St. Catherine's Now - Winter 2016 by St. Catherine's School

Fall 2016 Vol. 75 No. 1

For Future Reference ó TO DAY 'S L IBR A RY P R EPA R ES GI RL S FOR TOMOR R OW 'S W OR L D

st.catherine’s now

Photo taken from stacks above in the library in Bacot Hall in the 1960s. To see the evolution of St. Catherine's library turn to page 18.

contents now

In every issue V I S I O N N OW

4 Dr. Terrie Hale Scheckelhoff

celebrates different ways a strong educational foundation is created for girls.

C A MPU S N OW

6 News

8 New key leaders at St. Catherine’s and St. Christopher’s 9 New legacy students, faculty and staff 10 Gatherings A LU MN A E N OW

25 New Alumnae Board Members 26 Letter from Ellett-St. Catherine’s

Alumnae Association (National Alumnae Board) President, Mary Watson Hayes ’79 26 Class Notes 31 Spotlight: Mary Jane Hipp Brock ’66 33 Spotlight: Holly Eason Holden ’72 40 Spotlight: Whitney Zimmerman Edwards ’94 47 Marriages 48 Births and Adoptions 49 Memorials B OA RD I N G MEMO RI ES

51 UNITY brought together boarders

and day students from all backgrounds to build relationships and even sleepover in the library.

Features

The Road to D1

A small percentage of high school athletes make it to the top level of college sports. Saints athletes successfully navigate that journey each year. Follow the path of current students and alumnae on the road to NCAA Division I.

On the cover Freshman Tess Deyerle is one of the almost 300 students that visit the Wright Library daily.

For Future Reference

The library has evolved in recent years to include much more than books and reference materials. Today's library boasts a digital collection of materials and equipment, a variety of collaborative spaces and even a social zone (with food allowed).

vision now Dear Friends and Families, I love visiting classrooms, having lunch in my office with the girls in small groups, and engaging in activities with them. I make time each week to be with children and that is what drives me. When you work with girls and young women, you wake up each day with a sense of optimism and excitement about what can happen today. You know that you will have the opportunity to grow from their perspectives and to encourage them to dig for deeper meaning and understanding.

St. Catherine’s Now Fall 2016 Vol. 75 No. 1 Head of School

Terrie Hale Scheckelhoff, Ph.D. Executive Editor

Theodora Miller Director of Marketing and Communications Managing Editor

Jennifer Harter Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Designer

Haley Hollenbach Director of Publications Contributing Writers

Kim Witt Catley Jennifer Harter Judy Carpenter Hawthorne ’75 Sarah Martin Hergüner ’77 Director of Development

Debbie Andrews Dunlap ’70 Assistant Director of Development

As we think about our role as a school, we are committed to providing the framework and resources for girls to thrive. It is not enough to have them go through the motions as passive learners. They must have “fire in the belly,” as my dear friend says. So we ask ourselves, how can we better ignite their passions? If you haven’t visited our libraries and learning resource center recently, please do. You will witness firsthand the power of designing spaces that align with girls’ learning. We now have a variety of learning areas including all types of tables, moveable seating, small group spaces, and individual learning nooks. The silence of libraries past is no longer present as girls fill social spaces, meet in unique collaborative areas, or seek refuge in the designated quiet area. Courtney Lewis, our Director of Library Services and Innovative Research, says that the space changes meet the needs the girls identified. Students were actively involved in the library layout and selection of furniture. As you will see on the following pages, athletics and arts continue to play an important role in our girls’ lives. Teamwork and cooperation ground our students and help them be more creative and resilient. When students play sports or engage in arts activities, they practice problem-solving, communicating their ideas in different ways, and listening to multiple points of view. Whether they are on the field or on the stage, they learn to set goals, be more observant and determined, and develop their inner motivation. The strong foundation created at St. Catherine’s through these various learning environments comes to life every time I meet with our alumnae, who model the ideals of our School every day. I hope that we, as parents, alumnae, and friends, can collaborate as our students do, and continue our work together to ensure that St. Catherine’s remains an innovative leader for girls.

Katherine Ferguson

Director of Alumnae Affairs

Laura Spratley Birdsey ’96 Photography

Duane Berger Jennifer Harter Haley Hollenbach Jim Robb “St. Catherine’s Now” is a publication of St. Catherine’s School, 6001 Grove Ave., Richmond, VA 23226, 804.288.2804; alumnae@st.catherines.org. St. Catherine’s admits students without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the School. Letters to the editor are welcomed and should include the author’s name, address, email address and daytime phone number. Please send correspondence to: Editor, St. Catherine’s Now, St. Catherine’s School, 6001 Grove Ave., Richmond, VA 23226. Printed letters may be edited for length, content and style. “St. Catherine’s Now” is a bi-annual magazine for the St. Catherine’s community and is published by the Marketing and Communications Office in collaboration with the Alumnae and Development Office. The publication celebrates a legacy of excellence, provides meaningful connections and captures the life of the School through reporting that adheres to high journalistic and literary standards.

My best to you,

Terrie Hale Scheckelhoff, Ph.D. Head of School

FSC logo

Board of Governors 2016-2017 Dr. Anne Howell McElroy ’78, Chair Herbert (Hobie) A. Claiborne III, Vice Chair Dr. Taruna K. Aurora Sharon Blount Renee B. Fain Maura Maguire Gaenzle ’82 Frederica (Freddie) P. Gray Melissa (Missy) M. Gullquist George A. Harrison Helen Hamilton Horsley ’83 Wayne L. Hunter Cal Jennison Elizabeth G. Johnson Allen Brent King Lisa P. Luck Georgina (Gigi) Rawles Miller ’75 Suzanne Wishnack Morris ’89 Jose Luis Murillo, Jr. John R. Nester II Donnan Thompson O’Keefe ’89 Dr. Julia (Julie) Konerding Padgett ’90 Frank H. Reichel III Andrew (Drew) G. Spitzer Michael J. Thorne-Begland Governors Emerita/i Anne Whitfield Kenny ’51 Theodore (Ted) W. Price Wesley Wright, Jr. Ex-Officio St. Catherine’s School Foundation President Macon Hubard Clarkson ’96 Parents’ Association President Cynthia (Cindy) B. Nolan Alumnae Association President Mary Watson Hayes ’79 President of Church Schools David H. Charlton, Ed.D. Head of St. Catherine’s School Terrie Hale Scheckelhoff, Ph.D.

Foundation 2016-2017 Macon Hubard Clarkson ’96, President Brian C. Carney Mary New Dalton ’94 Bryan F. Durand Elizabeth Cabell Jennings ’81 Virginia (Ginny) Reynolds Parker ’76 Ex-Officio: Chair of St. Catherine’s Board of Governors Dr. Anne Howell McElroy '78 Chair of the Finance Committee of St. Catherine’s Board of Governors Frank H. Reichel III President of Church Schools David H. Charlton, Ed.D. Head of St. Catherine’s School Terrie Hale Scheckelhoff, Ph.D.

New 2016-2017 Board Members Freddie Gray — A parent of a St. Catherine’s student (2019) and two college-aged sons, Mrs. Gray is a graduate of the University of North Carolina (BA). Prior to joining the Board she was a member of the St. Catherine’s Inclusion Committee and served on the Girls Innovate committee. She served on the International Hospital for Children Board. She is on the Foundation Board at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Helen Hamilton Horsley ’83 — A parent at St. Catherine's (2013 and 2016), Mrs. Horsley graduated from the UVA (BA) and the Portfolio Center in Atlanta. A former member of St. Catherine's Richmond Board and National Alumnae Board, and a current member of the Athletic Booster’s Board, she has been active on Reunion Committees and as a parent volunteer. She served on the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church vestry and was a Board Member of the Memorial Foundation for Children. Cal Jennison — A parent at St. Catherine’s (2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2020) and St. Christopher’s (2004, 2006), Mrs. Jennison is a graduate of Duke (BA) and Emory (MMS). A former president of the Parents’ Association, she was a steering committee member for the School’s most recent capital campaign. She currently serves on several boards: Printpack, Inc, Union Presbyterian Seminary, and Virginia Repertory Theatre. Her past board service includes Duke University, Children’s Museum of Richmond, Theater IV and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. John R. Nester II — A parent at St. Catherine’s (2013, 2018), Mr. Nester is a graduate of University of Richmond (BS) and George Washington (MBA). A CPA, he is the former President and CEO of Royall and Company. Prior to joining the Board he served on St. Catherine’s Marketing and Admissions Committee of the Board. Julie Konerding Padgett ’90 — A parent at St. Catherine’s (2022) and St. Christopher’s (2020), Dr. Padgett graduated from University of North Carolina (BS) and UVA (MD). She is a dermatologist at Bon Secours. She has been an active volunteer serving on the National Alumnae Board, Daisy Days, Snowball, and has served on Reunion committees and on the parent committee of the most recent capital campaign. Cindy Nolan, President of the Parents' Association — A parent at St. Catherine's (2017) and St. Christopher's (2020), Cindy is a graduate of University of Mary Washington. She has served in numerous volunteer positions at St. Catherine's and is an active volunteer in the Richmond community. Bryan F. Durand, Foundation Board — A current parent at St. Catherine's (2024 and 2027), Bryan is a graduate of Holy Cross (BA) and Duke University (MBA). A partner at Private Advisors, he serves on the hedge fund investment team.

campus now

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Celebrating the International Day of the Girl

he Green was filled with energy and cheers rang out as girls in grades 3-4 ran 11 laps around the iconic space in honor of girls’ education. The activity was one of many that took place on campus in honor of the International Day of the Girl. The U.N. began the campaign in 2011 to support the rights of girls worldwide. It is celebrated every year on Oct. 11. “In observance of the fifth annual United Nations International Day of the Girl and living our School Motto, ‘What we keep we lose; only what we give remains our own,’ our girls were involved in various activities that illuminate the blessing of an education,” Head of School Terrie Scheckelhoff said. "We unite with others to raise awareness of this issue.” The girls in grades 3-4 collected pledges for their “Go the Extra Mile for Girls” run. They raised money for Khajura and Man Kumari, the two girls the Lower School sponsor at our partner school Kopila Valley School in Nepal. The entire Lower School supported the event as younger girls and teachers surrounded the Green to cheer on the students. Inspired by a 5K the children at Kopila Valley School ran 18 months prior — running in their sandals and flip flops — Ashley Stout Miller ’86, the Lower School Community Service Coordinator, decided it would be a nice way for her students to raise money.

“We hope that someday all girls — everywhere — will have equal opportunities,” said Miller, who teaches third grade. “We hope to help make that happen.” Upper School students filled part of the Kenny Center to pack more than 50,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now in honor of International Day of the Girl. The girls worked with their advisory groups in assembly lines to reach their goal in less than two hours. Many of the meals were used to help people affected by Hurricane Matthew. “We believe it’s extremely important to take time out of our day to remember what we’re thankful for and to remember those who aren’t as blessed as we are,” senior Catie Nolan told Richmond’s ABC affiliate WRIC, who came out to cover the event. Middle School girls participated in a variety of events on International Day of the Girl including a special chapel to start the day. Students also heard from parents who grew up in Cameroon, learned traditional Indian and Contemporary dance and conducted interviews to answer the question, “What does it mean to be a girl in 2016, and how can we serve and empower girls and women around the world?” Students in all grades helped create a video to celebrate “I am a Girl. I can do anything.” The video can be viewed on the School’s YouTube page: Youtube.com/SaintCatherinesRVA.

“ We hope that someday all girls — everywhere — will have equal opportunities”

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St. Catherine’s Day 2016 Girls danced through the aisles of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church as their classmates’ voices filled the sanctuary. A total of 216 singers, dancers and musicians from grades 4-12 joined together for a powerful performance of “Freedom Trilogy” during the annual St. Catherine’s Day Service. A time-honored tradition, St. Catherine’s Day celebrates the senior who, by the vote of her classmates and faculty best represents scholarship, determination, courage, hope and faith, the ideals of Catherine of Alexandria. Liza Williamson was honored for the Class of 2017. In her speech, Williamson recalled her 13-year journey at St. Catherine’s. She recalled many of the events along the way as well as her love for the many traditions at St. Catherine’s. “I kept trying to articulate just what makes our St. Catherine’s experience so special, and the one word that kept coming up was community,” said Williamson, who will play lacrosse at UVA next year. “We hear about community a lot, I know, but I think there is a reason for that, so I thought I might talk a little about three aspects that I think make up our community: friendships, memories, and traditions.” That sense of community was on full display as students across all three divisions worked together in dance, song and music for St. Catherine’s Day. The service is a tradition that has changed throughout the decades, but dates back to 1924. The revealing of the St. Catherine’s Day honoree is kept secret until the service, a special time to remember alumnae, faculty and staff, and former members of the Board of Governors and Foundation Board who have died over the past year.

E PERIOD ENCOURAGES EXPLORATION Every Friday afternoon Middle School girls are encouraged to try new things, dig deeper and find their own story. This is done in the new Exploration Period. Girls discover interests outside of the classroom in an ungraded environment. Girls select from more than 20 classes such as Cipher Sisters, Creative Writing and Journaling, HER-Story, Global Girls, Sports Reports and Library Leaders. E Period is designed to nurture a culture of confidence, build on discoveries made during Lower School Innovation Days and prepare girls for success in the Intensive Studies Program, X-term and independent research projects in the Upper School.

ST. CATHERINE'S SUPPORTS LOCAL TEDX EVENT As a sponsor of TEDxRVAWomen, St. Catherine’s sent 20 students to listen to speakers which included a police officer, a chef, a musician, a business leader and a biologist. Five Upper School students volunteered for the event which is now in its fourth year.

FORUM AIDS COLLEGE PROCESS

(L to R) Front Row: Liza Williamson, 2017 St. Catherine’s representative; 2nd Row: Sarah Farnham ’99, Lily Damgard ’15, Carrie Featherstone Hoge ’93, Katie Wallmeyer Payne ’02, Dudley Percy Olsson ’82; Back Row: Anne Kenny-Urban ’83, Pat Long ’69, Debbie Andrews Dunlap ’70, Barbara Blades Burrows ’50

For the second consecutive year, College Counseling held an event to help Upper School students and parents navigate the for the college application process. The College Counseling Fall Forum was held on campus in September. This event is part of St. Catherine's comprehensive four-year College Counseling program. “This program was designed to bring comprehensive, grade-level specific information to families in an afternoon setting, eliminating the need for numerous evening programs during very busy school weeks,” Director of College Counseling Mary Jane Greene said. Guests from University of Richmond, VCU, Mount Holyoke and the Princeton Review, as well as recent alumnae and parents, presented on different topics related to the college search and application process.

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New Director of Middle School

Dr. Dorothy Suskind wants to know the story of every Middle School student, teacher and staff member at St. Catherine’s. As the new Director of Middle School, it is her goal to make that connection. “I want to hear about those experiences that made them rethink their conceptions of the world, those moments that challenged them to try something new and those opportunities where they made new connections with friends and teachers,” Suskind said. Suskind boasts more than 19 years experience in education at independent schools and universities. In addition to her role at St. Catherine’s, she is an Associate Adjunct Professor at the

New St. Christopher’s Head of School

Mason Lecky may be the new Head of School at St. Christopher's, but he enjoys the time he is able to spend at St. Catherine’s. Lecky began his role as St. Christopher’s Head of School on July 1, replacing Charley Stillwell who is now the Head of School at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va. “Let me tell you how much I enjoy simply being on (St. Catherine’s) campus, seeing your smiles and friendly greetings and your impressive attention to your learning,” Lecky told the Upper School girls during a chapel at the beginning of the school year. “I am so glad to work in an all-boys school with such a powerful and visible partnership with a sister school down the road.” A native of Richmond and a graduate of the Collegiate School, Lecky earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia and his Master’s in Education at Harvard. In 2014, he was a Klingenstein Heads Fellow at Columbia University. Lecky served as a teacher, coach, Director of Communications, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at St. Albans School, an all-boys Episcopal school in Washington, D.C. In 2009, Lecky was named Head of School at St. Andrew’s School in New Orleans, which had been significantly affected by Hurricane Katrina and the economic recession. During his sevenyear tenure, Lecky stabilized the School’s finances, re-energized

University of Richmond. She previously taught at St. Christopher’s, University of Virginia and University of Mary Washington. Suskind has written 12 academic articles, published one book, and presented on teaching best practices at more than 30 international, national and state conferences. Suskind attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She went on to receive her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Virginia. Suskind models lifelong learning in all that she does and conducts a weekly writing workshop at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women. Suskind is no stranger to St. Catherine’s. Three generations of women in her family attended the School, and her great aunt Dorothy Robertson Parrish '38 was awarded the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2003. She first learned the stories of St. Catherine’s from her family members. “[My great aunt] frequently shared with me that St. Catherine’s is where she learned to be curious and to uplift others,” Suskind said. “I see that same curiosity and call to service on the campus of St. Catherine’s today. I enjoy working closely with the innovative faculty to help each girl learn to lead and serve in her local and global community.” Suskind and her husband Greg have two sons at St. Christopher’s, Mac (eighth grade) and Charlie (fourth grade).

its faculty, expanded the School’s enrollment and curriculum, integrated and developed a new Middle School program and a new Early Childhood program, developed a successful advancement program, enhanced racial and socioeconomic diversity and spearheaded an expanded athletic program. “While there are certainly other attributes of fine schools, I firmly believe that if a school can define itself first and foremost as an institution focused on meaningful relationships, can instill a culture of high expectations and ageappropriate rigor, and can produce graduates with a clear sense of moral citizenship, it has succeeded in serving its students and the world at large,” Lecky wrote in his educational philosophy. Lecky and his wife Megan have three children: Patrick, (a third grader at St. Christopher’s); Carter (a first grader at St. Christopher’s) and Mary (a JK student at St. Catherine’s).

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New Legacy Students

Caroline Burke, granddaughter of Archer Christian Burke ’43, great-granddaughter of Nellie Rennolds Christian Williams, 1915

New Lower School Legacy Students: Front row, L to R: Charlotte Birdsey, daughter of Laura Spratley Birdsey ’96; Allie Horn, daughter of Laura Albertson Horn ’95; Evelyn Glatt, daughter of Leigh Bladergroen Glatt ’00; Quinn Moorman, granddaughter of Anne Taylor Leitch Moorman ’68; Elsie Jane Vaughters, daughter of Ann Robertson Vaughters ’00; Back row, L to R: Millicent Smith, daughter of Ferebee Holt Smith ’90, granddaughter of Ellen Fenner Holt ’62; Emme Edwards, daughter of Whitney Zimmerman Edwards ’94; Pearl Moore, daughter of Louise Adamson Moore ’88; Faye Williams, great-granddaughter of Emory Gill Williams ’36, great- great-granddaughter of Fanny Miller Williams, 1907; Amelia Green, great-granddaughter of Dorothy Cralle Samson ’44; Corinne Ruffner, daughter of Van Scherer Ruffner ’95

Kelsey O’Brien, daughter of Laura Barton O’Brien ’84

New Faculty and Staﬀ

First Row, L to R: Scott Meyerhoffer, Director of Security; Lee Perkins, Interim Upper School Latin Teacher; Martha Jones Burford ’82, Lower School Music Teacher; Erin Chalifoux, Lower School Kindergarten Teacher; Bethany Taibl, Assistant to the Athletic Director and Athletic Facilities Coordinator; Susan Steenrod, Middle and Upper School Spanish; Anamaria Scozzaro, Lower School Spanish Teacher; Taryn Chesshire, Middle School English Teacher; Katharina Geissbuehler, Junior Kindergarten Teaching Assistant; Molly McAleer, Interim Upper School English Teacher; Sug Chang, Head Athletic Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator; Joe Ball, Interim Upper School History Teacher. Back Row: Kelli Martines, Middle School Math Teacher; Dr. Dorothy Suskind, Director of Middle School; Michelle Siewers, Parent Volunteer Coordinator/ Fundraising Manager; Jeremy Watts, Upper School Physics Teacher; Anthony Maslanka, Middle School Latin Teacher; Meg Zehmer, Junior Kindergarten Teacher; Sara Chapman Waechter ’97, Junior Kindergarten Teacher; Mary Meg Mayer, Upper School Biology/Chemistry Teacher; Meredith Makhoul ’10, Interim Upper School AP Art History Teacher; Natalie Watts, Library Assistant

Gatherings

E LL ETT B OARD The National Alumnae Board — Ellett Board enjoyed dinner together at Upper Shirley in Charles City, Va., during the fall 2016 meeting. Tayloe Dameron, brother of board member Katherine Dameron McCormick ’75, opened the vineyard and tasting room in May 2016.

NYC St. Christopher’s alumnus George McVey ’87 and his wife Laura hosted a joint reception at their home. L to R: Will Valentine (St. Chris ’11), Tucker Thompson (St. Chris ’11), Kristin Wollenberg ’11, Will Clarke (St. Chris ’11)

NYC Head of School Terrie Scheckelhoff with Jean Grainger ’66

N YC L to R: Mary Watson Hayes ’79, Debbie Andrews Dunlap ’70, Caroline Crook Williamson ’79, Katherine Dameron McCormick ’75

N YC Betsy Perkins Sargisson ’56 (left) and Weezie Power Quimby ’52 (right)

SOC IETY O F T H E R I NG The Society of the Ring was established by Howard L. Pugh in 2005 to recognize former long-term employees and invite them to participate in the ongoing life of the School. They joined us for their annual luncheon in October.

