Spirit issuu

A MAGAZINE OF THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF OREGON MINISTRIES CORPORATION SPRING | SUMMER 2018

ACTS OF KINDNESS

Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

“Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” These admonitions from the prophet Micah jumped out at me when I was asked to consider ‘Acts of Kindness’ as a theme for this issue of Spirit.

We have often heard the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” They are the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12. They are found, in some form, in all major religions.

Humble, just, merciful, loving acts are mainstays of daily interactions on our campus. It’s the toddler who kisses her dolly ‘all better’ in the early learning school, the fifth-grade ball player passing unselfishly to ensure that all teammates score, and the middle schooler who notices a new student that might be setting out to eat lunch apart from others. It’s the act of the senior who spurs on classmates to raise funds for a needy neighbor and the gentle coaxing of a Maryville resident encouraging his roommate to take one more step to strengthen stroke-weakened muscles. It’s the assurance of prayers for the maintenance worker who fixed that dripping faucet in the Sisters’ laundry room. And it’s a gift from a benefactor who supports the mission of the Sisters.

Norman Rockwell’s painting – “Golden Rule” – first appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on April 1, 1961. At that time, there was growing conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union and Cuba as well as concerns about Berlin overseas and civil rights in our nation. The image shows a large group of people, clad in their cultural attire, inscribed with the words of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others...” A mosaic of the iconic image was presented to the United Nations in 1985 as a gift from the United States. It still welcomes visitors at U.N. headquarters. We are proud to feature “Golden Rule” on the inside back cover of this issue of Spirit.

All of these humble, just, merciful, loving acts inspire me to strive for what God wants most for me – that I become a mirror of compassion, a conduit of Christ’s kindness and a promoter of loving reconciliation.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a difference. It might be a greeting in the form of a word, a smile, a nod or a wink. Sometimes it is a grand and magnanimous gesture of support in the form of assistance, expertise, sacrifice or presence. Sometimes the action of another can bring one to tears.

May the stories shared in this issue of Spirit inspire you, too, to become what God wants most for you.

Acts of kindness not only benefit those who receive them – they enhance the lives of those who give them. They remind us that we are all part of God’s family.

God’s blessings…

Do unto others….

sister adele marie altenhofen President, SSMO Ministries Corporation

sister charlene herinckx ’66 Superior General, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

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table of contents 4 through the eyes of a child Experiences shared by Valley Catholic Elementary School students remind us that there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. page 4

8 finding joy in serving others Together, the 2018 Jubilarians of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have embraced 445 years of ministry: more than 162,000 days filled with kindness.

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13 gifts of kindness Kindness is a gift that everyone can afford to give. Acts of kindness – large and small – take place on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus every day.

14 a drive to give back When Dennis Kreutzer sits behind the wheel driving Maryville residents on road trip adventures, he feels the presence of someone who never got to ride with him but continues to inspire him.

page 13

16 listening from the heart When Maryville cared for his wife, it was a turning point for Leo Yau. He pays it forward by leading discussions and activities for Maryville’s men’s group.

18 moments of joy. acts of kindness.

Four special events resonated across the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon community. Each was a special celebration of God and life.

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2o kindness through service Members of the Valley Catholic High School Class of 2018 share their thoughts on service and express thanks to those who have inspired them.

22 alumni notes

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sisters of st. mary of oregon ministries corporation Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, President sisters of st. mary of oregon Sister Charlene Herinckx ’66, Superior General Editor: Barbara Kerr, APR, Fellow PRSA

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Photographers/Videographers: Alysha Beck, Lizette Santiago, Megan Zimmer Contributors: Liz Kiefer McDevitt ’11 The award-winning Spirit magazine is published by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and their sponsored ministries.

All rights reserved.

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Questions, comments or address changes: ssmo ministries corporation 4440 SW 148th Avenue | Beaverton, OR 97078 503-644-9181 | spirit@ssmoministries.org Cover: Remembered for his kindness and compassion, St. Francis of Assisi loved all creation, preaching to animals and birds. Sister Dismaria Lane (1931-2010) created the striking black-andwhite cover artwork honoring the patron saint of animals. Image courtesy SSMO Archives.

Page 13: Artwork by Sister Angeline Sohler ’43.

Cards courtesy Sister Rita Rose Stohosky ’54.

Inside back cover: Golden Rule illustration © SEPS licensed by Curtis Licensing Indianapolis, IN.

Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

A hug from a friend.

A science class partner whose encouragement leads to a winning performance.

A classmate who – after losing a bid for student council – congratulates the student who won.

Family – and strangers – who help a child who is hurt or in pain.

