Marian Magazine | Winter 2019

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CONTENTS C OV E R S TO RY 12-17

A D AY I N T H E L I F E

M A R I A N TO D AY

12

4-5

FRESHMAN CLASS FACTS + PRESIDENT'S LETTER

6-9

TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE

10-11

NO MORE EMPTY POTS

12-17

A D AY I N T H E L I F E

18-19 GIRLS WHO CODE 21

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

22-23

ACTIVITIES + ATHLETICS

S E RVA N T S O F M A RY 24-26

S E R VA N T S O F M A RY: 1 2 5 / 1 0 0 A N N I V E R S A RY

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M E E T S I S T E R J A C K I E RYA N

A DVA N C I N G T H E M I S S I O N 28-31

C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N U P D AT E

32-33

ESPRIT DE CORPS BANQUET

34-35

P L A N N E D G I V I N G : D E N N I S A N D P A T T Y G R E C O W I E D E R H O LT

A L U M N A E TO D AY

28

36-37

ALUMNA FEATURE: KATHY BAST TOCCO '61

38-40

A L U M N A F E A T U R E : K E L LY K U N K E L ' 0 8

41-43

FRESHMEN AGAIN!

44

ALUMNAE TOGETHER + UPCOMING EVENTS

45

LONG-STANDING CLASS GROUPS

46-47 REUNIONS

ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS 48-51 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 52-53 WEDDINGS 54-55 BABIES 56-61 REMEMBRANCES 63

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

MARIAN IS A CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN FOUNDED BY THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND DEDICATED TO MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD. MARIAN TEACHES THE BELIEFS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH IN A CARING AND LOVING COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE. THE MISSION OF MARIAN IS TO COMMIT ALL ITS RESOURCES TO THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY EDUCATION OF YOUNG WOMEN, TEACHING THEM TO BE LEADERS AND LIFELONG LEARNERS IN A SOCIETY WHERE THEIR TALENTS AND FAITH WILL GIVE HOPE TO THE WORLD.

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ON AUGUST 16TH, 173 FRESHMEN BEGAN THEIR F O U R - Y E A R J O U R N E Y A S M A R I A N G I R L S.

C L A S S OF 2022 FAC T S

25 % STUDENTS FROM 75

% STUDENTS FROM NON-CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

47 D I F F E R E N T GRADE SCHOOLS

28 FRESHMEN A R E DAU G H T E R S OF MARIAN ALUMNAE

NTS UDE O M T S 187 M E F R CO ZIP ES COD

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

4 FRESHMEN ARE GR A NDDAU GH T E R S OF MARIAN ALUMNAE

25 FRESHMEN ARE SISTERS OF CURRENT STUDENTS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Marian Community, Every November we host an open house, welcoming prospective students and their families to Marian.

Open house is a way for us to showcase all that Marian has to offer from our state-of-the-art chemistry and physics labs to our award-winning performing arts center. This year we also had newly renovated spaces as well as ongoing construction plans to share.

Marian’s facilities definitely shine – but the brightest stars of the day are our students. Marian girls are stellar – their commitment, enthusiasm and spirit casts a warm glow that is infectious. With the girls leading individualized tours and staffing the club fair, nearly half of the student body turns out to host open house. This year students led 279 tours!

If it’s been a few years since you’ve been back at Marian, we hope this issue will provide you with your own tour of Marian. It’s a chance to reconnect with Marian – its programs, students and faculty. You may be amazed by the changes that have taken place. Despite all that has changed, one thing never changes – the Marian spirit. Marian is still the friendly, comfortable and joyful place that you remember.

Whether you are a prospective student, past parent or alumna, please know you are always welcome at Marian. I’d be happy to personally show you the exciting renovations and new construction projects.

We have much to look forward to at Marian this year!

May God bless and keep you,

Mary Higgins ‘69 President

MARIAN MAGAZINE

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PG 5

S E N I O R S G E T F I R S T- H A N D E X P E R I E N C E W I T H D I F F E R E N T R E L I G I O N S AT

TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE S TO RY B Y C A R O L I N E D R E W ' 1 9

M A R I A N TO D AY

SPIRITUALITY

P H O T O S B Y T AY L O R S T E R B A ' 1 9

Squeezing into the carpeted sanctuary, 179 girls shed their shoes to sit crosslegged on the floor of the Islamic sanctuary at the Tri-Faith Initiative American Muslim Institute. Some of the girls cover their hair with scarves out of respect for Muslim tradition. For many girls, this field trip is their first up-close encounter with the Islamic religion.

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“Coming together causes us to think about religion differently and our differences and our commonalities to enrich our religious lives...”

Rabbi Brian Stoller

A group of Marian students at the Tri-Faith Initiative

Meeting with Imam Jamal, a friendly and outgoing Islamic teacher and prayer leader, helped personalize the experience for many students. “The one comment that stuck with me,” senior Abbey Maroney said, “was when he [Imam Jamal] said that if anyone asks you if you have a Muslim friend, you can say that I’m your friend.”

Standing at the front of the room, Imam Jamal asks the students what connections exist between the Islamic faith and Catholicism. Armed with the knowledge they’ve gained in their world religions classes, the girls are eager to contribute. Imam Jamal is a teacher at the American Muslim Institute and has led the Marian senior class through their visit to the mosque for several years. “I think that Marian High School should bring their students here once a month,” Imam Jamal said jokingly. Jokes aside, Imam Jamal is serious about prioritizing getting to know and understand other faiths.

M A R I A N TO D AY

SPIRITUALITY

After visiting with Imam Jamal in the mosque, the students spoke with a Brian Stoller, a Jewish rabbi, and several members of the Jewish synagogue, Temple Israel, housed at the Tri-Faith Initiative on 132nd and Pacific Street. Stoller talked to the students about the Jewish faith and the way he feels learning about other religions can augment personal spirituality. “Coming together causes us to think about religion differently and our differences and our commonalities to enrich our religious lives,” Stoller said. “That was something that was exciting to me about coming to Temple Israel is to get to be part of that Tri-Faith Initiative.”

This sentiment is the focus of the field trip to the Tri-Faith Initiative and the first semester of senior year theology classes in general. The Tri-Faith Initiative embodies connectedness and community across religions. The campus houses the American Muslim Institute, an Islamic mosque; Temple Israel, a Jewish synagogue and, soon, Countryside Community

Church, a Christian worship space. The mission is to promote dialogue, transcend differences, foster acceptance and build bridges of respect and trust among the three Abrahamic faiths. The field trip, which took place on Oct. 10, allowed all seniors to experience and learn about the Islamic and Judaic faiths from teachers in each religion in a peaceful and empathetic way that exemplifies the Tri-Faith Initiative’s mission.

Kory Delkamiller, one of the senior theology teachers who led the excursion, said he hopes students find “a sense of being connected” in the visit. He finds the field trip to be a humanizing experience for his students. “Instead of it [Judaism and Islam] being something distant or something that’s seen unfavorably by our culture or the labels that come with different groups and religions,” Delkamiller said, “[here we get] to see it [Judaism and Islam] for the individual person.” To truly appreciate the experience, Delkamiller suggests

the only way to approach the trip is to “come with an open heart and be willing to just experience the people who we encounter.”

This statement rang true for many of the seniors on the field trip; being open to getting to know individuals involved in the religion made learning about it more personal and engaging. “He [Imam Jamal] was really entertaining and funny and nice, and I think that’s what kept me wanting to listen and learn more and get to know the religion,” senior Nika Lisko said. “It just made it more interesting because he had such a [sense of] humor.”

For seniors, this trip was a natural extension of the lessons they have been learning in their theology classrooms. It added a personalized, human touch to the textbook teaching of Judaism and Islam and introduced girls to the Tri-Faith Initiative: a faith community built upon acceptance and trust right here in Omaha. ✣

MARIAN MAGAZINE

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PG 9

NO MORE EMPTY POTS P H O T O S B Y L I N D S AY C I S C O

M A R I A N TO D AY

ARTS

Creating Good: Sculpture Students Combine Art and Service Each pot holds a story. Each story is tied to No More Empty Pots, a food hub in north Omaha. The stories and the students came together to create an installation art piece as part of a service learning project through UNO’s Community Engagement Center. When Marian art teacher Lindsay Cisco learned of the project, she knew it would be a great way for sculpture students to apply art and community service.

“I thought it would give a sense of purpose to our students’ work, and it just sounded fun,” said Cisco.

The project began in September when communication director Talia McGill visited Marian’s sculpture class to educate students about the mission and services of No More Empty Pots (NMEP). The students learned about food insecurity and “food deserts,” and how NMEP is working to create a community that is self-sufficient and food secure. NMEP provides a small food business incubator, food service and job readiness training, kitchen rental service, and nutrition education programs.

The following month, Marian girls travelled to UNO to team up with a public speaking class to interview affiliates of NMEP. They met with volunteers, urban gardeners and program participants. Inspired by the stories they gathered, the artists began to conceptualize their creation. The finished art would be a totem pole of handmade, clay herb pots. The pots tell the stories of those who have been touched

by No More Empty Pots.

Over the remainder of the semester the students worked on forming the clay into a pot and then dried, decorated, glazed and fired. The finished pots were then assembled on a copper pipe to construct the totem pole. The completed project will be filled with herbs and installed at NMEP, where they will continue to work for a day when there will be no more empty pots. ✣ Top: Seniors Abby Butler and Chole Ferrara decorate their pots.

Top right: Lindsay Cisco and Talia McGill standing next to a totem pole made from handmade clay herb pots.

Right: Pots before firing

MARIAN MAGAZINE

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PG 11

A

DAY IN THE

LIFE We sent photographer Bridget McQuillan ’09 through the halls of Marian on an ordinary October school day. Follow along for an inside look at Marian, where an ordinary day is anything but ordinary.

DOODLES BY EMMA GUNN '21

M A R I A N TO D AY

ACADEMICS

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MORNING RUSH Students arrive early to chat with friends, finish up studies and prepare for the day.

MARIAN MAGAZINE

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PG 13

2 journalism I

5 3

french I

Un, deux, trois‌Mrs. Katy Salzman reviews pronunciation of numbers one to 20.

C H E M I S T RY

Juniors Agoum Monydhel, Nyayian Biel and Bella Syslo reading their journalism textbooks and brainstorming feature story ideas.

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Abby Reynolds ’20 fills a eudiometer tube to determine the molar volume of a gas, specifically hydrogen.

M A R I A N TO D AY

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sociology II Mr. Tom Baker challenges seniors to develop a conclusion on specific issues related to social problems. Students are encouraged to consider different viewpoints and determine the basis for positions that they oppose. The goal is to create a dialogue based on facts and knowledge rather than emotion and bias.

art I

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Haley Mercer ’19 is eager to share her opinion. All students are expected to contribute to class discussion and articulate their ideas in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

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Working in pencil, students create a mandala – a circular, geometric pattern with an identifiable center. Mandalas offer balanced visual elements, symbolizing unity and harmony.

lunch

Squeeze in for good food, good friends and a good laugh.

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women's studies Seniors Becca Townley, Maureen Tolley and Sally Noble study U.S. women from 1960 to the present in Women’s Studies – a one semester social studies elective.

