrees from Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific.

05 Angelica Barbieri ‘10 Angelica is a licensed marriage and family therapist and infant family early childhood mental health specialist at Rebekah Children’s Services in Gilroy, CA. She also published her first book, All That I Am, a guide to teaching self-love.

06 Jessica Jin ‘10 Jessica and her husband welcomed their baby boy, Luca, in August.

07 Shea Gerula '08 Shea married Scott Dudley last year at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. They live in Costa Mesa, CA. In attendance were other ND alums: Kelly Gerula '02 Starr, Sara Hoshino '15 & Mandy Wong '08.

08 Allison Padilla ‘08 Allison was recognized as Beverly Hills Living Magazine’s 40 Under 40 for demonstrating innovative leadership in tech advertising, transformative sales strategies and impactful community service. She works as account director at Foundry and is responsible for leading the sales initiatives for key Fortune 100 companies.

09 Angela Dimayuga ‘03 Invited as the keynote speaker for Veggielution’s fEAST this summer, Angela is an acclaimed Brooklynbased transdisciplinary chef, artist and cultural producer. Her work is grounded in celebrating and advocating for care of ancestral, indigenous practices and immigrant, queer, BIPOC communities. She is the co-author of her debut cookbook, Filipinx: Heritage Recipes from the Diaspora

10 Sherilyn Oribello ‘03 Sherilyn was featured by APIC Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology SF Bay Area Chapter for the work she does at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

11 Kelly Gerula ‘02 Starr Kelly and husband Chad Starr, welcomed daughter, Lainey Carroll Starr, on her big sister, Everly's, birthday. She has already brought so much joy to the family.

596 S. 2nd Street

San Jose, CA 95112

Address service requested

www.ndsj.org | @notredamesj

21st Annual Crab Fest

Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 6 to 9 p.m. Notre Dame High School, Julie Billiart Hall