A child who shares a poem to comfort a friend who had just lost a pet to cancer.

Neighbors who provide a warm welcome to a new home.

These experiences – shared by Valley Catholic Elementary School students – remind us that there is no such thing as a small act of kindness.

I had just gotten home from surgery on my throat. A friend of mine went out of his way and sent me a big box full of goodies.

This person went out of his way to think of me in a time that was scary and painful. I am so thankful to have such caring people in my life. – Miah

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Every day, Grace would come up to me and just hug me.

Sometimes Grace hugs me when I’m sad. Grace helps me so I owe her a lot. This is truly an act of kindness. – Anonymous

My father was nice to me when he helped me do fractions. “Dad, what is 8/10 divided by 4/10?” “Well, the 10's are the same so you just have to divide 8 by 4,” he says. “So, two,” I say. “Good job on your math homework,” he exclaimed. “Thanks, Dad. I couldn’t do it without you,” I say. “Thanks buddy,” he says. “I love you dad,” I say. This is only one of the ways my father is really kind to me. – Caden

Once I was going outside at school. We played freeze tag for about half of our recess. Then, one of my friends said, “Let’s play a different game” but I didn’t want to. As I started walking away, my best friend came over to me and asked to play tag with me instead of playing that other game. We played all the way till the end of our recess. She is my best friend ever. – Natalie

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Spirit

I went down a hill on my bike and the sand got into my tires. I couldn’t steer and I crashed into a tree. I scraped my chin and was bleeding down my face. A nurse called Rhonda was there and walked me to the trailer. She was nice. She cleaned and put a band aid on my face. I’m really glad she was there to help me. – Ryan

Last year when we were doing speeches to get into the role of a student council rep, my friend was really close to getting in but she didn’t. Again this year when she tried out she made a really good speech.

She would have been an awesome member but I got in instead. I could tell that she was really disappointed. Still, she warmly congratulated me and told me that I was a good pick. I think it was a very, very nice and courageous thing to do. I’m glad that she is still good friends with me. – Ashvika

One day I had this science sheet for homework.

There was this one question that I really needed help with. I went to my sister’s room. We sat there at her desk as she helped me. Helping me with my homework was very kind of her because she also had lots of homework to finish. – Evelyn 6

One person who was really kind to me was Hannah. During science, we became partners to build a race car and race it to a place on the track called “The Sweet Spot.” So we built a little car and set it up on the track.

But, as she lets go of the car, it doesn’t move an inch. My whole face falls.

“Don’t worry, Joyce!” she encourages.

“Let’s try again.” We go back to our desk and make adjustments to our car. Later, we go back to the track and…we hit The Sweet Spot! We won!

Thank you, Hannah, for being there when I need you. – Joyce

Once my friend Gabreil wrote a poem for our family because we had to put our dog down that had cancer.

The poem was called “Rainbow Bridge.” – Noah

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Finding joy in Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

AN ARTIST. AN EDUCATOR. A MUSICIAN. A LIBRARY ASSISTANT. A HOUSEKEEPER. A ROSE QUEEN.

Those are just some of the ways in which the 2018 Jubilarians of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon (SSMO) have found joy through service. The Jubilee Mass will be held on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel. Together, these seven Valiant women have embraced 445 years of ministry: more than 162,000 days filled with kindness.

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service

Sister GeralDine BraDy 60 years

B

orn in Portland, Oregon, Sister Geraldine Brady (formerly known as Sister Gerard) has lived in Oregon for most of her life. She attended St. Agatha Catholic School and St. Mary’s Academy before becoming a novice with the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1958. In 1962, she graduated from Marylhurst College (now Marylhurst University) with a degree in education. With a love of math and science, she taught in Seattle and Spokane, Washington, then returned to Oregon. Sister Geraldine honed her library skills as a school library assistant and by serving in the library in the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Motherhouse. Because of her devotion to St. Gerard, the patron of expectant mothers, Sister Geraldine became the person to contact for a St. Gerard medal to give to an expectant family member or friend. Sister Geraldine Brady has retired.

As she prepares to celebrate her 60th Jubilee, she is living in the Maryville Memory Care unit on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus.

“

Sister Geraldine Brady responds graciously to

the Maryville staff as they provide care for her, thanking them and smiling with her whole face. She creates a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and finds appropriate humor in the nonverbal communications of other residents.

