ALUMNI PRESENT AT THE AUGUST 3, 2014 REUNION Katherine Rathe Clifton ’45 Gloria de Silva Gierke ’45 Catherine Arp Waterman ’45 Jane Bettendorf Vieth ’50 Maryann Berger Tyler ’54 Meg Schmitt Pollock ’55 Mary Ann Thompson Zogg ’58 Jane Levy Williams ’60 John Higgins ’60-’63 Kathy Koivun Anderson ’65 Mimi Greer ’65 Ana Torstenson Kehoe ’65 Martha Levy Neal ’66 Karin Ficke Cook ’66 Anne Johnston Haas ’66 Jeanne Gottlieb Flynn ’66 Molly Odegard Nikolic ’66-’68 Rev. Lisa Carlson ’61-’68 Kate Schofer Johnston ‘69 Jenny Tyler ’66-’75 Lynn Knox Carstens ’71 Gay Foster ’71 Lynn Johnson O’Hern ’71 Ava Preacher ’71 Vickie Palmer Pruter ’71 Ruth Johnson – Former teacher Leo Schubert – Former teacher Madeline Schmitt – Former Teacher Rev. & Mrs. Marlin Whitmer
Coming Home . . .
St. Katharine’s/St. Katharine’s-St. Mark’s Alumni Reunion August 3, 2014
Thirty-four alumni, including former teachers, as well as guests, gathered on Sunday, August 3, at the Renwick Mansion on the old SKS campus in Davenport to reminisce and celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the founding of the school. Alumni spanning four decades (1945-1971) came from throughout the Quad Cities area as well as from Muscatine, Iowa City, Des Moines, Johnston, IA, Madison, WI, Granger, IN, E. Peoria, IL, and LaHabra Heights, CA. Another twenty-three alumni sent their regrets from all across the country and many submitted thoughts and memories that are shared in this booklet. The afternoon began with a blessing by Rev. Marlin Whitmer and continued with a visit to the former campus, followed by a short luxury bus ride to the Rivermont Collegiate campus in Bettendorf. There, the group viewed memorabilia, photos, and other items that were taken to the new location for preservation when the school moved in 1973. Among these items: the original school bell, the St. Katharine statue, the 1910 stained glass window, the class stones, and the Mass Mound outdoor stone alter. Everyone had a memorable time! - Rod Ossowski Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Ana Torstenson Kehoe ’65 – attended reunion Memories: Watching my first May Fete in 1952. I thought all the seniors looked beautiful in their matching dresses. My sister starred as a lobster in a version of “Alice in Wonderland” and I wanted to be a lobster too. History debate in 7th grade. The class pretended to be old ladies in a beauty parlor (getting our hair permed) discussing the pros and cons of integration. Mapping every tree on campus in biology class and creating a portfolio of leaves and their characteristics. Celebrating Cicero’s birthday in Mrs. Bloom’s Latin class. Little did I know that I’d teach Latin for 4 years later in life! Struggling through Mrs. Strohm’s geometry class. All the angles seemed obtuse to me. Taking our very strict English teacher, Mrs. Craigmiles, to the cinematic version of Hamlet at the Orpheum, and most of us falling asleep. A Tiger smashed my thumb with a hockey stick during a tournament. Fortunately the Imps won but my fingernail never recovered. One classmate put up a sign in her yard that the Senior Slumber Party would be held at my house (address included). About 50 uninvited boys showed up for the evening, and my mother wasn’t happy, but we were! Marching across the tennis court as May Queen – in the rain. Reading my senior essay at graduation about the women’s movement and Betty Friedan’s new best seller, “The Feminine Mystique.” Making great friends for life, including my husband who was my senior prom date. Molly Odegard Nikolic ’66-’68 – attended reunion Memories: Loved seeing the 1966 St. Kits Thespians work of “The Skin of Our Teeth”. Sadly, I don’t have the toy dog Julie Haggart willed me, but still have the “ambition” she gave me. The way I felt about church, at school, and at Trinity Cathedral. My love for Louis XIV from Mr. Horton – “Professor” my favorite teacher. Thought of Mrs. Johnson as an Olympian, she ran so beautifully, like a deer. Mrs. Mauer, best and kindest housemother. Being told by Senora Aguilera I had the worst Spanish accent she’s ever heard. Good thing I didn’t need it! Serbian is my foreign language now. Mme. Darsaux’s lecture, wonderfully interesting. The wonderful building – church and school. Really liked the uniforms. Lynn Johnson O’Hern ’71 – attended reunion My years at SKS (1965-1971) were a bit like being a part of a social experiment. Caught between deep traditions and big changes that were happening to a lot of smaller private schools and the education system across the country, it was sometimes overwhelming but exciting at the same time. Sophomore year the Episcopal Church which founded our school was no longer a part of SKS. Financially, it was no longer an option to keep the boarding part of the school open, and boys were now part of the scene. Yet we all cherished the history and the rituals that were so much a part of the school and tried to maintain a balance between the old and the new. Through all the changes and turmoil – and maybe because of them – I will always be grateful for the enduring friendships that have been so important to me and for the many teachers that instilled a real joy in learning.
