Academic EXCELLENCE | Personal ACHIEVEMENT | SUMMER 2020
A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS
Congratulations,
Class of 2020!
Board of Trustees 2019-2020 Officers Dee Williamson Marley ’77HS,Chair Liza M. Roberts, Vice Chair Carter Warren Franke ’75HS ’77C, Secretary Stephen F. Later, Treasurer
Members At-Large Gloria Taft Becker ’92HS (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Brooks Bell (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Anna Neal Blanchard ’76HS (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Martin W. Borden (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Peter M. Bristow (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Caren Threshie Camp ’71HS (2021), Alexandria, Virginia Eric W. Evans (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Lucy V. Fountain (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Carter Warren Franke ’75HS ’77C (2020), Owings Mills, Maryland Palmer Peebles Garson ’75HS (2020), Richmond, Virginia Mary D. Hinton ‘88HS (2022), Saint Joseph, Minnesota Lynn Cowell Ives ’85HS ’87C (2020), Rocky Mount, North Carolina Earl Johnson III (2022) Raleigh, North Carolina Stephen F. Later (2022), Southern Pines, North Carolina Steven C. Lilly (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina W. Scott Mahoney (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Dee Williamson Marley ’77HS (2020), Charlotte, North Carolina Janie Swain Molster ’78HS (2021), Richmond, Virginia William C. Monk, Jr. (2020), Greenville, North Carolina Sally Sabiston Pelletier ’77HS ’79C (2022), Baltimore, Maryland Liza M. Roberts (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina D. Ward Russell (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Sallie Shuping Russell ’75C (2021), Chapel Hill, North Carolina Charles A. Sanders (2022), Durham, North Carolina Maura Moylan Sullivan ’87HS (2021), Durham, North Carolina
(Date in parentheses indicates expiration of present elective term.)
Mission Statement Saint Mary’s School, a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement, prepares young women for college and life. Founded in 1842 in the Episcopal tradition, Saint Mary’s School is an independent, college-preparatory, girls boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for grades 9-12. Saint Mary’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, mental or physical disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs. The school does not discriminate against qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, or mental or physical disability in providing the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Administration Brendan J. O’Shea, Head of School Tim Healy, Dean of Students Carol Killebrew, Assistant Head of School Laura J. Novia, Director of Marketing and Communications Leslie Owen, Dean of Teaching and Learning Julie Ricciardi, Director of Development Kim Slade, Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Sally Woods, Director of Finance
SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 105, NUMBER 2
Congratulations,
Class of 2020!
Please send address changes to: Alumnae Office 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27603-1689 919-424-4000 • www.sms.edu/alumnaeupdate Editor Mary Virginia Swain ’77C Director of Public Relations and Publications mvswain@sms.edu Class News Editor Emory Rogers Church ’74C Contributors: Alex Boerner Photography, Lauren Gerber; Heath Hilliker; Margaret McGlohon ’81C; Jennifer Moran; Laura Novia; Brendan O’Shea; Julie Ricciardi; Mary Virginia Swain ’77C, Brandon Wright, Anna Zulueta '21 Design Heath Hilliker, Senior Marketing Coordinator Printing Metro Productions, Raleigh, North Carolina
Saint Mary’s salutes the 85 members of the Class of 2020, who finished their senior year virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diplomas were conferred upon the graduates in a video ceremony May 17, and commencement exercises on campus are scheduled for July 24. Congratulations, graduates, and welcome to the alumnae sisterhood! (Photos by Evan Pike)
CONTENTS FEATURES
Saint Mary's Virtually Saint Mary’s School Magazine Published twice each year by Saint Mary’s School.
ON THE COVER
Virtual Student Life
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IN EVERY ISSUE Head of School Message ............................................... 3 Saint Mary's Forever ..................................................... 10 News Briefs .................................................................... 12 Academic Excellence .................................................. 13 Personal Achievement ................................................ 14 Arts News ........................................................................ 16 Athletics News .............................................................. 18 Calendar .......................................................................... 20 Alumnae .......................................................................... 22 Support Saint Mary's ..................................................... 28 Event Photos .................................................................. 30 Milestones ....................................................................... 34 Class News ..................................................................... 36
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Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Preparing the next generation to lead the way By Brendan J. O'Shea, Head of School
Change is constant, forever demanding adjustments, fresh perspectives, and even introspection. The spring of 2020 certainly provided evidence of omnipresent change in our lives, our nation, and the world. On March 12, 2020, Saint Mary’s announced to our students that we would hold classes virtually for the two weeks following the upcoming spring break, which ran from March 16-20. While we asked them to leave campus “backpack ready,” little did we know, students would not return to campus for the remainder of the spring term. At the time, none of us in the school community wanted to believe not returning was even a remote possibility. How much can change in such a short time?! As one of our students wrote, “Think of all the hugs, ’I love yous,’ ‘Thank yous,’ and ‘Good byes’ that would have been shared on March 12, had we known what was ahead.” Fortunately, Saint Mary’s was prepared to deliver its curriculum via an online platform. Having ventured into virtual learning several years ago for the occasional snow or hurricane day, our faculty were experienced with effectively shifting their classes online and managing the connectedness which defines the Saint Mary’s experience. What we did not realize is while our snow/hurricaneday virtual schedule worked well for an isolated day or two, the extended COVID-19 virtual environment presented a different and challenging experience for teachers and students alike. With thoughtfulness, research, and skill, Saint Mary’s adjusted the daily schedule to confidently meet the needs of students, teachers, and families. Our students successfully crossed the finish line of the school year through an online experience that has been productive and meaningful, all the while keeping the girls connected to one another and their school community.
On May 25, 2020, our world shifted again with the brutal killing of George Floyd, which mirrored so many other acts of violence perpetrated against people of color in this country. Our nation is striving to end racism and promote social justice and equity for all, and so, too, is Saint Mary’s. Engaging with alumnae, students, parents, faculty, and staff, we are looking at ways we can work together to ensure we continue growing as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. You will be hearing more about our efforts in the coming months. All in all, this spring was a time for us to both innovate our program and to re-commit to building a better, more equitable version of ourselves. I believe Saint Mary's alumnae, students, employees, parents, and friends can be proud of our school as we continue evolving together and preparing the next generation of young women to lead the way. Go Saints!
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Saint Mary’s virtually Delivering an excellent academic experience online in the age of COVID-19 By Mary Virginia Swain ’77C Director of Public Relations and Publications
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Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Saint Mary’s School joined the national educational trend of virtual learning starting March 24, following Spring Break 2020, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States. Through collaborative technology platforms, and with the benefit of our one-to-one laptop program, 21st-century learning took on a new dimension during the global pandemic and allowed the school to stay on track and successfully finish the academic year.
Virtual learning is not new to Saint Mary’s. The school has embraced the benefits of delivering 21st-century curriculum through online platforms for several years employing virtual learning days in response to inclement weather day closures since 2016. This new, prolonged period of virtual learning upped the game, as the school conducted full class days comprised of online classes, advisory meetings, and even student activities such as assemblies, virtual chapel activities, a share group for seniors, and club and class meetings via online platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams for the final two months of the 2019-2020 school year. In response to world events this spring, following extensive research coupled with insightful feedback from students, faculty, and parents, Saint Mary's expanded and revised its online learning experience. A new schedule was developed, resources for academic and emotional support were provided, and regular communications established - all designed to ensure a meaningful online experience
and successful completion of the school year for each and every student. “It was an unbelievable turn of events,” says Leslie Owen, dean of teaching and learning at Saint Mary’s. “If you had asked me in August what I might predict for the 20192020 school year, it would not have been this scenario. However, it unfolded, and decisions had to be made quickly. When the COVID-19 health crisis landed in North America, we began thinking about our plans for Saint Mary’s should the situation worsen. “Before the students left for Spring Break, we knew everyone would need to be ready to learn, teach, and work remotely. We told the students, faculty, and staff to leave school each day ‘backpack ready’ with their computer, school supplies, and any necessary resources to be prepared to work from home. “We vigorously researched best practices, attended webinars, and consulted virtual learning experts across the
Sample lessons and student activities
Melissa Ramel’s 9th grade World History I and 10th grade World History II students worked on their Life in a History Book assignment in which they told the story of living through an event that will be included in history books of the future. Podcasts, iMovie, online journals, and handwritten journals were among the platforms they used to chronicle their experiences.
Stephanie Suski’s A.P. Government students picked up where they left off before Spring Break, including surveying the campus community about current political affiliations and issues. Other assignments included projects related to the government’s role and response to a crisis such as COVID-19.
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country. We engaged in a rapid idea generation protocol to see what we needed to do to move our whole learning environment into the virtual learning environment. Our first design meeting started with, how might we build a virtual learning opportunity that was student-centered, girl-centered, simple to follow, an essential curriculum, and provided structure and consistency in a chaotic time. “The model we used reflects that deep thought and research. A synchronous model was decided on to ensure that we had connectivity with our girls and that we could closely monitor their learning and growth in the curriculum. With the swift move to sustained online learning, we remained flexible and settled into a routine.” Math instructor Chris Hoskin, chair of the math department, credits the students for their response to the change to online learning. “I think most of the credit for our math classes being so successful in a virtual environment goes to our students. I am so impressed with their willingness to try something new, to speak up when things don’t work well, and to refuse the temptation to shut down. There are many questions about the longterm effects of virtual learning for the final two months of the year, including if the students will fall behind.
Chemistry students carried out a kitchen experiment that studied rates of reactions using household staples like pennies, vinegar, and salt. On Earth Day, biology students went on an Epic Ecological Scavenger Hunt, using the app Goose Chase and explored the ecosystem within which they live and interact every day. With students living in many different ecosystems from the beach to the mountains, from a farm to an urban setting, from the U.S. to China, the possibilities were fascinating.
The good news is we were able to cover the most important topics prior to going virtual, and continued to make significant progress after going virtual, despite the necessity of a slower pace. We may need to spend some time in the fall reviewing concepts, but the math department is confident that everything will be fine.” With the onset of COVID-19 and the transition to virtual classes, the sciences continued to take a hands-on approach through thoughtful design and engaging classes, including experiments. Technology gave students and teachers the ability to engage and experience science in a totally new way. “Across the different disciplines of science, we found ways to teach content in smaller chunks with lots of modeling, while we continued to do and participate in science through online labs, ecological scavenger hunts, and kitchen experiments using common household items, always asking students to think more deeply about the material,” says Instructor of Science Lauren Marquez. Saint Mary’s French, Latin, and Spanish students transitioned to communicating in another language in what has become the new worldwide, virtual window to connectivity, building relationships, and problem solving.
Alison Chernin, English department chair, reports that World Voices students used discussion boards on the online Canvas platform to review a novel. They also used the chat function on Microsoft Teams to facilitate Q&A time during class. Classes included a writing workshop.
Suzanne Narbona, instructor of world languages says, “While there is no substitute for person-to-person immersion with the language, our students have adapted to this virtual environment, learning new tools and new ways of learning. They will be well equipped to create, collaborate, and communicate in another language in their future studies or workplace. At the end of the day, when assemblies, handshakes, and hugs are virtual and we stand six feet apart, we rely on the power of languages to comfort, support, and connect with each other.” Through feedback and online interactions, students remained engaged, connected, and pleased that the school year moved forward on schedule, albeit in a new way. “I am really grateful for everything the school did and how it handled the situation,” said one senior. “I know how hard everyone employed at Saint Mary’s worked to make it the best it could possibly be. I can only imagine how difficult this was for all the teachers and staff to redo lessons and move to online resources.” Saint Mary’s received high marks from parents who expressed gratitude for the work of the school to continue to provide substantive, excellent, and structured instruction and connection through a time of uncertainty.
Music teacher Terry Elizabeth Thompson reported that her piano students were wonderful in Facetime lessons. Students moved forward in learning pieces already in progress and learning new music. “Virtual learning presents an excellent opportunity to further develop students’ independence in learning new music on their own, using steps in the process with the teacher’s support,” says Ms. Thompson. “Virtual learning also offers opportunities to explore music theory and sight reading.”
Virtual, online learning at Saint Mary's is designed to deliver the excellent education Saint Mary's students have come to expect and value. While our campus may have closed, the learning continued.
“I have thought Saint Mary’s to be progressive and what happened this spring really made that feel so true,” said one parent. “I love knowing the girls were able to accomplish their goals for the year.” Another parent wrote, “We have been very impressed with the way the school adjusted and dealt with the crisis. While the distant learning is not ideal, it has been clear to us that Saint Mary’s was much better suited and prepared to deal with it than other schools.” Virtual, online learning at Saint Mary's is designed to deliver the excellent education Saint Mary's students have come to expect and value. While our campus may have closed, the learning continued. “There’s never been a better time to take pride in your relationship to Saint Mary’s,” says Head of School Brendan O’Shea. “Whether you are an alumna, student, parent, or friend, you should feel good about how your school has managed through the worldwide crisis.”
Members of the Chorale, under the direction of Jennifer Moran, joined the Episcopal Church’s Easter Virtual Choir, a mass virtual choir video released on Easter Sunday.
In Dr. Laura Grantmyre’s U.S. Government class, students researched what actions the federal government and various state governments were taking in response to COVID-19. Students posted summaries of their research on a Canvas discussion board, and the class discussed on Microsoft Teams what it shows about federalism.
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Staying connected in a virtual world Maintaining connections within a school community is integral to the success of any virtual learning program. That is why Saint Mary’s School was intentional in building into its virtual experience opportunities for students to connect with teachers and one another outside of class time. Whether it was an online assembly with the student body, a virtual chapel, a sip-n-chat session with the school nurse, a weekly dorm night on Zoom, or a meeting of a Senior Share group, providing time for girls to be together and share their experiences was essential to helping every student feel connected and supported in an uncertain, socially-distanced, virtual world.
With a Zoom background of the Chapel, the Beacon held its annual induction ceremony online and invited the entire school.
Saint Mary’s first virtual formal dinner took place on Wednesday, April 8 with a compilation of student videos, a montage celebrating all that makes Saint Mary’s special, and dinner entertainment.
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Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Weekly all-school assemblies and Wednesday evening dorm meetings were held on Zoom.
The annual Celebration of the Arts went virtual with a video featuring the presentation of awards to students in the areas of visual arts, music, theatre, and dance.
On Friday afternoon, May 8, students, parents, faculty and staff were invited to join a pre-recorded Honors Convocation ceremony.
Interim Chaplain the Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner offered prayers, reflections, and words of inspiration through regular email messages that uplifted and connected our community.
Origami through obstacles: transitioning Folding For Fun to an online setting By Anna Zulueta’21 President and Founder of the Folding for Fun Club Life during COVID-19 has called for some drastic changes in how we do life - academics, student life, chapel, sports, arts, and much more - and clubs are no exception. As the rest of Saint Mary’s has transitioned to an online setting while attempting to keep as much as possible the same, Folding for Fun, our origami club, transitioned in the same way. Knowing that we would need to adapt to our new online environment, I created a Microsoft Team for our club and sent out a newsletter to our club members discussing how we would proceed. The officers and I also met over our own Team to plan for the rest of the semester. Fortunately, I had some experience running online meetings, as I oversee planning and academic content for weekly online study sessions via Google Teams for my Latin club, the Gallant Griffins. However, before I led our first online meeting at Folding for Fun, I decided to get some more experience in virtual origami sessions by attending an OrigamiConnect class held by OrigamiUSA. So, I logged on to a Zoom class with over 100 participants one Sunday afternoon to learn how to fold Contemplation from origami creator Robert Snyder. With these experiences in hand, I was able to move forward to create the best online experience possible for our last three meetings of the year, in which I not only taught members how to make their own homemade origami paper, but also how to make an origami rice box, flower and leaf, butterfly, and pomegranate.
The end of the year is always filled with more excitement than just meetings - it is also when we hold officer elections, write the annual constitution review, give end-of-year awards, and release the annual report. Fortunately, we were able to conduct all of these activities virtually, even if it did require me to learn how to use a new survey software, Typeform, to ensure that awards’ voting was accessible to our international students. All of our award recipients and active members received their signed certificates as Word documents via email. We were also able to provide special recognition to our graduating seniors, especially those who are founding members, as well as adult club members through email. And in the midst of it all, we were even able to create a club Pinterest board to help us all stay connected during these unprecedented times. The achievements of our club even in these trying times are a testament to our resilience, perseverance, and creativity, which are values of our club and of the Saint Mary’s community that we all hold so dear. I am truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful organization and school, and I look forward to an even better and brighter year come this fall. Thank you all for sharing this journey with me.
Editor's note: Folding For Fun received the Outstanding Club of the Year award for 2019-2020 at the annual Honors Convocation, held virtually this spring.
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SAINT MARY'S FOREVER CAMPAIGN
A note from our chairs…. Three years ago, on the heels of Saint Mary’s 175th anniversary, a quiet afternoon was the perfect moment to create plans to bring together a campaign feasibility committee. What emerged would begin to change the course of Saint Mary’s and align with the goals of the school’s strategic plan. Soon after, the diligent work quietly began - work that would focus our time and energy on the priorities set by s that have been announced for the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign. We are energized by the focus of the Forever Campaign. It builds on our strengths, which place our students first and focus the school on being a leader in girls’ education. As you will read, we celebrate both the initial accomplishments of some of our early gifts and investments, and we say thank you to the David Belk Cannon Foundation for its extraordinary leadership in making an investment in Saint Mary’s this winter. The Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign will soon be the most comprehensive and largest campaign in our school’s history. It encompasses initiatives that address our longevity, our ability to be innovative, our quest to attract and retain the brightest and best faculty to teach our girls, and it also reinforces our commitment to eliminating our debt and increasing our endowment while taking care of our campus in thoughtful and visionary ways. We know this was top of mind for the Belk and Cannon families over their lifetimes, and we are grateful for their legacy and continued commitment today. The legacy of more than 9,000 alumnae inspires us as we lead with our fellow campaign chairs, and we hope you continue to be encouraged as well. On behalf of our co-chairs William and Aurelia Monk P’15, Nancy Kerr Thomason ’73HS ’75C, and Anna Zevenhuizen ’07, we want to acknowledge the remarkable commitments thus far that have propelled us to this moment. We are also most grateful to the incredible campaign team of volunteers who continue to build momentum by meeting with each of you to create a bright future for our alma mater. We’ve only just begun, and we hope you join us in making Saint Marys’ a priority in your giving as well! Frank and Ruth E. Perry Holding ’81C
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Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
The new Victory Bell Pavilion, completed summer 2020, and made possible by a generous donor to the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign.
Total raised: As of June 22, 2020 Includes grandfathered gifts
$24,692,662
Milestones and Momentum Milestones are powerful markers that signify change, a stage in development, and act as forward movement in a plan or vision. A longcherished North Carolina family foundation has donated a $2 million gift to the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign, marking a new milestone in our school’s history. “This incredible gift is one of the single largest gifts made to Saint Mary’s in her history, and it definitely defines a milestone for us at this moment” says Head of School Brendan O’Shea. “On behalf of our entire community, it is with grateful appreciation we announce the philanthropic spirit of the David Belk Cannon Foundation and celebrate their leadership in supporting girls’ education and our great state of North Carolina” The David Belk Cannon Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1998 by the late David Belk Cannon. After his passing, Mr. Cannon’s estate created the David Belk Cannon Foundation which continues to support the causes dear to him. Saint Mary’s is privileged to honor his legacy of generosity, selflessness, hard work, commitment, religious faith, and generosity.
The late David Belk Cannon was an officer and director of the Belk organization, the nation’s largest privately held department store. His grandfather, Dr. John M. Belk, was the brother and an early partner of William Henry Belk, founder of Belk stores. Cannon’s distinguished career with the company included 38 years of service. Today, the Gastonia-based David Belk Cannon Foundation, is headed by Eugene R. “Gene” Matthews II, president. “Mr. Cannon believed that education was the key to success and Saint Mary’s has an excellent track record in educating and transforming young women who understand the power of contributing to the world stage and in return transform their communities,” says Mr. Matthews. “We are proud to support Saint Mary’s growth and future.” While gift details are being completed, this momentous gift is helping to define new horizons for Saint Mary’s. “Every gift to this campaign matters,” said Julie Ricciardi, director of development. Transformational gifts like that of the David Belk Cannon Foundation remind us that the focus of our campaign is our girls and this investment will help to continue our dream of making an impact on girls education forever.”
Pictured is a rendering of the Ragland Classroom Building foyer, featuring panels made of the sound absorbing material that double as an artistic wall covering in school colors. This feature wall will also create a small seating area and digital screen for school updates.
Coming Soon A $50,000 grant to fund updates to Ragland. one of our most beloved classroom buildings. The gift will make possible enhancements to the foyer of Ragland as well as the Ragland Auditorium on the lower level. The Isabel James Lehto Foundation, Inc. is a private grant-making foundation established in 2007 and the namesake of Isabel James Lehto ’32C. Throughout Isabel’s life, she generously donated funds to Saint Mary’s including an endowed fund in honor of her mother, Isabel Clark James, a 1907 graduate. Today, the Isabel James Lehto Foundation, Inc. continues to make generous gifts to Saint Mary’s as well as many nonprofit organizations as part of her legacy of philanthropy. We are truly grateful that her love and vision for Saint Mary’s continues, and we look forward to the completion of these upfits in time for the return of our students this fall!
NEWS BRIEFS Carol Killebrew named Assistant Head of School Head of School Brendan O’Shea announced in June that Carol Killebrew will join the administration at Saint Mary’s as assistant head of school. “After a thorough search that began in November, Ms. Killebrew was the clear choice to help Saint Mary’s solidify its place among leaders in girls’ education and to provide additional assistance to move our school forward,” said Mr. O’Shea. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ms. Killebrew attended Girls Preparatory School (GPS), a renowned day school for girls in grades 6-12. After earning her undergraduate degree from The University of the South, Sewanee, Ms. Killebrew returned to GPS in 1986, where she served in a variety of capacities for 28 years. She was a teacher, coach, and development officer during her time there. In 2014 she left GPS to become head of The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, New York, and was later named head of school at Salem Academy in June 2018. In addition to her degree from Sewanee, Ms. Killebrew was named a Fulbright Scholar in 1996, earned her M.A. in English from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1997, and was named a National Endowment of the Humanities Fellow in 1999.
