STRATEGIC PLAN 2020: PAGE 8
ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014: PAGE 17
PRAYER LIFE ON CAMPUS: PAGE 16
OUTSTANDING ALUMNA: PAGE 42
FALL 2014
SET TING THE STANDARD
WITH STEM
90 0 0 BELL AIRE BLVD, HOUSTON, T X 77036 713. 219.540 0 ST-AGNES.ORG
Dominican Trustees Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ‘56, Prioress Sr. Antoinette (Kitty) Carter, O.P. ‘57, Vicaress Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ‘61, Councilor
Stephanie Crowl, Director of Communications 713.219.5406 stephanie.crowl@st-agnes.org Office of Advancement
Sr. Julie Greig, O.P., Councilor
St. Agnes Academy 2014– 2015 Board of Directors Arnie Azios
Steve Harding
Cathy Beathard
Michelle Lyn, M.D., FAAP
Bob Bobo, Jr.
Marsha Mallon
John Brennan III
Kevin Matocha
Robin Burks Ph.D.
Bob McLamb
Mimi Butler
Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P.
Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ‘61
Mary L. Raia ‘77
Dan Castaneda
Edward Ramon
Julia Conlon, M.D., FAAP ‘98
Kathy Rose
Sr. Adrian Dover, O.P.
Julie Plessala Samson ‘80
Philip Fraher
Greg Schockling
Maureen Graf, Chair
John Steffes CPA
Susan Greteman
Maria Isabel Torras
Kathleen O. Hackett ‘00
Sean Wheeler
Greg Hardin
St. Agnes Academy Foundation Trustees Rosalie Montalbano Brandino ‘64
Steve Schwarzbach
Sharon Copper
Pat Swanson
José Enriquez
Diane Thornton
Jennifer Granchi
Shelley Savarino Ulm ‘84
Chris Matlock
Jeff Weiner
Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ‘56
Ana Maria Gonzalez Wood ‘82,
Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P.
Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement 713.219.5481 bridget.hennessey@st-agnes.org Lisa M. Chmiola, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving 713.219.5466 lisa.chmiola@st-agnes.org Reema Kasavich, Director of Annual Giving 713.219.5404 reema.kasavich@st-agnes.org Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations 713.219.5493 lori.pinter@st-agnes.org Nanette Bledel, Gift Processor 713.219.5420 nanette.bledel@st-agnes.org Emma Ebbs, Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator 713.219.5401 emma.ebbs@st-agnes.org Allonna James, Advancement Associate 713.219.5402 allonna.james@st-agnes.org
President
Rick Ray
St. Agnes Academy Executive Team
STAY CONNECTED FACEBOOK facebook.com/st-agnes-academy TWITTER twitter.com/st-agnes-academy www.st-agnes.org
Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P., Head of School Deborah Whalen, Principal Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement H. Leon Howard, Head of Finance and Facilities
For change of address or other questions, contact the Office of Communications at 713.219.5406 or news@st-agnes.org.
IN THIS ISSUE FALL 2014 Features
Departments
08 STRATEGIC PLAN
14
CLASS NOTES
51
ALUMNAE UPDATES
Looking forward
16
PRAYER LIFE ON CAMPUS
17
42
Campus Ministry reflects
ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 A look back at the year
ALUMNAE VERITAS AWARD Dr. Conchi Diaz-Arrastia Green ’78
50, 56 ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT 57
TIGERS’ DEN
58
IN MEMORIAM
On the cover: Jamie Smith ’16 works with engineering team sponsor Allen Gregory on their award-winning robot
VERITAS GETS VIBR ANT YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT VERITAS MAGAZINE HAS A NEW LOOK. It’s the Veritas Magazine you know and love - just brighter. The redesign is part of an exciting, in-depth marketing project that began in January and will continue to unfold over time. This magazine is the official launch of our new logo and tag line. INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? VISIT WWW.ST-AGNES.ORG/NEWLOOK.
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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL SR. JANE MEYER, O.P.
IN FIRST CORINTHIANS WE READ…THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SPIRIT IS GIVEN TO EACH FOR THE PROFIT OF ALL. — 1 CORINTHIANS 12:7 From the very beginning, St. Agnes Academy has been known for its strong sense of sisterhood. Inspired by our past and drawing on the words of St. Paul, we are Sisters Each, Inspiring All. It has been a year of self-reflection at St. Agnes Academy. We have adopted a powerful vision statement, completed an ambitious strategic plan to guide us through 2020, worked with a dynamic marketing firm to define the heart of our brand, and created a thoughtful new master plan to enhance our transformative educational experience for Houston’s young women. What ties each of these pieces together is their boldness. Bold in saying that we are sisters each, inspiring all – a phrase you will come to see often in relation to the Academy. You can see it in each student who demands the best of herself, and in all our students who bring out the best in others.
I’m not sure my parents or friends that don’t go here understand how amazing it is to be surrounded every day by girls that are so intelligent and interested in learning new things. We can hold amazing and insightful conversations. – student
Something I’ve learned here is that there’s no limit. St. Agnes has pushed me past what I thought I could do. It was unreal. In some ways, I think it shows you that we’re limitless. You can never just contain yourself. You can always be better and push harder. – student
Our school is solidly rooted in Dominican values. Every day I’m encouraged to be my better self and to help the community. – student
You will see it in each student who seeks her own truth, and for all our students who find wisdom beyond themselves. 4 | LETTERS
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And, you will hear it as each student proves the power of a single voice, and as all our students proclaim the power of their shared Dominican values.
These are all voices of students who have learned to help each other, who were called to make a difference, and who know how to celebrate the diversity that brings them closer together. This year, you will see the theme of boldness woven throughout our many and diverse school programs. For our Student Council,
being bold is about learning to lead. For Campus Ministry, it is about learning to serve. In academics, it is about taking a chance and allowing yourself to fail, but having the courage to boldly get back up. For athletics, it means showing integrity and grace in the heat of competition. In the arts, it means finding and boldly practicing their God-given talents. Finally, in the words of one alumna from the Class of 2013: We are not just one. We are many. We are the truthful, passionate, daring, joyous, and dedicated students of St. Agnes Academy! Yes, that’s what being a bold Academy woman is all about. Thanks to each of you for your unwavering support of St. Agnes in helping us be sisters each, inspiring all! May the manifestation of the Spirit work within each of us this year. Blessings and love,
FROM THE PRINCIPAL DEBOR AH WHALEN
In light of the publication of our new strategic plan, I thought it would be appropriate for me to emphasize that strategic planning at St. Agnes is not a singular event that occurs every five to seven years. On the contrary! I am proud to say that strategic thinking and planning is embedded in all that we do at St. Agnes Academy. As the plan says in its opening statement, “With this new strategic plan, we have created a living document that can evolve to address our objectives for informed governance, student success, optimal facilities and a sustained mission.” Every strategic plan I have been involved with at St. Agnes is a living, breathing document that inspires us and guides us through time. As the school years begin and end, we write goals, chart progress, reflect upon our successes and failures, and then do it all over again. One of the goals for the Principal’s Team this coming year is to conduct a schoolwide study of homework. We are excited about this project for many reasons— the most important being that it will engage the entire community in a dialogue about some of the following questions: • How much homework is appropriate for a student at a challenging college preparatory school? • How much homework do students really have? • How much time do social media and other distractions add to a student’s homework load? • How aware are teachers of their student’s homework load in other classes? • What constitutes “busy work,” and how do we limit it in light of research that says a certain amount of “skill practice” is necessary for mastery of material? • What do the experts say about homework?
We want to create an environment of rigor and excellence, but also one where a love of learning drives our students more than the grades and accolades along the way. I’m looking forward to facilitating conversations with the faculty as a whole, with my administrative team, with department chairs, with individual teachers . . . I don’t expect everyone to agree, but I do expect to get people talking. Our hope is to involve the student body in the conversation as well. Student Council leaders are brainstorming ways to raise awareness about distracted learning and how a more focused approach might lessen the time needed to complete an assignment or study session. We have ideas for action research in the classroom, grade level meetings to coordinate major assignments, and a scholarly investigation of what defines “good” homework. I do not anticipate a radical revolution where our students suddenly and miraculously have a balanced homework load; I do anticipate some pretty serious soul-searching
by teachers and students alike. By raising awareness, perhaps we can successfully bring a shift in attitude and behavior. I can testify to the fact that in my own Spanish class, I have substantially decreased the amount of homework over the years, and I have not seen any measurable decrease in student performance. It is my experience as a parent that inspired me to dial back the homework. I’m sure many of you can relate! Here’s to another great school year ahead! I look forward to seeing many of you around campus soon.
