w e N ^ Extending the Mission Spring 2017 of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and College Volume 13, No. 1
www.ursulinesmsj.org alumnae.msj@maplemount.org
Sister alums reflect on their Academy years Sister Grace Simpson graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1956, and she can still remember how those high school years prepared her to become an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph. “Besides learning academics, the values of kindness, giving, resilience and determination were also a part of my four years there,” Sister Grace said. “There were some subjects that stand out, but music and literature were important for me.” Playing bass in the Mount orchestra and working on the Mount newspaper were some special memories for Sister Grace. “Hold high your candles, you did not light its glow. Twas given you by other hands you know,” she recalled as part of a ceremony the Mount girls participated in. “Today I think of the lyrics, ‘I am standing on the shoulders of the ones who came before me, I am stronger for their courage, I am stronger for their words’ by Joyce Rouse. These are connected in meaning. Music and literature are still an important part of my life today.” Sister Grace is celebrating 60 years as an Ursuline Sister this year. She is one of eight sisters who are Academy graduates celebrating jubilees this year. Those sisters were asked what about those Academy years helped prepare them for a life as Ursuline Sisters, and what are some lessons they learned in the Academy that they still rely on today. Here are their replies and portraits from earlier days. Sister Marie Julie Fecher A40, celebrating 75 years as a sister: “Deeply etched in my memory are the years 193640, when I was an Academy student
here at Mount Saint Joseph. Much later in life did I recall the blessing of living these years so closely at heart and at home with Jesus in the Eucharist, and to foster a deep relationship with the saints through devotional practices. “In the Academy we had good teachers who insisted on scholarship, and on meeting state requirements. We were taught the value of stick-to-it-iveness in performing tasks … raising these essentials almost to the level of virtues. Heartfelt gratitude is the sentiment that I assume had some bearing in my choice to become an Ursuline Sister in service to God and people.” Sister Rosemary Keough A56, celebrating 60 years as a sister: “I recall the sense of peace surrounded by the beauty of the front yard by the library while in a group of MSJ girls — maybe as a freshman; dreaming of a future of helping children and teaching catechism while looking out my senior private room window. I remember Sister Joseph Therese Thompson coming to my room to ask if I wanted to accept a scholarship to Brescia College or to get an Sister appointment with the Joseph Therese Mother Superior to enter the convent. (She knew me so well as the great procrastinator, I might never get around to doing it on my own.) I rely on the great blessing of belonging to a marvelous group of women dedicated to God and His/ Her people; there is a missionary heart and identification with the poor that lies within this group.” Sister Lois Lindle A56, celebrating 60 years as a sister:
“The relationship with the sisters is what I remember most. They were so human. It was like they understood teenagers.” Sister Lois had Ursuline Sisters in grade school growing up in Louisville. Sister Blanche Rita Bickett ran the cafeteria at her school, then moved to the Mount to operate the laundry. “Sister Blanche Rita was very good to us, almost like a mother. She got me the scholarship to Sister Mount Saint Joseph Blanche Rita Academy. She was my second mother here. I knew not to misbehave, or my mother would know it before I even got in trouble. But at the Academy, they knew to let water run off the duck’s back. But if we needed to be corrected, we were corrected.” The lesson she carries from the Academy is to accept everyone as they are. “You can see humor in anything. If you look deep enough, you can find something to laugh about. After a while, they let us know ‘you’re OK.’” Sister Mimi Ballard A66, celebrating 50 years as a sister: “The friends I made, my classmates who entered with me, they were a major support system for me even before I entered, and that’s still true after 50 years. We went to retreats that were offered for girls who had expressed interest in entering the community. I was already moving toward religious life in grade school . . . thanks to Sister Mary Edgar (Warren), who taught me Sister five of my eight years at Mary Edgar St. Michael School in Fairfield, Ky. Sister Mary Edgar encouraged me Continued on page 4
INSIDE: Sign up for Alumnae Weekend – May 20-21, 2017!