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”

– Sister Josephine Pelster

Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

Sister Catherine Hertel

Sister Delores Klupenger

60 years

60 years

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S

he fourth girl in a family of 12, Catherine Hertel was born in Hillsboro, Oregon, in 1941. She remembers: “Religion was very much a part of our daily lives.” After attending St. Mary of the Valley Academy (now Valley Catholic High School), she earned a bachelor’s degree in music at Marylhurst University and master’s degrees in religious education from the University of San Francisco and Fordham University in New York City. For 48 years, Sister Catherine taught music and religion, worked as Baker Diocesan Youth Minister and Religious Education Coordinator, and served on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Leadership Team. In 2011, she volunteered to establish the Sisters’ classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

She also organizes citizenship classes, has a leadership role with the SSMO Associate Program, and serves as the director for Sisters in temporary profession. As she approaches her 60th Jubilee, she says, “What has been most fulfilling to me is that God and the companions on my journey have always been there for me along the way.”

“

ister Delores Klupenger, also known as Sister Dolorosa, was born in Woodburn, Oregon.

Her parents – Joseph and Cecilia Klupenger – started the Klupenger Nursery and Greenhouses.

Her family members include her brother, Raymond.

Her brother, Ronald, and sister, Carol Jean, are deceased. She attended Ascension Grade School and Immaculata High School in Portland, spending her junior year at St. Mary of the Valley (now Valley Catholic) as a religious aspirant. After graduation, she returned to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus to enter the SSMO Community. She was a housekeeper at St. Cecilia in Beaverton and St. John Parish in Milwaukie. In Stayton, she volunteered teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). In Verboort, she tutored students and taught religious education. At the SSMO Motherhouse, she served as Motherhouse Administrator and, for several years, provided the friendly voice of the switchboard operator. Her hobbies are photography, computer and genealogy. She currently lives at Maryville where her kindness and warmth were honored by residents, families and staff who selected her as Maryville’s 2017 Rose Queen.

Sister Catherine Hertel is very kind. She makes

herself available for so many things including

“

driving others to appointments, helping Sisters and

Sister Delores Klupenger has a great smile. She is

students learn English, staying with Sisters who are

the one who started the “over 80s” birthday parties

hospitalized, and providing support at the front desk,

for our Sisters. She also started the visits by seventh-

in the kitchen and throughout the Motherhouse –

graders to talk to and learn from the Sisters in the

wherever help is needed.

”

– Sister Julie Doan

Motherhouse.

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”

– Sister Rita Watkins

Sister John Therese Miller

Sister Jean Marie Van Dyke

60 years

60 years

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B

lice Jeanette Miller grew up in Milwaukie, Oregon. Her family wasn’t Catholic, but she attended St. Agatha School and met the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. She continued her studies at St. Mary’s Academy and Milwaukie Union High School then won a harp scholarship to Holy Names College in Spokane, Washington. After returning home, she worked as a medical secretary at Emanuel Hospital before joining the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Sister John Therese taught music for 50 years, including 47 years at Valley Catholic Music School. During 37 of those years, she also taught orchestra, string ensemble and music appreciation at Valley Catholic School. In 2012, the SSMO music program was honored by the Beaverton Arts Commission as “Performing Arts Educator of the Year.” Sister John Therese studied scripture and theology in Rome and directed study in harp pedagogy at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. Currently serving as SSMO General Secretary, Sister John Therese is “very grateful for God’s amazing goodness throughout these 60 years of consecrated life.”

“

orn and baptized in Verboort, Oregon, Jean Marie Van Dyke (also known as Joanne Theresa) grew up on a farm in St. Paul, Oregon, with her parents and her 15 siblings. She attended St. Paul Catholic School, St. Paul Union High School, Marylhurst College, University of Portland, Portland State University and Santa Clara University and did extension work at Gonzaga University. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education and took additional classes in pastoral liturgy. For 18 years, Sister Jean Marie taught in elementary schools in Oregon and in Vancouver, Washington. She was a principal for six years and worked in the accounting department for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus school for six years. Since retiring from parish work, Sister Jean Marie has served the homeless and those in poverty through Rose Haven Day Center for Women and Children in Portland and Family Promise in Beaverton. In her spare time, she sews quilts and handbags and she knits or crochets hats and scarves.

She said, “I have learned from each experience and hopefully have become a better person as a result.

I thank God for His great gifts to me.”

For me, Sister M. John Therese Miller embodies

charity and service. She sacrifices herself for others.

Quick to volunteer, she calls, writes and emails her

“

friends to keep in touch, to lend support and to

Sister Jean Marie Van Dyke is very compassionate

pray for their needs. She may be tired or extremely

and patient and has a good sense of humor. She is

busy but will always stop what she is doing to help

willing to help you in any way or in any situation. She

someone else: lending an ear, carrying a tray, and

has reverence and respect for other people

being a companion.

