Letter from the Alumni Board President

What a treat it has been to reconnect in person with family and friends, now that we seem to be on the other side of the pandemic. In fact, earlier this year I had the pleasure of meeting up with seven of my classmates for a wonderful New England weekend. We talked and laughed nonstop for three days as if it was just yesterday that we had seen each other, even though we graduated 37 years ago. We reminisced about our days at St. Mike’s and caught up on our lives since. I’m fortunate weekend refreshed and rejuvenated. We also commented on how grateful we were that we chose Saint Michael’s because that’s where we met, shared experiences, and grew up in such a loving, supportive, and fun community. We’ve all had different journeys since we left, but we all share an inner connectedness that will always be part of us, and that is Saint Michael’s College.

I’ve also had the opportunity to experience a similar connectedness by attending alumni events in the Washington, D.C., area and because it takes us back to a time in our lives that was so special. In my time on the Board, I’ve met such warm and dedicated individuals who share in the common interest of preserving the best for our alma mater so that others can experience what we did—a sense of community that allows one to learn and grow. I’m also impressed by the students I have met over the years: they are graduating with double and sometimes triple majors; they are student athletes; they are Fulbright scholars; and they, too, love their Saint Michael’s College experience. It gives me hope for the future. that I have seen many of my St. Mike’s friends throughout the years, but having a weekend with all of us together in one place was pure magic. We all came away from the by serving on the Alumni Board of Directors. Anytime I meet a fellow graduate, there is always a friendly smile and often an embrace

In all these instances, I have met so many in our alumni network who are leaders—whether they continued with their Fire and Rescue experience to serve their community at home, became healthcare professionals, worked in government, took on pro bono work as lawyers, became teachers who helped shape the next generation, or ran businesses that contributed to our economy. I believe they are leaders because of that sense of community that inspired us to do well and do good by helping others. This past Mother’s Day, we added another class to the ranks of Saint Michael’s College alumni, and I have no doubt that they, too, will be strong leaders in our society. I encourage you to participate in alumni events in your community, to personally welcome the Class of 2023 and help them along their career path. I also encourage you to “Nominate a Future Knight” so others can experience the incredible education, beautiful environment, and opportunity to make lifelong friends at St. Mike’s, as we all did. And, finally, attend Reunions whether on campus or in smaller gatherings like the one I experienced in January. Believe me, it will give you a boost, make you laugh, and remind you of that sense of community that Saint Michael’s gave to all of us and that helped shape us into the leaders that we are today.

Suzanne Leous ’86 President, Saint Michael’s College Alumni Association

1963

JIM PAWLOWSKI, Houston, TX, was recently inducted into the Texas Senior Softball Hall of Fame. Jim played baseball for Saint Michael’s and was captain of the 1963 team coached by Ed Markey ’51.

1967

RICH FEELEY, Ocala, FL, reports that he and his wife of 55 years, Terri Gouvin Feeley (M ’81) are enjoying retirement in Florida and at their summer cottage on Malletts Bay, VT. Their two sons, Brad ’91 and Seth (Fordham ’93) are doing well and visit often.

1970

PAUL BARIBEAULT, Lewiston, ME, is a playwright and author. He committed to a life of writing almost immediately after graduating from St. Mike’s, and has six books currently available on Amazon, including his latest, Comedy & Grace, the sequel to his first nonfiction work, Our Brilliant Eternity. The books follow similar themes, exploring the “what if” of things, our lives here on Earth, and what awaits us beyond it. See Works, page 45.

MARK RODDY, Fairfax Station, VA, reports that he’s had two novels published recently. The first, Angela’s Letter, is a romance novel about high school sweethearts who go their separate ways and try to reconnect after 45 years. The second, RAVEN, takes place during World War II and focuses on a German agent who travels surreptitiously to Newport, RI, with a goal of destroying the U.S. Navy torpedo works there. See Works, page 44.

Rev. Salvatore “Sal” Altavista, Class of 1957, wrote to reminisce about the enjoyable time he had at Reunion with great friends and classmates a few years back. He is a priest with the LaSalette Missionaries, living in their retirement home in Hartford, CT.