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R I V E R PARTY Kenzie Sinnickson Hubard ’62 (left) and Ellen Fenner Holt ’62 (right)

RI VER PARTY

R I V E R PARTY

Rick and Dee Dee Butler Sutton ’76 welcomed alumnae, parents, grandparents, past faculty and friends for a gathering at their beautiful home on the Rappahannock River in Virginia's Northern Neck in late September. L to R: Ashton Williams Harrison ’71, Ted Curtis, Margaret Eppes Curtis ’65

WESTMINSTER CAN T ER BU RY Many alumnae, past parents, past and current grandparents and faculty gathered for a reception at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond, Va. L to R: Charlotte Williams, Sarah Martin Herguner ’77, Terrie Scheckelhoff, Suzanne Pollard, Joe Knox, Mag Towers Talman ’45

BOSTON Thanks to the generosity of Lloyd and Gene Davidson Dahmen ’59, alumnae gathered for dinner at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. L to R: Margie Dotts Greville ’64, Gene, Elizabeth Gunther Stewart ’60

L to R: Richard Clary (St. Chris ’66), Rick Sutton (St. Chris ’74), Lizzie Fleet Wallace ’58, Kay Clary, Gordon Wallace (St. Chris ’55)

WE ST M I N ST E R CAN T E R B U RY L to R: Elizabeth Lee, Dorothy Deane, Isabel Coale Correll ’39, MaryGlyn McGraw

B OSTO N L to R: Susan Jefferson Boney ’98, Taylor Whitworth ’06, Phoebe Gallagher ’06

a lumn ae now

Road to

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The

by Jennifer Harter

They are smashing records, winning championships and excelling at all levels. Women athletes are no longer just an afterthought. They are the attraction. Since 1972 when Title IX was enacted, the number of girls participating in sports grew from one in 27 to today’s numbers of two out of five. At St. Catherine’s, more than 70 percent of all girls in grades 7-12 play on a Saints team. While only 7.9 percent of female high school athletes nationally advance to compete in college, that number exceeds 10 percent each year at St. Catherine’s. 13

Sydnei Archie Her Journey to Division I Hoops Sydnei Archie had seemingly climbed to the peak of the world of basketball. She traveled to Tennessee for breakfast with the late and legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt. Michigan State contacted her regularly. Other elite programs such as Maryland, Florida State, Florida, Duke, Georgia, UCLA and Kentucky sought her out. But then the unthinkable happened — during a drill at an invitational summer camp in Texas just nine months after tearing the ACL in her left knee, she tore it again. Suddenly Archie faced more time away from the game she loves.

“I had to seriously think about whether or not I wanted to continue to play basketball,” said Archie, a senior at St. Catherine’s. “I was thinking about giving up because I didn’t know if I was emotionally capable of getting through it again.” Archie reemerged during her junior year following 11 months of rehabilitation, slowly regaining her status as an elite athlete. The scar on her left knee remains the only visible sign of the injury. A 6-foot guard/forward, Archie averaged a well-rounded 16.7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists per game last year for the Saints.

Suddenly, the colleges called again. University of Miami sent faxes before every game. VCU made an offer even before she took the court for a game after missing two full years. During the middle of her junior year, Archie committed to the Rams and became the first Saints athlete to sign to play NCAA Division I basketball. Just 1.2 percent of all high school girls playing basketball in the United States advance to Division I basketball. VCU is the perfect fit for Archie. Her father Torrance was a starter at VCU in the late 1990s and her mother was a manager for the team. Saints varsity basketball coach Ed Sherod is regarded as one of the best point guards to ever don the black and gold. Immediately following her announcement, Rams fans lit up internet message boards with excitement, and others sought her out when she attended VCU games. “I want the chance to build something in the city that I’m from,” Archie said. “Also, after everything that happened with my knee surgeries, VCU and their coaching staff continued to believe in me. I trust them. I feel that I can bring my skillset, competitiveness, and passion for the game to contribute to what is already being built at VCU.” And now, after a stumble and some soul searching, Sydnei Archie is climbing her way back to the top of the basketball world. “Basketball has shaped many aspects of my character,” Archie said. “It has taught me to work hard and to set goals for myself. It has been a central part of my life since I was a little girl. I am grateful for basketball because without it, I have no idea who I would be.”

“Basketball has shaped many aspects of my character. It has taught me to work hard and to set goals for myself.”

Grace Kim Following in her Sister’s Footsteps The idea of playing field hockey in college first sparked when Grace Kim was in Middle School and her older sister Amanda, a 2012 St. Catherine’s alumna and high school All-American, began playing at Duke. The Kim family traveled to Durham for home games as often as their schedules would permit. Grace watched as Amanda led the Blue Devils to the Final Four as a senior and picked up ACC

honors throughout her career. Grace wasn’t quite ready to commit herself to the training needed to compete at the collegiate level. Also a standout for the back-to-back state champion Saints soccer team, Grace enjoyed the timeshare with both sports. “I didn’t play or train with college as a goal until the summer before my freshman year,” said Grace, now a junior. “Once I realized playing college hockey was attainable, I involved myself in as many hockey-related opportunities as I could.” At that point Duke, Temple and Princeton took notice. Grace wanted to play field hockey for the Blue Devils, even if it meant following behind Amanda. So last spring, at the end of her sophomore year, she committed to Duke. “The idea of following in Amanda’s footsteps worried me in the beginning, but as I continued the process I dismissed those thoughts,” Grace said. “I was able to realize that we are different people, and different players. I may be going in the same direction as her, but I know I will have different experiences and I will be

able to leave my own impact on the Duke team.” Big sister approved of the decision. Amanda tried to remain neutral during the process, yet ready to offer advice if needed. “The recruiting process can be both an exciting and difficult time for anyone,” said Amanda, who graduated from Duke this past spring. “I wanted Grace to be able to form her own opinions on the different programs and schools that she visited. Of course, I secretly hoped she would choose Duke, so when she told me, I was absolutely thrilled.” Grace is now primed to create her own legacy at Duke — even if it is one similar to her big sister’s. “I think as I became more confident in my field hockey skills, I didn’t mind being compared to her,” Grace said. “We are different people, but now, I realize being compared to her is usually a good thing. She had a great career at Duke, and for people to see similarities in my play to hers is a compliment.”

Emma MacLeod A Two-Sport Division I Athlete In the current era of youth sports specialization, it’s rare to find an athlete like Emma MacLeod. If the leaves are turning color and there’s a hint of a winter chill in the air, MacLeod has a field hockey stick in her hand. If the flowers are blooming and the winter frost is melting away, then she is cradling the lacrosse ball up the field. MacLeod plays field hockey and lacrosse at William & Mary. While

advancing to compete in Division I college athletics is rare, playing two sports is even more impressive. The NCAA doesn’t keep statistics on participation of two-sport athletes. The balancing act alone is quite a feat. Field hockey season begins in early August and can continue through late November. Lacrosse kicks off in January and can last until late May. Add in rigorous academics, and there isn't much time to be a typical college student.

t. Catherine’s Director of Athletics Julie Dayton was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in September. Dayton attended Longwood as a field hockey player and that was where she learned to play lacrosse. Dayton was one of the top scorers for Team USA at the 1986 Lacrosse World Cup. In 1987, she won the Beth Allen Award as the national lacrosse team's most outstanding player. Earlier this fall, Saints lacrosse senior Liza Williamson, who will play at University of Virginia, sat down to talk with Dayton about her lacrosse career. Liza Williamson: How did you first get involved with the game?

JD: My journey is not typical, but I feel fortunate that it all shook out the way it did. So I went to Longwood to actually play field hockey. In high school we had field hockey, basketball and softball for girls. There wasn’t an opportunity to play in lacrosse. In fact, I don’t think any school in Delaware St. Catherine's Director of Athletics Julie Dayton (left) with Jane Miller, Associate Athletic Director at UVA and had that. After the Dayton's former coach, at the Hall of Fame induction field hockey season, the (Longwood) field hockey coach was actually the lacrosse coach, and so she told all of us that we would be playing lacrosse for her in the spring as well. She put us in a gym in the winter, in January, and gave us sticks and taught us how to play, which I wasn’t that excited about. Learning a new sport at 18 was certainly different. As soon as I got my mind around it, I thought, ‘What a great game.’ It just lent itself to creativity, speed and teamwork. I thought it was pretty awesome. LW: How was the international play? JD: Scary. I think that is when I really felt like I had a lot to learn and I am not nearly as experienced as other people on the team. But it was a great experience. I think most anybody who has played internationally and worn the uniform of their country and heard the national anthem, everything everyone says is true. That was pretty special. It’s obviously very competitive at the international level and even more so today. The game is now so competitive and people are so good. It was great to be able to wear a U.S. uniform and have that kind of pride in your country. LW: What advice do you have for younger players? JD: As a young player, you definitely want to set goals and have goals. But you can only control certain things. You have to show up and be as tough as you can be and be prepared. I think people find their way to success different ways. I think if you have an attitude of never being outworked… whether or not anyone is looking, is a good way to get where you want to go. To hear more from this interview and to watch Julie Dayton interview Liza Williamson, check out the video on YouTube.com/SaintCatherinesRVA.

“Everyone told me it couldn’t be done, but I was determined to give it a try,” said MacLeod, a junior. A typical day for MacLeod includes heading for treatment before classes, back to the training room for more treatment following classes, practice, weight lifting, dinner, study hall and then home to study before bed. Per NCAA rules, 20 hours per week is allowed for practice. Those hours don’t include individual training, treatment, film sessions, team community service or travel for games. “It doesn’t sound very exciting, and certainly isn't the life of a regular college student, but for me, it is normal because I love what I am doing,” MacLeod said. MacLeod didn’t set out to be a multisport college athlete. She initially hoped to play lacrosse at a Division I college. JMU offered MacLeod a lacrosse scholarship. William & Mary suggested field hockey, at that time under the direction of St. Catherine’s alumna Peel Hawthorne ’75.

“Everyone told me it couldn’t be done, but I was determined

to give it a try.”

Eventually, William & Mary offered both lacrosse and field hockey; JMU matched it. MacLeod signed with William & Mary. With a schedule filled with athletics, MacLeod thought sports would continue to be everything in her life. That changed over the summer when she traveled around the West Coast hiking peaks, exploring rivers and fly fishing. “My time in the west helped me to see what life after sports will be like,” said MacLeod, who will graduate in 2018 with a Kinesiology degree. “I am so excited about my post-college adventures, but I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to continue playing both hockey and lacrosse in college.”

Saints

competing at the

College Level* Class of 2016

Taylor Allen, swimming, Sweet Briar Sam Conway, volleyball, William & Mary Haley Gullquist, swimming, Denison Lily Horsley, tennis, Washington and Lee Virginia Jesselson, soccer, Davidson Carmen Manganello, field hockey, William & Mary Temple Moore, lacrosse, Sewanee Sasha Osipenko, track and field, William & Mary Erica Royal, field hockey, James Madison Addie Wright, soccer, Wake Forest Seeley Yoo, soccer, Davidson

Ginny Turner The Accidental Division I Coach Ginny Sutton Turner ’01 never expected to coach at any level. After graduating from William & Mary with an English degree, she was unsure of her career path. While contemplating her future, one opportunity presented itself — coaching. That opportunity stretched into a full-blown career as Turner is now the field hockey coach at Division I Davidson College in North Carolina. “I love coaching and being a mentor to college kids,” said Turner, who just completed her 11th season at Davidson. “Being on a college campus and all of that energy and excitement is fun.” Once recruited as a Division I athlete, Turner is now the recruiter, seeking the best high school field hockey athletes to fit her program and the academic challenges of Davidson. A select college, Davidson accepts only 22.2 percent of all students who apply. Eighty-five percent of accepted students at Davidson were in the top 10 percent of their class. “Recruiting is one of the most exciting parts of my job,” Turner said. “I love meeting kids who are so interested in Davidson and playing in college. A lot of times I hear from people who are interested in Davidson and then I go to a tournament to see them play. I then have to determine if

Class of 2015

they are a good athletic fit and then start looking at their academics.” And while coaching is a good career fit for Turner, it does take a toll on her family life. She and her husband Rett have one son, Parks, with another son due in February. Between practices, games and recruiting, family time is limited. Turner works closely with her assistant coach to ensure family time doesn’t disappear during field hockey season. “Field hockey season is not my husband’s favorite time of the year,” Turner said. “It can be a lot. It can be really hard on the weekends. But I value that balance and I work with my assistant to split the tournaments for recruiting.” Turner has learned to turn to others for help, even relying on Saints varsity field hockey coach Don Warner for advice from time to time. She often calls Warner for tips or invites him to come out to a game when her team is playing in town. And Turner offers her own sound advice to others — specifically young student-athletes. “I encourage everyone to play a sport in college — whether it is Division III or Division I,” Turner said. “There’s a place for everyone. The experiences you have as a college athlete help you so much in life.”

Mady Arles, volleyball, Emory Virginia Hamilton, field hockey and lacrosse, Denison Bri Miller, track & field, William & Mary Annabel O'Hagan, crew, Harvard Libby Parrish, cross country and track, Wake Forest Haley Tucker, field hockey and lacrosse, Washington and Lee Libbie Warner, golf, Hamilton Caroline Williams, swimming, UNC-Wilmington

Class of 2014

Ida Farinholt, lacrosse, Cornell Casey Gaffney, golf, Bridgewater Sommer Harris, swimming, Florida Gulf Coast Izzy Hinckley, track and field, Bucknell Cailin MacLean, soccer, William Smith Emma MacLeod, field hockey and lacrosse, William & Mary Erin Menges, field hockey, William & Mary Caroline Naumann, basketball, Lynchburg Hannah Powell, swimming, Washington and Lee

Class of 2013

Ali Doswell, basketball, Amherst Meredith Doswell, basketball, Amherst Asja Jenkins, basketball, Emory and Henry Kyle Johns, cross country, Rhodes Jane Nester, swimming, Johns Hopkins Liz Spruill, track and cross country, Washington and Lee Ellis Wood, swimming, Kenyon *List based on recent alumnae who started their college careers recruited to play a sport.

Social Zone

Quieter Zone

For Future Reference Information Desk

alk into the Wright Library at St. Catherine’s School on any given day and you’ll be greeted by girls gathered around a table, laptops open and phones out, as they chat about a class project or just what’s going on that day. A student grabs a magazine from the racks on the wall and settles into a seat on a couch. On your left, the feet of a six-foot tall St. Christopher’s School student stick out from a nook under the stairs. Directly ahead, librarians smile from a desk in the center of the room. It’s waist-high, nothing like the former circulation desk. “By opening up the front of the library, we created a welcoming and productive atmosphere,” says Courtney Lewis, Director of Library Services and Innovative Research. “Our new location allows us to be easily accessible.” From their new vantage point, the librarians have a 360-degree view of students working quietly at carrels, talking about banned books in a corner classroom, or searching for the next book in their favorite series. They’re also looking out on a whole new way of experiencing the library at St. Catherine’s.

a lumn ae now

Physical to Digital

n the age of ebooks and digital publications, the need for libraries full of physical books may sound like a relic of days gone by. Audrey Church, president of the American Association of School Librarians, argues that’s not the case. The needs of patrons are just evolving. “We’ll never move away from print materials,” she says. “But as we move into the virtual, electronic, and digital realm, we see a shift. There’s less shelving and more space for instruction.” In other words, students working on research projects may trade large reference books and bulky microfiche machines for online databases, but they still need guidance on searching for information, evaluating and synthesizing it, and ultimately communicating what they’ve learned. “Google does not have all the answers. Wikipedia does not have all the answers,” says Church. “Doing research in a college or university environment requires the use of those subscription paid resources. The library is the place and the librarian is the person that allows students to use those resources and gain those skills

prior to stepping out into an academic environment at the higher education level.” Even the communication aspect has changed. Traditional research papers are still a mainstay, but professors are asking students to think far beyond their final grade. “Students no longer give their teacher a paper and get an A or

“ We’ll never move away from print materials... but as we move into the virtual, electronic, and digital realm, we see a shift.″ a B,” Lewis says. “Modern-day professors want students to realize they’re part of a community of scholars. They’re part of a social network of people who are interested in a topic and who can inform research and give feedback that [helps you] get better.” That means students may be asked to write for academic blogs and websites, or find more creative outlets to share their work. Familiarity with a wide spectrum of technology tools is a must, which is why the Wright Library’s old AV storage room, full of

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Librarian Courtney Lewis works with senior Haleigh James at the Information Desk.

overhead transparency machines and film cutting equipment, is being upgraded with green screens, GoPros and drones. “We asked and the girls said, ‘We want to know how to produce great YouTube videos. How do we interview each other? We need a room that’s soundproofed,’” Lewis says. “The ninth grade physics teacher, during his sound unit, is actually going to get different kinds of acoustical soundproofing foam and the girls will design the soundproofing of the room.” Similar thinking also applies at the elementary level. Story time might still mean a group of children clustered around a librarian reading a book. Rather than straining to see the pages of a physical book, though, they might see an ebook projected on a wall. This approach is evident in the Lower School Library, which is undergoing its own renovation. The first step was to create an open floor plan allowing for a variety of activities. Moveable tables and flexible space will accommodate small groups and station-based activities, as well as a recent partnership between Christy Irving, Lower School Librarian, and Ann Hamilton-Dixon, Lower School Technology Coordinator. Beginning in the second grade, Irving introduces information literacy and research skills, such as the library catalog. In the third and fourth grades, a combined class with Hamilton-Dixon incorporates online encyclopedias and periodical databases, iPad presentation apps and a 3D printer. “Technology and research and information literacy, they definitely go hand-in-hand, and having good research skills is so valuable,” Irving says. “I never expect the girls to leave the Lower School being experts, but we give an introduction to the resources that are available to them and a process for research.” While technology and research may be front and center, the Lower School library is still a space for young girls. With the large nook gone and new paint on the walls, the room is now lighter and brighter, with plenty of room for movement — even when students are in their seats. New chairs allow girls to wiggle and fidget

“ The Brody chairs provide more comfortable work spaces and are great for working at a computer for an extended period of time”

without disrupting their neighbors; studies show that the more kids can move, the more they’re actually paying attention. Back in the Wright Library, a handful of innovative Brody chairs also prove how every detail of your work environment can enhance productivity. The chairs are encased with a small wall to encourage quiet study, and some have attached lights and power outlets. They also have a stool, as psychology studies show technology-driven work is best accomplished with feet at an angle. Upper School student Emma Walker is most excited about the improved seating options. “The Brody chairs provide more comfortable work spaces and are great for working at a computer for an extended period of time,” she says. The strategic placement of Brody chairs, traditional study carrels and collaborative tables in quiet and noisy zones also reflect the needs of girls at a school with rigorous academics. Lewis says students at St. Catherine’s want to work near their friends, even when they’re completely focused on their work. “Two girls might pick Brody chairs right next to each other and be totally quiet and working, but occasionally send a text to the person next to them,” she says. “They want to be able to take a break from working alone, find a few friends, share how they’re feeling and get some empathy. It satisfies an emotional need and that level of openness, I think, is part of an all-girls' school.”

Small Details, Big Wins

workstation that looks like it was plucked from the firstclass cabin on a flight to Dubai might catch a visitor’s attention, but many of the library developments are low-tech solutions to seemingly simple problems — like finding a book to read for the weekend. Irving and Lewis refer to it as the “bookstore-ification” of libraries. Selected books are turned face-out on shelves to increase

appeal among passersby. In the Lower School, picture books are moving to bins placed around the library’s perimeter, making them easier for little hands to manage. “A lot of the local public libraries have transitioned to picture book bins because they allow the younger children to flip through the books,” Irving says. “It’s so hard, if you’re 5 years old, to take a book out and get it back on the shelf.” The Upper School has incorporated genre and series labels to help students easily find what they’re looking for. Lewis estimates that library staff used to spend upwards of 45 minutes a day looking up the next book in a series. Now that information is at the girls’ fingertips. Still other additions acknowledge the needs of high-achieving students neck-deep in midterms and college applications. Nineteen therapy dogs came in for a visit during spring break and hot chocolate days are planned for the winter. In the future, a library classroom may double as a meditation zone, complete with aromatherapy, soft music and coloring books.

The Evolution of St. Catherine's Library 1936 Ellett Hall

The Lulie Blair Memorial Library located in Ellett Hall

1953 Bacot Hall

The Weddell Memorial Library located in space behind current Main Office in Bacot Hall

1971 Turner Hall

The Wright Library current location of Middle and Upper School library

“Eighth, eleventh and twelfth graders, while they absolutely were doing homework and academic work, they also showed higher rates of watching videos, sleeping, and things that were escapist behaviors,” Lewis says. “Obviously we have a great information literacy program, but girls need things outside of the classroom, too. It’s important for us to maintain that balance of what they need from us to help with their work, and here’s what they need, period.”

