The New Mount Spring 2010 by Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

w e N ^ Spring 2010 Volume 6, No. 1

Extending the Mission

of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and College into the 21st Century

www.ursulinesmsj.org alumnae.msj@maplemount.org

Alums from Thailand make their first visit back to the Mount

now often brings back memories of days gone by, but for Valliya Janekarnkit Mekpongsatorn, it reminds her of the days as a student at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Valliya, of San Marino, Calif., graduated from the Academy in 1980, a year after her sister, Busra Janekarnkit Sosothikol. Both the women came to the Mount from their native Thailand for their last two years of high school. Valliya (pronounced “Vuhlee-uh”) was on a trip to London recently, and while riding on a bus with snow all around, she was struck by how much the scene reminded her of Maple Mount. She told her husband she wanted to visit the Mount. She searched for Mount Saint Joseph on the Internet and found the community’s Web site. She found her name among the “lost alumnae,” and e-mailed Marian Bennett, director of Ursuline partnerships, on Jan. 13 with her contact information, saying she’d like to visit the Mount soon. On Jan. 29, Valliya and her 18year-old daughter, Vanessa, were in the campus dining room, along with Busra and her daughter Cindy, 22, having lunch with former teacher

Members of the Janekarnkit family visited Mount Saint Joseph Jan. 29. Joining them for lunch were, at left, Sister Mary Angela Matthews, their former principal, and at right, Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser, their former teacher. BELOW: Stopping for a photo in the Motherhouse Chapel were, left to right, Cindy Sosothikol, her mother Busra Janekarnkit Sosothikol, Valliya Janekarnkit Mekpongsatorn, and her daughter Vanessa Mekpongsatorn.

Sister Catherine Marie Lauterwasser and former principal Sister Mary Angela Matthews. Neither Valliya nor Busra had been to the Mount since they graduated. “Since my sister was going to visit, I said, ‘Why don’t we come here together?’” Valliya said. They flew into Louisville on Jan. 28, and drove to Maple Mount the morning of Jan. 29. They headed back to Louisville later that day, concerned about the winter storm that arrived later that evening. Busra, who lives in Bangkok, Thailand, told Sister Catherine Marie she thinks of her often when she drives, because Sister Catherine Marie was her driver’s education teacher. “(Busra) told me she knew how to drive in the snow because of

you,” Valliya said to Sister Catherine Marie. The Janekarnkit sisters were taught by Ursulines at Mater Dei School in Bangkok through their sophomore years of high school. Their father was working in Thailand and learned through a bank client about Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Busra came first by herself, with younger sister Valliya coming the next year. Continued on page 6

Mount Saint Joseph Academy & Junior College Reunion Schedule Saturday, May 15, 2010 Please join us! 2 p.m............... Registration 2-5 p.m............ Optional: Class Meetings & Visiting 4 p.m............... Mount Saint Joseph Museum Tours 5 p.m............... Supper 6:30 p.m.......... Evening Prayer Joan Clayton Payne A’49, second from left, 7 p.m............... Welcome Back Reception models a Mount Saint Sunday, May 16, 2010 Joseph sweater at the 8 a.m............... Registration 2009 alumnae reunion. With her are classmates 8:30 a.m.......... Business Meeting Betty Rumage Bickett, 10:30 a.m........ Reunion Liturgy left, and Rosella Cotton 11:45 a.m......... Class Photos Whitsett and Gertie 12:30 p.m........ Banquet and Awards Hall Mayhew, right.

Note: All times Central

The NEW Mount

Spring 2010

Keeping in Touch Dear Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae, When I came to Mount Saint Joseph on Aug. 25, 1968, I had no way of knowing my life had changed forever. I am not certain why God sparked my interest in attending a boarding school when I was 14 years of age. I like to think AlumnaeAssociationPresidentNancy it was wisdom on my Mills A’72, left, visits with Sister part. But I realize it Francis Louise Johnson. was the finger of God directing me and I followed my heart from there. When we come back for reunions, time stands still and we are Mount Girls again. We can close our eyes and envision the hallways of Saint Michael’s still in a jumble of spluttering teenage girls. We laugh about old boyfriends, or books that were assigned, but never read. Mount Girls giggle about old pranks and mischief – both the ones we were caught at and the one we sneaked by. I find it quite comforting that the friendships we fashioned turned into the most profound, powerful support system a person could ever hope to experience.

“Why Should I Pay My Alumnae Association Dues?”

Annual and lifetime dues are the Alumnae Association’s only source of income. These are some of the ways your dues support the work: • Annual donations support the Mount’s many ministries. For the past few years, your donations helped the Conference and Retreat Center. • Your dues help to offset printing and postage for The New Mount newsletter and annual Alumnae Memorial Mass program. Other ways your dues help to make alumnae events enjoyable and meaningful are: • The beautiful Maple Leaf Award trophies presented each year • Alumnae Weekend gymnasium rental and office supplies • Annual Alumnae Memorial Mass dinner • Stipends for liturgy celebrants • Mementos for reunion fun

Dues are just $10 a year!

