Spring 2014
Marian Magazine Creating a Confident Future
Better Leadership Skills Are Brewing, page 6 Maureen McGargill ’90 Fights the Flu, page 8 50 New Works of Barb Gehringer ’82, page 17 A Look Inside the Kish Auditorium, page 23 1
Letter from Head of School Dear Marian Family, Dear Marian Family, For almost one year, I have focused on discussing the key findings from my doctoral research, entitled “What Makes More Resilient Young Women? Leadership, work, independence and participation,” and how it relates to the work we do at Marian. While Marian strives to develop the resilience of young women at school, there are also several things that can be done at home to aid in this process. One of the key findings was that young women who work and complete chores at home while in high school have higher resilience scores. From babysitting to working in a time-clock environment (including grocery stores, restaurants and professional offices), any type of work or chore is beneficial. In my research, there is no substantial difference in resilience scores when a student works one to six hours per week, or seven to 13 hours per week. However, it should be noted that a young woman’s resilience score begins to drop when she works over 14 hours per week. This emphasizes the need for parents to help their daughter balance her work life with her school, family and social life. Similarly, it was quite clear that those young women who had a chore completion expectation of as few as five minutes a day had a higher resilience score than those who had no expectation. The chores do not need to take long or be physically demanding. They can be as simple as taking the garbage cans to the curb, unloading the dishwasher, being responsible for picking up a sibling every day from elementary school or preparing dinner for the family. I also found there is a positive impact on a young woman’s resilience score when there is less communication with her parents during her freshman year of college. The research was very clear that the more a parent communicated with the child during the first year of college, the lower the resilience score. We hope that students leave Marian with the knowledge and skills to be independent. When parents allow their daughters to practice that independence in the real world, they assist their daughter in becoming a more resilient young woman. Together, educators and parents can create a confident future for our young women. While Marian strives to develop more resilient young women at school, parents can positively impact their daughter’s resilience at home. By allowing her to work while in high school, expecting chores to be completed, and less communication when she is away at college, parents can help their daughter be ready to accept life’s challenges. For, as we have been told, “Train a child the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
God bless,
Dr. Susan Russell Toohey ’82 Head of School
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In this issue:
Marian is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young
Marian Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Better Leadership Skills Are Brewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
women founded by the Servants of Mary and dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Marian teaches the beliefs of the Roman
Maureen McGargill: Of Mice and Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Crusader Goes the Extra Mile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 50 New Works of Barb Gehringer ’82. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Catholic faith in a caring and loving community atmosphere. The mission of Marian High School is to commit all its
Future Marian Girls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
resources to the college preparatory education of young
Sr. Marianna De Simone, OSM Announces Retirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Inside the Kish Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
women, teaching them to be leaders and life-long learners in a society where their talents and
Alumnae Today.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
faith will give hope to the world.
Alumnae Class News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Magazine Contributors Writers Kaitlin O’Hara Ahart ’05, Editor and Director of Communications Nora Neary ’14, Marian Network Newspaper Staff Writer Proofreaders Amy Schumacher Bauman ’92, English Teacher Sarah Jank ’01, Director of Advancement
Alumnae News Nancy Kettering Casey ’82, Director of Alumnae Relations
Layout and Design Tracie Sis, Green Hat Creative Heads
Photography Kaitlin O’Hara Ahart ’05
Printing Elman & Co.
Scott Peak Janet Hoffman Omaha World-Herald St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Marian Journalism Students 3
Marian Today Since Marian opened its doors in 1955, the young women who have come and gone have continued to prove themselves as empowered, confident, independent, thinking leaders; today Marian is no different. Our Marian girls are embracing leadership roles in the classroom, on the stage, on the court and in their community.
Why I Chose Marian: Pam Mortenson Family Members: Married to husband Tim for 28 years. We have three children. Matt (22) graduated from Blair High School and is finishing up his degree in Construction Management at University of Nebraska – Omaha. Mike (19) is also a graduate of Blair High School. Grace (15) is freshman at Marian. Education Information: I graduated high school from Westside. I am also a graduate of UNO, where I received bachelor’s degrees in finance and management. Occupation: I worked at First Data for 18 years before starting my own consulting practice, where I worked with a variety of companies to help them with strategic planning and operational projects. While consulting, I conducted a project with West Corporation that turned into a full time position at West. I have been with West for 10 years, where I am now part of its Healthcare Practice. Are you from Omaha? Yes, I have lived here most of my life. I was born in Oklahoma and lived in Texas as a young child and then moved to Omaha when I was about 10 years old. Today, my family and I live just outside of Blair. Where did Grace go to middle school? Grace went to Ott Middle School in Blair.
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How are you involved with Marian? I am a new member on the Marian Enrollment Committee. I volunteer at Marian Moms’ lunches and support The Marian Fund. What was your best family vacation/what is your dream vacation? Our favorite family vacation has been to a place called Captiva Island, Florida. We love going there to get away, relax and reconnect as a family. We all love this special place! Is there anything that surprised you about Marian? I was really surprised when I learned the long tenure of many of the teachers at Marian. I have been very pleased with the quality of teachers we have met thus far. I was also amazed at all of the clubs and activities available to the girls. The other amazing thing about Marian is the sisterhood that the girls feel from the very start! How did you hear about Marian? We heard about Marian through friends whose daughters had attended Marian and everyone was very positive about their experience. We attended Marian’s Open House a couple of times and Grace shadowed with a Marian girl for a day. Grace was hooked!
Grace ’17 and Pam Mortenson
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We chose Marian for its reputation of having excellent academics and really preparing young women for college. We also felt Marian would provide our daughter, Grace, with a very well-rounded experience in high school – academics, spirituality and faith, community service, clubs and leadership opportunities. As we were making our decision on sending Grace to Marian, we were reminded of a feeling we had every time we attended a Marian event. Grace also played a very big part in making the Marian decision. She did a lot of her own research about Marian through the website and talked to people who had experience with Marian. The feedback was nothing but positive! As parents, we know we made the right choice by sending Grace to Marian. I know she is very proud to say she attends Marian. It is truly a special place that is often hard to put into words; you just have to experience it!
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A ca d e mics
Teachers, Staff Celebrate Service Milestones Marian honored five staff members for their service at the annual Breakfast of Gratitude, hosted by the Board of Directors on Jan. 29, 2014. The breakfast is a way for the board to thank faculty and staff for their dedication to furthering the mission of Marian—teaching young women to be leaders and life-long learners in a society where their talents and faith will give hope to the world. This year, the following staff members were honored for dedicating a combined total of 100 years of service to Marian: Sr. Peggy Miller, OSM ’65 - 10 years of service Marsha Kalkowski - 20 years of service Susie Sisson - 20 years of service Quarter Century Club - 25 years of service Rochelle Rohlfs • Kathy Tompkins
Sr. Marianna De Simone, OSM announced her retirement in January. See her story on page 21.
Left to right: Sr. Marianna De Simone, OSM, Sr. Peggy Miller, OSM ’65, Susie Sisson, Marsha Kalkowski, Kathy Tompkins, Dr. Susan Toohey ’82, Rochelle Rohlfs
Standing, left to right: Sarah Mullen ’15, Claire Davis ’16, Susie Dineen ’15, Bailey Nihsen ’15. Seated, left to right: Monica Spence ’14, Addie Curley ’14, Lauren Tondl ’14.
ISSN Delegation Formed at Rutgers Model Congress Seven Marian students expanded their knowledge of international relations when they attended Rutgers Model Congress in December with history teacher Kim Remmick. During this four-day simulation of diplomatic dialogue, students from across the nation represented various countries and international actors. They participated in debate and proposed resolutions within their respective committees, highlighting some of the most pressing issues affecting our global community today. Servite High School (Anaheim, Calif.) also attended the event. Together with Marian, they wore matching lapel pins and formed the International Servite Schools Network (ISSN) delegation. The ISSN was the only multischool delegation represented at the congress. Both schools look forward to returning again next year.
Student Board Recognized Marian’s Student Board raised more than $1,100 for MakeA-Wish Foundation with “Penny Wars” and “free dress for philanthropy” during the week of Dec. 2 to 6, 2013, surpassing last year’s fundraising total! Classes competed against each other and the faculty/staff by contributing coins for the organization. The faculty/staff of Marian came in first place and the sophomores followed in second. Student Board also collected money from students and teachers for a free dress day. All proceeds benefited Make-A-Wish. At the Nebraska Association of Student Councils State Convention, Marian’s Student Board was recognized for its continued support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and as an outstanding student council at the gold level. Last year, Student Board donated $1,000 to the organization from the proceeds of “Penny Wars” and “free dress for philanthropy.”
Student Board Treasurer and junior Julianna Curley helps Mrs. Julie O’Doherty tally the freshmen’s daily fundraising total.
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Better Leadership Skills Are Brewing labor where the coffee is grown. Now Marian girls can rest easy knowing there is no need to make an extra stop on the way to school. They can even count one good deed before the bell rings – simply by sipping on coffee. Graphic by Sarah Brashear ’14
Article featured in the October issue of The Network by Nora Neary ’14
Not only does The Blue Brew help wake up Marian girls after a sleepless night of studying for that Baker Government test, but it also saves the world simultaneously – or at least part of it. The coffee is purchased from Arbor Day Foundation, which promotes shade-grown coffee. This leads to preventing deforestation as well as helping reduce child
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FBLA members are excited to get a taste of the real world. “I feel like I have learned a lot about responsibility since the opening. I have to be there on time to set up and clean everything afterwards, or else The Blue Brew will not run as smoothly,” said Bailee Moylan ’14. “I realize now you need all members of the team to pitch in or things simply will not go as well.” Moylan is not the only member happy about the shop. “All of the members were really excited about opening day! We sold more than 30 cups, which is great, and we have super high hopes for the coming year,” said Hannah Hertel ’14. Consumers are just as excited about what is to come as the store owners. “I don’t really drink coffee but I never have time for breakfast; I am stoked to hear they are adding more items to choose from,” said Margaret Begley ’15. Many coffee drinkers are excited to buy drinks for a cheaper price as well. “It will save me a lot of money to get coffee here instead of
Although it may not be able to provide your favorite venti frappuccino, The Blue Brew will fulfill your caffeine addiction for half the cash. One cup of plain coffee is $1.50, coffee with milk or syrup is $1.75, and a cup of coffee with milk and syrup is $2. Bringing your own cup gives you a 25 cent discount for promoting eco-friendly behavior. FBLA members have expanded The Blue Brew menu to include breakfast snacks rather than just coffee. They also serve hot chocolate, cookies, ciders, and muffins. To date, FBLA has raised more than $660. Another one of Panning’s hopes is to make enough money to create an FBLA scholarship in the next few years for students who show exemplary leadership and business skills.
Graphic by Sarah Brashear ’14
Getting your caffeine fix in the morning just became a little easier with the assistance of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Sept. 16, 2013 marked the opening of Marian’s newest addition – The Blue Brew. Every Monday and Wednesday members of FBLA will be providing coffee at the concession stand before school. The idea for this innovative new shop was formulated by Head of School Dr. Susan Toohey, who handed the project over to FBLA moderator Mr. Craig Panning as an opportunity for larger student involvement.
The Blue Brew’s behind-the-scenes work is done by FBLA members to teach them how to run a real business (with some help from Mr. Panning, of course). The students rotate shifts and also handle the budget and all of the materials while Panning supervises. “I was very involved at the beginning, but once the [coffee shop] had taken off, I wanted the girls to be as independent as possible,” said Panning.
Starbucks or Scooters so I am happy with the new addition,” said Abbie Kubat ’14.
Announcing the Class of 2014 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Marian is proud to honor Erin McClellan as the Class of 2014 Valedictorian. Erin was commended because of her rigorous commitment to academic leadership and her ongoing dedication to Marian’s high standards. Madison Kenney has been named the Class of 2014 Salutatorian. Madison was named salutatorian because of her dedication to academic success and her proven ability to meet and exceed her own goals and expectations. Marian congratulates both ladies on this outstanding academic achievement.