The Heart of a School

t’s a pet peeve of mine when you go to an independent school that has a really strong sense of self and culture and you go into the library and you have no idea where you are,” says Lewis. “We wanted to show you’re at St. Catherine’s School, you’re at a girls' school.” Lewis is referring to design details, like a subtle daisy pattern on the couch upholstery, but every inch of the Wright Library reflects the ideas and input of the St. Catherine’s community. In fact, the library renovations originated with the 2015 and 2016 graduating seniors and their parents who wanted a better space for the students they were leaving behind. The girls knew what they wanted in a library, and the Senior Parent Gift Committee raised the money to make it happen. When Lewis came on board in 2015, she sent a survey to the entire Middle and Upper schools with a promise of fresh-baked cookies in exchange for their time. An eighth grader might not be an expert in space design, but she is an expert in how she spends her day. To that end, students were asked to detail the campus spaces they use for collaborative work, quiet study and relaxation; their interest in ebooks, research databases and other tools; and even their furniture preferences. More than three-quarters of the students surveyed responded — and they didn’t hold back. The library staff learned that the original study carrels had to stay. Old rules banning food and drink needed to be rethought (after all, says Lewis, “you can’t learn if you’re hungry or thirsty.”). And student after student said quiet space was a must. Once initial design concepts were in hand, they were plastered on the library walls with stacks of blank Post-Its, ready for feedback. Within days, hundreds of notes peppered the designs with thoughts on colors and space layout and everything in between. The library staff also took notice of what was happening in the space and found solutions to problems students didn’t even know they had. For instance, after watching girls sketch out ideas on a whiteboard and text a photo to their group, St. Catherine’s purchased a whiteboard with built-in Bluetooth connectivity that

Book circulation is up

329% *

since spring 2015 allows students to view their notes in real time and share snapshots along the way. Wright Library is still evolving, but it’s clear the changes are winning over students. Lewis says they were lucky to have 70 or 80 kids a day before the renovation, but they now see nearly 300 students voluntarily visiting the library every day. They’re not just hanging out, either; book circulation is up 329 percent. Girls are also finding the library offers a cozy alternative to places like the Grove Avenue Starbucks for after-school study sessions. Wesley Wright, Governor Emeriti and the library’s namesake, is fond of saying that the library is the kitchen of the school. It’s the informal gathering place at the heart of St. Catherine’s, the place where anyone feels at home. Lewis believes they’re fulfilling that vision. “It’s almost left over from when it used to be a boarding school here,” says Lewis. “They don’t just leave at 3:30 p.m.; they can continue to be in that library space. I love that.” ó

GIFT MAKE R U O S Y

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Difference

St. Catherine’s offers more than an education. We provide a transformative experience that gives girls

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tomorrow’s leaders. But we can’t do it without you.

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(Visa and MasterCard) or call the Development

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Girl-centered education • JK - Grade 12

St. Catherine’s School, 6001 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226

ANNUAL GIVING

alumnae now

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New Alumnae Board Members ELLETT BOARD — NATIONAL ALUMNAE BOARD

Margaret Morrison Bradley ’97 was a boarder from Concord, N.C. She earned a B.A from Wake Forest University. Today she lives in Charlotte and is a Principal at Cameron Carmichael, a retained executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of C-level executives and their direct reports. Prior to joining Cameron Carmichael, Margaret served as part of an in-house executive search group at Bank of America. She began her career in Wealth Management at Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco, Calif. An avid cook, Margaret attended Le Cordon Bleu and completed her culinary arts coursework in Sydney, Australia. In addition, she enjoys tennis and travel. She and her husband have two sons and a daughter. Amie Rennolds ’75 attended nearly thirteen years at St. Catherine’s (she spent tenth grade in Rome at St. Stephen’s School). At Wesleyan University she majored in art history, graduating magna cum laude. She graduated from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design in 1983. Before starting her own architecture practice in 1995, based both in New York City and upstate New York, Amie was project architect at Edward Larrabee Barnes Associates and Henry Myerberg Architects, where she worked on a number of award-winning museum, school and church projects. She is married to Bob Schulz and is stepmother to Annabel and Henry. As a board member she is active in land conservation and town planning in Dutchess County, New York. Her interests in the arts and design are fed by constant cultural excursions, near and far; she is an especially avid and intrepid traveler.

RICHMOND ALUMNAE BOARD Anne Garland ’09 was a 13-year student at St. Catherine's, graduated Cum Laude from Sewanee: The University of the South in 2013, where she played on the varsity tennis team. After college, she worked at Politico in Washington, D.C., for two years before returning to Richmond. She works in marketing at Lewis Media Partners on the account management team. Van Scherer Ruffner ’95, a 13-year student, graduated from James Madison University and received a Master's in Education in Communication Science Disorders from UVA. She is currently an ASHA certified Speech and Language Pathologist and has worked with pediatric populations in a variety of public and private settings focusing on students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She and her husband Sean have two children , Emory and Corinne. They are thrilled that their daughter Corinne Ellison Ruffner started Kindergarten at St. Catherine's in September. Tovia Martirosian Smith '98, a 13-year student, earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, where she played varsity field hockey as an All-American. Due to her excellence as an athlete at both Yale and St. Catherine’s, she was inducted into the St. Catherine’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. She received her medical degree from the University of Virginia and pursued a specialty fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology) at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Today, Tovia practices as a urogynecologist at the Virginia Women's Center. In her spare time, she and her husband Steve enjoy spending time with their two young children, Lee and Tovia.

The Richmond Alumnae Board would like to thank the homeowners who graciously have opened their houses for the 2016 Holiday House Tour, which is hosted by the Richmond Chapter of the St. Catherine’s Alumnae Board. The Richmond Board works to connect St. Catherine’s to the greater Richmond community through activities, service and fundraising to support the School, and will donate a portion of the proceeds from this event to the St. Catherine’s School Scholarship Fund. A special thank you to our 2016 Holiday House Tour Homeowners: Pat & Eliza Siegel Branch ’93 Eric & Courtney Harper Mike & Sasha Hogan Will & Elizabeth Krusen Geoﬀ & Jennifer Sisk Donny & Margaret Wade

A special thank you to our 2016 Holiday House Tour Sponsors: Azzurro • Dermatology Center of Richmond • Dean Hawthorne • Fraiche • Hampton House • Mango • Mark Franko Custom Builders • Miles Hoge • RiverFront Partners • Root Down Tree Management • Secam, Inc. • The Gold Family • West End Antiques

For more information: please visit www.st.catherines.org/holidayhousetour

a lumn ae now

Mary Watson Hayes ’79

President, Ellett-St. Catherine’s National Alumnae Board As always, it was a great privilege to be back on campus for the fall meeting of the Ellett Board, our National Alumnae Board. Board members, who live across the country and whose class years currently range from 1966-2006, convene twice a year to share experiences and learn more about our School. We were inspired at chapel, awed by the accomplishments of the girls, delighted at the feeling of ‘coming home’ and ever grateful for the commitment of the leadership and faculty. The School’s 125th anniversary events that culminated last spring showed a School that is vibrant, exciting, and leading the way for girls’ education; the future for our School is bright! St. Catherine’s has always been girl-centered and focused on building strong women for the future; today is but a continuation of this mission. The Board reminisced about the many faculty members who have touched our lives. We shared many wonderful memories of classroom rigor combined with a very real sense that we were known individually and supported to grow, stretch and learn. Do you remember diving into geometry with Barbara Bass, or learning French from Ann Archer? Did history come alive through Jane Howells or Bob Hiett? Was your love of reading ignited by Tassie Madden and Melissa Houston and enriched by the likes of Dale Bishop and Mimi Oppenhimer? Did Diego Sanchez or Lucy Stockdell open your eyes to new ways to tap into your creativity?

70th Reunion, April 21-22 Bebe Woolfolk Trice, 506 Tuckahoe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23226; bebetrice@comcast.net Phyllis Dawes Haynes says, “A quick visit to St. C's was a delight to see how lovely the school is growing more and more along with the students – hurray!” We all send our love and prayers to Bebe as we mourn the death of her husband Bobby.

Needs correspondent!

Please send us your news!

Barbara Evans Davis, 11905 West Briarpatch, Midlothian, VA 23113 Please send us your news!

Needs correspondent!

Please send us your news!

These and countless other dedicated teachers guided us, believed in us and challenged us. Regardless of when you attended St. Catherine’s, and regardless of whether you were a day student or a boarder, as alumnae we are all beneficiaries of our teachers’ dedication and passion. While we treasure the close bonds that we formed as students, we equally treasure the teachers who helped us reach our potential. The tradition of a rigorous but nurturing education is more alive than ever at 6001 Grove Avenue. At our recent board meeting, members learned about the incredible array of ways in which students are able to pursue advanced independent study in Upper School. Our girls graduate from St. Catherine’s not only having taken college level classes in their AP courses; they will also be experienced at doing original research and will have completed work far beyond that of the average independent high school. Further, this isn’t just an Upper School phenomenon. Current fifth graders gave us a summary of their capstone project from fourth grade in which they created 3D products, taking these items from design through production to point of sale. Imagine understanding the concept of ‘profit margin’ as a 10 year old! We have an abundance of researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists and innovators in our future thanks to the foundation that these girls have received at St. Catherine’s. Stay tuned for greatness to come from the Saints of today and tomorrow, whose young minds are flourishing under the care of outstanding teachers, leaders and role models.

Needs correspondent!

Anne Bliss Whitehead Buford reports that she is happy to be a great-grandmother as she welcomes two new additions to her family: Annelie Bliss Baldwin (granddaughter of Bliss Buford Abbot '70) and Peyton Valentine Schutt (daughter of Emily Valentine Schutt ’01 and granddaughter of Peyton Buford Valentine '76.) Betty Bowe Wallace Hendrix writes, "I was recently recognized for 70 years of volunteering with the American Red Cross. I welcomed my third greatgrandchild on March 7th." Peggy Compton Bam’s second great grandchild Braden was born April 1. She reports,“I am sharing life with a wonderful man I’ve known for many years (his wife passed away several years ago), a retired Chief of Head and Neck Surgery at Sloan Kettering. Our children are all happy for us.”

65th Reunion, April 21-22 Needs correspondent! Please send us your news!

Susan Gravely Wingfield, 556 Lady Slipper Ln., Lynchburg, VA 24502; gunnygose@gmail.com Carla Wiebenson Henebry moved to Cambridge, Mass., to be closer to her son and his family. Susan Gravely Wingfield, your correspondent, shares: “The newest and most exciting news is that my granddaughter, Peyton Tinsley Wingfield, graduated from Lynchburg College in May with a B.S. in science and a nursing degree. She is now employed at VCU hospital in Richmond, Va. All of us in the family are very proud of her as she has overcome the devastating loss of her mother. My other granddaughter, Leah Virginia Wingfield, is currently enrolled in college in Charlottesville. She too is studying nursing with a science degree as well. I am certain that their experience with their mother's illness and the supreme care she received has inspired them to follow in the medical field. I believe they have a ministry which gives them special impetus to complete their goals. I hope and pray that all of you are doing well and

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Peyton Tinsley Wingfield (pictured at center), granddaughter of Susan Gravely Wingfield ’48, graduated from Lynchburg College in May with a B.S. in science and a nursing degree. She is now employed at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Va.

Peggy Wood Doss, 112 Wynnwood Dr., Wilmington, DE 19810 Jane Cecil, 1600 Westbrook Ave., Apt. 404, Richmond, VA 23227; janececil12@gmail.com

While I, your class correspondent Peggy Wood Doss, was recuperating from the passing of my husband, Bob, Jane Cecil kindly wrote the news for our Spring Issue. Thank you so much, Jane. Betsy Dale Gayle is still on the Board of Directors for the Richmond Ballet, which she loves. Her daughter Sarah Gayle Carter ’71 now lives in Lexington, Va., and Beth lives in Richmond, Va. Page Chichester’s granddaughter Lauren is at James Madison University, enrolled in the nursing program and happy to be there. Page is back at her home at 1605 Park Avenue sorting things out, after of year of helping her grands in their Midlothian home. Kitten Short Clarke’s news is also about her grands. Izabella Clarke ’16, Kitten's son Will’s daughter, graduated from St. Cat’s in June, and Kitten was there as a legacy grandmother. Izabella is now in the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence near our classmate, Ann Power Mason. In addition, Kitten was looking forward to the wedding of her grandson Seldon on October 8 who married St. C alumna Louise Bance '05. He is the second son of Seldon and Mary Louise Henderson Clarke ’77. Anne Baird Chatoney writes, “I am enjoying being active in my lovely retirement home. If anyone is ever in Houston, give me a call – I would love to see you.” I, Peggy, am taking Art History classes at the Academy of Lifelong Learning in Wilmington, Del. I was first introduced to art history by Abby Castle in our Senior year, and then pursued it as my major at Hollins. As always, I enjoy talking to you and sharing the happenings in our lives.

Vienna Cobb Anderson ’53 completed a needlepoint banner of the window in the chapel at St. James’s Episcopal Church.

thing anyone of any age can accomplish. ciation for Challenge Course Technology standards and is inspected by a certified The staff at NROCKS was terrific.”

season,” Ward explained. With 12Vienna zip lines as long as 680 feet, and10inspector finish. also spent days each in Worcester, 80 feet in the air, three sky bridges, and a “Tours are facilitated by two canopy tour whoday have received training 40-foot repel, thewhere canopy tour givesspent partici- guides England, she every singing ataccording pants a healthy dose of adrenaline and the to standards set forth by the ACCT and West chance to see beautiful scenic views of the Virginia Department of Labor Zipline and the cathedral. She adds, “I had a chance to visit Ann Reeves Reed, 8603 River Rd., Canopy Tour Responsibility Act. All guides North Fork Valley. “The North Fork Valley Canopy Tour are first aid and CPR certified and over 50 Highclere theoffilming ofat least one season Richmond, VA 23229; 207arr@gmail.com percent our staff have was the first of itsCastle, kind in thisthe part ofsite West of Virginia and is still the longest, most sce- of experience, if not more, at NROCKS Downton Abbey. I willWard, haveOutdoor twoAdventures.” trips for the rest nic in the region,” said Christopher Please send us your news! The Highland County Recreation ComNROCKS operations manager. “It begins of year: return tofirstthe mission Barter in plan to orgaandTheatre VPAS tentatively withthe a short practiceazip line so that timers can get the jitters out while they nize another zip line trip at the beginning Abingdon, Va., where began my professional of October. learn the simple techniques that will Ikeep For information about NROCKS Outthem safely zipping through the trees. After Needs correspondent! door Adventures, visit www.nrocks.com. successful completion of thewith practicethe zip, asWoman’s career, and one Club to the Biltmore Estate.” Dorothy Parker Hale and your Please send us your news! correspondent Jane Southall Bowles spent a very warm day in May with our families observing our 65th Reunion, April 21-22 grandsons, Alec and Pope, graduate from St. Nancy Deupree Parker, 420 East Fair Christopher’s School. In June another grandson, Harbor Ln., Houston, Texas, 77079, George , graduated from Cape Henry at Virginia parker361@gmail.com Beach. Dorothy and I also had a wonderful visit Please send us your news! with Rosemary French Wood. She is at Sunrise in Bon Air. When we arrived she was surrounded by 24 several men. (Men have always liked Rosie). She Jane Southall Bowles, has a lovely apartment. We stayed for two hours 2 North 5th St., Richmond, VA 23219; reminiscing and having a wonderful time. Judy jane.m.s.bowles@gmail.com Hill Lawes wrote that her family gathered in a Susan Bird Blanchard '55 and Peggy Thomas Bird colonial tavern in historic Philadelphia for a celewent on the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour bratory lunch in honor of both her 80th birthday (“NROCKS”) in West Virginia which has 12 zip lines and her granddaughter Emma’s graduation from as long as 680 feet in length, and 80 feet in the air, the University of the Arts. Kenny Darling Garbee three sky bridges and a 40-foot rappel. The zip spent two glorious weeks in Costa Rica with her line is the longest in the region. Jane Pinckney Virginia family. “The Costa Ricans are wonderful deButts reports, “I was happy to attend the St. C people. The terrain, from wild craggy mountains Lower School Final Assembly where the Maria all misted and reminding one of Wagner’s Ring Grayson-Metaxas Award was presented to Circle, to placid Pacific beaches and sheltering fourthie Caroline Wulff. The award is a memorial humidity, which was exciting and ever changing. to my daughter Maria Hanahan Grayson-Metaxas I have bought a puppy, a labradoodle. He will ’79 given by her classmates." Vienna Cobb grow to 80 pounds. His name is Murphy, and I shall Anderson completed a needlepoint banner of the collect him when he is eight weeks old. I am window in the chapel at St. James’s Episcopal excited and not a little apprehensive.” Eva Martin Church. Her work (pictured above) is spectacular Bryson had a wonderful family reunion in Kailuaand the communicants are fortunate to be able to Kona with her daughters, Robin Bryson Reynolds enjoy such a work of art. It took nine months to

50 51

Summer Guide Thursday, June 2, 2016

Peggy Bird of Mill Gap, 81, said surprised herThomas family by going Susan Bird Blanchard ’55she and Peggy Bird on ’53the zip line adventure, but that she would do it again in a heartbeat. (pictured) recently did the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour From ("NROCKS") ZIP, page 22 in West Virginia, the longest zip line that“Itregion, with lines 680 they say, it’sas all long downhillas from here!” along, in agreed. was a lot of fun,” 12 saidzip Safety a top priority NROCKS. the adventure seeker and feet in length andcounty 80 resident. feet in the air,is three sky for bridges “Having all the people from Highland really “The tour employs a double cable construcand athe 40-foot added to experience.rappel. It’s definitely some- tion and has been built to exceed the Asso-

Don’t look down

The Recorder

you too have family that you are proud to call your own. Do let me hear from you between now and the next ‘Class Notes’ deadline which will probably be the first of next year.

Age is not a facto ranged from 13 t

a lumn ae now

Mimsy Brenaman ’56 at her daughter’s wedding.

’87 and Susan Bryson Parsons ’89, their husbands Jake and Greg, and all of their children. Robin and Jake hosted in their new home, Thank you for your news and please email, call or write for the Spring issue.

Needs correspondent!

Jane Johnson Hunter writes, "I have moved into Southminster Retirement Home in Charlotte, N.C.. It's a beautiful facility and I'm pleased with my decision. I still go to the farm four days a week. Thank goodness I'm still driving."

Caro Short Beebe, 3115 Stony Point Rd., Unit B, Richmond, VA 23235; jbeebejr@aol.com

Editor’s note: We send lots of love and prayers to Caro who lost her devoted husband John on August 18. Juliet Power has had several news editorials published in The Macon Telegraph.

Penny deBordenave Saffer, 1500 Westbrook Ct., #3131, Richmond, VA 23227; Penelope1845@gmail.com

The Class of 1956 is still recovering from our extraordinary 60th reunion, and Judy Dickerson Bullock, Martye Cooke Marsh, and Margaret Huggins Pernau are all recovering from limbs broken since, alas. Louise Jenkins Maybank reflected on the reunion with words from our yearbook: “The ‘future’ to which Miss Turner spoke is now our present and it did come ‘over our heads from behind.’” Louise appreciates those words now and hopes we all will continue to reap the benefits of our St. Catherine’s education for many more years to come. Clare Horsley Stewart is most excited that she has lived long enough to enjoy our fabulous 60th Reunion, with wonderful friends, at our fantastic campus. The world today reminds her of Mrs. McCue’s morning greeting, “Women Rule The World.” Clare is extremely excited to have her first grandchild, Ava, going off to the University of Chicago! “What an amazing year! Glad to be alive!

Love our Class of 1956!” Isabel Ware Burch has organized local alumnae, Amanda Tevepaugh Macaulay, Susie Totten Peters, Anita Perrin Towell, Champ Roberts Johnson, Tricia Coxe Ware ’55, and me, Penny deBordenave Saffer, to start the fall with lunch after the first meeting of The Woman’s Club. Isabel enjoyed spending time this summer at Ware’s Wharf with family and friends as well as exploring the Rappahannock River in her speedboat. She sees her grandson George frequently as he is a sophomore at the University of Richmond. Lorraine Suggs Woodley says that things on her earth suit don’t work quite as well as they once did but all in all life is beautiful and the people are just wonderful. She is feeling blessed. From Mimsy Brenaman: “Lovely time at my daughter Mamie's wedding this last July. Took a nasty fall right onto my tailbone a few weeks ago and have been dealing with the results since, but hope to get the whole ‘bad back’ syndrome under control--shots, etc. My college roommate and I plan to go to Russia next summer! I've wanted to especially see the great museums there. And she majored in Russian, so is in charge of the trip. Hooray! (I went to China with her and her sister several years ago, and she speaks Mandarin too. I am endlessly impressed with linguists. Of which I am not one.)” Pie Pinckney Friendly writes, “All is well except for the usual 'organ recitals': cataract surgery, bum knee, back pain, etc., but the alternative is worse! Still going to Chatham, on Cape Cod, and all the family will spend Christmas in Seville! Life IS good!” Now since I still have a few more of my allotted word count I shall report that I celebrated the end of summer traveling with my siblings and spouses through the southwest visiting many canyons (The Grand really is!) and seeing other amazing sights not available on the east coast. It was a wonderful, fun trip. When at home I am blessed to be close to my three favorite (only!) grandsons, ranging in age from 23 to 3! When I see and hear about our school today I sometimes think we were educated too soon, but there is no question that what we received was — and continues to be — invaluable!

60th Reunion, April 21-22 Ceci Christison Manley, 3907 Foxfield Ter., Richmond, VA 23233; cecilawson@aol.com Ellen Michaux Gower, 786 Drift Rd., Westport, MA 02790; egower4549@aol.com 60 years! Rather astounding, isn’t it? Please send in the questionnaires sent from the Alumnae Office as soon as possible. We may need to get important information regarding dates and times to you, so, current addresses, email addresses and phone numbers are essential. We would also like to know what your memories are of growing up at St. Catherine’s: friends made, trials lived through

and lessons learned. Please also update us on life after St. Cat’s: your awards, successes, committees, classes, the pleasures and triumphs you’ve experienced, and those things that have brought you the most joy. If you have not received the questionnaire, or have questions, please email Mary Butler (mbutler@st.catherines.org), or call her at 804.281.7141, or contact me. We’re looking forward to seeing you April 21-22, 2017. Save the date and watch the mail for more information. Happy 60th!