TRANSCRIPTS

are available from Mount Saint Joseph Archives. Send a written request (we need your signature) and a $5 check payable to Mount Saint Joseph. Include your maiden name, graduation year, and mailing address. Please allow two weeks. Send request to: ARCHIVES, Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

PRAYER NETWORK

Pray with us! Send your prayer requests to alumnae.msj@maplemount.org or call 270-229-2006. Let us know if you wish to join our prayer network.

DECEASED ALUMNAE

Please inform us if an alum has passed away.

Mount Saint Joseph Book & Gift Shop Special Alumnae Weekend Hours:

Saturday, May 15.... 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday, May 16....... 2 – 4 p.m.

I am certain God guided those sisters who taught me. I realize that somewhere between teaching me math, science, and literature, trying to endure my teenage antics and attempting to assure I was headed down the right path in life, they sneaked something in when I wasn’t looking. They instilled FAITH, deep and enduring, in abundance. And it has been there all this time, keeping me safe in God’s love, sometimes in spite of myself. I often joke that God always answers the prayers of the sisters at Mount Saint Joseph because he’s afraid of them. After some serious thought, I’ve decided with a smile in my heart that God is not afraid of those dear Ursulines. He just has a very deep respect for how they spread his word and teach his children. This is my farewell letter to all of you as President of the Alumnae Association, and it seems like these four years have passed in just a few days. I thank everyone involved for making my tenure a pleasant one. To the folks behind the lines, and you know who you are, you have my sincere and heartfelt thanks. Running the Alumnae Association is a team sport. Every player knows her part and it all falls into place. Your Alumnae Officer team is one of versatility, cohesiveness, dedication, and talent. I encourage you to attend this spring’s Alumnae Weekend on May 15 -16, 2010. As a reminder, if you cannot attend, please don’t forget to mail your annual dues. Minimum dues are $10 annually, but feel free to be as generous as your budget allows. In closing, I would like to borrow the words of a melody: “May God bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you; may He be kind to you, and give you peace…” Sincerely,

Nancy Mills ‘72

President, Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Association

Visit ourWeb site: www.ursulinesmsj.org New ^

is published twice a year by the Office of Ursuline Partnerships for alumnae of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Junior College

Director of Ursuline Partnerships: Mrs. Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Spiritual Formation for Ursuline Partnerships: Sister Marietta Wethington, OSU Director of Mission Effectiveness: Sister Rose Marita O’Bryan, OSU, A’60 Director of Mission Advancement/Communications: Dan Heckel Communications/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski Administrative Specialist/Web Site: Tiffany Orth 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356 Phone: 270-229-2006 • Fax: 270-229-4953 www.ursulinesmsj.org • alumnae.msj@maplemount.org

ALUMNAE MISSION STATEMENT

he Alumnae Association of Mount Saint Joseph fosters loyalty, friendship, and community among graduates, former students, and the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. In the spirit of Saint Angela Merici, the association upholds Catholic ideals, promotes Christian formation, and supports involvement in Christian service.

Spring 2010

hen? W r e b m e Rem

BELOW: For selling the most subscriptions to the school newspaper, The Mount, senior Marianna Willett was crowned the Mount Queen. Assisting in her court are Princesses Joyce Lee, Julia Head (now Sister Julia), Linda Kay Argabright, and Kathleen Kaelin (now Sister Kathleen). Sister Mary Anna was The Mount sponsor, and the cost of a year’s subscription was one dollar.

Nearly every afternoon at 3 p.m., the “stoop” was the place to be for popcorn and RC Colas. Pictured in February 1959 are, seated, left to right, Marianna Willett, Joyce Jordan, Helen Fischer (now Sister Helena), Rose Marie O’Bryan (now Sister Rose Marita), and standing, Joyce Lee, and Julia Head (now Sister Julia).

“The Golden Thread of Destiny” was the senior class play in 1960. Set in the Civil War era, its stars included Shirley Redmond (soldier); standing, l to r, Peggy McCarty, Linda Riney, Catherine Collignon, and Francil Riney (seated).

Thanks to Marianna Willett Robinson A’60 for supplying the photos1

Anniversary Classes 2010 80 YEARS Academy Class of 1930 Philomena Rechtin Lynch 75 Years Academy Class of 1935 Tina Redman Milam Junior College Class of 1935 Margaret Rose Adkisson Marian Elizabeth Rodman Baird Lorena Reisz Boarman Alice Carroll Fie Watson Chandler Nina Athalene Keelen Clara Evelyn Roberts King Wynona Vanover

The NEW Mount

Dora A. Thompson McCarty Magnetta Bellew Melhiser Mary Edna Russell Riney Hugh Riney Rose Sherron Strickland Helen Trapp Mary Elsie Simmons Watkins Junior College Class of 1945 Johnnie Berry Margaret Kelty Blandford Ann Hancock Collins Mary Fulkerson Teresa Lewis Morgan Mary Lillian Settles