Left to right: Newly inducted National Honor Society members, Amalia Hansen ‘14, Molly Harrison ‘14 and Alexa Horn ‘14
2013 National Honor Society Induction Nearly 70 juniors and seniors were inducted into the Marian Chapter of the National Honor Society on Nov. 20, 2013 in the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center. Dr. Toohey gave congratulatory remarks and a brief reception followed. Membership is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership and service.
Marian salutatorian Madison Kenney ’14 (left) and valedictorian Erin McClellan ’14 (right)
The Blue Brew debut. Marian girls from all grades decided to test the waters of the new coffee shop. Dozens of Marian students cozied up with a cup of joe on Sept. 18, 2013. Senior FBLA members Maria Mathey, Morgan Lubeck, and Madeline Edwards volunteered to assist Mr. Craig Panning. FBLA members are scheduled to work the coffee shop for various shifts throughout the year. The Blue Brew is open to students and parents before school on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Seniors Maranda Beck Kristin Belitz Sarah Brown Sara Cipolla Bailey Costello Megan Frederes Mary Fuxa Samantha Gardner Amalia Hansen Molly Harrison Alexa Horn Jennifer Jurek Kelly Landen Taylor Long Monica Marasco Rachel Metzler Morgan Mitchell Hannah Nelson Meghan Schumacher Shannon Smith Caroline Steinauer
Juniors Kailey Bachman Emily Bashus Kathleen Bever Audrey Burt Caroline Byrne Erin Carollo Sarah Cronin Julianna Curley Abigail Drobny Emma Fletcher Hannah Frisbie Claire Gulseth Fiona Kennedy Molly LaFave Julia Lanoha Morgan Leatherman Natalie Lucas Maggie Mainelli Katlyn Martin Marie McCusker Anabelle McDonald Hallie McNamara Baylie Moravec Bridget Mulhall
Sarah Mullen Taylor Munchrath Maeve Nelson Katherine Pallesen Mary Pearson Alexandra Regan Elizabeth Schumacher Margaret Shonsey Madison Shramek Megan Smith Margaret Stahlnecker Paula Stevens Kayla Sullivan Addison Thonen Elizabeth Van Dyke Brooklynn Venteicher Lauren Warner Kelly Weiler Emily Welchans Katherine White Anna Winkeler Mary Woodruff Emily Worth Kayla Young
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When McGargill was a student at Marian, she thought she had it all figured out. She wanted to be a pediatrician. “Marian prepared me extremely well for Creighton,” she said. She wasted no time in declaring herself a pre-medicine student and loaded her schedule with science courses. She also became a volunteer in the pediatric department at St. Joseph’s Hospital. However, she soon learned that she could not disconnect her emotions from the very real situations she would need to face every day. “Little kids were getting sick,” she said with a pause. Perhaps she was not cut out for a career as an M.D., but what was she to do with all of the science credits she earned? There was no way she was about to waste them. That’s when her advisor suggested a career in research. “Research?” McGargill said. “How can you make a living doing research?”
Of Mice and Medicine
She would soon find out. Near the end of her undergraduate career at Creighton, McGargill chose to enter the Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics graduate program at the University of Minnesota, a program to which only 10 candidates were selected each year. As a grad student she spent countless hours in class, in addition to completing internships and lab rotations. At times she stayed in the lab until two o’clock in the morning, tirelessly working to draw the appropriate conclusions from her experiments. Part of her self-confessed perfectionist nature came from not wanting to let her professors down; they had become more like mentors to her. The other part came from an incurable sense of curiosity deep inside her. “I wanted to know the answer,” she said.
Growing up, Maureen McGargill ’90 was terrified at the thought of mice and never even considered touching them. So it may come as a surprise that she chose a career as a research doctor, working with mice on a regular basis. McGargill’s job title, Assistant Member at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., only scrapes the surface of her role in modern medicine. She is changing the world and one glance at her groundbreaking work would argue nothing less. Photo courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Eventually, McGargill warily picked up a rotation in a lab on immunology, a topic the young grad student admittedly knew nothing about. It also involved handling mice. For a while, she only worked in labs that did not use mice but was limited in the questions she could ask. Once she realized that mice are indeed the best models for studying the complex interactions inside the immune system in real time, McGargill quickly had to overcome her fear of them. “You kind of need to look at the greater purpose. There is also a lot of deep breathing involved,” she said with a laugh. The more she studied the creatures, the more a certain question lingered in her mind: how can the immune system be so good at protecting the human body from bacteria and viruses but also turn and attack itself ? This was the foundation for her interest in immunology. In 2000, McGargill finished her Amazingly, McGargill had graduate studies and began her post-doctorate fellowship found a way to block just in research at the University of the destructive cells and California, San Diego. There, she achieved her first major not the productive ones. breakthrough. McGargill and her team unexpectedly found that mice lacking the Drak2 gene did not develop type 1 diabetes or multiple sclerosis (MS). McGargill explains that type 1 diabetes occurs when T cells (one type of white bloods cells) attack insulinproducing cells in the body. In the study, she found that when the Drak2 gene was removed, those T cells were not able to destroy the insulin-producing cells. While results in mice do not always translate into the human body, this breakthrough could change how doctors treat patients with autoimmune diseases. McGargill pointed out that many existing treatments today involve high doses of steroids, which suppress the whole immune system and leave the patient susceptible to infections. What was most interesting about McGargill’s study is that, even when this particular gene was blocked, the T cells were still able to fight infections. Amazingly, McGargill had found a way to block just the destructive cells and not the productive ones. McGargill’s post-doctoral project was so profound that it grabbed the attention of Novartis, a major pharmaceutical company in Switzerland. Together, Novartis and the Marian alumna established a research collaboration in the
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Photo courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Maureen McGargill ‘90 (left) and her colleagues at St. Jude’s are changing the way the world approaches modern medicine.
hope of developing a drug that would block the Drak2 gene in the human body and theoretically prevent the progression of autoimmune diseases. The project also helped spawn her successful career as a research doctor at St. Jude’s. Most recently, McGargill has been at the center of another unexpected yet groundbreaking development. Her recent study shines light on a new approach to the development of a universal influenza vaccine for multiple—and at times pandemic—strains. She found that when the drug rapamycin is used after a flu vaccination in mice, it leads to the production of antibodies that defeat multiple strains of the flu virus. This finding could help perfect the system of updating the different vaccines from year to year and help scientists keep up with the ever-evolving and hybridizing virus. The result has the world of science talking. McGargill’s research was first presented in the advance online edition of the scientific journal Nature Immunology on Oct. 20, 2013. Articles published just days later in both Science Magazine and The Scientist Magazine also highlighted that study. McGargill and her team were also interviewed by the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) for their work on the universal flu vaccine.
Visit marianhighschool.net for a link to Maureen McGargill’s interview with CBC! Much of McGargill’s other research has been published in other peer-reviewed medical journals, including Immunity, Journal of Biological Chemistry and Journal of Immunology. “We are learning a lot now and I think that with the advances we’ve made, there is definitely potential to have better treatments,” said McGargill. “It’s not going to happen immediately, but there is hope.” When she is not in the lab, McGargill is actively involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The cause became of personal interest to her when her niece, Maddie, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five. McGargill has been recognized for her work with the foundation, receiving the JDRF Career Development Award five years in a row, from 2007-2012.
Despite her jam-packed schedule, McGargill still finds time to reconnect with Marian. She offers a strong message to young women considering a career in the male-dominated fields of science. “In order to be successful, you need to enjoy the scientific process and working hard,” she said. “You cannot give up easily. On top of knowing all the facts, you need to have a drive and passion because that is what will motivate you to persevere.” Looking back, McGargill realizes that much of her success is backed by the things she learned at Marian. “There was a big focus on study skills and taking courses that challenged you. We had writing assignments in every class – we even had to write a paper in math,” she said. But McGargill’s education at Marian goes deeper than what pen can put to paper. “I really feel that my education at Marian helped me develop the confidence so that I could compete at this level without doubting myself,” said McGargill. “I knew that I was just as capable as men to do the same things that they are doing. If I hadn’t had the education that Marian provides, I wouldn’t have the confidence that is instilled in me today.” “Another part of it is faith,” added the scientist. “That was a huge component of my Marian education. You need to have faith that things are going to work out if you keep working hard enough.” McGargill went on to note that about 90% of experiments fail the first time. With that in mind, what would happen if McGargill had lacked the curiosity to try again? What if she had no faith to conquer her fears or no confidence to persevere? Well, then Maureen McGargill ’90 would still be afraid of mice.
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S e r v ic e & S pi r i t u ali t y
Dear Friends of Marian, In the early 1950s when the Servants of Mary founded Marian, the career opportunities for young women were limited to such areas as secretary, nurse, teacher, wife and mother. These choices were fine for that time. The Sisters and lay staff helped the Marian girls become some of the best secretaries, nurses, teachers and mothers around by instilling in them both the education needed for these vocations and the confidence in themselves to excel at what they were doing.
Marian Girls Volunteer to Help Visually Impaired Children Dozens of Marian girls volunteered at the 53rd annual Christmas Party for Visually Impaired Children on Dec. 8, 2013. Students helped visually impaired children shop around Westroads Mall for Christmas gifts for their families. Marian students also helped the children wrap their gifts and shared a pizza lunch with them.
Times have obviously changed. In today’s world, in the words of author William Arthur Ward, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” It’s predicted that by the age of 38, youth of America would have had 10-14 different jobs. With technology advancements doubling every two years, teachers of today are preparing students for jobs that don’t even exist yet. While the possibilities of career choices are virtually endless these days, without the sense of self-confidence and self-worth, it will be difficult to succeed in any choice of work. Your support of Marian provides the school with a variety of opportunities to “dream it” and help prepare our students meet the ever-advancing society of tomorrow. With the advances in technology and course work as well as a firm foundation in the Core Values of Marian Identity, Compassion, Community, Spirituality, Service and Empowerment, the young women of Marian are well prepared to meet the challenges of the world. Thank you for your belief in the mission of Marian. Thank you for helping us move confidently into the future. Sincerely,
Sr. Mary Gehringer, OSM ’66 Provincial Servants of Mary
Join Marian in Prayer At the beginning of each school day, the Marian students, faculty and staff rise and pray as a community of faith. Marian invites you to make a sacred space in your day and to join us in the daily prayers offered by current students. Please visit our homepage, www.marianhighschool.net to access these prayers and reflections under “Marian Daily Prayer.”
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Sophomore Hannah Johnson helps her buddy wrap one of his Christmas gifts.
Marian Offers Gluten-Free Options For those in our community with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, Marian recently introduced glutenfree options for all-school masses and Marian Moms’ lunch desserts. Marian’s gluten-free communion distribution line offers the Precious Blood only and is distributed from a distinctive cup. The cup is used exclusively by the glutensensitive members of our community, remaining free of cross-contamination. “This cup is easily identifiable as it is polished silver on the outside and polished gold on the inside, whereas all other distribution cups have a satin silver finish inside and out,” said Liturgical Minister Anna Kehm Kolterman ’94. At Marian Moms’ lunches, a special table of “safe” desserts will offer options for students with celiac disease and other food allergies. Marian Mom and alumna Toni McCarthy Compton ’86 spearheaded the operation after recognizing the need. As the mother of a daughter with multiple severe food allergies, including peanuts and gluten, she took the initiative to make, package and identify gluten-free and allergy-friendly desserts for the monthly lunches. “This is a small step in the right direction,” she said. She hopes more parents will join her effort so that more students with food allergies and intolerances will be able to enjoy delicious desserts others have come to love.