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SETTING THE STANDARD WITH STEM WOMEN MAKE UP ALMOST 50% OF THE U.S. WORKFORCE, ARE A MAJORITY OF COLLEGE STUDENTS, BUT HOLD LESS THAN 25% OF STEM JOBS.1 THEY ALSO EARN LESS THAN ONE IN FIVE BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN HIGH GROWTH FIELDS LIKE COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING – THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE. While the K-12 education system in the U.S. is generally middle of the pack in international comparisons, St. Agnes Academy can tell a different story. From the beginning, an Academy education has been rigorous, the Sisters challenging students to honor the Dominican pillar of study and push themselves to work harder, dig deeper, and ask the critical questions. Today, that tradition is maintained by a lay faculty eager to see students explore and succeed. School administrators ensure engaging and relevant courses are available for students interested in STEM fields. New this year are classes in forensic 6 | FEATURE
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science, engineering design, and AP statistics. Robin Licato teaches the new forensic science class, which combines chemistry, biology and physics, allowing students to begin applying their knowledge of the sciences in a specific field. This semester students will learn how to match fingerprints, blood, and human remains as well as how to identify unknown substances through toxicology. Lab work will be conducted in mock crime scenes, and exams will test their ability to figure out who committed the crime. So far, students have created a
database of fingerprints from teachers, administrators, and friends that will provide a pool of suspects in their labs. Looking back, Claire Lafferty, Valedictorian of the Class of 2013, appreciates the interactive and challenging learning environment at St. Agnes. Currently double majoring in biomedical and chemical engineering, she feels St. Agnes played a vital part. “[The] Academy provided me with the fundamentals needed to engage problem solving skills and develop the neces1
Department of Labor
FLOURISHING IN THE SCIENCES sary study habits and time management skills to continue a course in engineering at Vanderbilt University. The variety of classes offered as well as the accessibility of the faculty and the collaboration of students gave me a foundation on which to base my future studies and career as an engineer.” Students are flourishing in the sciences both in and out of the classroom. Take
for four consecutive years. In the 2014 national, Julie Vu, Tracy Vu, Ally Podsednik and Courtney Graff took fifth. They also won the Risk Award for the most daring machine design. The object of the 2014 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest was to build a machine that would “zip the zipper.” Lisa Stinson, honors physics teacher, proudly tells a story about how the team overcame last
St. Agnes Academy provided me with the fundamentals needed to engage problem solving skills and develop the necessary study habits and time management skills to continue a course in engineering at Vanderbilt University. - CLAIRE LAFFERTY, VALEDICTORIAN OF THE CLASS OF 2013 the Spectrum 3847 St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit Engineering Team as an example. Last year, Spectrum 3847 was invited to compete as one of only 78 teams from around the world at the Indiana Robotics Invitational, earning finalist positions in three out of five competitive events. The students were also recognized for overall quality in construction and performance over 55 other teams at the Houston VEX Competition. Honors continued with the Chairman’s Award at the FIRST Robotics Competition Lone Star Regional. The Chairman’s Award is the most prestigious award at FIRST, honoring the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). As a member of the engineering team, students gain experience solving real-time challenges in high pressure situations. To know that our students excel in this arena is a testament to an Academy education. Every year the Physics Department takes several student teams to the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest. A St. Agnes team has advanced to the national competition
minute challenges at the competition. During one of the last steps, the electrical cord came apart, and they had to figure out how to get their machine to work. After several unsuccessful attempts to solder it back together, they finally made it connect fully by putting a weight on the end of the lever. We can teach problem solving in the classroom but to see what
they learned in class come to life in the competition is exactly what it’s all about. St. Agnes is ahead of the curve with several alumnae established in the STEM field. Carolynn “C.J.” Kanelakos ’02 is an engineer at NASA Johnson Space Center, currently working on Robonaut2 (R2), a fully dexterous humanoid robot. C.J. vividly remembers how she was able to explore her interest in STEM while at St. Agnes. “In high school, one of my friends encouraged me to join our school’s engineering team. Although I did not know much about engineering at the time, it sounded like a fun way to combine creativity and technical thinking in a hands-on environment. My experiences on the engineering team, along with encouragement and support from my family, friends, and teachers, were a large part of what led me to pursue engineering in college.” The STEM programs at St. Agnes are propelled by a legacy of dedicated teachers and ambitious students. With additional course offerings, dynamic competing teams, and successful alumnae, we provide students the necessary resources to explore and pursue their interests in STEM. St. Agnes stays on the cutting edge in education, building a just and inclusive society along the way — certainly a Dominican value.
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VOICING OUR VISION THE PL AN FOR 2014 -2020
AFTER MUCH CAREFUL RESEARCH AND WISE CONSULTATION, JOYFUL DREAMING AND SERIOUS DISCERNMENT, WE EXPRESS THESE AMBITIOUS GOALS FOR THE FUTURE. WE GIVE VOICE TO OUR BOLD VISION. Whether it’s smart, funny, intriguing, or profound—we all know Academy women have something to say. From the moment each girl enters our doors to her graduation day, she is continuously finding and forming her uniquely powerful voice alongside her uniquely powerful, world-changing purpose. In order to continue our over 100-year legacy of challenging each young woman to find her own voice and live with God-given passion, we as a school community must also continue to strengthen our voice and live our vision. We seek to discover and define our role in each student’s life, in the Houston community, and in transforming our world–dedicating ourselves to building a better future for our daughters and for their daughters.
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We are voicing our vision by preparing young women with purpose. - DEBORAH WALEN, PRINCIPAL
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THE PLAN FOR 2014 –2020
Voicing our vision BY PRESERVING OUR CHERISHED HERITAGE AND VALUES
BY PREPARING YOUNG WOMEN WITH PURPOSE
Goal 1: Ensure a governance and leadership model that upholds the Houston Dominican ideals and supports the mission of the school as it achieves its vision for the future.
Goal 2: Create a dynamic curriculum to ensure that each young woman is well prepared for college and is provided with the foundation for living a life of faith, compassion, integrity and truth.
As we look to the future, we strive to ensure that our Houston Dominican values and traditions remain constant, relevant, and influential, even as we expect fewer Sisters on campus. Strong leadership and governance are imperative for St. Agnes to continue flourishing and animating the teachings of St. Dominic.
St. Agnes Academy provides a life-defining learning experience that not only benefits our young women and their families, but also presents the opportunity to advance our mission on a local and global scale. As an entire school community, we consistently seek best practices for educating our students and providing them with the tools to develop bold, imaginative solutions to the issues that challenge our world.
A few steps toward our vision-in-action: Ensuring our culture and our daily lives fully express our Dominican ideals. Establishing a succession plan for all leadership positions. Encouraging participation in the Dominican Family.
A few steps toward our vision-in-action: Increasing student course offerings and resources to encourage deeper, more versatile study. Providing resources for teachers to further their craft and maintain vibrancy in their curricula. Advancing technology in classrooms, including new instruction methods and online course options.
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THE PLAN FOR 2014 –2020
BY PROVIDING ENRICHING ENVIRONMENTS
BY PERPETUATING OUR PURPOSE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
Goal 3: Ensure that facilities are program-driven, well-maintained, and optimally utilized.
Goal 4: Adhere to a financial plan that ensures achievement of the school’s mission. The financial plan will include appropriate tuition and financial assistance, a robust and mature philanthropic program, and a disciplined approach to management of costs and expenditures.
St. Agnes Academy’s physical plant supports, advances, and aligns with the mission of the school. Careful consideration and deliberation ensure the spaces of St. Agnes provide lasting benefits for the entire St. Agnes community. We do not enter into capital or real estate projects lightly, and as we approach our next phase of growth, we aim to develop intentional, strategic partnerships to better serve our greater public purpose.
A sound financial plan and robust, mature philanthropic program will allow St. Agnes to remain accessible and affordable, attract and retain exceptional faculty and staff members, consistently provide mission-centered programs and facilities, and secure the future of the institution.
A few steps toward our vision-in-action: Crafting a new master plan that supports our mission, vision, and educational goals. Actively addressing the specific facility needs of our student life, performing arts, speech and debate, and dance programs. Continue committing wholeheartedly to conservation, energy efficiency, and “green” campus initiatives.
A few steps toward our vision-in-action: Encouraging alumnae to embrace their roles as keepers of tradition and defenders of the diploma. Fostering a culture of transformational philanthropy that supports goals for capital campaigns, endowment, and planned giving programs. Establishing tuition and financial aid to remain affordable and accessible to best-fit families.
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You are my companion and must walk with me. If we hold together, no earthly power can withstand us. –S T. DOMINIC TO HIS FRIEND S T. FR ANCIS OF A SSISI
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Academy women have something to say. We are a private school with a public purpose, and we boldly confirm our commitment to reflect the evolving face of Houston. We set the bar high and empower our girls over the top, valuing grit, grace, and self-awareness over specific achievements. Generation after generation, St. Agnes Academy teaches young women how to think and learn, and why Catholic, Dominican values matter. Through this transformational experience, our young women develop tools and voices to change the world. As we continue our next 100 years, we embrace what makes an Academy education unique. – ST. AGNES VISION STATEMENT
TOGETHER AS ST. AGNES ACADEMY, WE DEDICATE TO ACTIVELY LIVING GOD’S PLAN FOR OUR COMMUNITY. Our united, collective voice informs and animates our vision— a promise to remain ever-unified and always enlivened in bold pursuit of our shared purpose in the forthcoming years: to daily manifest our Dominican values and prepare young women to pursue lives of truth, passion, and purpose.