60 YEARS Academy Class of 1950 70 YEARS Sr. Marie Goretti Browning, OSU Academy Class of 1940 Juanita Burke Louise Edelen Bowling Sr. Mary Jude Cecil, OSU Chris Heady Brooks Adrian Marsch Howard Gertrude Calhoun Castlen Rosemary McShane Kranz Emily Ballard Chandler Clara Crouch Lilly Mary Elizabeth Fenwick Dauderman Millie McBride Reed Mary Riney Clara Wheatley England Martha Schwab Sr. Marie Julie Fecher, OSU Laura Abell Smith Carolyn Hamilton Felitsky Barbara Schadler Thompson Mary Feuquay Rosemary Dockemeyer Thompson Lora Hawes Joyce Clayton Willis Dalphine Dublin Jarboe Estelle Boone Wimsatt Lurleen Jarboe Anita Sherron Kelel Junior College Class of 1950 Mary Ann McGriev Liggett Forrest Bartlett Dorothy Jane Willett Massey Sarita Casas Bejarno Bettye Powell Mattingly Maria del Pilar Romero Carales Mary McCarthy Easie Wathen Cecil Anthony Coomes Burnette Coomes Millay Wanda Marie Thompson Davis Margaret H Schoeter John Doolin Sarah Mattingly Walker William Harris Regina Walz Albert Johnson Mary Elizabeth Brown Wildman Leon Mattingly Dorothy Calhoun Ziegler Mary Frances Smiley Padan Junior College Class of 1940 Mary Cleophas Fulkerson Stallings Carolyn Porter Ayer John Thompson Rebecca Ruth Hines Dolores Mudd Thomson Freda Byrne Holden Lina Trujillo Helen Martin Hollenbeck Joseph Yeand Georgia Lewis Bickett Janicki 55 YEARS Mary Therese Sasse Sr. Frances Miriam Spalding, OSU Academy Class of 1955 Mary Jane Mulligan Alexander Jean Spalding Allen 65 YEARS Liz Ruckriegel Berger Academy Class of 1945 Margaret Thoma Bickett Mary Sadie Riggs Braden Marlene Bartley Blandford Billy Calhoun Mildred Clark Calhoun Sr. Mary Irene Cecil, OSU Mary Agnes Howard Drennen Mary Naomi Clark Ebelhar Ann Settles Gibbs Louise Fowler Gaddie Daisy Dant Gibson Martha O’Bryan Golden Shirley Hayden Gililland Catherine Belle Grimes Rose Ann Fogle Griggs Margie Hardesty Norma Jean Clements Knight Mary Edith Clark Hamilton

Mildred Boone Hartlage Mary Louis Jolly Higdon Helen Martin Hogan Martha Jean Mulligan Kauffeld Sr. Catherine Marie Lauterwasser, OSU Norma Jean Fulkerson Medley Mary Helen Kennedy Moore Dorothy Weaver Morrison Joyce Blandford Mullins Faye Bell Nix Barbara Ebelhar Powers Sr. Mary Elizabeth Sauer, CP Betty Reader Schulz Joyce Short Josephine Collignon Stroud Mary Ford Vuncannon Nancy Clark Walz Janette Hayden Warren 50 YEARS Academy Class of 1960 Mary Ellen Thompson Baldes Carol Ann Bickett Bell Anacletus Troutman Brangers Madeline Churchill Patricia Murphy Clary Jane Marie Hayden Cloud Sr. Helena Fischer, OSU Lupitina Garza Joyce Lee Godfrey Shirley Redmond Haire Patty O’Bryant Hartell Sr. Julia Head, OSU Alice Murphy Henry Theresa Amelia Stallings Heste Francil Riney Higdon Dorothy Jean Howard Theresa Coomes Jones Joyce Ann Jordan DeCarbo Sr. Kathleen Kaelin, OSU Madelyn Denniston Keach Katherine Collignon King Carol Scroggins Krampe Peggy O’Bryant Nothelfer Sr. Rose Marita O’Bryan, OSU Linda Riney O’Nan Elizabeth Henning Payne Mary Brenda Wathen Phillips Marianna Willett Robinson Margaret McCarty Robinson Linda Argabright Rocco Marilyn Smith Vessels Judith Faye Calhoun Ward Angela Goetz Wink 45 YEARS Academy Class of 1965 Paulette Archuleta Carolyn Sue Pike Barnett Elizabeth Ann Mulligan Belcher Margaret Jenkins Beville Catherine Lynn Davis Bowling Mary Costello Linda Ann Blandford Daming Sarah Coomes Dant

Inthesummer of 1959, Joyce Lee (center) drovehernew Thunderbird to visit Theresa Coomes (far left), Rose MarieO’Bryan (right), and Marianna Willett (seated).

