The Voice and Vision of St. Agnes Academy since 1906
Academy Women: Making a Difference in the World
Fall 2013
in this issue//fall 2013
Dominican Trustees
Features
St. Agnes Academy 2013 – 2014 Board of Directors
05 07 11 42
Living Veritas, Solidarity and Service Summer at the sister school
Be the Change A new program debuts on campus
Annual Report 2012-2013 A look back
Distinguished Young Alumnae A look ahead
Departments
06 10 40 49 50
Academy News
Sr. Carol Mayes, O.P. ’56, Prioress Sr. Antoinette (Kitty) Carter, O.P. ’57, Vicaress Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ’61, Councilor Sr. Julie Marie Greig, O.P., Councilor
Maureen Graf, Chair Cathy Beathard Bob Bobo, Jr. John Brennan, III Robin Burks, Ph.D. Mimi Butler Sr. Pat Casey, O.P. ’61 Dan Castaneda Robert Clay Sr. Adrian Dover, O.P. Philip Fraher Suzanne Smith Grant ’79 Susan Greteman Kelly Hackett ’00 Greg Hardin
Stephen Harding Michelle Lyn, MD Marsha Mallon Kevin J. Matocha Bob McLamb Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Mary Raia ’77 Ed Ramon Kathy Rose Julie Plessala Samson ’80 Greg Schockling John Steffes Jim Ulm, II Sean Wheeler
St. Agnes AcAdemy Foundation Trustees Ana Maria Gonzalez Wood ’82, President Rosalie Montalbano Brandino ’64 Sharon Copper José Enriquez Jennifer Granchi Chris Matlock Sr. Carol Mayes. O.P. ’56
Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. Frank Panebianco Richard L. (Rick) Ray Steve Schwarzbach Pat H. Swanson Diane Thornton Shelley Savarino Ulm ’84 Jeff Weiner
St. Agnes Academy EXECUtive Team
Tigers’ Den
Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P. - Head of School Deborah Whalen - Principal Bridget Hennessey ’90 - Head of Advancement
Alumnae Connections
H. Leon Howard - Head of Finance and Facilities
Office of Advancement
From the Archives
Bridget Hennessey ’90, Head of Advancement 713.219.5481 bridget.hennessey@st-agnes.org Barbara Bellomy, Director of Communications 713.219.5404 barbara.bellomy@st-agnes.org
In Memoriam
Stay connected st-agnes.org
Linda Casey, Director of Special Events 713.219.5401 linda.casey@st-agnes.org Lisa M. Chmiola, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving 713.219.5466 lisa.chmiola@st-agnes.org Stephanie Crowl, Director of Annual Giving 713.219.5406 stephanie.crowl@st-agnes.org Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations 713.219.5493 lori.pinter@st-agnes.org
facebook.com/st-agnes-academy
Nanette Bledel, Gift Processor 713.219.5420 nanette.bledel@st-agnes.org
twitter.com/st-agnes-academy
Allonna James, Advancement Associate 713.219.5402 allonna.james@st-agnes.org
on the cover: Catherine Clay ’14 living Veritas during
For change of address or other questions, contact the Office of Communications at 713.219.5404 or news@st-agnes.org.
her trip to Africa. Photo by Sr. Mary Brenda, O.P.
above: St. Catherine of Siena
St. Agnes Academy 9000 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036-4683 P: 713.219.5400 | F: 713.219.5499
From the Head of School
Sr. Jane Meyer, O.P.
“If you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze.� As early as the 14th century, St. Catherine of Siena, a Dominican, was inspiring others to follow Christ with their actions. Now, in the 21st century, Academy women are still setting the world ablaze. Just listen to what students had to say in the prologue of the 2013 yearbook. Who are we? We are the truthful, passionate, daring, joyous and dedicated students of St. Agnes Academy. We are exceptional athletes. Our teams are not only a group of talented individuals, they are a family. We are phenomenal students. Our classes are not just lectures they are dynamic presentations and activities. We are stewards of faith. Our students are not just one faith they are many, they are diverse. We are Veritas! As you can see, Academy women have something to say. The Academy is 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 to go 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 cultivate tools and voices to change the world. As we continue our next 100 years, we embrace what makes an Academy education unique. Many of our students go abroad to developing countries that lack water, food, education, medicine. They work side by side with residents building latrines, water wells and whatever is needed to improve the quality of life. By helping others and experiencing another way of life, their own lives are changed dramatically. At home, they volunteer at camps so that disabled children and young adults can have fruitful experiences; they bring song, dance and friendship to the elderly in nursing homes; and some do pet therapy at M. D. Anderson. You will find Academy women throughout the community setting it ablaze, thereby being the hands and feet of Jesus. St. Agnes is committed to continue to reflect the socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, academic and religious diversity that is the changing face of Houston, as well as the world community. Because of Veritas and the fabric of a Dominican education, our Academy women realize the importance of openness, acceptance and harmony in an ever-changing world and are dedicated to making a significant difference. God bless you and thank you for your support of our Dominican spirit.
Mission Statement Rooted in the Dominican tradition, St. Agnes Academy provides a Catholic college preparatory education that encourages young women to develop intellectual curiosity, to work for social justice, and to act with integrity and compassion.
From the Principal
Deborah Whalen
Every August at St. Agnes, we begin the new school year with meetings and in-service activities for the faculty and staff, starting with a new employee orientation and concluding two weeks later with Tiger Camp for our incoming ninth graders. The days can be long and tiring as everyone is busy ramping up for another school year so, this time, we wanted to create a more gentle and relaxed tone in order to make “re-entry” a bit easier on everyone. We planned in-service just as we expect our teachers to plan their classes: keeping in mind that not everyone learns the same way and focusing on the theme of innovation. Here are a few highlights: • The Creativity Workshop was presented by Shelley Berc and Alejandro Fogel, who travel throughout the world to work with educators, corporate executives, and individuals in activities designed to inspire the creative process and provide an understanding of brain science. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive; art teacher Carol Dahse even told me she thought this in-service was our “best ever!” Why was this workshop important? Because we learned that creativity is a muscle: use it or lose it; we learned that we must help our students understand that we all fail, then fail again, and hopefully, fail better; and that we must send the message to stop trying to be perfect. • The Changing Face of Houston was presented by Dr. Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology and co-director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University. Now in its 32nd year, the annual Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey has measured this region’s remarkable economic and demographic transformations and recorded the way area residents are responding to them. No other metropolitan area in America has been the focus of a research program of this scope, or more clearly exemplifies the trends that are refashioning the social and political landscape of urban America. Why is this important? Because it also represents the changing face of the Academy - we strive for socio-economic, ethnic, academic and cultural diversity so that we are a real-world reflection of our city. • The State of the School Address led by Sr. Jane, highlighted five faculty members who received Fleming Grants and briefly shared their experiences of travel or study with their colleagues. Theology teacher Tommy Calais visited Catholic churches throughout Italy, for example, and music teacher Jeremy Wood attended the Broadway Teacher’s Workshop in New York City. Why is this important? Because it means inspired and refreshed teachers come back ready to share their gifts with our students. • New Employee Lunch with Buddies pairs veteran teachers who will mentor an assigned new employee through the year. Academic Dean Kim Scoville has developed a new and improved mentoring plan where programming and formation will be more in-depth and personalized to allow for a seamless transition to St. Agnes. Why is this important? Because we want our new faculty to be as successful as as our veterans. Investing in people to ensure a first-class faculty means that Academy women get the best possible education. It was an impressive start to what is shaping up to be a great year! I look forward to seeing you on campus!