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Spring 2017
A Note from Your Alumnae President...
Greetings to my favorite group in the world: Mount Girls! Plans are popping for Alumnae Weekend MAY 20-21, so mark your calendars now!! We will be rocking around the clock with lots of time to talk and laugh ... to browse through pictures in the Memory Room and the Rocking Chair Room ... to wander around campus and through the buildings where we lived and went to school together ... to pray and sing together at Saturday evening prayer and Sunday Liturgy ... to take photos ... and did I mention time to talk and laugh? And, of course, there will be door prizes, the raffle, the Maple The Alumnae Association Officers attended the Leaf Award, class pictures, a delicious Welcome Back Supper Nov. 6, 2016, Alumnae Memorial Mass at the on Saturday night presented by the talented cooks at the Center, a Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel. wonderful Sunday breakfast with the Sisters, and a fabulous banquet Left to right: Secretary Kathy Ford Young A70, on Sunday catered by Jeremy Mattingly (whose grandmother and President Carolyn Sue Cecil A73, aunts all attended MSJ). Did I mention time to talk and laugh? Vice President Stephanie Warren A73, My goodness, can you hardly wait for May to get here?! Our time Treasurer Paula Chandler Gray A73 together is precious! I can’t wait to see you!
Carolyn Sue Cecil A73
Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Association President
Greetings from the Alumnae Office...
Dear Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae, Let me tell you a story of numbers. • For 109 years, Mount Saint Joseph Academy stood on this green leafy hill, opening every fall to welcome you back to another year of learning and friendship. • Although it’s been 34 years since Mount Saint Joseph Academy closed in 1983, our mailing list is alive with over 1,000 valid addresses. So you see, you’re not alone and you’re still in our hearts and our prayers. • But we can use some help. We are searching for the mailing addresses of 203 of you. Do you have a relative or friend who hasn’t received The New Mount lately? Do you know of a classmate who has died? Please notify the Alumnae Office with that news. • Over 250 of you are celebrating the anniversary of your graduation from the Academy or Junior College this year. Alumnae Weekend is a grand time to reconnect, to return to this place of beauty and memory. • Every year you set new records for Alumnae Weekend attendance. Last year over 120 of you gathered for the fun and friendship. Many of you traveled from just down the road, but a growing number of you journeyed from Florida, Illinois, Ohio and even California and Texas. • The Maple Leaf Award began over 15 years ago. Since 2000, you have honored 39 women with this special award. Now is your opportunity to once again recognize women of achievement who walked these halls with you and have gone on to make a difference in their worlds. I urge you to plan now to come home in May. We look forward to welcoming you.
Mrs. Marian Bennett
Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships (Alumnae & Associates)
Mount Saint Joseph Book & Gift Shop Special Alumnae Weekend Hours
Saturday, May 20............ 2 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, May 21.............. 10 –10:45 a.m.
Page Past from the
This appeared in “The Mount” Academy newspaper 50 years ago (1967).
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is published twice a year by the Office of Ursuline Partnerships for alumnae of Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Junior College. Coordinator of Ursuline Partnerships: Marian Bennett, OSUA Director of Mission Advancement/Communications: Dan Heckel, OSUA Communications/Graphic Design: Jennifer Kaminski, OSUA Director of Development: Betsy Jo Mullins Communications and Development Specialist: Kris Mango, OSUA Mission Advancement Assistant: Sister Marcella Schrant Mission Advancement Assistant: Sister Stephany Nelson 8001 Cummings Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356 Phone: 270-229-2006 • Fax: 270-229-4953 ursulinesmsj.org • alumnae.msj@maplemount.org facebook.com/ursulinesmsj
ALUMNAE MISSION STATEMENT The 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. OSUA = Ursuline Associate
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Four Murphy siblings attended the 2016 Alumnae Weekend at Mount Saint Joseph. From left are Sister Nancy Murphy A59; Mary Murphy Riney A66; Peggy Murphy McCarty A56 and Sally Murphy These alumnae met for wine and fun on Nov. 4, 2016, Buford A64. at the Mount Saint Joseph Guest House. Clockwise, left to right: Rhonda Warren Mischel A73, Brenda Dant Do you receive emails from the Ursuline McIntire A73, Carolyn Sue Cecil A73, Paula Chandler Sisters? Sign up at ursulinesmsj.org Gray A73 and Stephanie Warren A73. Everyone except by clicking on The Pilgrimage box. Paula were classmates in grades 1-12.