Gretchen Schoenbohm Wagner ’60 – sent from Marshall, MN I am grateful for the good education received at St. Katharine’s and for chapel twice a week which led me to know better the love of our Heavenly Father and to know His comfort and His strength. I am still teaching violin and playing in the Southwest Michigan Orchestra along with my husband. Marilyn Peterson Foster Ashdown ’62 – sent from Woodridge, IL/Punta Gorda, FL I have so many happy and fond memories. I was a boarding student I lived on the campus. Mrs. Newton was our dorm “mother” who was so sweet and kind. I can remember studying for exams in the bathtub after lights out so I could do well on my tests. Mr. Hostetter was Headmaster and his history classes were so good because he made it easy to learn about the wars. You had to know the facts because all of his tests were essay questions. I loved being in plays at school, playing baseball, and sitting around in the lounge playing guitar with the girls. We also went to chapel for prayers before classes which I’m sure benefitted and protected all of us. I have been blessed with a good educational background beginning with St. Katharine’s. Sherry Nicolas ’64 – sent from Fort Myers, FL I’ m so blessed and proud to have been a “St. Katharine’s Girl”! What a magnificent combination of a stately old campus, wise and nurturing administrators, staff, and faculty, and “five star” classmates one and all! You are dear to my heart and will always be “St. Katharine’s Girls”! And, could we ever forget our anthem – “when you’re down and out, lift up your head and shout –”! Sherry Simmons ’65 – sent from Alameda, CA I just received the note about the reunion at the old school. I will not be able to attend the party. If it had been spread over a weekend, I might have been able to join you. Maybe next time. Mimi Greer ’65 – attended reunion Memories): Mrs. Bloom’s Latin class. Class play. Gingko tree. Lower school with Kathy Koivun. Trips to RMA & Culver.
Messages and Memories Eugenia Mannon Rooth ’42 – sent from Renton, WA I’m still in touch with Carol Dalziel McPhetres ‘41 who lives in Arizona. Also Susan Stetson Tillgades who taught language in the early 2000 is my husband’s niece. She now lives in Greece with her husband and two girls. Nancy Williams Bovee ’44 – sent from Peoria, IL Janet Gezel ’44 my life-long friend until her death had a beautiful soprano voice and I can still hear her singing Victor Herbert’s songs! I remember upon entering the dining room we had to curtsey- all dressed in plain colors – no stripes or plaids! We wore navy skirts and white blouses for classes but dressed for dinner. Mary Lee Denman Griswold ’47 – sent from Freeland, WA Memories: Sister Noel, C.S.M. and Sister Judith, C.S.M. Devoted overflowing integrity very fondly remembered. Pearl Harbor Day and WWII and how it entwined with our school life daily. VE Day, Victory in Europe, and many accepted Sally Bettendorf’s invitation for “Ditch Day” at her Bettendorf home! Could we ever forget Miss Ophelia Smith Todd Carr and her pince-nez? Or dear Mark Pruett and his hundreds of hours driving the day girls to and from Moline and Rock Island. I loved St. Kit’s. It gave me a good start for my next step. Thank you, SKS. Marcia Rosen Silverman ’49 – sent from Sun City Center, FL I have been in touch on Facebook…I was there for the dedication of the St. Katharine’s apartments so I have seen the old buildings…I am proud to be an SKS alum… I eventually married a teacher and have a daughter in charge of admissions for C.U.N.Y., a son who is a guidance counselor at a high school in Connecticut, another son teaching technical studies at a high school in New Hampshire and I have a daughter…who earned her M.S.Ed. and is currently teaching children with special needs here in Florida. Jane Bettendorf Vieth ’50 – attended reunion I am pleased to have fond memories of our school. We all received a solid education and had a great many friends. I am so pleased that the school moved to my old home in Bettendorf. It is a wonderful setting for a wonderful school. Susan Arp von Maur ’55 – attended reunion Loved chapel every morning (morning prayers) always prayed for good grades!!