”

– Sister Juliana Monti

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”

– Sister Ruth Frank

Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

Sister Mary Ann HathaWay

Sister Angeline Sohler

70 years

75 years

M

W

ary Ann Hathaway’s early life was filled with hopscotching back and forth between Oklahoma and Oregon. Born in Oklahoma City in 1931, she had moved to Portland with her family by the time she was five. They lived across the street from St. Stephen’s Parish, where Mary Ann dressed as an angel for the First Communicant Mass.

As the family prepared to return to Oklahoma, Sister Colette Lorch, who taught at St. Stephen’s, may have had an inkling about a future vocation when she told Mary Ann that she would be back in 12 years. As a child, Mary Ann always wanted to be a Sister, playing dress-up in a dress and veil that her mother made.

Back in Oklahoma, Mary Ann excelled in baseball at St. Theresa School in Harrah – so much so that both the seventh- and eighth-grade boys wanted her to play on their teams. She returned to Oregon and boarded at St. Mary of the Valley High School during her senior year. On February 15, 1948, Mother Colette Lorch, as she was now known, accepted Sister Mary Ann’s entrance to the SSMO Community. Sister Mary Ann Hathaway taught for 44 years, served as a principal and “enjoyed it all."

“

hile studying in public school, Angeline Sohler attended Sunday school and twoweek religious vacation schools taught by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Inspired by the Sisters as a young girl, she said she “hoped to join them in their work someday.” As she prepared to graduate from St. Mary of the Valley High School, she entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Community. Sister Angeline attended Columbia Academy, St. Mary of the Valley Academy, Marylhurst Teachers College (now Marylhurst University), Portland State University and the Pacific NW College of Art, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She taught in parish schools in Oregon and Washington for over 40 years.

A talented artist and enthusiastic traveler, she served as Valley Catholic High School librarian, was the editor of the Sisters’ magazine and served as an English tutor for adults. Sister Angeline said, “I cherish the vocation to which God called me and I am grateful to the SSMO Community for the joys and challenges with which I have been blessed throughout these 75 years.”

“

Sister Angeline Sohler is, for me, total kindness.

She is warmhearted and welcoming in teaching skills At one time, Sister Mary Ann was a master teacher

and gentle in critiquing work. She shares her talents

– teaching others how to teach. She was always kind

in writing, outdoor activities and hobbies. Her SSMO

and thoughtful in her comments to them. And she

spirit of being a compassionate, joyful servant of the

always had a smile of kindness as she walked down

Lord permeates all she does. God bless her.

the hall.

”

– Sister Theresa Hathaway

”

– Sister Michael Francine Duncan

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Gifts of Kindness

Acts of kindness – large and small – take place on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus every day.

W

hen I was teaching, the children in my class made little red felt stockings to give to children in the hospital at Christmas. They filled the handcrafted stockings with small gifts and treats and hoped to deliver them to the children in the hospital. But they accepted the fact that their gifts would be delivered by others because of regulations to safeguard the patients from colds or other illness.

A few months later, I was in a local store when a woman approached me and asked if I was from the school that gave the stockings to the young patients at Christmas. She told me that her 5-year-old grandchild, who had been blind, had surgery in December. When the bandages were removed on Christmas, the first thing she saw was the little red stocking of gifts. She was so happy and the grandmother was so appreciative! – Sister Angeline Sohler '43

Sr. Rita Rose Stohosky

honors people on their birthdays, feast days, and other special occasions by making cards that are too beautiful to recycle. They are not only beautiful, but are filled with tenderness. It is really a ministry of love.

– Sister Catherine Hertel '59

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Family ties run deep. Dennis Kreutzer Spirit holds a photo of his aunt, Sr. Fidelis Kreutzer. Opposite: Sr. Fidelis joined Dennis and his parents at his graduation from Gonzaga University.

Spring | Summer 2018

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A drive to give back W

hen Dennis Kreutzer sits behind the wheel driving Maryville residents on road trip adventures, he feels the presence of someone who never got to ride with him but continues to inspire him.

He continued his studies at Gonzaga University, where he studied economics but was inspired by the admissions officers who helped him. “Though I enjoyed economics, I decided to focus on higher education so I could support others through areas like admissions, financial aid and career counseling,” he said.

His aunt, Sister Fidelis Kreutzer, joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon (SSMO) Community in 1942 and served as Superior General from 1976 to 1985. “Sister Fidelis was such a tremendous and positive influence on our family,” he said. “Her younger brother, Maurus, was a Benedictine monk at Mount Angel Abbey. The religious influence of the two of them shaped our entire extended family.”