“I am a product of an independent, single-gender, college preparatory school and will defend my educational experience to anyone who will listen,” says Ms. Killebrew. “I firmly believe that it is essential to educate every girl so that she is not only college ready but also career ready. The expected skills of a 21st century education – communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking/ problem solving – have always been a part of a girls’ school curriculum, in part because of the nature of the environment itself. An intentional curriculum and dedicated community ensure that students will possess a keen sense of the nuances of a global community, the ability to communicate and make ethical decisions, and the resilience to make mistakes and strive for a solution.” “Ms. Killebrew will immerse herself into all areas of the Saint Mary’s operation,” says Mr. O’Shea. “Having a team member with the experience and talent Ms. Killebrew offers is a huge asset for our community. She will be a regular, visible, and energetic presence on campus, fully participating in school life.”
Carol Killebrew, assistant head of school
She and her husband, Tony Meyers, also a lifelong teacher and coach, will reside on campus. Ms. Killebrew’s first day in the office will be July 6, 2020.
Building virtual bridges for real success Saint Mary’s continues to innovate in response to the realities of a COVID-19 world. One of the school’s most recent developments was the creation of a summer accelerator program for new students in June. Designed to meet students where they are and set them up for success following the range of virtual experiences they have had at their former schools, the online program offers opportunities to develop skills, learn more about the school, build connections with teachers and other incoming students, and smooth the transition to Saint Mary’s School. The free, opt-in program, designed and taught by Saint Mary’s faculty, is grounded in the strength of the school’s existing virtual learning program and as such emphasizes connectivity and engagement through collaboration and interaction in a virtual environment. New rising 9th and 10th grade students were offered a three-week, half-day program focused on skills and competency development, relationship building, and shared learning experiences that engaged girls in collaboration and the exploration of real-world topics. For new rising 11th and 12th grade students, the week-long, half-day program was comprised of a pre-orientation to academic life at Saint Mary’s, a session with the school’s college counseling team, and a look at the Senior Seminar program getting underway in August. Enrollment in both gradelevel offerings was overwhelming as Saint Mary’s newest students took full advantage of all this virtual experience had to offer. Summer Insights Inspired by the work to prepare Saint Mary’s new students for the upcoming school year, the school also created an online accelerator program for high school girls not enrolled at Saint Mary’s. Known as Saint Mary’s Summer Insights, the fee-based program consists of three separate offerings, and participants can register for one or more options:
Designed and Guided by • Academic Skills: This Saint Mary's Faculty program focuses on June 29-July 2nd building capacity for M-Th, 1-3 pm independent learning. Throughout this fourday program, students will talk about the importance of self-advocacy, Academic Life as well as learn practical tools Pre-Orientation and strategiestoaround time management, stress management, organization and planning, and prioritizing. This College providing Counseling:an schedule program also has a parent component, opportunity to consultation and seminar connect and give parents strategies to support their sessions daughter’s growth toward self-advocacy.
Senior Seminar Jump Start in August
• Literacy: Identification and development of essential literacy skills, like writing concisely, speaking skills, and comparing data, in the context of realworld events and multiple media sources. Literacy skills across disciplines June 22-July 10, M-Th, 9am-12pm will be exercised in the context of three themes: COVID-19 pandemic, women in leadership, and the students’ local community events. SKILLS & COMPETENCY FOCUSED
• Equity-centered Design: This program is designed to build the mindset and skills of those wishing to approach real-world issues and challenges RELATIONSHIP with equity through a human-centered framework. Students will identify BUILDING and work to deeply understand an issue in their own local community and use the equity-centered, design-thinking process to develop a solution. Students will then pitch their solutions an audience of SHAREDtoLEARNING parents and peers. EXPERIENCES The first week of Summer Insights began July 13 with the Academics Skills course. Literacy courses take place the week of July 20; and two equity-centered design courses – one for girls inPre-Orientation rising grades 9 and 10, to Academic Life the other for girls in rising grades 11 and 12, take place the week July College Counseling Seminar of Sessions 27. For more about virtual learning at Saint Mary’s School, visitand skill level Increased confidence Sense of community and relationships www.sms.edu/summerinsights Smoother transition to the new school year
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Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu Contact Ann Marie Davis Director of the Summer Accelerator
May 20th-June 5th
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Diplomas conferred upon Class of 2020 May 17; commencement scheduled for July 24 Saint Mary’s graduating seniors of the Class of 2020 had diplomas conferred May 17, 10:30 a.m., in a video senior recognition ceremony during which they were declared graduates and instructed to turn their Saint Mary’s rings with the seal pointing out towards the world they are entering. The May 17 virtual ceremony featured remarks by Head of School Brendan J. O’Shea, Board Chair Dee Williamson Marley ‘77HS, Class of 2020 President Emma Wharton ’20, Dean of Teaching and Learning Leslie Owen, and Dean of Students Tim Healy. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, commencement exercises in the Grove for the 178th session, originally scheduled for May 17, have been rescheduled to July 24, for the graduates and their immediate families. Congratulations, to the 85 members of Saint Mary’s outstanding Class of 2020, and welcome to the alumnae sisterhood of more than 10,000 extraordinary women worldwide!
Class of 2020 College Matriculation Number denotes multiple number of students attending
American University Appalachian State University (2) Auburn University Boston College (2) Centre College Clemson University (5) College of Charleston Duke University East Carolina University (2) Elon University (2) Emory University High Point University (2) Indiana University-Bloomington Marist College Meredith College New York University (3) North Carolina State University (7) Northeastern University Pratt Institute Queens University of Charlotte Randolph-Macon College Rhodes College Rockford University
Sewanee: The University of the South Skidmore College St. John’s University Texas Christian University Tufts University University of California-Los Angeles University of California-Santa Barbara University of Chicago University of Colorado at Boulder University of Florida University of Georgia (4) University of Mississippi (3) University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (13) University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of Pittsburgh University of South Carolina University of Washington-Seattle Virginia Commonwealth University Wake Forest University (4) Washington and Lee University Wofford College (4) (As of July 17, 2020)
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PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT Bishop Rodman visits Chapel for confirmation 2020 The Rt. Rev. Samuel Rodman, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, visited Saint Mary's Chapel, Feb. 18, 2020, for our annual Bishop's Chapel, which included Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, and Reaffirmation. Bishop Rodman offered an inspirational sermon about God's limitless love and included some contemporary examples of how that love can manifest itself in our own lives. Interim Chaplain the Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner was celebrant for Eucharist. Also celebrated were the confirmation of Emma Foreman '22 and Adele Harris '23 and the sacramental reaffirmation of Frances Williams '20.
Isabel Yates ’23 wins Gold Key writing award Congratulations, to Isabel Yates ’23, on winning a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards as part of its alliance for young artists. Isabel won the Gold Key Award, the highest honor in the competition, for her poetry submission, Sketches of the Unseen. Her piece advanced to the national competition. Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth, and provided opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards give students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Students across America submitted nearly 320,000 original works this year in 29 different categories of art and writing.
Honors for Saint Mary’s students at NCMTA piano performance festival Six Saint Mary’s piano students entered the North Carolina Music Teachers Association’s 2020 district piano performance festival at Meredith College, Feb. 22. This rigorous event required three highlevel, memorized pieces from three contrasting cultural eras. All six students won highest honors and advanced to the state level event. Congratulations, to Lily Song ’21, Serena Zhou ’21, Christine Huang ’20, Shirley Xue ’21, Chloe Shen ’21, and Jenny Nguyen ’21.
Voice students earn honors at N.C. Woman’s Club festival Congratulations, to Saint Mary's music students Lindsay Anne McCall '20 and Matilda McCard '21 on their success at the North Carolina Woman's Club district vocal festival. Lindsay Anne won first place honors, and Matilda was runner-up. They were accompanied by pianist Deanna Boone-Domres.
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ADMISSION
Visit us virtually!
We’re just a click away! Our new admission webpage is a one-stop shop designed to share the Saint Mary’s experience with prospective families – all from the safety and comfort of their homes. Until our campus is once again open to visitors, the information on this page gives visitors interested in Saint Mary’s a chance to explore our academic program, meet our faculty, learn about life on campus and in Raleigh, explore our arts and athletics programming, find out about Saint Mary’s college counseling, and hear from our alumnae and parents. Check it out at www.sms.edu/admissions.
We’ve got this! The Admission team is continuing to develop new online and virtual experiences for families interested in Saint Mary’s School. If you know a girl who may be interested in all Saint Mary’s has to offer, please let the us know at admission@sms.edu or by calling 919-424-4100.
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ARTS Visual and performing arts, virtually By Jennifer Moran, Visual and Performing Arts Department chair If I had a nickel for every time that someone in the last few months has asked me, “How are you teaching chorus online?”, I would have lots of nickels. My response has varied from an indignant “Of course, I do!” to a kinder, “It’s different, but we are still singing and sharing music every day. Why wouldn’t we?” I got the giggles in a recent Zoom meeting with Director of Dance Lisa Yount and some other colleagues when a friend said, “How are you, Lisa? Are y’all still dancing?” Ms. Yount backed up, so the camera captured her entire living room with every piece of furniture pushed to the walls and stacks of CDs next to an 80s boom box. “Yes! The dance goes on!” We are artists. We are creative. We know how to try one approach and change our trajectory in the middle of a lesson because another idea might work better. In teaching visual and performing arts, we bring into being a completely unique curriculum every year - so planning something new is right in our wheelhouse. In this season of virtual learning, we have access to arts resources we would not have under normal circumstances. Museums all over the world have started giving virtual tours. Broadway shows are being shared on Facebook every evening. The greatest dance companies are offering free tutorials online. Our girls are learning from prima ballerinas, virtuosos, maestros, and Tony-award winners. Voice students recently attended a Carnegie Hall webinar watch party with other audience members from Russia, Brazil, and Australia. Artists are compelled to join one another and share their passions, and arts organizations have a legacy of valuing arts education above all else. Our resources in visual and performing arts are almost limitless. Nuts and bolts, what are we actually doing? Art students are doing photography projects, exploring American art, and wrapping up this year's yearbook. Dancers are learning new combinations and, recently, our student dance company, Orchesis Dance Theatre, released a virtual spring dance concert and Orchesis chapel service. Chorale students are calling grandparents and grandfriends and asking them to share stories about the songs of their youth and why that music still means so much to them. Some of our girls joined the National Cathedral’s Easter virtual choir. Actors are working on the spring play, Princess Talks, which they will make into a film production. The technical theatre students are brainstorming ways to get props and costumes to the actors for the project. Music students, now spread across the globe, continue their lessons and our senior music students will be featured in a special virtual recital. The truth is, online learning in visual and performing arts is not easy; however, our students are accustomed to being challenged and pushed in our classes. All year our girls have been learning persistence, resilience, critical thinking, and collaboration – now they are putting those skills to good work in a different context. The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) faculty decided unanimously on some non-negotiables from day one of online learning. First, our classes must continue to bring joy to our students, our community, and our world. We have loved having families visit our online classes! Second, our classes must continue to build connection and camaraderie for our students. The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest trauma most of our girls have ever seen, and every single one of them has a story that deserves to be shared. The arts are the greatest form of self-expression, and we have a powerful opportunity to help Saint Mary’s students reflect and, ultimately, heal by processing their journeys through their creative passions.
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And, yes, we experienced loss. Our school year normally culminates in live celebrations, triumphs, and performances that demonstrate not only the skills and theory students have mastered over the year, but the beauty, artistry, and lasting bonds that have also developed through the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to bring a show to the stage or an exhibition to the gallery. This academic year, we did not celebrate those moments in the same way. The VPA faculty and students are unbelievably grateful to be living and learning in a community that loves the arts, that sees the arts as a channel for expressing oneself -even in times of loss and grief, and that continues to applaud artistic creativity and achievements from wherever we have landed in this socially-distanced world. Thank you, to everyone, for loving the arts and artists of Saint Mary’s. These past few months have taught me one of the most powerful lessons in my life. In a time of crisis, our souls are our currency. We need the arts to fill us - heart and soul. The arts have been with us from our very beginning, and they are integral to the human journey. Everywhere you turn, you see the arts, and that's why the arts will see all people through this unprecedented time in our history. When we are finally on the other side of this pandemic, and we will get there together, what will you look back on that sustained you? Not toilet paper and bleach. I think you will remember how the arts were a comfort and an outlet and, most of all, a way to connect with people you’ve never met and with those you love the most through the arts.
Saint Mary’s Chorale performs in Carnegie Hall Saint Mary’s performed March 8, 2020, as part of the collaborative Grant Us Peace concert.
Orchesis travels to Washington, D.C. Saint Mary's Orchesis Dance Theatre members traveled by charter bus to Washington, D.C., with dance instructors Lisa Yount and Michelle Pearson, to take in a concert by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at the Kennedy Center, Feb. 8, 2020. The performance included Revelations, a piece Orchesis performed beautifully at the 2019 fall concert at Saint Mary's. In addition to attending the concert, the students spent the weekend exploring the nation's capital city. It was a fantastic experience for our dance students and instructors.
Saint Mary’s Theatre presents Mary Poppins the musical Saint Mary’s blockbuster theatre production of Mary Poppins played to packed houses, rave reviews, and roaring standing ovations the weekend of Feb. 21-22, 2020. Audiences were enchanted and wowed by the performances of a cast of 30 young actors in this rendition of this classic and beloved story of Mary Poppins and friends. From stellar performances by the leading players, who ranged from freshman to seniors, to the energetic singing and dancing by the ensemble, to the skilled crew and talented musicians, Mary Poppins was truly a show we will never forget. Congratulations, to the cast, crew, musicians, and director Michelle Wells on creating the true magic of the theatre through this spectacular show!
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ATHLETICS
Saints swimmers finish second in state meet Congratulations, to Saint Mary’s varsity swim team members and coaches on their runner-up finish at the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) state championship, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, in Greensboro, North Carolina. This is the second consecutive year the Saints came away with the runner-up trophy. All-American Abby Arens ’20 finished as NCISAA state champion in her individual events, the 200 IM and the 100 Breast, breaking her own state and school records in each event. Caroline Crouse ’20, who recently qualified for the Olympic trials, also won both of her individual events, earning NCISAA state titles in the 100 fly and the 500 free. Caroline set a new school record in the 500 free with an astounding time of 4:59.79 – 13 seconds faster than the previous school record. The Saints relays did supremely well, landing on the podium in all three relay events – the 200 medley, 200 free relay, and the 400 free relay. The 200 medley and 400 free relays both placed second, and the 200 free relay placed third. Congratulations to all members of the relay teams: Bowen Gordon ’20, Abby Arens ’20, Caroline Crouse ’20, Hallie Tant ’21, Rachel Lundy ’23, Emily DeRonja ’22, and Chelsea Barnes ’23. With all three relay teams earning podium spots, two relay teams also broke Saint Mary’s team records. New school records were set in the 200 medley relay as well as the 400 free relay.
200 Medley – 1:48.75 Bowen Gordon ’20, Abby Arens ’20, Caroline Crouse ’20, Hallie Tant ’21 400 free relay – 3:41.31 Bowen Gordon ’20, Rachel Lundy ’23, Emily DeRonja ’22, Caroline Crouse ’20 Top finishers of the meet: Abby Arens ‘20 – 1st 200 IM, 1st 100 breast (two state titles in 2020; eight state titles, 2017-2020) Caroline Crouse ’20 – 1st 100 fly, 1st 500 free (two state titles in 2020; eight state titles, 2017-2020) Rachel Lundy ’23 – 5th 200 free, 8th 100 fly Bowen Gordon ’20 – 6th 100 free, 9th 100 back Hallie Tant ’21 – 7th 200 IM, 11th 100 breast Emily DeRonja ’22 – 9th 200 IM, 10th 100 back Chelsea Barnes ’23 – 9th 50 free Isabel Moran ’21 – 16th 200 free Congratulations, on a successful 2020 winning season! Go, Saints!
Hall of Fame Inductions postponed The induction of the 1999 undefeated state championship swim team into the Mary Lou Jones/Saint Mary’s Athletics Hall of Fame, scheduled for April 2020 was postponed due to COVID-19. Saint Mary’s undefeated 1999 varsity swim team capped off a perfect 19-0 regular season by sweeping the Triangle Independent Schools Athletic Conference (TISAC) regular season and conference meet championships and the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) championship. It was the first conference and state championships in swimming for Saint Mary’s School. Congratulations, to the team members and coaches as they await their Hall of Fame induction ceremony during the coming year!
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Mary Lou Jones
Gracey Falk ’20 signs with Centre College lacrosse Gracey Falk ’20 of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to join the women’s lacrosse program at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Gracey is a four-year varsity letter winner in lacrosse and team captain at Saint Mary’s. She represented North and South Carolina at the Brine All-American tournament in 2017. She has twice earned TISAC All-Conference honors, has twice been named to the All-Saints team at SMS, and earned the Coach’s Award at SMS during her sophomore year. Congratulations, and best wishes, Gracey Falk ’20!
Varsity basketball advances to state tournament Saint Mary’s varsity basketball team advanced to the second round of the NCISAA 4A girls state playoffs with a first round win on the road at Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, Feb. 11, 2020. The Saints fell in second round action to Charlotte Country Day School. Congratulations, on another state tournament appearance, Saints!
Claire Smith ’20 commits to Rhodes College lacrosse Claire Smith ’20 of Lexington, Virginia, has committed to play lacrosse at Rhodes College. Claire is a fouryear member of Saint Mary’s varsity lacrosse team and was honored this spring as a Saints 4x3 Award, for having played a sport all three seasons for all four years at SMS.
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CALENDAR
Double the fun in '21
as the 0s and 5s join the 1s and 6s for Reunion Weekend 2021 For the health and safety of all, Reunion Weekend 2020 has been combined with Reunion Weekend 2021. See you there!
April 23-24, 2021 Visit www.sms.edu/reunion for detailed information. 20
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
July 16 Virtual alumnae gathering 10:30 a.m. July 16 Virtual alumnae gathering 3:30 p.m. August 13 Virtual alumnae gathering 10:30 a.m. August 13 Virtual alumnae gathering 3:30 p.m. August 24 Virtual classes begin for the 179th session September 8 On campus classes begin for the 179th session September 9 Virtual alumnae gathering 10:30 a.m. September 9 Virtual alumnae gathering 3:30 p.m.
Virtual Alumnae Gatherings While we can’t gather together in person for alumnae events, Saint Mary’s Alumnae Office has planned several virtual alumnae gatherings via Zoom July 16, August 13, September 10, 2020. Saint Mary's Alumnae Office will send an electronic invitation to all alumnae one week in advance. We ask that you RSVP for these virtual Zooms, just like you do for an in-person gathering. Once you RSVP, your confirmation will include the Zoom link so that you can join at either 10:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. The gatherings will last for 45 minutes and will be hosted by the alumnae office and members of the alumnae council and/ or trustees. All are invited to join these gatherings to visit virtually with fellow alumnae and catch up on alumnae and school news.
CHECK OUR WEBSITE OFTEN FOR UPDATES ON EVENTS! Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 policies and restrictions, upcoming alumnae events will be scheduled and announced as the situation allows in the coming year. Please watch your email for news and announcements from Saint Mary’s and visit www.sms.edu/alumnae/events, as we add events to the calendar. We can’t wait until we can all gather again!
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ALUMNAE
Girls must see it to be it By Lauren Gerber Director of Saint Mary’s Annual Fund
In 2015, the National Coalition of Girls Schools (NCGS) discussed how girls and women have been denied educations, occupations, and political roles throughout history. Despite the many obstacles, "countless women broke through barriers to pursue their dreams and better not only their lives, but the lives of generations to come." Such stories are an inspiration, especially when we look to multiple studies that confirm girls must "see it" to "be it." Over the past year, Saint Mary’s Development and Alumnae Office featured 53 graduates in an alumnae profile series posted to the school’s website (www.sms.edu/ alumnaeprofiles). The articles feature Saint Mary’s women from across the country in all decades, industries, and careers. Graduates recall their time as students and discuss their personal, educational, and professional lives after 900 Hillsborough Street. Each alumna was also asked “Five Fun Questions” during the interview which were shared on alumnae social media pages. Showing today's Saint Mary's students examples of high achieving women and encouraging them to pursue their dreams is not just inspiring, it's critical. As we reconnected with dozens of graduates, common themes began to emerge: lifelong friendships, the development of self-confidence, independence, and resilience, and the power of the Saint Mary’s women’s network.
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Graduates have stayed connected to their alma mater and say giving back to Saint Mary's plays an important role in their lives. They volunteer, lead on boards and committees, host events, remain engaged by staying up to date on campus happenings and news, and they make annual gifts to Saint Mary's, in addition to supporting scholarships and other programs. They understand the power of women's philanthropy and modeling that for younger generations to follow suit and steward their school. "I’m involved at Saint Mary’s not because I want to relive my experience, but because I want to ensure that experience is available to today’s students," says Alumnae Council member Leslie Allred Yates '96HS '98C. "I want girls to become confident and develop their leadership skills." Mary McGranahan Moss ’74HS remains connected by not only attending reunions and regional events, but by also serving as a member of the school’s Board of Visitors, an ambassador for Saint Mary’s in the community, and a consistent donor to Saint Mary’s Annual Fund. “As an alumna and a development professional, I know the importance of supporting my alma mater with an annual gift, and also the importance of promoting Saint Mary’s in the community,” says Moss.
Judee von Seldenek '60C also remains grateful to Saint Mary’s. “For me, it all started at Saint Mary’s, in Holt Hall, as part of the Cold Cuts, the Circle, experiencing the wonderful traditions, and having friendships I have to this day. It is my Saint Mary’s girls who remain my best friends.”
Whether furthering their educations, pursuing professional careers, raising their families, or leading as volunteers, our alumnae continue to be agents for positive change within their communities and in the world.
Whether furthering their education, pursuing professional careers, raising their families, or leading as volunteers, our alumnae continue to be agents for change within their communities and in the world.
As an alumna, Jeannine Eason Brown '94HS '96C stays connected in multiple ways. "I've kept close friendships made at Saint Mary’s, I attend events, and I make gifts to Saint Mary’s Annual Fund to help provide more dollars for annual scholarships," she explains. "I also volunteer for Saint Mary's career panels and mentor students." The stories we've shared in the past year demonstrate the power Saint Mary's women have to change their lives and thrive in their professions while also impacting future generations of girls. As graduates, they left Saint Mary's with the skills, knowledge, and integrity they needed for success.
To learn more about these incredible women, visit our website at sms.edu. To suggest an alumna for a future feature, email alumnae@sms.edu. To make a gift to Saint Mary's Annual Fund, visit us at sms.edu/give. Update your email address at: sms.edu/alumnaeupdate.