Joanne Clark David Catherine Lynn Davis Dorothy “Chris” Denniston Hazel Bethel Fraize Frances Goetz Gaddis Patricia Gardner Griffith Mary Ann Higgins Martha Bell Johnson Judith Kranz-Donley Mary Ann Flood Lynch Carolyn Hancock Marren Wilda Calhoun Matthis Carol Thompson Mattingly Juatta Edwards McCain Barbara O’Neill Nelson Barbara Higdon Obermeier Sue Timbrook O’Bryan Janisse Clouse Patrick Wanda Jenkins Perry Augusta Powers Shirley Steerstedter Hawkins Carolyn Wiseman Rembold Sr. Judith Nell Riney, OSU Alice Mayo Roberts Jerryon Dant Roberts Connie Dunn Rouse Elizabeth Mona Sipes Schnellenberger Teresa Montgomery Stallings Charlotte Dant Thompson Viola Florez Tighe Anna Catherine Potts Urban Rebecca Bowlds Venn Rosemary Jones Wallace Rose Carrico Wieder 40 YEARS Academy Class of 1970 Rebecca Stanton Aderhold Theresa Ann Carter Alley M. A Hoerter Allgeier Carolyn Bridget Graves Beam Christine Schwartz Beets Mary Catherine Hobbs Blake Claudina Anido Carta Mary Bernadette Adkins Contreras Becky Mulligan Dant Lupita Vergara Ellis Paula Marie Wethington Garman Loretta Marie White Hamby Sharon Gayle Clouse Hayden Beth L. Calhoun Henderson Carolyn Sue McCarty Howard Rita Brockman Huffman Lucy Marin Elizabeth Ann Ringer Mather Rebecca Sue Henderson McCarty Faye Hoffman McDonough Jennifer Lynn Speaks McGee Joy Tichenor Mitchell Janet Sue Riney Murphy Margaret Marie Mattingly Nalley Phyllis Newton Newton Martha Ann Hobbs Pleasant Vicky Moriarity Polson Laura Porto

Marilyn Inez McKay Powers Lucy Quinonez Violet Elaine Jones Richards Mary Rittmeyer Elaine Marie Hayden Robinson Denise Ochsner Roederer Betty Rogers Ana Maria Ruiz Catherine Ann Hayden Snyder Terry Janeczko Staph Carolyn M. Wood Tharpe Rachel Towery Whittaker Pat Wooldridge Kathy Ford Young 35 YEARS Academy Class of 1975 Alice Allen Jane Cecil Bratcher Cynthia Brown Kay Drury Clark Marie Collins Marva Abram Crutcher Carol Mulligan Hall Sharon Thomas McCarty Jenny Mulligan Mary Anne Cossey Powers Odette Maria Rubinfield 30 YEARS Academy Class of 1980 Maria del Milagro Avilis Kathy McReynolds Boyte Joyce Brady Cheryl Ann Lowman Clark Paula Marie Maloney Coffey Jacqueline Detrich Stephanie Grady Patricia Anne Linzmeyer Valliya Janekarnkit Mekpongsatorn Agnes Catherine Powers Pavel Carmen Dolores Zelaya 25 YEARS Academy Class of 1985 (left in 1983 when Academy closed) Kathy Alderson Joanna Thomas Bingham Sherrie Clark Hope Cox Michelle Elmore Maria Hayden Inman Ingrid Vargas Lorenzane Jacqueline Paulson Amy Cates Ruesewald Theresa L Flomerfelt Tucker Connie Marie Hayden Vickers

The NEW Mount

Alumnae Adventures

Spring 2010

Send your news to alumnae.msj@maplemount.org

Or mail to Alumnae Office, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356