His career took him to Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Oregon, where he was director of housing. After earning a master’s degree in student personnel administration from Western Washington University, he became a counselor at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, Oregon. After choosing to focus more intently on career counseling, he then worked at Oregon State University and the University of Idaho. When his job was eliminated due to budget cuts, he returned to Beaverton.

Shortly after he returned, his father, Bob, had a heart attack and experienced complications after undergoing surgery. Bob Kreutzer went to Maryville for rehabilitation and lived there for the rest of his life.

“It didn’t take long to get to know Maryville and the wonderful work that they do,” he said. “Then I met this amazing woman named [Activities Director] Hilee Jackson,” he said. “Before I knew it, I was helping her coordinate trips for Maryville residents.”

With his mother, Kay, now living at Maryville, Dennis Kreutzer says he has become part of the larger Maryville family. “As a volunteer at Maryville, you get to know the residents and to experience how happy they are to see you,” he said.

Growing up in Beaverton, Oregon, Kreutzer attended St. Cecilia School, where his teachers included another member of the SSMO Community: Sister Rita Rose Stohosky. He stays in touch with her because, as he says with a smile, “She still has her gradebook.”

“I remember the quality of life issues that faced my dad and how much the staff cared for him and focused on making his time at Maryville the best that it could be,” he said. “Being able to give back is my small way of letting them know how much their care has meant to me.”

He and his family were already deeply involved in the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus. But, after graduating from St. Cecilia, he attended Jesuit High School “because St. Mary of the Valley was still an all-girls school.”

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Spirit

Fall 2017

|

Winter 2018

Below: Leo Yau and Maryville Volunteer Coordinator Suzanne Burns. Opposite: Bella and Leo Yau at the 2018 Valley Catholic Gala.

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Listening from the heart A

favorite book or movie. A memory of family or a job or travel. Each week, a group of men who live at Maryville come together to reflect on special moments in their lives.

Volunteer Leo Yau thoughtfully leads the discussion by listening intently and sharing his own remarkable journey.

– he asked a matchmaker to help him find a wife. Leo Yau and Bella Tan were married in the Philippines in 1971.

They moved to Urbana, where Yau continued his teaching career before accepting a position with Bell Labs in New Jersey in 1973. Five years later, he joined Intel in Oregon, where he worked until his retirement in 2000. In 1986, he was named an Intel Fellow: the highest technical honor awarded to Intel employees. His honors also include Distinguished Alumni Awards from the University of Minnesota and the UIUC College of Engineering.

In 2016, the Yaus' lives changed dramatically when Bella Yau was severely injured in an automobile accident. After undergoing extensive back surgery, she needed a place to recover. A friend recommended Maryville. “During the first week, Bella was in great pain,” Leo Yau said. “At Maryville, she was slowly able to get up and walk. After one month, she was able to climb stairs.” He added, “Being at Maryville was an unbelievable turning point for Bella – and for me.”

Sister Josephine Pelster, Maryville’s director of pastoral care, visited Bella Yau almost every day. One day, Leo Yau told Sister Josephine: “When Bella leaves Maryville, I’d like to spend time volunteering here.”

Raised on Mindanao in the Philippines, he studied electrical engineering at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.

After graduation, his “lifetime dream of teaching” became reality when he was invited to teach classes at the university.

His work was so impressive that an instructor encouraged him to apply to American colleges that offer financial aid and continue his studies in electrical engineering. He received a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota then earned a Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign (UIUC).

After receiving a green card, he traveled to Manila to be near his ailing father. While teaching at the University of the Philippines, he made a life-changing decision. As he prepared to return to the University of Illinois – this time as a professor

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Knowing that Leo Yau had volunteered as a tour guide at Intel’s exhibit hall, Maryville Volunteer Coordinator Suzanne Burns asked him to lead weekly discussions and activities for a Maryville men’s group. She believes the group has a profound impact. “One of the members told me how much he looks forward to their weekly meeting,” she said. “They’re socializing more. One of the newest participants – a resident that I hadn’t met yet – came up to me to introduce himself.”

In the earliest meetings, Leo Yau did most of the talking. Now, each resident contributes. “When they tell me about their experiences, I think, ‘Wow. Now I am starting to learn from all of you,’” he said. “Each time I come, I learn something new.

I love it!”

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Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

MOMENTS OF JOY. ACTS OF KINDNESS.

A

second-grader runs joyfully to his grandparents as they visit his classroom at Valley Catholic Elementary School. Her eyes glistening with tears, an alumna shares her gratitude as she is honored for her valiant accomplishments. Cheers thunder through Montgomery Park as generous donors “light a fire” to support financial aid for Valley Catholic students. A standing-room-only crowd at the Hilton Portland Downtown gives an ovation to a Sister who has blazed a trail and left a mark on the Pacific Northwest.