Rose Mary Simpson Mets ’57 – sent from Phoenix, AZ Nostalgia tends to color events more to the positive and that’s just fine! I have many happy memories of St. Katharine’s, the (all girls) school that was within a mile of my home. The memorable annual event was May Fete with its “court” of the senior class and the all school production. One year was “Gulliver’s Travels” with its various groups of adventurers. Of course, the teachers are the outstanding lights in our galaxy experience…our dear P.E. teacher and class advisor Virginia Lohmiller, who kept our Imp/Tiger competition rolling, culminating each year in the Imp/ Tiger wards banquet. I kept in touch with her through the years, visiting her several times in Davenport and taking her along with Carol Sindt Simonian to visit the St. Katharine’s campus and then over to the Rivermont campus. She was thrilled to see them both. She passed away shortly after our visit. Our Latin teacher, Mrs. Betty, who kept me up many a night translating! An excellent teacher…one little anecdote I remember from her…after she made her grocery list (in the order of the aisles in the store), she memorized it and tossed the list before she shopped. I was impressed! Grace Swanson who was so clear in teaching us math…that foundation helped me immensely with the required college algebra at Arizona State University. And our wonderful Julie Fitzgerald who challenged us in English and Drama productions. Many a night she would walk me home after rehearsals. Katherine Zeirleyn was our Headmistress when I arrived in my Sophomore year. She was the epitome of a perfect lady and she expected exemplary behavior from us. (We didn’t always measure up, but she understood and just kept expecting our best.) When it came to a gathering for new students, the first person I met (and admired ever since) was Sue Arp von Maur who was so kind and pretty) and showed me around the campus. The friends I made were great and some of these friendships I have treasured through the years… Sue Schneckloth Whereat who I’ve known since 3rd grade, Carol Sindt Simonian… I have watched her family grow up and know her grandchildren…and Jean Hesler Anderson with whom I’ve been acquainted with here in the Phoenix area, and others through email, etc. I’ve always been grateful for my educational foundation at St. Katharine’s and for the lifelong learning and friendships it has promoted. Mary Ann Thompson Zogg ’58 – attended reunion I was so overwhelmed when I opened the door to The Renwick Mansion, stepped into the parlor, and then walked across the hall to the Headmaster’s Office. The ability to tour the different levels brought back so many precious memories now a moment in time .I just stood and mentally thanked my parents for sacrificing so much in order for me to attend St. Katharine’s from 1952-1958. I know that experience positively impacted the rest of my life .I appreciate the opportunity to once again visit with former students – some I had not seen since 1958. I especially enjoyed seeing Mary Ann Tyler’54. She was not only one of the most beautiful girls in the school but had a heart to go with her beauty. I never forgot how kind she was to me, a student four years younger. It was very thoughtful of you to work out the details…and give all of us this wonderful opportunity. I will always be grateful to you and your staff (at Rivermont Collegiate) for going that extra mile for us as former St. Katharine’s girls.