Follow us on our social media pages: Facebook: Saint Mary’s School Alumnae and Saint Mary’s School Instagram: @saintmarysalumnae and @saintmarysschool Twitter:@SaintMarysNC LinkedIn: Saint Mary’s School Alumnae – group page Saint Mary’s School – news page You Tube: Saint Mary’s School
ALUMNAE IN THE NEWS
Hollins University names Mary Dana Hinton ’88HS, Ph.D., as new president Hollins University has announced that Saint Mary’s alumna Mary Dana Hinton ’88HS, Ph.D., president of the College of Saint Benedict (Saint Ben’s) in St. Joseph, Minnesota, will become the university’s next president. She officially takes office on August 1. Dr. Hinton is a 1988 graduate of Saint Mary’s and serves with distinction as a member of the school’s board of trustees. She has also been commencement speaker at Saint Mary’s in 2015. “I am overjoyed to be named the 13th president of Hollins University,” said Dr. Hinton, a North Carolina native who has served as president of Saint Ben’s since July 2014. “Hollins’ steadfast commitment to the education of women, its grand ambitions for the future, and the strong desire to not only be an inclusive leader in women’s education but a higher education innovator reflects the incredible vision and enormous potential of the university. I am grateful for the opportunity to, alongside the Hollins board, faculty, staff, alumnae, and, of course, the outstanding student body, envision and work toward an incredibly bright future.” During Dr. Hinton’s tenure at Saint Ben’s, she was successful in elevating the national profile and voice of the college as a thought leader in higher education, specifically in the liberal arts and women’s leadership development. Saint Ben’s, which enrolls approximately 1,700 undergraduate women, is ranked in the top 100 liberal arts schools by U.S. News and World Report. Dr. Hinton guided the collaborative development of a strategic plan, the first in the college’s history, which emphasized Saint Ben’s many strengths, such as the holistic and transformational advancement of women. Through a collective process, Hinton implemented Saint Ben’s vision to provide a liberal arts education preparing women to think critically, lead courageously, and advocate passionately, while working to increase and institutionalize diversity and inclusion efforts on campus. She also led the process to implement a $43 million campus buildings update, enabling the college to provide premier facilities for teaching, learning, and promoting women’s leadership. Another highlight of her presidency was the completion of a $100 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising $105.4 million as of January 2020. The campaign is the biggest in the school’s history and includes the two largest gifts ever to the college. Saint Ben’s endowment has increased by 46 percent under her leadership and its annual fund grew by 24 percent. “President Hinton’s leadership experience prepares her perfectly to lead Hollins,” said Alexandra Trower, chair of the Hollins University Board of
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Trustees. “We hoped to find a candidate who was a sitting president, who was passionate about women’s education and the liberal arts, and who was excited about building the trust and collective effort needed to support new programs for Hollins’ future. We found all of that, and we also found a remarkable woman.” “Evident throughout her tenure is President Hinton’s heart for educating women, and she has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to envision a future and motivate others toward that vision,” added Susan Rudolph, OSB, prioress of Saint Benedict’s Monastery. “Similar to Saint Ben’s, Hollins is a private women’s college whose mission is to nurture civility, integrity, and concern for others. Mary’s educational standards call others to be their best. We have been gifted by her presence and by the wonderful insights that have become guiding lights.” Prior to her role with Saint Ben’s, Dr. Hinton served as vice president for academic affairs at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York, and previously was associate vice president of academic affairs at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. A recognized leader in higher education nationally, she is a member of the board of directors of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and the Council of Independent Colleges. She holds a Ph.D. in religion and religious education with high honors from Fordham University, a Master of Arts degree in clinical child psychology from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Williams College. Williams awarded Dr. Hinton its Bicentennial Medal, which honors members of the Williams community for distinguished achievement. “President Hinton is simply a gem,” Trower said. “She exudes competency and strength, with a quiet dignity. She is eloquent and warm. She’s sophisticated and yet down-to-earth. She is so thoughtful about students and optimistic about the opportunities Hollins can seize. She is simply a person you want to be around.” Dr. Hinton and her husband, Robert Williams, have three children. Her mother resides in Clarksville, Virginia. Founded in 1842 as Virginia’s first chartered women’s college, Hollins is an independent liberal arts university providing undergraduate education for women, selected graduate programs for men and women, and community outreach initiatives.
Source: Hollins University
Welcome to Saint Mary’s
Alumnae Portal Check out our new, One Stop Shop for Saint Mary’s alumnae!
By Margaret McGlohon ’81C Director of Alumnae Relations
Our long-awaited, online Alumnae Portal will be unveiled this summer, a preview of which is on the following pages. This Alumnae Portal is a unique way for our school to engage with you. It provides myriad ways we can all stay informed, engaged, and connected with our alma mater and to each other. The more alumnae utilize this new portal, the more vibrant a tool it will be to engage with our school, classmates, and friends. In late August, Saint Mary’s technology department will email an invitation to all alumnae for whom we have a current email address. To ensure you receive this invitation, please provide any updates to your email address to the Alumnae Office. The email invitation will contain a username and password with instructions and a link to register. It will also include a video tutorial on how to register your account and navigate the portal once you are in it. YOU control how much information is shared. Only verified Saint Mary’s alumnae will have access to the portal and Saint Mary’s does not share any personal information with outside groups. Once you receive your invitation, we encourage you to activate your account as soon as possible. This Saint Mary’s Alumnae Portal replaces the hard copy alumnae directories we historically printed about every five years. The last printing was in 2013, so imagine the updates since then! With this new platform, changes to your contact information or communication preferences are updated immediately. Through the portal, you can search for classmates or other alumnae. The portal contains your personal profile, weekly school news updates, a calendar of alumnae events and event registration links. You can request transcripts, post on or search the job board, review class news and milestones information, and submit your own class updates. You can also find quick links to shop1842, wedding and campus facility rental information, and news about the Alumnae Association. You can access digital copies of our yearbooks, event photos, and an alumnae social media feed. You can even learn more about ways to give to Saint Mary’s and access your individual giving history. We hope you enjoy this new method of communicating with us and supporting your Saint sisters. Remember: you will not receive an invitation to join the portal unless we have your current email address, so please make sure to share that with the Alumnae Office today!
Visit www.sms.edu/alumnaeupdate to update your contact information!
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Don’t miss out! Send us your email today at www.sms.edu/alumnaeupdate and get your alumnae portal account before August 1!
Top 10 Reasons to Connect on Saint Mary’s Alumnae Portal: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
You can search the online directory to find, reconnect, or look up classmates and friends! You can stay engaged and up-to-date for all things Saint Mary’s in real time! You can give to the Annual Fund with a click of a button and see your giving history! You can send in class news and update your information at any time! You can advertise jobs or search the job board (Saints supporting Saints)! You can see alumnae events and reunions, register and upload any of the pictures taken at events! You can order a brick for the Heritage Walk, re-order a class ring, or request a transcript! You can support the School Store (shop1842) buy purchasing online! Your profile will save the emails you receive from Saint Mary’s (my messages) so you can go back and check if you miss something! 10. You can reach out to a member of the Development or Admission team!
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WHat’s in the portal? The Saint Mary’s Alumnae Portal is your one-stop shop that includes: •
A searchable alumnae directory
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A jobs board for alumnae only
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A secure message board
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Campus news and updates
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Event registration access
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Event photos
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Class news and milestones
Quicklinks to •
shop1842 – school store
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Reunion Weekend
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How to make a gift
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Facility rental info
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Transcript request info
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Heritage Walk info
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Contact info update form
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The Alumnae Association
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The Alumnae Council
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The Athletics Hall of Fame
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Saint Mary’s alumnae awards
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SUPPORT SMS Betsy Blee '71C to leave legacy gift to Saint Mary’s School “It is because of my journey of lessons, challenges, and achievements in service that I wish to encourage and to inspire future Saint Mary's women.” Lt. Col. Elizabeth "Betsy” Sumner Blee ’71C Service and legacy were instilled in Betsy Blee ’71C at an early age. Generations of her family enjoyed long, successful careers in the United States Navy. Her legacy also extends to Saint Mary’s, as her grandmother, Elizabeth Sumner Wingate Woodhouse 1917HS; sister Jane Harmon Blee Creel ’73C; and cousin Mary Clinton Rawls Glover; also attended. At Saint Mary’s, Betsy discovered and harnessed the courage and determination to launch a career and life of rewarding, often groundbreaking, experiences. In recognition of the school’s contributions to her accomplishments, and in honor of her upcoming 50th reunion, Betsy has included Saint Mary’s in her estate and wealth succession plan.
Betsy Blee ’71C with Saint Mary’s friends Jane Eggleston Coulter ‘71C, Sarah Craig Neuwirth ’70C, and Lee Quinn Stroud ‘71C.
Captain Betsy Blee ’71C at the helm of the Bald Head Island passenger vessel, The Ranger.
Her father’s Naval career enabled their family to travel and experience life in seven states and four countries. These moves equipped Betsy with the ability to develop friendships easily and to never “feel like a stranger in a strange place.” These exciting moves – often occurring in the middle of a school year – provided exposure to new cultures and languages and to interesting experiences and activities. While living in Oahu, Hawaii, Betsy began surfing. Her love for the sport and for the ocean continued when her family returned to North Carolina.
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female enlistment quota had been filled. Undeterred, she applied for the one-and-only female spot in the United States Marine Corps. At that time, women comprised only two percent of the Corps. On her graduation day, she received instructions to report to Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. After a 22-year career, Betsy retired as a Lt. Colonel and was the first woman to command a reserve unit. Betsy then enjoyed a successful second career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. She trained salespeople; led a winning sales team; and as senior director, group leader of leadership education and development, led her department to earn significant acknowledgments.
During her freshman year, the disruptions experienced during her primary education made Saint Mary’s academic rigor challenging. Then, her mother died the day after her freshman year ended. Betsy was adrift. She returned to Saint Mary’s caring and stable learning environment for her sophomore year. Her academic foundation grew stronger, she became more self-assured, and her friendships flourished.
Along the way, Betsy earned an MA in Management and served as an active member of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary, serving in many roles such as crew member, coxswain, and Flotilla and Division Commander. She is a credentialed 100GRT (gross registered tonnage) USCG Master Licensed captain, a true distinction since women comprise only three percent of the licensed captains in the maritime industry. Currently, Betsy is a consulting partner with The Ken Blanchard Companies. She uses real-life experiences, passion, and compassion in training initiatives that help clients achieve their highest potential.
Betsy bolstered her academic credentials and matriculated to the University of North Carolina – Greensboro. After college, Betsy knew she would continue her family’s military legacy. She discussed enlistment options with a Naval recruiter only to be told that the
Recently, Betsy designated a percentage of a revocable living trust to Saint Mary’s. She takes comfort in knowing she has control of her assets during her lifetime and knows her life’s work will make an impact in the future at a place she loves.
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Betsy Blee ’71C, USMC, Hawaii, 1978
Capt. Elizabeth Blee, 1973
Betsy Blee ’71C with her father, U.S. Navy Captain Ben Ward Blee, heading off to the launch of the U.S.S. North Carolina submarine.
When received, Betsy’s generous gift will endow a namesake scholarship. She hopes the scholarship will encourage girls to consider military service as a viable, rewarding career option. She seeks to encourage students – like she has done throughout her life and career –to harness the power within. Just as Saint Mary’s did for her, Betsy wants her scholarship to inspire girls to step outside their academic comfort zones, build supportive communities, amplify their voices, and discover who they want to become. She also wants to encourage her classmates and other alumnae to support Saint Mary’s in this meaningful way. Today, Betsy resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. A wall in her home is covered with photographs, taken by her sister, of Saint Mary’s campus. These visuals provide daily reminders of her deep North Carolina roots and her connections to a very special place. Betsy still has sand in her shoes and maintains a residence in Southport, North Carolina, where her sister and other members of family live. Betsy visits the Old North State quarterly and is happiest when on the Carolina Coast. By Brandon Wright, Director of Planned Giving
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EVENTS
KEY LARGO, Florida Thursday, January 23, 2020
Home of Ralph and Linda Kerr Moore ’69C Left to right: Carolyn Broun Faison ’62HS ’64C, Gayle McConnell Tallardy ’76C, Gates Killian ’10, Linda Kerr Moore ’69C, Coco McConnell Killian ’72HS, Minta Aycock McNally ’72C, Katherine Wooten Bailey ’77C, Kat Gregory Fritter ’91HS ’93C
PALM BEACH/OCEAN RIDGE, Florida January 24, 2020
The Ocean Club - hosted by Spencer and Ellen Gimbel Everett
Left to right: Peter Lawler, Spencer Everett, Ellen Gimbel Everett, Marcie Collie, Grace Brown ’79HS ’81C, Margaret Stephens Lawler ’65HS ’67C, Margaret McGlohon ’81C, Elizabeth Twohy ’87C, Nancy Gilliam Spruill ’66HS ’68C, Marjorie Buckley Bryan ’60C, Brendan O’Shea
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SMITHFIELD, North Carolina February 18, 2020
Home of Carolyn Foy Ragsdale ’54HS ’56C and Mary Foy Ragsdale ’77HS ’79C
Front row, left to right: Emma Powell Pike ’10, Margaret Wellons Davis ’69HS, Jan Wellons Branch ’67HS, Gail Shackleford Narron ’74C; back row, left to right: Mary Foy Ragsdale ’77HS ’79C, Gaither Kelly Velker ’75C, Carolyn Foy Ragsdale ’54HS ’56C
RICHMOND, Virginia October 22, 2019
Home of the Rev. John and Cynthia McCard
Left to right: Gilmer Edmunds ’65HS ’67C, Cynthia McCard, Margaret McGlohon ’81C, Linda Glass Hyslop ’71C. (This is a corrected caption from a photo in the Winter 2020 magazine which incorrectly identified a member of the group. Saint Mary’s sincerely apologizes for the error.)
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EVENTS
NEW YORK CITY ALUMNAE TRIP March 4-8, 2020
Dee Williamson Marley ‘77HS, Nancy Stewart McLendon ’08, Lane Turner Nash ‘72HS ‘74C
Group at private tour of William Ivy Long’s studio in NYC
Group photo following The Diana Musical with William Ivy Long. The show was costumed by William Ivy Long and the Saint Mary’s group saw the show during previews.
Jean Redding ‘72HS, Margaret Highsmith Dickson ‘67HS, Melrose Whitfield Fisher ‘72HS ‘74C
Jane Bratton Fleming ‘76HS ‘78C, Lucy Bratton Doak ‘72HS, Lindsay Smith Newsom ‘63HS, Gretchen Bullard Barber ‘63HS
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GRANDDAUGHTERS CLUB LUNCHEON February 28, 2020
Smedes-Emory Parlor Left to right: Mandy Johnson Spears ’84HS ’86C, Anna Carlyle Spears, ’20, Margaret Cheatham Williams ’50HS ’52C, Eleanor Williams ’20, Martha Luck Johnston ’20, Margaret Ivy Johnston ’20, Joan Comer Johnston ’87C
Left to right: Anna Weaver ’23, Michelle Oppegaard ’93HS ’95C, Laura Grace McSwain ’23
Left to right: Lucy Sigmon ’21, Hannah Sigmon, Caroline Koonce ’21, Frances Holton Maffitt ’60HS, Eleanor Becker ’21, Gloria Taft Becker ’92HS, Cheryl Lee Taft ’68C
Left to right: Gwyn Jones ’20, Lucile Best Jones ’48HS ’50C, Melissa Jones, Elizabeth Smith ’20
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IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORIAM Charlotte Elizabeth Ruffner Taylor ’38C April 23, 2020 Kathleen Thompson Bogasse ’41C April 5, 2020 Bettie London Wooten Traxler ’41C May 7, 2020 Ellis Barnard Strickler ’42C January 21, 2020 Marian Castellow Perry ’43C June 9, 2020 Sarah Elizabeth "Sally" Sanborn Best Riddle ’43C May 8, 2020 Margaret Mahone “Mardee” Witten ’44C December 31, 2019 Olive Camp Johnson ’44HS April 2, 2020 Corinne Grimsley Donkle ’45HS January 22, 2020 Elizabeth “Betsy” Durham Mack ’45C June 24, 2019 Mildred Badger Telfair ’45C January 4, 2020 Thomasene “Tomie” Cate Troxler ’45C February 11, 2020 Anne Prothro Goldsmith ’46C May 28, 2019 Katherine Willcox Kittrell ’47HS March 28, 2020 Mary Frances “Prissy” Hennessee Dillon ’48C February 23, 2020
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Ladre King Floyd ’49C December 15, 2019
Elizabeth Nelson Adams ’60C March 2, 2020
Charlotte Homes Miles ’49C January 8, 2020
Eleanor “Noni” Alexander Lineberger Simmons ’60C June 21, 2018
Priscilla “Patsy” Ray Gilliam ’50C March 1, 2020 Elizabeth Ida Creel Lawrence ’50C March 18, 2020 Sara Eleanor Holcomb White ’50C February 2, 2020 Sonoko Yamamoto Taylor ’51C March 3, 2020 Suzanne Harris Welch ’52C February 16, 2020 Laura Power Ervin Smith ’52HS ’54C December 22, 2018 Mabel Martin “Martie” Whedbee Sisco ’55C May 18, 2020 Patricia Huske Schaefer ’55HS ’57C April 12, 2020 Jane Rhea White Deese ’57C March 3, 2020 Ann Yeamans Rogers ’57HS January 19, 2020 Gail Allen Lake ’58HS ’60C April 25, 2020 Louise Jones Tippett ’58C December 27, 2019 Charlotte Thorne Grant ’59HS ’61C January 24, 2020 Beverly Wicker Davis ’59C February 23, 2020
Pamela Wright ’61C December 14, 2019 Lee Avery Catts ’67C March 9, 2020 Carol Drake Morgan ’67C December 25, 2019 Nancy Matthews Musarra ’68C February 11, 2020 Florence Carter Lerch Twitty ’70C April 28, 2020 Susan Parker Brugnoli ’71C December 30, 2019 Sarah “Sally” Mallett Hollar ’71C June 2, 2020 Elizabeth “Libby” Long Bradley ’76HS May 16, 2020 Anne Abernathy Roth ’76C April 27, 2020 Elizabeth Blades Soriano ’78HS ’80C January 27, 2020 Sandra Cook Barts ’78C May 10, 2020 Lindsay Wilson Wall ’79C April 30, 2020 Kathy Hafer ’80HS March 26, 2020
MILESTONES Brinn Louise Bittner, daughter of Robbie and Ila Walker Bittner ’05
Heather Gibson ’93HS ’95C married Claiborne Arrington Harmon, Feb. 8, 2020, in Saint Mary’s Chapel
MARRIAGES Rebecca Stallings Reid ’71C to Michael David Crawford, June 7, 2019
NEW BABIES
*Heather Gibson ’93HS ’95C to Claiborne Arrington Harmon, February 8, 2020
Heather Gibson Harmon ’93HS ’95C, a daughter, June 3, 2020
Courtney Holmes Mann ’06, a daughter, January 26, 2020
Fiquet Bailey ’95HS to Adam McIntyre, December 26, 2019
Ashley Erickson Reineman ’00, a son, September 30, 2019
Capel Kane Brendel ’07, a daughter, March 3, 2020
Brittany Branch ’03 to John Roche, February 28, 2020
Kathryn Calder Barmore ’01, a son, April 28, 2020
Annie Sellers Greene ’07, a son, April 30, 2020
Caroline Estill ’05 to Garrett Ramsay, January 10, 2020
Austin Nash Coley ’01, a son, January 2, 2020
Cathleen Beal Hipp ’07, a son, May 31, 2020
Sara Elaine Armstrong ’06 to Jason Remington, December 30, 2019
Lizzie Davis Elder ’01, a son, March 18, 2020
Jennifer O’Neill Mestril ’07, a daughter, April 19, 2020
*Taylor Rice ’06 to Zack Robbins, December 28, 2019
Taylor Lyon McGowan ’01, a son, May 11, 2020
Amy MacGill Yarbrough ’07, a daughter, April 16, 2020
Maria Slater ’07 to Mario Garza Cienfuegos, April 11, 2020
Anna Johnston Surratt ’02, a daughter, February 13, 2020
Christina Nasuti Phillips ’08, a daughter, December 29, 2019
Shelbey Holmes ’09 to Mike Esposito, March 7, 2020
Hollan Rudolph Young ’02, a daughter, November 13, 2019
Claire Chewning Smith ’08, a son, April 17, 2020
Coltrane Milholen ’08 to Matthew Henderson, December 2019
Kathryn Doll ’03, a daughter, March 17, 2020
Mackie Wingo Trotter ’08, a daughter, January 25, 2020
Maggie Bratton ’09 to Alex Dillon, December 31, 2019
Katie Whitmore Allred ’04, a son, April 21, 2020
Perry Holding Bailey ’09, a son, February 10, 2020
Betsy Church ’09 to Dan Bula, March 28, 2020
Jenna Nash Hollmeyer ’04, a daughter, December 8, 2019
Perri Kritz Hoyt ’09, a daughter, April 17, 2020
Brianna Horn ’09 to Derek Crews, May 17, 2020
Rachael vanBeelen Berger ’05, a daughter, November 2019
Elizabeth Grigg Brown ’10, a daughter, May 8, 2020
Kelsey Lohman ’09 to Samuel Forrest Halley, July 19, 2019 Catherine Doyle ’10 to Connor Aimone, December 29, 2019 Susan Heyman ’10 to Kevin Lukens, November 2, 2019 Sally Cann ’11 to Michael Holmes, February 8, 2020 Virginia Fulenwider ’11 to Bobby Edwards, January 11, 2020
*Married in Saint Mary’s Chapel
Ila Walker Bittner ’05, a daughter, February 13, 2020 Hannah Small Jones ’05, a daughter, May 30, 2020
Madison Haliloglu Hervey ’12, a son, March 20, 2020 Sylvia Weir Lee ’13, a daughter, January 23, 2020
These milestones were compiled based on information received by the school by June 12, 2020. Every effort is made to include everyone for whom we have official confirmation by press time. If we missed you or your loved one, please send an official announcement to memeglohon@sms.edu, or mail to Margaret McGlohon ’81C, Saint Mary’s School, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, for inclusion in the winter 2021 magazine.