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10 M A R I A N TO D AY

ACADEMICS

library Throughout the day students use the library for research, group projects and quiet study.

Kelli Waldron ‘19 and a fellow student discuss class notes.

theology Ashley Straub ‘19 prays with her classmates. Senior theology students lead daily prayer at the opening of each class.

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sculpture

Lauren Harris ’21 puts the finishing touches on her pinch pot.

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honors physics All Marian students take physics.

Here Mr. Matt Winterboer and Abby Elkins ’20 use a photogate timer and computer software to analyze the motion of a falling object in a lesson on free-fall acceleration.

STRINGS ENSEMBLE

Junior violinists Emily Lamilla, Olivia Mathews and Jacquie Smith spend the year working on individual and ensemble music to prepare for the fall musical, several concerts and the district music contest.

MARIAN MAGAZINE

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PG 17

MARIAN SPONSORS OMAHA'S THIRD CLUB OF

GIRLS WHO CODE P H OTO B Y B R I D G E T M C Q U I L L A N ' 0 9

“Coding clubs are an opportunity to explore, experiment and master skills that will prepare young women for a lifetime of success.”

Dr. Sharon Genoways, Ed.D Science Department Chair

Computer science and technology are the top industries for jobs, and yet fewer than one in five computer science graduates are women.

In the campaign to inspire more girls’ interest in STEM and computer science, coding clubs have popped up across the nation. Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit organization, is working to close the gender gap in technology by sponsoring 500 after-school clubs for teenage girls all over the country. With fewer than 10 clubs across the state, Nebraska lags behind its neighboring states of Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado.

Here in Omaha, Girls Who Code is partnering with Marian to sponsor a third coding club. Unlike the other clubs, its enrollment is open to any girl in grades six to 12. It is not necessary to apply; girls can just show up. Participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as

M A R I A N TO D AY

ACADEMICS

possible. With interest in computer science showing its biggest drop off for girls between the ages of 13-17, the addition of another coding club is a tremendous opportunity for girls in Omaha – at no cost.

The Marian club will implement the Girls Who Code curriculum, which is designed to teach a wide range of skill sets including graphic art, video game design, artificial intelligence, mobile development and cryptography. Participants learn how to use variables, loops, conditionals and functions. Working as a team, participants will build character and coding skills as they plan and create a project they care about. The program will also connect girls with technology and community-building professionals.

The partnership with Marian is a natural choice.

At Marian 100 percent of students take physics, and coding has been a curriculum elective for more than five years. Led by faculty who are experts in teaching young women, participants can expect an empowering environment. Furthermore, Marian’s dedicated STEM lab, modeled after the UNO Stem Room located in Roskens Hall, allows students the opportunity to be immersed in STEM content in an industry-like setting. The room is designed with hands-on equipment, multiple display monitors for sharing student lab results, and tables that encourage student communication and collaboration.

At Marian, we have found that girls learn best in a supportive and collaborative environment, and this is also the key to success in emerging technologies. The Marian club promotes the values of “Sisterhood, Code and Impact.” A supportive sisterhood of peers and mentors encourages the development of the perseverance needed to succeed.

Working in teams, participants will also strengthen their speaking, writing, leadership and problemsolving skills to build confidence.

PROG RA M D ETA IL Marian’s Girls Who Code club is open to any young woman in grades six-12 who has an interest in learning to use computer science to change the world. Our core values are sisterhood, code and impact. Students build character and coding skills as they plan, build and celebrate the creation of a project they care about.

Meetings take place from 4-6 p.m. in the Marian Stem Lab. Each activity will take approximately one hour so that students have the flexibility to arrive late or leave early. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged but not required.

Upcoming meetings: Jan. 28 March 25 Feb. 11 April 8 Feb. 25 April 29 March 13 Please enter through Entrance 9, located near the convent. Questions may be directed to Sharon Genoways: sgenow@omahamarian.org

The program is being led by Sharon Genoways, Ed.D. Dr. Sharon Genoways is the science department chair at Marian, where she has been teaching science, technology and research classes since 1993. She has a master’s degree in science education and a doctorate in STEM education.

She currently holds an IT supplemental endorsement and is finishing a second master’s in computer science education at UNO as a member of the inaugural group of teachers enrolled in this program.

Because coding and new technologies are areas that many parents are not familiar with, it is important to encourage and expose girls to multiple opportunities.

Coding clubs are an opportunity to explore, experiment and master skills that will prepare young women for a lifetime of success. ✣

MARIAN MAGAZINE

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PG 19

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS Five Marian students received recognition in the National Merit Scholarship (NMS) Program. Seniors Amirtha Arun, Abigail McGill and Mary Watson were named semifinalists, and Eleanor Ricketts is a commended student. Kira Bravo is being recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

The NMS program is a competition for academic recognition and college scholarships. About 1.6 million juniors entered the 2019 NMS program by taking the PSAT in October 2017.

Those recognized as semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants from each state, and about 15,000 will advance to finalist standing.

Amirtha, Abigail and Mary will join the rest of the 16,000 semifinalists in the competition, vying for over 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring. As a commended student, Eleanor placed among the top 5 percent of those who took the qualifying test in October 2017. Kira placed among the top 2.5 percent of all Hispanic and Latino test takers in her region.

M A R I A N TO D AY

ACADEMICS

UPCOMING EVENTS F E B R U A RY

9 Vocal Music Pops Concert 12 Instrumental Music Pops Concert

Scholarship Delivery Day 25 Incoming Freshman Registration MARCH

24 Alumnae Legacy Lunch APRIL

5-7 Marian Spring Play Production 9 Field Day Walls Night 12 Field Day 13 7th-Grade Trivia Night 15 Instrumental & Vocal Music

Showcase M AY

5 Instrumental & Vocal Music

Spring Concert

For event details and registration information, visit us online at marianhighschool.net

S P E N D A D AY A T M A R I A N !

See for yourself what it’s like to be a Marian girl.

All sixth through eighth-grade girls are invited to spend the day at Marian shadowing one of our students.

Please contact Director of Admissions Molly Adams Woodman ’97 at 402-571-2816, ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org to set up your visit. Shadow visits are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Please allow two days’ advance notice.

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ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS

WRAP UP

M A R I A N TO D AY

ACTIVITIES

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FALL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES Softball Metro Runner-Up | District Champs | The current coaching staff celebrated its 50th win this season in three years.

P H OTO : D A I S Y O W E N ' 2 0

Volleyball District Champs | State Semifinalists - defeated Papio in four sets; lost in five sets to Lincoln Pius.

P H OTO : H A N N A H B E N A ' 1 9

Golf District Champs | Tied for 4th at State and senior Jalea Culliver tied for 1st place.

P H OTO : M R S. K I M N E P P L

Cross Country 7th at Metro | 4th at Districts | Over 100 runners were on the team this year, making it Marian’s largest team.

P H OTO : M A R I A A L E S S A N D R O ' 1 9 MARIAN MAGAZINE

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S E R VA N T S OF M ARY MARK MILESTONES of COMPASSIONATE PRESENCE

S E R VA N T S O F M A RY

In 2018, the Servants of Mary marked 125 years in the United States and 100 years in Omaha. We at Marian celebrate the history of the Servants of Mary and look with gratitude to those whose vision made Marian a reality. Through every decade the sisters’ compassionate presence has served as the foundation for Marian.

On Sept. 6, 1955, Marian welcomed 42 freshmen from 10 parishes throughout Omaha. Each year a new class was added until the first class graduated in 1959. Sr. Marian Sitzmann, OSM, known in 1955 as Sister Mary Marcella, was Marian’s first principal with a staff of six other Servite sisters.

Sr. Marcella was universally remembered by her students as the one who personified the Spirit of Marian. She is described in the 1959 Marian (yearbook) as “an inspiration to all Marianites through her graciousness, loyalty, friendliness

and devotion to her girls. She has brought constantly before the eyes of students such expressions as ‘Esprit de Corps’ … so that they could meet the high ideals that the name Marian embraces.”

Led by Sr. Marcella, the sisters promoted and indoctrinated “Espirit de Corps,” the Spirit of Marian, through song, creed and example. They built a legacy of timeless values. Now we refer to these as Marian’s Core Values: Spirituality, Community, Empowerment, Compassion, Service and Marian Identity.

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“When I joined the staff [in 2000], the Marian Spirit was exactly the same as what I had experienced as a student,” said Kathy Bast Tocco ’61, retired Marian theology teacher. “Sr. Marcella was my freshman homeroom teacher as well as the principal. Her goal was to instill these values in us as freshmen from day one.”

year, Notre Dame Academy closed and merged with Rummel to open as Roncalli Catholic High School in the fall of ’74. Although it was feared Marian would lose students to this new, co-ed school, Marian stayed the course, and rather than starting something new, focused on improving single-sex education.

After 11 years as principal, Sr. Marcella moved on to Servite High School in Detroit. The fall of ’66 was the first year as principal for Sr. Eleanor Galt. One of the first events of her administration was the dedication of the recently completed gym and cafeteria. The additions were blessed and Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Bergan. At which, Bergan stated that he considered Marian to be “one of the finest high schools, scholastically, in the Midwest.”

Marian continued to flourish under the leadership of the Servants of Mary with Sr. Adolorata Watson, Sr. Imelda Kirkey and Sr. Carolyn Foley serving as principals. Through the years, the Spirit of Marian held true. In 1982, a survey of students defined the “Spirit of Marian” as good morale, unity and a sense of spirituality. Marian traditions like Field Day and Torch Night continued to foster the Spirit of Marian.

The name and reputation of Marian grew to connote excellence, and Marian’s graduates were poised for success. Recalls Sr. Mary Gehringer, OSM ’66, U.S. Community Prioress, “The nuns who taught me influenced me and fostered a love of education. ...

Today Marian has that same strong sense of community and importance of education.”

The firm foundation established in those early years would set the course for years to come and see Marian through challenging times. From 1971 to 1973, in response to declining enrollment, discussions took place among the archdiocese and Marian, Rummel and Notre Dame high schools to address the future of Catholic education in north Omaha. One plan involved transporting students among the three campuses, with each campus serving as a specialty center. Marian withdrew from this discussion with a commitment from the Servites to maintain ownership and operation of Marian. At the end of the 1973 school

“The nuns who taught me influenced me and fostered a love of education. Today Marian has that same strong sense of community and importance of education.”

Sr. Mary Gehringer, OSM ’66

By the 1990s the number of sisters teaching in the classroom had declined. As Marian’s first lay principal, Elizabeth Kish wanted to make a conscious effort to maintain the Servite feel of Marian. “Marian has always had an atmosphere that was a spin-off of the Servants of Mary,” said Kish. “They are the most hospitable and welcoming group, and there is no stuffiness. It was their charism, so that was always present, and it continues to this day. Marian is very comfortable. You can relax, work hard, do your thing and make good friends.”

After Kish’s retirement, Marian alumnae would take the reins to continue the legacy of the sisters, with Susan Russell Toohey ’82 serving as head of school from 2009-2014, followed by President Mary Higgins ’69 and Principal Susie Spethman Sullivan ’80.