Jean Hesler Anderson ’58 – sent from Rio Verde, AZ I entered St. Kits as an eleven year old student in the 6th grade in 1951. I believe we had around 10 students, all in one classroom. I recall Teddy Lavedas, Betty Reimers…and Ms. O’Conner, Headmistress Katherine Zeirleyn (who always wore a hanky in the cuff of her sleeve) Ms. Fitzgerald (always word half glasses) Ms. Madison, Mr. Hicks (I remember when he got upset he spit) Virginia Lohmiller (my favorite of course) Ms. Swanson, Mr. Hostetter (Wilma and I used to baby sit his children) Headmaster Mr. Hinckley, Ms. Winchester (she always wore half nylons and when she crossed her legs you could see the top of the nylons)…I also think I got interested in History and Politics because of Mr. Hostetter. I lived in Moline and rode the “Little Red School Bus” and oh, I disliked having to ride that bus. I believe Audrey Cenedella also rode that bus. I thank goodness I began driving at 15. Betty Reimers, Toby Torstenson and I car pooled and used the new MolineBettendorf suspension toll bridge that cost 25 cents one-way. One could not trust the Arsenal Bridge because when it opened to allow barges to go through, no traffic moved. Some of the activities I remember include the rivalry between the Imps and the Tigers (I was an IMP and I still have it) Shrove Tuesday when we ate in the hall (with beautifully, hand painted murals on the walls) and everyone had pancakes with everyone wishing for a “ring” in theirs. I remember the athletic banquets (came away with nice trophies and still have them all) G.A.A. and then G.R.A., Student Council, field hockey, half-court basketball, getting hit by a thrown bat while being catcher at softball (still repercussions from that accident, mostly arthritis) keeping track of the hours of activities on a form for Ms. Lohmiller, Father-Daughter and Mother-Daughter banquets, May Fete, graduation, our class prom (the progressive one) I can still remember I spilled spaghetti sauce all over my dress, but it did not deter my date with Art Bodenbender. Now that as a name. I went out with him over 4 years during high school. He lived in Moline and was two years older. I remember OUR senior door which only seniors could go through, the chapel services, grey uniforms, horseback riding with Carol Cook, Senior Smoker, AND remember the demerit system? No gum, always in uniform, etc. Some of the students I remember; Rose Mary Simpson (Mets), Mary Ann Thompson (Zogg), Nancy Alter (Rudnick), Lynn Naeckel, Sue Schneckloth (Whereat), Audrey Cenedella, Wilma Dunkle (Tosh) my best friend (deceased), Maryann Berger, Judy Rohlfs, Annie Rueffel and Mary Perkins (deceased), Toby Torstenson, Diane Isensee, Janie Bendixen (had our senior sleepover at her house), Marilyn Marthens (Wurzer), Sue Arp (von Maur), Addie and Stephie Shevlin, Ruthie Livingston (my neighbor), Carol Sindt (Simonian)… I believe those are all the memories I have fit to print!
Rose Mary Simpson Mets ’57 – sent from Phoenix, AZ Nostalgia tends to color events more to the positive and that’s just fine! I have many happy memories of St. Katharine’s, the (all girls) school that was within a mile of my home. The memorable annual event was May Fete with its “court” of the senior class and the all school production. One year was “Gulliver’s Travels” with its various groups of adventurers. Of course, the teachers are the outstanding lights in our galaxy experience…our dear P.E. teacher and class advisor Virginia Lohmiller, who kept our Imp/Tiger competition rolling, culminating each year in the Imp/ Tiger wards banquet. I kept in touch with her through the years, visiting her several times in Davenport and taking her along with Carol Sindt Simonian to visit the St. Katharine’s campus and then over to the Rivermont campus. She was thrilled to see them both. She passed away shortly after our visit. Our Latin teacher, Mrs. Betty, who kept me up many a night translating! An excellent teacher…one little anecdote I remember from her…after she made her grocery list (in the order of the aisles in the store), she memorized it and tossed the list before she shopped. I was impressed! Grace Swanson who was so clear in teaching us math…that foundation helped me immensely with the required college algebra at Arizona State University. And our wonderful Julie Fitzgerald who challenged us in English and Drama productions. Many a night she would walk me home after rehearsals. Katherine Zeirleyn was our Headmistress when I arrived in my Sophomore year. She was the epitome of a perfect lady and she expected exemplary behavior from us. (We didn’t always measure up, but she understood and just kept expecting our best.) When it came to a gathering for new students, the first person I met (and admired ever since) was Sue Arp von Maur who was so kind and pretty) and showed me around the campus. The friends I made were great and some of these friendships I have treasured through the years… Sue Schneckloth Whereat who I’ve known since 3rd grade, Carol Sindt Simonian… I have watched her family grow up and know her grandchildren…and Jean Hesler Anderson with whom I’ve been acquainted with here in the Phoenix area, and others through email, etc. I’ve always been grateful for my educational foundation at St. Katharine’s and for the lifelong learning and friendships it has promoted. Mary Ann Thompson Zogg ’58 – attended reunion I was so overwhelmed when I opened the door to The Renwick Mansion, stepped into the parlor, and then walked across the hall to the Headmaster’s Office. The ability to tour the different levels brought back so many precious memories now a moment in time .I just stood and mentally thanked my parents for sacrificing so much in order for me to attend St. Katharine’s from 1952-1958. I know that experience positively impacted the rest of my life .I appreciate the opportunity to once again visit with former students – some I had not seen since 1958. I especially enjoyed seeing Mary Ann Tyler’54. She was not only one of the most beautiful girls in the school but had a heart to go with her beauty. I never forgot how kind she was to me, a student four years younger. It was very thoughtful of you to work out the details…and give all of us this wonderful opportunity. I will always be grateful to you and your staff (at Rivermont Collegiate) for going that extra mile for us as former St. Katharine’s girls.