These experiences resonated across the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon community during 2018. Together, they reflect moments of joy, acts of kindness, and celebrations of God and life.

1 Jesyca Durchin Schnepp ’87 received the 2017-2018 Distinguished Alumni Award for making a difference in the world by creating software, games and animated movies for young girls. Left to right: Faculty emeritus Nenita Navarro, Valley Catholic School President John Matcovich, Jesyca Durchin Schnepp ’87, SSMO Ministries Corporation President Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, SSMO Foundation Alumni Relations Manager Liz Kiefer McDevitt ’11, and Valley Catholic Secretary/Registrar Pat Roshak Joyaux ’54, who received the 2011-2012 Distinguished Alumni Award.

2 & 6 Big smiles were the hallmark of

Grandparents and Special Friends Day at Valley Catholic Elementary School.

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2

3

5

3 Gala Co-chair Danette

Scales (left) and SSMO Foundation Director of Annual Gifts Sabrina Blue celebrate at the 2018 Gala.

4 SSMO Ministries President

Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen is honored at the 2018 Women of Influence Awards, presented by the Portland Business Journal. According to event organizers, Sister Adele Marie is the first Women of Influence honoree to have embraced a religious vocation.

Left to right: Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, Portland Business Journal Director of Events Lexy Garbarino, SSMO Foundation Executive Director Tricia Blood, and Maryville Administrator Kathleen Parry.

5 Ryan and Michelle

Kinkade enjoy time with Sister John Therese Miller at the 2018 Gala.

7 Left to right: Sister Thanh

Pham, SSMO Candidate Alexa Weight and SSMO Superior General Sister Charlene Herinckx share in the excitement of the 2018 Valley Catholic Gala.

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KINDNESS

through service People of faith are called to serve others with generosity and integrity. Educators teach kindness when they lead by example. As they prepare to graduate, six members of the Valley Catholic Class of 2018 share their thoughts on service and express their thanks to a faculty or staff member who has inspired them. These seniors have embraced Christ’s call to serve others – at home, at school, and in the community.

CHARLIE GOLSAN & DAN SCHAUFFLER As first chair trumpet in the Valley Catholic Concert Band, Charlie Golsan taught younger trumpet players how to better perform as a section. For the past two years, he led the Valley Catholic Pep Band. “I want to lift others up through music and help them use their talents to make a difference in their community,” he said.

“Dan Schauffler is my inspiration. He’s an incredible musician and mentor. I’ve learned so much from him about how to perform, how to be an artist and how to approach music, like he does, in a fun and loving way.” – Charlie Golsan “For four years, Charlie has practiced constantly and developed great improvisational skills. He has left us a legacy, to be inspired and challenged by.

His humble spirit exemplifies how we can use our God-given gifts.” – Band Director Dan Schauffler

KYRA STOIANTSCHEWSKY & ERIN COLE A former Girl Scout with a love of the outdoors and teaching others about nature and the environment, Kyra Stoiantschewsky has volunteered for Valley Catholic Middle School Outdoor School and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. She also volunteers for a transitional shelter in Portland. “I think service is important for personal growth and building community,” she said.

JACKSON HICKEN & DAN HANNON An Eagle Scout who enjoys manual labor and projects that involve building and refurbishing, Jackson Hicken has volunteered for the Good Neighbor House, Medical Teams International and the Valley Catholic Junior Encounter.

“I want to give back to my community,” he said.

“Mr. Hannon has made a big impact on me. He has inspired me to be a nice person and to better serve my community.” – Jackson Hicken

“I participated in SOLVE in my freshman year and was inspired by Ms. Cole. I wanted to learn more on how to live sustainably.” – Kyra Stoiantschewsky

“Jackson is a great student who cares about doing well. He is inquisitive and I appreciated that he was comfortable sharing his beliefs on issues and ideas we were exploring.” – Religion Teacher Dan Hannon

“Kyra is a renaissance woman. I am so impressed with how she is involved in so many activities and is unafraid to try something new. She is always curious, thinks critically, and is considerate of others.” – Science Department Chair Erin Cole

NOELLE MANNEN & KRISTI LOKTING Student Body President Noelle Mannen supported organizations and events including the Children’s Cancer Association Club, American Heart Association and Valley Catholic Food Drive. “On a campus like Valley Catholic, where the people give of themselves unconditionally in all that they do, a desire to follow their example and love and serve as they do has been fostered within me,” she said.