4
Living Veritas, Solidarity and Service
By Sr. Mary Brenda, O.P.
A
sk any St. Agnes student and she will tell you that the words above are core to all learning at the Academy. Being able to speak these values is one thing, but being able to truly embody them takes the Academy experience to a whole new level. As part of their junior service project, nine rising seniors lived these core values during a three-week visit to our Dominican sister school, Our Lady of Grace (OLG), in Kisumu, Kenya in East Africa.
Sarah Atherton ’14 Ella Jackson ’14 Kelsey Siegler ’14
Each day, from six in the morning to 10 at night, our SAA students fully immersed themselves in the life and culture of a rural Africa Catholic mission school. They lived solidarity by attending daily Mass, preparing meals, working in the vegetable garden, milking cows, collecting eggs, participating in classroom learning, tutoring students in after school study halls and enjoying the daily organized sports. These Academy women also came to do service, and serve they did. They joined forces and built a volleyball pitch, re-painted the school’s main gate, and helped Sr. Jane refurnish an entire dormitory with new mattresses, sheets and mosquito nets. Other highlights of the trip included the blessing of the St. Agnes borehole to provide water to the village, the SAA/OLG joint adventure of climbing Mt. Longonot, and participating in a spontaneous Veritas Vacation Day - definitely at the top of our list! The goal of the trip was to do more than just provide material blessings. It was also a chance to grow the sister school relationship to a deeper level, to join our lives with theirs, and to understand that when each of us live our core Dominican values, the world becomes a brighter place.
Natalia Ruiz ’14
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Classnotes “Those who participated returned transformed by the experiences and the people they encountered.”
The Dominican Spirit in Action By Anna Sklut, Director of Campus Ministry
Over the last three years, St. Agnes’ mission trip program
has grown from one annual summer trip to five. This summer, more than 60 students, faculty and parents served in Guatemala, Kenya, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Illinois. Rising seniors finished their last final exam and left for Guatemala the following day, accompanied by Brigid Schiro ’81, Director of Admissions, and Saundra Coffey, science teacher. Working with Living Water, International they dug a water well for a village. Just as the Guatemala group returned, students and parents led by Sr. Mary Brenda and Sr. Jane left for Kenya. At the end of June, Ms. Schiro and Director of Athletics Amy Mattes, led students on an adventure in Costa Rica, where they experienced the country’s natural beauty, planted a garden and painted a local church. Students experienced life in the Bateyes of the Dominican Republic with their faculty liaison, coach and health teacher,
6 | Academy NEWs
Kaitlin Kelley. Here they became more knowledgeable consumers, learning about sugar preparation while serving communities dependent on its growth. Catholic Heart Work Camp offered a group of 20 students the opportunity to reach out to the community of Champaign, Illinois, through various charitable organizations. Our young women also completed their required 100 hours of community service at many local agencies where they champion the marginalized and work for social justice. Some of those agencies include Ronald McDonald House, Camp Blessing, Boys and Girls Club, ARC of Greater Houston, Teens Mentoring Teens and Texas Children’s Hospital. These programs and opportunities mean our girls are developing the tools they need to live in a global society and find solutions to the issues that will surely challenge them as adults. Those who participated returned transformed by the experiences and the people they encountered. Thank you for spreading Veritas worldwide!
Character vs. Intellect
By Stephanie Huebel Granito ’99 English Teacher
T
his June, just as the halls of many schools were growing quiet for the summer, the doors of St. Agnes opened to a new group of enthusiastic students: young women from surrounding middle schools eager to participate in the inaugural year of St. Agnes’ Be the Change program. This program, aimed at economically disadvantaged students, offered a group of 56 young women opportunities to prepare academically for high school and, more importantly, to develop character strength and life skills. The program was sparked by a New York Times article by Paul Tough from September 2011 titled “What if the Secret to Success is Failure?” What the experts discovered was that while intellect and character are both important, it is strong character that best predicts leading a happy, meaningful and productive life.
zest grit self-control
social intelligence
optimism
gratitude
Principal Deborah Whalen and counselor Debbie Sieck ’87 elicited the help of nine rising seniors to act as small group leaders, 11 alumnae career speakers to share their educational and professional experiences, and countless faculty and staff members to help plan and facilitate the program’s activities. The end result was three weeks of innovative fun and personal growth. Each day began with prayer followed by sessions in art, theater, robotics, forensics, creative writing, wellness, human rights, and much more. Optional sports clinics in swimming/diving/water polo, soccer, and lacrosse/field hockey were offered every afternoon, and all students participated in a field day, a service day, and closing ceremonies, including a family Mass and student performances. All in all, this first year of Be the Change was an immense success, embracing the challenge of nourishing students’ minds, bodies, and spirits and spreading the mission of St. Agnes to the larger community. To read Paul Tough’s article go to: www.st-agnes.org/parents/parentdocuments.
curiosity Academy NEWs
|7
Ready for the Next Chapter!
Mireille Hammock, Salutatorian Texas A&M University “All of us have different personalities, suited for different environments, and we all have something that sometimes holds us back. Our years at St. Agnes have taught us to overcome these obstacles while not allowing them to lower our sense of worth.” Left: Kayla Sloan receives her diploma. Right: Senior class sponsors Sharon Hall Gehbauer ’89 and Rodney Miles send the graduates on their way.
8 | Academy NEWs
Classnotes Claire Lafferty, Valedictorian Vanderbilt University “To my fellow classmates: Our families are overjoyed at our accomplishments and probably a little emotionally unstable as they hold back tears, so now would be a good time to ask for money.�
Tess Gee, Veritas Award The University of Texas-Austin The motto of St. Agnes Academy is VERITAS which means TRUTH. The recipient of this award is recommended by the faculty and the award given based on academic achievement, service, courage and leadership. The presentation honors a young woman who has truly lived her calling to be Christ for others.
Shannon Gaden, Black and Gold Texas A&M University This honor is bestowed upon a senior student-athlete who has found success at the highest levels of student life and athleticism at St. Agnes Academy. This individual imbues the values representative of an Academy woman: truth, loyalty, dedication, conviction, leadership, and spirit. Academy NEWs
|9
tigers’den
We’re #1 Of the nine St. Agnes teams that traveled to state playoffs, our tennis team ended the year at #1 - the first time since 1994. Racquel Lyn ’16 was the TAPPS 5A Singles State Champion.