Susan Judd Cunningham Ellis, 217 Crossing Cove Way, White Stone, VA 22578; susanjudd.ellis@cox.net

Cary White Baber is still amassing her Life Master points in bridge and continuing to improve her golf game with a new wrinkle. She and Ned are trying to get their 6-year-old granddaughter interested in golf having enrolled her in First Tee, an excellent junior golf program. I received a long message from Kate Lowe Brown who shares the following updates. She and her husband, Madison, have now retired from leading major tours to German ancestral villages for the Germanna Foundation. They are making their major move back into the family home in Parkersburg, W.Va., after extensive renovations, and she is culling her library in anticipation of this move. She has deposited most of her documents and studies with various historical societies and museums. In addition, she is working on a book about Camp Mont Shenandoah for the 90th anniversary of the camp. Jean Hill Davenport reports that one of her granddaughters, Livvy, a senior at St. Catherine’s, survived both a disastrous West Virginia flooding and appendicitis this summer while a counselor at Camp Alleghany. Due to the storm’s damage, Livvy had to be airlifted by an army helicopter from West Virginia to the UVA hospital in Charlottesville for treatment for her appendicitis! Jean visited with Bryan Hoggan Andrews whose home was damaged by a falling tree. She survived, and, luckily, there was no damage to her precious ceramic creations. She also reports she plays bridge with fellow classmates Peggy Williams Talman and Ann Spaulding Showalter. Courtney Harris Petre reported that her husband Dan will finally retire from the bench after 16 years of public service. They look forward to a more leisurely life and plan to travel first on the California Zephyr to San Francisco and then on to “senior-paced” adventures. Alice Horsley Siegel is doing well and sends her regards. Letitia Lavender Sweitzer was thrilled to attend the wedding of her youngest son, Wilson, to Hau Jung Pak at the Lincoln Cottage in Washington, D.C. The young couple honored the heritage of both sides of the family by appearing first in Western clothes and later in traditional and colorful Korean wedding attire.

al um n ae now Sally Yeatts Taylor and I, your class correspondent Susan, live fairly near each other and had lunch together. Sally and Leon will cruise through the Panama Canal and are looking forward to that trip. Ann Hill Williams continues her successful smocking hobby and has shows planned at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond and in Charlottesville. She is patiently waiting out the Hoos questionable football season in anticipation of outstanding basketball and baseball seasons. Julie Williams is working full time in Denver. She brings art into various retirement communities servicing older ages and Alzheimer’s patients, and continues her successful portrait commission business, painting portraits for people far and wide. Thanks to those of you who wrote. Please contact me with your news anytime. It is great to get news. Also I hope each of you is well and content.

Linkey Booth Green, 32 Chelsea Ln., Carlisle, PA 17015; linkeyg@embarqmail.com Nancy Moss Hahn, 1305 Rye St., Houston, TX 77029; nhmh@aol.com

I hate to begin with sad news, but Kate Harwood Gooch informed me that Nancy Hamer Andrews died Sept. 13. I think we all agree with Kate that Nancy “was the LIGHT OF BACOT 3.” Leezee Scott Porter lives part-time in Portland, Ore., part-time in D.C. and part-time on Salt Spring Island, B.C. She said to let her know if any of you get to Portland. Rhetta Fair Wilson writes that she and Harold have stiff knees but are otherwise active and blessed with good health. He teaches part time and she takes care of their three granddaughters a few days a week. Rhetta and Harold had a wonderful two-week trip to Morocco in May. Betsy Chambers Shindlebower and Wolf moved to a retirement/assisted living community in Sarasota, Fla. They decided, with a gentle push from their girls, to move on their own terms while still healthy. Moving is certainly not easy. Their new address is 8400 Vamo Rd. Apt 668, Sarasota, 34231. Betsy wishes everyone well as we cope with the aging process. Katherine Haskell Subramanian wrote that, “things are pretty stable here — I'm continuing with my Vibrant Solutions Wellness Center, doing Reiki, Reconnective Healing, medicinal aromatherapy and nutritional support, plus tending to our wildlife habitat yard and organic garden. The birds and other critters continue to fascinate me!” And then there is our dynamo, Katherine Parrish Shelburne, who went back to work. She has three part-time jobs as a psychologist and loves it. Katherine will represent the Southern Section in the Intersectional tennis tournament in San Antonio. She is also illustrating some of her husband’s electron microscopy images. Clay Clement Pytlik and husband Ed now have a home in Morgan Hill, Calif., near their son

Brock and his wife. Clay says they are spending increasing portions of the year out there. They still have their house in Morgantown, W. Va., and hope to continue to call that home. Martha Cole Glenn reports that her labrador retriever Opal (Ironweed Polished Black Jem) is one of the youngest dogs to qualify for the National Open Retriever Championship. Her golden retriever Rhett Butler (Topbrass Gone with the Wind) won the Qualifying stake at the Wolverine Retriever Club field trial. Harriet Dick Brown has been mentoring a young pianist whom she met on a trip to the Bach Festival in 2014. She says he is one of the most talented young people she has ever known. After a year at Furman, he applied to three conservatories in Germany and was accepted in Leipzig, his favorite. Harriet held a fundraiser for him. She says that helping such a grand young person makes her feel alive and useful. In addition to my previous activities, I, your class correspondent Linkey have been practicing yoga for over a year now. Please send your news. The next deadline should be in March. Christmas cards are a good way to keep me up to date.

Kate Roy Massie Christian, 101 Maple Ave., Richmond, VA 23226; kateroy@earthlink.net Autumn cheer to the Class of ’60! From Mary Peyton Cortright (Fort Mill, S.C.): "My daughter, Lee…has two sons ages 4 and 6…son John and… wife Teresa Cortright live in Richmond and have three teenagers…grandsons Jac graduated from high school and Parker…from Kindergarten! Jac… entered the Naval Academy and…just completed Plebe Summer…is a nationally ranked swimmer… swimming for the Navy! I am very proud of all five…grandchildren. I enjoy trips to Richmond and… Isle of Palms…stay busy all the time. Get to do a lot with Lee and her boys here in Fort Mill.” From Carol Manning Walker (Charlottesville): “I am still ‘working’ as ‘office person’ for our small contracting business,… serving on the local Zoning Board and …political party stuff….UVA football games and tailgates, spring…baseball same and..grandchildren's activities. We have nine grandchildren,… six in Charlottesville, from 1st grade to first year at UVA, and three in Charlotte...all great kids! Getting ready for…annual beach trip to Corolla with girlfriends, hoping Mike and our rescue beagle, who is like Velcro, will manage without me…!” From Jean Cauthorne Ely (Norwalk, Conn.): I lost my dear husband Grove in April after four years of declining health. Fifty years of marriage, three children and seven grandchildren so far! Daughter finished her post doc in San Diego and has moved back to the east coast. Our boys, 47 and 49, live close by. Granddaughter Julia is looking at the University of

Richmond…Will be heading to Sanibel for the winter and hope to hitch up with Pecky, Barbara and Nancy... Healthy now after two cataracts and a new hip.” From: Marilyn Sheffield Savery (N.C. & Fla.): “My husband, Rex, and I…enjoyed…winters in Florida so much…we…have become residents of Florida. However, we do…spend summers in North Carolina. Our ‘his and her family’ of six children have blessed us with 12 grandchildren…scattered from…East Coast to…West Coast. Our personal goal remains quite simple: enjoy…‘golden years’ in situations that make us happy, i.e. time with people we enjoy in places that are pleasant… leaving…world peace, world hunger, etc. to younger people.” From: Melinda Parker Skinner (Richmond): “Our summers in Nova Scotia are always great; but I was especially thankful …when hearing about the constant Richmond three-digit heat! Being outdoors…not in air conditioning..in the countryside is my thing. We played a lot of boules and petanque with friends…I did my usual volunteer work with rescued dogs…” From Sally Trapnell Warthen (Manakin-Sabot, Va.): Having acquired grandchildren after my 70th birthday, I am making up for lost time. They are living (with…parents) in Oxford, England for three years, but stay with us quite a bit when…on vacation, and give us a good excuse to visit England. I’ve retired as Honorary Secretary of…Deep Run Hunt Club after 23 years, but still have a hard time keeping up with…farm, …music and… family. Frances Bailey Crutchfield received a First Place Award for a poem, “Paris”, from Virginia Professional Communicators." From Kate Roy Massie Christian (Richmond): no news! But LOVE!

Sara Riley Gibson, 1318 Loch Lomond Ln., Richmond, VA 23221; sarargibson@verizon.net Betsy Burke Trow, 415 Somerset Ave., Richmond, VA 23226; betsytrow@gmail.com Nancy Black Baillio spent three weeks at the RIVAH this past August and enjoyed catching up with Marion Wood Addison. Nancy, husband Brudy, daughter Anne and grandson Butler visited a farm near Lake Michigan and Spring Harbor. The home belonged to a friend of Anne's, and Nancy said it was really beautiful. Patsy Jamerson Williamson’s grandson T. McArthur, son of Polly Williamson McArthur ’88, is a sophomore at Rollins College in the 3-2 program and he is a member of X Club. Her grandson Porter Williamson, child of their son David, is in kindergarten. Nancy Winters Mullins writes that she is living in Kansas City where her husband, who died in 2008, grew up. She is planning on renting a house in Frisco or Breckenridge for January and February so she can ski and friends can visit with their kids. In May and June she will travel to the

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Lovejoy Reeves Duryea’s ’62 painting "Fruitilious" hangs at the Nassau County Museum in Long Island, N.Y.

Galapagos and Peru (Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Lima). In August, Dabney Williams McCoy and her husband Tim spent three fabulous days at the Tides Inn celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their children, their spouses and their seven grandsons ages 16 to almost 5. The kids planned the whole weekend and the destination was a surprise up until the last minute! Dabney writes “it was the first time we’ve ever had all 15 of us together for a vacation and truly the highlight of our 50 year marriage!” Dabney and Sara Riley Gibson attended Lenore Gay’s Book Launch party for her novel, “Shelter of Leaves” in September in Richmond. Lenore reports that events will continue through the fall and into 2017 with readings and discussions at book clubs, libraries and bookstores in the Mid-Atlantic region. If you have a book group that would like to discuss “Shelter of Leaves” please contact Lenore to set up a date. Email: lenore@ LenoreGay.com. We wish Lenore such good luck on this amazing accomplishment. We are so proud of you! Casa Haskins Bacot spent time this summer painting boats and people in Maine and Beaufort, S.C. Planning ahead, she is looking forward to visiting daughter Tanner Gibson Neibert ’90, her husband and three grandsons for Christmas. She will be traveling with her littlest dog who has seizures. Casa wishes all of us a Merry Christmas! While your correspondent Betsy gathered this news, your other class correspondent, Sara, was taking in the U.S. Open Tennis in New York with daughter Betsy Macon Dotterer ’83 and daughter-in-law Molly (married to her son George). Sara and her husband Lang spent most of September traveling in Iceland, London and then home on the Queen Mary II. Sara and I love hearing from each of you, and we hope that you will continue to stay in touch. Please, please send us your updated email address as it is the easier way to stay in touch. Enjoy your winter!

Bonnie Blanton Shelor ’62 painted this picture in 15 minutes during lunch with Jan Norman Orgain ’62, Gwen Brannon Weeks ’62 and Ginny Williams Stanley ’62 at Ginny’s home in Orange, Va.

55th Reunion, April 21-22 Gwen Brannon Weeks, 164 River Bluff Ln., King and Queen Court House, VA 23085; traversfield@gmail.com Jan Norman Orgain, Bonnie Blanton Shelor and Gwen Brannon Weeks recently traveled to Orange, Va., to have a delicious lunch at Ginny Williams Stanley’s lovely home. Ginny had a small bouquet of flowers in a vase on the table (pictured above) and luckily some watercolors. Bonnie painted a lovely painting in less than 15 minutes. She is such a talented artist. Lucy Reed Morison has a grandson, Reed Morison, and a granddaughter, Mia Rose Morison. Ellen Fenner Holt is thrilled her granddaughter Millicent Smith has entered St. C as a first grader. She is the third generation daughter to attend, as Ellen was a four-year boarder and her daughter Ferebee Holt Smith ’90 was a three-year boarder. Millicent loves her experience. Jan Norman Orgain’s son Mark has been promoted to Commander of Naval Operations Support Command at Little Creek in Norfolk, Va., and he and his wife Betsy and sons, Peter and John, have moved to Richmond. Jan is indeed a happy camper with both sons, Frazer and Mark, residing in Richmond. Katie Lowden made “the big move” to Westminster Canterbury. Kenzie Sinnickson Hubard is thrilled that her son Harrison and wife Felicia have been transferred to Richmond. She loves having two grandchildren, Harrison and Mary Kenzie, living just ten minutes away from her house in Richmond. Nancy Bullard Reed and Nan Seaton Hall continue to enjoy their choirs and the Richmond Choral Society. Nancy also stays busy as Vice President, Governance and Leadership Committee of the National Society of Colonial Dames in Virginia. Susannah Hagerty Farley and her husband enjoyed a week together with Nan and husband Polly at Myrtle Beach this summer.

Classmates gathered on a splendid September day at the home of Gwen Brannon Weeks ’62 for some of Gwen’s legendary cooking, fellowship and planning for their upcoming 55th Reunion: Ann Gregory Reiss, Nancy Bullard Reed, Leslie Thompson Brockman, Bonnie Blanton Shelor, Kenzie Sinnickson Hubard, Marty Rogers Brown, Gwen, Mary Davenport Nelson, Nancy Zoppa Moncure and Jan Norman Orgain. Not pictured: Ellen Fenner Holt.

Lovejoy Reeves Duryea had her painting “Fruitilious” (pictured above) in an exhibit at the Nassau County Museum which also featured artists Matisse and Warhol, among others. Lovejoy was the only artist still living. Lovejoy and husband William celebrated their 40th anniversary in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico – she says her marriage is an “infatuation they thought would never last.” Unfortunately while attending a granddaughter’s high school graduation, Lovejoy was infected with whooping cough. She admonishes all to get immunized as it is something to avoid. Thirteen of the alumnae in our class living in the Richmond area enjoyed a fall luncheon to celebrate all of our birthdays at the home of your correspondent Gwen on the Mattaponi River. Stories of our days were enjoyed by all. Judy Williams Carpenter Hawthorne '75 was a special guest as she is our alumnae contact for our 55th Reunion this year. We started planning OUR weekend and hope all of you are planning to come back and celebrate with us.

Ann Dennison Murray, 312 Landing Ln., Chestertown, MD 21620; admurray@ksu.edu Susan Klaus, 1 John Christopher Ct., 23226; slklaus@verizon.net

Retiring! Needs new correspondent! Everyone must be still recovering from summer vacation as there is very little news! Susan Whitfield Sawyer writes, "Still care giving for Dave's mom (92) and a friend with Parkinson's Disease. Also very involved in the church we helped plant, and with another inner-city church

al um n ae now

A mini-St. Catherine's reunion at the Garden Club of America meeting in Minneapolis; L to R: Cabell Goolsby West '64, Merrielou Howser Symes '66, Sally Guy Lynch Brown '64, Blair Matthews Louis '70

with many outreach ministries." Frances Williams Twiss was looking forward to her son Russell's October wedding. Daughter Louise’s two-year old twin girls and four year-old son Oliver, will all be in the wedding party. Anne Stuart Brown Swann probably speaks for many of us when she mentions the price of “getting more mature (note that I

didn’t say older, although that would also apply)!” She spent the summer rehabbing her back. Her spirits were kept high by proximity to her five grandchildren. Fortunately, she adds, “my retired husband has all the energy in this family.” Valerie Peyton Horn is “now a proud grandmother…Vivi is the name…not Granny.” Baby Charles is no doubt impressed with his glamorous grandmother, who continues traveling with her jewelry collection. You can see Valerie’s work on her website www. vhorn.com. Ann Dennison Murray continues to do well after her second brain surgery last year. She and John had a busy summer visiting family and friends. Anne Warren Holland writes, “Peter and I are getting ready to go to France for ten days where I will be painting with a group of other artists. A bucket list adventure!” Your correspondents Susan and Ann are “retiring” as Class Correspondents with this posting. We wish only good news for each of you.

I sold our house and are living in Fairhope, Ala., while we build a new house, designed by our architect son and daughter-in-law. We just returned from visiting daughter Jean and family in Pretoria, South Africa, where her husband Andy is the Army attaché to the U.S. Embassy. What a beautiful, amazing country! "This summer they took a two week drive to see our three other children in Maine, Philadelphia and Fairfield, Conn., near New Haven. Barbara Tyler Frickel writes, “Best wishes to the class of 1964 and to St. Catherine's. Our granddaughters, Calia, age 9, and Sielle, age 6, will visit us this summer. They live in Fontainebleau, France, and will come with our son Mark.”

Cathy Hayden, 3011 Libby Ter., Richmond, VA 23223; libbyterrace@gmail.com

Louise Hayman, 1 Cumberland Ct., Annapolis, MD 21401; louise.lake.hayman@gmail.com

Marguerita Chandler Riggall reports, "George and

Lillian Glover Young, 1180 Courtyard Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22903; lillgyoung@aol.com Please send us your news!

It was a treat to join the class lunch group when Wallis Wickham Raemer and I were in Richmond

SPOTLIGHT

Mary Jane Hipp Brock ’66

Let not Mary Jane Hipp Brock’s diminutive stature fool you; she’s a steel magnolia blooming in The City That Doesn’t Sleep,

pouring herself into causes secular to historic, educational to compassionate. Like an alchemist, she converts St. Catherine’s motto into the gold standard of action: Only what we give remains our own. Brock, grieving the loss of her mother when she arrived as a sophomore boarder from Greenville, S.C., lost her sister within weeks of enrolling. Head of School Susanna Turner “was the one who

delivered the news of my sister's death and personally drove me to the airport to fly home for the funeral.” Thanks to this “extraordinary, caring, gentle, smart woman,” Brock blossomed, serving as Secretary of her class the first year and Junior Class President. As a Senior, her deep faith and delight in service was evident: Student Government and Honor Council President; hospital volunteer; altar guild and chapel committee, glee club and choir. By the time classmates and teachers chose her as June Queen in 1966, the motto was Brock’s persona. Following Sweet Briar College, Brock worked in New York City. There she met the two enduring loves of her life: husband Charlie, whom she married in 1977; and The Big Apple Circus, on whose board she has served for more than 30 years. “The BAC is a classical one-ring circus that performs for three months at holiday time at Lincoln Center and then tours the east coast, [with] a variety of exceptional community programs which reach into

the community in which we perform.” The BAC is not alone in benefitting from Brock’s dedication. Love of church music and an abiding devotion to the Episcopal Church sprang from St. Catherine's Chapel services, resulting in long and joyful service to the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City, the fifth largest church in the world. Founding director of the Interfaith Center of New York (which encourages religious, social and ethnic diversity), she is on the leadership council of the Tannenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding. She represents the state of New York as director of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Association (owner of Stratford Hall, the Virginia home of the Lee family), and is leading the search committee for the National Historic Landmark’s next executive director. Brock modestly attributes “that wonderful environment of learning and sharing” at St. Catherine’s for keeping her going and giving back.

a lumn ae now for the national alumnae board meeting in September. Cary Hancock Easterly came up with the idea 25 years ago, and Archer Guy Minardi has kept it going. Also attending were Anne Perry Pace, Kitty Moss Bayliss, Sally Robins Johnson, Zanne Macdonald, Jane Cross Hamlin and Fiona Porter Ellen. Jane and Rick Hamlin welcomed new granddaughter Aggie in June — their sixth! Fiona and her husband made a trip to China and Tibet, and await their eighth grandchild. Wallis continues educational consulting from Brookline, Mass., and Palm Springs Calif. Golfer-grandmother Anne was enduring a home remodeling project, and Zanne, frequently traveling from Charlottesville to be with her parents in the Pittsburgh area, and enjoyed a trip to Cuba. Sally reported she was happily in 24/7 grandmother mode. The 50th Reunion Book “…made a huge difference in my life,” writes Dottie Christman Moore. “Catching up with everybody…is just a delight. Zanne MacDonald set up a Facebook page:… St. Catherine's School Richmond VA Class of 1966. Many in our class loved Miss Woods, who died just before the reunion and her husband a few months later.” (Correspondent’s note: I notified her husband that, according to our reunion profiles, Miss Woods was our most beloved teacher.) Dottie’s husband is training for his 9th 150-mile bike ride for MS. “My MS is my MS, and my leukemia is stable for now,” she added. Cindy Parke Beukema writes that she and husband John toured Scotland and England in August. They have 2 grandchildren: Kindergartner Max is 5; Margot is 1. Son Frederick is with an engineering firm in Minneapolis, and son David is an actor and has been well received in several plays. Cindy is still a paperback bookseller. Ned and Merrielou Howser Symes celebrated 40 years of marriage with a trip to Italy. Their children are in New York City, one a management consultant and the other a filmmaker. Ned retired from his consulting firm 10 years ago, and Merrielou left real estate then. They summer on Nantucket where she is president of the Nantucket Garden Club. Foot surgery caused her to miss our 50th reunion, but she is fully recovered and back on the tennis court. Lynn Hornor Keith relayed she had dinner with Alice Caldwell Steele and husband Robert in Larkspur Calif., in August. Anne Galligher Murphy tried to join, but her Inverness ranching duties intervened. Her husband Taylor turns 80 in November, and a Christmas/New Year's Danube Cruise and winter in San Diego were on Lynn’s calendar. Your correspondent spent a late summer weekend at Figure Eight Island N.C. with Emily Borden Ragsdale, strolling the beach and talking non-stop while tastefully attired in our reunion t-shirts. A trip to the opening of the national AfricanAmerican history museum, a project of her son’s architecture firm, and planning her daughter’s

teaches and house-sits pets (and horses)!” Darcy Bevelacqua wrote that she had recently had lunch with Elizabeth Fore Keatinge in L.A., Calif. and it seemed like it had been several months, not 25 years since they had seen each other. Isn't that what reunions are all about? Those were such innocent years and we didn't have computers to keep up with each other. I regret that but it is what it is. I can't wait to see you and as I said last time, "what are we waiting for!?" Darcy also said that she and an old roommate from college are getting ready to launch a gourmet dog biscuit business! Oh, and she also said, she and Elizabeth looked fabulous! Love that! Hope to see as many of you as possible April 21-22!