DANA TAYLOR & DOUG IERARDI A dedicated volunteer, Dana Taylor has served the Beaverton Police Department Cadet Program and supported Valley Catholic open house events, Junior Encounter, class retreats, Valley Catholic Middle School Outdoor School and local food drives. “Valley Catholic has given me the encouragement and opportunities to serve both the Valley Catholic and local communities,” she said.

“Señora Lokting’s dedication to the Christmas Food Drive inspired me to get involved by demonstrating the importance of helping others who are less fortunate.” – Noelle Mannen “Since the day I met Noelle, when she was a cute little seventh-grader, she has brought joy and kindness to all those around her. She gives so much of herself to Valley Catholic and the rest of the community. I love her and will miss her so much.”

– World Language Department Chair and Spanish teacher Kristi Lokting

“Principal Doug Ierardi has been an inspiration to me. He has always shown interest in his students. I have met amazing people and learned invaluable lessons about the importance of strong relationships and service.” – Dana Taylor “I have been impressed with Dana from the very first moment I met her and helped her with her schedule for freshman year. She is definitely one of those students that I can always count on to be ‘all in’ for whatever I, or the school, need. She is generous, gracious, and valiant.” – Principal Doug Ierardi

CARMEN REDDICK & ED BRAUN Carmen Reddick has served as an outdoor school counselor and liturgy band director during Mass at Valley Catholic. She has also coordinated activities for the Sophomore Retreat and Junior Encounter. “I think building relationships is very important in serving the community,” she said.

Students from left to right: Kyra Stoiantschewsky, Charlie Golsan, Carmen Reddick, Dana Taylor, Noelle Mannen, Jackson Hicken

“Mr. Braun has inspired me to better serve my community and taught me how to interact with others and how to best help our world. He is a great role model.” – Carmen Reddick.

“Carmen has a great big smile and a great big heart.” – Religion Department Chair Ed Braun

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Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

ALUMNI NOTES

IN MEMORIAM Sister Sharon Kirk, SSMO A dedicated educator whose ministry included service for the Women’s Intercommunity AIDS Resource (WIAR), Sister Sharon Kirk ‘56 died on March 11, 2018. After graduating from St. Mary of the Valley (now Valley Catholic), she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Marylhurst. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Portland State University and a master’s degree in administration from the University of San Francisco. She taught elementary school for 20 years, served as a principal for 15 years and served her Sisters for 21 years in a number of roles, including Motherhouse Administrator.

She was especially interested in the role of women in the world, participating in numerous events to support them. Sister Sharon said her work at the Women’s Intercommunity Aids Resource stood out as her greatest blessing. “I wanted each client to be greeted with warmth and compassion,” she said. “I wanted to remember each of their personal stories to let them know that they were supported and loved.”

In her later years, Sister Sharon spent most of her days in the infirmary on third floor of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Motherhouse. "I strive to remain cheerful and cooperative and to live each day as a woman of prayer – in simplicity and sisterly love – as a compassionate, joyful servant of the Lord," she said.

Sr. Sharon Kirk celebrated her 60th Jubilee as a Sister of St. Mary of Oregon in 2017.

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Amy Lebbert Williams ’93 and her three sons moved back to Hillsboro in 2009. Her husband joined them in 2013 after retiring from the United States Marine Corps. Amy currently serves as building director for the City of Hillsboro. She has worked for the city for seven years.

Jessica Willison ’98 and Jason Walther ’98 were married on December 30, 2017, in Hillsboro, Oregon. Jason and Jessica met as freshmen at Valley Catholic High School and reconnected 20 years later when she returned to Oregon.

The bridal party included Jessica’s children, Blake and Faith; Adele Anderson Kostic ’99; and Michael Vanderschuere ’98. Kim Walther Rabe ’95, Angela Willison ’01, and Jeff Walther ’05 were also in attendance.

Jason works for North Coast Electric Company. Jessica works at Valley Catholic Elementary School.

Spirit

Spring Summer 2018

ALUMNI NOTES

Celita Lee ’99 and Christopher Hill are living in Seattle, Washington, with their new daughter. Cayla Simone Lee Hill was born on December 29, 2017.

Carrie Bonino Nutwell ’04 graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) in 2015.

In May 2017, she began her “dream job” working as registered nurse in the perinatal special care unit of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. On November 11, 2017, Carrie married Chris Nutwell at Union Pine in Portland, Oregon.

Carrie’s sisters, Sara Knapp ’99 and Laura Bonino ’03, were bridesmaids and many Valley Catholic alumni were in attendance. Chris and Carrie live and work in Portland.