Standing L-R: Head Coach Tom Caine, Madison Shields, Patricia Janssen, Maricarmen Martinez Neumann, Racquel Lyn, Constance Champagne, Reilly Smith, Regina Vargas, Maria Ibrahim, Andrea Raull, Viviane Mathieu, Ally Barnhill, Coach Kris Caine Middle row L-R: Taylor Ysaguirre, Elizabeth Hunter, Christy Luspo, Melissa Sierra, Alena Peters Bottom row L-R: Madelyn Carlson, Christina Pizzitola, Kathrine Fetizanan, Carolina Moskosky
Fall
2nd place, State
Field Hockey
Not ranked
Volleyball*
Final Four, State
Basketball*
Final Four, State
Soccer*
2nd place, State-Div I 1st place, District
Swimming & Diving*
2nd place, State-Div I 1st place, Regionals
Golf *
4th place, State 1st place, District
Lacrosse
3rd place, District
Softball*
2nd place, State
Tennis*
1st place, State
Track & Field
1st place, District
Water Polo*
5th place, State 2nd place, District
spring
Cross Country*
winter
2012-2013 sports scoreboard
* Participated in State finals
10 | Academy NEWs
Caroline Matlock ’13
2013 Annual Report From the Board Chair Glossary of Giving Financial Report Honor Roll of Giving Celebrating Consecutive Giving SAA Parents Parents of Alumnae SAA Alumnae Matching Gifts Faculty and Staff 1906 Society Capital Campaign Gifts to the Endowment Class of 2013 Scholarship
Tiffany Ma ’13
2012-2013 Annual REPORT
| 11
Class of 2013 by the Numbers
from the board chair maureen graf
A
s hard as it is to imagine, it is that time of year again: the time we all watch in amazement as our students begin another school year and continue to grow into amazing young women. I suspect that many of you who are current parents like me, marvel at how quickly they move through their high school years. It is also that time of year when I have the pleasure of welcoming you all back to the St. Agnes community. In this Annual Report, I want to comment on the strength and sustainability of the Academy. In so many ways, St. Agnes is the fittest of the fit. We are at capacity with an enrollment of 899 young women. Each year, the school has an applicant pool that far exceeds the number of students we can accommodate. While that makes the selection process difficult for the Admissions team, it does illustrate the school’s ever-growing appeal and reputation. To be a St. Agnes alumna is to be someone special. St. Agnes’ strength also resides in the diversity of our student population. It makes us proud to know that our students in many ways mirror the changing face of Houston. These 899 come from all over the city and 54 feeder schools. Academy women walk the halls each day in a world where they build relationships with other students who aren’t exactly like them. While their differences may be socio-economic, ethnic, academic, or extracurricular, they are all still Academy women! I could not discuss the strength and sustainability of St. Agnes without mentioning its financial fitness. In all academic measurables, our school emerges as one of the most esteemed private schools in the city, yet, it accomplishes this while also remaining one of the most affordable. We maintain this delicate balance through the unparalleled talent and dedication of our faculty and staff, the tireless energy of parent volunteers, and the beautiful generosity of our donors, parents, alumnae, and friends. With that said, I leave you with one final thought: Join us! There are many opportunities for alumnae, parents, and parents of alumnae to be involved. From service projects, to reunions and athletic events, to music and theater performances - there is something for every interest. You will be glad you did.
12 |
2012-2013 annual REPORT
Glossary of Giving phi•lan•thro•py, n. ⁄f •lan•thr •pe⁄ 1. The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed esp. by the generous donation of money to good causes. 2. A philanthropic institution; a charity. Synonyms: charity; benevolence; beneficence
Generosity is not a new concept for St. Agnes Academy. As our greater community of alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends celebrate the 50th anniversary of our campus on Bellaire, we are continually amazed at what philanthropy has achieved for our school. Today’s Academy women are leaders who are making a difference in the world, and the future is in their hands. Since our early years on Fannin Street, we have been blessed with faithful partners like you who support our mission. We are grateful to all those whose gifts have helped us become the outstanding girls’ school we are today, and we are thrilled that you want to keep the momentum going. We understand that making St. Agnes a charitable priority for you and your family is an important decision. There are several ways to make a gift to the Academy. Our faculty and staff want to make sure you make a gift to the school in the way that is right for you. Academy Fund: The Academy Fund, our annual giving program, is pivotal to the St. Agnes experience. All gifts are put to use immediately and have a direct impact in the classroom. From retaining and continuously educating an inspiring teacher to sending our engineering team to a competition, from life-changing scholarships to athletics uniforms and theatrical costumes, from giant iMacs for the digital photography room to class retreats, the Academy Fund provides for a rich, educational, and spiritual experience for our young women. If a donor wishes to make only one annual charitable gift to the school, we ask that it be to the Academy Fund. To read more about the Academy Fund, visit www.st-agnes.org/ give.
Capital Campaign: “We all sit under the shade of a tree someone else planted.” We have a strong history of investing in our facilities, most recently our new Athletics Complex. Most of these projects have been funded through charitable giving.
Endowment giving: You can write tomorrow’s Tiffany Ma ’13 an endowment gift, you provide history today. With permanent support for St. Agnes Academy. We currently have named funds that support scholarships, the math department, faculty enrichment, and facility maintenance—just to name a few. Gifts can also be made to the general endowment to support all areas of the school. A gift to the endowment is tax-deductible, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your support of the Academy is everlasting. Naming opportunities begin at $25,000.
Planned giving: Did you know there are creative ways to support St. Agnes Academy? Ways in which the Academy, you and your loved ones all benefit at the same time? Such giving techniques are called planned gifts because with thoughtful planning, you can ensure the long-term health of our mission and the fulfillment of your personal financial objectives. Many appealing ways of giving are available to you. It truly is the gift that anyone can make! Visit www.st-agnes.org/1906society for information. Gifts of stock: St. Agnes Academy accepts gifts of securities.
Matching gifts: Many companies have matching gift opportunities available for their employees, retirees and families. Taking advantage of these programs can double or sometimes triple your gift to St. Agnes Academy. To see if your company will match your gift, visit our website at www.st-agnes.org/give.
Tiger Camp
Legacy Gala and Auction: Held annually, the gala raises funds to keep our program strong. Underwriting opportunities start at $3,000 and include a table for ten or more at the event. Last year was a sell-out, so please reserve your tables early. Individual tickets are $175. We also welcome your donations of fabulous auction items.
2012-2013 Annual REPORT
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From the alumnae board chair kathlyn coulter curtis ’99 I am thrilled to serve St. Agnes Academy as Chair of the Alumnae Board during such an exciting time for our alma mater. SAA is growing “metes and bounds” and we are looking forward to welcoming you all to our new Athletics Complex at Fondren and Gessner for an all-alumnae family field day this year. More details coming soon! As our ever-changing world continues to present new challenges, I find myself thanking God more and more for the blessings of my education and formation at St. Agnes Academy. I continue to be inspired by Sr. Jane’s authentic Dominican charisma; by our incredible and pioneering alumnae, especially my grandmother, Marie Marks Robertson ’51 and the other Fannin Street gals. My first “professors” - what we called faculty - and each teacher at the Academy truly mentors SAA students towards independent thought guided by the truthseeking Veritas spirit of St. Dominic. I credit St. Agnes Academy with much of my success - more than any other educational institution I’ve attended or any other organization with which I’ve been affiliated. I am a stronger woman, a better mother, a more successful professional, and a more faithful Catholic because of all the blessings I have received and continue to receive from my membership in the greatest sorority of all - SAA.