Jean Hesler Anderson ’58 – sent from Rio Verde, AZ I entered St. Kits as an eleven year old student in the 6th grade in 1951. I believe we had around 10 students, all in one classroom. I recall Teddy Lavedas, Betty Reimers…and Ms. O’Conner, Headmistress Katherine Zeirleyn (who always wore a hanky in the cuff of her sleeve) Ms. Fitzgerald (always word half glasses) Ms. Madison, Mr. Hicks (I remember when he got upset he spit) Virginia Lohmiller (my favorite of course) Ms. Swanson, Mr. Hostetter (Wilma and I used to baby sit his children) Headmaster Mr. Hinckley, Ms. Winchester (she always wore half nylons and when she crossed her legs you could see the top of the nylons)…I also think I got interested in History and Politics because of Mr. Hostetter. I lived in Moline and rode the “Little Red School Bus” and oh, I disliked having to ride that bus. I believe Audrey Cenedella also rode that bus. I thank goodness I began driving at 15. Betty Reimers, Toby Torstenson and I car pooled and used the new MolineBettendorf suspension toll bridge that cost 25 cents one-way. One could not trust the Arsenal Bridge because when it opened to allow barges to go through, no traffic moved. Some of the activities I remember include the rivalry between the Imps and the Tigers (I was an IMP and I still have it) Shrove Tuesday when we ate in the hall (with beautifully, hand painted murals on the walls) and everyone had pancakes with everyone wishing for a “ring” in theirs. I remember the athletic banquets (came away with nice trophies and still have them all) G.A.A. and then G.R.A., Student Council, field hockey, half-court basketball, getting hit by a thrown bat while being catcher at softball (still repercussions from that accident, mostly arthritis) keeping track of the hours of activities on a form for Ms. Lohmiller, Father-Daughter and Mother-Daughter banquets, May Fete, graduation, our class prom (the progressive one) I can still remember I spilled spaghetti sauce all over my dress, but it did not deter my date with Art Bodenbender. Now that as a name. I went out with him over 4 years during high school. He lived in Moline and was two years older. I remember OUR senior door which only seniors could go through, the chapel services, grey uniforms, horseback riding with Carol Cook, Senior Smoker, AND remember the demerit system? No gum, always in uniform, etc. Some of the students I remember; Rose Mary Simpson (Mets), Mary Ann Thompson (Zogg), Nancy Alter (Rudnick), Lynn Naeckel, Sue Schneckloth (Whereat), Audrey Cenedella, Wilma Dunkle (Tosh) my best friend (deceased), Maryann Berger, Judy Rohlfs, Annie Rueffel and Mary Perkins (deceased), Toby Torstenson, Diane Isensee, Janie Bendixen (had our senior sleepover at her house), Marilyn Marthens (Wurzer), Sue Arp (von Maur), Addie and Stephie Shevlin, Ruthie Livingston (my neighbor), Carol Sindt (Simonian)… I believe those are all the memories I have fit to print!