Want to know more about how we’re putting our vision into action? Read the plan here: st-agnes.org/strategicplan.
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CL ASS NOTES GRADUATION AND MADONNA DAY Reilly Smith Valedictorian Kimmie George Salutatorian Hartini Margot Veritas Award The recipient of this award is recommended by the faculty. Based on academic achievement, service, courage and leadership, this award honors a woman who has truly lived her calling to be Christ for others. Haylee Rios ’14, Rachel Smythe ’14, Lauren Torres ’14, Rachel Savage’14
Madeline Garvis St. Agnes Academy Award
Enegeh Baté ’06 with sister Anna Alemafack-Baté ’14
Cassy Cardenas ’14 and her mother, Jennifer Cardenas ’86
Symone Carty ’14 recieves her diploma from Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. 14 | FISH WEEK
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Selected by the faculty, this award celebrates a young woman who has made an unmistakable difference in the lives of others. She truly lives the Dominican values that embody the St. Agnes tradition.
Sakile Simmons St. Catherine of Siena Award This award honors a student selected for her graciousness, hospitality, respectfulness, and service to others. We are pleased to recognize this young woman who leads with integrity and joyful enthusiasm.
Lexie Bambace ’14 with her mother, Mary Burkhalter Bambace ’81; her grandmother, Maydelle Exley Burkhalter ’49; and her aunt, Anne Burkhalter Van Horn ’69.
By Sophie Belton ’15 and Madeline Cook ’15 CL ASS NOTES WELCOME WEEK TEACHES FISH TO SWIM Fish week, also known as welcome week, is an opportunity for freshman and seniors to get to know each other through a series of fun activities. Every ninth grader is assigned a senior big sister based on personality surveys filled out by both grades. Madeline Cook ’15 fondly remembers her Fish Week. “My sister wrote me a super sweet note and even created an anonymous email so she could email me and get me pumped for the week without revealing her identity. I loved the dress up days and the parade was awesome. My fish group was huge so I got to meet tons of new people. It was
super fun and I could not wait to be a senior so I could have a fish of my own.” This year’s Fish Week welcomed 235 ninth graders. For the little sisters, it’s one of their first and greatest impressions of St. Agnes. For the seniors, it’s an opportunity to reflect on their high school years and help another student have an equally wonderful experience. Fish Week forms bonds between ninth and twelfth graders that are often uncommon in high school, creating a vibrant social life on campus and relationships that last long after their days at St. Agnes.
Senior class vicepresident, Madeline Cook, and president, Sophie Belton line up the fish parade
Sarah Staerker ’15 greets her lil sis Christina Darby ’18
“My fish week experience was amazing and one like I have never had before. My big sister worked so hard to make my week as fun, silly and memorable as possible! Completing her tasks was so much fun, and it was an incredible experience bonding with my big sis and her friends!” - Christina Darby ’18
Seniors get creative costuming the ninth graders
Story from a big sis: I was so excited for fish week! The first day was Baby Day. I gave her a pacifier, bib, and bonnet to wear all day, and a list of tasks to complete. The next day, Beach Day, it was so fun to see her walking around the hall in floaties and goggles! When I revealed my identity she was super excited. Friday was the big day: Theme Day. I dressed her as a Mario kart. I was dressed up as a gamer, then we paraded them around the school!
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FROM THE ALUMNAE BOARD PRESIDENT
LAURI SCHNEIDAU RUIZ ’77 our Dominican identity stands out more than ever. While serving on the St. Agnes Alumnae Board, I have reveled in our deep sense of community, reconnecting with old friends and just enjoying the aura of St. Agnes. I invite all alumnae to take a few minutes to reconnect in some way—send updates to Veritas magazine; come to reunion in October; call an old classmate just to reminisce; come to “Alums on the Lawn” at the East Campus Athletics Complex in November; follow the alumnae Facebook page; volunteer at the Alumnae Service Day in the spring!
It’s an exciting time at St. Agnes! The campus has grown, academic offerings are expanding, and – finally! – construction on Bellaire will be completed soon. With so much change, the consistency of
There’s lots to do, and the Alumnae Board is always coming up with creative, fun ideas to improve on what we do. As President, I hope to carry on the tradition of enthusiasm and love for our school.
The time, the energy, the dedication it takes to endure the human tide every day is immense; to respond so with particular individuals, as I saw the doctor do is witness of a remarkable human being, and such a human being is
FROM THE SAYPO BOARD PRESIDENT
BRITTANY TAGGART ’05 Words cannot express how excited I am to serve as the president of the St. Agnes Young Professional Organization (SAYPO) board this year! There are so many exciting things happening at St. Agnes and with SAYPO, providing us the opportunity to bring our young alums back to campus and involve them in the mission of our incredible school. We have educational events where we bring in speakers on various topics such as: financial planning, buying your first home and career planning. Additionally, we have social events to network and catch up with fellow alums. Our most popular activity is the co-ed happy hour hosted with Strake Jesuit, St. Thomas, Duchesne, Incarnate Word and St. Pius this past summer at St. Arnold Brewery. It was a BLAST! Since SAYPO was formed, we have had overwhelming attendance at our events 46 | ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS
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Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green. - DR. CHARLES NOVO
VERITAS AWARD PAST RECIPIENTS 2013: Carolyn Carbajal McCairns ’57 2012: Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ’56 2011: Charla Ward Trader ’64 2010: Mary Ann Chambers ’57 and an enthusiastic response from alumnae. We welcome all alums between five and 20 years from graduation, and we encourage you to get involved with SAA. I look forward to another fun year connecting with fellow young alums. Go Tigers!
2009: Debbie Sieck ’87 2008: Kathy Kokas ’73 2007: Janet Kingham Greenwood ’57 2006: Sr. Therese Warden, O.P. ’51 2005: Eileen Antill ’51 2004: Calista Schneidau Herbert ’69
Conchi with her daughter, Maddie Green ’12, on Madonna Day 2012
2014 Veritas Award
Dr. Conchi Diaz-Arrastia Green ’78 Since 2004, the St. Agnes Academy Alumnae Board and St. Agnes Young Professionals Organization (SAYPO) honor an alumna annually with the Veritas Award. This year, we celebrate Dr. Concepcion (Conchi) Diaz-Arrastia Green ’78 for her dedication to St. Agnes, her compassion for humanity and her professional and academic achievements. Conchi is an associate professor and director in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine. Long after her days at SAA, Conchi has maintained her commitment to the school by generously volunteering her time. She has come to campus and spoken to students about health issues and has served on the panel at Career Day. She has also mentored Academy women in the field of genetics research. Last year, she provided a day of medical observation to a student through a gift to the St. Agnes gala and auction. Conchi lives out her passion to serves those in need by providing free gynecological care to incarcerated women.
In her work as a physician, she has helped numerous SAA community members and their families. Dr. Charles Novo, St. Agnes English teacher, recalls a difficult time for his family and how Conchi was able to help. “We stood outside of the operating theater and received the news; the surgery had been successful and the cancer had been excised ... [Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green] gave Annie her personal cell phone number, and told my sister that not only would she take her calls, but she would drive to her house and minister to her personally. The time, the energy, the dedication it takes to endure the human tide every day is immense; to respond so with particular individuals, as I saw the doctor do is witness of a remarkable human being, and such a human being is Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green.” Conchi goes the extra mile in everything she does. Classmate Laura Broussard Costa ’78 stated, “Concep is never too busy to help friends, classmates and their family members. She will drop whatever she is doing to help a long-lost friend with a medical scare.”
As the physician to Jen Arnold, star of TLC’s hit reality show The Little Couple, Conchi did extensive research and contacting specialists around the country to calculate the appropriate dosage of chemotherapy for Arnold, who has a form of dwarfism. Every day, Conchi lives the St. Agnes mission. Whether in her profession, volunteer activities or with friends, her heart for social justice shines through. Her passion for a better world makes us proud to call her an Academy woman.
Dr. Diaz-Arrastia Green has won numerous awards, including the “Schuyler G. Kohl Award” for Best Teaching by a Resident (1991); Clinical Oncology Fellowship Award, American Cancer Society (1992-93); the Golden Apple Teaching Award, University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, TX (2003 and 2006); Rising Star in Cancer Research, National Latino Cancer Research Network (Redes en Accion) (2005); the Carlos Finlay Award for Outstanding Physician (2011); and was the first to perform a telerobotic hysterectomy.