CLASSagentlist 1952
Frankie Casey Schiel
1975
Carol Prokop Poston
2000
Barbara Heiser Alban
irishyakyak@sbcglobal.net
Ardis Bartle
daposton@gmail.com
Laura Hamlin Oates
1964
ardisbartle@apexmeasurement.com
1990
laura.oates@me.com
Susan Chipperfield Giddens
2001
susan.giddens@gmail.com
Margeaux LaFleur Gorman
Shannon Beirne Wiesedeppe
margeauxgorman@gmail.com
thewiesedeppes@att.net
Emily Picheloup
1992
epichelo@wm.com
Marion Bormans McCann
2003
mmccann@pas.com
Becky Barbour
1977
Julie Sacco
Rbarbour07@aol.com
Mary Raia
julie.sacco@shell.com
Amanda Sitomer
johnnyalban@sbcglobal.net
1953
Theresa Pizzitola
Peggy Wilkening Walker
pizzi.theresa@gmail.com
pegw728@gmail.com
1965
Sydney Free sydfree1@aol.com Cindy Stowell cstowell@AggieNetwork.com
1954
Julie Linehan
Agnes Bobbit Sullivan
linehanlaw@mac.com
ASullivanHouston@aol.com
1966
1956
Carol Laflin Ahles
Carolyn Fitzgerald Matlock
carolahles@sbcglobal.net
cmat@family.net
Sherry Butschek Cornwell
Mary Leona Miles Williams
sherrycornwell@austin.rr.com
mary-leona@att.net
Ann Dulin Little
1984
1957
annd144@hotmail.com
Lannie Earthman Bluethmann
Judy Trabulsi
lanniebluethmann@msn.com
Mary Ann Chambers Carolyn Carbajal McCairns
judy.trabulsi@gsdm.com
1976 Elizabeth Fusilier Hynes elizabeth.a.hynes@irs.gov
amanda.sitomer@gmail.com
mary.raia@att.net
1987
1993 Emily Aguilar Capps aguilar.emily@yahoo.com
2005 Mackenzie Burns burnsma1@gmail.com
1994
Brittany Taggart
Andrea Montgomery Stewart
brittany.taggart@urbanleasing.com
mccairns@aol.com
1969
Diane Driscoll
1958
Mary Boudreaux Graham
dianemdriscoll@gmail.com
ggraham8@comcast.net
Kristen Kautz
1995
melindamontalbano@gmail.com
kkelly011@comcast.net
1970
kkautztexas@gmail.com
Susan Ryder
2006
Carol Celman Schottie
Carol Caspersen Moffett
1988
suzryder@aol.com
Amanda Adam
casathome@gmail.com
cmoffett@kipphouston.org
Lori Sebastian Pinter
1996
aadam2934@gmail.com
1960
1972
lori.pinter@st-agnes.org
Suzanne Conwell Pickett
Minnette Passante Carrabba
Diane Knebel Watler
1989
spickett@noblecorp.com
MCarrabba2@comcast.net
dkwatler@sbcglobal.net
Adela Garcia Armendariz
1999
1962
1973
adelaa1126@yahoo.com
Heather Ives Hernandez
Sue Ann Baranski Allen
Suzan Puhl Murphy smurphy@utk.edu
Christina Luna Finley
heather.ives.hernandez@gmail.com
Kay Stindt Kelly
b.p.allen@att.net
andrea@andreamontgomery.com Melinda Montalbano Yaklin
Isabel “Texas” Longoria Isabel.M.Longoria@gmail.com
2007 Lynn Fahey lynnfahey@gmail.com
Cfinley33@sbcglobal.net
If your class is not listed, then we need YOU to be the alumnae contact for your class! Please contact Lori Sebastian Pinter ’88, Director of Alumnae Relations at lori.pinter@st-agnes.org or 713.219.5493 to learn more.
14 | Alumnae Connections
reunited
Class of 1993
Alumnae reconnected and reminisced in the Robert J. Gallagher Gymnasium for the All-Class Reunion. Catering was provided by Mandola Catering (father of Claresa Mandola ’89) with custom made chocolates from Annie Rupani ’07, artisan chocolatier and owner of Cacao and Cardamom. Just what did Academy women have to say about this year’s event?...
1
2
“I liked mingling with old classmates.” “I liked the setup in the gym, the tours, refreshments, and swag (koozies) were excellent!” “Liked so many classes being together at once.” “Flipping through the yearbook!”
3
1. Class agents from the Class of 1975 who won the Class Challenge with 73.58% participation! L-R: Ardis Bartle, Sydney Free, Cindy Stowell 2. Celebrating 10 years since graduation are L-R: Sally Abdouche McAnnally, Meridith Pumphrey, and Elizabeth Mims from the Class of 2003 3. Susan Sork Fish ’63 with a photo of herself as a student
Carolyn Carbajal McCairns ’57 is the tenth recipient of the Veritas Award, presented annually by the St. Agnes Academy Alumnae Board. With 14 nominations, Carolyn was honored for her professional and academic achievement, community service, leadership, integrity, and her commitment and dedication to St. Agnes. Christina Luna Finley ’89, 2012-2013 Alumnae Board President, presented the award. "I truly think she deserves this award. She respects all, dedicates her time to volunteering, has a huge heart, is always helping others, is a dedicated Catholic, and has shown professionalism and leadership in her work experience. Most importantly for me, she has shown me the true meaning of dedication and commitment to the organizations you believe in." - nominator
Alumnae Connections
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Distinguished Just a few short years out of St. Agnes, these young alumnae are now graduating from college. Read these stories about some of the remarkable Academy women who are beginning to step on to the world stage and make a difference. She was one of the first dancers who started Tiger Girls when it was just a “dance club.” She was also the first SAA dancer to win solo finalist at competition.
Gina Lewis ’09
Now, is a professional contemporary dancer based in Los Angeles, California. She started her performance career when she joined Exclamation Dance Company where she worked with Troy Powell, the artistic director of Alvin Ailey II. Gina has extensive training from Houston Academy of Dance, the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center, and Joel Hall Dance Center in Chicago. She expanded her training abroad at Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music and Dance in London, and has participated in summer programs such as Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and SummerLAB with Holly Johnston. Gina has worked with numerous choreographers from across the country, and her performance credits include Tremolo Dance Project in San Francisco and Rudolf Laban’s repertoire Green Clowns and Die Nacht. Having just earned a bachelor’s degree in Dance from Loyola Marymount University, she will be performing with the Regina Klenjoski Dance Company in their upcoming season. In addition to being a passionate performer, Gina is a humanitarian and has a heart for community service and social justice. In all of her work, Gina strives to expand what is good, beautiful, and true. She returned to St. Agnes over the summer to choreograph a contemporary dance piece to “Hall of Fame” for Remix, our elite dance team, to take to the National Dance Alliance national championship in Orlando, Florida next year.
16 | Alumnae Connections
young alumnae Katherine Noble ’08
has just graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and accomplished something no other undergraduate has: she has been awarded the Keene Prize for Literature for her collection of poems "Like Electrical Fire Across Silence." The Prize, named after E. L. Keene who graduated from The University of Texas in 1942, is one of the world’s largest student literary prizes. The $50,000 award is granted once a year to the student who demonstrates “the greatest artistic merit and narrative mastery of the English language and shows the greatest promise of becoming a professional writer.” “The judges were impressed by her spirituality, by her wide range of literary reference, and her bold experimentations with the form of the prose poem,” says Elizabeth Butler Cullingford, chair of the Department of English and the award selection committee.