Spring 2017
Elaine Mattingly Blandford A70, flattens and folds plastic bags in preparation for cutting them into strips to make a sleeping mat for the homeless. A workshop to turn plastic bags into sleeping mats occurred on Nov. 12, 2016, at the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. Ursuline Sisters, Associates and the Young Daughters of Saint Angela from Whitesville, Ky., were among the participants.
Academy & Junior College Anniversary Classes in 2017 80 YEARS Jr. College Class of 1937 Dorothy Keelen* Elizabeth Ball Martin Academy Class of 1937 Teresa Buckman Ashley Mary Frances Snyder Becker Cecil Eppes Hill Kathryn Neely O’Connor* Merle Clark Ostrosky Lavina Stallings* Generose White*
Barbara Riney Coomes Ann Hall De Capua Paul Marie Greenwell, OSU Ann Hardman Jean Cash Harris Barbara Varden Herr Benita Payne Jolly Anna Pate Luckett Kathleen Boyd Munday Clarice O’Bryan Louise Pryor* Helen Ebelhar Reinstedler Cecilia McShane Schade Mary Hagman Schelling Susan Wiseman Stevenson Mary Agnes VonderHaar, OSU
Carmina Villa-Rodriguez 45 YEARS Kupersmith* Academy Class of 1972 Martha Brummett Long Jean Warren Adcock Beverly McAuliffe Patricia Mattingly Arnett Patricia Ballard Nall Cynthia Frydach Arqerious Mary Steerstedter Nolot Susan Bickett Bachmann Bernadette Murphy Barnard Darleen Kaelin Osborne Sharon Mattingly Bell Rita Stuedle Owens Mary Ann Clements Carr Stella Fogle Payne Theresa Mattingly Clark Becky Riney Reisz Pat Schwartz Cook Julia Rittmeyer Linda Wooldridge Crowe Susan Gray Schwerdtfeger Cathy Cecil Ebelhar Mary Lois Speaks, OSU Ellen Bickett Flynn Frances Tichenor 75 YEARS Angela Speaks Gabbard Patricia Donahue Wathen Jr. College Class of 1942 Mary Celine Weidenbenner, OSU Susan McCarty Goetz Mary Boone Dworzan Betty Weidenbenner Westhoff Lou Highland Goings Nellie Santiago Gonzalez 60 YEARS Rita Sammons Harrell Teresina Greenwell, OP* 50 YEARS Academy Class of 1957 Ruth Arguello Hipp Fre Della Hancock Academy Class of 1967 Matilda Sowders Adkins Mary Agosti Koepfer Elizabeth Mischel Rita Thompson Bland Vivian Bowles, OSU Sarah Kranz Virginia Rousseau* Sandra Bell Boswell Patti Cox Lambert Mary Ballard Brown Academy Class of 1942 Joanne Drury Cecil Carmelita O’Daniel Leonard Joyce Smith Bruder Evelyn Drury Beatriz Molina DePolo Linda Brooks Limoges Laura Woodward Bullington Geri Rumage Gile Barbara Castlen Erpenbeck Alina Arana Livengood Suzanne Murphy Calhoun Mary Rose Cecil Matthews* Eleanora Ferazzoli* Terry Mattingly Mary Ann Doherty Causey Martha Molohon, OLVM Ivana Ferazzoli* Debbie Lingo McGonigle Ann Patrice Cecil, OSU Mary Leo Alvey Thompson Marty Bickett Frost Cindy Thompson McLaughlin Rita McCarthy Elder Linda Simmons Gardner Ruth Miller Lila Green Gehrke 70 YEARS Gail Wathen Glenn Debbie Chandler Morin Virginia Ford Green Jr. College Class of 1947 Donna Guthrie Cathy Crisp Morrison Margaret Marie Greenwell, OSU Jean Graf Danhauer Wilhemenia Newton Hamilton Bernadette Murphy Bette Thompson Hayden Marie Krapf Ellis Pat Lampkin Hammack Judy Clark Nevergoll Ruth Higdon Johnson Jane Irvin Hancock, OSU Lorraine McCarty Hayden Mary Ann Shewmaker Payne Sarah Hagerman Kamuf Eva Marsch Howard Claudia