As in past years, Naples, FL, “local” guys met for lunch at Coconut Jack’s on Bonita Beach: Peter Pesenti ’69, Paul Murphy ’69, Tom Kelley ’69, John Verret ’68, Bill “Moose” Trudeau ’68, and Mike Renzulli ’69.

1972

GEOFF BATES, Brunswick, ME, is a senior sales manager at Wayfair, LLC, in Boston. On weekends he is also employed by the Diocese of Portland, ME, as a musician and solo vocalist for several Diocesan churches in the

Midcoast area, a talent he did not discover until 20 years after St. Mike’s. “It’s never too late,” he said, “to discover new ambitions.”

1973

MIKE BERARDINO, Katonah, NY, joined fellow alumni and friends to cheer on the Purple Knights men’s basketball team at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, on December 17, 2022. St. Mike’s prevailed, 66-58. See photo below.

1978

PAUL GALBRAITH, Highland Falls, NY, has been a

St. Mike’s alumni fans cheered the Purple Knights men’s basketball victory at Mercy College: Back left, Coach Eric Eaton’s dad, Billy Howe ’72 with purple cap, Michael Berardino ’73 in purple jacket. Front row, black jacket, Coach Evan Conti’s dad, Guy Minetti ’73, Ted Horton ’73, Andy McElroy ’71, and Ken Hurley ’71.

The Feeley family, left to right: Brad ’91, Rich ’67, Terri and Seth professional actor since 1966, and has performed throughout the U.S. in musicals, drama, film, commercials, TV, and print. He noted that a recent project, the Cupcake Shop Chronicles, Volume 2, is available to view on YouTube.

1984

THERESA KLINGENBERGER

BECHARD, Voorheesville, NY, shared a photo from the graduation of her daughter, Lt. Laura Bechard, and Lt. Amy Hayes (both doctors of physical therapy), who graduated from the U.S. Navy ODS in Newport, RI, in November 2022. The graduates introduced their St. Mike’s alumni parents to each other. See photo above right.

KATHRYN MARKEY, New York, NY, is the new summer artistic director for Opera House Arts in Deer Isle, ME. A Saint Michael’s theater graduate and longtime Saint Michael’s Summer Playhouse regular, Markey shared: “Opera House Arts is a 20year-old arts organization housed in a historic 110-yearold building, and along with the superb staff, I will be programming, directing, and developing the season ahead. Downeast friends—come visit! Non-Downeast friends—come visit! Incite Art. Create Community.”

1986

SUZANNE LEOUS, Arlington, VA, was happy to report that she and a group of mid-’80s grads met in New Hampshire in January for a fabulous mini reunion. Suzy recently completed a twoyear term as president of the Alumni Board of Directors and begins a two-year term on the St. Mike’s Board of Trustees in July. See photo below right.

SUZANNE PRENTISS, West Lebanon, NH, was elected for a second term as a New Hampshire state senator in November 2022. She represents 15 communities in the Statehouse and serves on the Senate Education and Executive Departments and Administration Committees. “In addition,” she wrote, “I was appointed by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to serve as the legislative voice on the National EMS Advisory Committee. This appointment means a great deal to me, as I started my career in public service at Saint Michael’s as a member of the rescue squad. I continue to hold my paramedic certification.”

1987

MARIA C. GALLO, Bartow, FL, after 20 years of legal work on the front lines of abused, abandoned and neglected children, has taken a position as staff attorney at Heart of Florida Legal Aid. Says Maria, “We serve Victims of Crime Accts (BOCA) clients and low-income clients. Loving it! Hi to Jonathan Billings!”

1988

DR. KRISTY MAHER, Greenville, SC, is a professor of sociology at Furman University and the winner of the 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award from the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. She earned a B.A. in sociology from Saint Michael’s before earning an M.A. and Ph.D. from Yale. Maher knew she wanted a career at a small liberal arts college like St. Mike’s and joined the Furman faculty in 1993. Her main areas of interest include medical sociology, social determinants of health, and health disparities.