Although Marian is no longer a small convent school operated solely by the sisters, Marian students continue to experience the compassionate presence of our founders. With many of the sisters residing right next door at the motherhouse, there remains a steady flow of activity between the convent and the school.

Several sisters work or volunteer in the school. The sisters are present at all-school Masses, daily rosary, retreats, and board and committee meetings. Servite Connections, a school club, plans social activities with the sisters. To understand Marian’s history and mission, all students study the history of the Servants of Mary as part of their freshman theology curriculum.

“When I think of compassionate presence, I think of one who is by your side through it all,” says President Mary Higgins ’69. “That to me, really speaks of the sisters’ ongoing commitment to Marian.

They are by our side, in presence and in spirit.” ✣

S E R VA N T S O F M A RY

MEET A SISTER M E E T A S I S T E R – S R . J A C K I E R YA N , O S M ‘ 6 3 P H OTO B Y A N N A F I N O C C H I A R O ‘ 0 8

No matter where she has gone, Sr. Jackie Ryan has never been far from the Servants of Mary. “There has always been a sense of home with the Servants of Mary,” said Sr. Jackie. Growing up in Omaha, she attended Holy Name and Christ the King grade schools and Marian High School, where she was taught by the Servants of Mary.

Sr. Jackie was among the fifth class to graduate from Marian. At the time, the school was relatively small, with two classrooms of each grade and a kindergarten. There was a little theater (today it’s the STEM lab) and a cafeteria across the hall.

After graduating from Marian, she joined the Servants of Mary because “the call never went away.” She began working on her bachelor’s degree in education, attending courses in the morning at Duchesne College. In the afternoon, she taught fourth grade at Holy Name. After graduating, she served at St. Pius X as a teacher and assistant principal for six years. She then returned to Holy Name as principal for nine years.

In 1981, as part of the Servants of Mary’s first community discernment, Sr. Jackie was selected to

a three-year term as assistant provincial. Her duties shifted from education to administration. When her term was complete, she moved to Portland, Oregon, where she again ministered in education. She was part of a much smaller community, as one of six Servants of Mary in the Portland area. After 27 years in Portland, Sr. Jackie returned to Omaha as a resource teacher, once again at Holy Name.

“I have been happy wherever I have ministered,” said Sr. Jackie, “but returning to Omaha and to Holy Name was special.” At Holy Name, Sr. Jackie had the unique opportunity of being a student, teacher and principal.

Currently Sr. Jackie serves as assistant prioress working on behalf of the Servite community. She also sits on the Marian board of directors and serves on the executive committee. Like many of the sisters, she is committed to continuing the Servite charism of compassionate presence. As such, Sr. Jackie can be seen at all-school Masses, Servite Connections activities, freshman retreat and a variety of other Marian events.

In her spare time, Sr. Jackie enjoys sharing a cup of coffee with a friend and watching sporting events on TV. ✣

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C A M PA I G N U P D AT E

ADVANCING THE MISSION

The Confident to be Marian campaign continues to grow thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in the mission of Marian. The $12 million capital campaign for a north addition and school-wide renovations has raised over $10.7 million.

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The commitment to the campaign has now generated enough funding to include the cafeteria remodel along with the projects slated for completion in August 2019.

Marian’s current cafeteria and kitchen were added to the campus in 1965. Other than adding a fresh coat of paint and new blinds to the cafeteria, the spaces have remained in their original state. Addressing the cafeteria this summer while the construction crew is still onsite will create a unified design throughout the building and allows the project to benefit from cost efficiencies.

According to President Mary Higgins, the cafeteria is the last area in the building to be remodeled. “When we started the campaign, the cafeteria was the final tier, a dream goal we weren’t sure we’d meet,” said Higgins. “The generosity of the Marian community has made this dream a reality.”

Although the architectural plans are still being finalized, they will require completely gutting the space. A modernized kitchen will feature an enlarged food preparation space and state-of-the-art industrial appliances, which will allow for an expanded menu of freshly prepared entrees. Furthermore, the serving lines will be redesigned to improve efficiency, including the addition of grab-n-go stations with healthy choices like salads, fruit, yogurt and beverages.

Expanded options and improved food delivery will allow students to make healthier choices and spend less time waiting in line.

The completion of this project is critical to supporting the health and wellness of students. Lunch is the time of day when our students refuel so they can continue to be strong academically, physically and spiritually. Like the family table in a home, the cafeteria brings students together to share not only meals but also to build community. Around the lunch tables, they share their stories, establish friendships and support one another. ✣

To learn more about the opportunities created by the campaign or to make a gift, visit www.bit.ly/MarianCampaign or contact Vice President for Advancement Karen Hotz at khotz@omahamarian.org.

U P DAT E D CAFETERIA

ADVANCING THE MISSION

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ESPRIT DE CORPS BANQUET HONORS ALUMNAE AND LEADERS P H OTO S B Y D E B R A K A P L A N

“Esprit de Corps” was a favorite saying of Marian’s first principal, Sr. Marcella Sitzmann, and she used it frequently to remind Marian students of the importance of camaraderie and school spirit. Her legacy is carried forward, not only in the spirit of today’s student body, but also through Marian’s generous donors.

At the annual Esprit de Corps Awards Banquet, Sept. 6, Marian honored six individuals with service and leadership awards. Over 130 guests attended the annual recognition program held at Happy Hollow Club, which featured a cocktail hour, dinner and awards ceremony. The Alumna of the Year award was presented to Celann LaGreca '75; the Sr. Marcella Leadership Award to Judge J.E. Sullivan '74; the Marian Award to Chris and Betsy Murphy; the Spirit of Marian Award to Dr. Eileen Wirth; and an Honorary Diploma to Sr. Ginny Silvestri, OSM. In her opening remarks, President Mary Higgins ‘69 recognized the example set forth by the Servants of Mary, Marian’s founding order. “After God, Marian’s next biggest link is with the Servants of Mary, our

ADVANCING THE MISSION

founders, the creators of our mission, our roots. Led

by Prioress Sr. Mary Gehringer, they are the ones who keep us grounded so that we never forget where we are headed, why we are going there or where we came from.”

Celann LaGreca ‘75 was named Alumna of the Year. The Alumna of the Year Award is the most prestigious honor given by the Marian Alumnae Association. Celann spent most of her career in the corporate sector as an executive at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska leading the areas of communication, advertising and public relations, and serving on the Senior Leadership Team. Prior to retiring from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska in 2012, she formed her own consulting business, The LaGreca Group, and continues to provide strategic planning,

marketing and branding expertise to nonprofit clients.

Her dedication to Marian spans many years as a student, alumna, volunteer and board member. She served on the Marian Marketing Committee for more than a decade and then chaired that committee while serving on the Marian Board of Directors a second time from 2011-2017.

Judge J.E. Sullivan ‘74 received the Sr. Marcella Leadership Award, named for Marian’s first principal, Sr. Mary Marcella Sitzmann, OSM. Judge J.E. Sullivan has been sitting as a trial judge for 30 years and currently presides as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge over civil regulatory enforcement litigation for the U.S. Department of Transportation. She also conducts hearings as a visiting judge in the U.S. District Courts, and her jurisdiction encompasses the entire United States and its territories.

The Marian Award was presented to Chris and Betsy Murphy. The Murphys own a privately held company, Ameriwest Corporation, and their business success has allowed them to be active in the Omaha community. They have served or held leadership positions for numerous civic organizations. Betsy served on the Marian Board of Directors from 2005-2012, including holding a position on the Executive Committee from 2008-2012. Additionally, their daughter, Annie, is a proud 2009 alumna.

Psota ’01. Dr. Wirth was a reporter at the Omaha World-Herald and worked in public relations for Union Pacific Railroad before joining Creighton University in 1991. She retired from Creighton in 2016, after chairing the journalism department for 19 years. Wirth is a member of the Nebraska Newspaper Hall of Fame, the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame and the Omaha Press Club Hall of Fame. At Marian, she has volunteered primarily in public relations and marketing, helping Marian develop a strategy to promote its outstanding STEM program for young women.

She currently serves on the Marketing Committee.

Sr. Ginny Silvestri, OSM was conferred an honorary Marian diploma. Sr. Ginny entered the Servants of Mary Community in Omaha in 1961. During her 14 years teaching at Marian, she was a beloved English and theology teacher, chair of the English Department, student board moderator and senior class moderator. Sr. Ginny has served as the ViceProvincial and Provincial of the Servants of Mary and currently works as Pastoral Care Coordinator for the Notre Dame Sisters of Omaha. She has also served as a member of the Marian Board of Directors in recent years and continues to provide faith formation for teachers and staff. ✣

Dr. Eileen Wirth received the Spirit of Marian Award.

Dr. Eileen Wirth is a professor emeritus of journalism at Creighton University and is the mother of Shanti

C A Marian’s Esprit de Corps honorees (left to right):

Sr. Ginny Silvestri, OSM, Judge J.E. Sullivan, Celann LaGreca,

Dr. Eileen Wirth, Betsy and Chris Murphy.

B

B

Servants of Mary Celebrating the honorees were (left to right) Sr. Val Lewandoski, Sr. Nancy Marsh, honoree Sr. Ginny Silvestri and Sr. Margaret Stratman.

C Marian Alumnae

Marian alumnae Maureen Gotch Vinton ‘78 and Sharon Walsh

Carleton ‘90 socialize before the beginning of the program.

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“To make Marian accessible to current and future students, we believe is really important."

Patty Greco Wiederholt '70

ADVANCING THE MISSION

D E N N I S A N D P A T T Y G R E C O W I E D E R H O LT

GIVING BACK TO WHAT THEY LOVE P H OTO B Y A N N A F I N O C H I A R O ‘ 0 8

Dennis and Patty Greco Wiederholt ’70 have spent much of their professional lives giving back to the institutions and places that inspired them. Both studied accounting, and they count Creighton University among their many blessings.

It was there that they met as college students. Both went on to earn MBAs and achieve many professional accomplishments. Patty began her career at Northern Natural and retired from TransCanada after more than 40 years.

Dennis held a variety of management and consulting positions and recently retired as CFO of DLR Group.

Their love of Omaha is witnessed in the many community boards they have served on. Along with Creighton, Invest Nebraska and Nebraska Rural Renaissance, the Wiederholts have also shared their time, talent and treasure with Marian.

Their connection to Marian spans nearly 50 years to Patty’s days as a student. She has very fond memories of her time at Marian and credits it with shaping her career. “In an era where nursing and teaching were the primary professions for women, I had the opportunity to engage in career counseling at Creighton as a Marian student. This experience pointed me to accounting. I was then able to add some business courses to my college prep coursework at Marian.

My first year of college accounting was basically a review of what I had learned from Mrs. Dietz in bookkeeping,” recalls Patty.

Through the years, Patty’s involvement at Marian has continued as a member of the finance committee, board of directors and board of trustees for the endowment. She also chaired each of these committees.

Dennis credits Catholic and Jesuit education with providing both he and Patty with tremendous opportunities and a tremendous work ethic.

“It was instilled in us that you have an obligation to take advantage of what you are given and to give back,” said Dennis.