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CL ASS AGENTS Class agents are liaisons between alumnae and St. Agnes. They encourage classmates to be a part of the St. Agnes community, whether it is attending a reunion, a happy hour, a school event, or giving to St. Agnes Academy through time, treasure or talent. If your class does not have a class agent, and you would like to serve in that role, contact Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations at lori.pinter@st-agnes.org. 1953 Peggy Wilkening Walker pegw728@gmail.com
1966 Ann Dulin Little annd144@hotmail.com
1979 Suzanne Smith Grant sgrant@hdgrant.com
1954 Agnes Bobbitt Sullivan ASullivanHouston@aol.com
Carol Laflin Ahles carolahles@sbcglobal.net
1984 Lannie Earthman Bluethmann 1995 lanniebluethmann@msn.com Tina Boutros Kirby tinabkirby@gmail.com 1987
1956 Carolyn Fitzgerald Matlock cmat@family.net Mary Leona Miles Williams mary-leona@att.net
Judy Trabulsi judy.trabulsi@gsdm.com 1969 Mary Boudreaux Graham ggraham8@comcast.net
1957 Carolyn Carbajal McCairns mccairns@sbcglobal.net
1970 Carol Caspersen Moffett cmoffett@kipphouston.org
Mary Ann Chambers chambersma1939@gmail.com
1972 Diane Knebel Watler dkwatler@outlook.com
1958 Carol Celman Schottie casathome@gmail.com Kay Stindt Kelly kkelly011@comcast.net 1960 Minnette Passante Carrabba MCarrabba2@comcast.net 1962 Sue Ann Baranski Allen b.p.allen@att.net Frankie Casey Schiel irishyakyak@sbcglobal.net
Kristin Kautz kkautztexas@gmail.com 1988 Keri Cook Carter carter@pdq.net Lori Sebastian Pinter lori.pinter@st-agnes.org 1989 Adela Garcia Armendariz adelaa1126@yahoo.com
1973 Suzan Puhl Murphy smurphy@utk edu 1975 Ardis Bartle ardisbartle @apexmeasurement.com Sydney Free sydfree1@aol.com
Diane Driscoll dianemdriscoll@gmail.com
Christina Luna Finley cfinley33@sbcglobal.net Carol Prokop Poston daposton@gmail.com 1990 Shannon Beirne Wiesedeppe thewiesedeppes@att.net
Cindy Stowell Susan Chipperfield Giddens cstowell@aggienetwork.com susan.giddens@gmail.com
1964 Theresa Pizzitola pizzi.theresa@gmail.com
1992 Marion Bormans McCann elizabeth.a.hynes@irs.gov mmccann@pas.com
1965 Julie Linehan linehanlaw@mac.com
1977 Mary Raia mary.raia@att.net
1976 Liz Fusilier Hynes
1993 Emily Aguilar Capps teamcapps3@gmail.com
FANNIN STREET LUNCHEON EVENT MOVES TO SUMMER Almost 200 alumnae gathered at the Junior League of Houston on Friday, June 13 for the annual Fannin Street Luncheon. Graciously moving to June to allow for Reunion to move to fall, the luncheon included alumnae from the class of 1937 to the class of 1964, who were celebrating their 50 year reunion. Classes celebrating milestone reunions recieved a rose, and a good time was had by all. 48 | ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS
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The Class of 1949
1994 Andrea Montgomery Stewart andrea @andreamontgomery.com
1995 Suzy Ryder suzryder@gmail.com 1996 Suzanne Conwell Pickett Suzanne.Pickett@att.net 1997 Louisa Hamlin louisa_hamlin@mac.com 1998 Lauren Chapman laurenchappy@gmail.com Julia Conlon julcon@hotmail.com 1999 Heather Ives Hernandez heather.ives.hernandez @gmail.com
2003 Becky Barbour Leatherwood rbarbour07@aol.com Amanda Sitomer Smith amanda.sitomer@gmail.com 2004 Lauren Dornak Grosskreuz lauren.grosskreuz@gmail.com Lindsay Lehmann Arbour lehmann.lindsay@gmail.com Celina Guerrero marcelinarae@gmail.com 2005 Mackenzie Burns burnsma1@gmail.com Brittany Taggart brittany.a.taggart@gmail.com Melinda Montalbano Yaklin melinda.m.yaklin@gmail.com 2006 Isabel “Texas” Longoria Isabel.M.Longoria @gmail.com Amanda Adam aadam2934@gmail.com
2000 Laura Hamlin Oates laura.oates@me.com
2007 Lynn Marie Fahey lynnfahey@gmail.com
2001 Sally Schwartzel sally.schwartzel@gmail.com
2009 Amber Garcia-Rameau agarciarameau@gmail.com
Melanie Markowski Soha Nassef melanie.markowski@gmail.com sohanassef@gmail.com
3RD ANNUAL CO -ED HAPPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR WITH OTHER CATHOLIC HGH SCHOOLS CONTINUES TO BE A SUCCESS Close to 300 young alumni from St. Agnes, Duchesne, Incarnate Word Academy, Strake Jesuit, St. Pius and St. Thomas gathered for a co-ed young alumni happy hour at Saint Arnold Brewery on Wednesday, July 16. The St. Agnes Young Professionals Organization (SAYPO) organized the event, welcomed guests and provided refreshments. SAYPO is a networking group comprising St. Agnes alumnae from graduating years 1994 - 2009 that encourages a path toward personal and professional growth and strives to create opportunities to help alumnae become successful leaders. To learn more, contact SAYPO Board President Brittany Taggart at brittany.a.taggart@gmail.com.
Mackenzie Burns ’05, Sarah Brann ’04 and Chelsea Overstreet ’04
Lorin Leatherwood Crater ’05 and friends from Strake Jesuit
Caroline Willard ’07, Kathryn Steinhubl ’07, Alex Puccio ’07 and Megan Dilger ’07
A FIFTH GENER ATION ACADEMY WOMAN Emily Quindt entered the class of 2018 as a fifth generation Academy woman! Two of her great, great grandmothers attended St. Agnes when it was a boarding school. Emily’s cousin, Sr. Catherine, was principal at St. Agnes and her
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aunt, Susan Morrison ’64 was a member of the first graduating class from the Bellaire campus. Through many generations of Dominican education, Emily’s family has established tradition of dynamic and transformative education.
“A Dominican education is a long-standing tradition in our family. Three of Emily’s aunts were Dominican sisters.” - Cheryl Morrison Chambers ’65 Kim Katopodis ’00, Lauren Cates Amador ’00, Debra Guilford Richmond ’00 and Tres Hinds ’00
Emily Quindt – Class of 2018 Christine Chambers Quindt ’89 (mother) Cheryl Morrison Chambers ’65 (grandmother) Jeannine Stevens Helms ’45 (great-grandmother) Minnie Bury Stevens ’21 (great-great grandmother)
On Saturday, August 16, the Alumnae Office ventured to Austin to gather classmates for brunch at Chez Zee. More than 30 alumnae enjoyed brunch, mimosas, visiting with old friends and an update on St. Agnes.
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ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT ANDREA IVEY PHILLIPS ’04 Andrea Ivey Phillips ’04 did not plan a future in fashion early on. After she graduated from St. Agnes in 2004, she matriculated to Vanderbilt University where she majored in Economics. After college, Andrea returned to Houston to work as an investment banker at a large Wall Street firm. While working there, she was required to wear a suit on a daily basis, so she began using her weekend wardrobe to express her own style with feminine dresses, bright colors and unique fabrics. She began to develop her own personal sense of style and noticed a void in the womenswear market, and saw an opportunity. Andrea decided to pursue an MBA at Rice University because of its entrepreneurship program and developed the business skills necessary to start her own company. After obtaining her MBA, Andrea and her husband moved to Dubai. Upon moving abroad, she discovered that many of the brands she loved back home were significantly more expensive, and were a few
seasons behind the U.S. market. Frustrated with this, Andrea began designing her own clothes and decided to pursue her passion full-time. This year, she launched her womenswear line, AG Phillips, in London, where she currently lives with her husband, Oliver. In August, Andrea was thrilled to be in her hometown of Houston to introduce her brand in the U.S. at an event at Tootsies on West Ave, and the line is growing! Andrea recently announced that AG Phillips will be sold at Neiman Marcus nationwide starting this January for the spring 2015 collection! Though living abroad, Andrea still gives back to the Houston community. The Tootsies launch event benefitted Nora’s Home, a local charity that helps support transplant patients and their families. The Executive Director of Nora’s home, Kayla Lehmann, is a St. Agnes alumnae parent to Andrea’s classmate Lindsay
ALUMNA LAUNCHES WOMENSWEAR LINE Lehmann Arbour ’04 and her sister Jamie Lehmann ’06. Reflecting on the event, Andrea said, “Oliver and I enjoyed mingling with guests, seeing new and familiar faces, and describing various pieces in the collection. It was a great evening - for an even greater cause, and we’re thankful to have had this opportunity!”
UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, Nov 22, 2014 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
Stacay Szydlik ’04, Erica Sepulveda Cole ’04 and Cathleen Gready Fishel ’04
Elaine Lemp ’00 and Samantha Scruggs ’00
BUILDING OUR NET WORK SAYPO’S FIRST ALUMNAE NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR SAYPO organized almost 60 alumnae from diverse professional backgrounds for the first networking happy hour on Wednesday, April 16, at Crisp. Alumnae registered citing their career fields, 50 | ALUMNAE CONNECTIONS
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which was included on color-coded nametags so that alumnae could find others in similar fields. It was amazing to see how they could help each other. We hope to make it an annual event.