MARY ELLEN (VITRANO)

MOSCHETTA and her husband Luciano, Mahwah, NJ, hosted friends from the classes of 1987 and 1988 for a fun-filled extended weekend at the beach last September. “We had such a great time, we’re planning to make it an annual event. The weekend included a sunset boat cruise, lobster dinner, karaoke, and lots of laughs,” she told us. See photo.

1989

DANA “CARMINE” COLE , Arlington, VT, is private functions director at Hildene, the Lincoln family home, in Manchester, VT. The Georgian revival mansion was built in 1905 by Robert Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, and his wife Mary. The 412-acre estate with 14 historic buildings includes the home, formal garden, observatory, and more. “My job at this gorgeous, historic venue,” he explained, “is to sell, manage, and produce weddings.” To learn more, visit hildene.org.

In November 2022, three St. Mike’s grads, William Hayes ’77, Terry (Klingenberger) Bechard ’84, and Tom Bechard ’85, met at the graduation of their daughters, Lt. Amy Hayes and Lt. Laura Bechard, from the U.S. Navy ODS in Newport, RI.

In January, great friends gathered for a mini reunion in New Hampshire. Top row, left to right: Jennifer (McCann) McGinley ’85, Kathy (Behan) Gallagher ’86, Sue (O’Laughlin) Ronan ’86, Kathy (Korby) Wells ’86. Bottom row, left to right: Beth (Conlin) Tailleur ’86, Karen (Dunmire) Makiver ’86, Mary Ann (Hudak) Almasian ’86, Suzy Leous ’86.

Montauk weekend with Classes of 1987 and 1988 friends, left to right: Luciano Moschetta, Mary Ellen (Vitrano) Moschetta ’88 & her beloved “Muffy,” Maria (Desmarais) McGee ’87, Deb Desjardins ’87, Sarah (Connolly) von Conta ’88, Perry Turcotte ’87, Pam (Allen) Liggett ’88, Regina (Holland) O’Connell ’88, and Mike O’Connell ’88.

Alumni, family, and friends attended the induction of Susan Fumagalli Mahoney, Class of 1992, at the St. Mike’s Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

St. Mike’s friends from the classes of 1971 to 2026 gathered at Burlington Beer Company in November. Left to right, then forward: John “Bubba” Umile ’95, Jen (Connors) Umile ’95, Greg Esbitt ’96, Karin Romanowski ’94, Chris Heatherton ’94, Jason Cameron ’94, Annie Rosello ’94, Chris Flanagan ’94; Jim Umile ’94, Maggie Flanagan ’26, Jerry Flanagan ’71, Judy Flanagan M’92, Derek DiVenere ’94. Not pictured: Scott Angel ’95, Jonathan Boutin ’94, Brett DiVenere ’99, Edith (Duncan) Story ’94, Mike Gavenas ’94, Steve Kelliher ’94, Sarah Kenney ’94, Kristi Umile.

Class of ’95 Portsmouth reunion, left to right: Brian Lottridge, Chris Phalen, Larry McGondel, Brian Aspell, Matt Keefe, Jen Barricelli Marin, Tony D’Addio, Wes Leonard, Jeremy Lombardo, Eric Grace. Not pictured: Mike Gavin, who had to leave early, and Paul Crockett, who showed up a little later.

1992

SUSAN FUMAGALLI MAHONEY, Gettysburg, PA, was inducted into the Saint Michael’s Athletic Hall of Fame in September 2022, representing the swimming and diving program. She was joined by family and close friends at the celebration, including four Saint Michael’s graduates: niece Jenna McQuesten ’15, lifelong friend Christi Turnbull Turner ’96, Grace Kelly ’81, and Mary Jane Kelly Steward ’83. Both Christi and Mary Jane were also swimmers for the Purple Knights. See photo above left.