Sarah E. Walker A’40 Sure enjoy newsletter – only hope to be able to attend May celebrations. My health hasn’t been all that great. Congratulations to the following alumnae who are celebrating jubilees of religious profession in 2010: 70 years: Sister Frances Miriam Spalding C’40 60 years: Sister Elaine Burke A’49, Sister Mary Angela Matthews A’49, Sister Joan Walz A’49, Sister Marie Goretti Browning A’50, Sister Mary Jude Cecil A’50 40 years: Sister Pam Mueller A’68, Sister Cheryl Clemons A’69 Dorothy Payne Krumpelman A’46 I enjoyed Alumnae Sunday last spring. They say you can never go back – I don’t try – it’s a new experience each time. My story is rather ordinary, at least for the times I have lived through. I was born right before the Great Depression on a farm in Breckinridge County near McQuady. A highlight in my 4-year-old life was an airplane ride! This was in 1932, something unheard of back then. A barnstormer landed his plane in a neighboring hayfield and offered to take up passengers for a dollar apiece. Depression or no, my parents couldn’t resist the adventure and took me with them. We wore helmets like the Red Baron; that really made an impression on me. When I looked over the edge of the plane I was amazed to see tiny cows, houses, barns, and people. After eight years in the one-room country schools, my parents sent me to the Mount, then proceeded one by one to send my three sisters. Our mother, Mary Sherron Payne, had graduated in 1921, thus making the Mount a family tradition. After I had shed at least a gallon of tears, my four years became a happy time in my life with many memories. I still Dorothy Payne Krumpelman enjoy the memories of my teachers at the Mount. Sister Lucita, you were special! A’46 and her husband George Following graduation in 1946, I worked for 10 years at the Louisville Branch of the visitedtheMountSaintJoseph Federal Reserve Bank. I was a math lover so I had found my niche in life. I had a great Museum at the 2009 reunion. opportunity to continue education in my field. I resigned to marry, then to have our three children (in as many years). This has been the favorite time in my life. We had little money but our little ones were such a joy! Families have a way of growing up and ours did. We found we needed more money once again when the three were in Catholic high schools and going to college all at the same time. Where did I go? Back to a bank, this time to retail banking and for the next 18 years I worked as a teller. I enjoyed the customer contact and tried to give them the very best service I could. During my last years of working at the bank my husband, George, opened a small heating and cooling service business. For a few years I was bookkeeper for him along with working at the bank. I retired from the bank in 1996 and continued bookkeeping for another 10 years. Surprisingly I got along with my boss very well. After we both retired we began to do some of the things that retired people do. There are so many ways to serve others. We found our place representing our parish by working at St. Vincent de Paul serving meals to the needy and homeless. We take Communion to the nearby nursing home and say the rosary with those patients who are able to be up and about. We didn’t have an archives for our parish so I have worked on a project trying to gather as much history as possible and preserve it. Now our parish has been blended with another – Mother of Good Counsel and Transfiguration of our Lord have become St. Bernadette. (Louisville KY) Now the icing in the cake; we have six grandchildren. They are all play and no work! A few months before celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary we went to Ireland. While there we visited the village where my great grandparents lived before coming to America. We met some of the Sheerans/Sherrons and continue to stay in touch via e-mail and “real” letters, books, and gifts. Maybe we will have time to go back before “the shades are drawn.” Gertrude Hancock Brumleve A’54: Greetings to all classmates of ’54. Congratulations to IMOGENE McBRIDE HAYDEN STULL A’54 who received a Sophia Award from her parish, St. Anthony, Brown’s Valley in Utica, Ky., and the Diocese of Owensboro on Sept. 27, 2009. Sophia awards are given to a senior citizen or couple who have shown themselves to be a role model of faith in their parish and community. Mary Anne Kevil A’58 I am doing well and I pray that they and their loved ones are, too. I would love to hear from all of my classmates via email at makevil1940@aol.com. Also, they are welcome to call me (502) 222-3551, and I would really enjoy joining all of them for lunch somewhere in the Louisville/LaGrange, Ky., area this spring or summer. That would be a BLAST! Dorothy “Chris” Denniston A’65 and Madelyn Denniston Keach A’60 Madelyn Denniston Keach is a 1960 graduate of Mount Saint Joseph. She entered the MSJ Ursuline Community, but turns out that God had different plans. After Madelyn left the convent, she went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education, and a nursing degree as well! Madelyn married the man of her dreams, Richard Keach, and they had two beautiful children, Rick and Karen. Fast forward, and there are now five wonderful grandchildren! Madelyn and Richard are enjoying retirement, a bit of travel, and friends in a Parkinson’s support group (Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years ago but is doing very well). Last year Madelyn took Richard to see her old MSJ high school campus, a trip they both greatly enjoyed! Madelyn, left, and her sister Chris Dorothy “Chris” Denniston (Madelyn’s sister) is a 1965 MSJ graduate. Dorothy also entered the Ursuline community after graduation and became Sister Christina. After almost 13 years, God guided her in a new direction. Dorothy left the community but maintained her nickname of Chris, derived from her religious name. She spent 34 years in the field of special education, first as a teacher, then as an educational administrator. She and her mom lived together for 23 years until her mom’s death in 2001. Chris then reconnected with many friends at Continued on next page

Spring 2010

The NEW Mount

the Mount, and has enjoyed traveling with some, including her old high school principal, Sister Miriam Medley. In 2009 she made a lifetime commitment as an Ursuline Associate. Sister Julia head A’60 and Sister Nancy Murphy A’59 were among five sisters elected to the 2010-2016 leadership team for the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph during a December 2009 community election. They will start their terms of service in July. LEFT: After being named assistant congregational leader, Sister Julia Head A’60 is congratulated by Sister Clarita Browning A’47. RIGHT: Sister Nancy Murphy A’59, left, and Sister Frances Miriam Spalding C’40 meet up at the 2009 alumnae reunion.