Mission Week:
Understanding the Core Values During the week of Nov. 18 to 22, 2013, Marian celebrated its annual Mission Week. Founded by the Servants of Mary, Marian is a member of the International Servite Schools Network (ISSN). All ISSN member schools are dedicated to six Core Values— Empowerment, Compassion, Marian Identity, Spirituality, Community and Service. To gain a deeper understanding of Marian’s six Core Values, students, faculty and staff focused on one of the Core Values each day of Mission Week. To reflect the Core Value of Service, the Marian community, in partnership with Operation Others, organized a pasta and spaghetti sauce drive throughout the week. The food donations were included in holiday meals and delivered to families in need during December. The activities were sponsored by Marian’s Esprit de Corps club. The week’s activities were as follows: On Monday, the students focused on the Core Value of Marian Identity. The Servants of Mary shared lunch with Marian students in the school Quad and all students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a complimentary lunch. Empowerment was the focus on Tuesday. Students heard from inspirational speaker Neil Halford. On Wednesday, students focused on the Core Value of Compassion. Students reflected on how compassion is demonstrated in the halls of Marian and then wrote examples of compassion on a large poster in the school. Spirituality was the focus on Thursday, when the entire school gathered for a Grandparents’ Day Mass. Students took some time to appreciate their grandparents and reflect on their faith traditions. Over 600 grandparents attended the event with their granddaughters, a new record! On Friday, students focused on the Core Value of Community. Students randomly placed clothespins with positive messages written on them on others’ backpacks for them to find by surprise.
Getting Down to Business Instead of the traditional camp activities of hiking, horseback riding, and archery, some Marian students will spend part of their summer learning skills of leadership, problem solving and team building as they specifically relate to the principles of the Servants of Mary.
Marian students heard from inspirational speaker Neil Halford on Nov. 19, 2013 about believing in oneself and moving from “victim to victor.” Mr. Halford was invited by Marian to present his story as part of the school’s “Mission Week.” At the young age of three, Halford was involved in a nearly fatal accident in Ft. Calhoun, Neb. that resulted in his loss of sight. Although the accident changed his life, Halford refused to dwell on his challenges and has overcome a number of obstacles. In high school, he became one of the top wrestlers in the state. In his adult life, Halford has obtained outstanding success in the sales industry and in 2005 published his autobiography entitled “The Sound of Sight.” “I can honestly stand up in front of you today and tell you that in all of my years, I have never asked why God chose to put me in this situation,” Halford said. “There is no future in seeking answers in the past. What we choose to do with the situations we’re given in life is what builds our character and what ultimately defines us as individuals.” Although Mr. Halford has visited nearly 50 schools across Nebraska and Iowa, Marian is the first Omaha school to have Mr. Halford to speak to its students. Halford’s message of perseverance in the face of challenge resonated among Marian students, who are empowered to be confident in all parts of their lives. Halford’s autobiography is available for purchase through his website, at www.thesoundofsight.com. He is also available for speaking occasions at schools, churches, businesses and organizations.
Ten lucky juniors and seniors will attend the International Servite Schools Network (ISSN) International Business Leadership Camp in scenic Ayers Cliff, Quebec from July 20 to 29, 2014. Each day will be filled with quality instruction by business professionals as well as opportunities for team building and leadership development rooted in Servite values. The camp, hosted by Servite College, provides a unique opportunity for students from around the globe to participate in an international business leadership camp and develop relationships with their peers from Servite schools abroad. In addition to learning the basic elements of leadership, the goals of the camp aim to help students work cohesively to create a unified project through open dialogue and creativity while gaining an understanding and appreciation for the gifts shared by others of different cultures. The International Servite Schools Network provides a forum for dialogue, collaboration, and interaction among Servite schools worldwide. The international business camp provides an opportunity for Marian to continue to make a conscious effort to maintain and develop strong links with our sister Servite schools across the world.
Mr. Neil Halford with Kelly McGonigal ’15, who was influential in bringing Halford to Marian to speak.
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How “Sweet” It Is! Throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons, members of Marian’s Baking Club prepared and delivered dozens of homemade treats to heroes and friends throughout Omaha and beyond. In November 2013, Baking Club members baked over 1,500 cookies and organized care packages that were included in a shipment to U.S. troops overseas, mostly in Afghanistan. The club helped the non-profit organization, Iowa Cookie Crumbs of Council Bluffs, prepare 248 holiday care packages with more than 31,000 cookies and treats on Nov. 19, with the hope of sending a “little bit of home” to those spending the holidays abroad.
Left to right: Juniors Kayla Sullivan, Gabbie Jonas, Mary Woodruff and Julianna Curley visit St. Peter Paul School, a Servite School for orphans and children from low-income families in Tamil Nadú, India. The school was established by the Servites in 1997.
On Dec. 4, the club organized an outing for the Servants of Mary to view Christmas lights, something the Sisters have missed doing for the last few years. About 21 Sisters and 11 students boarded Ollie the Trolley and took in some of Omaha’s finest holiday lights. The group also enjoyed hot chocolate and homemade cookies, baked with love by Marian students; they also sang Christmas carols together.
ISSN Trip to India While most students enjoyed sleeping in and relaxing, four Marian students spent most of their Christmas break on a pilgrimage to Tamil Nadú, India, where they deepened their knowledge of the global presence of the Servants of Mary. As part of an International Servite Schools Network (ISSN) trip, juniors Julianna Curley, Gabbie Jonas, Kayla Sullivan and Mary Woodruff, along with Spanish teacher Andrew Bauer, received the experience of a lifetime. The Marian group joined other ISSN schools from Australia, Canada and France to visit several schools The fact that these operated by the Alexis and Juliana kids still have the Province of the Mother of Sorrows Servants of Mary in Tamil Nadú. opportunity to learn, Most of the children served in the even when most of Servite schools are poor, blind, deaf them come from very or orphaned. The group also visited schools run by the Servite Friars. poor families, is a
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“What the Sisters do at their schools is unbelievable,” said Curley. “The fact that these kids still have the opportunity to learn, even when most of them come from very poor families, is a great testament to the Servite Sisters and their mission. They sacrifice so much for children and the outcome is beautiful.”
great testament to the Servite Sisters and their mission. They sacrifice so much for children and the outcome is beautiful.
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To round out the trip, the group visited the Our Lady of Health Valankanni Shrine Basilica and the Basilica of San Thome, the burial site of St. Thomas. They also visited numerous Hindu temples, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sites and other cultural attractions.
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Freshmen Megan Szwanek, Danelle McMorrow and Julia Crump share laughs while preparing care packages for troops serving overseas.
Sophomore Morgan Crockett gets to know Sr. Carolyn Foley, OSM during the Ollie the Trolley outing with the Servants of Mary.
A t hl e t ics
Crusader Goes the Extra Mile It was the state cross country meet on Oct. 25, 2013. Tensions were running high and the pressure was mounting. For a brief moment, Sofia Hingorani ’16 and her teammates took their minds off the 5,000 meters that stood between them and the finish line to focus on their faith. “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, bless this course we’re running on, and if we do our very best, we know that God will do the rest,” they prayed in the team huddle. Then, just like that, they were off. Hingorani found herself behind the same runner from Westside who had beaten her in plenty of races before. Running up a hill, the Westside runner lost her footing and fell to the ground. Without thinking, Hingorani helped her up and began to cheer her on. “Come on, you’ve got this, keep it up!” she said to her competitor, as others passed by. “I really don’t know why I was saying those things to her; I wanted to beat her so badly!” she said. “I guess it’s just part of our regular dialogue as a team at practice, and it didn’t seem extraordinary to me.” The act of compassion seemed so ordinary to Hingorani that she did not think to share the details with her family after the race – not even with her teammates or coaches during the post-meet celebration at Old Chicago. The Westside Warrior, on the other hand, did. Had it not been for a personal phone call from the competitor’s mother to Head of School Dr. Susan Toohey about Hingorani’s act of compassion, it would have gone completely unnoticed. “I feel that being competitive and being caring are not polar opposites,” said Head Cross Country Coach Roger Wright. “Too many people believe that they must be. I want my runners to be both the most competitive and the most caring of all teams in any meet. Sofia is at the top of both categories. She was able to help a fellow runner and still compete at 100%. No one will reach their true potential without both qualities.”
Front to Back: Rosie Gensichen ’14, Sofia Hingorani ’16, and Annie Gensichen ’14 run the “Wright” way at a local cross country meet.
Finishing the race was a total relief for Hingorani. “I remember coming across the finish line and seeing my family waiting for me,” she said. “It was an awesome feeling.” It’s true, Hingorani did her very best and God kept up His end of the bargain, too. Not only did she finally place ahead her longtime competitor in the race, but she also finished with a personal record.
Marian Senior Signs Letter of Intent Marian senior Sydney O’Shaughnessy signed an NCAA Divison I scholarship on Nov. 13, 2013 for volleyball. The 5-foot-8 Crusader will attend University of Nebraska-Omaha next year. “Receiving a D1 scholarship for volleyball has been a huge blessing in my life. I am so excited that I am able to continue playing the sport I love while attending an amazing university at the same time,” said O’Shaughnessy. “My coaches have become a second set of mothers and my teammates have grown to be my sisters.” O’Shaughnessy says she will miss the Marian traditions that have been established over the years but looks forward to being a part of a new set of traditions.
Marian volleyball star Sydney O’Shaughnessy ’14 signs a letter of intent for University of Nebraska-Omaha.
The young Crusader volleyball team will miss O’Shaughnessy’s leadership. “Sydney is a fierce competitor who brings a high level of intensity every time she takes the floor,” said Assistant Principal, Athletic Director and Head Volleyball Coach Rochelle Rohlfs. “She is a highly talented setter and makes a great quarterback for our offense.” O’Shaughnessy has been a member of the varsity volleyball team for three years and lettered each of those years. A setter, O’Shaughnessy had over 1,100 assists in 2013, which more than doubles her total from 2012. Sydney also had 341 digs, 140 kills, 30 aces and nearly 50 blocks this year, in addition to being named the honorary captain of the All-Nebraska volleyball team.
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Marian Standout Named to NSCAA Youth Girls All-American Team Marian senior Maddie Elliston has been named to the 2013 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Youth Girls All-America Team. Elliston is one of only 38 girls in the nation to have been named Youth All-Americans for their performances in 2013. All-Americans and their accomplishments were celebrated and recognized at the NSCAA All-America Luncheon held during the 2014 NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia on Jan. 18. Elliston has committed to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Penn State University, beginning in the fall of 2014. Elliston was also a finalist for the prestigious 2013 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award. “Even though it becomes a cliché for a coach to describe a player as a ‘team player,’ I can’t say it enough about Maddie,” said Marian sports trainer and former soccer coach Ed Dudley. “She has done everything asked of her without complaint or question. She has always put the team’s welfare ahead of her own. She is the definition of a team player!” Elliston was also a finalist for the prestigious 2013 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award. The 5-foot-2 senior defender and midfielder scored one goal and passed for three assists in 2013, leading the Crusaders (13-2) to the Class A state semifinals. Elliston anchored a defense that recorded 22 straight shutouts over two years and allowed only five goals on the season. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team, she is the No. 12-rated recruit in the Class of 2014 by TopDrawerSoccer.com. She has volunteered locally at a homeless shelter and as a youth soccer coach. She was also one of 16 players across the country selected to complete a mission trip to Nicaragua this summer on behalf of Soccer Without Borders.
Photo courtesy of the Omaha World-Herald.
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Left to right: Cross country coach Roger Wright, Rosie Gensichen ’14, Sydney O’Shaughnessy ’14 and volleyball coach Rochelle Rohlfs
Two Fall Scholar-Athletes Recognized Marian seniors Sydney O’Shaughnessy and Rosie Gensichen were honored as distinguished scholar-athletes in volleyball and cross country (respectively) by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee at a luncheon on Jan. 7.