Dennis and Patty believe so strongly in the power of private education that they have established endowed scholarships at both Marian and Creighton.

“We set up an endowed scholarship because there is so much benefit for girls at Marian. When I was a student, the opportunities for girls were limited.

Today, Marian prepares girls to take advantage of so many opportunities. To make Marian accessible to current and future students, we believe is really important,” said Patty.

Recently they had the opportunity to meet the Marian students who benefit from their scholarship at the Endowed Scholarship Breakfast held at Marian.

“The girls were so confident, fearless and outgoing!

That’s the environment at Marian,” said Patty. ✣

Photo: Recently retired, Dennis and Patty Wiederholt look forward to spending time on their acreage north of Omaha and traveling in the U.S. and Canada.

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LIVING MARIAN’S CORE VALUES

K AT H Y B A S T T O C C O: EMBODYING SPIRITUALITY S TO RY B Y A N N A K E N N E Y ‘ 1 9

P H OTO B Y A N N A F I N O C H I A R O ‘ 0 8

As an August breeze blows through the trees surrounding Marian, it brings with it another school year. In the air students and staff feel excitement and anticipation.

There are also feelings of regret for a summer long gone and the anxiety that the new school year can bring.

As a car pulls around the circle to the old entrance of Marian, one girl was feeling the emotions of sadness and anger. This girl was Kathy Bast. It was 1957, and it was her first day in Omaha and her first day at her new school. Kathy’s dad had just been transferred from Minneapolis to work in Omaha at Cargill. A teenage girl who had to leave all her friends behind, Kathy was definitely not very happy to be in Omaha or to be at Marian. Her parents had interviewed Mercy, Marian and Duchesne and chose Marian for her.

To Kathy, Marian was a foreign country.

As Kathy’s dad dropped her off at Marian, he said something that would change her attitude about

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Marian. “My father never wasted words. He looked me right in the eye and he said, ‘When you walk into that building, I want you to look around and choose the kind of women to be your friends that you want to become.’” These women, with whom Kathy became friends, and her teachers, the Servants of Mary, would have an influence on her that would affect the rest of her life.

Kathy Bast was seated alphabetically in the first row, second desk. She took her father’s advice to heart.

“I remember taking my chair and looking across the room and watching behaviors and actually making a choice of the people I wanted to gravitate toward.

And so, those are my friends,” Tocco said. Tocco still keeps in touch with some of the 74 girls who were in the class of 1961. Some of her friends visit a nursing home together. Some still go out to lunch. All continue to live out the Spirit of Marian.

Tocco remembers fondly her time as a student and her education. “It was intellectually stimulating because the teachers were marvelous educators.

They cared about the girls. It was always the girls first, and you knew that.” The Servants of Mary gave all their time to teaching and serving the Marian community as well as serving the greater communities of Omaha, the United States and the world.

As the oldest of 11 kids, Tocco remembers workstudy being very important to her. “I actually loved it, because I knew it bought me my education.” The generosity of the Servants of Mary is still present in the school today. This was one of the many values and virtues that helped develop Tocco’s spirituality.

Tocco was very involved as a student. She was elected senior class president and was involved in student government. Being a class officer was all about service, and Principal Sr. Mary Marcella Sitzmann helped her learn this value. During preparations for senior prom, Sr. Marcella instructed her to go to the girls who hadn’t bought tickets and tell them that if they couldn’t afford one, the school would cover it. Also, her boyfriend was instructed to find dates for these girls.

Tocco had no thoughts of ever being a religious sister because she planned on marrying her high school boyfriend. When a priest at senior retreat asked her to discern her vocation, she did. She went to the Marian chapel and began her discernment process of prayer and asking God if this was his plan for her.

“I believe that every person who comes into your life is like a tool of the Holy Spirit.” She thought this might be God talking to her. She had recognized how happy the sisters were and how they greatly impacted the lives of the people they touched, and she thought maybe she could do that too. “Well, why don’t I try it? I can always leave; that was my out. So, I stayed for 12 years.”

The Servants of Mary were trained to be educators, so she was to be a teacher. In 1965, the sisters were asked to open St. James Catholic School. During their annual week-long silent retreat in August, Tocco met with the mother superior to find out her assignment for the next year. She was just finishing her sophomore year of college, and she learned she was going to be in charge of six ungraded primary rooms. A mantra played in Tocco’s head that has stayed with her.

“Baptism by fire,” which means “you are lit on fire and you just do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.”

In 1969 she was assigned to teach English and religion at Servite High School in Detroit, Michigan.

During the “Long Hot Summer of 1967,” 159 race riots swept the country. Detroit was still experiencing race riots, rebellion, animosity and fear. “As the train pulled into Detroit, there were fires burning everywhere… We had a 10:30 curfew. Our boys couldn’t practice on the field because the National Guard tents and tanks were on the field.” This experience was completely new and challenging for Tocco. She was there until 1975.

Tocco then left the Servants of Mary because she felt that God was taking her down a different path. She came back to Omaha, married and then divorced.

She believes that God led her in all of these choices, and she has no regrets. Tocco joined the teaching staff at St. Robert’s and taught there for 15 years.

During this time, she interviewed at Marian twice.

Getting on her knees, Tocco found that God wanted her to be teaching and ministering at an all-girls school. She asked Elizabeth Kish, Head of School at the time, for two weeks to pray after her interview.

On the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 2000, Tocco decided that Marian was again the place for her. She thought that if Mary said yes, so could she.

Tocco taught at Marian from 2000-2013 and continued to touch the hearts of many Marian girls. She had learned well from the Servants of Mary and was passing on the value she so embodies, spirituality, as she was hired to teach theology.

Through the years, Marian has greatly impacted her spirituality. One summer she made a decorated rocker as a memento and a visual for her students.

It is filled with some of her favorite quotes, phrases and Bible passages. When Tocco retired from Marian, the famous rocker was passed down to theology teacher Lori Spanbauer, and the rocker still resides in her classroom.

Tocco continues to serve the Marian community as a substitute teacher. Whenever she subs, no matter the class, she always passes along a message of faith to the students. Whether it is a special prayer or something she would like to teach the students, Marian girls are learning to embody spirituality like Tocco. Marian will always be an influence in Tocco’s life and she has left a legacy at Marian. ✣

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K E L LY K U N K E L ' 0 8

TEACHING MARIAN’S C O R E VA L U E S N E A R LY 3,000 M I L E S AWAY S T O R Y B Y LY D I A D E L K A M I L L E R ‘ 1 9

P H OTO B Y A N N A F I N O C H I A R O ‘ 0 8

One of the first things Marian girls learn in their freshman theology class is the six core values of Marian - after the icebreakers, of course. The six values – Compassion, Community, Spirituality, Service, Marian Identity and Empowerment – provide students with a foundation for the next four years of high school, goals to live out and an aspiration for who they want to become.

Kelly Kunkel is a teacher in Colombia, South America. She graduated from Marian in 2008, but empowerment and community, two of Marian’s core values, are still extremely evident in her life. Kunkel’s two main activities at Marian were campus ministry and swimming. Among the many skills learned in school, she says confidence shaped her into who she is today, because she is able to speak up and be excited about learning and leading. During high school, Kunkel was set on being a pediatrician, until Ms. Kathy Tocco, her theology teacher, noticed her talent for teaching before Kelly knew it herself. Kunkel began her career

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in Omaha but later moved to Colombia when offered a job. She has been teaching elementary language arts, math, science and social studies in Colombia for four years now. Classes are all in the English language at the private school Colegio Karl C. Parrish.

Kunkel has had to learn how to balance family, work and faith. “It’s tricky,” she said. “Learn as you go. If I focus too much on one, the others suffer. It is about finding balance. Take a step back, and find what is most important, and how all three fit in your life,” Kunkel said.

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Family has always been there to support Kunkel, especially her dad. He has reminded her throughout her journey that the littlest things can make you the happiest, such as the people in your life, not the material. Today, she knows this to be true.

Kunkel has also learned an abundance through the children she teaches. She has learned that you can be happier with so much less and that giving love to everyone is the most important act. On one occasion, her phone was stolen. Initially Kunkel didn’t know how to go on, but later she realized, “the person who took my phone needs it more than me,” Kunkel said, with a smile on her face, “and I need love more than material. Give love.”

Imagine moving to an entirely new country, with new people, a new job, a new culture and customs, and only visiting home once a year. It can be hard to become a part of a different community. However, Kunkel has embraced the change and is proud of where she is and the children she teaches. “I see innocence and wonder and excitement in each of them. We are trying to mold into a compassionate future, and the future is them,” Kunkel said.

Kelly Kunkel embodies Marian’s six core values, especially empowerment and community. She is dedicated to teaching and making a difference.

“Marian girls rule this world! They are powerful.”

Kunkel is living this out and inspiring future generations with her talent and love for teaching. ✣

“I see innocence and wonder and excitement in each of them...the future is them.

Kelly Kunkel '08

A L U M N A E TO D AY

KENNEDY GOCHENOUR DARTMOUTH COLLEGE ENGLISH MAJOR • Member

of the Big Green track & field team out with Stonefence Review, Dartmouth’s award winning literary magazine

• Helps

The most challenging thing for me has been learning how to say no. …I try to keep an open mind and try new things, which has led to me saying yes a lot.

I’ve said yes to skydiving and hiking at 3 a.m.

I’ve said yes to learning how to ski and eating poutine. Saying yes in college is one of the best possible things you can do – it’s how you grow as an individual, discover your likes/dislikes, and create unbreakable bonds with others. You just have to be careful about finding a healthy balance between yes and no. …Saying yes ALL of the time is simply not sustainable.

FRESHMEN AGAIN! CHECKING IN WITH MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2018 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE.

ANNA KILZER MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES MAJOR • Played

on an intramural sand volleyball team to serve food for a meal program at a church near Marquette

• Volunteers

My advice to a current Marian senior would be to do your best to live in the moment rather than being too worried about what is coming in college. Marian really is a unique place, and senior year flies by quickly. Enjoy your last few Marian Moms lunches, your last Surprise Day, and your final Field Day with your class (which you may learn rather quickly is very hard to explain to your college friends), because these are traditions that few other people get to experience.

I wish I would have known that it really is okay to not know exactly what you want to study, because even the people who think they know what they want to do frequently end up on a different path.

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EMMA ROTH CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY U N D E C L A R E D – C O N S I D E R I N G I N T E R N AT I O N A L B U S I N E S S W I T H A M I N O R I N S PA N I S H • Public

Relations Student Society of America in Business • Christian Life Community group • Women

Leaving the girls you have bonded with through retreats, clubs/teams, and, of course, Field Day committees is really hard. Never let your fear of making new friends hold you back from branching out. Marian friends are friends for life, and making new ones only adds to your college experience. Reach out to new people on social media before school starts! They say college is quick, and I know I want to surround myself with new faces and solid friends to enjoy it with.