1993

Fire and Rescue friends reunite in Florida, left to right: Mike Storey ’96, Mark Wilkin ’85, Pat Lynch ’95, Trish (Phalon) and Geno Tangney ’95, Jim Courtney ’93.

added, “There was something in the water with our class [of 1993] concerning writing, because it produced LOUNG UNG (bestselling author), DAN TUOHY (New Hampshire Union Leader journalist), and MATT MOWRY (publisher of Business NH Magazine). These accomplished professionals got their start in Saint Michael’s classes.” Learn more about Chris Bernard at cbbernard.com.

1994

A group of classmates and friends converged on Burlington the weekend before Thanksgiving 2022 to celebrate their joint 50th birthdays and friendships of 30-plus years. CHRIS

CHRIS “C.B.” BERNARD, Wakefield, RI, released a new novel, Small Animals Caught in Traps, this spring to rave reviews and attention from Hollywood, according to classmate DAN MURPHY (Portland, ME). Dan wrote, “My interest is as a classmate who went to school with Chris and has long admired his writing— including his moving, and sometimes hilarious, poetry readings on campus when we were students.” He

FLANAGAN was the organizer and ringleader, making plans and encouraging travel from far and wide —including Boston, D.C., Idaho, and New Zealand. The group saw a show at Higher Ground, visited local breweries, and hit the town for dinner, pool, late-night pizza, and general shenanigans. The weekend will be especially treasured by all who were able to attend due to Chris’s tragic passing in April 2023. Lessons learned: Say yes, book that ticket, and hug your friends tight. See photo above left.

1995

CHRIS PHALEN, Lowell, MA, shared some photos from a Class of ’95 get-together in Portsmouth, NH, late last fall. The group of great old friends made the rounds at a few local breweries and had dinner in downtown Portsmouth. See photos.

Kika Bronger ’96 and Alf Barbalunga ’93 met at the Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain in Wilmington, VT, and enjoyed great conditions, sunny weather, and lots of laughs.

TRICIA (PHALON) TANGNEY, Parkland, FL, shared news of a recent Fire and Rescue reunion. “Old Saint Michael’s Fire & Rescue friends met halfway between Massachusetts and Anguilla to celebrate Pat Lynch’s 50th birthday in Florida.” See photo previous page, bottom left.

2002

RACHEL (PURDY) SCOTT, Rochester, NY, accepted the role of college registrar at Nazareth College in January.

2004

MARK OLDMIXON, Fairbanks, AK, was deeply involved as a student leader in what was then called the Wilderness Program, now the Adventure Sports Center. Recently he reported, “I’m a newly minted lifeguard instructor. The nation is short on lifeguards, which leads to fewer swim lessons, leading to many kids never learning to swim. Hopefully we can turn this trend around soon.”

2006

PATRICK ASABA , Minneapolis, MN, dreamed of building a school in his home country of Uganda, ever since he and his wife Jeni took their first trip there together in 2008. The couple started a nonprofit, Building for Bridget, raised funds, sourced land, and opened the school in February 2023. It provides a safe learning environment for 260 children in a rural part of western Uganda. In addition to his day job in IT, Patrick volunteers his time to manage all aspects of the school. See photo above.

Patrick Asaba, Class of 2006, and his wife Jeni, on a 2019 trip to his home country of Uganda. The couple founded a nonprofit and opened a school in rural Western Uganda this February, which is educating 260 eager young students. To learn more, visit buildingforbridget.org.

Instructor of Italian literature Allison Grimaldi Donahue ’06 performs her work in Italy.

ALLISON GRIMALDI

DONAHUE completed her Ph.D. in philosophy, art, and critical thought at the European Graduate School in December 2021. She is an instructor in Italian literature at Middlebury College’s School in Italy. Her translation of Carla Lonzi’s SelfPortrait was published by

Divided Publishing in 2021. In October 2022, she performed her poetry at Kunsthalle Bern, and in January 2023 she performed her work at MACRO Rome. She lives in Bologna, Italy, with her wife Giulia Quadrelli. See photo above.

2008

MARIBETH FONDA , Indianapolis, IN, works as a behavior analyst (BCBA) at Bierman Autism Centers, where she creates programming based in applied behavior analysis for young clients on the autism spectrum. It’s her first time living outside Vermont.