Varsity Volleyball Team Crowned 2013 State Champs Despite a tough season, the Marian Varsity Volleyball Team brought home the Class A state title for the fifth time in school history. The 33-11 team faced the No. 1-rated Millard West Wildcats in a thrilling five-set match on Nov. 16, 2013. In addition to being named state champions, Marian also won the 2013 Volleyball Sportsmanship Award. Hundreds of students traveled to Grand Island, Neb. over the three-day tournament to cheer on the Crusaders and prove they are champions of character as well!
Photo courtesy of Nebraska Coaches Association
p e r f o r ming a r t s
save the date
Marian Presents the 2014 Spring Play
Marian Students Exhibit Locally Several students in Kathy McPherson’s and Ashley Thompson’s art classes experienced their first exhibition at a local art gallery throughout the entire month of December. A variety of media, including self-portraits, pottery, and sculpture, was showcased at Gallery 92 West in Fremont, Neb. Friends and family got the first look during an artists’ reception on Dec. 6. The show included several Gold and Silver Key Award winners from the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The exhibition had a great run and one Marian student even received a request from a patron to sell her piece!
Romeo and Juliet A Modern Retelling of the Classic Tragedy
April 4-5, 7 p.m. • April 6, 2 p.m. Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center $7 Students, $10 Adults For advance tickets, contact Michelle Procopio Delisi ’74 via email at delisi@omahamarian.org
Burn Magazine Receives Top-Notch Rating
Five Marian Students Named to All-State Chorus
The Fall 2012 issue of Burn, Marian’s literary magazine, received a first-place rating from the American Scholastic Press Association. This rating highlights the magazine as a noteworthy high school publication. Burn strives to showcase the original artwork, photography, and creative writing of Marian students. As a forum for creative student expression, the goal of the magazine is to give students a place to publish their work and a place to have their peers appreciate their work.
Marian is proud to announce that five seniors have been named to this year’s Nebraska All-State Chorus! Congratulations to the following ladies on this significant achievement: Laura Davis ’14 – Soprano II
This year’s alternates are:
Jane Kilgore ’14 – Soprano I
Sydney Wolf ’14 – Soprano I
Roni Perez ’14 – Alto I
Maggie Witzenburg ’14 – Alto I
Burn Volume 3 Issue 1
Left to right: Seniors Jane Kilgore, Roni Perez, Laura Davis, Sydney Wolf, Maggie Witzenburg
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Marian Journalism Recognized for Excellence
“Now and Then” in the 2013 Musical Several alumnae were celebrating more than just the opening of the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center with Marian’s inaugural musical performance in November. A quick glance at the names of the cast and crew in “The King And I” program book reveals a multitude of family ties that strengthens the legacy of Marian graduates.
Marian is proud to recognize the children of Marian alumnae involved in Marian’s 2013 musical production. Grace Billig ’16, daughter of Maureen Langenfeld Billig ’86 – Set Construction Keara Compton ’17, daughter of Toni McCarthy Compton ’86 – Dancer Addie Curley ’14, daughter of Ginny Russell Curley ’86 – Sound Board Julianna Curley ’15, daughter of Ginny Russell Curley ’86 – Royal Wife Kateri Determan ’16, daughter of Anne Lutz Determan ’86 – Flute Hannah Drazdys ’15, daughter of Dawn Mailliard Drazdys ’83 – Backstage/ Props Mackenzie Freed ’17, daughter of Kathryn Monahan Freed ’87 – Dancer Mimi Kelly ’16, daughter of Mary Tarsney Kelly ’86 – Chorus Jane Kilgore ’14, daughter of Mary Ann Luby Kilgore ’74 – Anna Juliet Kolterman ’17, daughter of Anna Kehm Kolterman ’94 – Chorus Grace Lathrop ’17, daughter of Peggy Holtz Lathrop ’84 – Dancer Emma McGill ’16, daughter of Renee Weaver McGill ’86 – Backstage/ Scene Changes Molly McKillip ’16, daughter of Tracy Braun McKillip ’79 – Amazon Miranda Reeder ’14, daughter of Janelle Lanoue Reeder ’76 – Royal Wife Cora Ridenour ’17, daughter of Carmen Krueger ’89 – Dancer
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Teacher Marsha Kalkowski’s 2013 newspaper and yearbook staffs were presented with Cornhusker Awards at the Nebraska High School Press’ Association (NHSPA) Fall 2013 convention on Oct. 21. Cornhusker Awards are the highest accolades given by NHSPA in recognition of publication excellence. Schools earning this prestigious state honor were chosen by independent publication judges. Kalkowski was also recognized for her support of Marian’s successful journalism program and broader scholastic journalism.
Paige Searl ’14, daughter of Molly Hogan Searl ’82 – Set Construction Hannah Uhl ’16, daughter of Heather Hays Uhl ’86 – Chorus Brooklynn Venteicher ’15, daughter of Susan Stahlnecker Venteicher ’83 – Violin Maggie Witzenburg ’14, daughter of Molly Dolan Witzenburg ’86 – Royal Wife Molly Zabawa ’14, daughter of Paula Procopio Zabawa ’82 – Dancer Frannie Bazis (St. Stephen the Martyr), daughter of Lisa Lathrop Bazis ’95 – Princess Danny Fell (Creighton Prep), son of Molly Doyle Fell ’78 – Sir Edward Ramsey Margaret Kelly (St. Margaret Mary), daughter of Mary Tarsney Kelly ’86 – Princess Connor Ketcham (Creighton Prep), son of Aimee Jandric Ketcham ’87 – Phra Alack Pat Mulligan (Creighton Prep), son of Jeannine Kardell Mulligan ’85 – Priest Evan Swett (Creighton Prep), son of Claire Szynskie Swett ’82 – Set Construction Matt Swoboda (Creighton Prep), son of Theresa Poell Swoboda ’82 – Royal Guard Tom White (Creighton Prep), son of Ann Coyle White ’81 - Louis
Marian Senior Places in Speech Tournament, Wins Scholarship Sarah Brashear ’14 competed in Bradley University’s George Armstrong Heart of Illinois Invitational speech contest on Dec. 6 and 7. At the tournament, Brashear placed seventh in Humorous Interpretation, fourth in Poetry and second in Original Oratory. Brashear also entered the Janssen Oratory Contest, which offers the three top competitors college scholarships to Bradley, the nation’s top-ranked college for forensics. Brashear received first place and a $15,000 scholarship! Brashear is President of the Marian Speech Team.
50 New Works of Barb Gehringer ’82 When the Fremont Area Art Association realized that they would have space to fill at Gallery 92 West in November 2013, Executive Director Barb Gehringer ’82 stepped up to the plate. It just so happens that November is her birth month, and she would be celebrating 50 years. “I could exhibit 50 new works and call it 50/50,” she said. As soon as she uttered those words aloud, she realized the commitment she made. After 16 months, the artist met her goal and displayed “50 New Works, Celebrating 50 Years,” featuring a variety of textiles, handmade papers and photography. Gehringer has been surrounded by art her whole life. She is the youngest of eight children and all four of her sisters are Marian alumnae, including Sr. Mary Gehringer, OSM ’66, provincial of the Servants of Mary. Although she majored in chemistry for three years, Gehringer graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with degrees in studio art and art history. She has been taking photos since the age of nine, so it was only natural that she opened her own custom framing business, Clarkson Street Gallery. In addition to photography, Gehringer also finds interest in working with handmade and hand-marbled papers. She has produced several limited edition letterpress books and also volunteers as a docent at Joslyn Art Museum.
“Winter Tree,” a pen and ink drawing and hand-marbled paper piece, was hard for Gehringer to part with. “Luckily, many of my 50 new works were sold to friends, so I claim to have visiting rights,” said Gehringer jokingly.
of the coolest things about art “ One is we all see something different. The artist may have intended one thing, but just because you see something else doesn’t make it wrong.
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“Baskets of Apples,” a colored pencil drawing, was derived from an image she had held onto since visiting an orchard in Iowa years ago.
“Sunflowers” is a collage of four different images on aluminum and is just one example of Gehringer’s work in photography.
While she agrees that study skills and writing are important, she says the best gift that Marian gives all students is the ability to try anything. “You are never told no for no’s sake. I think there is a lot of value in that. I was never afraid to try new things because I felt safe and I was encouraged to do so.” “One of the coolest things about art is we all see something different. The artist may have intended one thing, but just because you see something else doesn’t make it wrong.” Even though her ideas do not always mix, she has come to find that each piece represents a different part of her identity. “I have a lot of input from the Holy Spirit,” said Gehringer. “I’ve also always felt that God is an artist; and if you don’t believe that, then just look at the sunset.”
“A Celtic Cross,” was made out of tiny circles carefully cut from matte board and backed by hand-marbled paper.
“Blue Moon,” one of her hand-marbled paper works, was made from old, wornout blue jeans. Gehringer says she enjoys being an artist because it allows her to find beauty in places where others might not notice it.
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Future Marian Girls Photo courtesy of Janet Hoffman.
We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do! Girls in grades second through fifth experienced the spirit of Marian at the 2014 Cheerleading and Dance Team Clinic on Jan. 12. Members of the cheerleading squad and varsity/junior varsity dance teams led the clinic, where girls were taught exciting cheers, jumps and routines. In addition to learning the new techniques, the future Marian girls received t-shirts and special keepsakes – handmade hair bows by Rachel Wortmann ’14 and Charlotte Wortmann ’15.
Summer at Marian Jr. Crusader 8th Grade Team, front row, left to right: Kalli Pettit, Bela Gonzalez, Isabelle Koehler, Carmella Monico, Megan Valenzuela, Brinlee Whitaker Back row, left to right: Coach Sara Alberts, Coach Rob Buso, Nae’Sha Davis Crump, Ellie Bassett, Chloe Behrens, Emma Buso, Lauren Isenberg, Coach Todd Hoffman (Not Pictured: Maddie Wiedenfeld)
Jr. Crusader Tournament Still a Classic Marian welcomed 41 teams in grades five through eight to play in the Crusader Classic basketball tournament in January. Junior Crusader Commissioner and parent of alumnae Todd Hoffman worked with faculty members Kim Remmick and Lisa Schmidt to organize the three-day event. Athletes, parents, and coaches from Marian’s freshman, reserve, junior varsity and varsity teams helped execute the tournament. From running the game clock and keeping the scorebook to taking admission and selling concessions, they did it all! On top of hosting another successful tournament, the sixth and eighth-grade Jr. Crusader teams were named champions of their age groups!
Open House a Success! Many prospective families and students were welcomed to Marian during Open House on Nov. 24, 2013. They were all cheerfully greeted by over 300 student volunteers, teachers, staff and board members as they made their way through the school, learning about a Marian education. Over 240 prospective students in grades five through eight and their families attended the annual event. Each family received a personalized tour of Marian’s campus, including the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center, Collaboration Stations lab, and STEM classroom. Many parent and alumnae volunteers also gave of their time on the crisp fall afternoon to ensure the event’s success.
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Watch your mail and check the Marian website for information about 2014 summer camps being offered at Marian. We are excited to offer several new camps this year, including art, band, dance, and vocal music! In addition, Marian will again host a leadership institute and camps for basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.
Spend a Day at Marian! All fifth through eighth grade girls are invited to shadow at Marian. Please contact Recruitment Director Molly Adams Woodman ’97 at 402.571.2618, ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org to set up your shadow visit. *Please note: a two-day notice is required for all school visits.