Alums on the Lawn Alumnae and their families are invited to a day with lunch, games and fun! Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015 (3:30 p.m.) Yearbook Signing Social The Class of 2014 is invited to an ice cream social and to pick up yearbooks and reminisce with classmates. Friday, March 6, 2015 (7 p.m.) Alumnae Night at Fall Musical Join us for the St. Agnes production of “Anything Goes!” Check the the “Events & Reunions” page for more upcoming events. Details on registering available at
www.st-agnes.org/alumnae
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1950s Barbara Heiser Alban ‘52 and her husband, Johnny, welcomed their first great-grandchild, a boy, in July.
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Sarah Abright Dickson ’57 has a quilt she created in 1998 that has been on tour for three years through Quilts, Inc. under the category “Modern Masterpieces.” It will be hanging in San Antonio at the Institute of Texan Cultures from mid-September until early January. Patricia Hall ’58 has relinquished the position of Province Director of Galveston-Houston for the National Council of Catholic Women, after holding the position for two years. It’s been interesting and she has learned a lot about this organization. 1960s Brenda Beust Smith ’61, has ended her 40+ year association with the Houston Chronicle. Brenda is now sharing her quirky gardening thoughts and tips via the “Lazy Gardener & Friends Houston Garden Newsletter” published by John Ferguson and Mark Bowen of Nature’s Way Resources (www.lazygardenerandfriends.com). Bobbie Navarro Orr ’62 retired with 22 years of service from the Department of Justice (FBI) on May 31. During her last years working for the FBI, she was honored to spend two years in Moscow, Russia as a LEGAT Operations Assistant working in the United States Embassy. This assignment was the highlight of her career with the FBI. The Class of 1964 had an amazing 50 year reunion at Susan Morrison’s, with close to 50 classmates attending. They also enjoyed a Thursday night at Los Tios with spouses, and on that Saturday, 13 of the classmates went on a cruise together. The Class of 1964 was the first class to graduate from the 9000 Bellaire location, and they have celebrated the 50th anniversary of both beautifully! (1)
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1970s Class of 1971 Nashville trip: Karen McLinden ’71, Maura Rebman Murto ’71, Sandy Petrov Curran ’71, Ann Schwarzbach Mikus ’71, Jackie Jemelka Brown ’71, and Molly McInnis Sagebiel ’71, were in Nashville in July for sightseeing and catching up. Still best friends after all these years, we try to get together every few years! (3) Beverley Crispin Heffernan ‘70 and husband Jim are still enjoying their work. He as an administrative law judge, and Beverly as Environmental Resources Division Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region. They now have a second home in Hurricane, Utah, near Zion National Park and on the edge of the Mojave Desert. They visited Peru, Turkey and Greece last year and this year will visit Rome and Pompeii. Beverly still rides her two horses! Ann Mommessin Bogran ’76 reports that St. Agnes is well represented in the Pulmonary Medicine and Asthma Center of Texas Children’s Hospital. Ann Mommessin Bogran BSN, CPN ’76, Allison Ruppert Brownlee LCSW ’99, and Carrie Drone George MS, RD, LD ‘97 all enjoy working together in their department! (4)
The Class of 1978 recently go together at the home of Conchi Diaz-Arrastia Green ’78. (2) Ginger Teas Caron ’78 is the Chair of Hospitality for the 2nd annual Houston Hope, Steps & A Cure Walk and Frontier Fiesta 5K for the Brave. The event benefits the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation that provides patient support and research for those fighting bone marrow failure diseases. Leslie Lee McGimsey ’78 retired from American Airlines after 20 years. She is now her mother’s personal assistant, helping her manage their vacation rentals, Leeway Cottages in Wimberley, Texas, and their ranch in Midland. She walks around the corner to the office in her mother’s home and from her desk watches her horses play in the front field. Sometimes she will run out and ride bareback! She is happily married, with three dogs and a 16 year-old son. Nancy Sauer ’78 continues to own and operate a government relations consulting firm and serves on the adjunct faculties at both Rice University and the University of Oklahoma, where she teaches in the MBA programs.
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1980s Michelle Mustachia Bauldry ’83 welcomed granddaughter Ella on July 23. Ella joins big sister Jamie and parents Sierra and Steven Williamson . LeeAnne Beckham Carlson ’84 and her family are featured in a docufiction film by filmmaker Roberto Minervini called “Stop the Pounding Heart,” which was cowritten by LeeAnne. See the full story on page 56. Jacquelyn Condon Cohn ’86 and husband, Donald, are proud to announce their son, Jack, graduated from Strake Jesuit in May. He was the only applicant from Strake Jesuit accepted to Vanderbilt University, and he is enrolled in the school of engineering. Their daughter, Maryella, is a sophomore at St. Agnes where she runs varsity cross country and plays soccer. Her other two children, Anna and Joseph, attend St. Thomas More Parish School. Jacquelyn is a Jazzercise Instructor at the Bellaire Recreation Center. Dorothy Del Castillo Jarnagin ’86 graduated in May from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She is officially certified to teach EC-6th with ESL and loves working with the elementary grades! Her oldest daughter, Caitlin, will be going to Blinn College in the fall and daughter Reba will be a sophomore at Round Rock High School. Reba is in the Color Guard/ Band and is super excited about her upcoming trip with the band to Pasadena, California for the Rose Bowl Parade.
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on Blalock in the Spring Branch area and provides assistance services to families in the surrounding community. They help with basic needs like rent, utilities, clothing, medical care, and have great self-sufficiency programs for children in school. 1990s Michelle Petru Nelson-Archer ’91 was named Fort Bend ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. Her parents are so thankful for the role models she had in her classrooms and the SAA vision that encouraged her to use all of her God-given talents in His love. Kimberly Fain ’92 recently published her first book: Black Hollywood: From Butlers to Superheroes, the Changing Role of African American Men in the Movies. Kimberly is an attorney and adjunct instructor for Houston Community College. She has had numerous essays and chapters published prior to this book release. Marcy Aguilar Hill ’92 and husband, Mike, welcomed twins Ava Nicol and Pearson Luis Hill on April 25. Ava weighed five pounds 13 ounces and Pearson topped that at seven pounds and 10 ounces. (9)
Jewell Handy ’88 recently became the new Theatre Director at St. Agnes Academy!
Angélique Jamail ’92 recently released her fiction ebook, FINIS, on Amazon.com. Her poetry and essays have appeared in over two dozen anthologies and journals, including The Milk Of Female Kindness -- An Anthology of Honest Motherhood. Angélique teaches high school English and creative writing at The Kinkaid School in Houston and writes on her blog: www. SapphosTorque.com.
Christina Luna Finley ’89 recently became Development Officer for Memorial Assistance Ministries. MAM is located
Diane Love Maness ’93 and husband, Chad, welcomed Noah Riley on April 12 at 8 lbs and 20.5 inches.
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Lulu Trabanino Sta. Ana ’94 went to college at the University of Texas and then to medical school in San Antonio. She completed her general surgery residency in Boston where she met her husband; then they moved to Orlando where she participated in a colon and rectal surgery fellowship. They have two children, Rafael (4) and Ariana (2). They spend their free time biking, swimming and traveling. This past year, they visited Japan, China, El Salvador, Mexico, Spain and a few US cities. Andrea Montgomery Stewart ’94 moved back to Houston last fall after five years in San Francisco. Her husband, Paul, has joined Eye Center of Texas as a retina surgeon and ocular oncologist. On May 3, they welcomed their third son, Jack Darden Stewart. He joins big brothers, William and Montgomery. (5) Elisa Del Tatto Roby ’96 and her husband welcomed their second son, Henry Louis, on March 5. He joins big brother Cross, who is in the sixth grade at St. Monica Catholic School. Sarah Kott Galfione ‘97 and husband, Matthew, welcomed twins Oliver Tyrrell and Abigail Rose on May 10. The twins join big sister Stella (3), and the family resides in Houston. Sarah is a physician practicing Pathology at Brown & Associates. Mary Clarin-Jante ’98 married high school sweetheart, Michael Jante (SJ ’99) in 2000. Mary works for Michael E. DeBakey VA hospital as a physical therapist assistant. Their daughter, Marichael Jade (14) is a ninth grader at St. Agnes and has made JV volleyball team as a setter! Maveric Jaden (6) is a kindergartener at St. Vincent de Paul, and Maiseyn Jaye is nine months old. Mary’s
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husband, Michael, quit the IT business and opened up a Filipino fusion food truck called Flip ‘N Patties! www.flipnpatties.com. Jackie Minar Drew ’98 and husband, Richard, welcomed daughter Riley Grace Drew on April 1, weighing eight pounds. Stephanie Tillman Reneau ‘98 and husband, Colby, welcomed baby Savannah on February 12, 2014. Savannah joins big sister Kylie (16). The Reneau family resides in Needville, TX where Stephanie teaches third grade, and Colby is a Houston firefighter. Kimberly Alexis Bledel ’99 and Vincent Kartheiser were married this summer in a small ceremony in Ojai, California. Emily Friedman ’99 received the 2014 New Professor of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching at Auburn University, where she is an assistant professor of English. Jocelyn Chapman Vincent ’99 is a stayat-home mom with two little girls, Dakotah (3), Savannah (16 months), and a little boy, Colton will be arriving at the end of October. Gunnery Sergeant Ann Sagebiel ’99 is currently serving as the Detachment Commander for the Marine Security Guard Detachment (MSG Det) at the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Ann is one of just a very small number of women detachment commanders, and she was given the privilege of leading the Marine Corps’ largest MSG Det at the largest embassy in the world. 2000s Melissa Montalbano Hawthorne ’00 and husband, Matthew (SJ ’00), welcomed daughter Lucy Ann on March 24. Lucy is the great-granddaughter of the late Angela
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Maggio Montalbano ’39 and niece to Michele Montalbano Osten ’95 and Melinda Montalbano Yaklin ’05. Twin big brothers, Wesley and William, are excited to have a little sister. Meredith Holbert Millik ’00 married Matthew Millik (STH ‘02) on August 2, 2014 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Meredith teaches Spanish at St. Agnes. (7) Catherine Conlon Sanders ‘00 and husband, Josh, welcomed daughter Camilla Catherine on June 27. Camilla joins big brother Jack (3). The family resides in Houston. Amanda Zientek Schluens ’01 and husband, Cody, welcomed their third child, Colette Marie on March 10, at 9 lbs. 5oz. and 21 inches. She joins siblings Corbin and Cecilia. The family recently relocated to Katy, where Amanda has embarked on being a stay at home mom. (10) Sarah Ferguson Sprengnether ‘01 and her husband, Steve, welcomed Elizabeth Ann and John Thomas on March 21, weighing 4 lbs. 11 oz. and 4 lbs. 6 oz. respectively. Elizabeth and John join big sister Clara.
