W IN T E R 2 0 18
6
8
12
16
20
22
30
32
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CONTENTS C OV E R S TO RY 10-11
S TO RY B O O K S O P E N N E W W O R L D S F O R S T U D E N T S
M A R I A N TO D AY
14
4-5
P R E S I D E N T ' S L E T T E R + F I R S T D AY O F S C H O O L
6-7
FRESHMAN RETREAT
8-9
WELCOME TO MARIAN, CLASS OF 2021
12-13
CLASSROOM TO CAREER
14-15
SERVICE TRIPS TO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
16-18
NEW MANDARIN CHINESE CLASS
19
SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION
20-21
B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S O F " H E L L O , D O L LY ! "
22-23
ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS
FUTURE MARIAN GIRLS 24
RECRUITMENT VISITS
25
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
S E RVA N T S O F M A RY 26-28
S E R VA N T S O F M A RY C O N F R O N T T R A F F I C K I N G
29
MEET SISTER ZITA MARIE SHARROW
A DVA N C I N G T H E M I S S I O N 30-31
C A M PA I G N U P D AT E
32-33
ESPRIT DE CORPS BANQUET
34-35
P L A N N E D G I V I N G : T H E A N D E R S O N F A M I LY
26 A L U M N A E TO D AY 36-37
ALUMNA FEATURE: HANNAH LAJBA '14
38-39
REUNIONS
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS 40-42
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
44-45
WEDDINGS
46-47
BABIES
48-53
REMEMBRANCES
55
STUDENT REFLECTIONS
MARIAN IS A CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN FOUNDED BY THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND DEDICATED TO MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD. MARIAN TEACHES THE BELIEFS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH IN A CARING AND LOVING COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE. THE MISSION OF MARIAN IS TO COMMIT ALL ITS RESOURCES TO THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY EDUCATION OF YOUNG WOMEN, TEACHING THEM TO BE LEADERS AND LIFELONG LEARNERS IN A SOCIETY WHERE THEIR TALENTS AND FAITH WILL GIVE HOPE TO THE WORLD.
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There is no better investment you can make for your daughter than the Marian experience... We are blessed to have a community where students want to learn, teachers love to teach and parents support the mission. Mary Higgins President
FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Marian Community, Every year we survey our graduates, and we learn how well prepared they are for college and for life. The data is impressive, but even more endearing are the notes and emails we receive from our alumnae. A handwritten note arrived in November from a 2005 alumna, thanking her freshman theology teacher for “what you taught me about spirituality, a relationship with Jesus, and the many different ways to explore the ins and outs of the journey.” An email from a 2017 graduate thanked her sociology teacher for “making me work for my grade...You challenged me to think, take a position, write a good paper and participate in class….Your classes taught me way more than just the concepts, and that is the reason I am able to succeed in my college classes.” We also survey our parents as part of our accreditation process. An April 2017 survey showed that the aspects that parents liked most about Marian were the following: • • • • • • •
Academic rigor Expertise of faculty Welcoming culture All-girls environment Variety of extracurricular opportunities Personal student growth Catholic identity
There is no better investment you can make for your daughter than the Marian experience. According to a recent parent email, “Marian’s staff and core values played a huge role in developing our daughter’s character and her ability to succeed. She often speaks about things that resonate as she’s studying, juggling a demanding schedule, or making decisions as she socially treks her way through college. Of the greatest gifts you provided her, I do think you instilled an ability to believe in herself as a confident, independent thinker.” We are blessed to have a community where students want to learn, teachers love to teach and parents support the mission. May God bless and keep you,
Mary Higgins ‘69 President MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 5
DISCOVER YOUR PLACE
FRESHMAN RETREAT
Of the greatest gifts you provided her, I do think you instilled an ability to believe in herself as a confident, independent thinker...� Marian Parent 2017
There is a place for everyone at Marian. By now, we are hoping that our 187 freshmen feel quite at home. Freshman Retreat took place in November and provided an opportunity for the upperclassmen to hand down the Marian spirit. The theme “Discover Your Place� encouraged students to discover Marian as their home for the next four years. It also challenged them to find their place in the world, where they can be all that God is calling them to be. P H O T O S B Y J O E M I X A N
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 7
W E L C O M E TO M A R I A N, CLASS OF 2021! ON AUGUST 17, 187 FRESHMEN BEGAN THEIR FOUR-YEAR JOURNEY AS MARIAN GIRLS. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR NEWEST STUDENTS AND SOME OF THEIR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF FRESHMAN YEAR.
C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 FAC T S
34
ZIP CODES
CURRENT STUDENTS
OF MARIAN ALUMNAE
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
187 STUDENTS COME FROM
ARE SISTERS OF
NON-CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
A R E G R A N D DAU G H T E R S
OF MARIAN ALUMNAE
A R E DAU G H T E R S
23 FRESHMEN
GRADE SCHOOLS
3 FRESHMEN
41 D I F F E R E N T
STUDENTS FROM
36 FRESHMEN
21 79% STUDENTS FROM %
Jenna Fu Esparrago
Cleo Wear
Meagan Hamilton
Grade School: St. Columbkille Favorite Club or Activity: Show Choir
Grade School: St. Robert Favorite Club or Activity: Cheer
I didn’t really “choose” Marian (my older sister did) but there are a million reasons why I would never leave, including the girls, the teachers and, of course, the Marian moms. I didn’t know I could love school as much as I do.
I was surprised by how accepting everyone was; I had heard that everyone didn't care what you looked like and you didn't have to put a lot of effort in to your appearance, but coming from a co-ed school, I didn't believe it.
Grade School: Russell Middle School Favorite Club or Activity: Step Club and Basketball
Lilly Dugan
Olivia Turkel
Lizzy Lampert
Grade School: Holy Cross Favorite Club or Activity: Mock Trial
Grade School: St. Vincent de Paul Favorite Club or Activity: Science Club
Grade School: St. Patrick Favorite Club or Activity: Track Team
It was so easy to make friends! I was so nervous coming in on the first day, and I thought I wouldn’t make any friends at all, but after the first week, I had made so many friends, and I could talk to anyone and they would talk to me.
Everyone here is truly accepting of who you are, and it shocked me because usually people judge you for who you are, and it’s really nice to find people who don’t.
All of my friends were going to Duchesne, Skutt and Creighton Prep, so I was scared. I was scared that no one would like me. I was scared that I wouldn't make friends, but I had no reason to worry because everything ended up being okay. I made new friends right away, and they are some of the best friends I have ever had.
I chose Marian because of all the diversity at the school and the caring environment. Also, I wanted to go to a school where the students care about their education as much as I do!
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 9
M A R I A N TO D AY
P H OTO S B Y B R I D G E T M C Q U I L L A N ' 0 9
S TO RY B O O K S O P E N N E W W O R L D F O R S T U D E N T S For Holy Name first graders, worldwide adventures begin at Marian. This semester, Marian seniors partnered with first graders from Holy Name Catholic School as part of their Sociology II coursework. The seniors wrote and designed a story about their first-grade buddy’s adventure in a foreign land. The storybooks were presented to the first graders at a Christmas party held Dec. 1 at Marian, complete with a visit from one of Santa’s elves. Marian students have enjoyed this lesson many times as a component of their studies in Sociology II. More than 15 years ago, Marian sociology teacher Tom Baker developed the project to help younger students see the value of being a citizen of the world. The assignment is to portray the first grader as a hero in a foreign land. The seniors are required to feature the country geographically and culturally. Using Photoshop, the seniors edit the first graders into images of the global destination. In one story, a first grader held up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, while another scored the winning goal at the FIFA World Cup!
“This experience opens a window to new dreams and possibilities for our students, which is essential to their continued motivation in school,” said Principal Pattie McCormick Ahlgren ‘84. “It taught our first graders important components of story, and the time with the girls made our students feel important.” Each first grader took home two copies of their personal storybook. For both the first graders and the seniors, it is a story they will never forget.
Founded 100 years ago, Holy Name School was staffed by the Servants of Mary, the same order of sisters who founded Marian. Today, Holy Name is led by Principal Pattie McCormick Ahlgren ’84. She is pictured here with first-grade teacher Anna Mandel ’13 and some of the students.
Consequently, the project offers not only a global lesson but a lesson about the Omaha community. Holy Name and Marian share a long legacy. The Servants of Mary, who came to Omaha in 1918 to staff Holy Name School, also founded Marian in 1955. Earlier in the semester, Marian seniors visited Holy Name to meet their buddies, learn about their school and gather information for their first grader’s story. For many of the first graders, a field trip to a high school was a first-time experience. In addition to a Christmas party, the seniors took their buddies on a tour of Marian, where they visited art and science labs and met teachers and other students. MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 11
F R O M T H E C L A S S R O O M TO A C A R E E R , M A R I A N O F F E R S P R O F E S S I O N A L O P P O RT U N I T I E S BY MAREN HADDAD '14
As a college preparatory school, Marian not only provides students with the most complete development for collegiate studies, it also focuses on preparing students for their future careers. In her four years at Marian, each young woman is encouraged to identify what sparks her interest and discern the fields she is passionate about. In order to narrow these passions into a college degree or a potential career, various opportunities are available for students to gain leadership experience, network with alumnae and shadow a professional in the field. Through the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club, Mpower Career Mentoring Program and a required job shadowing experience, students learn the professional tools to prepare them for college and beyond. While at Marian, students have the opportunity to become members of the FBLA club and gain handson business experience. The Marian chapter was founded in 1970 and continues to provide possibilities for students to learn in the ever-changing world of business, especially with the continued rise of females in a once male-dominated business world. “Women are becoming more and more important in the business field and more are taking on leadership
M A R I A N TO D AY
roles in their businesses. One of my goals with this organization is to help our members gain leadership skills to better prepare them for taking on leadership roles in their workplace,” said FBLA advisor and business teacher Craig Panning. Students in FBLA manage the Blue Brew, a coffee shop at Marian open on Friday mornings before classes begin. They also participate in a range of competitions and attend state leadership conferences. Last year, Marian’s FBLA team tied for third place at the UNO High School Business Competition. Last semester Marian hosted its annual Day of Business, a networking event for FBLA students and Omaha business professionals. FBLA President Lauren O’Leary ‘18 explained these opportunities have provided her a more thorough understanding of business and its importance in a variety of careers.