Advancing the Mission of Marian Dear Marian Family, Spring is always a gratifying time around Marian’s campus. The misty mornings and the occasional rain showers provide the perfect backdrop for moments of reflection. I find myself taking time to think about the vision that the Servants of Mary had when they began Marian High School. We have been blessed by these incredible women and are eternally grateful to them for laying the foundation for Marian’s success now and in the future. With this strong foundation in place and another successful semester under our belts, we are able to look toward the future with renewed fervor. If you haven’t already made your gift to The Marian Fund 2013-2014, please visit Marian’s website, marianhighschool.net and click on “Donate Today.” We are close to reaching our annual fundraising goal, and your support demonstrates your confidence in our future! Gifts to The Marian Fund help Marian continue to provide a superlative education to current students and future generations. I know firsthand that Marian is succeeding in providing an experience that is rich and meaningful for the students. The faculty and staff labor in love to create an environment in which our students are inspired to grow into the incredible young women God intends them to be. To help Marian make a jump on The Marian Fund 2014-2015, consider giving online during the second annual Omaha Gives! event on May 21, 2014. This 24-hour online giving challenge is organized by the Omaha Community Foundation (OCF) to grow philanthropy in the Omaha area. Your gift on this day makes Marian eligible for matching gift funds. Last year, Marian received a total of $35,000, including matching gifts, during the first-ever Omaha Gives! event. Additionally, please make plans to attend the annual Lexus Champions for Marian Golf Tournament on July 14, a tradition that began 19 years ago. The tournament benefits tuition assistance at Marian and is part of Lexus Champions for Charity, a unique series of 200 charity golf tournaments throughout the United States. The tournament is followed by a dinner, program and oral auction. The unending generosity displayed at this event impacts the lives of young women by providing them with meaningful educational experiences. Finally, consider leaving a legacy at Marian by supporting the final phase of the Spotlight on Our Future capital campaign. Yes, the magnificent Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center was dedicated last fall, but you can still make an impact by sponsoring a seat or star in the new facility. For those parents with graduating seniors, this is a gift that helps your daughter to leave a lasting impression at Marian; you can customize a message for generations of students to see. Please turn to page 22 to find out more.
MarianFEST... It’s a Wrap! Thank you to all who contributed to the success of the 32nd annual MarianFEST: “Live From Marian, It’s Saturday Night!” Visit our website at www.marianhighschool.net for a full recap and to view photos from this year’s event, which was held on Feb. 22!
As we anticipate the rebirth of spring, let us celebrate our community. Let us continue to work together to achieve a future that is full of possibilities!
Gratefully,
Sarah C. Jank ’01 Director of Advancement
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MARIAN FUND 2013-2014 UPDATE
Creating a Confident Future! Not only is Marian a school that empowers young women to succeed as confident, independent, thinking leaders, but it is also a school that holds its traditions dear: Field Day, Welcome Dance, Gnimocemoh, Marian Moms’ lunches, charitable drives and class retreats. These traditions bind us together from year to year as we look to the future. One tradition for which the faculty, staff and students are most grateful is the tradition of unwavering support to Marian’s annual giving program, The Marian Fund. Gifts from the Marian Board of Directors, parents, alumnae, parents of alumnae, grandparents and friends continue to make an immediate impact in the lives of our students. To date, The Marian Fund continues to grow in financial support and participation. Board participation is at 100%. Parents are at 67% participation and alumnae are at 23%. Parents of alumnae are over their financial goal by 30%, including support from 120 new donors. The Marian Fund also receives loyal support from grandparents, friends, faculty and staff; these constituent groups exceed their respective goals. The Marian Fund is one of Marian’s most important fundraising efforts. A gift to The Marian Fund not only helps to provide tuition assistance, but it also allows Marian to adapt to the ever-changing world of technology, pursue greater campus ministry missions, and provide critical enhancements to its curriculum and classrooms. All of these things aid in providing the exemplary education the young women of Marian deserve. There is still time to make your gift to The Marian Fund and be recognized in our 2013-2014 Annual Report. Our fiscal year ends May 31, 2014. You can make your gift online through our secure website at marianhighschool. net by clicking on the “DONATE TODAY” button. If you need assistance with other gift options, please contact Marian Fund Director Sue Lindsey Mickey ’69 at smickey@omahamarian.org or 402.571.2618, ext. 1120. We are grateful for your gifts!
THE MARIAN FUND GOAL $550,000
$545,000 YEAR TO DATE
99% of goal
Molly Fisher ’16 with grandparents Jocile and Mike Fisher.
Grandparents’ Day: Another Record More than 600 grandparents joined their granddaughters for Marian’s annual Grandparents’ Day mass and celebration on Nov. 21, 2013. Rev. Tom Fangman, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, was the celebrant. The event included an all-school mass followed by a reception. This year, Marian hosted the largest number of grandparents since the inception of this event. To accommodate the large crowd, the congregation was split into two sections. Grandparents and granddaughters were seated in the East Gym, where Rev. Fangman celebrated the mass. The overflow of students and teachers were seated in the Marian Quad and viewed a simulcast of the mass on a projector screen. The mass was streamed live from the East Gym using a school iPad. The reception provided grandparents with the opportunity to have their photos taken with their granddaughters and visit with students and teachers. The event was held as part of Marian’s Mission week. The theme of the day focused on Spirituality, one of Marian’s Core Values. Students were able to gain a deeper understanding of this Core Value alongside their grandparents.
Joe Grier spent the morning visiting with recipients of the Millie Grier Memorial Scholarship. Pictured with Mr. Grier are (left to right) Ellen Townley ’14, Amanda Wolf ’14, and Georgia Hausman ’17. Mr. Grier is the father of Carol Grier Olson ’81 and the grandfather of Ally Grier Beck ’04.
Scholarship Donors Celebrated at Annual Breakfast The Endowed Scholarship Breakfast was held on Nov. 13, 2013 in the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center. This special event recognizes those who have created an endowed scholarship and the Marian girls who benefit from their generosity. Today, the Marian endowment totals more than $4.1 million, and Marian is able to offer nearly half of its student body more than $900,000 in tuition assistance annually. We wish to extend our deepest gratitude to our scholarship donors. These special gifts play an important role in making a faith-filled education a reality for Marian girls, empowering them to be confident, independent, thinking leaders. For more information on endowed scholarships, or to establish a fund, please contact Director of Advancement Sarah Jank ’01 by phone at 402.571.2618, ext. 1119 or via email at sjank@omahamarian.org.
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Marian’s “The King And I” a Smashing Success! Nearly 2,000 theater patrons enjoyed the inaugural performances of The King And I inside the Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center in November. A cast of 63 students, ranging in ages from seven to 18, brought the story to life and sold out the final weekend of the production’s run!
Sr. Marianna De Simone, OSM Announces Retirement
Leadership donors to Marian’s annual giving program, The Marian Fund, and Spotlight on Our Future capital campaign were invited to a reception on opening night. Guests enjoyed beverages and appetizers during the brief social. Theater Director Mr. Luke Ostrander made a special appearance to share a behind-the-scenes presentation. Guests were then escorted through the backstage area to their seats in the Kish Auditorium for the show. For more photos from this event, visit Marian’s website at www. marianhighschool.net and click on “Photo Gallery.”
Marian said “arrivederci” to one of its beloved staff members in January. Sr. Marianna De Simone, OSM announced her retirement from working in the school after a total of 19 years of service. De Simone grew up in Bonea di Vico Equense, a small town on the peninsula of Sorrento, Italy, and a critical location during World War II. After the fallout of the war, her father was convinced that a better life awaited his family in the United States. For DeSimone, this meant leaving behind all that she had ever known – friends, church, relatives, and a familiar way of life. “It was a major uprooting,” said De Simone, “But when your father says we’re going, you do not say ‘no, thank you,’ you ask, ‘when?’ ” “When” was 1955; the family moved to Denver. Speaking no English, De Simone found herself thrust into the complete unknown. She relied on her work at a religious goods store and day-to-day experiences to deepen her language skills and comprehension. “I found myself learning through living,” she said. Although De Simone had encountered much change in her young life, one thing remained constant. “I had been called by God throughout my entire life,” she said. At just 25 years of age, she joined the Servants of Mary. She still remembers the day she arrived at the Our Lady of Sorrows Convent in 1959. “It was hard to say goodbye to my parents, my dad especially,” said De Simone. “The door to the convent is probably stained with his tears!” De Simone took her first vows in 1962 and embarked on her first mission in Massena, New York. The young Servite eventually received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and her master’s degree in counseling from Siena Heights University in Michigan. She returned to Omaha in 1972 to teach at St. Pius X. In 1977, she began her work at Marian as a counselor and Spanish teacher. “I would have liked to teach Italian, but no one was offering it at that time,” De Simone said with a laugh. During a brief hiatus from her work at Marian, De Simone moved back to her native U.S. home in Denver to care for her elderly parents. She also taught at Mullen High School, a co-ed school run by the Christian Brothers. In 2007, following the death of her parents, De Simone returned to Omaha once again and resumed her work at Marian. In her new position within the public relations office, she was involved in helping to update Marian’s thousands of alumnae records. Since then, De Simone has worked diligently to develop a sustainable process for researching and reporting the obituaries of alumnae and their family members – a tedious and time-consuming job to say the least. In 2011, De Simone celebrated her 50th Jubilee with the Servants of Mary. Although she is retiring from her work at Marian, she plans to stay close and keep busy as the caretaker of the archives for the American Province of the Servants of Mary. “I have made wonderful connections with the Marian students, faculty and staff,” she said. “These connections are the most meaningful memories I will take with me and treasure always.”
Left to right: Adelaide Erftmier, Pauline Wilwerding, Ron Wilwerding, Don Erftmier
Lexus Champions for Marian Golf Tournament 2014 July 14, 2014 • Indian Creek Golf Course Swing into the season and share in the Marian spirit by registering for the 2014 Lexus Champions for Marian Golf Tournament! Marian is thrilled to once again welcome Pat Rosenthal as the event chair. We are also looking for new, enthusiastic men and women to join our committee. The tournament benefits tuition assistance at Marian and is part of the Lexus Champions for Charity, a unique series of 200 charity golf tournaments throughout the United States. Planning will start soon, so contact Advancement Events Director Shari Gilg at 402.571.2618, ext. 1167 or at sgilg@omahamarian.org to join in the fun. save the date
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Become a permanent fixture in Marian’s Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center. By “taking a seat,” your name or message will be engraved on a personalized plate and installed on an auditorium seat’s armrest. You can “take a seat” in honor of your favorite Marian performer or your own contributions to the Marian stage. Additionally, this could serve as a special gift to commemorate a graduation, reunion, or honor other celebrations in the life of a loved one.
Spotlight on Our Future Demonstrate your enthusiasm for Marian’s future by supporting the Spotlight on Our Future campaign and taking your place in the Spotlight!
Take a Seat
Seat Location
Whether it’s on the court, in the science lab, or even on the stage, your unique talents can be commemorated with an engraved star that will be incorporated in a night sky mural. With your gift, your name, graduation year or message will be engraved and on permanent display in the night sky of supporters. Create one for yourself or give one as a gift to your favorite Marian girl.
Price
Standing Ovation (1st row) $5,000 Encore (2nd and 3rd rows)
$2,500
Bravo (remaining seats)
$1,500
Additional details: Name plate size – 2½” x 7/8” Messages may be two lines of up to 16 characters per line (including spaces). Messages will be in all capital letters. We will do our best to honor specific seat requests; however, we are not able to guarantee fulfillment of all seat requests due to limited availability. Please note: Seat name recognition does not guarantee a particular seat for future performances.
You’re a Star!
Star Type
Price
Premium $750 Standard $500 Additional details: Standard stars can be engraved with two lines of text, twenty (20) characters per line. Premium stars can be engraved with three lines of text, twenty (20) characters per line. Messages will be in all capital letters.
Contact Director of Advancement Sarah Jank at 402.571.2618, ext. 1119 or visit www.marianhighschool.net.
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Inside the Kish Auditorium Marian is proud to now have a dedicated space for the fine arts on its campus so that we may continue to educate the whole young woman. The sprawling 20,000-square-foot Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center truly allows students to be involved in every aspect of a production, from constructing the sets and directing the sound and light, to singing, dancing and orchestrating the music. The Kish Auditorium, named after former head of school Elizabeth Kish, is truly state-of-the-art and strengthens young women as they journey to discover their full potential.