Gretchen Schoenbohm Wagner ’60 – sent from Marshall, MN I am grateful for the good education received at St. Katharine’s and for chapel twice a week which led me to know better the love of our Heavenly Father and to know His comfort and His strength. I am still teaching violin and playing in the Southwest Michigan Orchestra along with my husband. Marilyn Peterson Foster Ashdown ’62 – sent from Woodridge, IL/Punta Gorda, FL I have so many happy and fond memories. I was a boarding student I lived on the campus. Mrs. Newton was our dorm “mother” who was so sweet and kind. I can remember studying for exams in the bathtub after lights out so I could do well on my tests. Mr. Hostetter was Headmaster and his history classes were so good because he made it easy to learn about the wars. You had to know the facts because all of his tests were essay questions. I loved being in plays at school, playing baseball, and sitting around in the lounge playing guitar with the girls. We also went to chapel for prayers before classes which I’m sure benefitted and protected all of us. I have been blessed with a good educational background beginning with St. Katharine’s. Sherry Nicolas ’64 – sent from Fort Myers, FL I’ m so blessed and proud to have been a “St. Katharine’s Girl”! What a magnificent combination of a stately old campus, wise and nurturing administrators, staff, and faculty, and “five star” classmates one and all! You are dear to my heart and will always be “St. Katharine’s Girls”! And, could we ever forget our anthem – “when you’re down and out, lift up your head and shout –”! Sherry Simmons ’65 – sent from Alameda, CA I just received the note about the reunion at the old school. I will not be able to attend the party. If it had been spread over a weekend, I might have been able to join you. Maybe next time. Mimi Greer ’65 – attended reunion Memories): Mrs. Bloom’s Latin class. Class play. Gingko tree. Lower school with Kathy Koivun. Trips to RMA & Culver.
Messages and Memories Eugenia Mannon Rooth ’42 – sent from Renton, WA I’m still in touch with Carol Dalziel McPhetres ‘41 who lives in Arizona. Also Susan Stetson Tillgades who taught language in the early 2000 is my husband’s niece. She now lives in Greece with her husband and two girls. Nancy Williams Bovee ’44 – sent from Peoria, IL Janet Gezel ’44 my life-long friend until her death had a beautiful soprano voice and I can still hear her singing Victor Herbert’s songs! I remember upon entering the dining room we had to curtsey- all dressed in plain colors – no stripes or plaids! We wore navy skirts and white blouses for classes but dressed for dinner. Mary Lee Denman Griswold ’47 – sent from Freeland, WA Memories: Sister Noel, C.S.M. and Sister Judith, C.S.M. Devoted overflowing integrity very fondly remembered. Pearl Harbor Day and WWII and how it entwined with our school life daily. VE Day, Victory in Europe, and many accepted Sally Bettendorf’s invitation for “Ditch Day” at her Bettendorf home! Could we ever forget Miss Ophelia Smith Todd Carr and her pince-nez? Or dear Mark Pruett and his hundreds of hours driving the day girls to and from Moline and Rock Island. I loved St. Kit’s. It gave me a good start for my next step. Thank you, SKS. Marcia Rosen Silverman ’49 – sent from Sun City Center, FL I have been in touch on Facebook…I was there for the dedication of the St. Katharine’s apartments so I have seen the old buildings…I am proud to be an SKS alum… I eventually married a teacher and have a daughter in charge of admissions for C.U.N.Y., a son who is a guidance counselor at a high school in Connecticut, another son teaching technical studies at a high school in New Hampshire and I have a daughter…who earned her M.S.Ed. and is currently teaching children with special needs here in Florida. Jane Bettendorf Vieth ’50 – attended reunion I am pleased to have fond memories of our school. We all received a solid education and had a great many friends. I am so pleased that the school moved to my old home in Bettendorf. It is a wonderful setting for a wonderful school. Susan Arp von Maur ’55 – attended reunion Loved chapel every morning (morning prayers) always prayed for good grades!!