Ginger Harrison Adamson, 4607 Leonard Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23226; adamsong@stcva.org Elsie Dickinson Hovis, 500 Cedarbrooke Ln., Richmond, VA 23229; elsie.hovis@gmail.com

Jackson Grace Bowman, granddaughter of Ethel Tobias Bowman ’67

Helen Harrison Tripp, 5810 Three Chopt Rd., Richmond, VA 23226; hhtripp@aol.com

wedding were on Emily’s to-do list. Out of space! ‘Til next time, love to all.

Hey everyone, as we write we hope your leaves are turning and your pumpkins are ready! Dede Deane Irwin writes, “I am still managing to mesh my fencing and my real estate business. (Thank goodness for a wonderful real estate partner, Lisa Ruffin Harrison '73.) I brought home a third place medal in the Women's Sabre event in Toronto at the Canadian-American Tournament. Having met the Men's Sabre Olympic silver medal winner at my very first national tournament, I was glued to the tube with all the fencing shown during the Olympics. I plan to go to California with my younger daughter, Elizabeth Irwin '00, for the christening of my third granddaughter Annabelle, daughter of Louise Irwin Welch ’96. I will stay on to babysit all three of Louise’s girls while she and her husband Rolf have a short vacation in Cabo, Mexico, to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Whew!” And from Sallie Ayers Barker, “I am gearing up for our daughter Nina's wedding in October on a bluff overlooking Buzzards Bay above our neighborhood beach in Mass. Our son Nick's little children, ages 4 and 1, will ‘help out’! Sally Truslow Truslow ’61 and I have had fun talking ‘southern’ up here in Massachusetts!” Ann Souder writes that she "had an amazing adventure to Cuba in June, sailing aboard the 141' expedition yacht MARCATO from Key West to Havana and back over a long weekend. The passage was easy and the time in Havana memorable. It is a fascinating culture and a real trip back in time to the 1950s. My company, Cuba-Yacht.com, has now taken over 12 charter yachts to Cuba, and business is building. In August, we celebrated my mother Isabel's 95th birthday with a party in Richmond, and then I headed off to Scotland for three weeks of golf and

50th Reunion, April 21-22 Ethel Tobias Bowman, 4317 Woodleigh Rd., Columbia, S.C. 29206, etbowman@aol.com Hello Class of 67! I think we outdid ourselves in the last publication so I will be less loquacious this time! However, we DO need to get pumped up about our upcoming Reunion in April. Get out your old "Quair" and think back about those very formative years that helped form who we are today, and make sure to submit your profiles for the 50th Reunion yearbook to Laura Spratley Birdsey ’96, Alumnae Director (lbirdsey@ st.catherines.org). Roddy Payne Tattersall has graciously stepped up to host us all once again! Beth Beardall Long writes, “I am so looking forward to seeing everyone at our 50th Reunion next April! Hope as many as possible will come!” Blair Barrett Curdts reports, “Billy and I are becoming the parents of a Deutsch Drahthaar puppy! Hopefully he will be a good hunting dog and companion for Billy, if he ever retires! I’m hoping he won’t disrupt my now quiet life!” Kathy Fleming Barton writes, "Enjoying my third year of retirement traveling, growing vegetables in my garden and working ‘very’ part-time at my local community center." Claiborne Stras Eldrup-Jorgensen writes, “I retired January 1, 2016 after 25 years at Argon ST, Inc. I LOVE retirement! Poul and I spend a lot of time traveling and gardening. My oldest daughter, Kate, is a real estate assistant in Rumson, N.J. My youngest daughter Elisabeth lives in Manassas, Va., and when not riding her horse, Lyric, substitute

al um n ae now in the Annapolis valley, a combination of Virginia lushness and Prince Edward Island's red beaches and cliffs. Susan Dabney Smith and Lisa Wickham enjoy sharing their precious granddaughter, Lucy Charles Farnum who lives in Idaho! Christine Galliford Williamson writes that she is busily working in the commercial real estate field in Virginia Beach. When not busy with work or her family that all live in the area, she can be found in Naples, Fla., or visiting family back in France! She would love to reconnect with old friends! Lucy Flinn, still an agent with State Farm in the Wind Gap, Pa., area, has enjoyed travels to Atlantis, the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, and she also took a barge tour down the Erie Canal. Dupie Cates Cochran’s daughter Peyton, a talented designer in the NYC/Conn. area, is friends with Charlie and Lucy Antrim, the son and daughter-in-law of your class correspondent Holly Materne Antrim. That sure makes us moms happy! Melinda Williams Davis and I, Holly, are on a trip to Czechoslovakia and Austria in celebration Lisa Wickham ’69 (“LiLi”) and Susan Dabney Smith ’69 (“Mimi”) are gaga over their mutual grandchild Lucy Charles Farnum, daughter of Lisa’s daughter Taylor and Susan’s son Ellis. “Charley” is shown wearing a onesie with the two doting grandmothers on it.

R&R.” Fencing tourneys, beautiful weddings and fun trips — thanks to the three who sent news for this issue. And to the rest of you — you (and we) know who you are, so plan to help us out next time, please! Happy fall y'all!

Holly Materne Antrim, 411 South Mooreland Rd., Richmond, VA 23229; chelma23229@yahoo.com Tassie Bosher, 222 East Hickory St., Hinsdale, IL 60521; tassbosher@yahoo.com

"Life is good" writes Betsy Egelhoff Schusser and her phrase seems perfect to describe all us ladies as we enter and enjoy our 65th year! Betsy, who is still on Maui practicing at the Aloha clinic, also enjoys surfing and ukulele. When not traveling for work, Martha Roberson Legare is loving life in Atlanta where she has really enjoyed the Chihuly art installation at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. She also swims and hikes at Lake Rabun in the Georgia mountains. For the past three years, Nancy Hasselback Hames and her husband have been living on a sailboats visiting the Mediterranean areas of Italy, Sicily and Gibraltar. Their next stop is planned to be in the Canary Islands and then on to the Caribbean! She recently saw Clair Moncure while celebrating her mom's 100th birthday and sends her best to all! Betsy Epperly continues her work with the L.M. Montgomery Institute, which she founded 23 years ago, at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada. She and Mary Louise, her partner of 25 years, live on the Fundy coast of Nova Scotia

of our 65th! Kim Meyer Ford and Ann Major Gibb both agree that " Life is good."

Needs correspondent!

The Class of 1970 was deeply saddened to receive the news that Billy Armfield, husband of Janie Hall Armfield died in July. We send our deepest condolences to Janie and her family. Tracy Charles Shenkman reports, "We moved from New York to Arizona last October. Very hard to be away from our two 'kids' (Ben 26 and Mills 24) but are settling in with family and friends here. We've never been here in the summer and don't plan to be this summer! Headed East!"

Christine Kjellstrom Douglas, 14 Lynacres Blvd., Fayetteville, NY 13066; ckdouglas@verizon.net Please send us your news!

SPOTLIGHT

Holly Eason Holden ’72

Consider the power of pink: the pink ribbon symbolizing the fight against breast cancer; the pink balloons proclaiming “It’s a Girl!” Now there’s another pink presence to ponder. Holly Eason Holden ’72, selfproclaimed lover of all things pink, opens our eyes to the potential of color and the staying power of classic interior design. Holden, whose firm, Holly Holden & Company, has served clients across the country and across the globe for more than a quarter-century, is not taking all this power lightly. A veteran of HGTV network, national magazines, and prestigious Show Houses, Holden enthusiastically shares her timeless style. An effusive, bubbly personality undergirds her disciplined, restrained designs. Holden’s home, Fox Hall (c. 1803), was among those featured in the 2008 book The Great Houses of New England. In 2013, Holly published her own book, "The Pretty and Proper Living Room: The old-school secrets for timeless elegance and the no-no's to know!" The book was released on Valentine’s Day (of course). Holden is a bona fide multi-media personality. Says Holden, “I created the Classic Design Channel [on YouTube] to entice viewers to tour stupendous venues and meet extraordinary people while learning design secrets.” She also launched an interior design show on PBS, “You’re Cordially Invited,” in 2016. For the latter, she will be filming an episode at Blenheim Palace and Highclere Castle (“Downton Abbey”) in the U.K. In the course of visiting and learning about Highclere, Holly became chummy with Lady Carnarvon, the real life owner, and as a result hosted a fundraiser at Fox Hall with Lady Carnarvon as the guest of honor. Holly’s how-to tips are delightfully and thoughtfully presented and give hope to those of us who suffer “design deficiency disorder,” no matter what the size of our homes or our pocketbooks!

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40th Reunion, April 21-22 Holly Eason Holden, 130 Main St., Farmington, CT 06032; HollyHoldenLtd@aol.com Jane Blanton Stout, 140 Meadowlark, Princeton, WV 24740; jbgar831@aol.com Our BIG 45th Reunion is this April 21-22....can you believe it! Susan Christian Coogan and Carroll Blair Keiger have a splendid committee to inspire you to attend! Ticker Keller Sipe is thrilled to be back in Richmond again! She is looking forward to reconnecting with her St. Cat's friends in April at the 45th Reunion! Her son Keller is working at Vanguard in Charlotte and is really enjoying it! Sally Blanchard Rawls saw Caroline Wilson McLean at a concert in Charlottesville which inspired her to write some news to me! Sally has three beautiful grandchildren — she loves keeping them often! Her three sons have jobs that they love. Sally and Frank are going to Utah/Grand Canyon for their 40th wedding anniversary! Caroline wrote that it has been a tough year losing her youngest brother unexpectedly to a heart attack, and then her Dad — her hero. She was so touched to have several St. C friends at her father's funeral. She said she is still not a motherin-law nor a granny!! Her eldest son, Wilson, is almost through his Ph.D. in Public Policy, and her eldest daughter, Meg, has completed her NP in Adult Health and will be job searching. Her youngest daughter, Elizabeth, loves her job with an event company in Austin, Texas. Steve and Caroline have taken some fun trips to Santa Fe, a fly fishing camp in Maine, and they occasionally sneak down to their little house on Bald Head Island. Susan Stafford Kelly’s daughter, Preston, got married over Memorial Day and honeymooned by hiking the Canadian Rockies. Susan has been contributing editor at “Our State” magazine for the past couple of years and also does All Things Writing for folks who need help with anything from speeches to board templates to manuscript edits and critiques. Munsie Davis is pleased to announce that in her retirement she has a part-time job with an app startup called ZipSprout.com. As a Matchmaker for ZipSprout, she finds sponsorship opportunities for web start-up companies. If any classmate has a favorite charity event, local non-profit, or scholarship fundraiser, then look at the website! Munsie discovers great community charities everyday — the best days are when she gets to tell some of them, "I found a sponsor!" Sine Anahita married last summer in Alaska to her long-term partner, Kayt Sunwood. She continues to teach sociology at Univ.of Alaska Fairbanks, and conducts feminist research, something that all of us predicted she would do when we graduated in June '72. Anna

Leake Smith is still "pushing the rock up the hill" at Wilmington Trust/M&T Bank in the Family Wealth Group. She can boast that she has spent 35 years with both the same phone number and the same office floor! She and Beetle live in Stevenson, Md., with two dogs and lots of egg-laying chickens! Her son Middleton has settled in Richmond, and her daughter Blanton is in D.C. Both work in commercial real estate like their father. They try to get down to the cottage where we had our Senior Class picnic in Gloucester, Va., when they can! Jane Blanton Stout enjoys her work as Communications Coordinator for Heaven Sent Ministries, which is focused on feeding hungry children worldwide and connecting with individuals with mission opportunities. Her daughter, Molly Garland '04, has begun her 4th year as a surgical resident at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, and her son Rob (St. Chris '07) moved to Chapel Hill to pursue graduate work in clinical social work. From Rae Ann Lindberg Puff, “Our daughter Tori got married this summer in Cape May, N.J. She married a good Irish boy, Kevin, so they were married in a beautiful Catholic Church in Stone Harbor and then had a wonderful reception at Willow Creek Winery. We had such a fun day and there wasn't a dry eye after the father/daughter dance. My family and I also attended a reunion of my family in Indiana at the end of July. Soooo much fun to be at the farm with my cousins! Our granddaughter Bailey is now seven months old and such a joy. She smiles all the time:) We are so very blessed! I hope all is wonderful and well with you and yours.” Your correspondent, Holly, is happy to announce my daughter Alexandra had twins in England. I am doubly thrilled to be filming my PBS show at Blenheim Palace and Highclere Castle (“Downton Abbey”) in U.K. Hope to see you in April!

Jennifer Wright Fitzgerald, P.O. Box 70667, Henrico, VA 23255; jenn73stc@gmail.com Tiane Mitchell-Gordon, 10702 Milkweed Dr., Great Falls, VA 22066; btiane@aol.com

Outdoor adventures, family togetherness and reconnections with classmates were the order of the day for several of us this year. Gussie Johns Bannard reports, “Ann Nettleton Coleman and I had a lovely dinner together last summer. She came to town to settle her sharp-minded 90-year-old mother into new ‘digs’. We laughed over past memories, shared our current passions and pondered our ongoing purpose. Ann looked terrific! She recently completed two amazing mountain bike rides: her usual one for Multiple Sclerosis and a new one, a 500+ mile trek, 5200 feet up the Continental Divide, from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Cheyenne, Wyo., to raise awareness for

Ann Nettleton Coleman '73 (left) and Gussie Johns Bannard '73 (right), enjoyed each other’s company during Summer 2016.

and to construct affordable housing, similar to Habitat for Humanity. She is still consulting for Nestle, having built an education program for their entire workforce, focused on safety and wellbeing, that has made a tremendous impact.” Christine “Tuppen” Burke reports, “My husband, Mike Gross, and I live in Western Colorado (about 100 miles from Utah) which allows us to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities: fly fishing and whitewater canoeing! In September, we took an eight day trip (our fifth on "Deso-Gray"), paddling 84 miles over class II and III rapids along Utah’s Green River while enjoying breathtaking camping spots on Desolation Canyon and Gray Canyon. Also, my sister Indy Burke '76 has a new position at Yale University! Check out her class notes for details!” Betse Sharpe Trice reports, “My husband Winston and I had fun this summer (2016) hiking in Iceland as well as biking along the Seine Valley in France! We got plenty of exercise while enjoying lots of beautiful scenery!” Meanwhile, the remodeled 1895 home of architects Mimi Sadler and her husband Camden were highlighted in Richmond Magazine's September 2016 issue! Check out both article and photos at richmondmagazine.com/ home/house-tours/then-now. Jenni Pendergrass reports, “I am still hiking and backpacking when my work doesn’t get in the way! Last spring (2016), I backpacked The Foothills Trail (Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park) in North & South Carolina while this fall (2016), I hiked 124 miles of the Camino de Santiago in Spain.” Janet Rose Gaston reports, “Though I am thoroughly southern (and always enjoy my visits back home to Virginia), I love living life in Boston, Mass., which has enabled me to be in close proximity to my two adult children, Leigh (31) and John (29), as well as to enjoy trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Rhode Island! Last spring (2016), my daughter married Bryan Furlong in a lovely ceremony in Boston but,

al um n ae now alas, the newlyweds have since relocated to Denver, Colo. Though saying goodbye was difficult, I am excited to have a new place to visit as well as to have John still nearby. John is now working for Apple while Leigh is in marketing for a financial institution. This fall (2016), I traveled to Virginia Beach to visit the Taylor side of my family! Lots of cookouts at the cabana, catching up and having fun!” Sally Vitsky Ucci reports…. “Last April (2016), our oldest son married the daughter we never had! Now we have daughter #2 on the way when our youngest gets married next May (2017). Couldn't have ‘ordered up’ better young women! Though our sons are on their own, we are no longer empty-nesters! My sweet, fairly-self-sufficient 98-year-old mother has recently moved in with us (after much kicking and screaming...her part, not ours!) I'm grateful and feeling very privileged to be able to have her here. Challenges may abound but so worth it (I think...ask me in a few months!) My husband, btw, is a saint! I'm still ‘art-ing’, teaching and taking classes at VCU, and trying to keep up with my ‘new normal.’” Mary Baylor reports, “Having lived in Richmond my whole life, I recently found myself finally ready to experience the great unknown. Taking inspiration from a book of letters written by Pioneer women, I auctioned off the contents of my home in January 2015, rented it out, packed a small POD and moved across the country, landing in Los Angeles, Calif., to share life with family members whom I had previously not known. I have discovered that I love living here! West Coasters are friendly and the beach is fun (and only 10 minutes away)! Additionally, I have overcome my fear of West Coast highways and have finally taken my first road trip, venturing north to visit Stacey Arnold Cox and her family in Grover Beach, Calif. I love reconnecting with classmates, whether in person, by phone or by email, and sharing our life stories and perspectives!

Needs correspondent!

Please send us your news!

Molly Fowler, 120 West 70th St., 5C, New York, NY 10023; mollymfowler@mac.com

Our classmates have kept pretty quiet this time around — presumably everyone is busy, happy and healthy. One bit of big news is that Bitsy Hester has joined Williams Mullen in Richmond as a Business & Corporate Partner. Quite a feather in their cap, since Bitsy is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© (2006-present) and Virginia Super Lawyers magazine (2006-2012, 2014-present), and she has been named among Virginia’s “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine (2009, 2011-2012, 2015). We now have three classmates capably serving on the Ellett Board, our

Lisa Pratt (left) and Indy Burke (right) celebrating at the 125 gala “Party Through the Decades” on the Green in April 2016.

national alumnae board: Fran Fields Nugent, new member Amie Rennolds, and veteran Katherine Dameron McCormick, who is serving as secretary this year and will serve as VP next year. The Ellett Board’s next meeting is in January, which gives us a perfect excuse to banish the winter blues with a ’75 gathering! Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 28, and let Judy Carpenter Hawthorne know if you can join us! And, send in your news! We know you are up to big things — travels, weddings, even grandchildren? Let us know!

Lisa Pratt, 1431 Q St. NW, Washington, DC 20009; lpratt@gmail.com

Indy Burke has been appointed dean in the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. She is leaving a huge vacuum at the University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources where she was also dean. It all started with Watermen! Congratulations, Indy! Ginny Reynolds Parker reports: “This summer, we had Liz Harvard’s niece as a summer intern. What a great and smart gal! Our firm has created a global listed infrastructure index. Being a bit competitive, we looked at all of the others out there and feel we have created a much better solution. We are in the process of launching an E.T.F. (exchange-traded fund) and have suddenly been approached by some big players. Stay tuned… I loved seeing everyone at our reunion! What a great class we have!” Dee Dee Butler Sutton received the Outstanding Service Award at this year’s reunion which also celebrated St. C’s 125 years. The class of ’76 had a fabulous turnout. Terrell Horsley Welch reports her sons are advancing through high school and she looks forward to their college decisions. Her work as a behavioral therapist keeps her busy. Charlotte Gay Gerhardt has celebrated the marriage of one daughter with the other’s impending. Sue Goodale also saw her daughter Maggie get married. Having avoided all signs of aging, she is heading to Switzerland next summer to hike the

Bev Bryan Vernon ’77 submitted this photo of our classmate Alice Jones Moore’s ’77 grandchildren: Preston, age 2, and Rebecca Lacey Moore, born in March of 2016 (Alice is deceased)

Eiger to Matterhorn. The class supports Margaret Seiler as she mourns the loss of her father, Bob Seiler, a pastor in the Episcopal church who served in myriad ways over his long lifetime. Chris Stoner-Mertz recently received the Jefferson Award for Public Service based on her work as Executive Director of the Lincoln Organization in San Francisco. She also enjoys her time playing in her band Sweetgrass, which you can find on YouTube and Spotify.

40th Reunion, April 21-22 Becky Pugh, 2 Eagle Ridge Ct., Bethesda, MD 20817, becky@bonejour.com It’s our 40th St.C Reunion this April! If you miss it, you will be punished. Maybe by Sarah Woodhouse! Kidding. She does teach in the martial arts though. As well as classes in English ESL for immigrants from South America. Sarah heads environmental projects like the Zero Waste group, part of the Sustainable RVA project and another group on carbon and climate change. Susan Pinkard Morgan is a tough cookie; she is with Elite Force Martial Arts and has advanced several levels in Black Belt. She also has been jumping out of planes - skydiving that is! Congratulations Bucci Rennolds Zeugner! She celebrated her 30th year at Davenport & Co. as a Sr. V.P. in Investments. Bucci loves her work, especially working directly with people and non-profits on getting their money to work for them. Happy to hear from Elizabeth Craig Parkinson; she writes, “As you may know, 2015 was our "annus horribilis" as we lost our sweet William to bipolar depression. We are all moving forward and living each day the

a lumn ae now best that we can. My husband, Andrew, continues to work at Peapod and goes kiteboarding whenever possible. My oldest son Alexander is 25 and working in Chicago near us. Our youngest son Mac, 18, decided to take a gap year and is, as I write, about to leave New Zealand for Australia.” Bev Bryan Vernon checked in as well. She is teaching third grade in Hingham. Her family sold their farm, NimBaCoVa, so Bev doesn’t make it to Virginia as often. She spends a lot of the summer sailing in Massachusetts. She shares good news about her cousin and our late classmate, Alice Jones Moore. We are happy to hear that Alice’s second grandchild, Rebecca Lacy Moore was born in March 2016, joining her 2 year old brother Preston! Alice lives on in our hearts and through these precious children! Mary Lou Henderson Clarke and husband Seldon celebrated the wedding of their son, Seldon in October. He married a young woman named Mary "Louise" Bance '05, just like his dear old Dad! Love is in the air…. Buffy Woods Anderson’s son John is engaged and she is over the moon! Sallie Jo Hadley is still hard at work as a psychiatrist in NYC, working in the field of autism and developmental disabilities. SJ has another life though; she writes “I guess my latest news is taking the plunge and doing my own solo cabaret show in NYC! It's called "Bustin' Loose" (or some variation) on the liberation of Sallie Jo Hadley.” So much talent in such a tiny person! Page Laughlin writes, “I am still a Professor of Art at Wake Forest University! I try and get into the painting studio when I can, but the life of a working mom usually takes over. My daughter Parrish is graduating from high school and will attend Chapel Hill (although she may travel to South Korea for a year before going to college.)” Big news — Lynda Richardson is now the new Art Director for “Virginia Wildlife Magazine.” Contact her with your photos and ideas at lynda. richardson@dgif.virginia.gov. See you in April if not before! If you have class news, let me know!