A The auditorium has 400 seats equipped with tablet arms. It provides an appropriate space for speakers, class meetings, presentations and honors assemblies. Several seats can be easily removed for wheelchair accessibility. Seats are still available for sponsorship! B A range of waveform panels outline the perimeter walls of the theater, which contributes to the outstanding acoustics and amplified sound. C A group of sound clouds attached to the ceiling helps direct sound throughout the auditorium. No matter which seat an audience member chooses, he or she can clearly hear an unamplified voice from the stage.
D The impressive Ron and Pauline Wilwerding Stage is the focal point with 28 feet in depth, a 26foot proscenium, a 52-foot fly loft and full rigging system. E A cyclorama, also known as a “cyc,” is employed at the back of the stage to create theatrical backdrops and other illusions, such as the sky or wide open spaces. A drop-down scrim appears opaque when it is lit from the front and translucent when lit from behind to add more impressive theatrical techniques to the director’s arsenal. F Three rows of curtains provide much-needed flexibility in scene changes and stage depth.
G A large door on the side of the stage sits across from the prop and scene shop - sponsored by Chris and Betsy Murphy in honor of their daughter, Anne Murphy ’09 - making it easy for crew members to move sets during scene changes. H The orchestra pit, generously sponsored by Ted and Kathy Baer of The Baer Foundation, allows for accompaniment during performances. Extra storage also exists under the stage. I Three catwalks suspended from the ceiling allow the lighting aspects of the production to be manipulated with no disruption to the audience.
English and a master’s degree in secondary education and has been at Marian since 2010. K A director’s booth, sponsored by Don and Joan Cimpl in honor of their family, hosts an ETC Element Lighting Console featuring scene memory, touchscreen monitors, programmable presets, an automatic tracking timer, 250 channels and more. This creates endless capabilities of bringing a first-class theatre experience to the audience. A Christie LW650 projector is available for speakers to share presentations and educational video material. L The sound booth features a Yamaha M7CL Mixing Console, which boasts 40 inputs, including 32 mono microphone/line inputs and 4 stereo line inputs.
J Luke Ostrander is part of the English and fine arts department. He teaches both novice and honors varsity competitive A small room, or “Queen’s box,” M speaking, creative writing, above the control booths houses theatre seminar, acting, and the auditorium’s two spotlights compostion and literature. and allows performances to be In addition to his classes, video recorded with a completely Mr. Ostrander directs the fall unobstructed view. musical and the spring play, coaches the speech team, and Beyond the Lens: serves as Treasurer on the Induction sound technology International Servite School’s below the floor allows audience Network (ISSN) executive members with hearing aids to tap committee. Mr. Ostrander into the sound coming through the graduated from Creighton with microphones. both a bachelor’s degree in
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Alumnae Today Class of 1960 The Class of 1960 presented Marian with a gift of a statue in honor of their 50th class reunion. The artist Toscano was commissioned in 2010 to create an image of a girl reading a book. The statue, entitled “Grace with her book,” was installed in November 2013 on the north lawn. A plaque reading “Dedicated to Marian Girls Class of 1960” is displayed on the base of the statue. Donations from the 60 members of the class of 1960 made this possible.
Left to right: Class of 1990 alumnae Heather Hahn Ruff, Rozlyn Kmiecik Merrick, Maureen McGargill, Mimi Moylan, Lesley Merrick Lowe and Cathy Schall Ebers enjoyed time to catch-up prior to the show.
Alumnae Celebrate the Arts Over 150 people celebrated the arts at Marian on Nov. 30, 2013 with Marian’s first-ever Alumnae Arts Showcase! Several Marian alumnae showcased their talents as visual artists, vocalists, instrumentalists, performers, and authors in the new Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center. Special thanks to the program committee members Emily Andres ’02 and Karly Jurgensen ’04, and the event emcee, Holly Esch Glowaty ’03. Visit the photo gallery on Marian’s website to see more photos from the event!
Marian’s Open House Six alumnae volunteers along with alumnae faculty, staff and board members helped register prospective students and their families at Marian’s Open House on Nov. 24, 2013. Lisa Shannon Daly ’82, Therese Shannon Gregg ’81, Katie Powers ’05, Jeanne Archer Rice ’80, Jeanne Thomas Roubidoux ’79, and Maureen Gotch Vinton ’78 each gave generously of their time to make Open House a success. Marian alumnae are our best recruiters!
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Left to right: Hannah Martin ’13, Sarah Reynolds ’13, Emily Johanek ’13, Chloe Sorrell ’13, Emily Fisher ’13, Catherine Boyle ’13
Young Alumnae Open House Over 70 young alumnae visiting home for the holidays spent one morning at Marian. Members from the Class of 2013 visited with juniors and seniors as part of Class of 2013 day. Alumnae from 2009-2012 joined them for a pizza lunch, toured the new Performing Arts Center and visited with teachers.
BLUEtique: Success Carries On
Mpower: Career Mentoring
In December 2013, the BLUEtique said farewell to two special volunteers who have made a huge impact on the store. Liz Neary, mother of Nell Neary ’09 and Nora Neary ’14, and Trish Kuehl, mother of Molly Kuehl ’16, answered “yes” to the call when asked to oversee the rejuvenation of Marian’s bookstore. This was a monumental task, beginning with choosing a catchy name and settling on the BLUEtique!
The third class of Mpower held their kick-off luncheon on Dec. 10, 2013. The 20 alumnae mentors were matched with 20 juniors according to their professional interests. Alumnae teachers, attorneys, physician, nurses, accountants and more made professional development plans with their mentees that include monthly contact, job shadowing, college selection and guidance.
From ordering new merchandise and recruiting volunteers to displaying items and operating as cashiers, Liz and Trish did it all. More and more volunteers became involved with the store, which created a buzz around school. The first year showed a profit and Marian was thrilled. The torch was passed on in January to Elizabeth Elsasser, mother of Charlotte Elsasser ’15, and Toni McCarthy Compton ’86, mother of Keara Compton ’17, who will lead the BLUEtique into the next year. Marian looks forward to another successful year with new and exciting merchandise arriving each week! Thank you to all who have said “yes” to the call.
Alumnae Help Class of 2014 “Go Forth” Several alumnae were a part of the Class of 2014 senior retreat experience in January at YMCA Camp Kitaki near South Bend, Neb. The basic theme of this retreat was “Going Forth” from Marian. During the retreat, the seniors journeyed from past to future in the context of faith and gratitude, paying attention to how God has been active in their lives from their freshman through senior years. The following alumnae provided extra guidance for the soon-to-be graduates: Nicole Baier ’08 Monica Bosiljevac ’10 Christine Broghammer ’07 Jess Cannon ’09 Elizabeth Casey ’09 Ava Coughlin ’11 Jaci Dai ’07 Rachael Hobza ’11 Anne Johnson ’11
Kelly Kunkel ’08 Megan Leonard ’05 Hannah Mergen ’10 Paige Moberg ’08 Ashley Peterson ’10 Sammy Salerno ’11 Amanda Schumacher ’10 Megan Tessmer ’10
Alexandra Ramirez ’15 and Katie Barmettler ’82 get to know each other and discuss education as a career choice.
Alumnae Fan Night Alumnae Fan Night was held Jan. 16 as the Marian Basketball team took on Papillion-La Vista in an intense game. Alumnae, friends and family members received free admission, popcorn, door prizes, face painting and games.
Alumnae board sponsored events
Lunch with a Leader Mary Frances Potter ’77 addressed Marian students as the Lunch with a Leader speaker on Dec. 2, 2013. Mary Frances participated in our Alumnae Arts Showcase and extended her visit from California to be present for the event. She was able to talk to two of Marsha Kalkowski’s journalism classes, where she shared her journey to becoming a published author. Mary Frances read an excerpt from her novel The Odyssey of Izzy under the pen name of Eva Murray. Mary Frances earned two master’s degrees: one in fiction from Sarah Lawrence College and the other in English literature from Arizona State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Creighton University.
Back row, left to right: Carol Virgillito, Teresa Virgillito DeGeorge ’92, Jenny Trumbauer Callahan ’91, Lauren McQuinn, Isabella DeGeorge. Front row, left to right: Caitlyn Virgillito, Paige Connelly, Grace Virgillito, Sophia Virgillito
Alessandra De la Guardia Zemek ’98 and daughter Natalie
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Alumnae Together
Omaha Symphony Guild Debutante Ball
Alumnae Reconnect With Their Marian Journalism Roots
The Omaha Symphony Guild honored several 2013 Marian graduates at its 48th annual Debutante Ball on Dec. 27, 2013. The ladies were recognized for their families’ civic and community work with charitable organizations in Omaha. The following Marian alumnae were named debutantes:
Megan Schiller Lancelotta ’96 and Nicola McCutcheon ’13 joined Marian senior journalism students for an Italian dinner in the North End of Boston during the JEA/ NSPA Fall Convention. Both Megan and Nicola were part of the Network staff in their days at Marian.
Sarah Berger Maggie Heim Ellie Hupp Theresa Kennelly Gabrielle Maenner
Nicola McCutcheon Erin McQuillan Emily Mullen Abby Peters Ally Pietrok
Ann Skradski Sarah Townsend Katie Warneke
Diane Broderick ’95 and Olivia Hershiser ’12, visited the students at the hotel. Claire Townley ’10 also joined them via a phone call from her study break at Boston College. Ashley Hoesing ’06 also called to chat.
Megan Schiller Lancelotta ’96 and Nicola McCutcheon ’13
Left to right: Sarah Townsend ’13, Theresa Kennelly ’13, Sarah Berger ’13
NEW Alumnae Book Club
South for the Winter
A new book club for Marian alumnae is starting up! Vanity Insanity, a novel authored by Marian alumna Mary Kay Mangus Leatherman ’81 will be the first read. The initial meeting will be April 10, 2014 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Marian Library. Join us for a relaxing discussion, snacks and conversation. Those interested may purchase the book at Barnes & Noble bookstores or through Mary Kay’s website: www. mkleatherman.com. It is also available through Amazon.com and the Kindle app.
Director of Advancement Sarah Jank ’01 and Director of Alumnae Relations Nancy Kettering Casey ’82 headed south this winter to Florida. While attending a CASE-NAIS convention, they took some time to get together with local Orlando alumnae.
Ak-Sar-Ben Ball The 117th Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation & Scholarship Ball took place on Oct. 19, 2013 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. The following Marian alumnae were princesses: Emily Lowndes ’08, Noelle Mapes ’10, Ellie McLeay ’09, and Kathy Schuele ’09. Rachel Wortmann ’14 was a Standard Bearer. Kathleen Spethman Pallesen ’84 was a member of the Women’s Ball Committee.
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Left to right: Director of Advancement Sarah Jank ’01, Judy Novotny Burke ’66, Rachael Watson Frohardt ’03, Catherine Polityka Soistman ’94, and Director of Alumnae Relations Nancy Kettering Casey ’82.
2014 Class of 1964 - 50th Reunion Weekend Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1, 2014
2014 Reunion Weekend | June 27 & 28 1959 Sunday, June 29 The Class of 1959 and their families will gather at the Alumnae Mass & Reception. Let’s celebrate mass, enjoy lunch and tours of the beautiful campus together! 1969 Saturday, June 28 Girls’ Night Out Jeannie Langer Greco’s cabin from noon to twilight Become a member of “Marian High - Omaha Class of 1969” on Facebook. Join us Sunday, June 29 at the Alumnae Mass & Reception. Let’s celebrate our classmate, Mary Higgins, who is receiving the Alumna of the Year Award! 1974 Friday, June 27 & Saturday, June 28 1979 Friday, June 27 & Saturday, June 28 Questions, contact Lisa Procopio Finocchiaro at lisaafino@gmail.com 1984 Saturday, June 28 Girls’ Night Out Become a member of “Marian Class of 1984” on Facebook. Questions, contact Pattie McCormick Ahlgren at pahlgren@stroberts.com 1989 Saturday, June 28 Girls’ Night Out Guests welcome. Become a member of “Marian Class of 1989 25-year Reunion” on Facebook. Questions, contact Didi Fitzgerald Turkel at turks2009@cox.net 1994 Saturday, June 28 Girls’ Night Out Become a member of “Marian Class of 1994” on Facebook. Questions, contact Sarah Whipkey at sarah.whipkey@gmail.com
Alumnae Mass & Reception Sunday, June 29, 2014 Wrap up your reunion weekend with your entire family at the Alumnae Mass at 11 a.m. Marian will honor alumnae and supporters who have made a difference to the Marian community. The 2014 honorees are Mary Higgins ’69 as Alumna of the Year, Kim Patterson ’09 with the Sr. Marcella Leadership Award and Bill and Kathy Edick Gerber ’77 with the Marian Award. Join us for Mass, lunch buffet and tours of Marian’s beautiful campus including the new Mary Joy and Tal Anderson Performing Arts Center.