LAUREN KLINGEMANN TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY MAJOR, S PA N I S H F O R T H E H E A LT H P R O F E S S I O N S , A N D C H E M I S T RY M I N O R •

Dream Outside the Box Marathon Gamma Phi Beta Alpha Epsilon Delta Connections TCU Catholic Rise and Frog Shadow

• Dance • • • • •

I wish I would have believed it when people told me that Marian prepares you so well for college, because it is true. Classes are not much harder. In fact, some may be easier. Even if you are in a huge lecture hall, do not be afraid to participate in class or ask questions. Professors may seem intimidating at first, but they are always more than willing to help their students succeed and want to get to know them.

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ASHTYNNE ALBERTS CLEMSON UNIVERSITY PRE-BUSINESS MAJOR WITH EMPHASIS IN ECONOMICS OR MANAGEMENT • Plays

on the volleyball team of Fellowship of Christian Athletes

• Member

One teacher at Marian that prepared me extremely well was Mr. Baker. His impossible tests really gave me a taste as to what college would be like. In college they give you the information and assume you can draw conclusions and build on the ideas on your own.

They don’t spoon feed you the answers and neither did Mr. Baker! His class was hard in the moment but definitely helped prepare me for college.

GRACE SALL UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN NURSING MAJOR • Involved • Honors

in Greek life program

Marian prepared me for a lot of challenges that come with college. Academically, I have felt incredibly equipped to handle projects, papers and major exams because I learned how to challenge myself and hold myself accountable in high school.

High school can seem like the end-all-be-all in regards to academics, friendships, etc. But once you get to college, you get a clean slate to start over if you want and find what really makes you happy. You meet so many people from all different places with different life stories, and what seemed like a major setback in high school becomes just a blip on the map of your entire life.

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ALUMNAE

TOGETHER

Members of the Class of ’84 met in Winter Park, Colorado, in July for a weekend of relaxing, reconnecting and reminiscing.

Left to right: Pattie McCormick Ahlgren of Omaha; Susie Maxwell of Austin, Texas; Carajane Searcy Moore of Indianapolis, Indiana; Cathe Tarsney Brandt of Minneapolis; Mary Macaitis Simon of St. Louis; and Kim Penry Harrison of Minneapolis. Although not pictured, Kristi Vap Rodgers of Rochester, Minnesota, and Karen Campbell Rosenthal of Omaha also attended.

In October, Marian alumnae and friends participated in a Habitat for Humanity build: Marian Framing Frenzy.

Left to right: Barry Scheinost, Emily Lowndes Prauner ’08, Stephanie Peterson Ling ’01, Anne Peterson, and Sue Gibbs Scheinost ’75

Memories for Kids Derrith Loneman Murphy ‘91 was one of the featured speakers at the Memories for Kids Guild Luncheon on May 2, 2018, at Champions Run in Omaha. The luncheon also featured Emmy nominated TV host and chef Kelsey Nelson.

The organization's mission is to create lifelong memories for children who have a parent with stage IV cancer. The event was attended by several members of the Classes of '91 and '92. Sadly, Derrith Murphy Loneman ’91 and Julie Brannen Costello ’91 lost their battles with cancer and passed away this fall. May their souls rest in peace.

Front row: Martha Dunn Wharton ‘91 Jennifer Simmonds Schlatter ‘91, Julie Brannen Costello ’91✝, Derrith Murphy Loneman ‘91✝ Back row: Amy Farha Neary ‘91, Cara Timmerman David ‘91, Paige Dempsey '92, Rita Hamele ‘91, Jean Bernard Pedersen ‘91, Erin Grace ’91

Several alumnae celebrated with Sr. Caroline Turnovsky, OSM ‘66 on her 50th Jubilee held Oct. 6 at Marian.

Left to right: Chris Arkwright Connor ’66, Jeanne Olson Jaroch ’66, Rita Szablowski Hoffman ’66, Judy Novotny Burke ’66, Kathy Grasso High ’65, Margaret Guziec Hoarty ’66, Sr. Caroline Turnovsky, OSM ’66, Candy Larsen Ishii ’66, Cathy Hanrahan ’66, Rose Fallon Roeder ’66, Alice Lind Villone ’66, Jan Lamoureux ’66, Cathy Brown Pakiz ’66 and Mary Leslie Lewis Walker ’66.

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UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 24, 2019 – LEGACY LUNCH MAY 7, 2019 – MAY CROWNING MAY 17-19, 2019 – GOLDEN GRAD, CLASS OF 1969 REUNION WEEKEND MAY 23, 2019 – ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME JUNE 7-9, 2019 – REUNION WEEKEND

F R I E N D S F O R E V E R : A L U M N A E S TAY C O N N E C T E D T H R O U G H

CLASS GROUPS S T O R Y B Y K AY L A Y O U N G ' 1 5

Alumnae are forever connected by the shared values and experiences from their time as students at Marian. These connections live on long past graduation, with many alumnae choosing to continue these relationships in the form of long-standing class groups. While the interests of these groups range from travel to prayer, the gatherings all have one thing in common: they help classmates keep the Spirit of Marian alive in their lives.

The Class of ‘66 has been determined to stay connected with as many classmates as possible, with an original planning group of five women spearheading this effort. Emails or mailings are sent out to every member of the class when events are planned. In the past, the group has traveled to places like Las Vegas, Kansas City, Chicago, San Antonio, Savannah and Hilton Head. The main goal of the planning group is inclusivity, as it’s a “matter of people” according to Rose Fallon Roeder ‘66, historian for the group.

Members of the Class of ’68 decided that waiting until class reunions was too long to go without connecting with one another. Therefore, they formed a dinner group that meets about once a month. The group frequents local restaurants and enjoys conversation. “Life is short and precious,” said Connie Cavel ’68.

“We don’t always talk about our times at Marian, although those certainly occasionally come up, especially since that is the original bond for most of us.”

The Class of ’70 has a travel group that has been to Texas, Colorado, Florida and Omaha. Even though group members live from Omaha to Kentucky, they also make a point to travel for general visits, weddings and funerals. “We all have many fond memories of Marian and treasure our friendships,” said Maureen Neary Miller ’70. “You can feel the Spirit of Marian with us when we are together.”

The Class of ’71 enjoys having three different long-standing class groups. One is a Christians Encounter Christ (CEC) weekly prayer group, while another is a travel group that has been to Phoenix and Sedona. There is also a dinner group that is arranged for anyone in the class who is interested in meeting up at local restaurants. “Each group gives me a chance to stay connected to Marian through these friendships,” said Helen Andrews ’71.

“The opportunity to spend time with any of these women, regardless of the group, is a reminder of what I learned about being a woman and a leader at Marian.”

Many members of the Class of ’75 enjoy being part of a birthday club, which gathers once a month to celebrate friendships and stay connected to one another. Celann LaGreca ’75 believes in the importance of treasuring the friendships made at Marian through this group. “These are the women who have known you your entire life and will stick with you through thick and thin – through the happy times, through career changes, marriage and family, and through the heartbreak of difficult times and loss. Treasure them.”

At right, from top to bottom: Class of '66, Class of '71, Class of '75

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REUNIONS

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CLASS OF 2003

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CLASS OF 2013

CLASS OF 2008

FOR THE CLASSES:

J U N E 7 - 9, 2019

1959 1964 1974 1979 1984 1989

1994 1999 2004 2009 2014

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019 GIRLS NIGHT OUT! Kick off Reunion Weekend back where it all began!

All classes celebrating a reunion in 2019 are invited to attend. Complimentary appetizers and drinks and entertainment.

Saturday, June 8 – Individual Class Reunions Each class will make plans TBD Sunday, June 9 – Reunion Mass 11 a.m. - Convent Chapel Visit the Marian website for updates on all reunion activities. Contact Alumnae Director Nancy Kettering Casey '82 at ncasey@omahamarian.org with any questions.

CLASS OF 1969 50-YEAR REUNION CELEBRATION

May 17-19, 2019 Friday, May 17 – Golden Grad Cocktail Reception Saturday, May 18 – Reunion Celebration Sunday, May 19 – Recognition at Marian’s Graduation Ceremony Details for all of these events to follow.

Questions? Contact Maureen Jenkins Kizer at maureenkizer@gmail.com.

MM A RAIRAI N AG A NMM AA G ZAIZNI EN E S UWMI NMTEERR IISSSSUUEE

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Eileen Riley Miller ’65 is an attorney with the Women’s Center for Advancement and was called to testify with U.S. Senators Ben Sasse and Deb Fischer in the Brett Kavanaugh case.

On Saturday, Oct. 6, the Servants of Mary honored the 2018 Jubilarians. Those honored and their milestone anniversaries included: 70 years, Sr. Imelda Kirkey; 60 years, Srs. Charlotte Huetteman and Helen Rau; 50 years, Srs. Mary Gehringer ‘66, Mary Lefevre and Caroline Turnovsky ‘66. A single rose was added to the flower arrangement in memory of Sr. Mary Stephen Durant, who would have celebrated her 70th anniversary.

We are deeply thankful for their continued service and dedication to the Servants of Mary.

Creighton University journalism professor Carol Zuegner ’73 spoke to attendees at the Nebraska Press Women’s convention about how new backpack journalist media tools are changing how journalism is practiced. Creighton has a five-week summer immersion backpack program that takes students to all parts of the world Joan Lukas ’77 provided practice PR tips and social media strategies during the spring Nebraska Press Women conference. Joan is the owner of Lukas Partners, an Omaha public relations firm.

Janet Melchior-Kopp ’81 has joined Security National Bank of Omaha as vice president /trust administration manager in its wealth management division.

Rose Ann Shannon Johnson ’69 was inducted into the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame in May 2018. This award recognizes women journalists who through talent, initiative, intelligence and stamina, have made a difference for their profession, their community and those who follow. Rose Ann has been synonymous with broadcast journalism for 45 years. She was KMTV’s first full-time female reporter and later promoted to news director, a position she held for more than 24 years.

Krista Malcolm Freimuth ’83 graduated in January 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in information technology from Bellevue University. Krista is also involved in theatre. She was the assistant stage manager for the Shelterbelt Theatre's "Dairy Maid-Right" production. She serves on the board of directors for the Shelterbelt Theatre and the Theatre Arts Guild.

Susan Baum Wilson ’71 became a certified Healing Touch Practitioner, in addition to holding her massage therapy license and Reiki masters.

Pattie McCormick Ahlgren ’84 joined the staff at St. Wenceslaus Catholic School as assistant principal in the fall of 2018.

ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS

Kathleen Spethman Pallesen ’84 has joined Berry Law Firm in Omaha. Kathleen has practiced law for over 25 years and most recently was in private practice at Spethman Pallesen Law Offices.

Beth McCarthy Engel ’93 threw a Julie Andrews sing-along with her brother at Pageturners in Dundee.

For the past five years the pair have hosted a Christmas Carol sing-along called Caroloke.

Lori Lazure Rusch ’93 was promoted to associate professor of nursing at Creighton University College of Nursing. She was also named the Nebraska Nurses Association 2018 Outstanding Nurse Educator.

Michaela Cavanaugh '97 won the legislative race to represent the 6th District (Central, West-Central Omaha) in the Nebraska State Legislature.