Hayden, OSU Angela Blair Peerman Coletta Keller Knoppe Mary McGee Monaghan Carol Clouse Head Jacinta Powers, OSU Mary Ann Warren Knott Edna Yancy Tunget Mary Karel Reedy Mary Ann Fulkerson Mattingly Barbara Henderson* Academy Class of 1947 Jenni Borders Herfel Bea Ann Huffines Reesor Carol Mattingly Payne Jean Clayton Abell Sharon Fulkerson Holinde Dorothy Ford Riggs Rita Clark Riedel Patsy Clark Beyke Janet Oberst Hurst Kay Beth Riney Patricia Young Spencer Luisa Bickett, OSU Mary Blair Jones Mary Jo Schetzer Robertson Mary E. Fulkerson Steiner Mary Werner Blair Mary Sue Thompson Kathman Marian Wagner Robinson Martha Calhoun Wurth Clarita Browning, OSU Mary Phillips Macdonald Karen Nobles Rybolt Joan Clark LeAnn Dant McCarty Linda Kirchdorfer Stein 55 YEARS Sr. Veronica Emmick Catherine Riney McClish Rita Thomas Tanner Academy Class of 1962 Melvin Fleischmann Kathleen Welz McNeary Carolyn Thomas Ann Jenkins Caspar Conrad Fleischmann Donna Mayfield Thomson Marianne O’Rourke Diane Collignon Jacinta Tichenor Garinger Terri Scherm Tong Rosemary Pickett DeCoursey Barbara Bickett Posey* Eula Henning Martin Susana Trevino* Ellen Pickett Rajewski Earlene Beavin Dickerson Mary Lois Wathen Matheny Shirley Bickett Warren Martha Ruiz* Brenda Calhoun England Mona Miller Pike* Marilyn Simmons Schroeder* Lola Wink Mary Cecil Fogle Mary Phillips Posey Sheila Huff Woodard Laura Higdon Snider Lupitina Garza-Cabello* William Riney Yvonne Clouse Woosnam Amelia Stenger, OSU Ann Simmons Gordon Joan Stowers Saalwachter Mary Lynn Tichenor Bernadette Reisz Hayden Bonita Williamson Travis* Catherine Thompson Hayden Karyl Turner 40 YEARS Susan Pike Ward* Florine Twigg* Bernadette Huffine Henning Academy Class of 1977 Kaye Calhoun Winfield Linda Gatton Huton Gracia Alvey 65 YEARS Patricia McCarty Wright Toris Jaeger Katherine Saltsman Blandford Academy Class of 1952 Barbara Youngblood Faye Morris Bruce Ursula Wheatley Alexander* Mary Mattingly Johnson Rose Ann Johnson Johnson Adella Maria Castillo* Emogene Blandford Alvey Anita Clark Bergevin * No current address available. Please contact us if you can help. Victoria Clark
Lisa Stroud Curtis* Rose Clouse Foster Pam Riney Higdon Susan Grady Howard Larraine Anne Lauter, OSU Elaine Early McCarty Mary Judge Mohr Bernadette Ebelhar Monday Dianna Ortiz, OSU Lisa Parish Teresa Perez* Jenny Thesken Phillips Faye Cecil Riney Mary Thomas Ross Elizabeth Schlie Mary Cecil Storm Laura Reynolds Taylor Brenda Drury Thompson Laura Oberst Tucker Benita McCarty Voyles Terri Mattingly Whittaker 35 YEARS Academy Class of 1982 Kathy Hayden Blandford Rosa Larin Cierra Alicia Cecil Harrington Diane Blair Hodskins Kim Clouse Howard Shelley Medley Hunt Brenda Basham Lee Annette Kline Leone Marie Drury Lindsey* Maria Ellena Wood Masingill* Karen Marie Flomerfelt Mastrippolito Darlene Thompson May Rita Matthews Patti Sharon O’Bryan Snyder Rhonda Snawder Taylor Sally Clark Von Allmen Jill Hines Warren* Lisa McCarthy West Louise Rom Henigman Windsor Below: 1897 Academy Graduate
Above: 1887 Academy Graduate Note: This is a list of living alumnae only. Please let us know if you notice any errors and we will correct them in our database.