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CLASS NEWS CLASS NEWS It’s all here – the latest and greatest news from alumnae in even-year classes. Saint Mary’s extends a special thanks to the dedicated class secretaries who compiled and crafted these class newsletters, many who have served for decades. Even-year classes will be featured in the winter 2021 magazine. Alumnae in these classes will receive information to facilitate the reporting of news to class secretaries or directly to the school.
1945
COLLEGE Sara Ingle Cruise ’45C writes that she still lives in Winnsboro, Texas. Clarice Woolard Kennedy writes from Raleigh that she will be 95 in June, and Bob is 96. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on April 27. “Why so long? Maybe it’s because we were married in the Chapel by the Rev. I. Harding Hughes.”
1947
COLLEGE CLASS NEWS POLICIES Due to the uncertain nature of certain types of news, Saint Mary’s does not publish news of wedding engagements or pregnancies. We publish news of marriages, births, adoptions or deaths, based on published news reports or direct phone or e-mail contact with the Alumnae Office from the parties or immediate families. Please remember to include Saint Mary’s in your wedding announcement in the newspaper and please send birth announcements to the Alumnae Office for inclusion in the milestones section. Saint Mary’s Class Notes are published for each class once each year. Due to the extended nature of the production schedule for the magazine, class news is meant to be a once-a-year general update of your news for the previous year. We cannot guarantee the exact timeliness of your news, so please keep our advance deadlines in mind when submitting news. Saint Mary’s School reserves the right to edit class news for content, length and timeliness. Photographs may be submitted for consideration for the class news to mvswain@sms.edu or Mary Virginia Swain, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Photos must be high-quality prints or digital .jpeg photo files of at least 300 dpi. Group shots should include Saint Mary’s alumnae (and spouses and children) only and must include a detailed listing of everyone pictured, including full names and class years.
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Mell Smith Edwards ’47C writes from Anniston, Alabama, “I’m now a greatgrandmother through my daughter, Marsee Edwards Lee ’78C. He is Dean, age 1, and I am 92.”
1947 1949
HIGH SCHOOL and COLLEGE Anne Townsend Overman ’47HS ’49C recalls, “After Saint Mary's I went to Chapel Hill for two years and graduated. I was a Pi Phi. My last year there, I met the love of my life, William Charles Overman from Elizabeth City. He had graduated from VMI. We were married in 1952 at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains, Virginia, at 8:00 in the evening. The reception was at my home in Marshall, Virginia. The church in Marshall was a very small church and had no regular priest. My husband died when he was 66 and I was 65. It has been a very long time without him. Friends are fine and children are fine but nothing could replace my husband. Marion Turner Hubbard ’49C writes, “My first great-grandchild was born in the time of virus. She is fine and laughs all the time. I visit her on the internet.” Sue Joyner Ferraro ’49C writes that she still lives in assisted living at Carnegie Village in Belton, Missouri. “We are all under strict quarantine due to the coronavirus and are allowed no visitors, even family except for a dire emergency. We can’t go out from here except to a doctor, if necessary. I hope that all of our classmates are well. God bless!” Lelia DuPre Barrett ’49C of Augusta, Georgia, writes that she and husband Hale are proud that their daughter, Susan, has been reappointed to the Federal Court bankruptcy bench for their district.
1951
COLLEGE Louise Milliken Howard ’51C It was such fun hearing from Jean Lang Glover, my roommate for both of my years at Saint Mary’s. Jean lives at The Cedars of Chapel Hill, a continuing care community. She has two daughters. Jean Ruth is director of educational programs at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. Lisa, an aeronautical engineer, recently retired from the Air Force and took a job with Blue Air Training in Las Vegas. What a nice surprise it was to see Virginia Hall Wood in the winter 2020 issue of this magazine. She was in her beautiful Edenton home, Greenfield, and seemed very happy to be surrounded by family, friends, alumnae, and Brendan O’Shea. Virginia has always been very generous with her time and her home. I am sad to report the deaths of two of our classmates. Eunice Saunders Ramsey died in April of 2019, as reported by the Carolina Alumni Review. Eunice was a bright light with a beautiful smile during my time in Holt dormitory. Sonoko Yamamoto Taylor passed away on March 3, 2020, as reported to me by her daughter, Patricia Taylor Heavner, who recalled her mother’s fond memories of Saint Mary’s. Sonoko was well liked by all who knew her and inspired us by her courage. I think that we would agree that our college experience was made more complete by having her as a classmate. Nancy Bobbitt Thompson still lives in her home in Raleigh after 48 years. Her middle child, Nancy Thompson Heathcote ’75HS ’77C, who has three grown sons, lives with her. Both Nancys live active lives and the
younger is a gourmet cook, which pleases the older. Nancy’s son, Sanford IV, is married and an attorney in Raleigh. He has three children. Her younger daughter, Elizabeth, lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and three children. Nancy Woodruff Broadwell is “doing very well for an old one.” She feels fortunate to have a daughter and son living near her in Fayetteville, along with two dogs and a cat. Her grandson and his wife are in the Army at Fort Lewis, Washington, and hope to move closer to home later this year. One granddaughter lives and works in Arlington, Virginia. The other is a sophomore at Flagler College. June Bullard Winston and Kenneth have been at Bermuda Village, outside of Winston-Salem, for two years. Their family keeps growing. They now have 13 great-grandchildren. They had a family gathering last Christmas that included ages ranging from six months to 90 years. Now that June has two new hips, she hopes to make our next reunion. As I write this newsletter in April for you to read during the summer, I hope that the coronavirus has abated by then and that you, your family, and friends are all in good health. With love and best wishes, Louise
1953 HIGH SCHOOL and 1955 COLLEGE
Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C writes, “I’m just trying to stay away from the coronavirus. Granddaughter Elizabeth Williamson ’23 is loving being at Saint Mary’s.” Patsy Moore Upton ’55C wrote in March, “I had been looking forward to my 65th class reunion on April 25; however as I write this, coronavirus cases are increasing and it is likely our reunion will be canceled. I am glad to report that my husband and I are in very good health for our ages and he is employed parttime. Our daughter and her family continue to live in our town and it is very reassuring to have their support nearby. Love to all.“
1955 HIGH SCHOOL and 1957 COLLEGE
Coleman Jenkins Dance ’55HS ’57C wrote in April, “As I watch the news, I am certain our reunion will have to be cancelled - makes me sad but I surely understand it. As old as we are, this could have been our last, but we have wonderful memories of all our other reunions. Very grateful for all my dear friends from all those years together. Saint Mary's has always been such a big, happy time of our lives -for that we are very blessed and very grateful. All of you take care.” Phyllis Wall Purdy ’57C writes from Calhoun, Georgia, “My daughter, Louise, has moved to town and after 25 years we are enjoying some time together. Now with this
virus, we are not seeing each other as much. She is a good ‘gofer’ and takes my mail and brings any items I may need. Cleaning is my other option—not much fun!” Jane Walker Kerewich ’55HS ’57C says her cruise on the Danube River was canceled because of the coronavirus, “But I’m lucky. Living at Westminster Canterbury (in Charlottesville, Virginia) is like a cruise!”
1959
COLLEGE Rett Weston Padgett ’59C writes, “A group of Saint Mary's alums (class of 1959) were to gather in Charleston, S.C., for a fun tour of Charleston. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, we had to cancel our trip, but hope to get together next year.” Sarah Ellen White Archie ’57HS ’59C and husband Joe have moved back to Raleigh from New Bern. “We are living at The Cardinal, which is an independent living place that has what we all need as we age. It is wonderful to be back in Raleigh but New Bern was very special as well.” May Eason Mills writes, “Still enjoying life at the North Carolina coast in Beaufort. Praying that our country and the world will have recovered by this summer. Proud to be a Saint Mary’s girl, a blessing to all alumnae.” Judith Edgerton Smith says, “Still happily living in Boise, Idaho. Our five children all live in the area. We have two great-grandsons, as well as grandsons and granddaughters and their spouses. Holidays are always fun! Hi, to Saint Mary’s! I loved my two years in North Carolina!”
1961
COLLEGE G.G. Saunders Buxton ’61C Ladies, As I write this, the world is in the midst of a pandemic. I hope you and your families are staying well. Several of our classmates sent me the sad news that Charlotte Thorne Grant passed away in January. Last fall, Arden Fobes Scott and Martha Pat Bell reconnected when Martha Pat moved to Pinehurst and Arden is in Southern Pines. In September, they invited Molly Cooper Safrit, Charlotte Thorne Grant, Hadley Morgan Hines, Sue Bergamini, Susan Poe Bender, Jackie Polk Edwards, and Frankie Stutts Boyd for lunch and an informal visit. What they did not realize was that for some of them, it would be the last time they saw Charlotte. Arden said it was a miracle they were all free that day and the lesson is “don’t procrastinate.” Hadley, Jackie, and Molly went to the graveside service and reception in Littleton. Arden, Hadley, Sue, and Molly attended the Raleigh service. Lou Dorris O’Brien and Buzz moved to Greensboro in August 2016 to Wellspring Retirement Community. They have met wonderful people there and many Saint Mary’s alumnae. Their daughter and her family live in Greensboro, and their son and his family are in Greenville, S.C. Gay Davis Gaston and David spent a week over Thanksgiving in Prague. Their daughter and her family and Gay’s sister, Lisbeth Davis Fahey
’71C, and husband Bill were with them. They visited Gay’s oldest grandson who was living in Prague for his junior fall semester. In March, the Gastons moved 13 miles to be closer to their club, where they both are still golfing; to Furman University, where they are taking continuing education classes; and to downtown Greenville, S.C., where the action is. Gay is already planning to attend our 60th reunion next year and hopes to see many classmates there. Pam Voliva Crutchfield continues to be an active sustainer member of many organizations: Junior League of Philadelphia (past president), Suburban Garden Club, Presbyterian Women of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Sedgeley Club on Boathouse Row, and Grandparents Club of Agnes Irwin School. She has eight grandchildren living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Bethesda, Maryland. Her husband is retired and they love their spring vacations in Naples, Florida, and their annual vacations to the Outer Banks. Mary Marshall Kerns wrote from cold, snowy Bozeman, Montana, where she moved in May 2019 to be close to family. She is active in her church and the senior center (exercise and drama groups). She is enjoying getting to know her great niece and nephews better. She keeps in touch by phone and email with Betty Ferguson Moffett, Anne Summers Hanchey, Sue Bergamini, Molly Cooper Safrit, and Lila Wolff. Amelia Yancey Bond is trying to stay well during this pandemic. Her husband, Lin, had quadruple heat bypass surgery and is now doing much better. Their oldest grandchild is a sophomore at UGA. Amelia occasionally plays bridge with Dickie Robinson Tyler ’56HS ’58C and Janie Stronach Wood ’62HS ’64C. She had a great visit with Frankie Stutts Boyd and Janet Dawson. Unfortunately, this virus has caused Amelia and Lin to cancel a great trip to Northern Italy. In March, Betty Lynch Hammond returned to Virginia Beach, after a vacation in Florida with warm weather and good friends. Now that she is home and trying to stay isolated, she is reaching out to friends by email or texts. Ann Crockett Swindell hopes to return to England next year, particularly to Malvern Hills and Wyche Keep. She has been busy with D.A.R. board work, three book clubs, Delta Kappa Gamma, and many musical and cultural events. Two sons and four grandchildren keep her busy in High Point and Ohio. As birthdays pile up, Molly Cooper Safrit enjoys more and more being in touch with our classmates. She said it is always fun when their paths cross. These are some of the ones she has seen: Martha Pat Bell, Sis Strong, Hadley Morgan Hines, Sue Bergamini, Lila Wolff, Arden Fobes Scott, Helen Reid Steward, Janet Dawson, Lou Uzzle Blackman, Kay Shipman Schoellhorn, Buzzy Miller Smith, Frankie Stutts Boyd, and Becky Elmore Clement. In May, I was supposed to have two college graduations on the same weekend. They were a day apart so I could have made it to both. Trip was to graduate from Hampden-Sydney and Shepard from
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SAINT MARY’S REMEMBERS Olive Camp Johnson ’44C 1926-2020 Outstanding Alumna Award recipient/Heritage Society member Saint Mary’s School lost a faithful and outstanding alumna and friend when Olive Camp Johnson ‘44HS of Aberdeen, North Carolina, died April 2, 2020, at home surrounded by her family. Olive was an ardent and generous supporter of Saint Mary’s over her lifetime. She received the Mazie Strickland Froelich ‘51C Society’s Outstanding Alumna award at Saint Mary’s in 2009 in recognition of her devoted service to our alma mater. She served, with husband Larry, as a member of the honorary cabinet of the Beyond Imagination Capital Campaign. She also served as a reunion class hostess and a reunion class gift agent, and she hosted numerous alumnae events in her lovely home in Aberdeen. She was a member of the Heritage Society, a planned giving recognition society, and was a charter member of the Smedes Associates giving society. In 1992, Olive and her husband, Larry, were honored with a dedication of the Chapel grounds, in gratitude for a restoration and beautification project made possible through their generosity. Olive was born, July 25, 1926, in Franklin, Virginia, daughter of the late John and Mary Camp and a sister of the late Virginia Camp Smith and John M. Camp Jr. Olive married Lawrence “Larry” McNeill Johnson in 1949. Olive graduated from Saint Mary’s School and attended Converse College and Finch College. She was a longtime member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church, where she served as both a deacon and an elder. She was a dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels and a member of the board of trustees of the Nature Conservancy, Moore County Charitable Foundation, and St. Andrew’s University, from which she received an honorary doctorate. She was a member of the Colonial Dames of America and a founding member of the Moore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. “She was known for her warmth, hospitality, graciousness, generosity, brilliant smile, wide circle of friends, strong opinions, and her distinct Tidewater accent,” noted in her obituary. Olive is survived by her daughter, the Rev. Caroline Patterson Inlow of Rhode Island; her son, John "Toby" Talbot Johnson and wife Sarah of Pinehurst; and seven grandchildren: Greyson McGrail (Rob), James Monroe III (Kristine), Kate Gilles (Mike), Charles Patterson (Leslie), Buckley Monroe (Jean), Lauren Johnson, and Douglass Johnson. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren. Olive was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry, and daughter, Robin Johnson Monroe. A private graveside service was held at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen with a celebration of life planned for a later date.
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CLASS NEWS UNC-Chapel Hill. Trip’s has been rescheduled for homecoming weekend in October. There is no word yet from UNC. I hope that by the time you are reading this that the pandemic has passed, you are well, and life is returning to normal. G.G.
1963
COLLEGE Sue Battle Moore ’63C Dear Class of ’63! What a special class we were and don’t forget it! I would like to hear from more of you, but in the meantime, here’s news you need to know. News from faithful Flo McNeer Hamilton in Lake Alfred, Florida, is about her wonderful family. She is now, thanks to granddaughter Kayla, the proud great-grandmother of Abri (4) and Graham (18 months). Flo’s other grandchildren include Tex, who has a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Eastern Kentucky, as well as Emma Grace, who will be attending Roosevelt, a part of the University of Chicago, where she will major in musical theatre. In addition, granddaughters Mary Katherine (21) and Elizabeth (19) are both going to school and working. According to Flo, she is “doing great and will be glad when we can go back to a normal life.” She mentioned having recently spoken to Kay Miller Pollard in Virginia Beach who is “doing fine” and has more, maybe two, new great-grandchildren! Also from the state of Florida, Pensacola to be exact, comes word from Hilda Little Jones that she continues to enjoy life, blessed with good health, and stays busy with outreach programs at her church, as well as various community and cultural projects and activities. In her spare time you might find her working out at the YMCA or traveling to visit daughters in California and Italy! Hilda proudly announced that she and Ray will be celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary this June. Next is news from our very own Flo “on-the-go” Pitts Carter form Nebo, North Carolina. She managed to get in a cruise to the Panama Canal before embarking last September with husband Donnie on their dream trip of Istanbul to Paris via the Orient Express. According to Flo, plans to visit Mt. Rushmore in June might not materialize due to our pandemic crisis, but in the meantime she “hopes that everyone is safe and healthy and by the time this is published our lives will be more like the old normal and a vaccine will be available.” Now, we will move on to Pinehurst for news from Bert Bradshaw Hall, some of which is sad and some of which is glad. Bert sadly reports the news of the death last April of her husband, Parker. But, gladly, she reports that their home, “Centerwood,” has been sold and that she is now the owner of another home in Pinehurst, “Out of Bounds!” Bert has been on the go “with trips to Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg) as well as Croatia with traveling buddy Marianna McLean. According to Bert, plans to go to Israel in July, followed by trips in September to England and to Greece and Turkey in October, will be on hold until the coronavirus crisis is resolved. The word from Chapel Hill is that the proud grandmother of six, Dianne Littlefield Rosenbluth, continues to enjoy fabulous seats at all UNC football and basketball games with husband, Lennie. (As an aside, please let me add that Lennie Rosenbluth is a UNC sports icon and any tickets to games that cannot be used by Dianne would be enjoyed by Saint Mary’s friends - just a suggestion.) Lastly, there is little news from me in Rocky Mount to report except that granddaughter May Thompson ’23 is a rising sophomore at Saint Mary’s while other granddaughter, Grace Battle Thompson ’18, will be enrolled in the School of Journalism at UNC-CH this fall. Until next year, stay safe, stay strong, and stay true to Saint Mary’s. Love to all, Sue Battle Moore
1965 HIGH SCHOOL and 1967 COLLEGE
Joan Wickham Sugg ’65HS ’67C Toilet paper! Toilet paper! My car for a pack of toilet paper! (Think Mr. Tate teaching us about parody and Shakespeare’s “Richard III.”) What an appropriate way to open this year’s newsletter. Sally Nair James ’65HS ’67C reminds us that the Black Death and its aftermath ended feudalism in Europe. We can only guess how COVID-19 will change the world. Laura Eutsler Arney ’65HS has been traveling this past year: the Galapagos Islands with husband Jon, London with a girl friend, and western North Carolina on her own for her 50th Salem reunion. Jon Jr. has moved to London temporarily to work in computer management. Her youngest son, his wife, and their daughter are living with Laura and Jon thanks to a job change. Laura’s pacemaker hasn’t stopped her from renovating her kitchen and working with the Episcopal Church, the Hearing Loss Association, a hiking group, and the RIT Women’s Book Club. Donna Jacks Griffin ’67C’s letter last year got lost in the mail, showing up last year in May. She has retired from her position as director of health care risk management at a local clinic and now works with her son on an online compliance site. She is enjoying a new direction of work, family, and more flexibility. She has five grandchildren, all girls (ages two months to 14), and four live within an hour of her. Virginia McSwain Carson ’67C was in the hospital from February to August 2019 due to surgical complications from what was supposed to be a routine procedure to remove a duodenal polyp, which was fortunately benign. She recovered at home from August to December, thanks to home health services. She is much better now and walks to town every day. Clarine Pollock Powell ’67C is flunking retirement, getting called back in the sub both at East Carolina and a local studio. She says bridge is still a challenge. She and Rob will celebrate their 50th anniversary this summer. Their children and grandchildren are healthy and happy, though hunkered down during the virus. Grandson Jackson is in his first year at Woodberry Forest. Clarine had a marvelous time on a trip to N.Y.C. with other Saint Mary’s alums. Christina Block Terrell ’67C and Ed are still in the same house “aging in place,” not far from Saint Mary’s. Their family includes a daughter and two sons, as well as two granddaughters and a grandson. Ed has retired from the State Health Department but Christy is still working with her family’s grain farm in Central Illinois. She has fond memories of Mr. Tate’s classroom. Betty Golding Schwab ’67C fell in January 2019 and now lives at Rosewood Village Assisted Living in Charlottesville, Virginia. Husband Fred is still working and they are keeping their house. She is enjoying all that Rosewood has to offer,
including music and art clubs as well as collegelevel lectures. There was even a series on Puerto Rico with Fred talking about the Arecibo telescope that he worked on in 1971-73. Betty and Fred have been married 50 years and their family includes son Eddy, daughter Maegan and grandsons Zack and Ben. Betty Grant Condon ’65HS ’67C and husband John sold their cruising sailboat after 20–plus years and plan to travel more. They traveled to Botswana, South Africa, earlier this year but had to scramble to get out when COVID-19 hit. A trip to Scandinavia had to be scrapped but Betty enjoys armchair travel with Sally James and hopes to make one of her Smithsonian trips some time. Betty gets together with Susan Hannah-Keown ’67C and Betsy Crawford-Leavitt ’67C in N.Y.C. and sees Gilmer Edmunds ’65HS ’67C when Betty visits her daughters, who live nearby. Sara Nair James ’65HS ’67C writes from Staunton, Virginia, “The pandemic has disrupted our lives and is on the forefront of everyone's mind as I write this. For the last four years, I have been enjoying my part-time retirement job as a study leader with Smithsonian Journeys, the National Trust Travel, and our local Beverley Street Studio School. Last year I went to Southern Italy, Sicily, and Florence. The pandemic cancelled my 2020 spring trips. We shall see what happens for fall and 2021. However, I managed to get to Egypt with Smithsonian (as a guest) in early February, just before things began to shut down. That was a trip of a lifetime! I continue to keep my hand in art history by writing and participating in conferences. I've published two books and have a third in progress. When I can, I enjoy visits with my four children and eight grandchildren, who are scattered in Eastern Virginia and North Carolina. One of my sons, who is an orthodontist in Raleigh, has converted his 3D printers from orthodontic devices to facemasks for health care workers in Raleigh, Wake County, and New York. I am senior warden at Trinity Church in Staunton. The uncharted waters of this pandemic have presented our interim priest and myself with a number of unexpected challenges. Our online services have proved far more meaningful than I would ever have imagined. I regret that our Saint Mary's reunion also fell victim to COVID. Let's hope for better next year all the way around.” As for me, I am one of many who had to give up GOING to church on Sunday but the televised services from Washington Cathedral have been a Godsend. In 1960, Louise Clark Strauss ’63HS ’65C, Mary Bryan Pitt Sieburg ’62C, and I (seventh-grade at the time) joked that we gave up going to school for Lent. History does repeat itself. My trips to the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Japan have all been canceled. Hopefully, I will get to Nova Scotia (think Mabel Morrison) and Prince Edward Island in August. As the Spanish proverb that Mr. Connelly taught us said, “I thought I was poor because I had no shoes. The I met a man who had no feet.” How appropriate. Stay well. Joan
1965
COLLEGE Trudie Turner Arrington ’65C Cydne Wright Farris ’63HS ‘65C writes from Charlotte, “Ray and I have moved to Southminster Retirement Community. Our children, Ray III (Rip) Farris and, daughter, Emily Farris Walker, each have three children. Collectively they have six children, four who are in college and two in high school. We are blessed and well.” Alleen Cater ’63HS ’65C reports, “We are hunkered down at home in Birmingham, thankful for reasonably good health, some sunny days, and a great neighborhood for walking. After some lovely trips abroad the last several years, I am grateful for a lovely spring, my garden, my fifth Maltese puppy, Gracie, and the ability to stay connected through the Internet. Some of my extended family are more vulnerable, and some are working nonstop to keep watch over their flocks at home and at work. I pray for them and for the thousands of people whose work has ceased, at least temporarily. This too shall pass; in the meantime, stay well and stay home.” Perry Grimes Van Dyke ’63HS ’65C writes from Wilmington that her granddaughter, Perry Morgan ’20, graduated from Saint Mary’s in May. Young Perry is the fourth generation of the family to attend SMS. “I am so proud of all her accomplishments and love of the school. She is going to be a Horned Frog at Texas Christian University next year! Go, Frogs!”