Meredith Owen Holbrook, 6 Ridgewood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124; meredithholbrook@hotmail.com

Dear Classmates, sincere apologies for not submitting an entry in the last alumnae magazine issue. An unfortunate chain of events in February led to my dear dad's passing away, which kept me from meeting the deadline. I updated a very dated email list and ask for future updates be sent to me or to Mary Butler at mbutler@st.catherines. org. I know you all join me in wishing condolences to others who have lost loved ones recently: Jody Farley McGrew on the death of her mother and Dede Clinger Andrews on the loss of her father. Marty Pollard Easton sent me an item from the Diocese of Southern Virginia newsletter which stated that Stewart Mason Tabb has recently been

1981 Classmates enjoyed the “Party through the Decades” at their 35th Reunion. Front row L to R: Suzy Preston, Julia Michael Given, Back row: Cecelia Faulkner Soscia, Sarah Gibson Wiley, Mary Margaret Smithers Kastelberg, Nancy Jordan Messina, Maria Williams Swindell

Meredith Owen Holbrook ’78 (left) had a serendipitous visit with Elaine Powell Cook ’78 (right) on a chilly February morning outside the Cloister Chapel in Sea Island, Ga.

installed as the new Rector of Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Norfolk. Congratulations Stewart! This is great news! Marty also reported that she attended the lovely Atlanta wedding of Jody's daughter in May along with Mary Buford James Jenkins and Anne Hays Talley Cosentino ’76. Stacy Alexander Stacey reports that her daughter is a senior at the Potomac School and has been accepted at the University of Alabama. She will visit Beth McRee Stallings’ daughter, Mary Figuers Stallings ’14, this fall for a taste of ’Bama football and the sorority life. I had a serendipitous visit with Elaine Powell Cook on a chilly February morning outside the Cloister Chapel in Sea Island, Ga. We spied each other as we were seated across the aisle and could not wait to get outside after the service for a big and loud embrace and long overdue visit. Elaine stays busy with work and with her children, one a freshman at Athens Academy and another who is a freshman at Sewanee. She would love to hear from anyone who might also have a child at Sewanee and also would love to offer some local hospitality in the way of a home cooked meal to anyone with a child at the University of Georgia. Lastly, I would like to offer my job as class correspondent to anyone who might be interested in taking over. My challenge is retrieving news via email and I think perhaps someone living in the Virginia area would be more likely to gather reports just by bumping into people and through the local grapevine. If interested, please let me know, or contact Mary Butler at mbutler@st.catherines.org.

Needs correspondent!

We were saddened to learn of the death of Landon Henry, son of boarder Kate Roberts Henry. On a much happier note, Kate’s 23 year old daughter Riley is a first year student at University of Richmond School of Law! Kate writes, “I am looking forward to being reacquainted with Richmond.”

Madeline Hutcheson Mayhood, 7441 Hill Dr., Richmond, VA 23225; madeline7@gmail.com

Vivien Godfrey writes, "I am enjoying running my two family businesses, one in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and the other in Loudon, England. I'm also enjoying spending vacations with my four grandkids."

New correspondent: Julia Michael Given, julia.given@gmail.com

Hello class of ’81! I, your new correspondent Julia Michael Given, already like my new job as class correspondent. Maria Williams Swindell turned over the reins at our 35th reunion back in April. It was great hearing from so many of you. And if any of you didn’t hear from me via email, drop me a note at the email above to update your email address. Our class turned out “in force” for our 35th reunion and for the 125th anniversary of St. Catherine’s. We had a delicious Friday dinner at Sallie Cecil Stillwell’s house that went late into the night, followed by the traditional full day of activities on campus on Saturday. A lot of us then attended the wonderful Party Through the Decades gala on the Green on Saturday evening. Many of our boarding classmates stayed at the new Quirk Hotel in downtown Richmond for the weekend, including Aurelia Stafford Monk, Shepherd McMillan Poole, Stacy Benner Lendrim, Hope Holding Bryant, Kate McClintock Trammell, Margaret Coker Hungerford, Perry Liles Lucas,

al um n ae now Carrie Clement Banwell, Susan Norman McAlister, Weedie Brandon Stowers, and more! More on Sallie — she and her husband Charley have moved to Alexandria for Charley’s new position leading Episcopal High School. We will miss Sallie’s presence in Richmond in so many ways! Aurelia is now the Director of Strategic Marketing at The Oakwood School. Her daughter is a sophomore at Vanderbilt, and her son is newly graduated from UNC and working in Houston. Dana Smith Bagnall taught at Exeter Cathedral School for about five years and now does counseling at home for students and writes travel articles for UK newspapers. In the winter of 2015 she went to Bucharest, Romania, and Riga, Latvia. Her husband has taught at ECS for 30 years and will retire in December 2016. They have no children and travel often, especially around Europe. She still writes poetry and essays and is involved in many community activities. Sarah Gibson Wiley reports that her children are “all off the payroll!” Ella Smith ’07 has moved back to Richmond from D.C., Sally Smith ’13 lives in Santa Monica, Calif., and Coleman lives in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Sarah went to visit him last winter and skied for the first time in 15 years. She was skiing black diamond slopes again in no time. Sarah has a new business, Huger Memories, helping preserve cherished memories with fabric art on pillows, seat covers, in frames and more. After 15 years as the Lower School Admission Director at St. Anne's-Belfield in Charlottesville, Gib Brockenbrough Staunton also has a new business. She has started Staunton Career Advisors, working primarily with young adults under 30 to find a field matching their aptitudes and interests. And she helps them to navigate the job search process. Susan Gaddy was selected for the Diversity Leaders Initiative at Furman University’s Riley Institute. Louise Sloan writes that after 22 years in NYC she made a bold change and moved to Barrington, R.I., with her son Scott (5th grade). She lives up the hill from the Narragansett Bay. Louise is on staff at Brown University as the deputy editor of the alumni magazine. Elizabeth Cabell Jennings finished an Executive M.B.A. program through Brown University and IE Business School. Through the program she traveled to Cape Town, South Africa and Madrid, as well as Providence, R.I., to Brown’s campus. Is this a trend?? So many classmates using their time in new and rewarding ways! Will I be next? Maybe it’s time to think outside the box as the kids leave the nest. My daughter Margaret works in D.C. for a political media company (what a year for that!); Michael is a senior at Bowdoin College in Maine; Helen is at UVA (and really enjoys her home away from home three miles from us); and our 16 yearold, A.J., just got his driver’s license and enjoys going to the local “Cookout” more than my home cooking. That’s way more than enough about me

— let me know what’s new with you, especially those I didn’t hear from for this issue.

35th Reunion, April 21-22 Catherine Helderman Markwalter, cmarkwalter@gmail.com One thing is certain, the class of ’82 is very busy these days! Susan Griswold Herst and her husband are empty nesters and just moved to a new house. Susan says it is a Cape Cod on an acre with loads of sun so she is testing her inner farmer by installing six raised garden beds and a chicken coop. Her oldest, Ben, works for the Paulson Institute in Chicago under Henry Paulson, a "think-and-do tank” studying US/China economic and environmental sustainability. Alex is finishing an engineering degree at N.C. State, and Charles is happily ensconced in Boone at Appalachian State. McKenzie Reed van Meel is another proud parent. Her daughter, Madison, agreed to sign in November 2016 to row for SMU next year. She and the other committed women rowers were the only athletes honored and allowed to do a little “Blind Side action”: they walked on the field with the football team before the first home game of the season! While visiting SMU they caught up with Maura Maguire Gaenzle’s daughter, Margaret ’14, at the first SMU Boulevard tailgate party of the football season. Margaret will be a senior when Madison is a freshman, so they overlap one year. Any other SMU connections out there? Kathryn Thurman LeBey’s oldest, Kathryn ’16, graduated from St. Catherine’s in May and is now at Davidson College. Her husband, Daniel, started a new job after 18 years at the same firm. Isabelle, her younger daughter, started a new school and they got a puppy. It is the year of change for the LeBey family! This July, Kathryn was lucky enough to go out with Lauran McDowell Johnson, Spencer Bowles Broadbent and with Susie Barret, who was visiting Richmond from her home in Florida. Susie, in addition to being a hospice nurse, is now the owner/manager of two hospice facilities in South Florida. Cabell Jones Blair married Andrew Blair in June at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Goochland. “We went to Amelia Island, Fla., for our honeymoon and now live in Wyndham.” Dudley Percy Olsson reports that her oldest daughter Lanier is living and working in Seattle. Her family has had fun visiting her out there. Dudley's other daughter Maja is a junior at Warren Wilson College near Asheville, also a beautiful spot. Dudley is running for re-election to her local school board. Let’s wish her luck! As for me, Catherine Helderman Markwalter, I am far from an empty nester. My kids are in 4th, 5th, and 7th grades. My oldest started a new school in the fall and we moved from the only house my kids have ever known. Quite a process! Years ago I promised

L to R: Courtney Overcash Kilpatrick ’85, Ashley Brinson Cusack ’85, Dede Keyser Davis ’85 and Liza Kenan Howell ’85 spent a weekend get-away in May 2016 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.

the kids a dog when we moved and they have held me to it. So new house, new school, new puppy. Hope to see you all at reunion!

Betsy Macon Dotterer, betsy.dotterer@joynerfineproperties.com

Margaret Sloan Trainer writes, “Please contact me if any of you are heading to Ocracoke and the Outer Banks. Would love to see you. With vacation rental property, we are spending more time in Ocracoke than Washington these days, but are loving it.”

Heather Hettrick Brugh, hhb4103@gmail.com Please send us your news!

Windy Campbell, windycampbell@mindspring.com

Last Spring, several ’85 alumnae, Martha Jordan Maloney, Julia-Carr Bayler and Kathryn Kenny Codd, met up in Richmond for a special tour of historic Agecroft Hall, a 17th century Tudor manor house. The tour was appropriately led by former St. Catherine’s history teacher, Jane Howells, who now serves as a tour guide at Agecroft. “As she always did in our St. Catherine’s classes, Mrs. Howells made history come alive for us!” said Martha. The tour was organized by Kathryn’s sister, Anne Kenny-Urban ’83, who is the Executive Director of Agecroft. Kathryn and Anne’s mother, Anne Whitfield Kenny ’51 also joined the girls for the tour. Sarah Armstrong Hamlin enjoys life in Dallas, but is keeping her Virginia ties strong! Sarah reports that her daughter, Liza, is at UVA and living with some “wonderful Richmond girls and a STC alumna, Kemper Young ’15.” Back in Dallas, her sons, John and Henry, are in 11th grade and 6th grade, respectively. Sarah keeps in touch

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St. Catherine’s alumnae enjoyed a tour of Agecroft in May 2016 with former history teacher, Jane Howells. L to R: Kathryn Kenny Codd ’85, Jane. Julia-Carr Bayler ’85, Martha Jordan Maloney ’85, Anne Kenny-Urban ’83, Anne Whitfield Kenny ’51.

The Class of 1987 was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of classmate, Chesley Elam, shown on the left, with her twin sister Alexa ’87.

L to R: Wil Davis, Andy Howell, Emmie Davis, children of Dede Keyser Davis ’85 and Liza Kenan Howell ’85, enjoyed some time together at Figure 8 in Summer 2016.

with Lucy Siewers Damgard and with Page Walmsley Sykes as all of their daughters have connected through college and Texas connections. “The world is so small and interconnected and it makes me so happy to see my children connecting with people that have meant so much to me over my life!” says Sarah. Despite living away, Sarah and her sister, Francie Armstrong Ladd ’88, continue to visit their father’s home in Virginia Beach as much as they can. Sarah explains it best: “We drink in that Virginia humidity to get away from the Texas pizza oven.” Liza Kenan Howell, Ashley Brinson Cusack, Courtney Overcash Kilpatrick and Dede Keyser Davis spent a weekend get-away in May at The Breakers in Palm Beach. With Liza living in Utah, Ashley in Florida, Courtney in North Carolina and Dede in Virginia, the girls had a great time reconnecting and relaxing.

The daughters of classmates Catherine Watkins Olmert ’86 and Berry Glover Shults ’86 spent a week whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River.

Sally Yowell Barbour, sallybarbour@yahoo.com Ashley Power O’Connor, abpoconnor@yahoo.com

Hi classmates! Always good to get news! It seems as if people are busy with life, which is what happens when you aren’t paying attention! Congratulations go out to Margaret Baldwin Pendergrass who won a teaching excellence award for the University of Georgia System (all the universities in the state of Georgia system!). Margaret won one of four top awards given for the state for 2016. The award is called the Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Awards for Teaching Excellence. Margaret will also have a play opening at KSU (Kennesaw State University) in November, that is a contemporary retelling of the ancient Greek tragedy “The Bacchae,” and a reading of another play, “Coyote Hour,” at a professional Atlanta theatre in December.

Congratulations Margaret — we are so proud of you! Stephanie Rosanelli Faul is out in Los Angeles, and sadly missed our reunion this year because she was recuperating from knee replacement surgery. She is still doing physical therapy, so feel stronger soon Stephanie! Catherine Watkins Olmert was able to spend some time this summer with Berry Glover Shults; they took their kids to the Ocoee River and went white water rafting for the week, which sounds terrific! Deming Herbert is still living in England, working as a freelance French-English translator. I hope everyone enjoys the upcoming holiday season!

30th Reunion, April 21-22 ReRe Lawrence Bernstein, r_r_bernstein@msn.com Copeland Sakowski Casati, copeland@copelandcasati.com The Class of 1987 was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of classmate Chesley Elam. We wish to use this opportunity to send our collective condolences, prayers and love to her twin sister and our classmate, Alexa Elam, as well as to her family and friends. "Out of this quietness and entirely in key with it, Seymour called to me. It came as a pleasant shock that there was a third person in the universe, and to this feeling was added the justness of it being Seymour." J. D. Salinger. Chesley, you will be missed. Your class correspondents invite everyone to attend our

Margaret Baldwin Pendergrass ’86 accepting the Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Awards for Teaching Excellence, one of four top awards given in the state of Georgia in 2016.

30th reunion in April when Chesley's name will be read during the Saturday morning chapel service.

Susan Grymes Lafferty, susan.lafferty@sutherland.com

Please send us your news!

Cindy Levinson Lefkoff, cindy_lefkoff@hotmail.com Suzanne Wishnack Morris, morrissuzanne@yahoo.com

Key Giles Michel had a busy August away from New Jersey! She went to the Summer Olympics in Rio to meet her husband Rich, who works for NBC Sports. She had a great time and never saw a mosquito! Key was lucky enough to see the USA Women's gymnastics team win Team Gold, Michael Phelps win two of his many Golds and the beach volleyball events on Copacabana Beach! After she returned to the U.S., she was able to catch up with Elizabeth Davenport Edmonds, Suzanne Wishnack Morris and Melisa Dray Hudson in Richmond before spending a week with her sister, Susanna Giles Holt ’91, and family in Bald Head Island, N.C. To end the summer, the Michel family went to Aruba for some relaxation for Rich, who had been in Rio for three weeks. Wow Key! That’s a month to remember. Leslie Abercrombie Noland writes, “Our oldest son Will is off to Tulane this year. Hallie started her second year at St. George’s in Newport. I am so excited as Emily Lyon Allen's ’90 son started there this year. Parents weekends will be much more fun with Emily!” Leslie also reports that she visited Augusta, Ga., and had a blast connecting with Molly Dozier McDowell ’90. Heather Morgan Zifchak is putting her Joni Rodman dance moves to good use! She is a certified Jazzercise instructor in Winston Salem, N.C. She and husband Pete celebrated their 13th anniversary this fall, and 9-year-old Mary Elizabeth keeps them all on their toes! All is well in Summit, N.J., with Breene

Mae Sutlive, daughter of Nell Pittman Sutlive ’93, and Mary Gaughan Curtin, daughter of Page Boyette Curtin ’93, on their annual beach trip

Farrington Wesson. Breene writes, “Love seeing Key Michel and her girls and also saw Anne Rhodes Huneke this summer at the beach. Kids are getting big! Charlotte is in 9th (high school, gulp!), Caroline in 7th and Sam in 4th and they keep busy dancing, and doing sports. Let Key and me know if any of you make a New York trip – we sometimes see those photos posted, and it's easy for us to run in and say hello!” Dagny Jackson Collier is excited that son Jackson graduated from college in May; son Oliver graduated from high school in June, and went away to school, so it's just daughter Erin at home now. She started middle school this year. In career news Dagny happily shared that her one-act play, “Fishing for Fate,” was published by Pioneer Drama and is on its website for theater groups to purchase and perform. Congratulations Dagny!

Sallie Smith Sweeney, sallie.sweeney@gdit.com Please send us your news!

Liz Ross Fitzgerald, rob.liz@live.com

Betsy Trible Reid, betsytreid@gmail.com Please send us your news!

25th Reunion, April 21-22 Liz Booker Staub, lizbstaub@gmail.com Tanner Smith Pilcher reports, “My husband Mason and I are enjoying our son Colston (age 2) who loves books, golf and his puppies Ava and Lacey.” Alison Monroe Martin writes, “Eric and I are still in Oregon with our boys Vake (7), Gil (4) and baby Mac (almost a year). I am the Deputy District Attorney for Klamath County, where I prosecute those accused of violent crimes. We are looking forward to a trip east to see Andrea Fisher Erda and her three children this summer. We miss Richmond and our friends so much but are enjoying our West Coast adventure.”

Ciara Torres-Spelliscy ’93 ran into Massie Ritsch (St. Chris ’94) while promoting her new book.

Page Boyette Curtin, pagebcurtin@gmail.com Nell Pittman Sutlive, nellsutlive@gmail.com

I, your class correspondent Page, had the pleasure of attending an evening for St. Catherine’s and St. Christopher’s alumnae/i in San Francisco last February at the home of Susanna Giles Holt ’91. What a fun opportunity it was to connect with fellow Saints living in the Bay Area. From our class, it was great to see Peyton Williams (St. Chris ’93) who has lived in the Bay Area with his family for several years now. I was excited to hear about the extraordinary school St. Catherine’s continues to be under the leadership of Dr. Terrie Hale Scheckelhoff. There was much talk about the upcoming 125th Anniversary Celebration, “Party Through the Decades.” Lindsay Bowen Adamson emailed that she and Eliza Siegel Branch both attended the Decades Event. According to Lindsay, "It was awesome. The decorations were fantastic as was the band. We danced until the very end!” Lindsay also served on a 125th committee called Chapel Talks. Her group consisted of Kathryn Clary Angus ’94 and Sarah Tune Price ’95. They planned and presented two chapels during the school year with the themes, “Growing Up on Campus” and “Community Service Through the Decades.” Thank you to Carrie Featherstone Hoge who is serving her second year as President of the Ellett-St. Catherine's Alumnae Association Richmond Chapter Board. Congratulations to Ciara Torres-Spelliscy who has been flying across the country to talk about her book “Corporate Citizen? An Argument for the Separation of Corporation and State.” Her last stop was at Columbia Law School. Over the summer, Meg Morton Sauer loved having KK Harris McCart visit her in Chicago. Nell Pittman Sutlive and I enjoyed our annual beach time together as well. Lucky for Nell and me, our girls seemed to enjoy reconnecting as much as their mothers! Please email Nell and me your news throughout the year. We will be sure to include your updates in class notes.

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Sophie Milam, smilam@mindspring.com

Please send us your news!

Anne Stokes Bowman, annesbowman@gmail.com Robyn Melzig Broughton, melzigbackup@gmail.com

Alexandra Ellen Ebrahim ’96 (left) was honored to be named godmother of Louise Irwin Welch’s ’96 (right) third daughter, Annabelle. They are pictured here at Annabelle’s christening.

Rachel Easterly Gagen, fortun8@comcast.net Julie Ann Raymer Wash, julieann.wash@kikicollection.com

Please send us your news!