Katherine Kling ’09
has just been named one of 12 Dean’s Distinguished Graduates of The University of Texas at Austin, College of Liberal Arts for 2013. It is the College’s highest honor. The Dean’s Distinguished Graduates program was established in 1980 to recognize graduating Liberal Arts students who have distinguished themselves in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and service to the community. Katherine will join an elite group of students who have made their marks in a variety of professions and are active alumni of the College of Liberal Arts. Katherine was honored at a special luncheon May 16 and specifically acknowledged at the May commencement program during the Liberal Arts joint commencement ceremony. Ultimately, her name will be inscribed on the “Dean’s Distinguished Graduates Wall of Honor” on The University of Texas-Austin campus.
Meeka Opong ’09
graduated from St. Agnes in 2009, from the University of St. Thomas in 2013, and has just started graduate school to pursue her masters in Vocal Performance at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee on a full tuition assistantship. At St. Thomas, Opong was president of the music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon, Gamma Tau Chapter, a member of the Filipino Student Association and a student in the Honors Program for four years. Meeka received several scholarships including the V.J. Guinan Presidential scholarship her freshman year and Parish Scholarship Program, in which UST matches parish scholarship contributions. She is a first generation American whose parents attended college in the Philippines. Her performing arts teachers had this to say about Meeka: “She is the perfect combination a music teacher looks for in a music student: dedicated, talented, and fun to work with,” said Jeremy Wood. “Whether it was a role in a musical, an aria in The Messiah, or a solo in Performance Workshop, she was always re-setting the standard for both herself and her peers. She excelled at excelling.”
Katherine has also received the George H. Mitchell Undergraduate Award for Academic Ahievement, the Roy Crane Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in the Literary Arts, the Ellen Engler Burks Memorial Scholarship, and the Bailey Prize in Poetry.
“Not only did she have a gorgeous voice, but she was a beautiful, giving young lady with a heart of gold,” said Kimberly Mendoza.
Please mark your calendars for the 25th Anniversary of the St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit Mixed Chorus’ presentation of Handel’s Messiah in the Strake Jesuit Parsley Center December 13-14. If you are a Mixed Chorus alum, join us for a Mixed Chorus Reunion Reception prior to Saturday’s performance! More details will be forthcoming.
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st. agnes young professionals organization (SAYPO) From the SAYPO President
kristin hanshaw ’07
Attention St. Agnes Alumnae: VERITAS is back in VOGUE! In 2010, a group of eager young alumnae came together with the intention of rekindling the St. Agnes spirit and camaraderie. Through their strong efforts and enthusiasm, SAYPO was created and has quickly grown to become a vital component in keeping us connected. Our goal is to come together as sisters in building our careers and to promote professionalism, while reconnecting and establishing new friendships. Current members are SAA graduates of 2008-1995. As the 2013-2014 SAYPO President, I plan to keep the fire burning. Every year, SAYPO organizes multiple networking and social events. Previous topics have included financial planning, wine education, and chic office attire. This year, the focus will be on growing and strengthening our network of Academy women. A strong network breeds possibility and with possibility comes opportunity. The sky’s the limit! So, shoot for the stars and come join us at our next event. Go to st-agnes.org/alumnae and follow us on Facebook to find out when and where.
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Members of SAYPO from class years 1995-2008 enjoyed two wildly popular events over the past few months. Young alumnae gathered at Water 2 Wine for a wine tasting. They were given a quick overview of the history of wine, a lesson in how to taste wines, and then sampled two whites and two reds, as well as appetizers prepared by the SAYPO board. The good times did not stop there! Saint Arnold’s Brewery was the chosen site for a co-ed happy hour jointly hosted by SAYPO, Strake Jesuit, Incarnate Word, St. Thomas High School, St. Pius X, and Duchesne Academy. The sold-out event featured a bit of the brew and pizza and allowed these grads the opportunity to reconnect.
1. Tyisha Barrett ’00 & Quyen Ly Vo ’96 2. Jennifer Marget Guarino ’07, Megan Dilger ’07, Kathryn Steinhubl ’07, Abbie Goldberg ’08, Annie Rusco 3. Melanie Bujnoch Baldridge ’05, Chris Mackey (SJ ’04), Frances Padon ’05
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1980s
Wilma Connolly Widaski ’54 is happy to welcome her fourth great grandchild.
Sandra Saldivar Wager ’84 and husband, David (SJ ’82), are proud of their son Chris Wager who was named Strake Jesuit Valedictorian Class of
1960s Class of 1963
Wyoming. On Sunday, classmates and their families gathered at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink for a skate party. Special thanks to Keri Cook Carter, Dannine Donaho, Nathalie Sessions Fye, Stephanie Lee Grover and Pier Diaz Tansey for planning the event! Dannine Donaho ’88 started Snow Deep Designs, a screen-printing business, in 2012, specializing in hand-printed t-shirts. She serves as treasurer on the Board of the Lander Art Center, a nonprofit art center located in her small Wyoming town.
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Mikey Keating Smith ’90 and husband, Sam, welcomed Lucy Laine Smith on November 4, 2012, weighing 5 lbs., 8 oz and 18 in. They currently live in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, but hope to make it back to Houston before Lucy is old enough to attend St. Agnes!
The Class of 1963 celebrated their 50th Reunion celebration in April. A cocktail party held on April 26 at the home of Pat “Trish” Benedix Cato ’63 and the following day, a luncheon was held at Braeburn Country Club.
1970s Patricia Gras ’79 received a HAHMP Lifetime Achievement Award and she recently released her fourth album of international pop songs, “Simplicity.” (cdbaby.com/cd/patriciagras) Roxana Wilkins Herrera ’74, with her daughter Te’a (7) at the home of Judy Zuniga-Hyde ’74, in Boerne, TX where Judy now lives. Judy is Te’a’s Godmother and she and Roxana were best friends at St. Agnes. Roxana works at British Petroleum in Houston. They were able to spend several days together in August visiting and enjoying the hill country area.
Roxana, Te’a, and Judy
2013. Chris is also the nephew of Suzy Wager ’87, Deborah Saldivar O’Driscoll ’89, Cristina Wager Weisman ’92 and “adopted grandson” of Mary Ann Chambers ’57. Melissa Garlington ’86 received the Junior League of Houston’s Sara Houstoun Lindsey Award in April. The award is presented annually to one active member who identifies a need within the community and dedicates herself to addressing it through her service to the League. The same month she was installed as the Pi Beta Phi Houston Alumnae Club’s Co-President. The Class of 1988 celebrated their 25 year reunion at Cavatore Italian Restaurant on June 8, with more than 60 alumnae. Many attended the St. Agnes all school reunion prior, and an impromptu party at the home of Lori Sebastian Pinter followed. Many awards were given, including traveled the farthest to Lita Cunningham, from New York and Dannine Donaho from
Soledad Haren ’92 founded Build A Better Planet last year, a non-profit organization promoting sustainability. She produces two radio shows, Green Living and Epoca Verde, in English and Spanish, respectively, heard on 3rdstrikeradio.com and montaukradio. com. They discuss healthy cooking and recipes, green issues, and feature indie progressive musicians and bands. This year, Soledad co-founded Tesla Style Night, a night of eco-fashion during New York Fashion Week. She is producing the opening night of Fashion Week Brooklyn and is joining forces with SXSW Eco in Austin this October. Her passion is spreading the word that green is beautiful and can re-vamp our economy. Want all the latest news and information from St. Agnes? Sign up on AcademyConnection at saaconnect.org.