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Amanda Sitomer Smith ’03 and husband, Jamison (STH ’03), welcomed daughter Ainsleigh Grace on June 29, weighing 6 lbs. and measuring 19.25 in. (6) Andrea Ivey Phillips ’04 recently launched her own clothing line, AG Phillips in London and in the US. Andrea and her husband, Oliver, reside in London. See the full AG Phillips story on page 50. Lindsay Lehmann Arbour ’04 married Blake Patrick Arbour (STH ’00) on May 17 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The reception was held at the Houston Country Club. St. Agnes alums in the wedding party included maid of honor Jamie Lehmann ’06 (sister of the bride), bridesmaids Lindsay Mann Willrich ’04, Cathleen Gready Fishel ’04, Annie Morris ’04, Sarah Brann ’04, Val Echeverri ’04, Megan Arbour Long ’94 (sister of the groom). Nancy McEvily ’04, Molly McEvily ’06 and Jenny Board Broussard ’04 all served as part of the house party. Jon Broussard (STH ’00) served as best man and Ryan McCauley (STH ’00), Tommy Locke (STH ’00) and Jeff Houlton (STH ’00) were groomsmen. (8)
Tatiana Bakhoum ’03 recently accepted a position with Levy Restaurants where she works as the senior suites manager at Toyota Center and BBVA Compass Stadium. She finds it interesting that her direct supervisor is a St. Agnes alumna, Cindy Averyt ’79.
Sarah Conlon ’04 completed the M.A. Public History Program at the University of South Carolina in 2012. After graduation, she worked for the Museum Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in Jackson, MS. She recently moved back to Houston and is the Collections Manager for Battleship TEXAS State Historic Site. Sarah is engaged to Sam Abramson of Louisville, KY. The wedding will be held in Houston in spring 2015.
Jenny Phalen Hitch ’03 and husband, Evan Hitch, welcomed McKenzie Mae Hitch on April 27. (11)
Mackenzie Burns ’05 is now the regional admission counselor for Texas at Saint Louis University.
Jodie Guarino Stocker ’01 and husband, David, welcomed Grace Marie on May 23. (12)
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ALUMNAE UPDATES them herself, found homes for pups and got the community involved in getting the animals care. One of the dogs, Toby, ended up losing a leg, and was then adopted by Rachel.
Lorin Leatherwood Crater ’05 married Jonathan Crater on New Year’s Eve in Galveston. Bridesmaids included Kristen Loy Bynon ‘05, Becky Barbour Leatherwood ‘03 and Abbie Goldberg ‘08. (13)
Anna Robshaw ‘06 graduated from Bryn Mawr in 2010, and has spent the past four years working in recruiting and HR in San Francisco, most recently at Bain & Co. She has moved to Los Angeles to start law school at UCLA.
Holly Hunsaker Gesink ’05 and husband, Jan, welcomed son Griffin Jack. Melissa Letsos ’05 married Dr. William James Steele, III on October 5 in Austin. Maid of honor was Carly Hiller ‘05 and serving as a bridesmaid was Leslie Tripodo Smith ‘05. Melissa is the daughter of Mark and Patti Parke Letsos ‘73. Melissa works in the ICU burn unit at Memorial Hermann, and her husband is finishing his residency at the Methodist Hospital. (17) Elba Moise ’05 attends Oregon State University and is finishing two master’s (in public health and applied anthropology) and a graduate certificate in college and university teaching. She will be attending University of Washington for her Ph.D. this fall. As a National Student Advisory Council member for American Association for University Women, she attended the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders and had the privilege of introducing and conducting a 20-minute interview with Chelsea Clinton. Chelsey Hanig Nassar ’05 and husband, Jonathan (SJ ’01), welcomed Christine Lourdes on July 29, weighing 6 lb. 8 oz. Marissa Wilkins Wyrick ’05 married Phillip Wyrick at Annunciation Catholic Church in April 2012. The wedding party included Haley Boyd ’11, Bridget Scamardi ’11, Abby Boyd ’14, Ashley Sessums ’16, Francis Tan ’05, Jessica Richards ’05, Elizabeth Weatherly ’05, Tony Wilkins (SJ ’06), Alex Wilkins (SJ ’09), Trey Sessums (SJ ’13), Nicholas Scamardi SJ ’13), and Kenneth Sessums (SJ ’15). Marissa and Phillip are both engineers residing in Houston. Katrina Boratko ’06 attended Santa Clara University in California, and now works as Communications Manager and Events Coordinator for a nonprofit called Mama Hope, based in San Francisco. Mama Hope works with local community-based organizations 54 | ALUMNAE UPDATES
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Cara Gourley Shannon ’06 married Michael Shannon (STH ’05) on May 10 in Austin, TX. Amanda Villarreal Rizzotto ’06, Allison Fields Facker ’06 and Sarah Gruber ’06 were in the wedding party. Amanda’s son Tyce was the ring bearer. Cara and Michael live in the Greater Boston Area. (14) Elisabeth Grado Christensen ’07, and husband, Will, welcomed John Harlan on February 21, weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz. and 21 inches. (16)
in Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya to complete sustainable, community-driven development projects. www.mamahope.org Beatriz Chahin ’06 is living in Los Angeles, CA and producing a short film called Killed in Action. Audrey Costa Harton ’06 and husband, Trey, welcomed Molly Anne on August 21. Molly joins big sister, Maci Mae. Grandmother Laura Broussard Costa ‘78 is so proud! Stephanie Hoban ‘06 was supported on a Kickstarter campaign with fellow SAA classmates to raise funds for a Ripe Cuisine Food Truck. Christina Ott ’06 and Rachel Thompson McConn ’06 were recently featured on Channel 13, ABC News for being animal advocates. Christina rescued an abandoned litter of puppies she saw while driving home from graduate school at UofH. She trapped
Mimi Onuoha ’07 is one of five awardees selected as the first Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellows. The Fellowship provides a unique platform for U.S. Fulbright 13 awardees to build awareness of transnational challenges, comparing and contrasting cross-border issues. Fellows will share their stories on nationalgeographic.com, using a variety of digital storytelling tools, including text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations and/or social media. Mimi will head to the United Kingdom to explore the chasms and overlaps between the online and offline lives of a demographically diverse group of Londoners. Alex Weber Harris ’09 married Andrew Harris on June 14 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth. The reception was held at City Club of Fort Worth. Sarah Hoffman ’09 was the maid of honor. Alex and Andrew met at Texas Christian University. (15) Soha Nassef ‘09 graduated in May 2013 with a bachelor’s degree from Austin College. She spent the last year in Paris, France teaching English in a high school as part of the Fulbright Program. Upon her recent return, she began her masters of teaching at Austin College.