1967
HIGH SCHOOL Martha Hall Michaels ’67HS So glad to hear from so many classmates. One of the few things good about the quarantine, I guess. My news: My daughter Fiquet Bailey ’95HS married Adam McIntyre in December. He has three children so now we are blessed with 10 grandkids, all in Wake County. Also, my granddaughter, Martha Parrott, will be attending Saint Mary's next year as a freshman. Margaret Highsmith Dickson reports that her son, Seavy, and his wife, Lauren Robbins Dickson '06, had a son Smith, born in November. Smith is Margaret's first grandchild. They live in Raleigh too! Margaret Morrison Hamilton says her mother, age 99, is living with them. Grandchildren count has risen to five with the arrival of Louisa in Charlotte. Margaret’s son and family with two boys live in Boston. She spends the summer months in Manchester, Vermont, where it doesn't get so hot. Susan Johnson Hedgpeth has retired from teaching kindergarten for 39 years. Marty Brennan Spry '67HS and Susan taught next door to each other at the Summit School in WinstonSalem. Susan is a docent in training at Reynolda House. Her daughter, Kate, lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the engineering manager at Insurify. Joslin Schwartz LaBauer is hunkered down in Atlanta during the quarantine. She
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CLASS NEWS misses seeing her three sons and four grandkids who live in Greensboro, Tucson, and Denver. All of David's kids and grandkids live in the Atlanta area so they can at least do drive-by visits. She is retired from endowment development for the Jewish community but is volunteering at the Breman Museum, where she is chair of the docents. Jane Snider Finalborgo lives in Southampton, New York, having retired from working in public relations for a local college and then as an aide to former Congressman Tim Bishop. She's enjoying her free time and babysits for two grandsons. Her daughter is director of a hospice on the east end of Long Island. Very tough times with New York being the epicenter of COVID-19. Jane Maupin Yates writes that after living in New Zealand for years, she returned to Italy and was granted a visa to be a permanent resident. Jane's interest in photography had her wandering around her adopted hometown of Vicenza and in Europe, with a camera in tow. That stopped when her son Stuart told her that she was going to be a "Nonna," whereupon she moved to Portland, Oregon. Wren was born on Jane's birthday, November 12, 2013, and is the light of her life. Jane is still a wanderer with the travel bug! Karen Davis Jenkins is deeply interested in her family history and roots. She has amassed over a thousand pages of records. She has offered to help us research our families, so be certain to take advantage of it by emailing her! Jane Byrd Melton and Dan are both retired and now living in Asheville with lots of relatives on both sides close by. She plans to volunteer with local libraries after she moves into a new house. She attends All Souls Episcopal Church in Biltmore Village, where Naomi Teeter preaches, and also St. Paul's Methodist Church. Ellen Braddy Owens lives in Aiken, South Carolina, her hometown. They live about three hours from her children and four grandchildren. Her husband has three daughters and two granddaughters. They live for getting together with family! Being alive after a kidney transplant 14 years ago is a blessing. Elizabeth Bittle Eubanks writes, “Happily retired and reading all day if I want (unless spending time with new granddaughter, Kora). Would love to connect with SMJC friends in RTP.” Martha
1969
COLLEGE Liz Burleson Hudson ’69C As always, it was lovely to hear from classmates. Many of you mentioned the current situation with COVID-19 and hoped that everyone was staying home and keeping safe. It is definitely a time of worry, but also a time of learning new tasks and passions that we never had time for before, to explore and spending quality time with the ones we love. Speaking of quality time, our 50th reunion last year was wonderful. So many people we had not seen in years came to the reunion and it was great catching up with everyone and remembering that we all have an
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enduring sisterhood through Saint Mary ‘s. Ashley Mawyer Byrd writes that our 50th reunion was very special and she appreciates the efforts of Julie Badger Moore and other Raleigh classmates who made the weekend such fun. “Sam and I welcomed our first grandchild, William Byrd Barton, on July 11, 2019, at Stanford's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. William underwent open-heart surgery one week later. His surgery was a success, and we are so grateful! Our daughter, Elizabeth, and son-in-law, Bryan, stayed at the Ronald McDonald House there beginning July 1 and returned home to Atlanta on August 2. Sam and I made the trip out there, too. We are so very happy the Barton family will be moving to Winston-Salem soon with their home a short walk and stroll away!” Their son continues to live in Denver, Colorado. Bonnie Bowen Banks wrote that the Second Holt group had a wonderful trip to Charleston, S.C. They stayed at the Plantation and got the royal treatment. (She says the staff were amused by their craziness.) Katherine Hunter Bratton, Kerr Blackwell Tallberg, Cille Keedwell Allen and Debbie Boyd Pearson, and Bonnie spent the time catching up during cocktail hour in their rooms. They ate the fabulous food, walked the streets, toured architecture and gardens, and they learned the history of glorious Charleston. (The word is that one, who will not be named, bought some fabulous dresses in one of the boutiques!) Deborah Boyd Pearson wrote that the trip to Charleston was wonderful and a great way to celebrate 50 years of friendship! Debbie and her husband, Wayne, welcomed their fifth grandchild in July 2019. John Caison Aycock was born in New Bern to daughter Kate and her husband, Dan. He joins sister Emory and brother Trey. Debbie has two other grandchildren who live near her in Clinton. She says she hopes that everyone is staying home and staying safe. Sue Willingham Upchurch says that spring came to the North Georgia mountains early and was beautiful. It is her favorite time of year and a time of renewal, even during this uncertain time. She said she is beginning a new journey in life after the passing of her husband, George, on March 15. She says he was a wonderful man and loved life. Sue says she “is grabbing hold of our Lord and Savior’s hand” as she moves forward. Our sincerest condolences to Sue on George’s passing and I know everyone will keep you in their thoughts and prayers. Anne Graham Rowe writes from Edenton, "Please send my best wishes to all. I am doing well. I spend my time pet sitting and running an Airbnb in my home. Please stay safe in the days ahead.” Josie Peoples Dickson and husband Warren spend a lot of time on their road bikes all over Chatham and adjacent counties, plus the American Tobacco Trail. They wear the brightest clothes possible, use rear view mirrors, and head and tail lights. She says the key to biking safety is "trust no one." Last summer they spent a week biking
in Ireland on a Trek Travel trip. Josie also spends a lot of time on photography and on the board of their HOA in Fearrington. She says that the 50th Reunion for the Class of 1969 was so much fun that she's determined to make it to the 55th and many more. Susan Johnson Hedgpeth writes, “This was my first year as a retiree after teaching kindergarten for 39 years. I have enjoyed training to be a Reynolda House docent and look forward to the museum reopening, so I can resume my training. Daily walks through Graylyn and Reynolda Gardens and working in my own garden now that the weather has warmed up are reminders that slowing down is a good thing.” Well, my husband Walt and I are hunkered down at home and enjoying having time to just sit and enjoy our beautiful mountains. I have been making face masks for friends since I have more free time with the closing of the charity thrift store that I chair. (Anyone want winter clothes in July? We have a store full and no idea when we will reopen.) Walt has had another year of health concerns. We spent Christmas Day in the hospital and his 82nd birthday in rehab. My health remains good and I keep very busy with I don’t know what! Went on a cruise in July 2019 with a friend to the Baltic and St. Petersburg, Russia. It was amazing and I highly recommend you put it on your bucket list. I will close with thoughts and prayers for each of you in this uncertain time. May you have patience, love, strength, and good health during these times and always know that you have all of us to support you if needed. Love and best wishes, Liz
1971
HIGH SCHOOL Caren Threshie Camp ’71HS Caren Threshie Camp and husband John are still living in Alexandria, Va., and have been married for 43 years. Son Webb is completing his master’s degree in infectious diseases. Son Jack lives in Asheville and is in the food business. “I am still working as a meeting planner at Helms Briscoe, and after 20 years, still love it. Please email me your news!”
1971
COLLEGE Betty Anne Queen Bush ’71C Precious SMJC College ’71 Ladies - As I write this we are still sheltering in place and I hope your shelter is peaceful. I know there are so many who are hurting, and I sometimes feel guilty for the comforts I take for granted. Thank you for the sweet notes I’ve received regarding your “happenings!” The “First to Respond” award goes to Jean (Chip) Dodd. She told me all about the Saint Mary’s recent group trip to N.Y.C.! (I would have loved it but somehow missed all the invites!) Word is they had a great time shopping, eating fab food, giggling, and taking in shows - like Diana! And since Laura Norris
Raynor ’69HS ’71C personally knows William Ivey Long, they all got a tour of his studio filled with sketches, designs, and fabrics for the new musical! FABULOUS! They also all (about 40) kicked off the tour with a lovely cocktail party at John and Nancy Newton Sipp’s ’81C lovely home. Someone PLEASE call me the next time a fun time trip is being organized! Susan Carroll Alexander writes that in the spring of 2019, Winston Cobb Green invited classmates Molly Bridger Vandiver, Jane Moore Lazarus, Beth Franz, and her for a visit at Hilton Head. Jane and Susan had not seen their suitemate, Beth, in 30 years! They had great fun and hope to see everyone else at our 50th reunion. Last summer, Susan had lunch with Betsy Pritchard Rhodes, a West Rock classmate who now works as a reading specialist in an elementary school. They had a great visit. In January, Susan enjoyed a visit with Anne McElwee Herschler at White Memorial Presbyterian Church’s women’s retreat in Pinehurst. Anne is enjoying her move to her hometown of Statesville and leadership opportunities at her church and in the community. Susan asks us to keep Barbara Call McGowan is our prayers as her husband, Max, passed away in February. Lillian James Smith is totally the grandmama of the year. Honey, she
has three precious lil’ granddaughters under three years old and fortunately one almost 13, who of course is her helper! Lillian is still dealing with damage from Hurricane Florence, which took out 28 of the trees in her yard. Cleaning up and enjoying the flowers now coming up this spring has been wonderful, though. Lillian hinted that in October ’20 she is planning a house party with her Saint Mary’s high school buddies. “Nuthin’ better than a girls weekend. (Hello! Caroline and Ellen!) Captain Betsy Blee is not too happy about being stuck at home in Salt Lake City, but being the non-complainer, she is coping! She is also learning how to teach on the Adobe Connect platform instead of in person. (And we know she would rather be teaching face to face!) She reminds us all to get on our class Facebook page: SMJC-1971. Everyone has a different scenario during this time. I have been catching up on letters of love - notes of encouragement. Finishing things left undone the attic, the garage, mending projects, finishing books that have gathered dust, cleaning out files, as well as working on my own book. And I HAVE to share - today I stumbled upon an interview that I will never forget. Her name is Virginia Prodan and her book is Saving My Assassin. Oh, that I could live with her courage
in a communist country. It is riveting, and so timely as well. She is our age. Love to everyone during this time of uncertainty. But know that there is a GOD who is always in control. Look around and be grateful. Great People are Full. Hugs, BA (Queenie)
1973
HIGH SCHOOL Barbara Egerton Tillery ’73HS I am writing this in the midst of the coronavirus “lockdown,” and I am hoping that by the time you read it, our lives will be transitioning back to some semblance of normalcy. JoAnn Nance Small ’73HS ’75C says that she is loving her retirement years in her world of grandbabies! So fun! They enjoy the North Carolina beach with them in the summer and introduced them to Montana snow this winter. She really hopes to see as many classmates as possible at our next reunion, which is in 2023. Gina Doty DeMarsh leads a full life with her volunteer activities and creative efforts. She writes that she has worked Saturdays part-time at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh for over a decade, where she helps prepare the bulletins for the Sunday services. She enjoys knitting and has even sold some of her work. She also cross-
SAINT MARY’S HISTORY Remembering the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic at Saint Mary’s School COVID-19 is not the first time around for coping with a global pandemic at Saint Mary’s School. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide and killed an estimated 20 to 50 million victims, including some 675,000 Americans. “Almost immediately after Saint Mary’s opened September 19, 1918, with the largest enrollment in its history at that time, the devastating 1918 influenza pandemic hit. On September 26, 1918, Dr. Knox reported 52 cases of the flu, and the executive committee of the board of trustees authorized emergency measures. All healthy students were allowed to go home or to stay with friends and relatives nearby if their parents so wished. Before the month-long siege was over, there had been 155 cases of the flu and one death at Saint Mary’s. The west wing of Smedes was converted into an infirmary. The day students, although not allowed to visit on campus, were pressed into service as runners to drop off medical supplies. “The Muse reported alumnae deaths, among them Margaret Rosalie DuBose Avery. Classes were cancelled for two weeks, and attendance was spotty for three more weeks. The time was made up by schedule changes and by telescoping the course work. It was, as the rector put it, ‘a year of dislocations,’ but everyone, including the student leaders, was ‘valiant.’” (from The Heritage, by Martha Stoops) Just over 100 years later, in another “year of dislocations,” our campus community has fared better through the successful mitigation measure of remote learning. And, Zoom sounds like the 21st century version of “telescoping” in 1918, allowing us to stay on schedule and on task with classes and school life. At an institution as old as Saint Mary’s, founded in 1842, history has a way of repeating itself. Through it all, we remain resilient as an institution and the strong and, yes, valiant, women Saint Mary’s taught us to be. By Mary Virginia Swain '77C, Director of Public Relations and Publications
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CLASS NEWS stitches and has made many samplers. She completed a two-year creative writing diploma and has contributed to the Whitaker Glen newsletter, where she lives. She has even taught creative writing at the senior center nearby. The art classes at Whitaker Glen have been a lot of fun, and her piano playing has brought her much pleasure. Gina does volunteer work at Wake Medical Center, Broughton High School Adult Education Center, the YWCA, and Rex Hospital, where she has been a blood donor for 23 years. Way to go, Gina! Martha Woodard Pearlman continues to enjoy retirement. She spent the fall and winter traveling from her home in Pennsylvania to Greece, took three cruises, attended Carolina football and basketball games, and in February, she went to Quebec with French students from the school where she used to teach. After all that traveling, she said she was tired and wanted to be home for a while. Be careful what you wish for, as the saying goes! The “Lockdown of 2020” happened, and she found herself spending time reading, gardening, and walking the dog. Martha, I’ll bet you actually enjoyed taking a restful pause in your very active life, as many of our classmates have probably experienced as well. Another recently retired classmate, Ibba Edwards Gladden, was in New York with her oldest daughter and her husband for six weeks in November and December. They spent Thanksgiving in Costa Rica and Christmas in the Outer Banks, where they had tons of fun and lots of good food. Ibba adopted a cockapoo puppy while in New York. She writes that the puppy keeps her busy and loves having her home all day/every day during the virus lockdown. Also COVID-19 related, her youngest daughter was supposed to get married on May 9, but unfortunately had to postpone it to next year. They had to cancel many related events but easily got through it all. Ibba says, “This period in our life is so very hard for so many. I feel extremely blessed. A wedding is minor. Love to all!” Jaynie Milligan Spector writes that in spite of the COVID-19 restrictions, she continues on with her art gallery, Dog & Horse Fine Art, and her husband’s southern food culture magazine, The Local Palate, but at the moment “these old fogies” are trying to figure out online and social media presence! She writes that “Charleston is closed down. Luckily our son, Sean, has joined us for the last four weeks and is busy with his N.Y.C. job on the dining room table. We are having a special family time. Always a silver lining!” Catherine Phillips Winslow writes, “June 11, 2019, my first grandchild arrived—Rosemary Juliette Strokus Winslow. It’s so much fun having a girl since I have two sons! John, Jessica, and Rosemary live in D.C., which is actually where I’m sheltering in place. I’m providing childcare for Rosemary while John and Jessica work from home. This is truly a blessing amidst this challenging time. Never thought I’d have this kind of time with a grandchild! My older son, Chase, and his wife, McKenzie, live in Greensboro, so
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it is easy to hop over for a visit. My 92- and 89-year-old parents are doing well during this pandemic. The hard part is convincing them not to go out of the house or yard! Since the last update, I have changed schools in Wake County. I am now an instructional assistant, supporting second-grade at North Ridge Elementary. The change also involved going back to a traditional calendar from year-round. I really like being at North Ridge, and have connected with the staff and students relatively quickly. I’m also active in the choir and music program at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and am the executive assistant to the registrar for The Royal School of Church Music—Carolina Course, held each summer at Duke. Alas, we will not have the course this year, but will celebrate our 25th course in 2021. I haven’t had many wine demos at Costco in the last six months. Was really busy there between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, but none so far in 2020. I do miss being there.” Wow, Catherine! You make my head spin with all the things you are doing. Taking care of grandchildren and your parents, as well as living a very full working and volunteer life takes a lot of balancing, but you seem to be managing well. Terri Jansen Senter wrote that although husband Bill retired last October, they are still living in Madison, Mississippi, waiting to finish building a house in Wilmington, North Carolina, where their daughter and her family live. The coronavirus has slowed the process down, so they are just hoping they can get moved by the fall. She can’t wait to get there so she can spend more time with her grandchildren! Nancy Kerr Thomason ’73HS ’75C writes that she is living at Topsail Beach full time now. She says she has been working remotely for five years so her job has not been impacted that much from the COVID virus, aside from the fact that she does not travel. Being quarantined at the beach is not so bad, as she is still able to walk on the beach, weather permitting. She does miss church, seeing friends, eating out and seeing family. Nancy stays very connected to Saint Mary’s through the Forever Campaign and remains on the investment committee. The older she gets, the more she appreciates what an amazing gift Saint Mary’s was and how influential it was at a critical time in her life. As for me, Barbara Egerton Tillery, my biggest news is that I became a grandmother on April 8 when my daughter Laura gave birth to Brady George Hampton in New York City. It’s a scary time to be delivering a baby in N.Y.C., but all went well. Baby Brady tested negative for coronavirus, although both his parents tested positive. Laura and BJ had mild cases of it two weeks earlier. They live in Queens, which was the epicenter of the pandemic at this writing. At least Laura and BJ will have immunity to the virus now. The sad thing is, I don’t know when I can meet my grandson in person and hold him. Thank goodness we have the technology such as FaceTime that allows us to see him. My other news is that we moved my sister Alice Egerton
Miller (sorry, but she went to Salem Academy!) from her home in Cumming, Georgia, to be near me in Mississippi last fall. She is a widow with a lot of health issues and just needed to be nearer family. I have enjoyed having her nearby, and we get together often. We have all learned this year how quickly life as we know it can abruptly change, forcing us to adapt to new realities, even if some are temporary. I hope all of you are adapting well and finding the silver lining in the clouds that come your way. Barbara
1973
COLLEGE Lynn Johnson Titchener ’73C And then there was the spring of 2020. Gracious, they asked us to be “socially distanced!” How can a Saint Mary’s girl be socially distanced? We came together anyway for our annual newsletter. Thank you to those who respond every year, and to those of you who answered the call for the first time in a while. The year 2020 has already made history as a Leap Year: February had 29 days, then March had 72 weeks, and April was five years long. Like you all, I hunkered down and stayed home, took my walks, drank my wine, and every now and then, I drove around Raleigh just for kicks. Since we’re getting three weeks to a gallon of gas, it seemed silly not to! The SMS campus is absolutely beautiful as I write this - it always is, but especially in the spring! I would like to first give a major shout-out to Henni Towler Corbin in Pinehurst, who is keeping Facebook followers uplifted with her daily posts of the most fabulous music! Some of the tunes and performances she is sharing are such great reminders of our young lives in the ’70s and ’80s. Thank you, Henni! CHINS UP! I hope by the time you read this letter the worst will be over, and we’ll all be back outside playing pickleball, (you must try pickleball – what a hoot!) and dancing in the streets ! We all have, and always will have, a story to tell. Our class of ’73 epic letter begins with Ann Beland Brooks because hers is always the first email I receive, so why break tradition? Ann is one of many SMS alumnae who got away to N.Y.C. just before it closed in March. A fine time was had by all! The group saw three Broadway shows and attended the Saint Mary’s Chorale performance at Carnegie Hall. As of last December, Ann is retired and is now on the SMS Alumnae Council. Great! So now you can help rustle up interest in our next reunion: number 5-0! Congratulations on being nine years cancer-free, Ann! Out of the Saint Mary’s blue comes news from Dawn Joy Williamson in Alexandria, Virginia. Yes, she’s alive! Just before Charleston closed, Dawn’s son was married and guess who came to the wedding? Virginia Gayle Gimball, who remarked, “Saint Mary’s girls are everywhere!” Well, we used to be. Anyway, great to hear from you, Dawn! Nearby, in Williamsburg, Virginia, which is also closed, my faithful Cruik suitemate and WBU vice president, Margy Perdue Price,