Class of 1988
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Cherilyn Colemon Keeney ’93 and husband, Steven, welcomed twin girls, Grace Elizabeth and Annalise Mae, on March 10. Grace weighed 5 lbs 5 oz and Annalise was 4 lbs 9 oz. The Keeney family is overjoyed and doubly blessed. Alma Lorena Barreno Zertuche ’93 husband, Michael, and daughter/ sister Isabella (4) welcomed Marc Alexander Zertuche on March 31. Marc weighed 8 lbs, was 20.25” in length, and is a joyous blessing for the entire family. They reside in the Berkshire neighborhood in Houston. Jennifer Scheifley Roberts ’94 and husband, Steve (SJ ’93), welcomed their third daughter, Kipling James, on January 27, weighing 7 lbs 8 oz and 19.25 inches. The Roberts family recently moved back to Houston, after living in Malaysia for three years. Kelly McGilvray Brewer ’98 and husband, Doug (SJ ’98), welcomed their second child, Evelyn Rose, on February 26. Big brother Jack (3) is a wonderful helper. The Brewers live in Houston and Kelly teaches first grade. Stephanie Stevens Renn ’98, husband Mark, son Matthew (5), and daughter Mallorie (2) moved to Kingwood, Texas, as Mark accepted a call as the Associate Pastor of Missions and Evangelism at First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood.
Joanna Crowley Cannizzaro ’02 and husband, Patrick, welcomed Lucy Adelaide on December 1, 2012, weighing 7 lbs 10 oz and 19 in. The Class of 2003 celebrated their 10 year reunion at Lucky’s Pub in the Heights on June 8. Close to 60 ladies attended with their dates. Among the door prizes handed out was the newly released Italian Cookbook Graziella’s Tuscan Kitchen, written by Allison Bell.
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Allison Bell Pochesci ’03 has written an Italian cookbook: Graziella’s Tuscan Kitchen. She resides in Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy, just outside of Florence, with her husband, Angelo and their son, David. She says the greatest perk of marrying an Italian is marrying into a culture that loves food. She has been fortunate enough to learn all of her mother-in-law Graziella’s recipes and kitchen secrets, and shares them in this book. Rachel Greff Walsh ’04 attended Rice University and was a pole vaulter on the track and field team, where she met her future husband, Ryan Walsh (SJ ’01), a decathlete. After college, Rachel attended Veterinary School at Texas A&M University and recently graduated with her DVM and is practicing at the Village Veterinary Clinic doing small animal medicine and surgery, while Ryan recently received his MBA from Wharton Business School. Rachel and Ryan were married on June 29, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston and are now living in the Heights.
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Vita Montalbano Dougherty ’99 and husband Andrew Dougherty (SJ ’96) welcomed twins Marie Gianna and Robert Andrew on May 29. Jocelyn Chapman Vincent ’99 and husband welcomed Savannah Ray on April 11, weighing 7 lbs 10 oz and 20 in. She joins big sister Dakotah.
2000s
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Patricia Raimond Franzen ’00 and husband, Andreas, welcomed Dominic Xavier, on April 4, weighing 9 lbs 1 oz and 21 3/4 in. Dominic will be baptized at St. Dominic’s Villa, and he is the second grandchild of Cindy Hageney Raimond ’72.
1. Grace Elizabeth and Annalise Mae Keeney 2. Marie Gianna and Robert Andrew Dougherty 3. Savannah Ray Vincent 4. Patricia Raimond Franzen ’00 with Dominic Xavier 5. Joanna Crowley Cannizzaro ’02 with Lucy Adelaide
Ginny Andrews Jackson ’00 and husband, Alexander, welcomed Alexander Hughes Jackson Jr. on May 23, 2013. Caroline Coulter Romano ’00 and husband, Matthew, welcomed twin girls, Lorelei Marie and Rosalie Ruby, on June 4, in Birmingham, Alabama. They join big sister Emma Nell (3).
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alumnaeupdates Elizabeth Chen ’06 earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in May from the University of Texas School of Dentistry and is currently doing a residency in pediatric dentistry in Houston. Alix Jacobson ’06 is a corporate recruiting supervisor for Netflix in Los Gatos, CA and lives in downtown San Francisco. She graduated from Santa Clara University in 2010 with a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in International Business. From the Class of 2003: Allison Kamel, Katrin Munchausen, Amanda Sitomer and Becky Barbour at the all-class reunion Melinda Montalbano Yaklin ’05 married Dr. Clay Yaklin on June 8, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Michele Montalbano Osten ’95 and Melissa Montalbano Hawthorne ’00 served as the matrons of honor and Mackenzie Burns ’05 and Brittany Taggart ’05 served as bridesmaids. Melinda’s brother, Mark Montalbano (SJ ’91), and brother-inlaw, Matthew Hawthorne (SJ ’00), were groomsmen. Melinda wore her family’s heirloom necklace from her grandmother Angela Maggio Montalbano ’39. Melinda and Clay moved to Kansas City, Missouri after their wedding for Clay to begin his pediatric residency and Melinda to begin her fifth year as an eigth grade science teacher.
hundred hours of community service and leadership activities and was named to the Dean’s List three times and the Heartland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times. She was also named secondteam academic all-district by CoSIDA her sophomore season and was an Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar her sophomore and junior seasons. She will now be the Heartland Conference’s nominee for the NCAA National Woman of the Year award.
Jennifer Marget Guarino ’07 married high school sweetheart, Steven Guarino (STH ’07) on May 25, 2012 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Houston. Steven is the son of Cecile Scroggins Guarino ’77 and the grandson of Pat Regan Scroggins ’47 and Mary Ann Saragusa Guarino ’55. Megan Dilger ’07 served as maid of honor and bridesmaids included Caroline Willard ’07 and Jackie Guarino ’06. The reception was held at The Houstonian. The couple resides in Houston. Stefanie Paloma Solar ’07 is a 2nd year corp member of TFA in Houston, She is currently working at KIPP Sharp. She feels very blessed to work in a place that not only helps students fall in love with learning but also teaches them how to fall in love with life. They work to make their students’ dreams come true - and this year that means sending them to Carnegie Hall in New York to perform on the big stage.
Steven and Jennifer Marget Guarino ’07 Elizabeth Kajs ’09 graduated cum laude with honors from Southwestern University with a bachelor of arts in Art History and a German minor. While at SU Elizabeth was a Paideia Scholar and completed an honors thesis “Imagining the New Female Citizen: Private into Public in Käthe Kollwitz’s Work.” Elizabeth is now attending The University of St. Andrews, Scotland pursuing a master’s degree in Art History. Samantha Reyna ’09 graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City with a major in Speech-Language Pathology and minors in Mathematics and Education. She plans to attend the Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduate Program at the University of Texas at Austin.