Steve O’Neil ’09 holding his son Emmett, Ryan Devlin ’09 holding his son August, and Colin Tierney ’09 holding his son Anders. Each being 1 year old, the boys may be the youngest prospective students to visit campus and request information to apply to the Class of 2043.

On May 28, 2022, Andrea Slaven ’09 married Anthony Arone at Union Bluff Hotel in York, ME. Purple Knights in attendance were, front row: Kyle Hildebrand ’06, Meagan (McCarthy) Hildebrand ’06, Andrea (Slaven) Arone ’09, Megan (Sedlak) Robbins ’09, Kaitlin (Koffink) Engen ’10, Jordan (Smalling) Gilman ’09, Aaron Gilman ’09. Back row: Tricia (McCormick) Mee ’09, Amanda (Gates) Tierney ’09, Alexandra Simmons ’09, Caroline Howe ’09, Caroline (Reuss) Simonelli ’09, Danny Robbins ’09, Trygg Engen ’10.

Whitney Wildes ’10 and Daniel Purcell ’10 were married on September 24, 2022, on Peaks Island, ME. Alumni in attendance, front row: Mary (Newman) McNiece ’10, Anne (Newman) Tinsley ’10, Diana Mason, Whitney Wildes ’10, Heather Barss ’10, Elizabeth (Hawkes) Wall ’10, Molly Salt ’10 (bridesmaid). Middle row: Kara Smith, Emily Rose ’10, Christine (Amoresano) Gallager ’11, Daniel Purcell ’10, Justin Miller, Matthew Sjoblom ’10, Jolie Frechette ’10. Back row: Danielle Segal ’10, Ryan Walker ’10 (groomsman), Emily Wright ’10, Erick Gallager ’10, Sarah Carlin ’10, Scott Henchey ’10, Patrick Wall ’10, Jessica Brantl ’10, Michael McNiece ’10.

Emily Rendine married Thomas Glynn on December 10, 2022, at the Towers in Narragansett, RI. Pictured left to right: Lily Keyes ’12, Ethan Romagnoli ’12, J.P. McCormick ’11, Kaytlyn (Kelley) McCormick ’12, Jesse Sullivan ’12, Meghan (O’Brien) Sullivan ’12, Thomas Glynn, Emily (Rendine) Glynn ’12, Ashley (Langlands) Romagnoli ’12, Alli (Roberts) Verrill ’12, Chelsea Bush ’12, Brittany Benton O’Brien ’12, Kevin O’Brien ’11, and Meredith Deffley ’12.

On January 21, 2023, Kayla Carnell ’13 married Craig Ninteau at the Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield, VT. Left to right: Rachel (Liebowitz) Merchel ’13, Tom Fontana ’99, Becky (Gallagher) Fontana ’99, Megan (Olsen) West ’13, Mackenzie Dolbeare ’14, Kayla (Carnell) Ninteau ’13, Craig Ninteau, Courtney Dunne ’13, Kelsey (Velie) Bockus ’13, and Nicole Adach ’13.

Meaghan (Henn) Spillane ’13 and Jake Spillane ’11, Fairfield, CT, welcomed Maeve Anna on March 13, 2022. Reports Meg, “She’s already gearing up for her first P-Day in 2041!”

Caroline Smith ’17, Medford, MA, graduated magna cum laude from New England Law in May 2022.

Eliza McDonald ’17 was married to Matt BeDugnis on December 30, 2021, at Boston College by Rev. Michael Carter, SSE ’12, with a large St. Mike’s presence.

After the wedding, Matt and Eliza took the last name McDermott in honor of his late mother. Back row, left to right: Sam Gillespie ’17, Rachel Coley ’17, Lily Gardner ’17, Veronica McGurrin ’17, Matt McDermott, Eliza McDermott ’17, Erin Buckley ’17, Meghan Vanstry ’17, Fr. Michael Carter ’12. Front row, left to right: Chris O’Brien ’17, Jill Kahn ’17, Colleen Carter ’02, Becky Clark ’17, Ben Lambert ’17.