“It is important to understand career paths in high school because it better prepares you for what your future holds. It exposes you to many different professions and allows you to focus on the ones you would be more interested in and eliminate ones you would not,” O’Leary said. The Mpower Career Mentoring Program connects students with alumnae in a wide range of occupations. Designed for juniors and seniors, the program gives students the opportunity to network with alumnae and discuss professional topics. Alumnae are a resource for students and address questions about the future and potential career paths. Katie Harris ‘19 applied for the Mpower Program to meet new people and become inspired by alumnae. “All of the alumnae are very successful in their respective fields, and this motivates me to keep working hard, so one day I can achieve my goals,” Harris said. Since Mpower began in 2012, the group has met for four sessions throughout the school year to focus on group mentoring. While some students may not know what they want to do in the future, these sessions allow them to get to know alumnae and to recognize their strengths in potential fields. Alumnae are chosen based on the student’s potential career interests; their professions range from medicine to business to creative and everything in between. Students then have the alumnae connections to possibly job shadow in their field of interest.
“Hearing from all of the alumnae about their jobs and careers helped me narrow down which career path I want to take… I wanted to study computer science early on, but the Mpower Program helped me realize that I really wanted to do something with coding. After researching a little bit and from being a Technical Aid Resource (TAR), I want to study cybersecurity,” said Evelyn Paul ’18. The senior theology course requires students to participate in a job shadowing experience at one point during the year. Students are encouraged to shadow someone in a field they may be interested in studying or in a career they envision themselves pursuing. Students have shadowed a wide variety of professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses, teachers, graphic designers, CEOs, lawyers, physical therapists, engineers, software developers, police officers and event planners. While it isn’t a requirement for students to shadow an alumna, the Student Services Department has found this to improve the overall shadow experiences, said Mary Berger Steiner ‘82, assistant director of Student Services. With so many opportunities at Marian, it’s easy for a spark to ignite a passion in students and to motivate them to do something more with this interest. Taking advantage of professional possibilities gives students more than just their diploma; it gives them the drive to succeed in high school and beyond.
“This motivates me to keep working hard, so one day I can achieve my goals.” Katie Harris '19
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 13
S T U D E N T S F I N D T H E M S E LV E S I N S E RV I C E O F OT H E R S B Y K AT E K E L L E N ' 1 8
On the third floor of Marian, there is a mural that serves as a reminder of the importance of service. It reads:“’The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’- Mahatma Gandhi.”
be her last. “I already plan on going back during college! At this point, I’m only looking at schools that offer the same program, so I am able to return as an intern or student,” Champion said.
This summer, 12 Marian girls found truth in this wisdom when they traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of Creighton’s Institute for Latin American Concern (ILAC) program. From June 3 to 14, six seniors and six juniors along with teacher Ms. Halli Tripe and Sr. Lisa Sheridan experienced life in a developing country. This annual service trip allowed the students to be immersed in another culture and lifestyle.
The D.R. trip provided many moments of silliness and fun, along with the task of painting the local church and gathering space in the campo community of Arroyo Blanco. One of Champion’s favorite memories was dropping by the gym on their walk back from painting the church. “It was so fun being able to experience a Dominican workout; it involved a lot of jumping and dance moves,” Champion said.
“I went into this trip unable to speak any Spanish, so it was a little intimidating to not be able to understand what anyone was saying. However, the language barrier didn’t prohibit me from being able to make connections with the people,” senior Kylie Champion '18 said. Even in a country with different customs and languages, relationships were still formed and students were able to develop a deeper understanding of their mission in the world. After this experience, Champion said she is determined that it will not
M A R I A N TO D AY
Service and immersion trips have the ability to transform the way a person views the world and one's place in it. “The most fulfilling activity on the trip was definitely playing with the kids. It was so incredible to interact with them because, even though we live completely different lives from them, all they wanted was to have fun with us and get to know us,” Champion said. When Marian students are able to travel the world and immerse themselves in a culture completely different from their own, their faith, self-image and world awareness grow.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Ghandi
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A L U M N A E S H A R E M E M O R I E S O F F I R S T T R I P TO D. R . “You think you are helping, but you are changed,” said Beth Huerter ‘07 of her trip to the Dominican Republic 12 years ago. Beth was among the students who made the first Marian trip to the Institute of Latin American Concern (ILAC) in 2006. “It absolutely influenced me today,” said Beth. After graduating from Marian, she went to Marquette University, where she studied nursing and Spanish and continued to participate in medical-related service trips. Today, Beth lives in Seattle where she works as a nurse specializing in interventional radiology. She uses her Spanish to interact with Spanish-speaking patients. Then, as it does today, the D.R. trip introduced students to a different culture, language and socioeconomic level. For Beth, the trip was also about the similarities among people. She has fond memories of the connections and exposure the experience provided, including time in the campos with her host sisters talking about friends and school and praying the rosary in Spanish with her host family. Katie Kelly ’07 recalled her time with the Gomez family. ”It was so impactful. It brought me out of my privileged bubble to see how they lived and to understand how happy they were,” said Katie. “It stuck with me,” said Katie “and I’ve focused my career on serving the underserved.” She continued to study Spanish while at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She went to work at Boys Town, and then taught English in Madrid for two years. Recently, she completed law school at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is working for a judge on the course to becoming a criminal trial lawyer. Jacque Laird ’07 was also among the first group to travel to the D.R. She remembers well the group of girls who accompanied her. Despite their naiveté, they were so open to a different culture and the challenges presented by a developing country. “Although I took Spanish in high school, when I went to the D.R., it was so frustrating not being able to talk with my host family. I so wanted to know their story,” said Jacque. The experience inspired Jacque to continue studying Spanish. She graduated from UNL and today works as a Spanish support specialist for the American Cancer Society in Chicago. Jacque helps clients get to and from their treatment programs, whether they are being treated locally or across the country. The lessons learned from service are simple but profound - lessons that last a lifetime. “You find an amazing human spirit. It helps you shift your frame of mind out of your small box,” said Beth. MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 15
WORLD LANGUAGE PROGRAM EXPANDS WITH ADDITION OF
MANDARIN
M A R I A N TO D AY
Mandarin Chinese, the fastest-growing language in the world, is now available for study at Marian. This fall students had the opportunity to enroll in Mandarin I, and higher level study will be added each year. P H OTO S B Y B R I D G E T M C Q U I L L A N ' 0 9
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 17
Marian is one of four Omaha high schools to offer Mandarin. Given the growing demand, Marian Principal Susie Spethman Sullivan '80 says it was a no-brainer to add it to the school's curriculum. The addition of Mandarin has generated a lot of excitement both in and out of the classroom. "We had several parents who were interested in it,” Sullivan said. “The girls, too, are very excited, but I think they were surprised by how difficult it is.” Currently 10 students are enrolled in the course taught by Liquing “Jessie” Guo, who is from Xi’an Jiaotong University in China. She came to Nebraska through the Confucius Institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which promotes Chinese language and culture throughout Nebraska. The UNL Confucius Institute was established in 2007 as the 20th Confucius Institute in the United States, and it is one of 350 institutes worldwide. Although Guo has taught both adults and children, this is her first high school teaching assignment. She appreciates how eager the girls are but also recognizes the difficulties of teaching and learning Chinese. Guo says Chinese is very difficult for native English speakers; the tones and pronunciation are challenging. There are no letters; students must learn to write and identify all new characters.
“Speaking and learning a different language is an amazing way to open doors and learn about cultures other than your own.” Liquing "Jessie" Guo
Guo adjusts the pace of study to address the challenges. Speaking is the priority this year, but she also hopes the girls learn about Chinese culture and garner an authentic understanding of modern China. As the relationship between the U.S. and China improves, career opportunities will grow. Knowing Mandarin can translate into more opportunities. “Speaking and learning a different language is an amazing way to open doors and learn about cultures other than your own,” said Guo. Along with Mandarin, students have the opportunity to take Spanish, French and Latin at Marian. (As enrollment in Latin declines, courses will be moved online.) Although two years of language is the minimum requirement for graduation, many students take four years or study several languages. Senior Samantha Fabian is one such student. Her sophomore year, with two years of Spanish under her belt, she began exploring the options to study Chinese. She learned through her counselor about a summer Chinese language program offered at UNL. Along with 18 other students from across the state, she participated in STARTALK, a two-week intensive program on Chinese language and culture. Inspired by this experience, Samantha wanted more in-depth study, and this past summer she participated in a four-week Chinese STARTALK program at the University of Mississippi. She also put her Spanish to work as a participant in Marian’s trip to the Dominican Republic. Samantha recently applied to a Chinese immersion program through the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y). If accepted, she would study in China for a year before starting college, where she plans to major in international relations and Chinese. Through her studies, Samantha has learned much about herself. “The repetition and character memorization has come to reveal that patience and perseverance are integral pieces of my character,” said Samantha. This is a valuable lesson in any language.
M A R I A N TO D AY
S T U D E N T S R E C O G N I Z E D B Y N AT I O N A L MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Three Marian students received recognition in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship (NMS) Program. Senior Lauren Isenberg '18 was named a semifinalist, and Megan Doehner ‘18 and Lauren Klingemann ‘18 are commended students. The NMS program is a competition for academic recognition and college scholarships. About 1.6 million juniors from more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 NMS program by taking the PSAT in October 2016. Those recognized as semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants from each state, and about 15,000 will advance to finalist standing. Lauren Isenberg will join the rest of the 16,000 semifinalists in the competition, vying for over 7,500 National Merit Scholarships (worth about $33 million) that will be offered in the spring. Commended students, Megan and Lauren, placed among the top five percent of those who took the qualifying test in October 2016.