2010s
Above: Carla Beutlich ’05, Mackenzie Burns ’05, Brittany Taggart ’05, Michele Montalbano Osten ’95, Melissa Montalbano Hawthorne ’00, Melinda Montalbano Yaklin ’05, Rosalie Montalbano Brandino ’64, Nancy Mathews ’75, and Jennifer Lange Brandino ’91
Olivia Collado ’09 was selected as the 2013 Heartland Conference Woman of the Year. She graduated from St. Edward’s in May with a degree in chemistry, and was a four-year starter in soccer where she was first-team all-America as a senior and the Heartland Conference Most Valuable Player her final two seasons. While at St. Edward’s, Collado completed several
Afton Costa ’10 spent her summer in Seattle, Washington, interning for Amazon. com. She was chosen from countless applicants to work in the online Kindle store as a software development engineer. After the summer, Afton will return to University of Texas at Dallas to complete her degree in software engineering and start her master’s program.
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Kimberly Cuccia ’10 received her Texas A&M 2014 class ring in College Station on April 12. This summer, she completed her internship with Chevron Corporation within their PR&RA Accounting Division. She currently attends the Mays Business School at Texas A&M majoring in Accounting and will also receive an Energy Accounting Certificate upon graduation. Kimberly has served as the 2013 vice president for the Texas A&M Century Singers, of which she was also a member of the select singing group known as the Century Sounds. Her academic achievements also include being a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. She recently accepted Chevron’s offer to return as a full time Financial Analyst in the Corporate Finance/Finance Shared Services department upon graduation in May of 2014. Briana Acosta ’13 was named a Gates Millennium Scholar. Each year the program selects 1,000 talented students to receive a good-throughgraduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. They also provide recipients with personal and professional development through leadership programs and academic support throughout their college career. Her sister Andrea Acosta ’11, who is completing her second year at Stanford, is also a Gates Millennium Scholar.
Celebrating 50 More than 70 alumnae and parents attended the “50 Years on Bellaire” celebration on September 3. Sr. Heloise Cruzat ’49 who was principal at the time shared memorable, as well as hilarious stories about moving “all the way out here.” Sr. Jane and the Class of 1964, who moved to this location as seniors and were the first to graduate, shared a choral rendition of their senior song We are St. Agnes Seniors. Champagne and wine were served by the Alumnae and SAYPO Boards, and petit fours from Moeller’s Bakery were enjoyed by all. Sr. Heloise: “There was absolutely no growth on the property except one tallow tree near the infamous fence line. We owe a debt of gratitude to Sr. Stephana for holding landscape beauty as a priority.”
L-R: Theresa Pizzitola ’64, Sr. Heloise Cruzat ’49, and Pat Bradley Sebastian ’64
Bria Mitchell-Gillespie ’13 has been named a cheerleader at the University of Pittsburgh. Bria, left L-R: Alumnae Board volunteers Julianna Piazza ’04, Kristen Hanshaw ’07, Mary Debakey Solcher’83, Lauri Schneidau Ruiz ’77 and Moraima Echemendia Grinnell ’75
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Archives 50 Years on Bellaire From the
St. Agnes opened its Bellaire Boulevard location on September 3, 1963. Enjoy this montage, featuring images of groundbreaking with the Sisters, to construction, move-in, and Academy women enjoying the new space.
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Sincere Sympathy is Extended to the Loved Ones of: Thomas John Binig; father to Christy Binig ’70 (dec), Cece Binig McCann ’76, Martha Binig Drake ’78, Liz Binig Brooks ’81 and Toni Binig Shepherd ’83; grandfather to Courtney Shepherd ’12; past SAA Board Member Oswald Julius (OJ) Bischoff; grandfather to Kathryn Frances Bischoff ’08 and Lauren Elizabeth Bischoff ’09 Sally Crow Bishop; mother to Lisa Bishop McClain ’88 and Julie Bishop Tompkins ’90 Margaret Colleen Keefe Borden; mother to Janet Borden Bourda ’85 and Cynthia Borden ’88 Joseph William Brininstool; father to Sandy Brininstool Houser ’79 and Teri Brininstool McQueen who attended SAA for two years (’78 to ’80) Joseph Forman Bunn, III; grandfather to Allison Aquino ’03 and Amy Aquino ’10 John Martin Burns; son to Lucy Madden Burns ’51 Stella Isabel Reyna Cacioppo; mother to Frances Cacioppo Jenkins ’83 William John Cameron; father to Nancy Cameron Benson ’84 Helen Marie Campise; great-grandmother to Anna Capri Perez ’10 Rosalie Anna Lorino Campise ’59; sister to Michelene Lorino Campise ’68 Joseph B. Cesak; brother to Helen Cesak ’42 Bina Rogers Clancy; mother to Catherine A. Clancy ’63 Corby Matthew Collins; father to Cara Collins ’15 Robert E. Connell, Jr.; husband to Ann Laughlin Connell ’51; father to Kathy Connell McShane ’74 Doris Marie Moss Cowley; mother to Leonora Cowley Meisenbach ’90 and Veronica Cowley-Keating ’90 Leilabeth Williamson Crispin; mother to Mary Crispin Sankey ’68, Beverley Crispin Heffernan ’70 and Lisa Crispin ’73 Martha Collins Crowe; mother-in-law to Elizabeth Castille Crowe ’80 Carla Susan Curts; sister to SAA faculty member Lisa Stinson
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Mildred (Millie) Dampf; mother to Kristin Dampf ’86 Andrew Joseph Dennard; stepfather to Catherine Gassiot ’17 Robert George Dorsey; father to Heather Dorsey Ghiselin ’88 and Nikki Dorsey Paul ’91 Joseph William Eades, II; husband to Virginia “Ginny” Mileti Eades ’64 Kathleen Braden Eichelberger’37; mother to Ann Eichelberger Bennett ’75; mother-in-law to SAA faculty member Elaine Henderson Eichelberger ’79; grandmother to Beth Eichelberger ’05, Caroline Duble ’10, Katie Eichelberger ’12 and Lizzie Duble ’16 Sr. Nicholas Fahey, O.P. Madeline Lacorte Ferreri; grandmother to Kelly Waguespack ’03 Leonardo E. Floresca; father to Melissa Floresca ’93 and Clarissa Floresca ’95 Paul J. Foucheaux, Jr.; father to Mary Foucheaux Hartman ’71 Mariana Goudet; sister to Fernanda Goudet ’16 Lucille Helen McIntosh Gubas ’47 Richard (Rick) Harms; father to Natalie Harms ’10 Robert M. Hassinger; grandfather to Caitlin Chambers ’08 Anne M. Byrne Hanratty; mother-in-law to Marti Sicola Hanratty ’81; grandmother to Andrea M. Hanratty ’12 Dolores Hermes; mother to Linda Hermes Yeagy ’78 A.J. High; father to Vennoy High Racca ’58 Glenn W. Hudson; husband to Clare Cushman Hudson ’43 Anne Houston Hogan Irish; mother to Kathy Irish Scott ’74 Roseann Trapolino Johnson; grandmother to Savanna Linbeck ’15 Flora Juanita Evelyn Moore Jones; grandmother to Jacqueline Jones ’03 Dell Thomas Lacefield; father to Lauren Lacefield Lewis ’84