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From front page
to go to the Mount and helped me get there, including a scholarship. My vocation was nurtured by daily Mass, living community in the dorms with students and sisters, in the work we did together, eating and praying together. I also learned good study habits, and I was able to focus on what I wanted to do in the future. “One of my classmates, Teresa Huff (now Bringardner), offered to teach me to knit. She was an excellent teacher, and I learned from her that if you know something you can teach it . . . no degree is necessary. That’s one of the founding principles at Casa Ursulina for any woman who comes here and wants to share her talents. And that’s what I’m continuing to do myself. (And I’m still knitting!)” Sister Maureen O’Neill A66, celebrating 50 years as a sister: “What prepared me to become an Ursuline Sister? First, having Ursulines in my grade school years, then going to a boarding school away from my hometown. The atmosphere on campus revolved around the chapel and its activities -- daily Mass, prayer time, benediction, rosary, yearly retreats, etc. That prayer concentration was definitely more than I would have experienced in a diocesan Catholic high school. “Meeting friends from different backgrounds, locations, and learning about their family values grew into friendships that have lasted for 50 years! Those were the lessons that I learned more than the daily curriculum in the classroom.” Sister Judith Nell Riney A65, celebrating 50 years as a sister: “I was fortunate to have the Ursulines
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as my teachers from first grade on, so my time at the Academy was a continuation of the sisters’ influence. I had some wonderful teachers and good classmates who became lifelong friends. Both sisters and classmates influenced my decision to consider religious life because of their example, values and commitment. “I think I may have been a slow learner in realizing the importance of the education I did receive at the Academy! But I believe I learned a good work ethic both from the Academy and my family. I definitely grew in appreciation for my faith and my relationship with God and others, and developed a desire to be of service to others.” Sister Suzanne Sims A66, celebrating 50 years as a sister: “The four years of high school prepared me to become a woman/ Ursuline Sister dedicated to a life relationship with God in community. In addition to the rigorous academic courses, the routines of daily prayer and Mass became more than a rule to keep. They became a real part of who I am as a vowed religious. The structure some so vigorously ‘hated’ as teens is now the spiritual ‘backbone’ and the ‘heart’ of my Ursuline life. My faith growth (life in Christ) is primary to me because of the example of others ahead of and around me during those years, the sisters and the girls. “My study of the Church, social issues, Christian authors and saints at the Academy planted in me a thirst to know more about the universal Church, other faiths and creeds, as well as new developments in the Catholic world at the time (Vatican II). The 1960s were particularly challenging years, years of turmoil and discontent with the ‘status quo’ in society and in the Church. I began to expect and value change and to understand and practice the art of discernment to
Sister Sister Sister Rosemary Grace Simpson Marie Julie Fecher Keough 60 Years 75 Years 60 Years
Sister Lois Lindle 60 Years
Sister Mimi Ballard 50 Years
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Sister Grace Simpson was inspired by Sister Joseph Therese Thompson to become an Ursuline Sister. This is the poem she wrote in 1985 that sums up the blessing of her Academy years.