Above: National Merit Scholars: Lauren Klingemann ‘18, Lauren Isenberg ‘18 and Megan Doehner ‘18. Below: Questbridge National College Match Scholar: Morgan Hodges '18
MORGAN HODGES ‘18 AWARDED FULL, F O U R - Y E A R S C H O L A R S H I P TO N O RT H W E S T E R N Marian Senior Morgan Hodges has received a full four-year scholarship to Northwestern University as part of QuestBridge’s National College Match, a program that pairs high-achieving, low-income high school seniors with full scholarships to the nation’s top colleges. Among a pool of 15,606 applicants, Morgan is one of 918 outstanding students who are admitted early with a guaranteed four-year scholarship, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
With a scholarship award of over $300,000, Morgan is grateful and gracious. “This scholarship has proved to me that sometimes the things that we think hinder us can become our greatest assets with a little hard work, some faith, and help from those around you. Not having to worry about paying for the next four years of my education is an enormous blessing for both me and my family, and I will never forget those who helped me get here,” said Hodges.
Morgan is not only an excellent student but an outstanding citizen. At Marian, she is active in National Honor Society, Campus Ministry, Math Club, Sundae Wednesday Club, French Club and Worship Choir, among other activities. She was a 2017 Cornhusker Girl’s State delegate and was recently named an Optimist Club Student of the Month for November. Morgan is a member of St. Leo Catholic Church, where she volunteers as a musician, seventh-grade catechist and confirmation retreat leader. She plays the piano and violin, and teaches piano lessons.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
SUMMER ISSUE
PG 19
SUPPORTING ROLES: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE CREW
It’s opening night and nerves are running high. For weeks, the cast and crew have been working for this moment when they will perform for an audience. “There are times when I feel an immense amount of pressure...but the next minute, I'm crying tears of joy because...nothing went wrong or because a cast member hit the high note in her solo,” said Audrey Hertel ‘18, who served as stage manager for Marian’s fall musical. Producing a show is a tremendous collaborative effort -- for all that is seen on stage there is just as much going on behind the scenes. More than 100 students participated in the production of the fall musical, “Hello, Dolly!” The cast of 44 was joined by an orchestra of 20 and supported by a crew of nearly 40 students. For the student performers, there are lines to memorize, musical scores to master and dance routines to synchronize. Backstage, there is an entire crew whose efforts support the performers.
M A R I A N TO D AY
According to Michelle Procopio Delisi ‘74, who has been choreographing Marian productions since she was a student, the show can’t go on without the crew. “They are very important and take on a lot of ownership and responsibility. It is a great way to get involved and get experience,” said Delisi. Every production depends on a team of students who build the sets, coordinate the costumes, apply makeup, design props, assist backstage, run the sound and lights, and serve as stage managers. Many of these tasks allow students to take on significant leadership roles or master a new craft or skill. Senior Audrey Hertel has been on backstage crew since she was a sophomore. She has worked on Marian’s productions of “Rags” and “Much Ado About Nothing” and has served a stage manager for “Singin' in the Rain,” “Gone the Rainbow, Return the Dove” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Left: Chorus scene from "Hello, Dolly!" Photo by Grace Sall '18 Above: The set crew developed plans for the stage scenery. They built three rolling walls from the ground up; each side providing a different scene for a total of six scenes. Below: With seven weeks to meet their goal, the crew framed the scenes, hung and mudded drywall and painted the walls and trim. Under the direction of Jeremy and Lindsay Cisco, the students not only learned how to operate power tools but how to hang a door and install a window. Photos by Lindsay Cisco, art teacher
Lower right: The technical booths are located behind the audience. The sound settings and lights are programmed cue to cue. Photo by Julia Hingorani '18
From the wings, the stage managers cue the performers and the set changes, ensuring that the show runs smoothly. role, M AInRthis IAN T OAudrey D A Y has learned not only about theater but also about leadership. “When you are a stage manager, you have to present yourself in a way that earns respect… I have come to learn that if they trust in your leadership, they will listen to what you say, because in the end, you only want what's best for the production,” said Audrey. Every production requires technical support too. At Marian, Student Theatre Aid Resources (STARS) run the sound and lights for Marian productions. These students are trained in the tech booths to operate the state-of-the-art equipment in Marian’s performing arts center. Along with the performing roles, a theatrical production provides many ways for students to be involved, learn new skills and meet new people. Although not in the spotlight, the crew helps put the performers in the best light. MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 21
B
ACTIVITIES
A M A R I A N TO D AY
C
E
AND ATHLETICS
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES A. Volleyball – State, district and metro champions, the volleyball team was nationally ranked and climbed as far as fifth in the national polls. This year marked Marian’s fourth state volleyball title in five years. Senior Audrey Yost's photo was a winner in Balfour Publishing's fall Great Shot Photo Contest. She captured the emotion of the game-winning point in the final set of the state semifinals match.
B. Crusader fans were also recognized as some of the best in the state. Marian received the Class A Girls Sportsmanship Award for displaying excellent spirit and character through healthy competition. C. Golf – The team placed second in districts, which earned them a berth at state. The golfers placed sixth at the state tournament, and Jalea Culliver finished fourth out of 174 golfers. D. Cross Country – With 79 runners, XC is Marian’s largest team! The team placed third at districts and eighth at state. E. Softball – After a season of ups and downs, the team finished as runner-up in districts.
D
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 23
H O LY C R O S S
S T S P E T E R & PA U L
The Marian Recruitment Team visits each of the Catholic elementary schools every fall. We’ve been to your school; now come see ours!
RECRUITMENT VISITS
ST CECILIA
ST WENCESLAUS
FUTURE MARIAN GIRLS S T V I N C E N T D E PA U L
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY 11 - Vocal Music Pops Concert 13 - Instrumental Music Pops Concert 20 - Preregistration Meeting for Freshman Families 27 - Incoming Freshman Registration MARCH 18 - Alumnae Legacy Lunch APRIL 6-8 - Marian Spring Play Production 21 - 7th-Grade Trivia Night 24 - Field Day Walls Night 27 - Field Day MAY 5 - Big Sister/Little Sister Ice Cream Social 6 - Instrumental & Vocal Music Spring Concert 8 - May Crowning
For event details and registration information, visit us online at marianhighschool.net/choosing-marian/important-dates/
S P E N D A D AY A T M A R I A N ! See for yourself what it’s like to be a Marian girl. All sixth through eighth-grade girls are invited to schedule a shadow visit at Marian. Please contact Director of Admissions Molly Adams Woodman ’97 at 402-571-2618, ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org to set up your Marian visit. Shadow visits are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Please allow two days’ advance notice.
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SMALL BUT MIGHTY SERVANTS OF MARY CONFRONT TRAFFICKING P H OTO S B Y B R I D G E T M c Q U I L L A N ' 0 9
S E R VA N T S O F M A RY
The American Community of Servants of Mary is a small community of 70 sisters, but they are not too small to take on some big issues. Dedicated to the education of young women and called to be a compassionate presence, the sisters have placed themselves at the forefront of eradicating sex trafficking in Omaha.
The idea of nuns confronting an issue that is both illicit and dangerous may seem odd. However, religious sisters have always advocated for the needs of the marginalized. Today the Servants of Mary collaborate with associates from other orders to address a social problem that has infiltrated our community and preys on the most vulnerable. According to the Omaha Coalition on Human Trafficking and federal law, sex trafficking occurs when a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age. Trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world and could soon surpass illegal drug sales.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 27
Given Omaha’s proximity to I-80 and I-29, the sex trade is highly accessible. Nearly 900 individuals per month are available for sale in the metro area, and this number surges when large events such as concerts, conventions and sporting events come to town. The average age of entrance into the commercial sex trade is 13 years old. Many victims are runaways; others are recruited at parks, malls and college campuses by romance pimps who groom and eventually brainwash the victims. Some victims are drugged and, once addicted, are coerced for drugs. As shocking as these statistics are, the issue is largely unknown to the public. People do not realize that trafficking is happening right here in Omaha. So how did a group of nuns get involved in such an issue? The involvement of the Servants of Mary can be traced to the 2013 Leadership Conference of Women Religious. For 50 years, women religious have gathered annually, and part of their conference addresses a social justice concern. In 2013, the conference focused on sex trafficking, and the sisters’ involvement grew from there. Sr. Rosalee Burke and
“There is so much suffering in trafficking. It is truly a work of compassion… and we are not giving up on them.” Sr. Margaret Stratman, OSM
the Notre Dame Sisters spearheaded a coalition and invited representatives from the Sisters of Mercy and the Servants of Mary. Recognizing that the sisters could not fight this issue on their own, Sr. Rosalee invited representatives from law enforcement, health care and social work, and the Coalition on Human Trafficking was formed. Since then, the Omaha coalition has, through committees, been dedicated to attacking the issue on multiple fronts: legislation, education and victim services. The coalition’s goal is to help the public in the following ways: Realize human trafficking is happening right here, Recognize the signs of sex trafficking, and Respond safely and appropriately. The Servants of Mary are actively involved in education efforts to combat trafficking. Sr. Margaret Stratman, OSM and Sr. Nancy Marsh, OSM provide ongoing training to hotel and motel staff on how to recognize the signs of sex trafficking within their facilities and how to respond. Approximately 75 percent of all sex trafficking occurs in area hotels and motels. According to Sr. Margaret, the hospitality industry has been very receptive to ongoing training. “It is not good business for hotels and motels to have this kind of activity occurring in their establishments,” said Sr. Margaret. In addition to education, the Servants of Mary are supporting victim services, of which there is a severe shortage. Programs for victims are currently provided through area domestic abuse shelters like the Salvation Army. Magdalene, a residential facility for victims of trafficking sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, will soon be opening in Omaha. All members of the Servite community contribute to the effort through prayer. Targeted prayer services and media campaigns are also conducted in coordination with events such as the College World Series. Despite the complexity of this issue, the sisters are not backing down. “It calls us to live our mission of compassionate presence,” said Sr. Margaret. “There is so much suffering in trafficking. It is truly a work of compassion…and we are not giving up on them.” For more information, visit the Coalition on Human Trafficking at www.notrafficking.org.