We have a number of Class of 96ers who love the school environment so much, they have chosen academic careers in higher education. Heather Pergrossi Collins is an adjunct clinical instructor for the University of Mark Hardin Baylor’s College for Nursing. She also has two of her children in high school (are we that old?) Kendall Howard Tidey started her Masters of Social Work at UNCWilmington this fall. Amanda Menendez is now the Executive Director of the Innovation Institute at Colorado College. She has been self-employed since age 22 so this is a dream job as she’s paid to inspire young people to execute their dreams, just like Amanda has done all her life. Jesse Lazzuri is in her 4th year as Head of Middle School at St. Andrew's School in Savannah. Both of her sons are enrolled and at school with her. Cleo Estrera Etherington celebrated her 15th wedding anniversary and 10 years of working at Duke as a college health nurse practitioner. We also have some children of 96ers who are Saints. Stephanie Baldwin Herndon’s son started 4th grade at St. Christopher’s. She loves her job as a GI nurse

practitioner. Laura Spratley Birdsey’s daughters are both now with her at St. Catherine’s; her youngest daughter Charlotte started JK in the fall and has Sara Chapman Waechter ’97 as her teacher. Laura celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to the Amalfi Coast this summer. This class also some very successful careers. Louise Irwin Welch moved into Talent Management at Google. Mia Roop Massi was promoted to Marketing Manager for SATO Global. Anna Hope Maas is still the principal architectural historian at Thunderbird Archeology. She was appointed to the Warrenton Planning Commission, which is interesting being so close to the Northern Va. sprawl. Sarah Hutchison O'Sullivan is working on Ukraine issues at the State Department and gearing up to bid on her next Foreign Service position. Good luck Sarah! Sarah Hovis Dickinson has expanded her successful blog, “Sarah’s Book Shelves” and I am reading so much more because of it! Betsy Robbins Michau launched her interior design business in Philly, M&M Interior Redesign. Hobby Williams Sherman launched Lauder Hobson Design in Richmond, Va. The Class of ’96 has all your interior design needs covered. Lynne Fogarty Rhode is finishing her job with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and still loving living on the beach in Florida. She was recently visited by Victoria McMakin Wei. Victoria also took the Wei crew to NYC and had a wonderful time revisiting favorite places from when they lived there. She is looking forward to having more time to volunteer at the schools this year. Finally, your class

SPOTLIGHT

Whitney Zimmerman Edwards ’94

In the opening service for St. Christopher’s and St. Catherine’s faculty and staff, Rev. Whitney Zimmerman Edwards ’94, St. Christopher’s Upper School Chaplain and Religion Department Chair, spoke powerfully about finding Jesus in hard work and where you least expect Him. “You said he was out there and I could serve Him and it would prove my salvation in the seeking. And darn it if you weren’t right as you handed me that diploma which was a map inked in courage and full of enough with communion bread crumbs to lead me back home.” Edwards experienced St. Catherine's first as a day student, then as a boarder following the loss of her father. After she graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998 with majors in anthropology and religious studies, she served as a missionary in Asia and Central America. Edwards returned to Virginia to work as a prison chaplain in 2000, creating rehabilitation and post-release support courses for prisoners and eventually overseeing ministry to all of Virginia's jails, juvenile facilities and prisons.

Following her 2007 graduation from Yale Divinity School and her ordination, Edwards served as Associate Rector at St. James's Episcopal Church in Richmond. She grew the missions program to the largest of any in the US, with annual mission trips around the globe. She chaired WomanKind, a large international women's spirituality conference. In 2011, Edwards was called to be Associate Rector at St. John the Baptist in Portland, Oregon, where she made the Newcomer, Family Ministry and Welcome programs so successful that attendance at Sunday family services tripled in a year. Subsequently she served as Rector of Christ & Holy Trinity in Westport, CT, before joining the staff at St. Christopher’s. Edwards is married to Chris Edwards, a choral conductor and accomplished musician. They have two daughters, Emmeline (currently in JK) and Georgia (born 2014).

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Tatem Webb Read ’97, Lile Trice Benaicha ’97 and Caroline Tilghman Packard ’97 at the beach this summer.

A group of kids of classmates from 1997 and 1994 gathered for popsicles. Children of the following alumnae are pictured: Katherine Madden Guise ’97, Lile Trice Benaicha ’97, Anne Jenkins Logue ’97, Kate Gibson Beck ’97, Elizabeth Brown Peay ’97, Caroline Tilghman Packard ’97, Elizabeth Tilghman Valentine ’94, Sara Rudlin Kilkenny ’97 and Catherine McCoy Driscoll ’97.

Lauren Wagner Palagi ’97, pictured with her family, Lt. Col. DJ Palagi, Caroline (age 4), James (age 3), and Charlotte (age 2), at her promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.

correspondents Robyn Melzig Broughton and Anne Stokes Bowman are busy planning the future proposal of our youngest children, Janie Bowman and Caleb Broughton, who both turned 1, (so we have about 30 years to plan their wedding!) You can also see Anne and Erin McKittrick Shaw in their roles as extras on Southern Charm.

20th Reunion, April 21-22 Lile Trice Benaicha, liletrice@gmail.com Alice Buchanan Scott, alicebscott@lnf.com Whitney Dunlap McLeod reports, “Still rehabbing the historic 1890 farmhouse we purchased in Cary, N.C. There's no end in sight, but they tell us we're moving in this summer....but not holding my breath (irritated emoji).” Ada Montague is in the same process as she bought a 115-year-old home that she is renovating. Lauren Wagner Palagi was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. Lauren reports that she and her husband, Lt. Col. DJ Palagi; Caroline, age 4; James, age 3; and Charlotte, age 2, are moving to Germany in the spring for three years. The kids are really excited to learn a new language and travel in Europe. Windsor Jones Betts writes “I love

working at McGuireWoods on the same floor with Jontille Fowler Ray ’95 and the parents of many other Saints. My brother, Hamill Jones (St. Christopher's 2000), teaches in the Upper School at St. Christopher's and is the head varsity basketball coach. Last season his team won the most games in school history, including the Richmond Times Dispatch Holiday Tournament.” Lots to report from Christine Howe Dagostino. “We just sold our home outside of Frederick, Md., in March and moved to Canton, Ga., to be closer to my husband's family after the sudden passing of my father-in-law last November 2015. I became licensed in Georgia as a real estate salesperson, and now I am working with my sister-in-law to help her run her brokerage (and also doing traditional real estate on the side). My husband made the switch from corporate security to working with a tree removal service and says he has never been happier spending his days outside hauling trees, despite the crazy heat down here. My youngest just started Kindergarten this year and oldest just started Middle School — it feels like such a milestone to see them all in school now! Last year I also became a certified USA Swimming Stroke & Turn Official. My two oldest children swim year round with the Chattahoochee Gold swim team down here, so we spend lots of time at the pool! We are still sad to leave Maryland and the many friends and memories made there, but we are happy to be close to my husband's family. We are really looking forward to getting settled in down here and exploring the area more

– especially once it stops feeling like an oven — or does that actually happen in Georgia?” Tatem Webb Read loved spending some time on the east coast this summer. Tatem, Caroline Tilghman Packard and I, your class correspondent Lile Trice Benaicha, were together at the beach in June with five kids under five, three moms and lots of fun. Lucy Williams Hall and her husband, Rudd, welcomed their first child, Atticus Rudd Hall on May 19, 2016. I’ve met Atticus and can attest to the fact that he is a cutie! Helen Holt Bradley, daughter of Margaret Morrison Bradley and her husband, Waldo, arrived on July 11, 2016. Helen joins big brothers William and Jack. Margaret has her hands full with three under three! Margaret, Caroline, Catherine McCoy Driscoll, Katherine Madden Guise, Anne Jenkins Logue, Elizabeth Brown Peay, Annie Palmore Witthoefft ’96 and I were all able to catch up recently in Richmond when Margaret came to visit – it was such fun and got everyone very excited for the big reunion this spring, April 21-22, 2017! Mark your calendars and be on the lookout for more info on that… you can always check the class Facebook group, organized by Alice Buchanan Scott, for more info. Speaking of, Alice has graciously accepted to help out as your class correspondent starting this spring, so keep those class notes coming and make sure you reach out to her with any updates!

Sarah Redmond, sarah.d.redmond@gmail.com

As promised from last time, we have lots of exciting announcements for this edition of Class Notes — starting with three weddings! On April 16 Laura Wong Cheeley married Rebecca Cheeley, at their home in Richmond. On Sept. 17, Kira Siddall married Dr. George Thomas Gitchel. Bryn Nicholson Borntrager was matron of honor; Dabney Blanton and Audrea Watlington were bridesmaids; Cameron Fields Logan was a program attendant; and Margaret Teu Andrews was guest book attendant. Sarah Molenkamp Stuart married on Sept. 17 to Matt Stuart. Their wedding was at King Family Vineyard in Crozet, Va. Brooke Ford Barnard, Leila Haddad Abou-Assi, Allison Nugent Powers, and Elizabeth Durham Cardona were in attendance. Other St. Catherine’s folks in attendance were P.E. teacher, Rose Domayer, Meghan Durham Strauss ’01, and Sarah's mom, former faculty member Sally Molenkamp. In geographical news, Blakely Edwards Olson relocated to Raleigh for her husband's job. Blakely was a labor and delivery nurse in Richmond and is currently staying home with her two boys, Charlie and Yeatts, while in Raleigh. In career news, in September Kate Davenport was announced as the Co-President and CEO of Eureka Recycling in the Twin Cities. She is excited to lead an innovative social enterprise with over 85 staff who are demonstrating how zero waste,

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1998 Classmates enjoyed time with their children. L to R: Sarah Evans Hogeboom ’98, with Charlotte, Russell, and Colin; Lang Robertson Liebman ’98 with Emma and Jackson; Ayn Hallberg Crews ’98 with Emerson and Holden; Blakely Edwards Olson ’98 with Charlie and Yeatts; Blanton Greene Halliday ’98 with Montrey and Kaeton.

through a variety of business units and initiatives, is a solution to climate change, local economic development challenges, and in justice. Most recently Eureka Recycling won the two largest recycling contracts in Minnesota. Also in career news, both Lang Robertson Liebman and Tovia Martirosian Smith were named Top Docs in “Richmond Magazine.” Lang was also a fantastic resource for this set of notes. Keep sending in the updates, everyone!

Lindley Harding Stakem, lindleyhs@gmail.com

Erin Bladergroen Phillips and her husband with boys Ben, 4, and Connor, 2, made the journey across country from Norfolk to Seattle over the summer to put down new roots. Her husband Jeff took a new job with Amazon and they love exploring their new city with a smooth start to the school year! Evie Boatwright Frazier has realized a long-time dream in opening her very own private practice, Pathways Development Pediatrics. which opened in September 2016 as a family-centered developmental and behavioral clinic nestled in the historic Charlottesville area, helping children and families with concerns about their development, social skills, learning, mood, and behaviors from birth through age 21. Congrats Evie! Trinity Episcopal School has welcomed Ashley Gordon Bawol to its teaching staff as a French teacher this year. She joins fellow classmate Laurie Douglas who is in the Technology department. In addition to teaching, Ashley keeps her plate full by performing around Richmond with a variety of bands as both a lead singer and a bass player. She does all of this while raising two children – truly impressive! Tucker Bayliss Deal

Catherine Mason Hammer ’00 and her husband Stanley in Bali in June.

launched Designs by TBD, her jewelry line of statement necklaces, bracelets and earrings, available by special request and also at Wardrobe on Libbie Avenue in Richmond. Lizzie Ellen Holtan and her husband welcomed their third boy to the family! Harrison Tor Holtan was born Sept 20, 2016 and everyone is doing great! Billy and Lassiter Wall Stone welcomed their second boy, Kinchen Hart Stone on July 7, and his big brother is very excited! Lassiter is a senior copywriter at the Martin Agency where she launched a new campaign for Land O'Lakes called “Add a Little Good.” Katherine Jennrich has spent the last several years moving. She went from Bentonville, Ark., to Boulder, Colo., and back to Bentonville in 2013. She married Sean Canoy on March 25, 2016 in a small ceremony among friends and family in Andrews, N.C. In attendance was former roommate, Chrystal Russell. In Bentonville, Katherine works on sustainability and renewable energy for Walmart. Lizzie Harris Oglesby wants to get everyone involved in celebration of the arts and our theater! She is planning the next Ampersand Reunion “A Farewell To McVey." 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ampersand, and all are invited to participate in the Ampersand Reunion Weekend in 2017; date to be announced. This will be a celebration of the performing arts and a chance to say goodbye to McVey Theatre before it is demolished to create an even better space for students to perform. Please contact her if you have any questions or would like to be involved in planning. She encourages all McVey Theatre enthusiasts to join the Ampersand Encore Facebook group to stay informed about reunion plans. Your faithful note collector greatly appreciates the updates! Thank you for all who provided. As for me, Lindley Harding Stakem, I am still in

Elizabeth Irwin ’00 had a busy summer of weddings, road tripping through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and playing PokemonGo!

Charlottesville where I completed the McIntire Business Institute program at UVA. in the spring, while still working at Perrigo to bring the world-quality nutritional products under your store brand label. Cheers to all for a great fall and holiday season! ‘Til next time …

Elizabeth Irwin, esirwin@gmail.com

Helllloooo Class of 2000! There are a LOT of educators in our class! Katie Brinkley is a Professor at University of California, Davis — right down the road from Helene Sims ’03! Catherine Powell Box is the Director of Admissions at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. And Kendall Heskett Axtell is teaching pk4! June brought BABIES! Nicole Dicharry Jordan had her second child, Margo Johns Jordan, who has lots of hair and whose big brother Harris thinks is awesome. Lindsay Cowles Arrington had a baby boy — Thomas Franklin Arrington IV (“Ford”) — he’s a dream! Our classmates are everywhere. Catherine Mason Hammer and husband Stanley are in Saudi Arabia still — their favorite experiences include hiking the Annapurna range in Nepal and meeting with a traditional Balinese healer! Down under, Elizabeth Terrell works hard for Deloitte Australia but still made time to holiday in Singapore and Sri Lanka in May. Across the pond Becca Logue Thomson is starting a children's bedding company called “Isabel and Celeste” with a good British friend. In the market for cute but sophisticated children's bedding? Hold off until springtime when they’ll be up and running with both a U.K. and a U.S. platform. After a summer trying to keep cool in HOTlanta, Maggie Temple Bailey’s girls (Madison & Carter) turn two in November! Big

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Many Saints were in attendance at Ibbie Hedrick Britton’s ’00 wedding on April 30, 2016. L to R: Ashley Taylor Jaffee ’00, Lorrie King Smith ’00, Ann Robertson Vaughters ’00, Jeb Britton (St. Chris ’99), Ibbie, Molly Trice '99, Elizabeth Irwin ’00, Windsor Jones Betts ’97

thanks to everyone who helped Maggie raise $89k+ for an Ole Miss scholarship created in memory of Maggie’s sister-in-law and her fiancé. Richmond is busy too! Ibbie Hedrick Britton tied the knot with Jeb Britton (St. Chris ’99) with Ann Robertson Vaughters, Ashley Taylor Jaffee, and Elizabeth Irwin in the wedding party! (Fun fact: Katie Rutledge Nelson briefly “crashed” the newlyweds’ honeymoon down in Kiawah which was great fun!) Rebecca Gricus looks forward to seeing Sarah Gricus Marshall ’98 for the first time since Sarah moved to London in August 2014 – they’re definitely overdue for some serious sister bonding. Elizabeth Hiett loves working in VCU’s Global Education Office with people from all over the world on really cool international projects and programming — she even gets to speak some very rusty Italian now and again! (It should be mentioned, however, that her blog “Liz and Limes” misses her desperately…) At 2 ½, Leigh Bladergroen Glatt’s son Charlie keeps his parents on their toes (to put it mildly). Her daughter Evelyn is enjoying JK at St. Catherine’s with Ann Robertson Vaughters’ oldest daughter Elsie Jane. Megan Gross White moved back to town, and her son Eli is loving JK at St. Christopher's. Elizabeth Irwin had a busy summer of weddings, road tripping through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and playing Pokemon Go! She had amazing weekends in Charlotte at her cousin’s wedding — always fun to see her aunt Eleanor Deane Bierbower ’75 — and in California with Louise Irwin Welch ’96, Dede Deane Irwin ’68, and Alexandra Ellen Ebrahim ’96 for her niece Annabelle’s christening! Until next time, keep being your amazing selves… just don’t forget to tell me all about it!

Evan Garrison, garrison.evan@gmail.com Ida Trice Vaclavik, idavaclavik@gmail.com While some of us were in Richmond, Susanna Taylor and her new husband Jeffrey Koons were visiting Rachel Perlstein and Titine in New Orleans. Susanna is enjoying exploring San Francisco on her days off from her clothing store Two Birds. She recently returned from an exciting trip to Iceland. She enjoyed seeing the magnificent wild scenery and relaxing in the hot springs. Melissa Britt Mitchell and Julie Griffith Goodman also had their own reunion in New York City over the summer. Although the weather was hot, they enjoyed going to dinner and to Broadway shows. Melissa is busy working as a recruiter and running around Atlanta with friends and family. Holly Dew Roper continues to study for a Masters in Professional Counseling. She is in her second semester at Research Guidance Service Inc., a private counseling practice. After her Master's she will start a residency. Liza Bance continues to play guitar and sing. She has produced two CDs. Mary Mason Williams Foukal, Ann Kamps Kramer Taliaferro and Emily Valentine Schutt have their hands full with their kids who already seem like the Three Musketeers. Kendall Priddy SmithHarrison and her husband Tito welcomed their first child this year. Leon Ismael Smith-Harrison, III (Trigg) was born on April 2nd, 2016 in Charlottesville, Va. The couple has been living there for the past two years. Tito is in med school at UVA, graduating in 2018, and Kendall is an ICU RN. As for your correspondent Evan, I am in my

Top: L to R: Peyton Schutt, son of Emily Valentine Schutt ’01; Carrington Foukal, son of Mary Mason William Foukal ’01; Dell Taliaferro, daughter of Ann Kamps Kramer Taliaferro ’01 Middle: Melissa Britt Mitchell ’01 (left) and Julie Griffith Goodman ’01 (right) had their own reunion in New York City over the summer where they enjoyed going to dinner and Broadway shows. Bottom: Susanna Taylor ’01 married Jeff Koons on Oct. 11, 2015

final year of Dental School at VCU. I am heading back to Harrisonburg, Va., after graduation to start practicing. Kitt Murphy Zuk writes, “My husband and I both competed in (and completed) a full Ironman competition in Mont-Tremblant this summer. It was 140.6 miles of swimming, biking and running (fun) which made for a long day and required quite a bit of training this summer. Thankfully we both finished and now I can cross that one off the bucket list and never have to do it again. Other than that, we are still living in New

a lumn ae now York and working in finance (me for an infrastructure focused private equity fund and Chris for a hedge fund). I travel a good bit for work and am often in Mexico City (too bad I never took Spanish) where we have an investment.”

15th Reunion, April 21-22 Keriann Boone Filippi, heykeriann@gmail.com Margaret Norfleet Weismiller, margaret.weismiller@gmail.com Our class of 2002 is full of growing families! Corbin Dunlap Page and husband Travis had a baby girl, Decker Andrews Page, on May 9. They also bought a house in Richmond's historic Church Hill over the summer. Nothing like piling on huge life changes all at once! Susan Hock Sobay is living in Alexandria and working at Education Advisory Board. Her daughter Caroline will be 3 in November, and she welcomed a second daughter, Greyson Eileen Sobay, this last January. Both were baptized in April; Margaret Norfleet Weismiller is godmother to Caroline, and Katie Macon DeGenova is godmother to Greyson. Katie Wallmeyer Payne welcomed Anne Temple Prillaman Payne on July 3, at 8 pounds 4 oz. Anne Temple joins brother Slaton, age 5 who started JK in the fall, and sister Mary Madison, age 3. Emily Frank Leisy welcomed her second child, Eloise Kathryn Taylor Leisy, on December 10. 2015, and moved to River Road Farms a few months ago. Melanie Jasnoch Wake welcomed her third son, Thomas Archer, on September 29, 2015. Your correspondent Margaret is living in London and welcomed a son, Malcolm Vilas Weismiller, on August 24. "Mac" joins sister Mary Winston, age 2. Many congratulations and I wish everyone as much sleep as possible!

Whitney Adams, whitneycolvinadams@gmail.com

Please send us your news!

Carter Augustine Warren, carterpaugustine@gmail.com Mimi Kennedy Harris, mimi.k.harris1@gmail.com Ann Tripp Carlson, attripp@gmail.com

Ann Tripp Carlson and her husband, Emmett, welcomed son Mason in May. After a great summer at home with Mason they are now both happily back in their classrooms for another year at St. Christopher’s. Mimi Worrell is currently the interim Head of Lower School at Alexandria Country Day, a small, private school in Alexandria, Va., where she’s been working for the past six years. In May, Kenzie Karn finished her Master's of

Mason Alexander Carlson, son of Ann Tripp Carlson ’04 and Emmett Carlson

Science in Aerospace Engineering from Purdue (while working). Sara Seward McGlothlin and Polly Marshall Taylor just celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of their barre studio barReVA in the near west end. They are having so much fun sharing their love of the exercise with the Richmond community! Katie Eckert graduated this summer with a Ph.D. in Physics from UNC and is now a postdoc at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Brooke Barnhardt married Jack Zunka on September 10, on a mountaintop in Charlottesville, Va. In attendance were 2004 boarder friends Bentley Gearhart Dorn, Ginny McClinton Bowden, and Mimi Kennedy Harris. Katie Jenkins Jurewicz and her husband Jeff welcomed their son Joseph William Jurewicz in February. They are living in Fredericksburg, Va. Katie works from home with Cambridge University Press as a World Languages Specialist. Thanks for all the great news. We love hearing it!