Jordan Boler Grieser ’00 was named to the Midlands Business Journal 2018 class of 40 Under 40, which is made up of Omaha, Sarpy County and Council Bluffs entrepreneurs, executive and professional men and women under the age of 40. Jordan was recognized for her work with Project Harmony at an awards ceremony in November 2018.

Jennifer Hatcher Gjerde ’06 has been elected to the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska board of directors.

Jennifer is a lifelong Girl Scout who earned her Silver Award.

In October 2018, Tara Vaughan’06 held a show at the Omaha Community Playhouse called Tara Vaughn, She Rocks! In November, Tara was back at Marian to visit with the Journalism class about her experience as a professional musician. She will be touring all over North America full-time starting with a three-week run at the Omaha Community Playhouse in June 2019. She Rocks! celebrates women artists and songwriters of the 1960s–1980s, woven together with songs and stories.

Backed by a 4-piece band, Tara performs music from artist like Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Blondie, Heart and many more.

Sarah Jank Callahan ’01 has been appointed executive director of The Lutheran Planned Giving Services.

Amanda Hake Smith ’01 was selected to receive the Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award from the Nebraska Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE). She was recognized at the SHAPE Nebraska Awards Celebration during the SHAPE NE Fall Conference November 2018 at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.

Katie Ryan-Anderson ’03 wrote an article featured in Momaha entitled “Six Things This Mom Misses About Living in Omaha.” Today she lives in North Dakota with her husband and two sons.

Carina Glover '07 is one of three women in tech to be selected to participate in the 2019 "Women Innovators Fellowship" for her development of a new app, HerHeadquarters. The app gives women entrepreneurs a platform to secure local or national brand collaborations with fellow women-owned businesses. She's launching her second business, a media and tech company in spring 2019 with the release of HerHeadquarters.

Erin Feichtinger '06 was elected to the District 2, Metro Board for Metropolitan Community College.

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Kelsey Elman Goldsmith ’07 is a sales executive at Elman & Co., a third-generation family owned printing company, which was founded in 1977.

Ana Lopez Shalla ’08 has been appointed to The Salvation Army Omaha advisory board, which supports the work of The Salvation Army in the Omaha metro by providing mission-based leadership and strategic guidance. Ana serves as program coordinator with Avenue Scholars. Ana earned her undergraduate degree in English and theology from Boston Collage where she graduated cum laude in 2012. She went on to earn her master’s in education from Harvard University.

Ashley Gass ’09 and family opened their first of several Scooter's Coffee shops in Phoenix in November. Ashley is the general manager at the first store and will become the regional manager as more stores continue to open.

Aminatu Rubango ’09 was promoted to associated director of business career services at Loyola University of Chicago and will now manage and direct this unit.

Megan Shupe ’11 earned her juris doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law in May 2018.

In September, she was admitted to practice law in the State of Nebraska and the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska.

Katie Warneke ’13 has joined Lutz and Co. as a staff accountant in both the client accounting services and the tax department.

Simone Duryea ’14 graduated from the United State Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. She has been selected for pilot training school at Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma.

Sara Kreski '14 graduated from TCU in May of 2018 and immediately moved to New York City with her best bud, Samantha. "Now we are exploring this concrete jungle and navigating this new

ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS

chapter of life with all of the sweet triumphs and challenges it brings. We love seeking out new sights, sweet treats, and service in the city! We hope to proactively create, empower and impact our community by seeking joy in the world around us." Check out their weekly vlog, My Bud and Me in NYC! If you have travel plans to visit the city or just want to see some wholesome fun, subscribe to their YouTube Channel or learn more at: www.mybudandmeinnyc.com.

Amanda Wolf ’14 graduated from National University in Galway, Ireland with an undergraduate degree in law.

She is working as a legal assistant in Cork as she begins law school.

Faith Carter ’15 has returned to Nebraska after playing soccer for two years at TCU. Faith transferred to UNL and is now a member of the NU women’s soccer team.

Katlyn Martin ’15 was elected as the student body president at Saint Louis University for the 2018-2019 academic year. Additionally, she serves as a founding member and co-chair of the Jesuit Student Government Alliance, an organization that brings together student body presidents from all 28 Jesuit Colleges and Universities across the country.

Sarah Mullen ’15 was selected to participate in the Pediatric Oncology Education Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This is a highly competitive training program that includes a 12-week internship in laboratory research and several opportunities to shadow physicians in different areas of medicine.

Sarah performed her research in immunology in the laboratory of Dr. Maureen McGargill ’90. Together, they worked on developing a model to test novel

methods of inhibiting autoimmunity without suppressing the entire immune system. These studies could lead to new drugs to treat diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer. While she was performing her internship at St. Jude, Sarah had the opportunity to meet Dr. Peter Doherty who won the Nobel Prize in medicine for discovering how T cells recognize foreign pathogens!

Kayla Young '15 is serving as an intern in the Marian advancement department for the 2018-2019 school year. She assists with various public relations and development projects. Kayla is currently a senior at Creighton majoring in journalism and Spanish.

Taylor McHugh '16 is a junior at Doane University majoring in business administration and law, politics & society with a minor in accounting, leadership and sociology. In May, she accepted an internship position with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) and graduated from pre-service class #718. Taylor earned certifications in Crisis Intervention, Conflict Resolution and Oleoresin Capsicum Chemical Agent through NDCS, and Adult CPR, AED and Basic First Aid through the American Safety Health Institute.

After moving to Texas, Erica Curtis ’18 graduated early and joined the U.S. Army. She graduated from basic training in October 2017 and then went on to AIF (specific job training as a supplies specialist). After completing three months of AIF, she was stationed in El Paso, Texas, for several months, then deployed to South Korea, where she will serve until June 2019.

Maria Determan ’18 is a member of the College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University Chamber Choir, a select mixed-voice touring ensemble. The group, consisting of around 50 auditioned singers, performs high-caliber choral masterworks. The choir performs several times a year and tours regularly – regionally, nationally and internationally. Maria is on a pre-occupational therapy track with a Hispanic studies minor.

Megan Doehner ’18 auditioned and was selected for the University Mastersingers ensemble at Saint Louis University. Mastersingers is a highly selective, small group of vocalists who appear in frequent public performances of early choral music and a cappella works. Megan is currently studying Spanish on a pre-med track.

Audrey Hertel ’18 is a writer for the Daily Nebraskan Student newspaper. She covers music and culture.

Audrey Yost ’18 was awarded first place in the Sports Reaction Photo Contest at the Journalism Convention NSPA Best of the Year Awards for her photo taken at the 2017 state volleyball tournament.

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WEDDINGS A Sarah Jank ’01 married Josh Callahan on

F Elizabeth Casey ’09 married Sean Sullivan on

June 9, 2018. Her bridesmaids included 2001

classmates Erin Kunkle and Marisa Gibb. Her sister, Rachel Jank Misiolek ’98 was the organist

and her daughters, Evelyn and Eleanor, served as

flower girls. The couple honeymooned in Italy

and reside in Omaha.

B Stephanie Peterson ’01 married Jay Ling

on April 21, 2018, at The Living Room at the Mastercraft in north downtown Omaha. The couple took wedding photos in downtown Benson where they had their first date.

Stephanie is a licensed architect and currently the architectural design technology program director and a full-time faculty member at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha.

She is also the professional mentor to Marian's SAME (Society of American Engineers) team!

C Lauren Marek ’02 married Lukas Hill on

Oct. 21, 2017, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Matron of honor was April McDonald Hilleman '02. Lauren is a dental hygienist and is currently in practice at Omaha Dentistry with Dr. T.J. Bolamperti. Lukas graduated from Creighton Prep, served in the Navy as a nuclear machinist mate, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in mathematics operation research.

Megan Foral '03 married Brian Furlong on Oct. 20, 2018, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. A reception followed at the Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District. The couple lives in Cincinnati.

Dec. 1, 2018, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church followed by a reception at Omaha Country Club. Matron of honor was Mary Kate Casey Prebil ’08. Mother of the bride is Marian Alumnae Director Nancy Kettering Casey ’82, and the mother of the groom is Mary Bernard Sullivan ’78. The couple met at Saint Louis University and will make Omaha their home.

G Jessica Graeve ’10 married Philip Scherer on

July 28, 2018, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic

Church in Omaha, followed by a reception at Omaha Design Center. The wedding party included Maddie Graeve ’14 as maid of honor and Lauren Armendariz Gentsch ’10, Caroline Nelsen ’10, Ashley Petersen Ibach ’10, Katie

Mutke ’10, and Kathleen Kendall ’10 as

bridesmaids. Jessica and Phil met in 2009 at

the Marian and Creighton Prep dance team

performance, “Couple’s Dance.”

H Kara Schuele ’11 married John Morgan on Oct. 6,

2018, at St. John Catholic Church. A reception followed at Happy Hollow Club. Alumnae in the wedding were sister and maid of honor Kathy Schuele Schubauer '09, bridesmaids Hannah Wente Peet '11, Maggie Rossiter '11 and mother of the bride Mary Hendrix Schuele ’82. The couple will live in Nashville, Tennessee.

I Emily Fischer '12 married Jay LaFave on Aug. 4,

D Candice Weeks ’02 married John Thomas

April 28, 2018, and had a Harry Potter themed wedding. They honeymooned in Las Vegas.

E Conner Rensch ’07 married Patrick Mack Nov. 24,

2018, and celebrated at a reception at The Barn at the Ackerhurst Dairy Farm in Beinnington, Nebraska.

Sisters Ali Rensch McBride '05 and Quinn Rensch '11, along with Marian classmate Bree Peterson Kotulak '07 were attendants. The couple honeymooned in the Dominican Republic. Conner, a graduate of Vidal Sassoon, owns and operates her own hair salon in 4 Omaha where she and Patrick will reside.

2018, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Denver, and the ceremony was officiated by Fr. Tom Merkel, SJ. A reception followed at the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek. The wedding party included Marian alumnae: Tori Nietzel '12, maid of honor, and bridesmaids: Molly LaFave '15, Michaela McDonald '12 and Megan Andreasen '12. The couple lives and works in downtown Denver. Emily is a marketing coordinator at HDR Engineering and Jay is a systems engineer at DMC. These high school sweethearts traveled to Belize for their honeymoon to swim with sharks and read on the beach.

Cassie Thompson ’12 married Kyle Soles on May 26, 2018, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Omaha.

J Alexa Horn ’14 married Evan Pille on Nov. 3, 2018.

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"See tiny fingers and tiny toes,

bright baby eyes, cute baby nose; hear baby gurgles and baby sighs,

as we sing our lullabies."

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BABIES A Katie Griffith Fisher ’94 and husband Steve welcomed their fourth child, Lucy Abigail, on Sept. 11, 2018.

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Becky Stiverson Bezousek ’97 and husband Joe welcomed Patrick Ignatius Elias on Aug. 2, 2017. He joins big brothers Matthew, age 7, Mark and Ethan, both age 3.

C Molly Adams Woodman ’97 and husband Pat welcomed their fourth child, Leo Forrest, on July 18, 2018. Leo joins siblings, Ozzie, Daisy and Ike. D

Nicole Mausbach Kuehl ’00 and husband Aaron welcomed their third baby, Collette Rose Joan, on Sept. 11, 2018. Collette joins big sister Mia and brother Kanon.