ALUMNAE BOOK CORNER recently moved from Alexandria, Virginia, after living there 37 years. Margy is still, I believe, the winner of MOST grandchildren (so far). Can anyone beat nine? They range in age from 17 to two years! Retired and loving it, Margy has a trip planned for November to Vietnam. Vietnam? Is this really the first place you want to go when they let us out? Let’s ride around in a golf cart tossing water balloons instead! The most entertaining news and email, by far, (except for Jane Hight McMurry, which I’ll get to later) is Debbie Branscomb Jones in Winnetka, Illinois, outside Chicago, which is closed. If you haven’t already, please visit www.heavenlydebbie. com and see her classic photo cards with hilarious captions. There are two cards featuring Betsy Walser Thrower and Anne Smith McGoogan, which are her best sellers! Otherwise, all the cards are photos of her family, who Debbie says she is trying to embarrass, and no one is complaining. Her name tag while working at Heavenly Valley Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe was “Heavenly Debbie,” hence the name of her cards! Three sons and husband Steve are all doing well. Always faithful, now 10-years retired from teaching, Gwen Howard Temple reports that she’s been in North Wilkesboro since 1975. Taking advantage of that beautiful spot, she and husband David enjoy hiking the mountain trails in North Carolina and Tennessee. Hopefully six-feet apart from others! Keep the trails open! Gwen has two grandchildren so far – I’m jealous. Celia Creecy Smart, start packing for our 50th Reunion in 2023 - Gwen wants to see you! From Chocowinity comes news from Nancy “Nature” Armstrong Murray that she is somehow “sane.” Wait. This is real news! Nature and her daughter, Madison, were on that famous alumnae trip to N.Y.C. before the meltdown/shutdown and, from the photos, it looks like they had a grand time! Not soon retiring, Nature is still teaching at the Montessori School and just loves it too much to quit. I’d love to be a fly on the wall in her classroom! Her husband, Gray, brings her coffee every morning at 6 a.m., wine every afternoon at 5:00. Wonder if the times for those offerings have changed since April? Children, all grown and married are in Hickory, Wilmington, and Raleigh. Jane Hight McMurry: Sit down - this one’s a doozy. She said I could edit what she wrote, but I just can’t. It’s too rich. First of all, Jane now has six grands and is inching up on Margy Perdue Price’s record of nine! But she’s not slowing down for a minute. In her own words exactly, “ While my body can still move and my mind still works, I traveled to Nepal and India for adventure and work. I hiked the Himalayas and Annapurnas, stalked a tiger in the Chitwan jungle, rode an elephant, bump glided across the Rajasthan desert on a camel, and was kissed by a cosmonaut after speaking in Delhi, India, at a business conference on The Winning Difference, a book to be published when the COVID-19 crisis is over. Bump glided? Folks, she is offering photos. Just saying. Of course, this all happened before the world went into shock. Another loyal contributor to our news is Kathryn Houghton Schreier, still living in Beaufort, N.C. She and Frank are hurricane survivors and now caring for her 93-year-old parents. The phrase ‘stir crazy’ was part of her story. I believe it will be everyone’s middle name before too much longer! Sharon Seago’s goal is to travel to all 62 national parks in the United States. She’s already been to 40, including Carlsbad, Guadalupe, and Big Bend. Sharon has two baby
Frances Schultz ‘76HS ‘78C to visit Saint Mary’s to speak and sign copies of new book Author and style maven Frances Schultz ‘76HS ‘78C will visit Saint Mary’s October 28 to speak about and sign copies of her latest book, California Cooking and Southern Style. Whether you are planning a simple picnic for two or a celebration dinner for twenty, California Cooking and Southern Style is the book to have wherever you live. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients and tested by everyday home cooks, the recipes are tried, true, do-able, and delicious. Ditto the beautiful and deceptively simple table settings. Set in the stunning Southern California wine country, well-known writer and television personality Frances Schultz’s hospitality is no secret in Santa Barbara County and beyond. What’s more, the cooking of chef and recipe creator Stephanie Valentine is acclaimed by all who have sampled it, including Martha Stewart and Julia Child. Picking up where her beloved Bee Cottage Story left off, Frances invites us into her home, her heart, and a place at her beautiful table, and she shows us how she does it. A unique, at-a-glance listing of 18 menus is followed by chapters featuring each menu with recipes, table settings, and entertaining tales and tips. With a 100-plus recipes and 150-plus photographs, California Cooking and Southern Style will make your mouth water, your eyes dance, your guests grateful, and your heart happy. Journalist, speaker, tastemaker, world traveler, hostess, Southerner, and Sunday painter, Frances Schultz is an enthusiast on decoration and design, food and entertaining, travel and style. She is author and co-author of several books, including The Bee Cottage Story— How I Made a Muddle of Things and Decorated My Way Back to Happiness, and her newest, California Cooking and Southern Style. A contributing editor to House Beautiful magazine and former editor-at-large for Veranda, she has written also for The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, and Flower magazine. A popular and sought-after speaker, she was for six years on-air host of the award-winning cable television show Southern Living Presents and has appeared on The Today Show, The Nate Berkus Show, CNN’s Open House, Martha Stewart Radio, and many others. Born and raised in Tarboro, North Carolina, Frances graduated from Saint Mary’s School and from the University of Virginia with distinction. She is a member of the National Arts Club and serves on the boards of the Horticultural Society of New York and the Empowers Africa Foundation. With husband Tom Dittmer, and assorted critters, she lives in the Santa Ynez Valley of California and New York City. To reserve your space at the October 28, 2020, book talk and signing event, contact Margaret McGlohon ’81C at memcglohon@sms.edu or 919-424-4171. You may also order the book at francesschultz.com. Source: francesschultz.com | Photo by Tiffany Evitts
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CLASS NEWS grandsons, and she stays busy with vestry and HOA board. Suzy Maynard Barile wrote, “Not a lot going on here in Harmony besides gardening, as we're holed up with COVID-19 all around! I love retirement with no alarm clocks and lots of time to read. Before the world shut down, I was lucky enough to enjoy several overseas trips in 2019: London and Paris in springtime with a friend as she worked on her bucket list; Ireland in June with my hubby, John, as we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary; and Scotland in late November, for one last fling as John left behind his part-time gig with Delta, which provided free standby flying! While our daughter still works for Netflix in L.A., she was working on the East Coast when Paul McCartney performed in Raleigh over Memorial Day 2019, and we had a ball! I’m always up for iced tea or wine on the screened porch if anyone’s traveling to and from Asheville or Boone and Raleigh, or any other place.” Raleigh, ahh Raleigh. Closed at the moment, and rather quiet lately. I wish I could gather for lunch with my friends and family, but we’re settling for emails and FaceTime visits for now. One I would like to see is my lunch buddy and new grandmother, Mary Legg Moore. Mary and Mikey are, or were, enjoying traveling. Mary’s daughter, Molly, and husband Will have moved to Pinehurst with baby Kate. Son Frank, and his wife, Betty, are in Wilmington. Don’t lock up your passport just yet, Murr. I know you’re itching to get back on a plane! Carolyn Hicks Baggett is also close by and has fond memories of her last summer’s voyage to Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, with Fred of course. But did you stalk a tiger? Or ride an elephant? Carolyn and Fred try to keep up with their two energetic grandsons, (4 and 8) here in Raleigh. Finally, please know that our classmate, Neecy Smith Lytle ’71HS ’73C, who left this earth last April, 2019, is now honored with a memorial brick on the front walk of Saint Mary’s School. As for me, I’m listening to Manheim Steamroller Christmas music as I write - it’s keeping me jolly and able to go on. I haven’t been kissed by a cosmonaut or any other ’naut lately, but I am in the thick of a whole new industry: helping brides reschedule their spring and summer weddings! What a mess. Trying to keep everyone calm in the meantime has become a crazy diversion from not swimming. If they don’t open a pool around here soon, I may go scooters! I need to float and reek of chlorine again. My daughter, Winnie, learned March 13 that Biltmore House had closed, and so she has been working from home with three teenagers in the house! Her husband, Michael, is on the front line as an occupational therapist in Asheville. Daughter Liza is here in Raleigh and managing to work from home also, with husband Jeremy and two pups. We all stay in touch with my sister Carter, and brother-in-law Ashley, in Charleston, S.C. My mother, Mary Lynn Lewis DeLany ’44C is in Burlington and doing well at 94, but we cannot visit her until they unlock the gates of what she
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calls the “prison,” a.k.a. Twin Lakes Community. That makes us all sad. Oh! The memories we’ll share in 2023 when we see each other again amid the stately oak trees. In the meantime, send all the stories you want - I’m not going anywhere! Thank heaven for email, Facebook, YouTube, and old movies. Stay positive and healthy, and know I love you. Lynn
1975
COLLEGE Patricia Holt Parker ’75C Greetings from Pinehurst, where in April 2020 one could find me in the yard enjoying all of the lovely spring offerings or on the golf course maintaining the six-feet social distancing requirement. Hope everyone stayed healthy, happy and positive during the pandemic. Sadly, but understandably, I only heard from two classmates. Lynn Harand Hankins reported life is good in Charlotte. She is enjoying the flexibility retirement has brought while finding meaningful ways to be connected and involved. Lynn was so disappointed that our 45th reunion had to be cancelled. After missing the past two reunions, she was really looking forward seeing everyone and hopes to see us all in 2021! Cacky Daniel McKenzie wrote that her son, Collier, and his family are doing fine in Macon, Georgia. Grandson West will be seven in August and grandson Harrison just turned four in May. “My mom, Betty Knight Daniel ’49C, moved to a local independent living facility in June 2019, and has been doing well there. She is sad we can’t get together, but we talk daily and FaceTime with my sisters once a week.” As for me, thankfully, I traveled to Austin and Los Angeles to visit with my daughters, Kate and Paton, before the stayat-home mandate. As I am not teaching my regular meditation class at the hospital during this time, I am able to play more golf, which is fun. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life! Best to all. Love, Trish
1977
COLLEGE Mary Virginia Swain ’77C Greetings, Saint Mary’s College Class of 1977! I hope this finds you and your families safe and well in these strange times of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are like me, no news is good news these days, as we have slowed down and hunkered down close to home this spring. Martha Harris Harvel writes, “After 30 years of teaching in Laurinburg, retirement life has been wonderful! For the last 11 years, husband Bob and I have lived at the Santee Cooper Lakes in South Carolina.” Becky Flythe Watts ’75HS ’77C writes from Cary that she is celebrating 40 years in the telecommunications industry. She looks forward to retirement in a few years. She says husband Kevin and son Neil are doing great. She regularly has dinner with “BFF” Martha Ann Auld ‘75HS and enjoyed catching up over lunch last fall with Verna Gates ‘75HS. Margaret
Clements ’75HS ’77C wrote with greetings from Ponte Vedra, Florida. As for me, Mary Virginia, I have been working from home here on Saint Mary’s campus since mid-March, and counting my blessings, so far, as so many have suffered in the pandemic in different ways. As you probably read on previous pages in this magazine, Saint Mary’s moved to online learning in March, and I am most proud of the job the school did in not missing a beat in delivering excellent instruction in the students’ regular classes and curriculum and even activities like assemblies and dorm meetings to our girls via the computer on Zoom and Microsoft Teams each school day from mid-March through May. When not sheltering at home, I see many of our classmates either in Raleigh or Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach, including Katherine Wooten Bailey, Barbara Johnston Bush, Morgie Towler Duke ’75HS ’77C, Kim Shavlik Randolph ’75HS ’77C, Nancy Thompson Heathcote ’75HS ’77C, Jean Bridger Konitzer, and others from our class and surrounding classes! Hopefully, life will be fully back to normal by our reunion in 2022, and we will all be in the mood to get out and get together at Saint Mary’s and catch up in Raleigh! Best wishes to all for a great year ahead! Mary Virginia
1979
COLLEGE Windy Tillman Pratt ’79C Greetings classmates! I am writing this on a quiet Sunday afternoon during the continuing stay-at-home days. I hope by the time you read this, you have been able to get out, enjoy family and friends in person rather than on Zoom, and most importantly, that you and your families are healthy and safe. I think many of you were too busy cleaning out closets, drawers, attending Zoom meetings and other projects to send an update, so this will be brief! Mary Craig Timberlake Brown ’77HS ’79C is in grandma heaven these days with two adorable grandchildren to love! Mary Craig retired from teaching and is really enjoying grandson, Jones, born to daughter Annie, and her husband, H.L., last June, and granddaughter Eleanor, born to son Whit and his wife, Abby, in February 2019. Dana Darden Copeland is excited to report that her son, Darden, will graduate from Richmond Law School this spring. Mary Foy Ragsdale ’77HS ’79C reports from Smithfield that she continues to love her new career buying fixerupper houses, renovating, and flipping them. She happily says that House #1 sold last year, and House #2 is currently being renovated. She is searching for House #3 now. She is also on the board of the Smithfield Appearance Commission, and we know how fortunate the town is to have her serving on that board! During the spring quarantine, a group of my childhood friends started having Sunday afternoon Zoom conversations. Kendall Page was on those calls every week, and so I can report that she is well
Alumnae Profiles By Margaret McGlohon ’81C, alumnae director
2020 Mazie Strickland Froelich ’51C Society Alumnae Award Winners Congratulations, to this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Alumna and Outstanding Alumna awards, Sallie Shuping-Russell ’75C and Gray Stoughton Clark ’78HS ’80C. The Saint Mary's Alumnae Council created the Mazie Strickland Froelich '51C Distinguished Alumnae Society in honor of Mazie's leadership and service to Saint Mary's School. The ultimate example of a distinguished alumna during her lifetime, the late Mrs. Froelich was the first female chair of the school’s board of trustees. Under the umbrella of the society, two outstanding alumnae awards are given annually. The Outstanding Alumna Award is given annually for outstanding service to the school through leadership, student recruitment and alumnae support; and the Distinguished Alumna Award recognizes an alumna's outstanding achievements in volunteer service and/or her professional distinctions.
Sallie Shuping-Russell ’75C
Gray Clark Stoughton ’78HS ’80C
Distinguished Alumna Award Recipient
Outstanding Alumna Award Recipient
Congratulations, to Sallie Shuping-Russell ’75C, on receiving the 2020 Distinguished Alumna Award. This award is given in recognition of an alumna’s outstanding achievements in volunteer service and/or her professional career. Sallie has been a leader in business and education throughout the state of North Carolina and beyond. Her education, career, and life have taken her to Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, and back home to North Carolina. From Page High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, she followed her older sisters, Jane Shuping Tyndall ’67C and Ruth Shuping Murphy ’69C, to Saint Mary’s. “I thought if Saint Mary’s is good enough for them, it will be good enough for me,” says Sallie. Sallie says her two years at Saint Mary’s were transformative. Sallie was the lead diver on the diving team, placing third at the state championship, behind Duke and UNC. She also played on the college tennis team, but focused most of her extracurricular time serving as editor of The Muse, as a hall counselor on second Holt, as a member of the Social Board, a member of the Order of the Circle, and lobbying at the North Carolina Legislature working to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. It was at Saint Mary’s that Sallie gained confidence in herself academically. She remembers the encouragement of teachers like Hamilton Fish, Don Roberts, and Rebecca Gunn – who challenged her intellectual curiosity, which she says has served her well in life. Today, at Saint Mary’s, Sallie serves on the board of trustees and is a member of the governance, finance, and investments committees. She is also a member of Saint Mary’s Giving Circles – the leadership society of the Annual Fund. A 1977 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she served as a member of the university’s board of trustees from 2006-2015, serving as board secretary, chair of the finance and audit committee, and chair of the enterprise risk management task force. She has been a member of the UNC investment board since the late 1990s and is active as chair of UNC’s Carolina Research Ventures. In 2011, she was honored by at UNC with the Distinguished Service Medal Citation for her service to the university. In 2017, she received the William R. Davie Award, the highest award given by the UNC-CH trustees. With a distinguished career in business, investments, and finance, in 2018, Sallie received the Triangle Business Journal Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award. She has worked with firms, institutions, and organizations such as Cambridge Associates in Boston, Duke University Management Company, Intersouth Partners, Quellos, and Blue Rock. She is a commissioner of the North Carolina Commission on Banks and the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s NC FIRST, a body formed to address the future transportation needs of the state. Sallie holds a B.A. with a double major in political science and English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from Columbia University School of Business in New York. Sallie has been married to Dr. Ed Spence since 2017. Together, they have six adult children and three grandsons. Sallie and Ed live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and spend time at their home on Bald Head Island.
Congratulations, to Gray Clark Stoughton ’78HS ’80C, on receiving the 2020 Outstanding Alumna Award. This award is given in recognition of an alumna’s outstanding service to the school through leadership, student recruitment and alumnae support. Gray’s support of Saint Mary’s has been steadfast, in keeping with her family legacy of attending and leading at the school. Gray served as a member of the board of trustees from 2010-2016, as a member of the Giving Circles Annual Fund leadership society, a Parents Association volunteer, and as a volunteer on the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign committee. She has hosted alumnae and admission events in her home, served on the host committees for alumnae events, and hosted events at the Stoughton family cottage in Nags Head. Gray grew up in Tarboro, North Carolina, in a long line of Saint Mary’s women including her mother, Gray Proctor Clark ’52HS ’54C and many aunts and cousins. Her daughter, Eliza Stoughton ’12, also attended for four years, graduating in 2012. Gray and Eliza both believe they received the greatest gifts Saint Mary’s has to offer: an environment that supports academic growth and fosters tolerance, empathy, and courage in young women, teaching them life lessons that lead to a purposeful life and, of course, the greatest gift of the opportunity to make special, lifelong, cherished friendships. At Saint Mary’s, Gray served as a hall counselor, was a member of the French Honor Society and the Beta Club, was a Cold Cut, and played basketball, soccer, and tennis. In those days, when not enjoying summer at Nags Head, she was a staff member at Mary Lou Jones Tennis Camp at Saint Mary’s. Gray has fond memories at Saint Mary’s with cousins Frances Schultz ’76HS ’78C and Duval Schultz Fuqua ’79HS, and Smedes and Cruikshank roommate Kathy Sawyer Mann ’78HS ’80C. After graduating from Saint Mary’s, Gray attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in French with a minor in Art History. After college, she worked for the sergeant-at-arms at the North Carolina State Legislature. She later worked for 10 years at Simple Pleasures Design Group. In 1987, she married Tommy Stoughton of Greenville, North Carolina. “That’s where we settled and started our family, raising out two children, Thomas and Eliza there.” Volunteering is a priority for Gray. Gray has served on the boards of several organizations including The North Carolina Symphony, SECU Family House in Chapel Hill, and Habitat for Humanity. Saint Mary’s thanks Gray for her years of volunteer service to her alma mater. “I am just so thankful to have been given the opportunity to give back,” says Gray. “Saint Mary’s is a community like no other – a very special place. It’s home!”
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CLASS NEWS and her law practice is thriving. Liza Reid Wilcox is still living in Charlotte. Our big news since last time is the birth of our first grandson, Moses, on May 9, 2019! We are over-the-moon in love and enchanted! Moses and parents, Guion and Abby, live in Charlottesville, Virginia. Our younger son, Win, and wife Tracy, live in Raleigh. Win works for Red Hat, and Tracy teaches math at Sanderson High School. We are happy with our life in Southern Pines. I continue to work at Stifel, and am staying busy with my calligraphy business. Blessings and peace to you all. Windy
1981
HIGH SCHOOL Madeleine Gilbert ’81HS Congratulations to Betty Davis Roller on her marriage to James Roller on May 21, 2017. They live in Denver, N.C. Condolences to Mary Duke Sanders Grubbe ’81HS ’83C on the loss of her mother, Stagg Sanders. And condolences go to Elizabeth Estill Robertson ’81H ’83C on the loss of her father, the Right Reverend Robert Estill, and her mother, Joyce Estill, who died in December. In January, Margaret Jones lost her son, William Schwab. And condolences to Libby Ward Smart ’81HS ’83C, on the loss of her mother, Betty Lou Ward, in December. Marilee Eagles Reed and husband Jim enjoyed a trip to Mackinaw Island in Michigan this past summer, where they enjoyed escaping the heat in Little Washington. In October, they met Bettine Bikle Boyd ’81HS ’83C in Boston for dinner on their way up to Maine. Marilee’s husband has retired from being a minister in the Episcopal Church. They are now living in Raleigh and enjoying time spent at Atlantic Beach. They welcomed their first grandchild, Remi, at Thanksgiving. Suiter Whitehead Cox ’81HS ’83C and her husband have moved to Darlington, S.C. Rags is the new rector at St. Matthew’s Church. It is the church where he was baptized and confirmed. Carol Burhans Burns is a grandmother again. This is her second grandson and her son Hunter’s first child. Hunter James Burns Jr. was born January 4, 2020. Carol and Jimmy are both over the moon with both grandsons! While we were all social distancing over the coronavirus, I had a good time catching up with Loren Neuhoff Mumford on the phone. Loren’s daughter Ashley, a student at UNC-Charlotte, had to return from her study abroad in Spain, but since Loren may have been exposed to the virus, her daughter was staying with a friend in Bremerton, Washington. Congratulations to Loren’s younger daughter, Lizzie, who graduated magna cum laude from J.H. Rose and is attending UNC-Wilmington. Loren has a new assignment with her travel therapy. Loren, Zaida Clay Harris, and Jeanne Mapel Olsen all got together last October for a roommate reunion. Zaida is in Saint Simons where she has her company, Zaida Clay Harris Signature Properties Group, and Jeanne has her company in Greenville, S.C., indigoMAPEL, which is a
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lifestyle design studio for interiors, florals, and soirees. Robbins Warrington Bobbitt ’81HS ’83C still lives in Pittsburgh and says, “Real estate keeps me very busy. My oldest son, Wesley, is engaged. My daughter, Winnie, is in her second year of college, and son Brian is also working in real state. I try to stay active and get back to Raleigh to see family and friends a couple times per year.” Bettine Bikle Boyd ’81HS ’83C wrote that she is about to celebrate 30 years working for the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. Her oldest son is gainfully employed with Mathworks. He got his undergraduate and his MBA at High Point University and is now back up north. Bettine’s youngest son is a junior at Stonehill College. Bettine says she always loves coming back to North Carolina and seeing many of her Saint Mary’s friends. Scotty Grines Frantz ’81HS ’83C writes that daughter Sarah is in Little Rock, Arkansas, working as a child life specialist in a pediatric hospital. Her son, Adam, is in Charleston working in construction management. Scotty had a great adventure last year studying floral design at a school in Boston, where she had so much fun having Bettine show her around the town. She is happy to now be back in Columbia, South Carolina, working as a floral designer for an event company, pulling weeds in her yard, and escaping to the beach every chance she gets! I reached out to Nancy Christian. Nancy said that her daughter, Carson, just got a new job as communications director for Florida Congressman Greg Steube. Her oldest daughter, Catherine, is property manager for a real estate company in Denver, Colorado. I also reached out to Mary Duke Sanders Grubb ’81HS ’83C. Her son, Will, is getting his doctorate at the University of Chicago studying the application of proteins in developing treatments of diseases. Sarah is head of development for a small educational foundation. It was great hearing from so many, I’d love to hear from more of you. Put April 23 and 24, 2021, on your calendar for our 40th reunion.