S E R VA N T S O F M A RY
S E RVA N T O F M A RY S T R O N G I N H E R S P I R I T UA L I T Y S TO RY A N D P H OTO B Y L AU R E N E L L I OT ' 1 9
Marian’s founders, the Servants of Mary, have set forth for young women the core values of service, spirituality, compassion, Marian identity, community and empowerment. Today, along with the sisters, Marian teachers, alumnae and other students serve as role models of the core values. One example of an amazing woman who diligently and wholeheartedly embodies Marian’s core values is Sister Zita Marie Sharrow. Sister Zita found her vocation when she was just in eighth grade. A priest, while passing out report cards, told her she would either be a nurse, a teacher, or a sister. “And I said not a nurse,” Sister Zita recalled, so she opted for the latter two. Sister Zita has lived and loved all over the world. In New York, Iowa, Tucson, Rome, England, and right here in Omaha, she has taught students from kindergarten to college. She has found a way to stay positive despite all that life has thrown at her. “What can lift me even higher is something like seeing a little child and that new life, or walking outside and letting nature speak to you,” Sister Zita said. She finds joy spending time in the garden by the convent and seeing all the beauty of nature. God is the priority in her life, and her main influence as well. Sister Zita starts every day by spending quiet time in the presence of the Lord. Her favorite Bible verses are those that remind us that “God is within.” Sister Zita has so much wisdom, advice and stories to share from her 88 years of living. Her advice to Marian girls today: “God loves each person no matter what, and therefore, if we can live that love, and we jump to that love and others, our whole life is a life of goodness and happiness and peace.” She also stressed the importance of good relationships and having good friends who accept you as you. Sister Zita prays daily for the students and loves to be available and participate at Marian. She tries to make as many connections as possible with the students and nourish those connections as well. Her model of spirituality at Marian is admirable and her work to teach and add goodness to the world is inspiring. Her prayers and advice are certainly not in vain, and she is a shining representative of Marian’s core values.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 29
CONFIDENT TO BE MARIAN
CAMPAIGN UPDATE
ADVANCING THE MISSION
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Thank you for your enthusiastic support of Marian’s $12 million capital campaign. To date, donors have pledged over $8.4 million to the effort, which supports a boost to the endowment for the benefit of both students and faculty and several building improvements. Groundbreaking is scheduled for May on the north addition, which will feature a state-of-the-art academic center. A new, prominent entrance will welcome all to Marian. To learn more about the opportunities created by the campaign or to make a gift, visit www.marianhighschool.net/confident-to-be-marian-campaign or contact Vice President for Advancement Karen Hotz at khotz@omahamarian.org.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 31
ESPRIT DE CORPS BANQUET HONORS ALUMNAE AND LEADERS P H OTO S B Y D E B R A K A P L A N
C Marian celebrated those who embody the Spirit of Marian as part of the Esprit de Corps Awards Banquet. Over 150 guests attended the annual recognition program, held Sept. 7 at Omaha Country Club, which featured a cocktail hour, dinner and awards ceremony. The Alumna of the Year award was presented to Shannan Neppl Brommer ‘81, the Sr. Marcella Leadership Award to Susanne “Susie” StessmanBlue ‘81, the Marian Award to Nancy Kirchofer McCarthy ‘69, an Honorary Diploma to Tom and Mary Baker, and the Spirit of Marian Award to John and Mary Hendrix Schuele ‘82.
ADVANCING THE MISSION
In her opening remarks, Marian President Mary Higgins shared the history of “Esprit de Corps,” which when translated means spirit of the body. This phrase was used frequently by Marian’s founding principal, Sr. Marcella, to instill pride, loyalty and fellowship in the students. “We gather tonight to celebrate how some very special alumnae and friendsDhave incorporated into their lives the spirit, the Esprit de Corps, of Marian and the Servants of Mary,” said Higgins.
Shannan Neppl Brommer ‘81 was named Alumna of the Year, the most prestigious honor given by the Marian Alumnae Association. She recently completed her sixth year as the director of stewardship and development for the Archdiocese of Omaha, where she assists schools, parishes and other ministries in implementing advancement programs. Her dedication to Marian spans many years as a student, employee and leader. Shannan served for 13 years as Marian’s advancement director with responsibility for fundraising, marketing, communications, donor relations and enrollment management. She also served as Marian’s alumnae director from 1986-1989. Susie Stessman-Blue ‘81 received the Sister Marcella Leadership Award, named for Marian’s first principal, Sr. Mary Marcella Sitzmann, OSM. Susie is the executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, a hunger relief and outreach program that serves the working poor and homeless in Lincoln, Nebraska. She has held this position for 18 years, serving as the first director of the organization. Susie earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2000. She has over 30 years of volunteer and professional experience in hospice care, community organizing, advocacy, crisis support, program planning, program evaluation and grant writing. Her primary focus with these efforts has been the homeless and working poor in both Omaha and Lincoln. The Marian Award was presented to Nancy Kirchofer McCarthy ‘69. Nancy is a past member of the Marian High School Board of Directors and a current board member of the Florence Home, a senior care facility in north Omaha. Her community involvement includes participation in the United Way, Children’s Scholarship Fund and past Grand Marshall of the River City Roundup. Nancy served as director of religious education and on the parish council at St. Mary’s Parish in Avoca, Iowa. She was an active
volunteer at St. Pius X / St. Leo School while her children were students and continues to be engaged as her grandchildren are now students there. Tom and Mary Baker were conferred an honorary Marian diploma. Tom and Mary have given a lifetime of service to Catholic education – both having taught in Catholic schools with the Servants of Mary since 1970. Last year, Tom celebrated 40 years as a Marian teacher. He teaches social studies and American government and, for many years, served as department chair. In his tenure at Marian, Tom has coached basketball, volleyball, track and swimming. He served as moderator for Polar Plunge, an ecosystem group, mock trial and model congress; he also led many school-sponsored trips. Tom’s commitment has not gone unnoticed – he received a Toyota award to study in Japan, a Korea Foundation award to study in South Korea and a Fund for Teachers award to study in Alaska. Tom was also recognized as a 2003-2004 Archdiocesan Teacher of the Year. Mary joined Tom at Marian in 1981. She has taught algebra, precalculus and AP calculus. She has also served as chair of the math department and as a moderator for cheerleading and prom. Mary was recognized as a 1993-1994 Archdiocesan Teacher of the Year. John and Mary Hendrix Schuele ‘82 received the Spirit of Marian Award. John and Mary Schuele have always believed in and supported Catholic education. Together they served as chairs of MarianFEST in 2007. Mary served on the Alumnae Board and helped to start the Mpower Mentoring Program. Mary was a Marian Mom while her girls were students, and John served on the Marian Board of Directors. For over 20 years, John and Mary have also been involved in Teammates Mentoring Program, and they helped to initiate it in the Omaha Catholic Schools. Mary’s current mentee is a Marian student.
At left: John and Mary Hendrix Schuele '82, Nancy Kirchofer McCarthy '69, President Mary Higgins '69, Susie Stessman-Blue '81, Shannan Neppl Brommer '81, Mary and Tom Baker. At right: Kathy Schuele '09, Amou Majok '18, Vicky Bongomin '18 and Mary Hendrix Schuele '82.
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WINTER ISSUE
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“An all-girls school fosters confidence in our girls to start the conversation and explore new opportunities ...” Erin O'Malley Anderson '88
ADVANCING THE MISSION
PLANNED GIFT GIVES BACK A N D P AY S F O R W A R D P H OTO B Y B R I D G E T M C Q U I L L A N ' 0 9
The thought of making a charitable gift through your estate may seem like a task for later in life. After all, it requires you to plan for the end of your life. For Dave and Erin O’Malley Anderson ‘88, it was a step they took in their early 40s; thus they unknowingly became members of the Marian Society. “We didn’t set out to become members. We accounted for Marian in our will as a way to give back and pay forward. We’re at an expensive time right now with kids in high school and college. In the future, we’ll have greater resources to share,” explained Erin. The Andersons planned a gift to Marian when they established their will as a means of providing for their young children. The information surfaced when the couple participated in a recent capital campaign planning study. The Andersons are believers in Marian and its ability to develop strong young women. Erin has a tremendous sense of gratitude for her experiences at Marian as a student, alumna and parent. She credits Marian with giving her the confidence to leave Omaha for college. She attended the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota and earned a degree in accounting. After graduating, she began working in the Twin Cities, where she met Dave. In 2006, the Andersons, then parents to three young children, Megan and twins Sarah and Matthew, moved to Omaha to give their children the opportunity to attend Catholic schools. Erin transitioned back to the family tax and financial business. Dave, a district sales executive with Expeditors International, was able to establish the company’s Omaha office.
“In Omaha, the options, affordability and accessibility of Catholic schools are so much greater,” said Dave. Although Omaha and Catholic schools were familiar to Erin, it was all new to Dave, particularly the notion of single-sex schools. After seeing the influence and development of his kids, Dave is also a believer in the value of Catholic education. Added Erin, “We have seen how an all-girls school fosters confidence in our girls to start the conversation, debate issues and explore new opportunities, all in a safe environment,” said Erin. The Anderson children have grown up in Catholic schools. Megan ‘17 is now a freshman at College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, and Sarah and Matthew are juniors at Marian and Creighton Prep. With many years of tuition ahead of them, the Marian Society allows them to plan for a time when they will be able to give back. If you have established a planned gift to Marian or would like information on how to do so, please contact Vice President for Advancement Karen Hotz at khotz@omahamarian.org.