A Gift
In days gone by though ever present still I remember a gift. I watched and listened – the gift spoke to me vibrant and full. The life of one who knew a secret thing, and how Jesus loves us. I watched and listened deciding to accept. Believing the message that Jesus loves us, calls us, gifts us even til now. recognize the Spirit and to choose those changes I should embrace or reject. The religious culture and spiritual atmosphere of the Academy supported that type of spirituality. The courses, activities, other girls and the faculty helped me to grow in self-knowledge and the knowledge and practice of my faith. The lessons I still rely on include: n Importance and challenge of a balance in work, prayer, leisure and service n People of a diversity of ethnicity, backgrounds, and nationality enrich my life, i.e. spawning a love for travel as my world got larger through different classmates n My parents prepared me/my faith life for the Academy experience n The spiritual and friendship bond of being a ‘Mount girl’ is a privileged one that I treasure n With few visits home and with infrequent phone privileges, I still enjoy writing handwritten notes and letters -- however less frequently with the Internet -- to friends and family at a distance n Development as a person and opportunities for leadership.
Sister Sister Maureen O’Neill Judith Nell Riney 50 Years 50 Years
Pictured above are the Ursuline Sisters celebrating jubilees of religious profession who are graduates of Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Sister Rosemary Keough also taught at the Academy from 1969-76 and 1980-82. Sister Mary Durr, who is celebrating her 80th jubilee this year, was a music teacher at the Academy from 1968-73. Sister Mary is our oldest jubilarian. The jubilarians will celebrate at Mount Saint Sister Mary Durr Joseph during Community Days in July. 80 Years
Sister Suzanne Sims 50 Years
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Alumnae Memorial Mass 2016 The annual Alumnae Memorial Mass brought together a variety of Ursuline Sisters and alumnae of Mount Saint Joseph Academy on Nov. 6, 2016, to honor the memory of classmates and teachers who’ve gone to heaven. Father Ray Goetz, chaplain at Maple Mount, noted that the readings for the Sunday Mass were about faith in eternal life. “Sometimes we brush our fingertips across the image of God,” Father Ray said. “That is an accomplishment, but God initiated it.” As we remember those who have gone to heaven, we all have work to do while we’re on earth, but we should also be making time for God. LEFT: The Bell sisters – Sandi Boswell A67, Joyce Schulte A58, Faye Nix A55 and Joan Dant A53 – gather before Mass. They were in attendance to remember their sister, Martha Bell Johnson A65, who died in March 2016. Mary Ann Shewmaker Payne A72, left, prepares to carry in the cross as she shares a laugh with Virginia Ford Green A57, who carried the lectionary.
Help find our LOST ALUMNAE A70 Theresa Ann Carter Alley Mary Catherine Hobbs Blake Claudina Anido Carta Lucy Marin Laura Porto Lucy Quinonez Violet Elaine Jones Richards Elaine Marie Hayden Robinson Ana Maria Ruiz Catherine Ann Hayden Snyder Rebecca Aderhold Stanton
Terry Janeczko Staph A71 Anita Staples Bailey Donna Mattingly Coleman Joyce Biddle Diehlman Kathy Grossman Dixon Donna Jean Riney Habich Anna Lemming Laura Peters Kathy Nelson Rose A72 Susana Marie Trevino A74 Bridget Rose Garcia
Liz Ruckriegel Berger A55 proclaims the first reading. Elizabeth Mulligan Belcher A65, left, and her mother, Carolyn Mulligan, arrive for Mass.