Robert (Bob) LaCoste; husband to Rose Mary Briers LaCoste ’59; brother-in-law to Louise Briers Vance ’60 Laura Hovda Lednicky; mother to Alex Lednicky ’16 Leo Edward Linbeck, Jr.; brother to Suzanne Linbeck Reynolds ’55 and Poppy Linbeck Doyle ’57; grandfather to Savanna Linbeck ’15 Lula Clara Manis Logan ’40; sister-in-law to Catherine Gullo Manis ’47 Helen Mangel; grandmother to Abby Mangel ’10
Wark ’72 and Joan O’Brien Rife ’75; uncle to Shelley Wark ’97, Stacey Wark ’01 and SAA faculty member Rebecca Werner Wechter ’07 Madeline Catherine Griffin O’Brien; mother to Mary Anne O’Brien ’65 and Jean O’Brien Krausse ’67 Daniel O’Connell; husband to Pauline Tamborello O’Connell ’56; father to Shannon O’Connell Berquist ’92 Laura Pyle Olejnik; mother to Ellyn Olejnik Poole ’98 Burke Eugene Michael O’Rourke; brother to Pat O’Rourke McCrory ’53
Greta Ann Roup McAndrews ’44 Deborah Louise O’Brien McCormick ’77; daughter to Linda Gavin O’Brien ’57 (dec); sister to Cindy O’Brien Skinner ’80 and Dolly O’Brien Koperniak ’82 Kenneth H. Miller; father to Maike Miller George ’83; grandfather to Christina George ’16 Rachel Elizabeth Moore; sister-in-law to SAA faculty member Marie Moore Thomas J. Mueller; husband to Carol Schmitt Mueller ’51; father to Mary Mueller Hansen ’77 and Martha Mueller Adkinson ’83 Margaret (Margie) Bogar Mulvey ’37; mother to Margaret Mulvey Silman ’65; grandmother to Erin Mulvey Hader ’92 and Kimberly Mulvey ’07; sister-in-law to Tenie Mulvey Braniff ’34 (dec) and Eleanor Mulvey Robb ’40 Alan Gregory Murphy, Jr.; husband to Judy Reeder Murphy ’58; brother-in-law to Marjorie Reeder ’56 (dec) and Betsy Reeder Vincent ’61 Zorine Ann Najarian; sister-in-law to Judy Barnes Najarian ’58 and Mary Sumner Najarian ’58 (dec); aunt to Donna Najarian Hughes ’80 and Deborah Najarian Porto ’81 David Rogers Nelson, Jr.; grandfather to Emily Nelson ’04 and Alice Carroll Johnson ’08; father to SAA past board member and current Emeritus Advisory Council member, Hunter Nelson; brother to Sr. Mary Dividica Nelson, O.P. (dec)
Anne Owens; mother to Hannah Owens ’04 and Rosanna Owens ’10 John Perry (Jack) Pardee; grandfather to Ellie Pardee ’11 Lilian Iris Paul; mother to SAA faculty member Julie Donati Nelson Alphonse Ponthier; grandfather to Paige Ponthier Faulder ’00 Decoroso Medina Portugal; father to Dolores Portugal ’67
Fernando H. Segura; husband to Annette Lusk Segura ’77; son-in-law to Ursula Guseman Lusk ’41 Joe P. Siarski; grandfather to Jana Siarski ’03 Robert L. Skelly; father to SAA faculty member Debbie Skelly Carmel Moriarty Smith ’38 John Lamar Stavinoha, Sr.; grandfather to Maren Stavinoha ’06 Alicia Carrow Stirton ’41; sister to Elizabeth Carrow Woolfolk ’44 George William Tate, Sr.; husband to Frances Warhol Tate '47 Robert (Bob) L. Tesch; father to Lisa Tesch Quirin ’95 Michelene Guseman Toomey ’44; sister to Lenora Guseman Smith ’39 and Ursula Guseman Lusk ’41; mother-in-law to Claudia Blazek Toomey ’79 Ruth Keegan Valdez ’56; mother to Kathleen Keegan ’49 and Frances Keegan ’51; mother to Mary Ellen Kana ’76, Beth Valdez Toner ’78 and Katy Valdez Myrick ’86
Leo William (Bill) Poye, Jr.; brother to Brenda Poye Ponthier ’57
Sr. M. de Lourdes Warren, O.P. ’32
Violet Janicek Pratka; mother to Anne Pratka ’66, Susan Pratka Rideau ’69 and Jane Pratka Balsam ’73; grandmother to Lindsay Owen Riedle ’94
Margaret Mary Zagst Weeks ’36; sister to Dorothy Zagst Partin ’39, Sr. Thomas Margaret Zagst ’42 (dec) and Joanne Zagst Feldman ’52
William Robert Preslar, Sr.; grandfather to Jennifer Preslar Kinney ’03, Ashley Preslar ’05 and Robin Preslar ’12
Helen Cecelia Ransbottom Westerhaus; grandmother to Julie Westerhaus Kunz ’01
John Patrick Reilly; father to Margaret Reilly Vinson ’85; father-in-law to Diane Thomas Reilly ’81, Sandra Baker Reilly ’81 and Stephanie Baker Reilly ’88
Patricia Nolte Wey ’63
Paul Jeremiah Ring; father to Cristina Ring ’09 and Ava Ring ’14
Mary Angie Howard Windlinger; mother to Susan Windlinger Larmore ’68, Joan Windlinger Mateker ’73, Jane Windlinger Brownlow ’74 and Sarah Windlinger Gilmartin ’79; grandmother to Louisa Hamlin ’97, Laura Hamlin Oates ’00 and Elise Mateker ’03
Lucille “Fussy” Roach; sister to former SAA Principal and Board Member, Sr. Mary Joseph Roach, O.P. (dec) Nick Santarcangelo; husband to Michaeline Triola Santarcangelo ’46
Deirdre Joane O’Connor ’69
Paul John Schmitt; father to Patty Schmitt Cooke ’71 and Theresa Schmitt White ’78
Edwin Patrick O’Brien; brother to Ann O’Brien Werner ’71, Kathy O’Brien
Robert (Bob) John Schrier; father to Kristina Schrier Howard ’93
Pat Goft Williams; former SAA staff member
Carol June Lake Winkler ’57; sister to Elizabeth Lake Nesbitt ’55 Sr. Thomas Margaret Zagst, O.P. ’42; past SAA faculty member; sister to Margaret Zagst Weeks ’36, Dorothy Zagst Partin ’39 and Joanne Zagst Feldman ’52
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 2783
9000 Bellaire Boulevard | Houston, TX 77036-4683 | 713.219.5400 | st-agnes.org
Why did I include St. Agnes in my estate plan? When finalizing his estate plans, Mark mused, “leaving a gift to the school wasn’t a ‘want-to’ situation, it was a ‘have-to.’ I feel connected to the school’s history and respect its ability to make the most of every donation. The school gave to me, and I need to give back.”
Mark Albright History & Social Sciences Teacher The 1906 Society is a group created to honor friends of St. Agnes who have included the Academy in their estate plans. Planned gifts go toward St. Agnes Academy to ensure the future of the school and continue the legacy of excellence in education.
Learn more by contacting Lisa Chmiola at lisa.chmiola@st-agnes.org.