Tyler Hetzer Burr, tylerhburr@gmail.com Anne Porter Pulliam, annepulliam87@gmail.com Anne married David White Pulliam, Jr. in October 2015. Her bridesmaids included, Caroline Porter ’06, Walker Robbins Coleman, Rebecca Kasper, Melanie Sullivan, Kelly Lawson, Lauren Snead Bell, Tyler Hetzer Burr, Anna Wienckowski, Alexandra Dahl Brooks and Anna Svirsky Besse. Anne is enjoying her new career as an interior designer! Mary Via and Frank Holleman welcomed their first child, Lily Anne Holleman, on January 8, 2016. Mary moved back to Northern Virginia with her family and joined Upper School faculty at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes Upper School in Alexandria this fall. Tyler Hetzer Burr and husband William welcomed a daughter, Mary Lyde Burr, on March 2,

Mary Lyde Burr, daughter of Tyler Hetzer Burr '05

2016. Tyler enjoys having Mary Via as a colleague at SSSAS! Anna Svirsky Besse married James Matthew Besse on September 10, 2016. Walker, Stephanie Morish, Anne, Alexandra Svirsky ’07 and Cabel Gardner Whipple ’96 were bridesmaids for the ceremony. They are currently living in Evanston, Ill., where Anna is finishing her M.B.A. at Kellogg School of Management. Carrie Farmer Miller married William Sheppard Miller IV, son of Gigi Rawles Miller ’75, on September 24, 2016. Catherine Purdy is entering her final year of an MA TESOL degree at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, Calif., and is an adjunct instructor in the school’s Intensive English as a Second Language program. Walker Robbins Coleman married John Woodfin Coleman (WFS '05) on June 4, 2016 at Figure Eight Island, N.C. Bridesmaids included Anne, Anna, Louise Bance, Melanie Sullivan, Anne Harvard Smith Hooper and Alston Armfield Daigh, daughter of Janie Hall Armfield ’70. Alexandra Dahl Brooks married James Brooks on August 20 at Berkeley Plantation. Her bridesmaids included Tyler, Stephanie and Anne. Rebecca Kasper married Scott Heiser on May 7 at her parents' home in Richmond. Mary Via performed the ceremony! Bridesmaids included Tyler, Anne, Melanie, Louise, Caroline Kasper ’08 and Priscilla Kasper ’10. Shelby Kingsley started a new career with Booz Allen Hamilton. She loves working from home with her two rescues, Harry Pawter and the newest addition, Nellie! Shelby enjoys staying involved in the St.Catherine’s community by participating in the Student Life and Education Board committee. Angie Thomas Smith married Dr. Peter Gaillard Smith on January 30, 2016 in Charleston, S.C. Lissie Cain, Sophie Helm, Alexandra Bassett Musto, and Katherine Helm Traynham were bridesmaids. She is still enjoying her position as project

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St. Catherine's alumnae at the wedding of David and Anne Porter Pulliam '05

manager for the South Carolina Power Team. Lucy Trice Tillou and John welcomed a daughter, Helen Ware Tillou, on April 2, 2016. Melanie Sullivan joined the Global Events Team at American Express last Spring and is still loving living in N.Y.C! Martha Ellen Wingfield is finishing a Master’s of Education at VCU, working as the Site Coordinator for 4th and 5th grades with the Blue Sky Fund, and taking care of 18 chickens and two dogs with her husband on their farm. Allie Ludeman is a licensed clinical social worker who works for Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital in the East End. She is also a resident of Church Hill and feels very grateful to both live and work in her community. Jessica Lin is living in Portland, Ore., with her pup, Cookie Monster. She works for a digital marketing agency as Brand Campaigns and Partnerships Manager; she also teaches yoga and fitness at studios around the city. Her love for travel has still not been satisfied so she’s off to Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines within the next six months.

Janie Coleman, janeanncoleman@gmail.com Preston Wright, elizabeth.p.wright@gmail.com Please send us your news!

10th Reunion, April 21-22 Eliza Blackwell Conrad, eliza.conrad88@gmail.com Margaret Shaia Peixoto, margaret.s.peixoto@gmail.com Congratulations to: Margaret Fearing Northrup on the birth of her first child, Oliver Woodson Northrup; Katherine Gray on her marriage to Brett Palik; and to Katie Grover on her marriage to Wilson Oswald! After working at the Children’s

Rebecca Kasper married Scott Heiser on May 7 at her home in Richmond.

Defense Fund national office in D.C. for three years, Emily Hammer is now living in Austin, Texas pursuing a Master's of Science in Social Work at UT Austin. She works part-time as a teaching assistant and as a research assistant at the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health. Courtney Brannan is an Associate Senior Designer at Champalimaud Design in NYC. She is working on projects around the world, most recently leading the redesign and renovation of the Beverly Hills Hotel bungalows. Ella Smith is back in Richmond. She is working at Paper on the Avenue while growing her own custom design and letterpress business, Ella Letterpress. Check out her beautiful work at www.ellaletterpress.com. Keep sending us your news! We can’t wait to see y’all at the 10 year reunion!

Caroline Kasper, carolinekasper212@gmail.com

Greetings from NYC! Your class correspondent, Caroline, has recently moved to from Philly to NYC where I am working at LeadDog Marketing Group. I have enjoyed living with classmate, Charlotte Sullivan, temporarily for a few months, and will be soon moving in with another classmate, Cille Crowley. Charlotte moved to NYC from Jackson Hole in the spring with her chocolate lab, Bizzy, and is working for a small fashion designer at I Pezzi Dipinti. Cille is working as a marketing manager at CBRE. Also in NYC are: Annie Moore who is working as a recruiting manager at Robert Half International; Blair Carter who is working in trend and concept in the New York Design Office for Maurices, a women’s fashion brand; and Helen Lanier Reveley who is working as a medical research associate at The Expert Institute. Congrats to Janie Fitzgerald who graduated in May from Lynchburg College with her Doctor of

2008 Classmates (L to R) Charlotte Sullivan, Margaret Meredith, and Caroline Kasper headed to a concert on Governor's Island in NYC.

Physical Therapy and is now working at the Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine in Glen Allen, Va. There are lots of us in Richmond. Maria Cain works for Carmax in their home office as a workday analyst. Hunter Blair works for The McCammon Group, Ltd. and recently started coaching JV2 tennis at St. Catherine’s (Go Saints!). Marlee Crossen started a new job at a private equity firm called Rice Industries. Katherine Skilling practices medical malpractice defense with Wimbish Gentile McCray & Roeber PLLC. Melinda Carpenter Bronson and her husband Eric live in Richmond's Church Hill and she works for Braintree Laboratories as a pharmaceutical sales rep. Jessie Sauer is planning to move from Richmond to Nashville where she will be working in the transportation group at the smokeless tobacco factory for Altria. Jessie is joining fellow classmate Sayre Merhige who lives in Nashville and works at G/O Digital as the senior email coordinator. Margaret Meredith is living in Charleston, S.C., working as a smb funding consultant at Snapcap. Margaret and Meredith Steele live together and Meredith does floral designs at SYG Designs. More congrats are in order as Lauren White graduated in May from VCU with her Ph.D.

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Sewanee classmates, Anna Wells Crowley ’12 (left) and Janie Spilman ’12 (right) escorted captain of the Sewanee lacrosse team, Alexis Crittenden ’12 (center) on her senior day.

5th Reunion, April 21-22 Nina Vivadelli ’10 spent a school year (2015-2016) teaching English in Thailand, in Amphoe Bang Bo, a district of Samut Prakan Province.

in Nanotechnology & Nanoscience. She moved to Hillsboro, Ore., in July to work as a Process TD Engineer at Intel Corporation. Also, congrats to Katherine Hetzer who graduated in May from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Nursing School. Katherine moved to Efland, N.C., and is working as a nurse in general medicine at Duke University. Congrats to Claire Lockerby Chapla who graduated from Stanford Law in June and moved to Denver for the year with her husband, Zach. She is working as a law clerk for Chief Judge Timothy Tymkovich of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit until next August. Following that she will be an associate in the Washington D.C. office of the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Claire and Zach love the life in Colorado!

Allie Gullquist, agullquist@me.com

Liz Carleton,ehc9pb@gmail.com Parks Daniel, parkshewitt@gmail.com Please send us your news!

Mamie Robertson, robertsonm14@mail.wlu.edu Jane Taylor, janedorseytaylor@gmail.com Nina Vivadelli spent a school year (2015-2016) teaching English in Thailand, in Amphoe Bang Bo, a district of Samut Prakan Province.

Cabell Doswell, cabell.doswell@gmail.com Polly Ukrop, polly.ukrop@gmail.com Please send us your news!

Marshall Moore, marshallmoore93@gmail.com Emily O’Connell, evoconnell@verizon.net The class of 2012 is embarking on a variety of new adventures as they begin their post graduate lives. Laura English is living in Valledupar, Colombia, while Lizzie Stallings is living in Seville, Spain. Both are teaching English. On the other side of the world, Kaylin Blount is studying with Princeton University in China. Closer to home, Raven Baytops is working as an admissions counselor at Dickinson College and Abigail Rose is studying in the Pastry Arts Program at the International Culinary Center in New York City. This class is looking forward to reuniting for our fifth year reunion in April!

Ann Prideaux, abp@vt.edu

Franny Blanchard, blanfh13@wfu.edu

The Class of 2013 is as busy as ever, with most of us enjoying our last year of undergrad. Alex McEachin continues to take the fashion world by storm working for designer Proenza Schouler during New York Fashion Week this fall. Allie Murillo is spending fall semester as an intern in the Virginia Voter Protections Office of Hillary Clinton’s campaign, as part of a joint effort between the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party of Virginia.

Fraser Mayberry, frasermayberry@go.rmc.edu Ellie Wallace, elliewallace@verizon.net

The Class of 2014 is halfway through our college years and we have been doing some awesome things! Many of our classmates are pursuing studies abroad including Libby Nelson in Italy (summer ’16), Libbie Hamner in Morocco (summer

(Top) Members of class of 2012 at their William & Mary graduation in May. L to R: Audrey Scruggs, Hannah Whitworth, Emily O'Connell and Katherine Freeman (Bottom) Juliana Jiranek '16 and Olivia Vivadelli '15 worked as Team Assistants over the summer for a research project at VCU.

’16), and Kathryn Threatt, who is currently spending her semester in Argentina. Many also held impressive internships this summer: Hannah Powell in New York writing for an interior designer; Lexi Godfrey in marketing for Williamsburg Distillery; Margaret Gaenzle at a financial firm; and Amanda Bolin who researched a 14th-15th century Ethiopian manuscript through her internship. Caroline Bones spent her time off teaching summer school in rural Mississippi, while Jessica Condlin led a mission trip across the country. Catherine Simpson has been working in a developmental psychology lab at Washington and Lee, and McKenzie Licata has been working as an EMT in Harrisonburg, Va. The class of 2014 is looking forward to an exciting fall semester! Remember to send us any great updates you have! Have a great year!

Lily Damgard, lilymead@live.unc.edu

Lily Gray, lilygray@gmail.com Juliana Jiranek ’16 and Olivia Vivadelli have been working as Team Assistants this summer for a research project at VCU, MOMSPI. It's a multimillion dollar microbiome study funded through the NIH. The focus is on how microbes affect pregnancy and the health of babies after birth.

Needs correspondent! Please send us your news!

Marriages

Many Saints attended the wedding of Sarah Molenkamp Stuart ’98. Front Row, L to R: Elizabeth Durham Cardona '98, Sarah, Meghan Durham Strauss '01; Back Row, L to R; Allison Nugent Powers '98, Sally Molenkamp (Former LS Staff), Rose Domayer (LS Staff), Brooke Ford Barnard '98, Leila Haddad Abou-Assi '98

Walker Robbins Coleman ’05 married John Woodfin Coleman on June 4, 2016 at Figure Eight Island, N.C. L to R: Melanie Sullivan ’05, Anna Svirsky Besse ’05, Anne Porter Pulliam ’05, Walker, Anne Harvard Smith Hooper ’05, Louise Bance ’05

A beautiful night for Kira Siddall’s ’98 wedding in September. L to R: Dabney Blanton ’98, Kira, Bryn Nicholson Borntrager ’98, Audrea Watlington ’98

Katherine Jennrich ’99 (left) enjoyed spending time with her former roommate Chrystal Russell ’99 (right) at her wedding in March 2016. Brooke Barnhardt ’04 married Jack Zunka on September 10, on a mountaintop in Charlottesville, Va. In attendance were 2004 boarder friends Bentley Gearhart Dorn, Ginny McClinton Bowden and Mimi Kennedy Harris.

Laura Wong ’98 (left) looking happy at her wedding to Rebecca Cheeley.

Jillian Thornton ’03 married Hunter Carpenter (St. Chris ’03 and son of Judy Carpenter Hawthorne ’75) in Alys Beach, Fla. in September.

The marriage of Kathryn James ’04 to William Wallace Smith III

1972

2003

Anna Svirsky to James Matthew Besse Angie Thomas to Peter Gaillard Smith Louise Bance to Seldon Clarke

Sine Anahita to Kayt Sunwood

1982

Cabell Jones to Andrew John Blair

1998

Sarah Molenkamp to Matt Stuart Kira Siddall to George Thomas Gitchel Laura Wong to Rebecca Cheeley

1999

Katherine Jennrich to Sean Canoy

Jillian Thornton to Hunter Carpenter

2004

Brooke Barnhardt to Jack Zunka Lauren Ellis to Mark Gospodnetić Kate James to William Wallace Smith III

2005

Maria Burke to John Epley Alexandra Dahl to James Brooks Carrie Farmer to William Sheppard Miller IV Walker Robbins to John Woodfin Coleman

2007

Ashley Davey to John Harris Katherine Gray to Stephen “Brett” Palik, Jr. How Eun (Hellen) Lee to Whanseong Yu

2012

Kinley Crenshaw to Kevin Hyde

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Births & Adoptions

Anne Temple Prillaman Payne, daughter of Katie Wallmeyer Payne ’02

Thomas Franklin "Ford" Arrington IV, son of Lindsay Cowles Arrington ’00

Margo Johns Jordan, daughter of Nicole Dicharry Jordan ’00

Dorothy Frances Williams, daughter of Mary Davenport Williams ’01

Thomas Brent Huggins, son of Tess Leppert Huggins ’01

Emily Frank Leisy's ’02 children: Hunter (left) and Eloise (right).

Kigan Everson Habimana, son of Holly Ziskal Habimana ’98

Leon Ismael Smith-Harrison, III, son of Kendall Priddy Smith-Harrison ’01

Melanie Jasnoch Wake ’02 welcomed third son, Thomas Archer, pictured at center, in September 2015.

Margaret Norfleet Weismiller ’02 is living in London with her husband Bradley and daughter Mary Winston, age 2; they welcomed a son, Malcolm Vilas Weismiller, on August 24.

al um n ae now 1992

Dyer Price and Michael Stassek, a daughter, Sibyl Carolann Stassek

1994

Elizabeth Tilghman and Charles Valentine, a son, Gray Willis Valentine

1997

Anne Flippo and James D.W. Zehmer, a son, John Franklin Zehmer Margaret Morrison and Waldo Bradley, a daughter, Helen Holt Bradley Lucy Williams and Rudd Hall, a son, Atticus Rudd Hall

1998

Holly Ziskal and Boris Habimana, a son, Kigan Everson Habimana Loren Livick and Ben Zambrana, a daughter, Sophia Clevenger Zambrana

1999

Lizzie Ellen and Alex Holtan, a son, Harrison Tor Holtan Lassiter Wall and Billy Stone, a son, Kinchen Hart Stone

2001

Mary Davenport and Neel Williams, a daughter, Dorothy Frances Williams Tess Leppert and Adam Huggins, a son, Thomas Brent Huggins Kendall Priddy and Tito Smith-Harrison, a son, Leon Ismael “Trigg” Smith- Harrison III Ida Trice and Alex Vaclavik, a son, Charles Rivington Vaclavik Ginger Tripp and Judson McAdams, a son, George Wickham McAdams

2002

Emily Frank and Robert Leisy, a daughter, Eloise Kathryn Taylor Leisy Susan Hock and Canon Sobay, a daughter, Greyson Eileen Sobay Melanie Jasnoch and Max Wake, a son, Thomas Archer Wake Margaret Norfleet and Bradley Weismiller, a son, Malcolm Vilas “Mac” Weismiller Katie Wallmeyer and Daniel Payne, a daughter, Anne Temple Prillaman Payne

2007

Margaret Fearing and Paul Northrup, a son, Oliver Woodson Northrup

2000

Lindsay Cowles and Thomas Arrington, a son, Thomas Franklin "Ford" Arrington IV Nicole Dicharry and John Jordan, a daughter, Margo Johns Jordan

Memorials Alumnae 1935

Dorothy Ogsbury Worth Burtis

1936

Marguerite Tabb Clodfelter Jane Fuller Waters

1938

Frances Claiborne Guy

1940

Elizabeth Brunk Argo Margaret Hutcheson Dorrier Elaine Dicks Flowerree Elizabeth Willis Hill Mary Coker Joslin Doris Schaum Walston

1942

Louise Robinson Peck Gray

1944

Ysabel Brown Dulken Marguerite Rucker Ellett

1945

Sara Tiedeman Gillespie Norvell Sharp Loughborough

1946

Margaret Massie Disharoon Virginia Williamson Hatheway Ann Wilmer Hoon Gene Gunn Wilson

1961

Pauline Louise Cunningham Doyle

1965

Martha Patterson Kidder Crittenden

1947

1966

1950

1987

1951

Former Member, Board of Governors

Helen McKenney Sprey

Marilyn March Parke Bryant Gunn Craven

1952

Molly Johnson Robinson

1953

Anne Mathias Schenkel

1954

Mildred Hayes Cross Joanna Richardson Kohlhepp

1958

Bettie Beverley Tussing

1959

Nancy Hamer Andrews

Virginia Weiskittel Kelly Chesley Elam

Paul Brandon Barringer II

Member, Foundation Board William Johnston Armfield IV

Former Member, Foundation Board Irby B. Brown

Former Faculty/Staff Stanley Cabble Judith Cooke Gladys Elsie Crump Karen Ierardi Elizabeth Wagner

Make an Impact “ As I prepared for my 45th Reunion last spring, I gave a lot of thought to the best way to honor what the School has given me. After considering my choices, I decided that including St. Catherine’s as one of the beneficiaries in my retirement account would benefit the School while providing for my family at the same time.” Susan Stevens ’71

Others Making an Impact Through Their Retirement Accounts: Betty Allen Austin Brockenbrough Jane Bryan Brockenbrough ’58 Beth Allen Cuthbert ’60 Debbie Andrews Dunlap ’70 Betsy Bryson Frantz ’76 Anne Gant ’69

Nancy Jennings Grey ’77 Mary Watson Hayes ’79 Elizabeth Cabell Jennings ’81 Anne Whitfield Kenny ’51 Anne Howell McElroy ’78 Mac McElroy Gigi Rawles Miller ’75

Jane Witherspoon Peters ’61 Brenda Roberts ’74 Ann Fowle Rumble ’71 Gwen Brannon Weeks ’62 Lacy Williams ’69 Evelyn Ragland Zink ’66

“ By designating the School in my IRA, I have the satisfaction of knowing that part of the account’s final balance will strengthen the School, and the security of knowing that I can still tap these funds if I need them.” — Gwen Brannon Weeks ’62

Join Us.

To learn more about this or other ways of becoming a member of The Arcade Society, St. Catherine’s planned giving group, or to notify the School of your planned gift, please contact Deborah Andrews Dunlap ’70, Director of Development, (ddunlap@st.catherines.org ) or Judy Carpenter Hawthorne ’75, Senior Development Officer (jhawthorne@st.catherines.org ) at 804.281.7141.

Planned Giving Program

boarding memories UNITY Sleepovers in the Library

alking into the sleek, stateof-the-art Wright Library, alumnae likely feel a twinge of envy. There are cozy chairs and ottomans, spaces where students can talk, even eat and drink, a far cry from the pre-1996-renovation Library many saw as gloomy and uninviting. However, in the late-1980s to late-1990s, a pair of enterprising faculty members came up with a way to cast the Library in a very different light. During the 1986-87 school year, at the request of Head of School Allen Becker, Upper School Coordinator and Assistant to the Dean Marilyn Marable began a support group for black students. The Black Student Union was a vehicle to help students of color find a voice and identity. Shortly thereafter, longtime Librarian Laura McCutcheon approached Marable about expanding the mission. UNITY was born, open to all students, and aimed to support students from an array of backgrounds and to increase awareness of multicultural issues. Even St. Christopher’s boys could join. During this time, St. Catherine’s had boarding students from widely differing backgrounds, from rural southern towns to cities in the northeast, as well as a host of international students. UNITY gave them a way to connect with each other, share experiences and have people they could turn to while providing support for the “new girls” as they adapted to social and educational challenges. UNITY had fund-raisers and sponsored events such as popular mixers with boys’ schools from all over the state; field trips to ethnic restaurants, museums, and performances; and chapel presentations to raise awareness of issues and provide

different perspectives. Perhaps most innovative were the popular UNITY Sleepovers that took place in the normally quiet, sedate Library. Sleepover nights, like UNITY, were open to all boarders and day students, and to St. Chris boys who were in UNITY

were very short. Then Marable shared her own list, which was extensive and full of positivity. For Jontille, this was a pivotal moment that forever changed her mindset, and helped her to embrace the differences she and others had seen as negative. “It rang true; it altered my perspective, gave

Members of the Black Student Union, 1987-1988, with Secretary to Dean of Students Marilyn T. Marable (left). Laura McCutcheon with Unity students in 2001 (right). Both Laura and Marilyn are members of the Society of the Ring.

(though boys had to leave at 11 p.m.). UNITY Sponsors Marilyn Marable and Laura McCutcheon wanted to give students a way to blow off steam and connect, with games like Marco Polo and Capture the Flag. They rented Blockbuster videos and led instructive awareness exercises and activities that provoked thoughtful discussion. McCutcheon recalls one in which students would take an object like an orange and describe it as if no one had ever seen it before. Jontille Fowler Ray ’95, an attorney, vividly remembers a UNITY exercise led by Marable in which they were asked to write down the benefits of being a woman of color. The students’ lists

me courage and confidence” that has served her well personally and professionally. At sleepovers, small groups would stake out areas to talk and, in some cases, actually sleep, but everyone knew that “sleepover” was a misnomer. What was NOT a misnomer was the unity that these evenings inspired among students, and the chance to learn about and grow with each other. Preserving the past for the future: St. Catherine's is committed to preserving the history and community of its boarding alumnae. If you have treasures and memories to share, please contact Sarah Martin Herguner '77, school archivist, at sherguner@st.catherines.org.

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