Do you know any of these alumnae from the ‘70s? If so, please contact the Alumnae Office at 270-229-2006 or alumnae.msj@ maplemount.org. You can find more “lost” alumnae on our website: ursulinesmsj.org Anna Wethington May Judy Louise Jaggers Stoke Terri Wisneiski A75 Alice Allen Odette Maria Rubinfield A76 Catherine Ann Allard-Brown Ingrid Antonia Maria Galloway
Kathleen Marie Dick Jones Lori Ann Speck A77 Adella Maria Castillo Lisa Jadoun Stroud Curtis Teresa Perez A78 Sandra Castillo Baez
Doris Jeannie Thomas Cardi Margaret Frances Ford Martha Montemayor Maria Carolina Briceno Zamora A79 Denise Grenon Busra Janekarnkit Michelle Masupap Lynn Michelle Matsey Mary Catherine Medley Ana Clemen Stadthagen Helena Conly Wright
Did you know that there is a color version of The New Mount on our website? ursulinesmsj.org/about-us/publications
2017 Alumnae Weekend Schedule
Saturday, May 20, 2017 Noon–5 p.m. 2–5 p.m. 2–5 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m.
Time to visit and reconnect: Memory Room open Enjoy memorabilia, class photos, scrapbooks, Mount newspapers, etc. Conference and Retreat Center open all day Angela Oratory tours Hospitality Center • Refreshments • Cemetery lists Registration • Gift Shop open Evening Prayer Welcome Back Supper: Good food, good company, good music, sangria, raffle, door prizes!
7:30-9 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 10–10:45 a.m. 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Registration Breakfast with the Ursuline Sisters Business meeting Class Photos Gift Shop open • Memory Room open The 20 members of the class of 1966 (50th reunion) Alumnae Weekend Liturgy are recognized during roll call at the 2016 Alumnae Awards banquet. Alumnae Banquet Catered by Culinary Concepts (Chef Jeremy Mattingly) Maple Leaf Awards • Anniversary Class recognition • Roll Call • Door prizes
Carolyn Graves Beam A70 and Paula Chandler Gray A73 prepare for the 2016 Alumnae Weekend.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
The NEW Mount
Jennifer Speaks McGee has lived a life of service since leaving the Mount By Kathy Ford Young A70
Anyone who has attended recent Alumnae weekend liturgies likely recognizes the voice of our gifted Jennifer Speaks cantor, Jennifer Speaks McGee, McGee A70 Academy class of 1970. However, Jenny’s contributions to her community and country have expanded far beyond the musical realm. The eldest of Charles and Laverne Speaks’ three children, Jenny began at MSJ in 1966 on a scholarship. Her father was determined to have one of his daughters become a Mount graduate. After graduation, Jenny traveled a circuitous route of education, employment and military service. Her studies at Brescia College in 1970 included music and art, with a concentration in voice. The following year she took classes culminating in a fashion merchandising diploma from Stratford Women’s College in Atlanta, leading to a stint in retail work. A career about-face, so to speak, began with her 1977 enlistment in the Coast Guard Reserve. Subsequent to basic training in Virginia, Jenny served as a yeoman second class through 1980. Concurrent with her service, she performed typesetting and office work in Kansas City while raising her young family. She returned to Owensboro in 1987 and then to Henderson Community College in 1990, garnering an associate’s degree in nursing three years later. The Army then scooped her up, providing her with a stipend to pursue her bachelor’s degree in nursing. During the following nine months of tests and interviews, Jenny was certain “there was no way the Army would want a 40-year-old woman.” Obviously, she was mistaken. She attained her nursing degree in 1996 from Western Kentucky University. Army Reserve Officers’ Training followed in Texas. Her unit assignment in 1997 placed her with the 5010th U.S. Army Support Hospital in Louisville. She served with the Army until 2004, coming out of service as a captain.