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Meeka Opong ’09 graduated with a B.A. in music from the University of St. Thomas in May 2013, magna cum laude, honors program. She spent the summer at the Taos Opera Institute in New Mexico and the Wesley Balk Opera Music-Theater Institute in Minnesota. Currently, she is in Tennessee getting a master’s in vocal performance at Austin Peay State University with a full-tuition graduate assistantship. Rachel White ’09 was recently crowned Miss Texas US 2014! texasuspageant.org Stephanie Ahn ’10, Margaret Johnson ’10, Erica Smith ’10 and Madison McMenemy ’10 are all beginning their first year of Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. They are excited to begin this new journey together. Stephanie contacted us to extend their gratitude to everyone at the Academy for the inspiration, encouragement, and dedication! (18) Danielle Bishop ’10 performed her final oboe recital in April at the Ed Landreth Hall on the campus of Texas Christian University. Her sister, Nicole Bishop ’07, performed with her for the piece “Trio for Oboe, Flute, and Piano” by Madeleine Dring. Michaela Chappell-Dolby ’10 graduated
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from Trinity University with a B.S. in business administration, concentration in marketing with a double minor in Spanish and film. Kimberly Cuccia ’10 graduated from Texas A&M Mays Business School. Kimberly was chosen to sing solo at her graduation ceremony. She sang the opening National Anthem and the closing Spirit of Aggieland. After graduation she performed in Germany with the Texas A&M Century Singers. Caroline Duble ’10 graduated in May from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC, with a degree in sociology. She received the department’s senior award for her thesis/ capstone project. She will stay in North Carolina for one year working for the non-profit Spirit in Action as a community activist. Rachel Gannon ’10 studied in Moscow last year and taught English at the Russian State University for the Humanities. She has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Russia where she will teach English to Russian university students. Following the assistantship, Gannon will attend Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in pursuit of a master of arts degree in Eurasian, Russian and East European studies. Currently at Holy Cross, Rachel is president of the Russian club and co-chair of the Modern
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Languages and Literatures Student Advisory Committee. Collette Keehnen ’10 graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a degree in marketing. She enjoyed a semester in Barcelona, an internship in Hawaii and spent half a semester visiting her brother in Australia, where she went diving at the Great Barrier Reef. She is ready to find a job and join her friends in New York. Lauren Kleczynski ’10 graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.A. in communication and a minor in business administration. Valerie Wark ’10 graduated magna cum laude in May from the University of Dallas with a B.A. in psychology with concentrations in Spanish and music. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and has received a grant to teach English in Spain for eight months. Michelle Rigsby ’11 attends the Colorado School of Mines majoring in geophysics, and on May 2, was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Field Athlete of the Week. She is the third in her college history to jump over 19 feet in the long jump, adding over a foot to her collegiate-best with a first-place and provisional distance of 191.25 (5.82m), tied for 24th best in Division II.
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FACULT Y FOCUS Q&A WITH KATE WRIGHT Kate Wright is an invaluable resource to our students. As a communications teacher, department chair, and sponsor of the newspaper and speech and debate team, Kate is fully vested in our mission to cultivate young women with a voice of their own. Tell us about your educational experience and how you selected the content area you now teach. I started college as a social work major because I knew I wanted to help people particularly adolescents. Then I realized that I would only ever see the bad as a social worker. I switched to teaching so I could help with the bad but also get to celebrate the good things with kids, too. My degree is in speech and theatre education. I chose that major because I remembered how participating in those events pulled me out of my shell, gave me confidence, and also helped me create a second family while I was in school. I wanted to be able to give that to my students. What do you love most about teaching? Easy— I love the kids. Getting to watch them grow into strong, intelligent, kind
women is a big perk of my job. I also like seeing a quality or a talent in a student and being able to encourage her to bring it out and show the world. Is it true you started the St. Agnes speech and debate team? When I started here, we had one debater. She was a senior and had been traveling as a lone wolf with the Strake Jesuit team. My first year, there were eight girls in the debate class, and we grew to have about 12 on the team. We steadily grew, and now have about 60 girls on the roster. Last year we took 1st place sweepstakes (the overall team award given at tournaments) at Bay City H.S. and 2nd place at Lamar H.S. This year, we have already taken a 1st place sweepstakes award at Elkins H.S. Last year we took 7 girls to state – this year we expect more. We have also had a national qualifier the last 2 years. Is there a student who inspired you to be better? I have had a number of students who inspire me to be a better teacher! Every year I see incredibly talented students come through my classroom and my debate team, and the better they get, the
better I have to be. I have a student on the debate team right now that is so talented that by November of her 9th grade year I was on the phone with my mentor saying, “She already knows everything that I would spend the next four years teaching her! What do I do with her?” We came up with some great ideas, but she and the girls definitely keep me on my toes! What do you hope students will take away from your course? There are a million things I hope students take from my course. I hope they find the courage to stand up and say what they want to say. I hope they learn to look at things from others’ point of view and see that an argument always has two sides - and both sides have merit. And I hope that they take the time to learn and decide what they think about things instead of just agreeing with what everyone else around them seems to think.
ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT Stop the Pounding Heart LeeAnne Beckham Carlson ’84 and her family were featured in a docufiction film by filmmaker Roberto Minervini called “Stop the Pounding Heart.” It explores their lives as a devoutly Christian goat-farming family in central Texas. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, and showed in 10 different countries! The US premiere was held at Lincoln Center with MOMA’s New Director showcase. “Stop the Pounding Heart” has won several awards including best international documentary at DOK-Leipzig and the David di Donatello (the Italian Oscars).
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The film was co-written by LeeAnne, who is also top-billed, and the screening was held at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston in August. St. Agnes theology teacher Matthew Garrett attended the MFA Houston premiere: At St. Agnes, we talk about what we want from our Academy Women in the future. On the silver screen was an incredibly inspiring example of the confident women we want our young ladies to be in the world. Mrs. Carlson told me how moving to the USA before her junior year was not easy but from the beginning “St. Agnes
was a womb for her.” I pray that we uphold this tradition and nurture the young ladies entrusted to us to be unapologetically confident in themselves and their beliefs.
TIGERS’ DEN AMY MATTES, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Excuse Me I Just Burpeed In January, the Athletics Department expanded a crossfit conditioning and wellness program for faculty and staff to the entire student body. Facilitated by Crossfit West Houston, these workouts are available to all students who are interested in becoming mentally and physically stronger. Just weeks after implementation, coaches saw significant improvement in the physical fitness and leadership skills of the players who participated in off-season and summer classes. Head Field Hockey Coach Virginia Hudgins said, “Audrey Kelley ’15, senior goalie, participated in many of the off-season Crossfit workouts last spring and also attended Crossfit camps all summer long. Not only is she more fit, but [she] helps me so much as coach when she takes it upon herself to condition the other goalies during practice. I attribute a great deal of her work ethic to what she has gained in
Crossfit.” Varsity Water Polo and Swimming Coach Kaitlin Kelley said, “I was so proud to see my girls out there sweating and pushing through. I know their efforts would pay off down the road when it really mattered. They liked it so much, they actually created their own Crossfit workouts, or workout of the day without any influence from me at all. As a coach, I cannot ask for more dedication than that.” Athletes have also benefitted personally from the program. Analisa Ruiz ’16 says, “Crossfit uses a lot of different and fast-paced exercises in one workout, and I have been challenged a lot. [It] also allows me to encourage and work with people I would not have met otherwise.” For our busy Academy women, Crossfit has been a wonderful way to stay fit and build relationships with other students. So far the rewards of the Crossfit program
have far exceeded our expectations. Not only do participating students and faculty develop healthier minds and bodies, but athletes gain that extra edge to push through some of their toughest games of the year. St. Agnes as a whole gains a more
I was so proud to see my girls out there sweating and pushing through. I know their efforts would pay off down the road when it really mattered. - COACH KAITLIN KELLEY collaborative and team-building environment, where we are able to live out our Dominican pillar of community. There is a lot of fun to be had in Crossfit at SAA, and we look forward to becoming stronger together.