ANN JENKINS CASPAR A’62 (posted on Facebook): I am happy to become a fan of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph on this Ash Wednesday and my 66th birthday. They are and have been my other family...“Happy” Lent! Phyllis Costello Bresnik A’66 My husband Ed and I were thrilled to witness the successful launching of Space Shuttle mission 129 at Cape Canaveral, Fla. Our nephew, Marine Lt. Col. Randy Bresnik, was a mission specialist on his first flight as an astronaut. To add to an already eventful week, his daughter was born on the same day as his first space walk. It was even more fun because my classmates, Cecilia Robinette McEldowney and Susan (Sue Ann) Thomas Allgeier, traveled to Florida to see a Space Shuttle launch and stayed with our classmate Teresa Huff Bringardner at her home. We were able to meet for dinner and had a great visit. Phyllis Bresnik A’66, right, visits with Phyllis Troutman A’63 at the 2009 alumnae reunion.

KATHY WELZ MCNEARY A’67 (posted on Facebook): Welcome to Facebook! Hoping to connect to some fellow grads through your page. My years at the Mount were life changing and full of great memories. Thank you for your dedication.

Sister Amelia Stenger A’67 Sister Amelia is one of 30 people across Kentucky named to the state’s Climate Action Planning Council, which will set up opportunities for Kentucky to respond to the challenge of global climate change while increasing energy efficiency and energy independence, and spurring economic growth. Winnie Riney Cohron A’69 Dr. Winnie Cohron, secondary instructional supervisor for Warren County, Ky., Public Schools, was recently selected for the Outstanding Dissertation Award by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. The award recognizes excellence in doctoral dissertation research that contributes to the knowledge base of teacher education or of teaching and learning with implications for teacher education. Marthadene Howe A’69 After 33 years of teaching middle school science and social studies, I recently retired, spending time between my home in Florida and my cabin in the north Georgia mountains. Hello to all my former classmates and teachers! Gracia E. Alvey A’77 I’ve become manager of BG’s Foodmart, the convenience store where I’ve worked for five years. I love bookkeeping – thank you, Sister Justina. Sister Dianna Ortiz A’77 Sister Dianna is the new office director for Pax Christi USA in Washington, D. C. She was most recently the founding director of the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition in Washington. Ileana Margarita PeÓn Roche A’83 I live in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Pitina Molina, Beatriz Molina and Pilar Berny live here, too. Maria Morales Persa lives in Guatemala. Dinorah Carolina Zamora Aguirre lives in Venezuela. Everybody is fine; married and with kids. My e-mail is nenapilates@hotmail.com. Pitina’s e-mail is patina_molina64@hotmail.com. Dinorah’s e-mail is dinorah_5_27@hotmail.com. I am looking for my roommate, Dana DeFrancesco. (Right: Here is a picture of us when we were at the school).

Hope Cox, Pitina Molina, Ileana Amy Cates Ruesewald A’85 and Joan Ruesewald Nelson A’85 Peon Roche, and Carolina Briceno Hello all, I am Amy Cates and just found this site through Facebook. I was Zamora at the Mount looking for old friends and your site turned up. I am now Amy Ruesewald of New Waverly (Houston area), Texas. I have lived in Texas since graduating from Murray State University in 1990. Joan Nelson (she resides in Spring, Texas) has been my sister-in-law since 1991. I married her eldest brother Fritz. Fritz and I have four children. Pictured is Fritz, my husband of 19 years; Jude, 18; Liz, 16; Zachary, 13, and Emily, 11, at Subiaco Academy in Arkansas where Jude graduated. He will attend St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. I am a kindergarten teacher in a very small district. My husband works for Yellow Roadway Corp. We dearly wish the Mount were still open for our daughters. I would love to hear from those students from 1981-1983, the last two years the Mount was open. Please forward my e-mail to any one of them: aruesewald@cocisd.org.

The 40th annual Mount Saint Joseph Picnic is Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010