1999 Friday, June 27 Informal Get-Together Saturday, June 28 Main Event Become a member of “Marian Class of 1999” on Facebook. Questions, contact DeEmma McKinley at dmckinley9@cox.net or Kathleen Conrad Flynn atkathleen.flynn@gordmans.com 2004 Saturday, June 28 Girls’ Night Out Become a member of “Marian High School 10 Year Reunion - Class of 2004” on Facebook. Questions, contact Christina Knowles at cmknowles1@gmail.com 2009 Saturday, June 28 Girls’ Night Out Become a member of “Marian Class of 2009” on Facebook. Questions, contact Ashley Gass at ashleym1229@msn.com
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Alumnae Class News Accomplishments Cathy Diez Donavon ’65 was featured on KSFR during Santa Fe Public Radio’s The Jazz Experience on Nov. 19, 2013 with hosts John Trentacosta and Arlen Asher. They discussed her CD and played some of her music. Jean O’Malley Sigler ’65 recently published a memoir titled Worth Keeping: Life With My Extraordinary Daughter, which chronicles the three decades she has spent with her disabled daughter. In this frequently comical account of her journey through the maze of medical professionals, evaluations and labels, special education policy and adult services, Jean shares her perspectives as a parent, a teacher, and a professional in the disability field. Cathy Mendenhall Baugh ’68 is employed as an Insurance Agent in Portland, Ore. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and was recently published in Catholic, Ink. with a story titled “Seeing the Hand of God in a few seconds flat.” Cathy also wrote a letter in The Portiuncula Journey, a newsletter published by the Poor Clare Sisters in Omaha.
Dr. Mary Strom Hawkins ’69 was honored at the 12th annual 40 Under 40 Awards in November 2013. Mary was presented the Woman of Distinction Award for having served as president of Bellevue University and 18 years of experience in education. Sandy Veneziano ’69 was the Art Director for Alexander Payne’s most recent movie Nebraska. She has several other film credits as set designer. Sandy teaches Set Design in the Theater Department at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and often guides a group of interns when she works on movies. Doreen Finochiaro Griffith ’79 will be honored as a 2014 Premier 100 IT Leader at an awards ceremony in March 2014. She will be honored for her exceptional technology leadership and innovative approaches to business challenges. Doreen is employed with Securities America as Executive Vice President of Information Services and Chief Information Officer.
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Mary Kay Mangus Leatherman ’81 released her novel titled Vanity Insanity. A book signing was held Jan.18 at Barnes & Noble and on Feb. 16 at The Book Worm, both in Omaha. Vanity Insanity is Mary Kay’s narrative about how a place defines who you are, how other people define who you are and, ultimately, how you must define yourself. See page 26 for more information on Marian’s new alumnae book club! Barbara Gehringer ’82 hosted “50 New Works, Celebrating 50 Years” at Gallery 92 West in Fremont, Neb. in November. See page 17 for the full story! Kelly Parks Snider ’83 released a new and updated edition of her book series Zilly: A Modern Day Fable. The new edition of Zilly includes additional resources for parents and educators, in addition to downloadable art-based educational tools on the book’s website: www.zillybook.com. Kelly also recently showcased an artistic exhibition, titled “Rural Women: Voice and Spirit,” which highlighted the various and integral roles rural women have played in agricultural production. Her exhibition included a collection of paintings, corresponding literary selections and a companion video. Gladys Harrison ’85, daughter Briannah Harrison ’09 and their family members appeared on a new Food Network television show in December. “Big Mama’s Kitchen” provides a unique look inside the world of Patricia “Big Mama” Barron’s famous family-owned restaurant in Omaha. Gladys, the restaurant’s general manager, is also the sister of the late Carlene Barron Jones ’99. “Marian prepared me for so many things in life,” said Gladys. “I will forever be thankful for how my life, my sister’s and
my daughter’s lives have been so enriched because of our experience there.” If the show is well-received, The Food Network will film more episodes.
Erin Grace Helton ’91, a columnist for the Omaha World-Herald, recently wrote an article on achieving New Year’s resolutions and featured advice from Marian faculty member and cross country coach Roger Wright. The article, titled “The toughest thing about those new resolutions,” was published on New Year’s Day. More of Erin’s recent work is available on www.omaha.com. Beth McCarthy Engel ’93 has joined Dundee Venture Capital to steer operations and assist the firm’s more than 25 startup companies. Beth and her family recently moved back to Omaha from Washington, D.C., where she was employed with the FBI. Lindsey Kelly Harm ’00 was featured in the Living section of the Omaha World-Herald on Jan. 1. As a personal trainer, Lindsey enjoys sharing her passion for health and fitness with others – all with a smile. Emily McKeone ’05 is a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Peace Corps volunteer. She majored in environmental studies and
Photo courtesy of Omaha-World Herald.
The College of Saint Mary Pediatric Nursing Simulation Labs were dedicated in memory of Dr. Kathleen Jones Willrett ’68 at an open house in January 2014.
Congratulations to Barb Begley Gilman ’81, teacher at St. Margaret Mary School, who was selected as a winner of the Sr. Miriam Joseph Farrell Distinguished Teacher Award. Barb will be honored at the National Catholic Educators Association (NCEA) conference in Pittsburgh this spring. Her hard work, commitment to Catholic education, and self-sacrifice are tremendous, and they represent Marian and the Archdiocese of Omaha well! Her sister, Rebecca Begley Hirsch ’95, wrote, “Barb does an amazing job using the latest technology at St. Margaret Mary’s in Omaha to educate and engage her students. She also shares her best practices with other Catholic school teachers around the country. I’ve also been impressed by her dedication to the Saints and raising awareness for religious vocations.”
sociology and spent the fall 2010 semester in Costa Rica working on a farm. Recently, Emily raised money to build three wells for three local schools in Zambia. As a Peace Corp volunteer, she interacts with the residents daily, teaches local farmers about basic business skills and nutrition, and works at three different schools.
Weddings Jennifer Brink ’96 married Justin Albee on June 1, 2013 in Parker, Colo. Jennifer is an Account Manager with Starz Entertainment. The couple lives in Colorado.
Carina Glover ’07 will be graduating from the University of Nebraska-Omaha this May and recently started her own event-planning company in Omaha, Chiffon Events. The company will help clients plan their social events – weddings, graduation parties, anniversary parties and everything in between. Carina is also the event coordinator for Dancing with the Omaha Stars, an event that held its 5th annual show on Jan. 25. The event brings together local celebrities and challenges them to learn various dances to raise money for an amazing charity, The Sunshine Kids. Courtni Kopietz ’07 was among a group of cancer survivors who spoke at “A Night of Hope” in December at St. Robert Bellermine Catholic Church. The group shared their journeys and their dreams for a bright future. Courtni was diagnosed in April 1997 with ALL Leukemia.
Julie Ruma ’98 married Brian Scallen on July 14, 2012. Both are physicians; Julie is a radiologist at Veterans Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Renee Lamoureux ’00 and Tyler Yost were married on May 18, 2013 at St. John’s Catholic Church on the campus of Creighton University.
Amy Prentis ’04 and Jared Kalina were married Nov. 3, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church in Omaha. A reception followed at The Club at Indian Creek. The bride is the daughter of John and Beverly Toelle Prentis ’69. Both the bride and groom are graduates of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The bride graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Design and currently is the Designer/Owner of the Etsy shop, Little Paper Lantern. The groom earned a bachelor’s degree in Turf Science. The couple has made their home in Mullen, Neb., where Jared is Assistant Superintendent at the Sand Hills Golf Club.
Ariel Talacko ’09 made her debut performance in the Omaha Community Playhouse’s production of Les Misérables in September 2013. She recently graduated from Creighton University as a musical theatre and dance major. Julianne Mandolfo ’10 is a libero on the Ohio State volleyball team. She led the Buckeyes with 10 digs in a match against UNL. Ellie Pesavento ’10, a University of NebraskaKearney middle volleyball player, has reached 1,000 career kills. She has 1,017 kills for the Loper squad. Trinity University’s Maggie Emodi ’11 was named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference volleyball player of the year. Maggie is a junior outside hitter, a six-rotation player and captain.
Brenna Egan ’00 married Carle Pierose II on Sept. 21, 2013. The destination wedding took place on Catalina Island, Calif. Anna Jones Goeschel ’00 was a bridesmaid and Kathy Bast Tocco ’61 was a lector.
Claire Wieger ’12 is a sophomore Business and Advertising/Public Relations major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a writer for the campus newspaper, The Daily Nebraskan. Claire recently wrote an article titled “Same-sex schools offer great opportunities, break gender stereotypes.” Claire praised her experiences while attending Marian in an entertaining article in the campus paper. You can follow her on Twitter @Clurko_Bangz Maggie Heim ’13, a freshman setter on the Ohio State volleyball team, had three kills and 14 assists in playing the first three sets against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the fall. Annie Wolfe ’13 is a freshman on the University of Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team. She served up two aces in a victorious match against Missouri Southern State in October 2013.
Michaela Barrett ’07 married Bryant Frie, whom she met at St. Cloud State University. They were married Aug. 3, 2013 with a honeymoon to Glacier National Park in Montana. Bridesmaids included alumnae Kelly Maydwell ’07, Laura Murray ’07 and Shari Briganti ’09. The couple is currently living just outside of St. Cloud, Minn. while Michaela finishes her master’s degree in music liturgy at St. John’s University School of Theology. Bryant works in a science lab called Microbiologics.
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Elizabeth Gorski ’00 married Eric Zdyb in October 2013. The couple lives in Chicago where Liz is a clinical pharmacist in the Emergency Department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She also serves as an assistant professor of pharmacy at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Ill. Eric is a senior manager/auditor at KPMG. Liz graduated from Notre Dame in 2004 and Creighton Pharmacy School in 2008.
Have you recently tied the knot, had a child, moved, been promoted at work or recognized by a peer group with a special honor? We want to hear about it and so do your fellow alumnae! Please send your updates with photos or news clippings to the Alumnae Office at 7400 Military Ave., Omaha, NE 68134 or ncasey@omahamarian.org. You can also update online at marianhighschool. net. Don’t be shy, let us know what’s new with you!
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Births Julie Fitzgerald Ryan ’88 and husband Kevin welcomed Nathan Daniel. Nathan was born May 17, 2013.
Ashely Arts Adam ’01 and husband Robbie welcomed their second child, Blake Robert, on Dec. 11, 2013. Blake joins big sister, Linden.
Craig Panning and his wife, Amanda, welcomed Lillian Elizabeth on Jan. 16, 2014. Craig is a faculty member.
Christina Coates Schmitz ’89 and husband Tedd welcomed daughter Codie Lynn on July 5, 2013. She joins big sisters Abigail, 14 and Anna, 11. Amber Scardina DeWitt ’91 and husband Dan welcomed Greyson Lee on Aug. 3, 2013. Greyson joins siblings Zachery, Alissa and Skylar.
Cassie Craig and her husband Nolan welcomed their first child, Magnus Alexander, born Sept. 29, 2013. Cassie is a faculty member at Marian.
Irene Peterson Holmes ’01 and husband Zachary welcomed Anderson Samuel Gene on Nov. 29, 2013.