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She hopes to combine her fashion and costume design worlds into one to “bring a new perspective to design.�
A L U M N A E TO D AY
HANNAH LAJBA ‘14 DESIGNS BRIGHT FUTURE, BRINGS NEW VISUAL PERSPECTIVE S TO RY B Y AU D R E Y H E RT E L ' 1 8
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MAIN PHOTO BY ROBERT SPRING
When Hannah Lajba was a freshman at Marian in 2010, she struggled to find shops in Omaha that had clothing to suit her style. So she did something that not many others would do. She made them herself. “The first garment I ever made was this straight shift dress made from this white cotton with diagonal ruffles. It had 2-inch straps and little snowflake topstitching in neon green thread…yikes,” Lajba said, describing the dress. This dress was the beginning of a bright future for Lajba. In her junior year, Lajba was asked by a friend to bring one of her looks to a cocktail hour at Omaha Fashion Week. “I, of course, say yes, and with nothing to show make a plaster dress in a week that eventually turned into a light,” Lajba said. After this experience, Lajba joined the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program and developed more skill as a designer. In 2014, Omaha Fashion Week had a runway show in which Lajba showed a three-piece collection inspired by the electronic band Gusgus. Lajba later developed this collection into menswear. She graduated from Marian in 2014 with plans of attending the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. After moving to New York, Lajba made several collections and even won the Associates Degree Critic’s Choice Award for a gown inspired by “Jane Eyre.” Lajba was surprised when she won the award. “Winning felt odd; I was convinced my friend Katie would get it, so I was really shocked when she said my name. But I started my design process wanting to win the award and that fueled my process,” Lajba said. Finishing a collection, according to Lajba, is a relief but also stirs a panic because, “You know that next week you’re going to have to come to class with an entire new concept,” Lajba said. The concept that Lajba is working on at the moment is her pre-collection. It is an “introspection into youth and the wanderlust and imagination that a child has,”
Lajba said. She stated that there will be an emphasis on foreshortening the form, layering and a play of colors and textures. It is evident that Lajba has experience in fashion design, but she also has skills in costume design as well. “I’ve had an interest in costume design ever since I did the ones for Marian’s ‘Romeo and Juliet,’” Lajba said. Her relationship with costume didn’t end with Marian’s 2014 spring play but continued onto a larger stage, both metaphorically and literally: Broadway. While attending FIT, Lajba had an internship with Parson Meares, a costume company in New York. “While I interned there, I worked on multiple big Broadway shows. I cut out pockets for “Hamilton,” beaded for “Lion King,” pulled out the fur on the seams of a coat for “Wicked” and helped with some of the Rockettes’ costumes,” Lajba said. Lajba said she hopes to combine her fashion and costume design worlds into one to “bring a new perspective to design.” Lajba is currently a senior at FIT and describes it as difficult. “Rather than having papers, presentations and quizzes, you will have all of that, plus lab hours of sewing, painting, photoshopping and designing,” Lajba said. For any Marian girls thinking about going to design school, “Constantly have an open mind that can absorb everything around you,” Lajba said. She also said that there are many times when designers get burnt out or lose inspiration, but she deals with it by saying, “It’s going to be okay. It grounds you.” She said to never give up and to never take the easy way out. “You’d be amazed how far you can push your own limits and then surpass them,” Lajba said.
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 37
CLASS OF 1967
CLASS OF 1972
CLASS OF 1977
CLASS OF 1982
CLASS OF 1987
CLASS OF 1992
CLASS OF 1997
CLASS OF 2002
REUNIONS
CLASS OF 2007
CLASS OF 2012
REUNIONS
REUNIONS J U N E 8 - 10 , 2018 CLASSES ENDING IN 3 OR 8 – MARK YOU CALENDARS AND JOIN US FOR REUNION WEEKEND 2018! THE FOLLOWING CLASSES ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE THEIR SPECIAL MILESTONES:
1963 1973
1978 1983
1988 1993
1998 2003
2008 2013
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018 GIRLS NIGHT OUT!
REUNIONS
Start your Reunion Weekend back where it all began! All reunion classes are invited to attend a complimentary cocktail reception in the Quad from 6 - 8 p.m. • • •
CELEBRATE WITH YOUR CLASSMATES TOURS OF THE SCHOOL COMPLIMENTARY COCKTAILS & HORS D’OEUVRES
Contact Alumnae Director Nancy Kettering Casey ‘82 with any questions.
CLASS OF 1968 50-YEAR REUNION CELEBRATION
May 18-20, 2018 Questions? Contact Kathy Grier David '68 at kdavid@jbkdesigns.com or Ginny Dignoti '68 at ginnyd@cox.net
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS Linda Wooten Green ’59 lives in Cuenca, Ecuador with her husband Ron. She is a retired arts educator and is currently a working artist. Linda has a blog where she documents her travels; her last entry was from a sacred forest garden area in the high Ecuadorian Sierras. Rita Owens Daeges ’62 sells over 1,000 Hummels on eBay. Linda Barta McNeil '72 released her book, “Lost in the Clouds,” which is a compilation of short stories on encounters in life from sea level to 3,300 feet in the sky. Linda is a flight attendant and enjoys sharing her encounters through her connections with the passengers and crew members. “From the break of dawn to the splendor of a sunset, we may find ourselves lost in the clouds; however, the mysterious power of God protects the soul through peace and joy, illuminating light through human connection.” Amy Strom ‘73 has been teaching overseas for nine years. This is her fifth year in Taiwan, where she teaches English to third graders in Kaohsiung American School. Carolyn Stratman Green ’76 has been a nurse for 32 years and received a promotion to chief nursing officer for the largest integrated health care system in New Mexico. She and her husband Karl have been married for 30 years and live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their daughter, Simone, is a pediatrician, completing her residency in Fairfax, Virginia. Anne Pritchard Walsh ’76, who works in corporate communications at Union Pacific, spent the evening with Marian journalism students at Do Space in Omaha. The group was attending a workshop on fake news presented by the Nebraska Press Women. Keynote speaker
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
was Dr. Eileen Wirth, retired Creighton professor and a Marian past parent. Jennie Sauter Deseck '81 is the president/owner of Omaha National Title. Jennie managed the entire title and escrow operation for 15 years before she and her husband, Robert, purchased the company in 2016 from Core Bank. Omaha National Title is the new entity name and offers complete title and closing services for residential, commercial, and new construction real estate, along with 1031 Tax Exchanges and full abstracting services. Janet Melchior-Kopp ’81 recently joined the planned giving committee at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Omaha. Janet continues to serve on Methodist Foundation Board of Directors and Investment Subcommittee for Nebraska State Bar Association. Jennifer Wolfe Jerram ’82 has been hired at Mutual of Omaha as associate general counsel. She will provide legal support for the company’s Group Benefit Services operation. Debbie Dugan Marcil ’84 was appointed the pastoral associate at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Omaha. For the past 22 years, Debbie was the director of youth ministry. For 15 years she served as director of both Religious Education and Youth Ministry at St. Robert’s. Debbie also had the honor of being named the parish "Woman of the Year," which is recognized through the Archdiocese of Omaha. Mayor Jean Stothert proclaimed July 1, 2017, to be Debbie Marcil Day in Omaha to honor her dedication to the youth of St. Robert’s. Stephanie Spackman Hawkins ’86 completed a two- year term as chapter regent (president) of the Duluth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Stephanie and her husband, John, recently moved to Clifton, Maine, where she looks forward to serving in the new Maine Chapter.
Molly Rowen Carroll ’89 released her second book “Trust Within – Letting Intuition Lead” in October. Molly researched and wrote about how to listen and follow this illusive and yet powerful gift called intuition. The book consists of stories about interesting people when they followed and did not follow their intuition. Molly is a licensed therapist, educator, writer, artist and loving mom of two. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California, with over 20 years of experience in education and mental health. You can follow Molly’s adventures on her honest, raw and heart-warming blog: www.molly-carroll.com.
Megan Piernicky and Marsha Kalkowski to downtown Dallas along the route of JFK’s motorcade.
Jodi Teal ’93 is the development director for HETRA, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy. She was recently involved in the Young Women Executives Camp, which pairs professional women with high school-aged Girl Scouts in a one-to-one partnership for four amazing days at camp. Activities include some traditional “camp” experiences like hiking, archery, and mastering the challenge course. It also includes personal and professional development workshops for the girls and women, providing for an even more intentional, more powerful time together.
Anne Brown ’08 has become an associate attorney with the law firm of Morrow, Poppe, Watermeier & Lonowski in Lincoln, Nebraska. Anne graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2012 with a degree in child, youth and family studies and psychology before attending the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2014. She worked as a law clerk for Morrow Poppe while attending the College of Law before accepting an associate position. She earned her law degree in May 2017 and intends to focus her law practice on real estate, divorce and family law.
Renee Saunders ’95 was named Lincoln Journal Star Girls Coach of the Year. Renee is currently the head volleyball coach of Omaha Skutt, which recently captured its third consecutive Class B State title. Ann Young McCurdy ’99 was nominated for the 2017 Young Professionals of Atlantic, Iowa, in the category of YP Business Leader. This event celebrates the achievements of young professionals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in their profession and within their community. Ann works for the Cass County Health System. Annie Reilly '99 took a leave of absence from her law practice to be a full-time mom. Annie met up with Marian students at a journalism conference in Dallas in November. She joined the students for conversation and then took Marian faculty
Ami Rubango ’05 was promoted to assistant director of career education for Business Career Services at Loyola University Chicago. Carina Glover ’07 has joined Circo Enterprises as manager of client services. Carina was previously an event planner with Chiffon Events. Maggie Rudersdorf ’07 was awarded Pediatric Oncology Nurse of the Year for excellence in oncology and stem cell transplant at University of Chicago Medical Center, Comer Children's Hospital.
Kristin Beal ’10 visited Marian’s creative writing class in October. Kristin shared her experience with writing screenplays and also talked about her recent short film that was showcased at a film festival at Film Streams in Omaha. The film is titled “Jen, June and a Fish Named Lou.” Kristin graduated in May with her master’s degree in directing from Columbia College in Chicago; her undergraduate degree is from UNO in marketing. Monica Bosiljevac ’10 was featured in the Very Inspirational People section of the “Metro Quarterly Magazine.” Monica has been involved with soccer since childhood and continued through college at University of Nebraska Omaha. While at UNO she became involved with the nonprofit, Football for the World, whose mission is to help improve the quality of life of children across the globe through the game of soccer. “I would love to see FFTW be a sustainable nonprofit that will be around long-term.”