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Micayla Nemer Lee ’02 and husband Phil welcomed their third son, Philip William, on May 29, 2018. Philip joins big brothers Augie, age 6, and Teddy, age 4.

F Nikki Fyfe Prellwitz ’02 and husband Nate welcomed Logan Thomas on June 19, 2018.

G Allie Gasnick Bruening ’03 and husband Ross welcomed their second child, Hank Rosco, on Sept. 10, 2018. Hank joins big brother Gus. H Anne Borghoff Burke ’05, husband Patrick and big sister Katherine welcomed Claire Marie on Sept. 23, 2018.

I Cara Wagman Grefe ’05 and husband Bradley welcomed Lincoln James on Sept. 6, 2018.

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Ali Rensch McBride ‘05 and husband Ian welcomed their third baby boy, Callahan Patrick, on July 2, 2018. He joins big brothers Teddy, age 3, and Anderson, 15 months.

K Stephanie Jackson ’06 welcomed Ryker Kendrick Watts on April 11, 2018.

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Breann Dougherty Meisinger ’06 and husband Max welcomed their first child, June Maxwell, on April 3, 2018. Cathi Benak ’79 is a proud grandmother.

M Brittany DeWitt Trautman ’11 and husband Darin welcomed their first child, a boy named Knox Jameson, on Aug. 11, 2018.

N Peter Cunningham, Marian faculty member, and wife Beth welcomed their first child, McKinley Ann, on Oct. 26, 2018.

O Craig Panning, Marian faculty member, and wife Amanda welcomed Emma Faith on Aug. 20, 2018.

P Jillian Roger, Marian faculty member, and husband Andrew welcomed Wilhelmina Jean on Oct. 29, 2018.

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DECEASED ALUMNAE

A Ve'Lores Pugh Martin Thompson '59, sister of Rita Pugh '63 B Michelle Heavican Stroupe ‘67 C Jane Ann Josh Chamberlin '69, sister of Cindy Josh ’70 D Margaret Lynch Cody '69, sister of Pat Lynch Westrup '64 E Teresa Saenz Sutton '73, sister of Marie Saenz McLoughlin '70 F Jane Mellen ’74, sister of Mary Mellen Fleming ’69 ✝, Katie Mellen Bloom ’70 and Ann Mellen ’73 G Peg Shepherd ’82, mother of Sadie Shepherd '19, sister of Bridget Shepherd Yordt '68, Pam Shepherd Yarpe '76, Laurie Shepherd Witthauer '77 and Kay Shepherd Alt '80, past staff, 1997-2002 H Marcy Donovan Ramold '83, sister of Kelley Donovan Doyle '80 I Julie Brannen Costello ’91, daughter of Jan Brownrigg Brannen ’69; sister of Mary Brannen ’97 and Laura Brannen ’05; sister-in-law of Kristy Shea Brannen ’96; niece of Kathy Brownrigg Loyd ’69 and Joni Brownrigg Garvey ’72 J Derrith Loneman Murphy ’91, sister of Sara Loneman Nemo '93 and Meghann Loneman Frey '97 K Patricia Leahy ’11, daughter of Colleen Taylor Leahy ’79; sister of Megan Leahy ’06 MARIAN MAGAZINE

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R E M E M B R A N C E S C O N T I N U E D. . .

Allen Amandus, father-in-law of Sarah McNary Amandus ’95

David Cannon, brother-in-law of Robbie McDermott Cannon ’75

Thomas Archer, father of Jeanne Archer Rice ’80; grandfather of Dana Rice ’11 and Jaime Rice ’14

Joan Cappello, grandmother of Jenni Lord McDorman ’99 and Becky Lord ’01

Mary Ann Arnone, mother of Amy Arnone Bene’ ’82; grandmother of Christine Bene’ Gladman ’02, Michelle Bene’ Kloppenborg ’08 and Elizabeth Bene’ ’09

Nora Carey, sister of Carleen Goodwin Braun ’67

Patricia Arps, sister-in-law of Maralee Battiato Lombardo ’66 Joel Babcock, father-in-law of Corinne Sertterh Babcock ’73 Rita Bachtell, grandmother of Nikki Bachtell ’05

Mark Ciciulla, brother Peg Ciciulla Austin ’75, Mary Beth Ciciulla Durkan ’77, Colleen Ciciulla ’79, Ellen Ciciulla Powell ’83 and Cathy Ciciulla Neppel ’86 Salvatore Ciciulla, father of Peg Ciciulla Austin ’75, Mary Beth Ciciulla Durkan ’77, Colleen Ciciulla ’79, Ellen Ciciulla Powell ’83 and Cathy Ciciulla Neppel ’86; grandfather of Cala Durkan Borovac ’06, Alex Powell ’09 and Megan Powell ’14

Ernest Banks, father-in-law of Cathy Harrison Banks ’85 Susan Colson, grandmother of Tatum Kuti ’19 Ruth Beers, grandmother of Melaine McCormick ’10, Bridget Tuttle ’12, Bethany McCormick ’13 and Emma Tuttle ’14; mother of Janet Tuttle, faculty

Mary M. Costello, mother of Charlotte Costello ’67 Roy Craven, brother-in-law of Karen Craven ’61

James Benak, grandfather of Emily Benak ’12; father-in-law of Anne Carnes Benak ’76

Catherine Crawford, grandmother of Marie McNamara ’12 and Hallie McNamara ’15

Mary Genevieve Betterman, mother of Mary Jane Betterman ’72; grandmother of Jennifer Betterman ’94, Shannon Betterman ’98 and Kelly Haas ’06

Dorothy Crnkovich, mother-in-law of Susan Erhart Crnkovich ’73

Edward Bianchi, father of Rita Bianchi ’70 and Carol Bianchi Rademacher ’72

Dorothy Czyz, grandmother of Laura Czyz Snere ’96, Jennifer Czyz Elsener ’01 and Ashlee Czyz ’21

Helen Bisson, grandmother of Laura Bisson Kinney ’03; mother-in-law of Sally Brown Bisson ’74

Francis Dalhoff, father of Diane Dalhoff Carpenter ’74 and Mary Jo Dalhoff Zabel ’76; father-in-law of Maureen Hoody Dalhoff ’74

Donald Bohnenkamp Jr., brother of Beth Bohnenkamp Bart ’64 and Nancy Bohnenkamp Koupal ’66

Paul DeVries, grandfather of Allison Nebbia Boulay ’11 and Maggie Nebbia ’13

Thomas Bosiljevac, father of Jessica Bosiljevac ’07 Barbara Boyer, grandmother of Bethany Widman ’04; mother-in-law of Kathy Bellus Widman ’78

Alvaro Diaz, grandfather of Abby Diaz ’12; father-in-law of Ann Marie Marasco ’87 Lawrence Donovan, grandfather of Megan Heeney ’03

Dorothea Brandl, grandmother of Jessica Brandl ’12 Sr. Mary Ellen Doyle, OSM, faculty, 2001-2011 Dolores Branecki, mother of Linda Branecki Rider ’72 and Sue Branecki Murphy ’77 Clarence Bueltel, stepfather of Chris O'Malley Shreve ’77 Beatrice Burns, mother of Ann Marie Burns Baker ’74 and Cynthia Burns St. George ’83

ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS

Sr. Mary Stephen Durant, OSM Daniel Egan, father of Eileen Egan ’69, past faculty, and Paula Egan ’79 Marjorie Einerson, mother-in-law of Karyl Pantano Einerson ’75

Adelaide Erftmier, grandmother of Lizzie Erftmier ’14; mother-in-law of Anne Bernard Erftmier ’85 Neill Everitt Jr., father of Mamie Everitt Stiles ’75, Anne Everitt Von Trapp ’79, Francis Everitt Vail ’81, Flo Everitt August ’81 and Bridget Everitt Rapoza ’82; grandfather of Makayla Stiles ’01

Mary Elizabeth Hartigan, sister of Nancy Lacy Taylor ’82 Joan Hayes, grandmother of Tina Vasko ’03 and Johanna Vasko ’15 Gayle Hendrickson, grandmother of Jackie Tondl ’12 and Lauren Tondl ’14

Albert Frank, father of Christina Frank Erwin ’90 and Maria Frank Proctor ’96

Mark Herold, brother of Anne Herold Thompson ’89 and Jill Herold Poole ’91

Mary Gartland, grandmother of Kelly Kunkel ’08 and Kristy Kunkel ’11

Edward William Herzberg, father of Billee Jo Herzberg ’94; brother of Marge Herzberg Drickey ’76 and Cathy Herzberg ’77

Joseph Giesler, brother of Julie Giesler Gallegos ’81 and Jenni Giesler Rhoades ’82

Lynn Rosenlof Hoelting, sister-in-law of Susan Macaitis Rosenlof ’82

Sharon Glandt, grandmother of Calli Camenzind-Soll ’09 Joseph Holthaus grandfather of Jacqueline Alvine ’10 Michael Goodwin, brother of Carleen Goodwin Braun ’67 Daniel Grabow, spouse of Cyndi Gengler Grabow ’69; brother-in-law of Nancy Gengler ’71, Cheryl Gengler Wells ’73 and Kim Gengler Lagrou ’79 Jessie Grasso, mother of Sue Grasso Hall ’74 and Gina Grasso Sword ’87

Timothy Howell, brother-in-law of Mary Beth Wright Howell ’70 Edward Huss, father of Joy Huss Collier ’79 Raymond Jordan, father of Weslyene Roach Lee ’87 John Kaplan, father-in-law of Theresa Vollmer Kaplan ’79

Charles Grady, father of Robyn Grady ’91 and Courtney Grady West ’93; grandfather of Cece West ’21

Patricia Kern, mother of Amy Kern ’88; grandmother of Kathryn Blaser ’13

Thomas Greise, grandson of Linda Steinbeck Pollock ’70 Rosalee Ketcham, grandmother of Alexis Ketcham ’21 Robert Griffith, father of Pam Griffith Schmidt ’90 and Tricia Griffith Graves ’91; grandfather of Kaitlyn Griffith ’10, Rebecca Flores ’13, Teresa Schmidt ’15, Laura Schmidt ’19 and Anna Schmidt ’22; father-in-law of Doreen Finochiaro Griffith ’79

Delores Kirchofer, grandmother of Madeline Kirchofer ’16 Jack Kirkwood, father-in-law of Candi Meis Kirkwood ’91 Douglas Kopp Jr., spouse of Bev Senske Kopp ’66

George Grogan, spouse of Susanne Harman Grogan ’70; brother-in-law of Marcia Harman ’66, Sheila Harman Reuting ’68 and Monica Harman Boyle ’69

Lorraine Krick, grandmother of Grace Thede ’19 Alice Lafferty, grandmother of Sarah Lafferty ’12

Robert Guillaume, father of Cori Guillaume ’00 Helen Gustafson, grandmother of Grace Gustafson ’17

Kenneth Lampert, father of Leslie Lampert Martinec ’00; grandfather of Lizzy Lampert ’21; father-in-law of Michaela Reynolds Lampert ’97

Judy Hall, mother of Kaymie Hall Valiani ’83 Lorraine Hallock, grandmother of Kristina Turk Hall ’07 James Haney, brother of Sharon Haney ’65 and Patricia Haney Adams ’70 Elizabeth McKim Hotz Hartigan, grandmother of Grace Hotz ’09 and Catelin Hotz ’12

Mary Landen, grandmother of Mary Huerter ’04, Megan Huerter Shirk ’06, Rebecca Huerter ’09, Katie Landen ’09 and Kelly Landen ’14 Nellie Lang, grandmother of Colleen Lang ’97, Cathleen Lang ’99 and Mary Jo Lang ’03 Anthony Lassek, father of Lorree Lassek Halmon ’85 MARIAN MAGAZINE

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R E M E M B R A N C E S C O N T I N U E D. . .