The NEW Mount

Visitors

Spring 2010

From page one

“I was delighted to come,” Busra said. “My sister, not as much.” Valliya said they didn’t speak English very well at the time, and she was homesick while she was here. But her memories are fond of the sisters and her classmates. “My father wants to come visit here, he lives in Bangkok,” Valliya said. Her favorite memory of the Mount was “riding down the hill” on a snow sled. “I’d never seen snow before,” she said. “They stayed over Thanksgiving, that’s when I heard them speaking Thai,” Sister Mary Angela said. “Otherwise, they spoke English.” Other teachers they recall were Sister Jacinta Powers for science, Sister Margaret Ann Zinselmeyer for math, Sister Kathleen Kaelin for English, and the late Sister Theresa Marie Wilkerson, who taught history. Valliya said Sister Jane Irvin (Hancock) was her dorm mother. Upon graduation, they both attended California State University, Northridge, getting degrees in management information systems. Busra works for Thai Airways International. Valliya and her family own a chain of restaurants in California called Noodle World. The women toured the Retreat Center and the Motherhouse while here, stopping for photos along the way. On their way out of town, they stopped in Owensboro for a brief visit with Busra’s classmate, Kim Clemons Haire, A’79. Busra and Valliya said their memories of driving in Owensboro were limited to the van Sister Theresa Marie would drive to town with a group of girls on the weekends. “Sister Theresa Marie would only let us go to Kmart or J.C. Penney, so those are the only places we know,” Valliya said. The visit with Kim Haire was brief but memorable for Kim. “What a surprise it was when out of the blue I get a call from someone who calls me ‘Kimmy’ and tells me that she is Busra and that she’s at the Mount,” Kim said. “It was one of the best surprises of my life!” The two were classmates their junior and senior years at the Academy. “I don’t remember how we became friends but we seemed to hit it off right from the start,” Kim said. “Busra was one of three girls who had come to the Mount from Thailand including her sister, Valliya, and classmate Mischelle Masupap. Getting to know them and learning about their culture, their customs, their food was one of the most enriching aspects of my education at the Mount,” she said. “I remember how sad we both were when it came time for graduation. We eventually lost touch with one another. But I never forgot about her.” During their visit, “we had a great time talking and catching up about our families, our work and our lives since high school,” Kim said. “We exchanged e-mail addresses and hope to keep in touch in the future. “Before they left that day, Busra shared with me that she had wanted to come back to Kentucky and to see me because she had never forgotten what I said to her at our graduation -- that we would probably never see each other again -- and she decided that didn’t have to be. She suggested maybe next time I could come visit her -- in Thailand! Who know what the future holds, but I’ll never say never.” Busra and Valliya both hope to plan another trip to the Mount, possibly in September for the annual picnic. -- By Dan Heckel, Mount Saint Joseph Staff

Food for the Soul, Memories for the Heart

A New Mount Saint Joseph Cookbook!

Note:This is a prototype of the cover.The actual cover may look somewhat different.

COMING SOON!!

“FOOD FOR THE SOUL, MEMORIES FOR THE HEART”

A collection of delicious recipes and heartwarming remembrances in a sturdy ring binder, featuring many of the favorites from “Watermelon and Buttermilk,” plus new recipes and memories from the Mount! Makes an ideal gift or keepsake

Only $15 each

A fundraising project of the Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Association. Proceeds support alumnae charitable projects.

Available at the Alumnae Weekend Registration Desk, Mount Saint Joseph Conference & Retreat Center May 15-16, 2010 To pre-order, send your check for $15 payable to Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Association. If you need your book mailed to you, add $5 for postage and handling.

Find us on Facebook! Become a fan of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph www.facebook.com/ursulinesmsj •••••••

Join the Mount Saint Joseph Academy Alumnae (KY) group! •••••••

Follow Carolyn Sue Cecil A’73’s blog! www.msjalumnae.blogspot.com

It’s not too late to purchase your Quilt Club membership for only $20!

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Spring 2010

In Loving Memory May these alumnae and faculty members rest in God’s peace: Sister Agnes Irene Bickett, 93, A’34, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died Nov. 25, 2009 in her 74th year of religious life. Sister Agnes Irene was treasured for her sense of humor and her inspiring meditation and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. She delighted in talking about her many teaching assignments. She taught and ministered in the Diocese of Owensboro, the Archdiocese of Louisville, and in Missouri, Nebraska, and New Mexico. She was the Guest House coordinator at the Motherhouse until 2001. Survivors include a sister, Sister Blanche Rita Bickett of Mount Saint Joseph. Gifts in memory of Sister Agnes Irene or other sisters may take the form of donations to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356. Margaret Marie Greenwell A’26 of Griffith, Ind., died April 9, 2009, age 103. She was a native of Curdsville and raised her family in Whiting, Ind. She is survived by her children, James (Bernie), Laverne, Faye, Dorothy Jean and Emily. Her sister was Sister Mary Clement Greenwell, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, who died in 2009 at age 101. Jean Gropp Van Meter, 95, A’31/C’33, died Nov. 29, 2009, at the Carmel Home in Owensboro. Her husband of 38 years, Leslie Van Meter, preceded her in death. Together they were proprietors of Owensboro’s Dugout Drive-in restaurant; she was a charter member of Blessed Mother Catholic Church. Jean is survived by four sons and 14 grandchildren. Dorothy Speaks Bell, 91, died Oct. 18, 2009 at age 91. She attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy her sophomore year in 1933-34. She was a native of West Louisville, Ky., a member of St. Sebastian Church in Calhoun, Ky., and is survived by five sons and three daughters.

The NEW Mount

Alumnae Memorial Mass 2009

SisterJaneMiriamHancock, C’43, presents the first reading at the Nov. 7, 2009 Alumnae Memorial Mass. Alumnae of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Junior College gathered in the Motherhouse Chapel to remember deceased alumnae and faculty.