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WINTER ISSUE
PG 41
A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S C O N T I N U E D. . .
Sarah Fili ’11 visited three classes of journalism students in September and shared her experiences as a broadcast journalist. Sarah is a reporter with KETV Channel 7 in Omaha. Anne Coder ’13 is a lead teacher at The Joshua School in Denver, Colorado. The Joshua School is a nonprofit school committed to helping individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities attain the highest quality of life through Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. Sydney Ferrara ’14 is on the board of directors for Nebraska Miss Amazing, a nonprofit that strives to empower girls and women with special needs. The Miss Amazing Pageant is a gathering of girls and women with disabilities from across Nebraska who have stepped up to be role models and philanthropists. The attendees celebrate diversity and convene on the ways that we can all unlock the inspiration and tools necessary to make the world a better place. To learn more visit http://ne.missamazing.org/ Maren Haddad ’14 is an intern in the advancement department at Marian. Maren is a senior at Creighton completing her degree in graphic design on the multi-media and photojournalism track. Maren coordinates a variety of projects and works closely with all members of the advancement department.
education system by implementing Khan Academy math curriculum. Her final project while abroad was to set up a crowdfunding campaign for the Evangelina Booth Orphanage in Cochabamba, Bolivia. With the money collected, she will purchase a washer, dryer and refrigerator for the orphanage. To learn more, visit www.gofundme.com/hogar-evangelina-booth. Mary Woodruff ’15 was a presenter at New Student Enrollment at UNL, speaking on academics. Abi Knapton ’16 earned a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Platform Diving competition. Abi made Nebraska history as the first freshman to obtain All-American honors. It was the best individual finish by a diver in school history. Her Nebraska Head Swimming Coach stated, “She showed great poise and character under the glare of the national spotlight.” Abi also earned academic accomplishments, being named a CSCAA First-Team Scholar All-American. Mary Katherine Wolfe ’17 is a freshman on the University of Nebraska-Kearney women’s volleyball team, which is ranked fifth in NCAA Division II.
Blair Kellner ’15 was crowned queen of Aksarben at the 121st annual coronation ball. Hallie McNamara ’15 attends Santa Clara University and studies bioengineering with a mechanical engineering minor. During the summer of 2017, Hallie was part of the selective Global Fellows program at Santa Clara University in Cochabamba, Bolivia working with the Bolivia 4WARD program. The program works with kids who have struggled to succeed within the Bolivian
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
OUR APOLOGIES! We printed the wrong picture of Susan Curnyn Thonen ’83 in the Summer 2017 issue of the “Marian Magazine.” Susan's daughter, Macy Thonen, graduated in 2017. Here are the correct photos of the mother-daughter graduates.
MARIAN'S 2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT is now available online at marianhighschool.net/annual-report/ MARIAN MAGAZINE
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ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
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WEDDINGS 1. Katie Jensen ’02 married Josh Leno on Sept. 3, 2017, in her parent's backyard, surrounded by their closest friends, family and, of course, their dogs. 2. Katelyn McGill ’05 married Michal Lichwa on Aug. 2, 2016, in Adare, Ireland. They were married at the Holy Trinity Abbey, and the ceremony was officiated by Fr. Noonan of Adare. The reception was at the Dunraven Arms Hotel. Katie's dress was originally worn by her grandmother, Helen Johnson, and then by her mother, Joan. She was attended by her sisters, Corinne and Shannon. Alumnae in attendance, pictured (L to R): cousin Alexandra Fredrichs ‘04, sister Corinne McGill ‘10, mother Joan Johnson McGill ‘77, Cathy May Ludwig ‘05, aunt Susan Johnson Lieber ‘74, sister Shannon McGill ‘10, Whitney Heimann Crist ‘05, Megan Koory ’05 and Michaela McGill Beideman ‘05. Katie and Michal met at the University of Kansas. Michal was an international student from Ropczyce, Poland. Katie and Michal own their own business, Strangeflock.com. They split their time between Tarragona, Spain, Poland and the U.S. 3. Valerie Koperski ’06 married Dominique Weakley at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Members of the wedding party included Faye Koperski ’09, maid of honor; Mea Slaughter ‘07, bridesmaid; and Lynn Schroeder Koperski ’79, mother of the bride. The couple honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico and resides in Omaha.
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4. Ariel Talacko ’09 married Matthew Winterhalter on Sept. 2, 2017, at Creighton’s St. John Catholic Church. Bridesmaids included 2009 classmates Katie Fell Boice, Micheala McCarthy, Lauren Morrissey, Sarah O'Connor and Julia Von Riesen 5. Stephanie Sojka ’10 married Evan Shockley at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Omaha on June 24, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Stephanie’s sister Nicole Sojka ’11 was in the wedding party. The couple began dating in high school in 2007 when Stephanie attended Marian and Evan attended Creighton Prep. They now live in Chicago, where Evan is completing a Ph.D. in physics and Stephanie works as a nurse. 6. Brittany DeWitt ’11 married Darin Trautman on June 10, 2017, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by a reception at Hawthorne House in Kansas City. Brittany’s sister Shannon DeWitt Buso ’92 was maid of honor and Katie Ham ’11 was a bridesmaid. The couple lives in Kansas City, Missouri. 7. Elle McLeay ’09 and Tyler Seals were married on Sept. 4, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Nebraska City, where Elle’s parents and grandparents were married. A cocktail reception and dinner were held at the Arbor Lodge Mansion. Elle works as an event designer for Aaron Carlson Designs in Omaha. Tyler is a graduate of Creighton Law School and is employed by Koley Jessen Law Firm. Elle’s maid of honor was Bridget McLeay ‘09, along with bridesmaids Amanda McLeay ‘08, Katie and Maggie Willey ‘09, Annie Zuegner ‘09 and flower girl, Norah Cleveland, daughter of Katie McLeay ‘05. The couple resides in Omaha.
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BABIES 1. Dana Morinelli ‘98 and her husband Brad Williams welcomed their first child, Barrett Hugh Williams on April 21, 2017.
8. Karen Andreasen Pease ’05 and husband Andrew welcomed a new baby girl, Frances, born on Sept. 15, 2017. Frances joins big sister Cecilia.
2. Ashley Klavins Hickson ’01 and husband Andrew welcomed Evan Andrew on May 10, 2017. He joins big sisters Isabella, 13, Alleyna, 8, and Avery, 4.
9. Jenn Hatcher Gjerde ’06 and husband Tyler welcomed Rhett Charles on June 27, 2017.
3. Sara Sibilia Pohl ’02 and husband Mark welcomed their third child, Nora Marie, on March 22, 2017. She joins big brother Ryan and big sister Claire. Sara Magnuson West ’02 and husband Dustin welcomed Ella Grace on Jan. 11, 2017, in Omaha. She joins big sister Ava and big brother Jack. (no photo submitted)
4. Beth Worthington Gard ’04 and husband Dan welcomed Leo Daniel on May 17, 2017.
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5. Mary Hinrichs Redli ’04 and husband Corbin welcomed their second child, Tess Margaret, on June 13, 2017. Tess joins two-year-old big brother Murphy. Mary and her family recently moved back to Omaha from Grand Rapids, Michigan. 6. Rachel Stieren Cole ’05, husband Josh and daughter Josie welcomed Nathaniel Joshua on April 26, 2017. 7. Erin Budd Lavery ’05 and husband Sean welcomed Maisie Joan on Aug. 26, 2017.
10. Taylor Godfroy Wood ’06 and husband Nate welcomed their first baby, Caleb Donald, on Dec. 23, 2016. 11. Erica Dytrych Allmon ’07 and husband Mike welcomed their first baby, Max, on Aug. 31, 2017. Rene Jesse Dytrych ’82 is a proud grandmother. 12. Maddie Steinauer Byers ’07 and husband Ben welcomed their first child, Leo Joseph, into the world on June 11, 2017. 13. Emily Roshone Johnson ’07 and husband Jason welcomed Jude on Feb. 23, 2017; proud grandma is Patty Pesavento Roshone ’70. 14. Abby Davidson Zanaboni ’07 and husband Dominic welcomed their first child, Rosemary Elizabeth, on May 19, 2017, in Philadelphia. 15. Megan Nelsen Donovan ’08 and husband Alex welcomed a baby girl, Samantha Mae, on May 24, 2017. 16. Rachel Istas Prudhomme ’02 and her husband, Nick, welcomed two bundles of joy, Matthew and William, on June 16, 2017.