In Memoriam of Deceased Alumnae Pat Serlet Susami ’66
Cathy Polityka Soistman ’94 and husband Eddie welcomed their first child, Samantha Ann, on Jan. 16, 2013. Samantha Ann returned to Heaven on the same day, but continues to live in the hearts of those who love her.
Katie Zach Witt ’01 and husband Andy welcomed their second baby, Samuel Nicholas, on Oct. 11, 2013. Big sister Lucy is so in love and calls him “my best friend!” Samuel was also welcomed by grandmother Mary Sova Zach ’76 and aunt Claire Zach ’07.
The Marian Community Joins in Remembrance
Katie Ficenec Hill ’95 and husband Jerry are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Ava Kathryn. She was born on July 8, 2013. Her siblings, Zack, Emily and Jackson, love her to pieces.
Alfred Anzalone, father of Melanie Anzalone ’71, father-in-law of Tracy Hajenga Anzalone ’76 and grandfather of Carlie Anzalone ’11 Kathy Boltin, mother of Korrine Boltin Schuster ’96 Marylyn Bremmer, grandmother of Taylor Wyatt ’12 Photo taken by Marian alumna, Heidi Floresch Vondra ’98 of Spruce Photography.
Kendel Talacko Rowe ’02 and husband Doug welcomed Kenlee O’Day on Jan. 7, 2014. She joins brothers Bryson and Brody.
Abby Klusmire Jordan ’96 and her husband Scott welcomed twin girls at 26 weeks. Mary Frances ‘Frankie’ and Juliet James were born on Oct. 12. Sadly, Juliet passed away nine days later on Oct. 21, 2013.
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Marcus Brennan, father of Mary Jane Brennan Hendricks ’76 Thomas Brock, brother of Margaret Mary (Emmy) Brock ’85 Theresa Costello Cady, mother of Carolyn Cady Schartz ’59, Lori Cady LeVasseur ’62, Mary Jo Cady Bull ’69, grandmother of Shari Andersen Reynolds ’83, Christine Andersen ’84 and great-grandmother of Cady Reynolds ’09, Emily Reynolds ’11 and Sarah Reynolds ’13 Elizabeth Cambridge, mother of Mary Elizabeth Cambridge Higgins ’76 Mary Margaret Carlson, mother of Barbara Carlson Gremm ’79 Philip Cerra, husband of Mary Elizabeth Jahn Cerra ’75, brother-in-law of Mary Diane Jahn McKenzie ’69, Kathy Jahn Gogela ’71, Mary Jahn Nohner ’73, Andrea Blankenau Jahn ’87, and the uncle of Emily Nohner ’03 and Maddy Jahn ’96
Each Friday, the students, teachers and staff of Marian offer a special prayer for those who are suffering from any kind of pain, illness, or loss and for those who have asked us to pray for them. We pray for those Marian alumnae and members of their families who have died and now experience the joy of resurrection. Following this we say together the Memorare. You may join us in spirit each Friday at 8 a.m. and you will know the power of praying together in community.
Marion Coppola, grandfather of Anne Ellis McMeen ’89 Eugene Corcoran, father-in-law of Teri Dolejs Corcoran ’81 Ann Egan, mother-in-law of Mary Sanders Egan ’79 William Engelhardt, father of Jacqueline Earl Dixon ’69 Thomas Finn, father of Maureen Finn Oberdorfer ’65 and Peggy Finn Queen ’68 Allan Forsman, father of Korinna Forsman ’08 Michael Gasnick, brother of Mary Gasnick Reis ’76, Melissa Gasnick Cloeter ’79, Margaret Gasnick ’84, Polly Gasnick Foley ’86 uncle of Alexandra Gasnick Bruening ’03 and Teresa Gasnick ’11 Ruth Glass, grandmother of Jenna Glass ’12 Dorothy Haas, grandmother of Amanda Dunning Peterson ’95 and Abigail Dunning Stehlik ’98 Barbara Harmon, mother-in-law of Kathleen Wagner Harmon ’70 Joan Hautzinger, mother of Nellie Hautzinger Bauer ’83, mother-in-law of Shauna Neary Hautzinger ’77, grandmother of Erin Budd ’05, Molly Budd ’07, Kelly Budd ’09, Maggie Berigan ’05, Elizabeth Berigan ’11, Anna Hautzinger ’13 and Julia Hautzinger ’17
Robert Leahy, husband of Colleen Taylor Leahy ’79 and father of Megan Leahy ’06 and Patricia Leahy ’11 Geraldine Mahoney, sister of Marilyn Higgins, a former Marian volunteer, and aunt of Kelly Higgins Guanino ’92, Colleen Higgins ’85, and Erin Higgins Nelson ’87 Richard Marek, brother of Margaret (Peggy) Marek ’76 and the uncle of Lauren Marek ’02 Robert Martinmaas, grandfather of Megan Werth ’01 and Ashley Barrow ’03
Samantha Ann Soistman, newborn daughter of Cathy Polityka Soistman ’94 Kenneth Soll, grandfather of Farah Soll ’15 and Gracie Soll ’17 Virginia Sommer, mother-in-law of Sherri Birmingham Sommer ’84 Julius Sonderman, father of Kathleen Sonderman McKay ’89, Colleen Sonderman Corrigan ’93, grandfather of Claire Sonderman ’13 and Maggie Emodi ’11
Patricia McClellan, grandmother of Erin McClellan ’14
Frances Talacko, mother of Debra Talacko Hoer ’79, grandmother of Kendel Talacko Rowe ’02, Kylie Talacko Kulp ’05, and Ariel Talacko ’09
Roman Melski, uncle of Karina Melski ’95
Robert Teal, father of Rebecca Teal Outersky ’85
Harry McGee, father-in-law of Mary Coyle Potts ’82 and grandfather of Macy Potts ’12
Madonna Thomsen, mother of Terry Thomsen Langer ’71, Diane Thomsen Johnson ’73, Janice Thomsen Silvain ’88, mother-in-law of Sandra Catton Thomsen ’77, grandmother of Denna Thomsen ’03, Megan Thomsen Guenther ’05, Emily Leahy ’06, and Jenni Thomsen ’07
William McKillip, father-in-law of Theresa (Tracy) Braun McKillip ’79 and the grandfather of Dr. Kate McKillip ’05, Megan McKillip ’07 and Maureen (Molly) McKillip ’16 Patrick McQuillan, father of Michelle McQuillan Myers ’91, brother of Sheila McQuillan Campbell ’69, uncle of Karen Rosenthal ’84 and Colleen Snyder ’86
Peter Townley, father of Meghan Townley ’03, Mairead Townley Hickey ’05, Brigid Townley ’08, brother of Ellen Townley O’Gara ’78, Rachel Townley Nordquist ’88, Rose Townley Bakewell ’85, Theresa Townley ’82, uncle of Claire Townley ’10, Ann Townley ’12, Ellen Townley ’14, Mary Kate Townley ’16 and faculty member Luke Ostrander
Catherine Hayes, grandmother of Erin Holtmeyer Engel ’05
Regina Minton, mother of Mary Minton Beller ’77, mother-in-law of Meg Gross Minton ’75, grandmother of Katie Beller Frazell ’00, Megan Beller Clay ’02, Emily Beller ’09 and Regina Beller ’11
Mary Hibberd, mother of Bridget Hibberd Kennedy ’77
Steven Muldoon, uncle of Megan Muldoon ’03
Pat Hosking, mother of Jane Hosking Trainer ’87. Pat was also a former faculty member at Marian.
Shirley O’Brien, aunt of Rose Fallon Roeder ’66 and Julie Fallon Grebenick ’73
Daryl Warday, husband of Ann Gotch Warday ’85, brother-in-law of Maureen Gotch Vinton ’78, Carol Gotch ’81 and Susan Gotch ’94
Doralyn Huerter, mother of Holly Huerter Morgan ’75, grandmother of Sarah Morgan Yancey ’06
Dolly Otto, mother of Jamie Otto ’95
Morris Weeks, brother of Rosemarie Weeks ’61
Elinor Pecha, aunt of Julie Pecha Nelson ’89
Ed Iwersen, brother-in-law of Kateri (Teri) Duda ’69
Alfred Placek, father of Mary Placek Horrum ’81, Theresa Placek Smith ’80, grandfather of Audrey Horrum ’10, Jackie Smith ’12, Emily Horrum ’07 and Elizabeth Placek ’00 and the husband of Dixie Placek, a former Marian volunteer.
Rosemary Weishapl, mother of Georgiann Weishapl Regan ’67, Mary Beth Weishapl Mausbach ’75, Alison Weishapl Reece ’77, mother-in-law of Barbara Dundis Weishapl ’71, grandmother of Carole Regan ’93 and Nicole Mausbach ’00
Linda Kelley, mother-in-law of Melissa Sauser Kelley ’93 Timothy Kohlmeyer, father of Katy Kohlmeyer ’12 Edward Kolar, father-in-law of Patricia McCarthy Kolar ’72 James Koley, grandfather of Kristen Koley ’14 Carol Lang, grandmother of Jessica Harter Chidley ’00, Amanda Harter Butcher ’05 and Megan Harter ’03 Karla Laughlin, mother of Kira Knickrehm ’03 Sr. Celeste Lawler, OSM, former Marian faculty member
Marie Margaret Potter, mother of Jane Potter ’69, Kathleen Potter Besser ’70 and Mary Potter Sweeney ’77. Preceded by Linda Potter ’68 Louis Pribyl, father of Julianne Pribyl ’69 and Joann Pribyl ’76
Leonard Van Liew, father of Jackie Van Liew Fjellin ’69
Rita Mae Whalley, mother of Donna Whalley Hoose ’63 and Carol Whalley Blazka ’66 George Wurtz, father of Jenny Wurtz Conahan ’82 Norbert A. Zimmerman, the father-in-law of Sheila Zimmerman, Marian staff member.
Evelyn Rohwer, grandmother of Amy Becher Tobias ’96 Kathleen Simmons, sister-in-law of Mary Ellen Byrnes Simmons ’66
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Scan the QR code shown at left with your smart phone to access current news at Marian.
Important Dates to Remember Alumnae Legacy Lunch March 30 – Noon
Instrumental Music Spring Concert May 6 – 7 p.m.
Spring Play: Romeo & Juliet: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Tragedy April 4 & 5 – 7 p.m. April 6 – 2 p.m.
Graduation May 18 – 2 p.m. Holland Performing Arts Center
Walls Night April 22 – 5:30-8:30 p.m. Field Day April 25 – 10 a.m. D.J. Sokol Arena Creighton University Select Women’s Choir Spring Concert April 27 – 6 p.m. May Crowning May 6 – 1 p.m.
Omaha Gives! May 21 Class of 1964 50th Reunion Celebration May 30, 31 & June 1 Alumnae Reunion Weekend June 27-29 Alumnae Mass & Reception June 29 – 11 a.m. Lexus Champions for Marian Golf Tournament July 14 Indian Creek Golf Course
Contacts Head of School Susan Russell Toohey ’82 Assistant Principals Rochelle Rohlfs Kathy Tompkins Director of Advancement Sarah Jank ’01 402.571.2618, ext. 1119 sjank@omahamarian.org Director of Alumnae Relations Nancy Kettering Casey ’82 402.571.2618, ext. 1270 ncasey@omahamarian.org Transcript Requests Sheila Zimmerman 402.571.2618, ext. 1127 szimmerman@omahamarian.org Prayer Needs Sr. Linda Hess, OSM prayerrequests@omahamarian.org
For more information about any of these events, please visit Marian’s website at www.marianhighschool.net The Marian Magazine is published three times per year through the Marian Advancement Department. Please report any address changes and corrections to:
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Kaitlin O’Hara Ahart ’05 Editor Marian 7400 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 402.571.2618, ext. 1137 Fax: 402.571.2978 kahart@omahamarian.org