1981
COLLEGE Allison Gilbert Holmes ’81C Lauren Burrows has moved to Wrightsville and has a great condo that has a wonderful view of the ocean. We will miss her here in Raleigh, but I know she will have a great time at the beach. Gwyn Cooley Pearce and husband Gary took a trip to Puerto Rico. She said it was tons of fun. Claudia Wooten is moving to Denver. I wish her nothing but pure happiness and great fun. She will be missed at our SMC Raleigh girls’ outings. Classmates have reported a number of losses: Coles Hines Jones's father-in-law passed away on June 2, 2019. Carroll Huger Griffin's father passed away on June 19, 2019. Dudley Hanes Faison's father passed away on February 18, 2020. Julie Oakman Barringer's mother passed away on February 29, 2020.
Jennifer Collins’ mother passed away on March 27, 2020. Ashley Richardson Allen writes that they have welcomed three more grandchildren, bringing their total to seven! Pure joy. Ashley had the pleasure of joining 40 Saint Mary's girls on a fabulous trip to New York City. She says that they saw wonderful Broadway shows, and had grand fellowship among the ladies of all ages. Nancy Newton Sipp was the perfect hostess to the SMC group and '81C was well represented with Ashley, Margaret McGlohon, Grace Brown, and Gwyn Cooley Pearce. Emily Winfield Bondy writes that her girls are still in school. Courtney is at East Carolina and Malone is at Meredith. Her husband is still practicing and she is still teaching yoga and Pilates. She hopes to get a much-needed visit with Margaret Taylor Kendrick and Nancy Brooks Newlon. Catherine Winfield Pfeiffer says that "The Radical Women," AKA - Emily Winfield Bondy, Nancy Brooks Newlon and Margaret Taylor Kendrick - will get together this summer to celebrate their 40 years of friendship. Her daughter, Anna, her oldest, has her PharmD from UNC and is now living in Lexington, Kentucky, for a two-year residency program. Her son, Charles, has his master’s in public administration and is currently working as a land surveyor. Emily, her youngest, is living in Miami. Torrey Moss Munford is still living in Richmond, Virginia. I sent out an email to our class asking them what all they were doing during the COVID-19 epidemic and these are a few of their answers. Beth Mann has been streaming Julia Child's old shows. Martina Scifries Jennings is headed to her lake house for the husband and dogs. Ellen Fussell Policastro has been hanging with her cats. No rehearsals of any kind. She has had some virtual chorus rehearsals on Zoom. Ellen said it was wonderful. They rehearsed for about two hours and then had a happy hour together. Ann Scott Arthur has cleaned out a couple of closets, file drawers and piles on her desk. Ashley Richardson Allen has been doing lots of yard work, many long walks, cleaning out closets and her attic. Ashley also unwinds and relaxes with needlepoint. She is working on some needlepoint Christmas ornaments. Jeannie Teasley Kyle is still working at her real estate business. She says she can do a lot of it virtually and remotely when needed. She is also reading every James Patterson book, watching Frankie and Grace, cleaning closets, walking and riding bikes, and cooking to name a few. Margaret McGlohon is spending her time in West Rock, working away each day. They have postponed all the spring events. Margaret will miss seeing the alumnae while on the road and especially those reunion classes. She just finished reading The Dutch House. She also missed the NCAA basketball. Mary Jeannette Mardre Moseley says she is slammed at their little hospital. They have been testing for the virus daily. They have made lots of adjustments including turning six of their regular rooms
into mini ICU rooms. She is also reading lots of books. Allyson Edwards Greene has been taking lots of walks every day with their Scottish terrier, Johnnie Walker. She has been occupied with learning how to move her tutoring students online, which she has never done before. She said there is a learning curve but she was up for the challenge. Allyson tutors dyslexic kids who cannot afford to take much time off. Her two kids are on the front lines of the crisis. Her son is a doctor at the University of Chicago Hospital and has described what he has seen as "terrifying." Her daughter is an ER nurse at NY Columbia Presbyterian Children's Hospital. Allyson is very worried about both of her children. Gwyn Cooley Pearce has been spending her time during the epidemic making her custom jewelry. Jennifer Collins has large animals, horses and dogs. Saint Mary’s friends gathered in February for the marriage of Heather Gibson Harmon ’93HS ’95C. Pictured at the She has been outside on a daily reception from left to right: Susan Young Maddux ’93HS ’95C, Stacy Smith Sanders ’95C, Nancy Mercer Johnson ’93HS, basis exercising her animals. Mary Laurie Deatherage Cram ’93HS ’95C, Jennifer Locke McCann ’97C, Lisa Coleman Harmon ’72C, Elizabeth Blackwood Wilcox Myers is attempting to ’93HS, Alison Wilkes Thomas ’93HS ’95C, Claudia Bishop Stubbs ’93HS, Robin White Mangum ’94C, Joanna Odere Dunn ’93HS, Brooke Ramos Singletary ’93HS ’95C, Carolyn Coleman Beale ’76C; standing, middle: Clay Harmon, Heather work from home. Mary works for a Gibson Harmon ’93HS ’95C, Sally Howell Donaldson ’94C, Mary Pat Phillips Radford ’94C. state park, so there is not much to do since they are closed. Dudley Hanes Faison writes that she, too, is taking many walks, cooking, working puzzles, coloring an assortment of coloring books, and HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL playing with friends. Emily Winfield Bondy has Molly Brooks writes from Aspen, Colorado, Rebecca Pace ’85HS been gardening, cooking, and walking. Kara “Trying to stay positive in these trying times! I’m Hello classmates! Hope y'all are doing well. I Campbell has been needlepointing during the organizing on all fronts, cooking, working on didn't hear from anyone other than Sabra Kea epidemic. She also offered to help some of fitness and staying healthy. Having college ‘kids’ Green, who said she didn't have much to report, our classmates with any cosmetic products back home under one roof, probably for the last and Anita Mehta Sartin ’85HS ’87C. Anita she sells. Ruth E. Perry Holding says that she time, is an unexpected benefit.” has been working part time for a non-profit lives around the corner from their grandsons organization, Alamance Citizens for Education, Freeman and Royall (16 months and six weeks as their classroom closet coordinator. “I enjoy old). Mimi is her grandmother name. She COLLEGE seeing teachers, principals, and packing school and Frank have been hosting the older child Robbins Warrington Bobbitt ’81HS ’83C lives supplies and delivering to Alamance County (Freeman) to spend the night most nights at her in Pittsburgh and says, “Real estate keeps me schools! I continue to enjoy gardening and house. She says Freeman is a blessing but he is a very busy. My oldest son, Wesley, is engaged taking long walks with my Australian shepherd, busy guy, so after he goes to bed, she and Frank to be married. My daughter, Winnie, is in her Gracie.” I think none of us has much to report watch TV and then go to bed themselves. Ruth second year of college and son Brian is also after being required to stay at home. I was sad E. has been trying to learn to play bridge, so she working in real state. I try to stay active and that our reunion was cancelled. I was looking is now learning online. I have been doing most get back to Raleigh to see family and friends a forward to going and then getting on a plane that of the things that everyone else has been doing, couple times per year.” Betsy Coley Fralin says, night to join my mother in the Netherlands to cooking, cleaning out closets, reading, doing “I miss all of my SMC friends and hope everyone celebrate the 75th anniversary of the liberation puzzles. My boys have been here for several is doing okay during this very scary time. I of the Dutch on May 5. She lived in The Hague weeks and will finish out their junior year at continue to work at Main Street Homes (seven and they were one of the last to be liberated in home and doing online classes. Allison years now) and love it. We live in the same Europe, considering VE Day was May 8. I hope neighborhood as Marion Dudley Halladay and that by the time you read this, your families are her husband, Clark, and see them often. My well, your businesses are thriving once again, oldest is a third-year law student at University and your children are complaining about going of Richmond. Grace is in her first year at back to school. I'm thinking of all of you! Enjoy Bon Secours nursing school, and Virginia is a the outdoors in this lovely spring and summer fourth-year student at University of Virginia, and soak up some Vitamin D! Looking forward majoring in public health. She is staying at UVA to seeing you next year for our 35th + 1 reunion! for another year to get her master’s in global Rebecca public health—fitting for the times.”
1983
1985
1983
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CLASS NEWS 1985
COLLEGE Allison Brown Taber lives in Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, where she works as a designer and wholesale buyer and her husband is a geologist. Son August (18) plans to study coastal engineering at UNC-Wilmington in the fall. Son Slate (15) is a freshman in high school.
1987
COLLEGE Chrissy Bolin Rand ’87C Hello classmates! Happy summer! I hope everyone is well. I missed hearing from many of you, but it makes sense considering we’ve been in the thick of the pandemic, hunkering down with our loved ones, watching the news, venturing out in face masks only for food runs. Lots of yard work, long walks, and yoga. And praying for a vaccine. Praying for ourselves and loved ones to stay safe in those scary times. Some of us were planning graduations, weddings, parties, and vacations that got put on hold or just plain canceled. Anita Mehta Sartin ’85HS ’87C wrote to say she has been working part time for a non-profit organization, Alamance Citizens for Education, as their classroom closet coordinator. “I enjoy seeing teachers, principals, and packing school supplies and delivering to Alamance County schools! I continue to enjoy gardening and taking long walks with my Australian shepherd, Gracie.” Thanks for writing in, Anita! So, now that it’s summer, I hope we’re all enjoying the sunshine, our families, and counting our blessings more than ever. And hey, girls, send your updates next year! Chrissy
1991
COLLEGE Gina Hamill Donahoo ’91C The Alumnae Office has learned from Mr. and Mrs. Bob Chambers, that their daughter, Beth Chambers, died Nov. 6, 2018, as a result of a car accident. Beth is survived by her two sons, Samuel Chambers Murray and William Alexander Murray of Griffin, Ga., her parents, a sister, and two brothers. Saint Mary’s extends condolences to Beth’s family.
1993
HIGH SCHOOL Claudia Bishop Stubbs ’93HS Greetings, my fellow Saint Mary’s girls! Pany Seyed Allen writes, “Joe and I celebrated our 20th year anniversary last July. It’s hard to believe we met at the steps of Smedes 27 years ago! I may have been there for only one year (accelerated college freshman program) before heading to N.C. State, but that year made a big imprint on my heart and life forever. Sons Joseph and Jaden are 15 and 12 (in May) and still love to play soccer. It consumed our weekends and evenings, so now we are enjoying the calm and family dinners during this time at home. It won’t
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be long before they are off to college, so we look at this as a blessing to be together. I hope everyone is safe and healthy and look forward to seeing everyone at a reunion in the future.” Cameron Dixon Currie writes, “We continue to live in Annapolis, Maryland. Mackenzie is finishing her first year in high school, while Tyler is finishing his first-grade year. I am working in my 18th year as a dietitian, in a nephrologist’s office, as well as for the Navy. Mackenzie has stayed busy up until the quarantine with her musicals, and Tyler with his sports, but Jason and I were thrilled for Mackenzie and Tyler to be in their first play together in December at The Colonial Players Theatre in Annapolis. We hope to take the kids to New Zealand in the next year or so to visit family, as soon as it is considered safe to travel again!” Amy Honeycutt Hal ’93HS ’95C writes, “Hoping everyone is staying healthy. Caroline (16) and Jonathan (14) are keeping me busy. Our renovation of a house in Raleigh is almost complete but we are enjoying time at Atlantic Beach during the construction. Hoping to see everyone at the reunion to catch up.” Michelle Oppegaard writes, “Working from home is challenging for a real estate agent! But I’m having a lot of fun with everyone home. We are cleaning out, going through pictures and forgotten boxes of stuff from previous generations. Eric Michael is 19 and in the paramedic program at Wake Tech, which he loves. He has been doing clinicals at different hospitals and confessed his favorite so far was the pediatric ICU. Anna is a sophomore at Saint Mary’s and is being a trouper with all of the virtual learning and online classes. She enjoys being able to at least see all of her friends in class. Jose and I are helping his oldest daughter plan her upcoming wedding in Asheville this fall. Fingers crossed that it goes off without a hitch! Hope everyone is staying well and safe, and much love from our house to yours!” Heather Gibson Harmon ’93HS ’95C writes, “This year is definitely one for the memory books. I got married at Saint Mary’s Chapel to Claiborne Harmon. He was not completely new to understanding the SMS family as his mom, Lisa Coleman Harmon ’72C, is also an SMS alumna, along with his aunts. It was such a special occasion having three generations of my SMS friends and family there to witness our nuptials. Who knew the reception would end up being our only reunion this year due to COVID-19. Hope everyone is staying safe!” Katherine Mitchell writes, “I’m now a remote teacher! It’s been interesting and very busy! Thankful that my family is well! Emily is in seventh grade now, and we still live in Raleigh.” Jennifer Boleman Ford writes, “I’m still managing communications for a technology division of Bank of America and have tried to adapt to the new norm of working from home while helping our three kids (ages 15, 13, and 9) with their online school. In fact, they love not having to get up at 6 a.m. every day. But it’s hard to manage a workload
and ensure all of the kids get their work done. Wine is helping! BC (Before COVID), our family was looking forward to an exciting spring and summer where we would spend our weekday nights and weekends at baseball fields and gymnastics meet arenas. But we are now trying to look at the positive of the five of us eating dinners together, playing board games, and exercising together. Our daughter is leading our family conditioning exercise classes in the garage, using her gymnastics experience. This slower pace of life has given me time to connect with my Saint Mary’s friends via texts and video calls - and that has been a blessing. My favorite memory of being a senior is locking arms with my friends and singing the school song in the Chapel.” As for me, Claudia, life has been full of changes this past year. We finally moved into a bigger house this past fall. It was bittersweet, as we were in our previous home for over 13 years. We are still in Richmond - only about two miles from where we previously lived. We just needed more space! It has been an adventure, as our new house is almost 100 years old. I love older homes, but they are definitely a labor of love. James (12) started middle school at Collegiate in the fall. John Bayley (9) is finishing his third grade year. Sarah Claxton (3) is still the happiest little sidekick ever. We are all adjusting to our new normal during the coronavirus quarantine. It was nice to spend a few weeks at the beach at the beginning. It is hard some days to all coexist with school, work, and not being able to go anywhere or see friends. We have been enjoying a much slower pace of life though. I hope that my children will look back on this time as an adventure and be grateful for memories that we were able to create as a family. I am so glad that I was able to attend Heather Gibson’s wedding in February. It was a great evening full of love and celebration. It was so special for there to be so many Saint Mary’s girls there and we even got to be seated in the front of the Chapel during the ceremony. It is ironic that a time of such extreme isolation can actually lead to stronger relationships, closer bonds, and more time spent with friends. I know that I have had much more face to face (albeit on the computer) time with friends in the past few weeks than I have probably had since college. I will look back on this time and be grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with my friends, family, husband, and children. Of course, I can’t help but look forward to the time when I can see all of my SMS girls in person and give each of you the BIGGEST HUG EVER and knowing me, there will probably even be tears too. Until then, all my love and prayers to everyone! XOXO, Claudia Bishop Stubbs
ALUMNAE SHOUT OUTS HEATHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 Saint Mary’s salutes our alumnae making a difference in the fight against COVID-19! Whether serving on the front lines in our hospitals and senior living communities or making masks at home to help stop the spread, Saint Mary’s alumnae are doing their part. Thank you!
Marion Yates Schiff '97HS
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CLASS NEWS
The best laid plans of 2020 brides and grooms! Grand plans for the marriage of Betsy Church ’09 to Dan Bula in Saint Mary’s Chapel were dashed by COVID-19, so the couple married in the backyard of the bride’s parents in Raleigh, John and Emory Rogers Church ’74C, with immediate family in attendance on their original wedding date, March 28, 2020.
1995
COLLEGE Tate Tattersall Garrison ’95C Class of '95C! Liz Spratt Cooper lives in Washington, D.C., and owns an interior design business, Art & Design Partners. She and her husband, plus two daughters, have quarantined at the beach in South Carolina for a while. Her older daughter is finishing out her middle school career online, and Liz cannot believe she’s entering high school in the fall: just a few years away from the age Liz was when she came to Saint Mary’s. Scary thought! Younger daughter Hayes is similarly finishing out her elementary years online and entering middle school in the fall. “Seeing them build strong friendships through the year reminds me of the wonderful bonds and experiences I had at school. Miss my SMC days! Hope you are safe and well.” Amy Honeycutt Hall ’93HS ’95C writes, “Hoping everyone is staying healthy. Caroline (16) and Jonathan (14) are keeping me busy. Our renovation of a house in Raleigh is almost complete but we are enjoying time at Atlantic Beach during the construction. Hoping to see everyone at the reunion to catch up.” Heather Gibson says 2020 is definitely one for the memory books. She was married this year in Saint Mary’s Chapel to Claiborne Harmon. He was not completely new to understanding the
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SMS family. His mom, Lisa Coleman Harmon ’72C, is also an SMS alumna, along with his aunts. Heather says it was such a special occasion having three generations of her SMS friends and family there to witness their nuptials. “Who knew the reception would end up being our only reunion this year due to COVID-19.” Heather hopes everyone is staying safe and wants us to know you are in in her thoughts and prayers, as is the entire SMS community. In closing, I share the same sentiments. The year 2020 has brought a great deal of struggle and uncertainty. Our worlds, our communities, and Saint Mary’s have paused. There will be no school, no reunions, no graduations. There is truly not one soul on our planet who has not been altered by the effects of this global pandemic. My hope is you are well, taking care of yourself, your family, and your community. In this world of constant and immediate updates, our old traditional means seem to have taken a back seat. Maybe this is the time we all stop and reflect upon the days at 900 Hillsborough Street. Let’s remember how we gathered each Wednesday in Chapel, ate every meal together in the dining hall, and laughed and loved together in every way imaginable. If you have a moment, pause and remember our time there together. She stands strong, just as she has since 1842. We will get through this. All my best, Tate
We build our school on Thee, O Lord; To Thee we bring our common need; The loving heart, the helpful word, The tender thought, the kindly deed. We work together in Thy sight, We live together in Thy love; Guide Thou our falt’ring steps aright, And lift our thoughts to heaven above. Hold Thou each hand to keep it just, Touch Thou our lips and make them pure; If Thou art with us, Lord, we must Be faithful friends and comrades sure. We change, but Thou art still the same, The same good Master, Teacher, Friend; We change; but Lord, we bear Thy Name, To journey with it to the end. AMEN Sebastian W. Meyer 1908 (words) Russell Broughton (music)
2001
Louise Beasley Warenda ’01 Clara Wortham Robinson lives in Wilmington with her husband, Stuart, and two children, Emma (6) and Stuart Wesley II (4). She is still working in the coronary ICU as an RN but has just graduated with her MSN as a family nurse practitioner. Working in an ICU and graduating during the pandemic has been stressful. She hopes everyone is safe and healthy. Jennifer Maupin Alexander enjoys volunteering at WakeMed several times a month as a cuddler in the NICU. She also continues to speak at bereavement training sessions for new chaplains and nurses. This February, her family enjoyed a trip to Costa Rica with Marguerite (9). They went zip lining, rafting, and loved seeing the sloths and toucans. Marguerite has loved her third grade teacher at St. David’s, LeAnn Earp Hirt ’97HS. Branch (4) will be in pre-K at St. Michael’s this fall. Liz Dodd Sherrod is still working as assistant general counsel for the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. In January, she was honored to be recognized as one of Knoxville’s 40 Under 40 in business for 2020. Liz recently had an amazing chance reunion with Lindsey Bryant while they both happened to be in Austin, Texas. It made her excited to see more faces at our 20-year reunion next year. Kathryn Calder Barmore welcomed a new baby on April 28, 2020. His name is Henry Edward Barmore. Amanda Baker Harris and George welcomed their first child, a son, Burns Ellsworth Harris, born August 2019. Louise Beasley Warenda: our family was happy to welcome our new daughter and sister, Emily Grace Warenda, on May 17, 2019.
2005
Ila Walker Bittner is taking a year-long break from her Class Secretary duties this year but reports, “Robbie and I welcomed our daughter, Brinn Louise (SMS Class of 2038?!) into our family on February 13. Bear is the sweetest big brother and loves his little sister! We also finally finished our new house and moved in midMarch.”