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MARIAN REMEMBERS M AY 201 7 – OC TOB ER 2 0 1 7
DECEASED ALUMNAE 1. Peggy Ann Nelson Caputo ’69, sister of Susan Nelson Weiskott ’68 and Terrie Nelson Juhl ’71 2. Eileen Wiltrakis Caudill ’67 (d. February, 2009) 3. Shareene Dougherty Hilger ’59, mother of Diane Hilger Evans ’80 and Deb Hilger Coniglio ’86 4. Kristi McMillan Kacin ’98, daughter of Kathy Landy McMillan ’73; sister of Nicole McMillan Folmer ’03 5. Peggy Glaser Miltner ’66 6. Brenda Steinbeck Rappel ’66, sister of Linda Steinbeck Pollak ’70 and Mary Steinbeck Bair ’73 Kathleen Green Dixon ’60 (no photo available)
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 49
R E M E M B R A N C E S C O N T I N U E D. . . LaVerne Abts, father of Maggie Abts Streff ’70 and Christine Abts Von Buettner ’78; grandfather of Toni McCarthy Compton ’86, Angela Perry Haley ’89, Lisa Perry Suess ’93 and Lori Perry ’98; great-grandfather of Keara Compton ’17 and Annie Compton ’20
Bernice Cheslak, mother of Susan Cheslak ’68 and Helen Cheslak Boylan ’69 ✝ Marlene Colombe, grandmother of Amanda Hofferber ’06
Zachary Armatis, son of Denise Egr Armatis ’77; brother of Lisa Armatis Buhrman ’03
Joan Connolly, grandmother of Bridget McQuillan ’09 and Erin McQuillan ’13; mother of Colleen McQuillan Johnson, past staff
Betty Astuto, mother of Lisa Astuto Gribble ’92; grandmother of Ann Marie Crooks Briston ’95, Katie Crooks Sommer ’97, Kristi Crooks Evans ’00, Amy Crooks ’07 and Mary Hilton ’15
Margaret Coyle, mother of Maureen Coyle Kennedy ’71, Jean Coyle Bartman ’74, Margaret Coyle Hershiser ’78 and Ann Coyle White ’81; grandmother of Roslyn Hershiser ’08, Olivia Hershiser ’12 and Margaret White ’16
Joseph Astuto, father of Lisa Astuto Gribble ’92; grandfather of Ann Marie Crooks Briston ’95, Katie Crooks Sommer ’97, Kristi Crooks Evans ’00,
Mary Jane Cremeens, mother of Mary Cremeens ’75
Amy Crooks ’07 and Mary Hilton ’15
Jean Cruise Nesler ’93
Darlene Bart, mother of Cindy Bart Billinger ’75
Ralph Culbertson, brother of Bridgie Culbertson Gutgsell-Mohr ’71
Joan Beacom, mother of Mary Beacom Whitmer ’85 and Lisa Beacom ’87; grandmother of Maddie Socha ’13 and Sarah Fili ’11
Anthony Cruise, father of Michelle Cruise Lewis ’91 and
Audrey L. Cyr, grandmother of Bailey Costello ’14 Janet Dean, mother of Julie Dean Lingelbach ’89
Olive Blair, grandmother of Audrey Laney ’19 David Bonella, father of Anglea Bonella Mullen ’91 Alfred Buda, grandfather of Amy Young Tarvin ’86, Andrea Young Clark ’87, Christina Buda Trindle ’95, Chaeli Buda ’05 and Brook Buda ’07
Anthony Despines, brother-in-law of Mary Jo Hakel Blum ’80 Elizabeth Doyle, grandmother of Maureen O'Laughlin ’94 Steven Ellefson, husband of Erin Corcoran Ellefson ’75 ✝; father of Saige Ellefson ’09
Anthony Bueltel, father of Lisa Bueltel-Donovan ’81 Danny Bull, father-in-law of Stacie Larson Bull ’87
Donald Emanuel, grandfather of Savanna McDonald ’10, Michaela McDonald ’12 and Anabelle McDonald ’15
Dale Burks, grandfather of Megan Burks Swartz ’06
Grace Ericson, grandmother of Skye Manley ’16
William Buttell Jr., father of Shannon Buttell ’92
Richard Fehrman, father-in-law of Ellie Becker Fehrman ’72
Alfred Caniglia, father of Lynda Caniglia Gelecki ’81
Paul Floersch, father of Kim Floersch Hoffman ’82, Paula Floersch Ramirez ’83, Teresa Floersch Elliott ’86, Christi Floersch Macklin ’88 and Kathy Floersch ’94
Helen Marie Novotny-Cavaleri, grandmother of Jennifer Novotny ’17 Thelma Chalupsky, mother of Jean Chalupsky ’67
Richard Franks, father of Lucy Franks ’70 and Bridget Franks ’72; grandfather of Hanna Wanzenried Solberg ’03 and Marcy Wanzenried ’03
Debra Charvat, sister of Carole Charvat Tempus ’75 Eldon Cherry, grandfather of Dana Aschenbrener Constantino ’89 and Angela Aschenbrener ’00; great-grandfather of Kristian Constantino ’09, Kayla Constantino ’17 and Kara Constantino ’21
Phyllis Frederick, mother-in-law of Margaret McMenamin Frederick ’67 George Gervase, father of Laura Gervase Fischer ’99 Marilyn Gilreath, mother-in-law of Jean Fabian Gilreath ’81
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
Phyllis Giroux, mother of Pam Giroux Dassner ’75 Marguerite Glassman, grandmother of Jessica Glassman Bloodworth ’07 and Jackie Glassman ’05 Matthew Goette, brother of Keri Goette Rodriguez ’91 and Lyndi Goette Wulfe ’88
Nan Rae Katz, mother-in-law of Mary Beth Schroeder Katz ’74 Patricia Kelly, grandmother of Caitlin Purcell ’09 Vincent Kelly, grandfather of Savannah Nichols ’16 John Kennedy, father of Patty Kennedy Tarrence ’83
Joseph Grasso, grandfather of Kelsy Wilhelm ’08 J. Patrick Green, brother of Liz Green Crnkovich ’72; grandfather of Alexis Perlman ’21 and Anna Voelker ’21 Dolores Gruber, mother of Bess Gruber Searles ’80 and Kathy Gruber Rose ’82
Joan Kent, grandmother of Megan Boler ’12 and Courtney Boler ’14 James King, father of Barb King Thompson ’88; grandfather of Julia King ’19 Virginia Kinney, grandmother of Jessica Wieland ’97
Kenneth Hamblen, grandfather of Michaela Simon Turgeon ’98 and Liz Simon ’00 Carolyn Hanke, mother of Jill Hanke Rogers ’91 and Lynn Hanke McLaughlin ’97 L.G. Harrison, father of Cathy Harrison Banks ’85, Lisa Harrison Jackson ’86 and Gayla Harrison ’94 Shirley Harrison, mother of Cathy Harrison Banks ’85, Lisa Harrison Jackson ’86 and Gayla Harrison ’94 Raymond Hasiak Sr., grandfather of Victoria Hasiak ’03 Skip Hempel, husband of Joanne Grasso WeidlerHempel ’60; stepfather of Jodi Weidler-Houghton ’89; brother-in-law of Kathy Grasso High ’65 Phyllis Hilton, grandmother of Mary Hilton ’15 Jennie Holloway, mother of Kathy Holloway Minardi ’66 Dorothy Honz, mother of Colleen Honz RossittoSorensen ’70 and Eileen Honz ’76 ✝ Mark Hughes, brother-in-law of Patty Zieg ’67 and Jo Orsi Higgins ’77
William M. Kizer, grandfather of Angie Kizer ’95, Margie Kizer Burns ’96, Jacqueline Kizer Wilson ’98, Carrie Kizer Sova ’02, Clare Kizer Pasquesi ’03, Lindsey Kizer ’04 and Maria Kizer ’13; father-in-law of Maureen Jenkins Kizer ’69 John Kohanek, brother of Kathleen Kohanek ’70 ✝ and Mary Kohanek Ostronic ’71 Prudence Knowles, mother of Nancy Knowles ’72 and Karen Knowles ’83; grandmother of Stacey Patterson ’02, Christina Knowles ’04 and Elaina Knowles ’08 Elaine LaPuzza, grandmother of Tracey LaPuzza Wiemer ’03 Gerald Laughlin, father of Gail Laughlin Binderup ’69 and Glenda Laughlin Kanoudi ’73 Marguerite Lebens, grandmother of Lisa Lebens Collingsworth ’04, Marisa Gambaiana ’13, Lauren Gambaiana ’15 and Maren Lebens ’15 Michael Lemmers, father of Michelle Lemmers Drummond ’70 Barbara Lewis, sister of Mary S. Lewis Evans ’78
Virgil Jarzynka, grandfather of Whitney Jarzynka ’06; father-in-law of Michele Nuschy Jarzynka ’83
William J. Lewis, brother of Mary Leslie Lewis Walker ’66 and Trish Lewis Frazell ’71 ✝
John Jensen, grandfather of Kate Jensen ’20 Donald Lindstrom, grandfather of Kellsey Pope ’08 and Linda John, mother of Lisa Newbanks Wager ’91 and Vanessa John ’06 Frances Kaczmarek, mother of Susan Kaczmarek O'Halloran ’75 and Linda Kaczmarek ’80; grandmother of Karissa Kaczmarek Burroughs ’95, Kelsey Kaczmarek Regier ’97 and Kortney Kaczmarek Cuddigan ’01
Anna Pope ’13 Matthew Logsdon, brother of Maureen Logsdon Mackey ’79 and Mary Logsdon Stoltenberg ’85 Phillip Mack, husband of Marilyn Circo Mack ’61
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 51
R E M E M B R A N C E S C O N T I N U E D. . . Mary Mangus, mother of Robin Mangus Boeck ’77, Mary Kay Mangus Leatherman ’81 and Julie Mangus Hahler ’83; grandmother of Morgan Leatherman ’15 and Grace Hahler ’18
Mary Nitchals, mother of Janelle Nitchals Buss ’85 and Jolene Nitchals Koch ’86 Agnes Nulty, grandmother of Emily Nulty ’12, Julia Nulty ’16 and Anna Nulty ’17
Joseph Marold, husband of Kathy Schneider Marold ’62 Victor Mason, father of Linda Mason Hinrichs ’67 Louis Masters Jr., father of Pam Masters Walsh ’83 Judith Mazzuca, mother of Susie Mazzuca Doll ’79 and Stephanie Mazzuca ’85; grandmother of Sarah Doll Preble ’01 and Jessica Doll Heiman ’03
Rosemary O'Doherty, mother of Jackie O'Doherty Ellis ’67 ✝, Peggy O'Doherty ’69, Susan O'Doherty Mueller ’73 ✝ and Maureen O'Doherty Koenigsman ’81; grandmother of Michelle Mueller Kastl ’98 Michael O'Kane, brother of Corinne O'Kane ’77 and Ellen O'Kane Rowe ’81 Esther Orr, grandmother of Tricia Conoan McIntosh ’02
Theresa McCaslin, mother of Mary McCaslin Thompson ’82, Ann McCaslin Sanchez ’87 and Maureen McCaslin Borrego ’89; grandmother of Teresa McCaslin ’06, ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS Sarah McCaslin ’08 and Carolyn McCaslin ’11