Elizabeth Latka, grandmother of Emily Latka ’06, Hannah Latka ’10, Marti Latka ’11 and Scout Latka ’22 Georgene Lindeman, mother of Grace Lindeman Cominoli ’73 Peggy Mainelli, sister of Eileen Mainelli ’83 Albert Marcil, father of Amy Marcil Igel ’78; grandfather of Kristin Hartquist Sands ’99

Donald Nicola, father of Susan Nicola Walenz ’68 and Nanci Nicola Mahon ’71; grandfather of Hannah Portis ’12 and Greta Portis ’16 Kyle Niss, son of Carol Cooper Niss ’82; nephew of Sharon Cooper ’70, Lorain Cooper ’76, Elaine Cooper ’77 and Amy Cooper ’80 Jan Owens, sister-in-law of Dawn Erdei Owens ’72, Mary Owens Reames ’74 and Theresa Owens Stambaugh ’77

Suzanne Mathey, grandmother of Maria Mathey ’14 Dave Mattas, father of Ashley Mattas ’01 and Melissa Mattas ’05

Gracia Pacana, mother of Maya Pacana Bredenkamp ’88 and Josephine Pacana Clinton ’91 William Palais Sr., father of Mary Margaret Palais ’80

Marilyn Mattern, grandmother of Elizabeth Mattern ’16 Robert L. Mayer Jr., grandfather of Lauren Mayer ’17, Morgan Mayer ’19 and Daley Mayer ’22

Mariann Pape, grandmother of Maren Lebens ’15, Emily Pape ’16 and Elise Pape ’16 Deborah Pelan, grandmother of Samantha Pelan ’21

Margaret McCarthy, grandmother of Hillary McCarthy ’06, Katie McCarthy ’15 and Brooke McCarthy ’18 Virginia McGee, mother-in-law of Kathleen Sorensen McGee ’78, past faculty Paul Meister, grandfather of Liz Meister ’12

Anita Peters, mother of Anita Peters Worth ’60 and Michelle Peters Byrnes ’78 Peter J. Peters, grandfather of Abby Peters ’13 Harold Peterson, father of Francesca Peterson ’83 and Jennifer Peterson Bertino ’85

Betty Mollner, mother of Maryanne Mollner Banola ’67 John Pleskac, grandfather of Sarah Pravecek ’13 Robert Mollner, father of Maryanne Mollner Banola ’67 Daniel Powers, brother of Mary Powers ’69 Leland Monson, father of Karen Monson ’76 and Melinda Monson Quinn ’80 Sharon Morford, mother of Christine Morford Egerton ’89, Theresa Morford ’90, Stephanie Morford Sinnott ’94 and Katie Morford Schwartz ’00; grandmother of Samantha Morford ’09 Jean Morrow, past faculty, 1973-1975 Stephen Murphy, brother of Eileen Murphy Busenbark ’68 and Mary Murphy Swift ’76

Helen Ptacek, grandmother of Toni Ptacek ’14 Patricia Ramsey, mother of Jeanne Ramsey Grassau ’76 and Ellen Ramsey Pagett ’81 Phyllis Raschke, grandmother of Kelley Raschke ’93, Kim Raschke ’96 and Lindsey Raschke ’01; mother-in-law of Linda Wilder Raschke ’70 Steven Reznicek, father of Jen Reznicek Graalfs ’05 Gay Rich, spouse of Ann Cannon ’77

John R. Neary, father of Maureen Neary Miller ’70, Michaela Neary ’73, Patty Neary Brudney ’75 and Sheila Neary Fassbind ’81; grandfather of Jaime Miller Burke ’00, Megan Brudney ’07 and Ann Brudney ’10 Ruth Nicklin, grandmother of Emily Andres ’02

Gerald Rickabaugh, grandfather of Amanda Rickabaugh ’08 and Jessica Rickabaugh ’09 Elizabeth Roeder, mother-in-law of Cate Bausch Westphalen ’68 Elizabeth Ronspies, grandmother of Betsy Ronspies ’11; mother-in-law of Rhonda Ronspies, staff

ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS

Dan Rowen, father of Megan Rowen ’96 and Molly Rowen Harmon ’01

Michael Truscott, spouse of Debbie Martin Truscott ’89 Sr. Mary Anna Vintland, O.S.M., past faculty

Edmund Russell, father of Mary Russell ’74, Susan Russell Toohey ’82, past Head of School, 2009-2014, and Ginny Russell Curley ’86; grandfather of Caitlin Toohey ’09, Hannah Toohey ’12, Addie Curley ’14 and Juliana Curley ’15; spouse of Anne Russell ✝, past faculty and staff 1980-1990 Samuel Scholl, infant son of Ellen Stryker Scholl ’05, nephew of Suzanne Stryker Macaulay ’00 and grandson of George Stryker, past faculty and coach Thomas Schroeger, (d. 2013) son of Colleen O’Toole Schroeger ’71 and nephew of Maureen O’Toole Jones ’70 Michael Skow, spouse of Jennifer Fox Skow ’79; brother-in-law of Kris Fox Scahill ’73

Nora Vondra, mother-in-law of Heidi Floersch Vondra ’98 Duane Vosberg, grandfather of Taylor Asche ’16 Mary Claire Wagner, grandmother of Mandy Tessmer Yahnke ’05, Megan Tessmer Vermeer ’10 and Molly Tessmer ’14 Elenore Welniak, mother of Vicki Welniak Maggio ’80 and Sandy Welniak ’82; mother-in-law of Ann Vacanti Welniak ’88 Shirley Whalen, mother of Cheryl Whalen Dwyer ’73 ✝ and Mary Whalen Bolamperti ’81; grandmother of Kailey Dwyer ’02, Shannon Dwyer ’06, Lindsay Bolamperti ’13 and Lauren Bolamperti ’16

Gloria Mae Speiker, grandmother of Isabella Bortolotti ’21 John Stefan, father of Colleen Stefan Ostdiek ’87; grandfather of Anna Stefan ’22 Arlene and David Steier, parents of Kate Steier Svendsen ’03 and Lauren Steier Miltenberger ’07; brother and sister-in-law of Sue Steier ’63; brother-in-law and sister-in-law of Carole Novotny Steier ’71 and Nancy Buckingham Steier ’73 Dennis Sullivan, father of Molly Sullivan ’89 Joan Sullivan, mother of Kirsten Sullivan Wooten ’78 Dorsi Sweet, sister of Fondra Sweet Bolen ’73 and Norene Sweet Grieb ’76 Arlene Swoboda, mother of Teri Swoboda Schwarz ’76, Conni Swoboda Lane ’78 and Margie Swoboda Forman ’84; grandmother of Anna Swoboda ’18; mother-in-law of Theresa Poell Swoboda ’82

William Wilbur, father of Julie Wilbur Ellis ’87 and Jill Wilbur Vodicka ’90 Jane Wilder, mother of Linda Wilder Raschke ’70; grandmother of Kelly Raschke Anderson ’93, Kim Raschke ’96 and Lindsey Raschke ’01 Jeffrey Wilson (d. Jan. 2018), spouse of Linda Kronschnabel Wilson ’79 Eleanor Wingender, mother of Mary Kay Wingender McCarthy ’75 and Pamela Wingender Begley ’85; grandmother of Katherine McCarthy ’04, Elizabeth Crowley Van Winkle ’05, Anne McCarthy ’07, Emily Crowley ’07 and Claire McCarthy ’11 Margaret Witt, grandmother of Laura Witt ’96, Mary Witt Gargano ’01, Sarah Witt ’04, Rachel Witt ’10 and Taylor Long ’14 Helen Wollen, mother of Mary Wollen Ehlers ’76

Gabriela Szablowski, mother of Rita Szablowski Hoffman ’66

Pat Zach, grandmother of Katie Zach Witt ’01 and Claire Zach Ives ’07; mother-in-law of Mary Sova Zach ’76

Charles Taucreti, brother of Judy Taucreti ’65 and Jeanne Taucreti Schlegel ’67 ✝

S T O R Y B Y E M I LY D I E S I N G ‘ 1 9

Devin Thompson, grandson of Patty Sedlacek Teal ’67 Patricia Treinen, grandmother of Samantha Treinen ’09 and Rachel Treinen ’11

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RSVP ONLINE AT BIDPAL.NET/MARIANFEST FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 2019 OMAHA MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN 5:30 P.M. | COCKTAILS & SILENT AUCTION 7:30 P.M. | DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT 8:30 P.M. | LIVE AUCTION & RAFFLE DRAWING

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MARIANFEST EXECUTIVE CHAIRS: Corey and Cali Watton, Scott and Becky Stanek Carrico ’92, Larry and Peggy Spethman Zier ’87, Mike and Kathleen Spethman Pallesen ’84, Patrick and Sharon Flanery, John and Katie McClellan, and Robb and Melissa Steffes

marianhighschool.net

STUDENT REFLECTIONS F O R YO U F R O M M E

BY FRANCES CIHUNKA ‘21

PHOTO BY AUDREY OTWELL '19

One of you reading this (Or maybe all of you) Needs to know something.

You were made as a star.

Bright, incandescent, and beaming.

A light for others to follow.

A beauty, a marvel, a wish.

A hope.

Stars are there every day and every night.

They hold wishes, fears and dreams.

They guide us.

So, no matter who you are or who you think you are.

What you’re going through or how you feel.

You are a star.

And stars shine brightest in the dark.

MARIAN MAGAZINE

WINTER ISSUE

PG 63

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Omaha, NE Permit #323

7400 MILITARY AVENUE OMAHA, NE 68134

Mary Higgins ‘69 President Susie Spethman Sullivan '80 Principal Karen Cimpl Hotz ‘79 Vice President for Advancement khotz@omahamarian.org Nancy Kettering Casey ’82 Alumnae Director ncasey@omahamarian.org Sr. Jackie Thorn, OSM Prayer Needs jthorn@omahamarian.org

THE MARIAN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED TWO TIMES PER YEAR THROUGH THE MARIAN ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT. PLEASE REPORT ANY ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRECTIONS TO:

Susan Macaitis Rosenlof '82 Marketing and Communications Director srosenlof@omahamarian.org

STAY IN TOUCH WITH ALL THINGS MARIAN THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA! WE'LL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE ON EVENTS, NEWS AND INFORMATION AT MARIAN.

marianhighschool.net

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