1981 Reunion Awards

Class of 1981 June 24, 2021

Thirty-two members of the Class of 1981 brought the fun to a sensational virtual 40th reunion. Alumnae representing various states and countries (even Estonia!) enjoyed videos, reminiscenced, and paid tribute to their seven classmates no longer with us. Many toasts were made and a fall in-person gathering was welcomed by all. Three reunion awards were presented.

Saint Angela Award

The Saint Angela Award was instituted in 1977 to mark the 80th anniversary of The Ursuline School. The award is given to alumnae for their exceptional loyalty and devotion to the school and for furthering the realization of the values and goals of Ursuline education.

Doreen Mauro Napolitano ’81

Doreen is a woman of wisdom and grace. After a very successful career in technology consulting, Doreen set out on a new path. What started out as a way for Doreen to advocate for her own son’s religious educational needs has, over more than 10 years, grown into a deep vocation for Doreen. She is currently the Coordinator of Religious Education and Director of the Special Needs Religious Education program for the parish of Annunciation - Our Lady of Fatima.

Together with the previous Head of the Religious Education Program, Doreen created a special needs religious education program that has been honored by the Archdiocese of New York, with special recognition from Cardinal Dolan.

Each season, Doreen leads the program to prepare special needs students to learn about, understand and receive their sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Her friends know that each spring is her ‘busy season!”

Doreen embodies the Ursuline spirit of Serviam. She approaches her role with great respect and reverence for Catholic teachings, and dedication to the religious education of all children.

Doreen has truly taken on the calling and the challenge that St. Angela Merici posed to her followers so many years ago:

“May the strength and true consolation of the Holy Spirit be in you all, so that you can sustain and carry out vigorously and faithfully the charge laid upon you.”

It is for these reasons, and the grace and kindness that Doreen exhibits in her work and her life every day, that it is our honor to present Doreen with the St. Angela Award, in recognition of her outstanding service in the area of Special Needs - Religious Education.

Saint Ursula Award

The Saint Ursula Award was presented for the first time in 1984 to recognize alumnae who bring honor to themselves and to The Ursuline School through distinctive achievement in their careers.

Catherine R. McCabe ’81

“Accomplished, focused, results oriented, and value-based leader” are just a few ways to describe Cathy McCabe. We recognize her professional achievements as an accomplished Senior Financial Services Executive who has always been guided by mission.

Cathy graduated from The Ursuline School after a noteworthy academic and athletic high school career. She developed strong leadership skills as Captain of the Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball teams. Cathy also served as Student Athletic Association President and that allowed her the platform to advocate for her classmates and teammates.

As Cathy said, “I truly believe that Ursuline was the strong foundation from which I learned so much. Ursuline helped me to become the person I am today. I was fortunate to have so many wonderful teachers and role models who provided expert guidance, direction and support. I also felt a sense of family and belonging in all the teams, clubs and activities I participated in. I was taught about leadership, the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and how to celebrate the success of others, all of which are skills I’ve used throughout my career and even today.”

Cathy graduated summa cum laude from Iona College with a B.A. in English. After college, she joined Price Waterhouse in the International Tax Department. Cathy then moved to TIAA Financial Solutions, a provider of asset management and retirement planning services.

Financial advice is often perceived as a benefit offered only to the elite or privileged. However, Cathy challenged herself and others to develop financial programs to serve the needs of diverse populations. She lived out the Ursuline values of treating all people with dignity and respect and a commitment to doing what’s right.

Cathy was the executive sponsor of innovative TIAA financial literacy and education programs to meet the needs of women, the Latinex community, millennials, and the LGBTQ+ community. Under Cathy’s leadership, more than 1.5 million clients achieved or exceeded their financial goals.

As a senior financial executive, Cathy joined multiple boards and was

a sought-after speaker. She remained devoted to Ursuline and her personal interest in empowering women. An early supporter of the Fulfilling the Promise for Generations of Women Campaign, Cathy helped raise funds for Kelly Mac Field.

Cathy has participated with leadership gifts to our annual CROWDS4TUS AND 4 OTHERS events which raise money for today’s Ursuline students and our food insecure neighbors. Most recently, she has generously supported the Innovation Campaign.

Today, Cathy is retired but still extremely active in service and mission. She is a philanthropist focused on financial literacy, education, eradicating hunger, and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. She is a member of the Major Donor Committee of the Human Rights Campaign, leading the fight for the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, she was invited to join Chief, a prestigious private network of senior executive women dedicated to supporting the growth of women in leadership positions across industries. And just recently, she enrolled in IPEC, the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, to become an accredited Executive Coach.

Cathy is an alumna who Inspires through leadership and compassion. We are honored to bestow the St. Ursula Award for professional achievement on this worthy recipient.

Maura F. Quinn ’81

Leadership development and service are hallmarks of Ursuline education; Maura’s life demonstrates both.

The chronicle of Maura’s career includes several chapters, each one fascinating, successful, and teaching lessons in its own way.

After graduating from Ursuline, Maura attended the United States Naval Academy, following in the footsteps of several family members. She served in the U.S. Navy for ten years and deployed to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Persian Gulf.

Maura was a helicopter pilot. She flew the CH-46 Sea Knight. She wanted to fly the 46 because at that time, combat exclusion laws prohibited women from flying most combat designated aircraft - but not the 46. And, when assigned to her first carrier at sea, Maura was one of only two women on the 800-person crew on the USS Seattle, and the entire 6,000 strong carrier battle group.

The 46 was an amazing machine. You should hear Maura describe a particular “vertical replenishment” when she and her crew delivered supplies and munition from one ship to another in pitch black darkness. Courage, determination and focus were importantly displayed.

During her Navy years, Maura also learned teamwork, listening, endurance and hard work. Maura carried those traits to a different work arena – law, with a focus on technology. Maura went to law school at night, served as an instructor pilot for two years during the day, and she started her family before graduation from the University of San Diego School of Law.

Maura’s legal career began as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California; she prosecuted criminal cases, including cybercrimes. She then worked in the FBI’s Operational Technology Division.

And in 2010, Maura joined the Drug Enforcement Administration. She has served in a variety of positions. She became an expert in technology law, and provided legal advice to the Agency on technology related matters; these ranged from license plate readers and tracking devices to computer Search and Seizures.

In her current role, Maura is the DEA’s Chief Information Officer. It is a job with immense responsibility. We have no doubt that Maura handles it with resoluteness and compassion. We are proud to bestow the St. Ursula Award on Maura Quinn, and we thank her for her service.