Veryl Orr, grandmother of Shannon McVaney '02 Anne Ostronic, grandmother of Claire Janecek ’17
Joan McManus, mother of Francie McManus ’67 and Jane McManus ’69 ✝
Rev. David Padrnos, SSC, brother of Sally Padrnos Torpy Duckworth ’67
Priscilla McNamara, grandmother of Marie McNamara ’12 and Hallie McNamara ’15
Verlys Pageler, grandmother of Kim Coffeen Erwin ’96
Natalie McNeil, mother of Kathy McNeil Hillebrandt ’70, Reenie McNeil Burns ’73, Teresa McNeil Hillebrandt ’75, Suzi McNeil Sciscoe ’77, Molly McNeil Walsh ’79 and Natalie McNeil ’83; grandmother of Mikki Burns ’93, Kelly Hillebrandt Meiners ’95, Bridget Burns ’97, Nicky Hillebrandt Rainbolt ’98, Mary Hillebrandt Golwitzer ’99, Teresa Burns ’99, Amy Walsh Kent ’00, Karen Walsh ’02, Shannon McNeil ’04, Courtney Sciscoe Jackson ’05, Michaela Walsh ’05, Amanda McNeil ’05, Samantha McNeil ’10 and Haylea McNeil ’14
Dean Patterson, father of Kathy Patterson McDonald ’73 and Jean Patterson Cullen ’77 Marceil Pleis, grandmother of Alexandra Naidenovich ’13 Marilyn Podany, grandmother of Beth Podany ’91 and Clara Wertzberger ’16 James Prucha, brother of Mary Lou Prucha Dent ’64, Nora Prucha Marino ’67 and Cathy Prucha Hall ’70; brother-in-law of Christine Koenigsman Prucha ’76
Jerry Meier, brother-in-law of Cindy Sheridan Meier ’68
Arlene Rabe, grandmother of Hallie Burger Franco ’06
Edmund Micheels Jr., father of Debbie Micheels Hovorka ’70; grandfather of Erin Hovorka Harding ’91
Angela Raiti, mother-in-law of Maryjo Mainelli Raiti ’76
Rita Mills, mother of Lisa Mills Bauer ’80
Lilly Ramachandran, mother of Anita Ramachandran ’93 and Anjna Ramachandran Valenzuela ’84; grandmother of Megan Valenzuela ’18
Marion Moritz, grandmother of Kimberly Moritz ’08 and Julie Moritz ’15; mother-in-law of Kathy Fortune Moritz ’80
Lana Rice, mother of Lisa Rice Avrett ’83 Thomas Ross Jr., grandfather of Sydney Ross ’20
Timothy Mortenson, father of Grace Mortenson ’17 Davianne Roth, grandmother of Christina Roth Oster ’00 Corrine Naylon, mother of Sharon Naylon Daugherty ’70, Sheila Naylon Heldridge ’72, Peg Naylon ’74 and Michaela Naylon Tolo ’75; grandmother of Jennifer Heldridge Bruck ’95, Jaime Heldridge Stiles ’00 and Johna Heldridge ’03
Frances Rushlau, mother of Sandy Rushlau Biery ’62 Catherine Ryan, grandmother of Mia McGrath ’19 Phyllis Samson, mother of Julie Samson ’75
ALUMNAE CLASS NEWS
Juana Sandel, grandmother of Audrey Kantor Benecke ’98
John Truscott, father-in-law of Debbie Martin Truscott ’89
Phillip Sauvageau, father of Colette Sauvageau Siner ’01, Janelle Sauvageau Risdon ’02 and Michelle Sauvageau Gleason ’07; brother of Sue Sauvageau Browning ’71 ✝
Bonnie Vance, grandmother of Lindsay Livengood ’17 Ronald Van Ryswyk, husband of Anne Timmins Van Ryswyk ’62
Emily Schram, grandmother of Nicole Methven ’12 Paul Versch, father of Robin Versch ’70 Christopher Seitzer, husband of Jeannie Langenfeld Seitzer ’85; brother-in-law of Amy Langenfeld Licata ’82, Gwen Langenfeld Sullivan ’83, Susie Langenfeld ’84, Maureen Langenfeld Billig ’86 and Mary Langenfeld Perry ’87
Karen Vosberg, grandmother of Taylor Asche ’16 Harriet Waite, mother of Karen Waite McGrane ’71 Thomas J. Walsh Jr., brother of Jean Walsh ’73
John Sheehan, brother of Chris Sheehan ’75 William Walter, husband of Sue Novak Walter ’60 Richard Shipwright, grandfather of Emily Fischer ’12 Vivian Watland, mother of Jeanne Watland Brown ’78 Patricia Shreves, grandmother of Caitlyn McQueen ’13 Elton Weidner, grandfather of Amy Wolf Gubbels ’04 Mary Ann Simon, mother of Claudia Simon Chaperon ’67 and Sylvia Simon Albin ’74; grandmother of Michelle Simon Dempsey ’91, Michaela Simon Turgeon ’98, Ryan Simon ’99, Katie Simon ’99, Liz Simon ’00, Meghan Simon ’01, Jackie Simon Taylor ’01, Sara Weitkemper ’01, Anne Simon ’01 and Jeri Simon ’10 Jeanne Skutt, grandmother of Laura Davis ’14 Joan M. Smith, mother of Laurie Smith Kinsey ’80 and Wendy Smith Hilt ’84
James Weir, father-in-law of Lucia Falcone Weir ’76 Frances Welch, grandmother of Whitney Welch Carrow ’09 William Welniak, father of Vicki Welniak Maggio ’80 and Sandy Welniak ’82 Mary Margaret Wiles, mother of Mary Kay Lund Ficenec ’68; grandmother of Katie Ficenec Hill ’95, Julie Lund Hockney ’95 and Amy Ficenec Holmes ’97
Lawrence Smith, father-in-law of Maria Wurtz Crouch ’89 Barbara Sobbing, mother-in-law of Bridget O'Gara Sobbing ’76
Stephen Wooster, husband of Carole Whitney Wooster ’63 Sam Yancey, grandfather of Lexi Moline ’19
Charles Steffen, father of Gayleen Steffen Abrahamson ’69
Josephine Zich, grandmother of Esther Locher Paine ’07
Darin Stevens, brother-in-law of Nancy Norman Stevens ’78
Carol Zoucha, grandmother of Nicole Ghahramani ’04 and Sarah Ghahramani ’08
David Stoolman, husband of Sue Edwards Stoolman ’68 Geri Stratman, mother of Shari Stratman Samek ’70, Sue Stratman Rietan ’73 and Sandy Stratman Ludwig ’77 Glenn Stuva, brother of Jill Stuva Kelly ’84
✝ THE STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND STAFF AT MARIAN PRAY FOR THOSE MARIAN ALUMNAE AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES WHO HAVE DIED AND NOW EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF RESURRECTION. WE INVITE
Audrey Sutton, mother of Mary Jean Sutton ’69, Roxanne Sutton Vipond ’70 and Peggy Sutton Graham ’72
YOU TO JOIN US IN SPIRIT AT 8 A.M. ON THE FIRST
Rose Marie Svendsen, grandmother of Jenna Gouger ’14
THE "MEMORARE" AS A COMMUNITY.
THREE FRIDAYS OF EACH MONTH WHEN WE PRAY
Donald Tripp Sr., grandfather of Anne Tripp Kaslon ’85, Deb Tripp Parnigoni ’88 and Katie Tripp Wilson ’02 MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 53
RSVP ONLINE AT WWW.BIDPAL.NET/MARIANFEST2018
FRIDAY, FEB. 2, 2018 HILTON OMAHA DOWNTOWN 5:30 P.M. | COCKTAILS & SILENT AUCTION 7:30 P.M. | DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT 8:30 P.M. | LIVE AUCTION & RAFFLE DRAWING SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MARIANFEST EXECUTIVE CHAIRS: Bryan and Amy Farha Neary ’91 Mark and Sharon Ellerbeck Chris and Jennifer Kennedy Brad and Courtney Dunbar Bob (not pictured) and Julie Cusick
marianhighschool.net
STUDENT REFLECTIONS 11-14-17 I can remember your room as clear as day the walls were the same blue as your tongue ring There was a black leather bean bag chair in the corner by the window, and when I sat in it I would sink in so far you had to help me out, you never took dirty dishes to the kitchen, the floor a maze of toast crusts and orange peels you hung a Johnny Depp poster on your door, because Johnny Depp was and remains to this day your soulmate, It always smelled like hairspray and nail polish Of course, you don't live there anymore, I don't live there anymore, I left for kindergarten, you left for New York, with the bean bag chair and the Johnny Depp poster And when you came back, you always smelled like smoke and stuck around for just as long Your room looks really different now, The comforter is a Jackson Pollock of stains and marker drawings, little hands' fervent scribbles on a new medium, You keep my old princess night light on in case the girls wander in, fleeing from nightmares or for an early good morning, You don't have the bean bag chair anymore, but you keep a pile of their drawings in the corner by the window, You don't have that Johnny Depp poster, but you've framed a Moana poster in the hallway. It always smells like hairspray and nail polish
Courtney Kilroy '18 created and presented the above work as a reflection on family at the Marian Thanksgiving prayer service. Courtney is a member of the Poetry Slam Club, journalism staff and STARs (Student Theatre Aide Resource).
MARIAN MAGAZINE
WINTER ISSUE
PG 55
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Karen Cimpl Hotz ‘79 Vice President for Advancement 402.571.2618, ext. 1119 khotz@omahamarian.org Nancy Kettering Casey ’82 Alumnae Director 402.571.2618, ext. 1270 ncasey@omahamarian.org Mary Berger Steiner ’82 Transcript Requests 402.571.2618, ext. 1127 msteiner@omahamarian.org Sr. Jackie Thorn, OSM Prayer Needs 402.571.2618, ext. 1166 jthorn@omahamarian.org
THE MARIAN MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED TWO TIMES PER YEAR THROUGH THE MARIAN ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT. PLEASE REPORT ANY ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRECTIONS TO:
Susan Macaitis Rosenlof '82 Marketing and Communications Director srosenlof@omahamarian.org
STAY IN TOUCH WITH ALL THINGS MARIAN THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA! WE'LL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE ON EVENTS, NEWS AND INFORMATION AT MARIAN.
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