Thirty-four alumni, including former teachers, as well as guests, gathered on Sunday, August 3, at the Renwick Mansion on the old SKS campus in Davenport to reminisce and celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the founding of the school. Alumni spanning four decades (1945-1971) came from throughout the Quad Cities area as well as from Muscatine, Iowa City, Des Moines, Johnston, IA, Madison, WI, Granger, IN, E. Peoria, IL, and LaHabra Heights, CA. Another twenty-three alumni sent their regrets from all across the country and many submitted thoughts and memories that are shared in this booklet. The afternoon began with a blessing by Rev. Marlin Whitmer and continued with a visit to the former campus, followed by a short luxury bus ride to the Rivermont Collegiate campus in Bettendorf. There, the group viewed memorabilia, photos, and other items that were taken to the new location for preservation when the school moved in 1973. Among these items: the original school bell, the St. Katharine statue, the 1910 stained glass window, the class stones, and the Mass Mound outdoor stone alter. Everyone had a memorable time! - Rod Ossowski Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Ana Torstenson Kehoe ’65 – attended reunion Memories: Watching my first May Fete in 1952. I thought all the seniors looked beautiful in their matching dresses. My sister starred as a lobster in a version of “Alice in Wonderland” and I wanted to be a lobster too. History debate in 7th grade. The class pretended to be old ladies in a beauty parlor (getting our hair permed) discussing the pros and cons of integration. Mapping every tree on campus in biology class and creating a portfolio of leaves and their characteristics. Celebrating Cicero’s birthday in Mrs. Bloom’s Latin class. Little did I know that I’d teach Latin for 4 years later in life! Struggling through Mrs. Strohm’s geometry class. All the angles seemed obtuse to me. Taking our very strict English teacher, Mrs. Craigmiles, to the cinematic version of Hamlet at the Orpheum, and most of us falling asleep. A Tiger smashed my thumb with a hockey stick during a tournament. Fortunately the Imps won but my fingernail never recovered. One classmate put up a sign in her yard that the Senior Slumber Party would be held at my house (address included). About 50 uninvited boys showed up for the evening, and my mother wasn’t happy, but we were! Marching across the tennis court as May Queen – in the rain. Reading my senior essay at graduation about the women’s movement and Betty Friedan’s new best seller, “The Feminine Mystique.” Making great friends for life, including my husband who was my senior prom date. Molly Odegard Nikolic ’66-’68 – attended reunion Memories: Loved seeing the 1966 St. Kits Thespians work of “The Skin of Our Teeth”. Sadly, I don’t have the toy dog Julie Haggart willed me, but still have the “ambition” she gave me. The way I felt about church, at school, and at Trinity Cathedral. My love for Louis XIV from Mr. Horton – “Professor” my favorite teacher. Thought of Mrs. Johnson as an Olympian, she ran so beautifully, like a deer. Mrs. Mauer, best and kindest housemother. Being told by Senora Aguilera I had the worst Spanish accent she’s ever heard. Good thing I didn’t need it! Serbian is my foreign language now. Mme. Darsaux’s lecture, wonderfully interesting. The wonderful building – church and school. Really liked the uniforms. Lynn Johnson O’Hern ’71 – attended reunion My years at SKS (1965-1971) were a bit like being a part of a social experiment. Caught between deep traditions and big changes that were happening to a lot of smaller private schools and the education system across the country, it was sometimes overwhelming but exciting at the same time. Sophomore year the Episcopal Church which founded our school was no longer a part of SKS. Financially, it was no longer an option to keep the boarding part of the school open, and boys were now part of the scene. Yet we all cherished the history and the rituals that were so much a part of the school and tried to maintain a balance between the old and the new. Through all the changes and turmoil – and maybe because of them – I will always be grateful for the enduring friendships that have been so important to me and for the many teachers that instilled a real joy in learning.
ALUMNI PRESENT AT THE AUGUST 3, 2014 REUNION Katherine Rathe Clifton ’45 Gloria de Silva Gierke ’45 Catherine Arp Waterman ’45 Jane Bettendorf Vieth ’50 Maryann Berger Tyler ’54 Meg Schmitt Pollock ’55 Mary Ann Thompson Zogg ’58 Jane Levy Williams ’60 John Higgins ’60-’63 Kathy Koivun Anderson ’65 Mimi Greer ’65 Ana Torstenson Kehoe ’65 Martha Levy Neal ’66 Karin Ficke Cook ’66 Anne Johnston Haas ’66 Jeanne Gottlieb Flynn ’66 Molly Odegard Nikolic ’66-’68 Rev. Lisa Carlson ’61-’68 Kate Schofer Johnston ‘69 Jenny Tyler ’66-’75 Lynn Knox Carstens ’71 Gay Foster ’71 Lynn Johnson O’Hern ’71 Ava Preacher ’71 Vickie Palmer Pruter ’71 Ruth Johnson – Former teacher Leo Schubert – Former teacher Madeline Schmitt – Former Teacher Rev. & Mrs. Marlin Whitmer
Coming Home . . .
St. Katharine’s/St. Katharine’s-St. Mark’s Alumni Reunion August 3, 2014