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SINCERE SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO THE LOVED ONES OF: Leonard Eli Castro; grandfather to Rachel Stroman ’06 and Sarah Stroman who attended SAA 2004-2006
Lillian Schifani Moscarelli Hagelberger ’57; sister to Patsy Schifani Morales Devillier ’59
Edna Katherine “Katie” Anderson; grandmother to Amber Bertin ’08
Betty Breaux Champagne; mother to Janine Champagne Snapp ’78, Michelle Champagne Avalos ’80 and Susan Champagne Pendergast ’84
Federico Angel; grandfather to Chloe Roman ’18
Margi Lynam Ciatto ’63
Mary Lou Green Hall ’56; sister to Marjo Green Sauer ’58; aunt to Margaret Sauer ’87, Beth Sauer Blanchard ’80, Sharon Sauer ’90, Susan Sauer Welch ’88 and Mary Saue Willrodt ’82
Rita Christine Aspromonte; grandmother to Rachel Thompson McConn ’06
Cleo Catherine Congrady ’43; aunt to Dana Adams Stallworth ’58
Dominick Adamo; husband to Kathleen Loving Adamo ’73; brother-inlaw to Mary Loving Fletcher ’61 (dec) and Nancy Loving Cohen ’66 (dec)
Geneuffa “Gigi” Giangrosso Baccaro ’48; sister to Aurelia Giangrosso LaGesse ’45 (dec); cousin to Rosalie Costa Corbin ’43 James Earl Barkley, Jr.; grandfather to Kate Barkley ’14 Richard Barrett; grandfather to Ellen Neiers ’14 and Maria Neiers ’16 Julia Morisak Battaglia; mother to Mary Battaglia Parsons ’71; grandmother to Lindsey Nicole Battaglia Arguello ’01 Candace Anne Blake ’86 Sr. Denise Bordages, O.P.; past SAA faculty member John “Jack” Gerard Boyle, Jr.; husband to Gloria Grunwald Boyle ’50; father to Nancy Boyle Carley ’76; brother to Madeline Alice Boyle Shepard ’50 (dec) and Star Boyle O’Connor ’56; great-uncle to Maddie Cramer ’16 Virginia Brown; mother to Elizabeth “Dokey” Brown Sackman ’78 Thalia Sasseen Bunnell; grandmother to Hannah Bailey ’09 Frances Margaret Carbone; grandmother to Lauren Bogue Rothman ’00 and Stacey Szydlik ’04 Josephine “Jodie” Fertitta Cassity ’43; sister to Peggy Fertitta Gimler ’41 (dec); sister-in-law to Mary Murray Fertitta ’39 58 | IN MEMORIAM
Veritas
Theresa Ann Callis Crespo; sister to Cathy Callis Lamb ’65 Sr. Dorothy Cruze, O.P. Roy Henry Cullen; brother-in-law to Rosanette Saragusa Cullen ’55; great-uncle to Jennifer Rose McCord ’04 Lou DeGeorge; mother to Katherine DeGeorge Macey ’92 and Kristina DeGeorge Drone ’96 Harry John Devine; father to Janet Devine Hinners ’70
Michael “Mike” Hall; brother to Pat Hall ’58 Marion Critcher Harris ’61 Thressa Agatha Heard ’52; aunt to Kathy Heard Baker ’68 and Mary Heard ’78 Richard Heldt, Sr.; grandfather to Ellen Alley ’17 C. Wayne Helton; father to Caroline Helton ’99 Ned Joseph Hogan; husband to Laverne Heath Hogan ’56 (dec) William Hypolite; great uncle to Kelsey Titus ’16
Pat Laughlin Donoho ’57; sister to Ann Laughlin Connell ’51; aunt to Kathy Connell McShane ’74
Thomas Kearns; father to Amy Kearns ’90 and Katharine Kearns ’90
Constance “Connie” Drumheller ’51
Mildred Caldwell Kerr; grandmother to SAA faculty member Caroline Kerr
Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Eikenberg ’71; daughter to Helen Harrington Eikenberg ’39 (dec); niece to Anna Mae Harrington McAuliffe ’32 (dec) and stepdaughter to Margaret Harrington Eikenberg who attended SAA 1931-1932 Mary Louise Fleming Ellison ’48; sister to Virginia Fleming Pruitt ’50 and Pauline Fleming Rush ’51 (dec)
Mary Maizy Kherkher; grandmother to Samantha Kherkher ’10 and Laura Kherkher ’15 Floyd Kowalski; father to Donna Kowalski ’68 and Becky Kowalski Stephens ’80; father-in-law to Claudia Madeley Kowalski ’73; grandfather to Brittany Stephens ’06 and Courtney Stephens ’08
Marjorie Morrison Flanagan ’42
H. Grant Lappin; grandfather to Tracy Lappin Winter ’91
Jane Browne Furlan; Jane attended SAA in her elementary years in the 1920’s
Donald Joseph Leonetti; son to Rose Ann Leonetti ’62
Mary Nolene Breting-Garcia; mother to SAA staff member Vicki Breting-Garcia
Sharon Lowe; grandmother to Lauren Lowe ’18
Marilyn Lowery; cousin to Mary Meyer Boyles ’55 and Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P.
John Arlow Nepveux; husband to Martha O’Connor Nepveux ’45
Lawrence “Larry” Soptick; father to Lisa Marie Soptick ’98
Charles Michael “Buzz” Lusk, Jr.; husband to Ursula Guseman Lusk ’41; father to Annette Lusk Segura ’77; brotherin-law to Lenora Guseman Smith ’39 and Michelene Guseman Toomey ’44 (dec)
Emmanuelle Nguyen; mother to Mary Truong-Nguyen ’11
Dorothy Mae Bostick Stroman; grandmother to Rachel Stroman ’06 and Sarah Stroman ’08
Anna Mae Lyle; grandmother to Laura Fernandez ’10
Patricia Ann Rose Olivier ’56; sister to June Rose who attended SAA 1956-1957
F. S. “Scottie” Lyons; husband to Phyllis Osborn Lyons ’57 Mary “Ginger” Lyons; grandmother to Cami Baud ’16 Barbara Sue Harris MacLennan; mother to Laurie MacLennan Salmon ’86 Lea Stahl Marchek ’65 Logan De Wayne Martin; father to Amy Martin ’95 Emilie Massa; grandmother to Nathalie Sessions Fye ’88 and Stephanie Sessions ’93 Russell Nathaniel Mather, Jr.; grandfather to Tori Pfeffer ’01, Kendall Pfeffer ’05, Mary Therese Pfeffer ’08 and Maggie Pfeffer who attended SAA from 2009 to 2011 Orian Wymer McBride ’47 Michael John McCormick; husband to Debbie O’Brien McCormick ’77 (dec) Ralph James Miles; father to SAA faculty member Rodney Miles Martha Sanchez Molina; grandmother to Amanda Murphy ’10; aunt to Roxanna Sanchez ’97 Pierre Mommessin; father to Ann Mommessin Bogran ’76 and Claire Mommessin Allen ’80 Carlos Eugenio Moreleon; grandfather to Monica Moreleon ’11, Alexis Moreleon ’14 and Nicole Moreleon ’18 Anne Crook Muzyka ’59; sister to Mary Crook Cobb ’64 and Margaret Crook Garcia ’67 Joseph Roxie Navarro; brother to Cynthia Navarro Caliva ’62 (dec)
Kiyoshi Okabayashi; husband to Rosetta Navarro Okabayashi ’63
Charles Otto Olson; husband to Dolores Rosales Olson ’51 Johnnie Joe Polasek; father to Kristi Polasek Standish ’96 and Katherine Polasek Alvarez ’96; grandfather to SAA faculty member Brittanie Polasek ’09, Kimberly Polasek ’12, and Rebecca Polasek ’18 Rosemary Marino Robicheaux ’43 Carmen Sanford; mother to Brenda Sanford Fincher ’73 Mary Louise Sargent; grandmother to Makenna Roberds ’17 Barbara Jean Schiller ’60 Pat Regan Scroggins ’47; sister to Dona Ann Regan Dextraze ’52 (dec), Brigid Regan Brinkman ’55 (dec) and Sister Mary Kenneth Regan, C.S.C.; mother to Kathleen Scroggins Warner ’70, Jeanette Scroggins Jeffus ’72, MaryPat Scroggins Baringer ’76, Cecile Scroggins Guarino ’77, Theresa Scroggins Price ’79, Eileen Scroggins Kelley ’81 and Laura Scroggins Bobzien ’86; grandmother to Katie Warner ’98, Theresa Warner Martin ’01, Amy Scroggins ’03, Alison Jeffus ’04, Christin Scroggins ’05, Jackie Guarino ’06, Sarah Scroggins ’07, Andie Price ’11 and Audrey Kelley ’15
Floyd Swanson; grandfather to Fiona Swanson ’15; father to SAA Foundation Board Trustee Pat Swanson; father-in-law to Maureen Miggins Swanson ’80 Hiram “Danny” Teel; father to Rebecca Teel Thibodeaux ’95 Arlene Mary Krupka Torreno; mother to Cris Torreno Farrell ’87; grandmother to Natalie Farrell ’17 Francisca Romero Vasquez; grandmother to SAA staff member Tracy Gomez Carrie Young; daughter to Karla Jordan Young ’89; niece to Monica Jordan Cossio ’85 and Tania Jordan Pratt ’86 Celina Wager; mother to Suzanne Wager ’87, Tina Wager Weisman ’92; mother-inlaw to Sandra Saldivar Wager ’84 Faye Marie Stutes Weber ’49; sister to Rita Stutes Arnaud ’52 Shirlee Fagan Wedin ’51; mother to Sandra Wedin ’75 and Lisa Katherine Wedin who attended SAA 1975-1978 Sylvia Burum Gadbois Wolbert ’52; sister to Pat Burum Perry ’51
Eugene “Poppy” Shavlan; father-inlaw to Jane Herrin Shavlan ’91 John Skene; grandfather to Elizabeth Aigner ’11 Fred Soland; father to MaryAnne Soland Slotnick ’82 and Sharon Soland Martinez, who attended SAA from 1980-1983; uncle to Sheryl Soland Knight, who attended SAA from 1974-1977
Veritas IN MEMORIAM
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 2783
9 0 0 0 B ELL A I R E B LV D, H OUS TO N , T X 7 7036 PH O N E: 713. 219. 5 4 0 0 W W W. S T- AG N E S.O R G
What is your Legacy?
St. Agnes Academy established the 1906 Society to recognize those who have included the Academy in their estate plans. Through these gifts, alumnae, parents, grandparents and friends ensure the future of the school and help continue the legacy of excellence through a Dominican, Catholic education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 1906 SOCIET Y ON PAGE 31
For more information, contact Lisa M. Chmiola, CFRE, Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving, at 713-219-5466 or lisa.chmiola@st-agnes.org.