Sr. Mary Angela Sasse, OSB, 88, C’40 died May 19, 2009 in Ferdinand, Ind. A Benedictine sister for over 65 years, she was a teacher and librarian. She began her teaching career in Starlight, Ind., and taught in Ferdinand, Evansville, Jasper and St. Henry, Ind. Jean Lonergan C’41, (former Sister Cecilia Jean) died Dec. 31, 2009, at the Carmel Home in Owensboro. She was an Ursuline Sister for 27 years and the first principal of St. Pius X School. A lifelong educator, she taught in Catholic and public schools in Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico and Missouri. Rita Neel McPherson A’42 died Sept. 26, 2009. Elizabeth Ann Stockton Boyd A’48 of Evansville, Ind., died March 27, 2009, in Henderson, Kentucky, at age 79. Patricia Ann Riney A’52 died Nov. 20, 2009, in Owensboro at age 75. She had been deputy clerk for the Daviess County Court Clerk’s office and is survived by a son and two daughters. Other survivors include her sister, Mary Catherine Riney Pfister A’51 and sister-in-law Sue Riney A’42.

Sister Mary Eileen Howard, C’47, plays the music for the Mass.

Agnes Marie Browning Watts A’53, age 74, died Feb. 19 in Louisville. She was a retired purchasing clerk for Porter Paint Co, and a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Her husband, James C. Watts, preceded her in death. Her survivors include seven children, 19 grandchildren and her sisters, Sisters Clarita (A’47) and Marie Goretti (A’50) Browning.

We Extend Deepest Sympathy To... • Sister Pauletta McCarty A’39, whose brother, Paul McCarty, died Feb. 22 in Liz Ruckriegel Berger, A’55, Owensboro. leads the intercessions. • FreDella Hancock C’42, whose niece, Susan Byars, died Nov. 29, 2009, at the age of 29, in Morganfield, Ky. • Nancy Mills A’72, whose brother-in-law, James (Jimmy) Payne, died Dec. 16, 2009, in Owensboro. • Mary Beth Bickett Andrews A’71, whose husband, Wes Andrews, died Sept. 8, 2009. Survivors include mother-in-law, Betty Rummage Bickett A’49, and sister-in-law, Vickie Bickett Gibson A’74. • Geraldine Bickett Owdziej A’46, whose husband, John, died Aug. 28, 2009. Survivors include sisters-in-law, Lucille Bickett O’Neill A’42, Sister Luisa Bickett, OSU, A’47, Betty Rumage Bickett A’49, Jeanie Bickett Calhoun A’56, and Carol Ann Bickett Bell A’60. • Elizabeth Ruckriegel Berger A’55, whose brother, Michael L. Ruckriegel, died Jan. 8 in Louisville. Carolyn Sue Cecil, A’73, • Mary Lou Byrne Payne A’66, whose sister-in-law, Judy Oelze, died Nov. 24, 2009. leads the congregation in • Sister Mary Lois Speaks A’62, whose brother, Pat Speaks, died Oct. 20, 2009. remembering thedeceased. • Martha Reidling A’31, and Ursula Schultz A’37, whose sister, Isabel “Issy” Russell Clark, died Jan. 22 at the age of 101. The next Alumnae • Sister Mary Angela Matthews ’49, whose cousin, Nora Alice Dodge, died Jan. 17. Memorial Mass will be • Therese Fraize A’58, whose sister-in-law, Carolyn Hurm Snyder, died Jan. 7 in Owensboro. Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010.

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Please help us update our mailing list. If there are errors in your address, please inform us so that we may correct them. 270-229-2006 or alumnae.msj@maplemount.org

Class of 1950 – 60th Anniversary

50th Anniversary

Coming Events at Maple Mount

April 4............ Easter Sunday April 9-11.......Soul Seeking with Paul Volk Weekend ......................Retreat led by Fr. Paul Prabell April 24.......... Center Annual Dinner (Hawaiian Luau) May 8............. May I Walk You Home Workshop ...................... for Caregivers by Betty Medley A’81 May 9............. Mother’s Day May 15-16..... Alumnae Reunion Weekend June 27.......... Former Ursuline Sisters’ Reunion July 1-4...........North American Ursuline Convocation in .......................Cleveland, Ohio July 10........... Ursuline Associates & Sisters Day July 18-24...... Weeklong Retreat with Fr. David Knight Aug. 27-29..... Retreat for Married Couples Sept. 12......... Picnic to Benefit Retired Ursuline Sisters Nov. 6........... Alumnae Memorial Mass

Join the Alumnae Weekend Celebration Choir!

Voices and instruments welcome! If you would you like to share your talent contact Carolyn Sue Cecil by April 1 at cscecil@sbcglobal.net

2010 is an election year for the Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Association. Officers to be elected:

• Secretary • Treasurer • President-elect

Elections held on Sunday, May 16 Business Meeting • 8:30 a.m. Conference & Retreat Center, Conference Room A Alumnae Association Bylaws state:

“Nominations shall be accepted from the floor and the nominee shall be in agreement to serve as an officer of the Association.”

NOW IS THE TIME TO THINK ABOUT WHO WILL LEAD MSJ ALUMNAE!