2007
Elizabeth Lowder ’07 Caroline Donaldson lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Ephraim. Caroline gave birth to a baby girl named Louise last July. If the total collapse of the economy is magically avoided, she too could be a Saint Mary's girl! Speaking of future Saints, last year Morgan Gibbs Sobin gave birth to beautiful Haddie Rose Sobin, May 31, 2019. This past spring she officially adopted a son, named Ethan, who will turn eight in the fall. In the past year, Ashley Smith Clark has adopted two more boys, giving her and her husband a full house of five children. Throughout the quarantine in the spring, she logged a lot of hours on Disney+, so if y’all
need any suggestions or recommendations, she’s your girl! On June 29, 2019, Elizabeth Behar Powell married her husband Matt, surrounded by several of her fellow Saint Mary’s classmates. The couple plans to move to Atlanta in the coming months for Matt to attend the Emory University M.B.A. program. Katherine Bridges finished her M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina in December of 2019 and now lives in Charleston, South Carolina. Blair Mikels Baker and her husband still live in Beaufort, North Carolina, helping clients with window treatments and interior design at the beach. Their greatest joy by far was welcoming a daughter, Mary Charles, in August of 2019. Helen Johnson is finishing up year 5/7 of surgery residency, but has spent less time in the operating room lately due to the pandemic. She has cherished time at home with her two children, Luke (5) and Miriam (2), husband Marvin, and cat Murphy. Samantha Vaillancourt finally completed her four-year career change in December 2019 when she graduated from UNC - Chapel Hill's physician assistant program. She began her first job as a urology PA over the summer. Nancy Vander Veer is in New York City and is the female voice for the new Duolingo Latin course and wrote most of the sentences in the first three. Also in New York City, Capel Kane Brendel and husband Ross welcomed the birth of their first child, Clara Evan Brendel, on March 3, 2020. On the other coast, Katherine Phillips was recently published in Curbed and currently lives in Los Angeles. She had a beautiful wedding planned with her fiancé, Ivan, but the couple has decided to postpone due to the coronavirus pandemic. Margaret Cheatham Williams and her husband, Frank Driscoll, moved to San Francisco from New York City within the past year. Margaret Cheatham freelances for documentary films, and runs her own fine art photography collection called Moxie’s Daughter. Janna Weaver Cyrus and her husband welcomed their first child, Leo Alexander Cyrus on October 5, 2019. He weighed seven pounds, two ounces, and was 20 inches long. After moving from Los Angeles to Orange County, they plan to ultimately move into their dream home, which is being built in San Juan Capistrano. (For those counting at home, it’s been nine moves in nine years!) Emily Long Melvin is enjoying life in Wake Forest, raising her daughter, Catherine, and staying in touch with fellow classmates. Meredith Vaughn Savill lives in Cary, where she’s working from home (as a precaution due to the pandemic) alongside her 17-month old and her husband. Culbreth Jones Ferla and her husband, Joe, welcomed a little boy, Jude Ferla into the world on June 25, 2019. Culbreth is enjoying mom life and working as a graphic designer. This spring, Maria Slater married Mario Garza Cienfuegos, and the couple currently lives in Greensboro. Maria recently acquired a new job at Elon Law. Jennifer
O’Neill Mestril and her husband, Sebastian, are soaking up life as new parents with the recent arrival of their daughter, Tilly Renee Mestril, born on April 19, 2020. Amy MacGill Yarbrough and her husband, Will, had a daughter, Frances Claiborne Yarbrough, on April 16, 2020. Mary Katherine Perry Phillips has returned to her roots and lives in Goldsboro with her husband and son. She bought a children’s boutique called La Petite in Kinston. (Call MK if you need the latest fashion for your little ones!) Recently, Hanna Johns started a new job with a design/ build firm. She’s currently studying for architect licensure and filling up a second passport. Take us with you on your next trip, Hanna! In Charlotte, Annie Sellers Greene and her husband delightfully welcomed their first child, James Garrison Greene, into the world, April 30, 2020. Also in the Queen City, Cathleen Beal Hipp and her husband, Thomas, welcomed the arrival of their first baby in May. As for me, Elizabeth Lowder, I’m still living in Birmingham, Alabama, and open for visitors any time. Each spring, I love catching up with y’all and it reminds me of the incredibly special bond we formed during our years at Saint Mary’s.
2009
Betsy Church Bula ’09 Mary Stewart Bailey lives in Raleigh, with Watson, her 2-year-old lab! Arrington Clark Caison married John Caison in December 2018. They live in Chicago, where she works for an art auction house called Hindman Auctions. Mary Southgate Dickson lives in downtown Raleigh and works at Personify. Elle Fulenwider Engstrom lives in Morganton, with her husband, Eric. They had their first child, Sara Frances Joella Engstrom, in October 2019. Jessie Gonia Hatfield celebrated her second wedding anniversary in April. She and her husband, Mike, are enjoying life in Charleston, South Carolina, with their sheepadoodle! Brianna Horn gave birth to her son, Kai Thomas Crews, on April 22, 2019. After Kai was born, she made the decision to leave her hospital job so that she could stay home with him. She now works from home very part time as a nurse consultant for a group of long-term care facilities. She’s so grateful to be able to spend these early years home with her son. Perri Kritz Hoyt lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband, Matt. Their daughter, Ava Parker Hoyt, was born on April 17, 2020. Perri says that as first-time parents, they are over the moon! Emma Carol Lewis reports that she’s still living the dream in Raleigh! Maggie Liebowitz moved from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to San Diego. She took a job as wine sales representative for Jackson Family Wines (Kendall Jackson and La Crema). She says this is a dream job for her! She also passed her Certified Sommelier exam and the wine and spirits Trust Level 3 Award in wines in the last couple of years. She’s so excited that her younger sister, Isabel, starts at
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CLASS NEWS Saint Mary’s in the fall! Katherine Lochbaum is a kindergarten teacher at Douglas Elementary in Raleigh. Betsy Bryan Mandl celebrated two years of marriage in April! She and her husband, Michael, just moved Charlotte. They bought a house and are getting settled in the Queen City. Laura Medlin graduated from UNC Law School in May. She’s excited to start work at Barringer Sasser, LLP in Cary after she takes the bar. Sara Bailey Stocks Pate moved to Raleigh with her husband, Kep, and their toddler, Henry. She still works for VMware, but Kep took a new job at Forest Hills Baptist Church, just 1.5 miles from Saint Mary’s. She says they’re glad to be back! Ferebee Frazier Plyler lives in Raleigh with her husband, Will. They had a baby girl, Marian, in May 2019. Tess Wells graduated pharmacy school in May 2019 and will finish her residency at the Salisbury VA this summer. She lives with her boyfriend and two adopted pups, and hopes
to find a job in the VA somewhere in North Carolina. Sara Williamson teaches second grade and lives in Raleigh. I married Dan Bula on March 28, 2020. We had to postpone our wedding celebration to a later date due to COVID-19, but we're so thankful we were able to officially tie the knot in my parents’ backyard with our immediate families present. It was the sweetest day! I live in Charlotte, and work for GitLab, an all-remote software company. I hope this class news finds all of your families and loved ones safe and healthy. Love to all of you! xoxo, Betsy Church Bula
2011
Elizabeth Ann Carson Blair ’11 Olivia Barwick lives and works in Charlotte. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her kitten, “Fran.” Rebecca Behar lives and works in Chicago and is looking forward to the
Alumnae Instagram @saintmarysalumnae
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prospect of moving to a new city, or back home to North Carolina soon. Eliza Brinkley has just completed her second year of teaching high school English and journalism at Northwood High School in Pittsboro. She lives in Chapel Hill and enjoys seeing her SMS friends when they're in Raleigh or planning weekend visits. Sally Cann Holmes and her husband, Michael, live in Mobile, Alabama. Sally is working as a medical assistant at an orthopedic clinic. Elizabeth Carson lives in Charlotte, and works for Charlotte Lucas Interior Design. She and William B. Blair were married in November 2019. Louise Mann Clement Dull is still loving teaching pre-kindergarten for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and seeing all the SMS friends who live in Charlotte! Caroline Collie recently moved back to Raleigh and is working for First Horizon Bank. She has enjoyed being home and helping with the Saint Mary’s capital campaign. Léa Dickinson is living in Washington, D.C., where she graduated in May from The George Washington University Law School. Virginia Fulenwider resides in Morganton, North Carolina, and is enjoying work, her family, and two dogs. She and husband Bobby Edwards celebrated their marriage in January 2020! Millie Fulk moved to Charlotte and is continuing her practice as a Registered Nurse in the pediatric emergency room at the trauma center at Levine Children’s Hospital. Sarah Randall Fuqua works for McGuireWoods law firm in Charlotte. Rachel Harper is graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine this year and starting her residency in ob/gyn at USC in July. Hanna Moore Harris and her husband, Edgerton, welcomed the birth of their beautiful son, Henry. Lizzie Jenkins graduated from Washington and Lee University law school and works in Raleigh. Elizabeth Kerns Roberts married Matson Lamar Roberts, Jr., September 21, 2019 in Richmond, Virginia, where they now live. Elizabeth works in marketing for a local law firm. She is excited to see all of her classmates at the reunion next year! Sidney Milholen Kinsella lives in Charlotte, enjoying life with her husband and daughter, Caroline. Farah Mohiuddin currently works as a business manager for the experienced and campus recruitment group at Credit Suisse. She resides in Manhattan with her boyfriend, David, and their cat, Luna. Torie Ness lives and works in Washington, D.C. She is a policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but amazingly cannot keep her houseplants alive. Maggie Pearce Dill is teaching elementary school in Chapel Hill and recently purchased a home in Durham with her husband, Parker. Sallie Bailey Plumley lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, Charlie. She owns and operates her own woodworking business where she creates custom, handcrafted, hardwood furniture and gifts. Stiles Rader currently resides in Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, working as the associate program director for the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Stiles splits her year
between working in North Carolina and Patagonia, Argentina, for Outward Bound. Stiles also worked in Mexico this winter for Esprit Whitewater. Having the Saint Mary’s 9th graders at Outward Bound is always a highlight of the spring! Anderson Stark recently moved back to Raleigh. She enjoys being close to home, her college and SMS friends, and spending time outdoors with her dog, Murphy. Haley Finn graduated from University of Dayton School of Law in May and planned to return to North Carolina to practice immigration law.
2013
Catherine Carter ’13 Catherine Carter is keeping busy with her store, The Gatorbug, located in Atlantic Beach. Catherine is opening her second location in Raleigh, at Midtown East, on May 15, 2020. Catherine does not sleep much these days but loves the challenges and fun it brings! Catherine has enjoyed being the Class of 2013 Class Secretary and keeping up with her classmates! Gini Todd Brink, works as an inpatient rehabilitation coordinator. She started her master's in public health promotion in October and is loving it. Gini is celebrating her three-year anniversary in the Army and her husband just celebrated his eighth! Sylvia Weir Lee, and her husband Clint, just welcomed their first child. Genevieve Rose Lee was born on January 25, 2020 and is a giggling sixmonth old!
2015
Hayley Scialdone ’15 Kayla Gwaltney ’15 Kayla Gwaltney and Hayley Scialdone are once again so happy to hear from our classmates and take time to catch up in these crazy times! Although our first reunion has been postponed until next year, we are thankful for the girls who sent in updates so that we can reunite through paper! Kayla graduated from James Madison University in May 2019 and took a trip throughout Europe with a friend from college before settling down in Kitty Hawk until October to work at Brew Thru. On January 1, she headed to Malaysia for her year as a Fulbright Grantee and was placed in a beautiful beach town called Dungun on the east coast of the country. Unfortunately, her time was cut short due to COVID-19 and she was evacuated in the beginning of March. Luckily, she was able to get in touch with Teach For America and will be teaching elementary school in a to-bedetermined location in Eastern North Carolina in the fall! Hayley graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in May 2019 and then spent the summer with Kayla at the beach. She is currently living in New York City, working as a junior UX/UI designer at an agency specializing in luxury fashion e-commerce. She particularly enjoys exploring the city with Kendall Hamilton on the weekends! Augusta Moran finished her
first year at Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh. After graduating from RandolphMacon College in Ashland, Virginia, in 2019, she continues to remain active in the alumni community and serves as a board member on the Young Alumni Board. While at Campbell, Augusta has gotten involved in several organizations, including serving as a tour guide and as the secretary-elect of Women in Law. During the spring semester, she also was a member of the Campbell Law Innocence Project, which partners with the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence to review, investigate, and make recommendations on criminal cases in North Carolina. For the summer of 2020, she is working as a legal intern at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. After Bailey Ham’s last summer working at Camp Seafarer, she moved back to Washington, D.C., to work full time for Headfirst Summer Camps. As an operations associate, she hires staff, trains staff, and prepares all equipment for the six sites across the DMV area. Additionally, she acts as the site director for the National Cathedral summer campus. Liddy Blincow graduated from Clemson with a bachelor’s of science in nursing in December 2019. She passed the NCLEX in February and became a Registered Nurse. She is working in Charlotte as a hematology/oncology acute care and high acuity nurse at Atrium Health. Wild time to start a nursing career but she’s surviving! Grayson Rodriguez is pursuing a Ph.D. in immunology at Stanford University. She was recently awarded both the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the Stanford Graduate Fellowship in science and engineering, in support of her research. Alice Gaddis is a seasonal worker, employed as a raft guide in the summer at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Western North Carolina and she works in winter for Sun Valley Resort in Idaho as a ski instructor. She will be attending Idaho State University in the fall to pursue a degree in outdoor education. Lucy Mae Rascoe graduated from the University of South Carolina in May 2019 and moved to Charlotte. She is living with Maddy Sullivan and loves spending time with SMS girls in the area! Maddy Sullivan graduated from Elon University this past May and has since started a two-year associates degree in interior design in Charlotte. She has been thrilled to take on the Queen City with some of her SMS besties, Lucy Mae Rascoe, Grier Paulson, Liddy Blincow, Anna Carson Buckthal, and Sarah Boyce. Grier Paulson lives in Charlotte and works for a sports events organizing firm called QuintEvents. She loves her job but is not loving quarantine! She hopes everybody is staying safe and healthy! Morgan Seidel graduated from College of Charleston in May with B.S. in biology. After graduation, she served as the Kids on Point summer program director. After completion of the summer, she started an internship at Thorne Research,
within their quality assurance department, working specifically on the stability of the products. She later accepted a job as an inside sales representative to continue her role at Thorne. In addition to working at Thorne, she also serves on the Young Advisory Board for Kids on Point. Sophia Buehrer has been living in Saumur, a small town in the Loire Valley of France. She works for the TAPIF program as an English language assistant at a high school and middle school. She plans to move to New York City this summer to start graduate school at NYU in the French literature doctoral program as a MacCracken Fellow. Hannah Cheney just finished her fifth year at Northeastern University, where she received a master's in international business and previously completed a bachelor's in international business with two minors in international affairs and Spanish and a concentration in marketing. She is currently seeking employment in her areas of study, as well as corporate social responsibility, and looks forward to her next opportunity. Anna Carson Buckthal moved to Charlotte after graduating from Wake Forest University and accepted a job at Luquire George Andrews, which is a public relations and advertising agency located in South Park. She works on the client services side and loves working with her co-workers and clients. Hannah Groover is pursuing her degree part time at Meredith College, living in Raleigh with her pup, and has been working as a nanny for the same five kids for almost three years. She also works as a behavioral therapist specializing in working with young children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She works a good deal with the greater community in Raleigh providing services and aid to the homeless population struggling with substance abuse issues. Life is busy, and life is good! Maryanne Martini is working for a political consulting firm where she runs political campaigns and handles communications for the South Carolina House Republican Caucus in Columbia. Relia Monk is working as a medical scribe at a pediatric clinic in Charlotte and just found out that she has been accepted to UNC Medical School for next year! Congratulations, Relia! Kendall Hamilton is enjoying her time in grad school at Columbia University. She loves living in New York City and hanging out with Hayley Scialdone. Kendall is looking forward to interning at ViacomCBS with MTV/VH1 this summer. Abigail Ueland in lives San Francisco. She loves her new city and enjoys meeting new people, going on hikes, and trying new restaurants with friends. She is working as an analyst at Facebook. Her team works on everything from strategizing how to prevent the spread of misinformation on Facebook and Instagram to keeping the two platforms “safe” and everything in between. She misses all her UNC and Saint Mary’s friends but loves when people are able to visit her on the West Coast! Sarah Boyce has enjoyed working
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CLASS NEWS as a client business coordinator at Wray Ward, an advertising and marketing agency in Charlotte. She loves being around other SMS alumnae who have moved to Charlotte in the past year! Although she is sad that our class could not be together in April for our five-year reunion, she looks forward to the next opportunity to see everyone. Anna Gray Stallings is still attending East Carolina University. She is on track to graduate this December! Thank you again to everyone who sent us updates and we hope that everyone is keeping the strength and positivity of true Saint Mary’s girls with them in these uncertain times!
2017
Sophia Abatangelo ’17 Though the circumstances for this update are unusual, one constant in my life is that I continue to be impressed by and proud of my Saint Mary’s classmates. Like many college students, I am currently back home, navigating online classes and social distancing. This summer, I will be interning, perhaps remotely, for a technology startup based out of Lake Tahoe. I hope that all my fellow Saints, along with their friends and families, are staying safe and sane during this time. Thank goodness for Facetime! Bailey Griffin is busy studying political science and environmental studies. In line with her memorable junior speech, she writes for and promotes the University of Wisconsin-
Madison’s student-run music magazine, Emmie, as a staff writer and social media director. Zoe Haynes recently started her position as a coordinator for the Howard University Elementary Mentor Program. This summer, she plans to work at Stanford as a clinical intern studying anesthesiology. When she is not under “stay at home” orders, Leann Kelly is a Young Life leader in Auburn’s Opelika area, majoring in human development and family studies with a concentration in adolescence. Still a Spanish scholar, she also plans to minor in the language. Mary Hannah Sigmon has continued to work as a student athletic trainer for the N.C. State football team and is approaching her last fall season supporting the Pack. Hannah Ueland has loved her time at Notre Dame studying “a little bit of everything!” She is double majoring
SAINT MARY’S PROUD As part of a legacy of generations of women who have benefitted from a Saint Mary’s experience and gone on to live lives of purpose and intention, Saint Mary’s alumnae stand tall and proud from coast to coast and continent to continent. Here are some ways you can show your pride for your alma mater and inspire others about Saint Mary’s:
• Include Saint Mary’s on your resume or whenever you are listing or discussing your education. • Remember to wear that beautiful Saint Mary’s ring. • Get some Saint Mary’s gear at our school store, shop1842, and wear it often. • Send Saint Mary’s your news so we can share it with others. We love to hear about your personal and professional aspirations, achievements, and milestones. • Mentor a Saint Mary’s student through an internship. • Like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn • Keep the Alumnae Office apprised of your current contact information. • Attend your Reunion Weekend.
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Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
in history and pre-medicine and minoring in business economics. Outside of the classroom, she spends her time working with the Junior Class Council to plan events and the Student International Business Council to co-direct the consulting branch. She is looking forward to working at Huron Consulting Group in Chicago this summer, in their healthcare consulting division, and hopes that “everyone is happy and healthy!” Hope Voelkel spent last fall studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, on the same program as fellow Saint Mary’s classmate, Anna Allen. Hope loved seeing Croatia, Morocco, Italy, the Netherlands, and Denmark and cherished travelling to Madrid with her mother, Marcy Everett Voelkel ’87C. This semester, Hope enjoyed a few weeks being back in Chapel Hill before the coronavirus hit and is now “keeping up with my fellow Saints on social media during this time of social distancing.” Lilah Wilfong has been social distancing at Boston College. Ever the athlete, she used her ample time to walk a marathon in under eight hours. Last fall, she,
Lindsey Schneider, Emilie Hoke, and Grace Fricke all found themselves in Copenhagen, Denmark, on their studies abroad.
2019
Lily Katherine Nuckolls ’19 This has been an exciting year of new beginnings for the Saint Mary’s School Class of 2019. It’s hard to believe that our freshman year of college is complete! Ansley Adzema, Hannah Sherman, and Maddison Wooten are all Chi-Omegas at UNC-Chapel Hill. Cammie Griffin is also attending UNC, where she is a volunteer swim instructor for underprivileged youth in the greater Chapel Hill area. Kendall Jennings and Emma Rose McCune attend Elon University and are members of their Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. Bridget Sullivan is also at Elon and joined Phi Mu. Lily Katherine Nuckolls attends Rhodes College and is a Kappa Delta. Sadie McAuley goes to Wofford College and is a Zeta. Rim Metina-Belknap attends McGill University in Montreal, Quebec,
Canada, where she participated in the march against climate change led by Greta Thunberg. Lilly Beth Glenn is a Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Alabama. Parker Pope attends N.C. State University and joined Zeta Tau Alpha. Parker serves as her sorority’s risk reduction and education chairman. Grey Pittman attends Meredith College, and says that she loves seeing Madison Nash and Phagan Hudson around campus. Sarah Scott Woolard has moved back to Raleigh as a junior development manager at Dewitt Carolinas. She is continuing to take classes at East Carolina University online, through their construction management program. Sarah Scott has also added another furry friend to her life, a golden retriever puppy named Banks!
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know you’re You going places. you want a Now school to help you get there.
At Saint Mary’s School you can immerse yourself in a vibrant learning and living experience. Our innovative curriculum and real-world learning opportunities let you explore new ideas and interests in a community that values and respects your unique voice and talents. You want to better understand the world and your place in it. We can help. Find what you need at sms.edu/myplace . in grades 9—12. Saint Mary’s School is an independent, college-preparatory Episcopal boarding and day school for girls Saint Mary’s School admits girls of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin
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Saint Mary’s remains a beacon of stability in uncertain times By Brandon Wright, director of gift planning As Saint Mary’s School, our nation, and the world have dealt with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, I hope it makes you proud to know your school has confronted this challenge thoughtfully and compassionately for all members of our community. Indeed, your school is being recognized as a leader among our peer institutions for its nimbleness, resourcefulness, and flexibility in adapting the teaching platform to enable students to continue to learn from their homes this spring. The crisis has encouraged each of us to consider what is most important in our lives: faith; our family and friends; and the organizations we care about and hope to sustain. While the short- and longterm impacts from COVID-19 on all we hold dear are still uncertain, we seek comfort in relationships, institutions, and organizations that provide us with reassurance and continuity. During the past few months, I have enjoyed numerous conversations with Saint Mary’s alumnae and friends from my home office, and I have been inspired by how many of you view Saint Mary’s School as one of your sources of strength, stability, and joy. Indeed, many have asked how to be helpful to Saint Mary’s during this challenging time. In addition to making your Annual Fund gift, please also consider letting us know if you have included a future gift to the school in your estate plan. Knowing a very few details about your thoughtful planning will ensure your future gift makes the exact impact you desire when received. Alternatively, if you are considering revisions to your plans, I welcome the opportunity to provide suggested language for you and your estate-planning attorney’s consideration. As you reflect on your Saint Mary’s experience and what was important to you while you were on campus, know your future gift can be directed to an area, initiative, place, or program that is important to you. All future gifts, no matter the size or designated area of support, are welcomed and appreciated. I hope to be working and talking with you soon from my West Rock office when the situation allows us to return to our offices. Regardless of where I am working, I know – even with all its dignified splendor – Saint Mary’s is more than its physical space at 900 Hillsborough Street. It continues to touch and shape lives long after a student leaves its historic structures and stately oaks. Saint Mary’s occupies a place in the hearts of all who know her. Since 1842, Saint Mary’s has fostered a community where innovative, resilient women harness their connections and relationships to impact their unique, individual worlds. And, while its curriculum has adapted to meet the needs of the times, Saint Mary’s focus on single-sex education, and its mission of preparing girls for college and for life, remain a bedrock of stability and a source of pride for students and alumnae. With your love and support, Saint Mary’s will continue to fulfill her mission – forever. Brandon Wright, director of gift planning, can be reached at 919-424-4111 or at bwright@sms.edu.
“After learning more about the Heritage Society, and understanding the impact a gift could have, I knew it was the right decision for me,” says Merritt Atkins ’99. “My request is that it be allocated for scholarships so that any deserving young woman who would like to attend Saint Mary’s can do so. I was the recipient of scholarship dollars, and my experience at Saint Mary’s has been very impactful on my life.”
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Scenes of Saint Mary’s Saint Mary’s Chapel
Photo by Mary Virginia Swain ’77C
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