Classmates Valerie Mathus ’02 and Melissa Buwembo ’02 launched Ursa Major, an eco-friendly clothing company, in September 2016. Based in San Francisco, California, Ursa Major seeks out “naturally derived, sustainable, and hardworking fabrics that not only look good, but feel good on you and do good for the environment.”

Ben Karlin ’02 and his wife, Alessa, welcomed their first child, Lucas Rowland David Karlin, on October 9, 2017. They live in Beaverton, Oregon.

My religion is very simple.

My religion is kindness.

– Dalai Lama

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Spirit

Spring | Summer 2018

ALUMNI NOTES

Stephanie Johnson ’09 graduated from Vanderbilt University on August 7, 2017, with her Master of Science in nursing in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty. She subsequently passed her AdultGerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification board exam.

She is working as a registered nurse in a long-term care facility for adults in Southeast Portland. Stephanie is a member of Sigma Theta Tau’s Iota Chapter Nursing Honor Society and the American Nurses Association.

She hopes to continue her education in the pursuit of a doctoral degree in nursing practice.

Greta Mannen Zosel ’07 and Zach Zosel welcomed Clay Douglas Zosel on October 24, 2017. Greta and Clay live in Sidney, Montana.

Chris Kiefer ’09 and his wife, Natalie Kiefer, welcomed their first child, Elliette Louise Kiefer, in Redmond, Oregon, on November 10, 2017. Chris is the executive director at SkEye Media, a marketing company for Oral Surgeons. Natalie is a physical therapist for the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

Lani Nguyen ’08 graduated with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OT) from Creighton University in May 2017 and moved to Gainesville, Florida, to practice OT at Palm Garden Skilled Nursing Facility. Lani is engaged to her long-time boyfriend, Donavan Ginest, who is a first-year emergency medicine resident at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville.

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A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.

– William Arthur Ward

ALUMNI NOTES

even a doughnut wall. Valiants in the wedding party included maid of honor Catherine Lo ’12, groomsman Peter Bernard ’16 and ushers Neil Hilken ’10, Sean Hilken ’14 and Matt Lawyer ’13. Other Valiants in attendance included Mary Margaret Kelly-Robinson ’12, Patrick Kelly ’16 and Valley Catholic High School College Counselor Joe Bernard, the proud father of the bride.

Michelle Vinson ’10 and Evan Gowins tied the knot on October 7, 2017, at East Fork Country Estates in Damascus, Oregon. Michelle’s bridal party included her sisters: Melissa ’07, Monica ’12, and Madeline ’15.

Michelle works in accounting and Evan is a welder fabricator. The couple currently resides in Portland and is in the process of purchasing their first home in St. Helens, Oregon.

Josef Scheidt ’17 and undergraduate team members from Case Western Reserve University took first place at the Cleveland Medical Hackathon in October 2017. They presented an idea for a wrist device that tracks cardiac health in real time. Their award-winning presentation was the subject of a feature article in the Beaverton Valley Times newspaper. Josef (on the left)

Melissa Lynn Jannusch ’10 and Aaron Jannusch welcomed their firstborn child, Liara Jean Jannusch, to their family on November 17, 2017.

Melissa and Aaron live in Boise, Idaho.

Maddie Bernard Tew ’12 married Nathan Tew on September 16, 2017, at Oak View Acres in Canby, Oregon. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony with dinner, dancing and

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is a first-year undergraduate student studying biomedical engineering on the pre-med track.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

– Aesop (The Lion and the Mouse)

8

SEP TEM BER 19 TH

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE EVENTS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 TH

Inspired by the idea of the Golden Rule as a universal principle, artist Norman Rockwell remembered an unfinished sketch – “United Nations” – in which he had “tried to depict all the peoples of the world gathered together.” His finished work – “Golden Rule” – appeared on the April 1, 1961, cover of the Saturday Evening Post. In 1985, a mosaic based on the painting was installed at the United Nations Headquarters. When the mosaic was rededicated in 2014 following a restoration, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said, “At its core, the work is about narrowing the gap between the world as it is and the world as we want it to be.”

Golden Rule illustration © SEPS licensed by Curtis Licensing Indianapolis, IN. 27

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W

hen I was 4, I moved to Portland. Since I was new and didn’t know anyone, I was nervous and everyone was a stranger to me. One day, my neighbors rang my doorbell and welcomed me into the neighborhood by teaching me about neighborhood traditions and inviting me to play with them.

If they had not invited me to play with them, I would have felt lonely and left out. I am very thankful to have such kind and welcoming neighbors. Is there someone in your neighborhood who you do not know? If so, I encourage you to stop outside, go to their house, ring the doorbell and say hello. – Jaydn