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All told, Jenny spent a total of 13 years in the military – three in Coast Guard Reserve, 10 with the U.S. Army Reserve. During her years with the Army, she was a medical-surgical nurse at the Fort Knox hospital and at Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Ga. Overlapping that period of time, she taught at Daymar College and substitute taught at Daviess County public and parochial schools. She worked at RiverValley Children’s Psychiatric Hospital, Owensboro Mercy Hospital (later Owensboro Medical) serving in the areas of emergency room nursing, addiction/detox nursing and psychiatric nursing. Jenny has held the position of associate professor of nursing at Owensboro Community and Technical College since 2003. In 2009, she added a master’s degree in nursing education to her resume. Jenny considers her entry into nursing as “divine providence.” She received the “call” to nursing in 1990 and has pursued it from that point. It has suited her, she says, since “I was always the nurturer and caregiver growing up.” Reflecting on her four years at the Mount, Jenny feels that she was instilled with loyalty, focus, determination, sense of purpose, grit and prayer. She does acknowledge missing the “normal” experiences and milestones which an adolescent typically experiences in a regular high school. “The totality of the experience was unique, and that is probably a pretty tame word for it,” she said. “All of us, especially the boarders who have attended a boarding/convent school, are set apart from the regular high school experience. I believe we are more dedicated to our families and friends as a result of the MSJ experience.” Jenny savors time with her three children and three granddaughters. Her hobbies include singing with her church choir, gardening and reading. A colleague once commented that Jenny had experienced four lifetimes already. She’s anticipating what might await in her next lifetime – retirement in 2018.n Kathy Ford Young is the secretary for the Mount Saint Joseph Alumnae Association.
We extend deepest sympathy to these alumnae for their loss: • Margaret Thomas Bickett A55, whose husband, Jim Celestine Bickett, died Nov. 29, 2016. Other survivors are his sisters, Sister Luisa Bickett A47, Jeannie Calhoun A56, Carol Bell A60; nieces Susan Bachmann A72, Mary Beth Clary A71, Vickie Gibson-Groce A74, Shirley Warren A72, Diane Bickett A74; and sister-in-law, Betty Rumage Bickett A49. • Paula Crabtree A69, Elaine Blandford A70 and Janel Donahue A73, whose brother, Alan Ray Mattingly, died Sept. 25, 2016. • Ginger Ford Green A57, whose mother-in-law, Dixie Green, died Oct. 2, 2016. • Sisters Jane Miriam C43 and Jane Irvin C47 Hancock, Carolyn Hancock Marren A65, Marie Collins A75 and Becky Collins Morris A71, whose brother and uncle, Ben Hite Hancock, died Jan. 30. • Sister Claudia Hayden A67, whose uncle, Paul Martin Clark, died Dec. 11, 2016. • Peggy Murphy McCarthy A56, whose husband, Robert E. “Bob” McCarthy, died Dec. 24, 2016. Other survivors are his daughter, Lisa West A82; sisters Florence McCarthy A40, Magdalen McCarthy A51, Rita Elder A57 and sister-in-law, Sister Nancy Murphy A59. • Sister Diane Marie Payne A63, whose aunt, Cecilia Kerperian, died Nov. 13, 2016. • Mary Lou Cecil Storm A77, whose son, Brian Storm, died Nov. 30, 2016. Other survivors are aunts, Diane Cecil Bowers A79 and Carolyn Sue Cecil A73, Imelda Warren Cecil A71, and great-aunt, Sister Mary Irene Cecil A45. • Sharon O’Bryan Snyder A82 and Lola Wink A72, whose mother and aunt, Mary Angela O’Bryan, died Dec. 16, 2016. • Anita Tooley A69 and Marilyn Powers A70, whose sister, Phyllis McKay Crabtree Patterson, died Nov. 5, 2016. • Betty Reardon Greaves Vance A66, whose daughter, Emily Greaves, died Feb. 16. • Rosemary Jones Wallace A65 and Betty Cecil Medley Wallace A81, whose mother-in-law, Virginia Nell Wallace, died Jan. 2. • Rita Faye Thomas Tanner A72, whose brother, Pat Thomas, died Jan. 30.
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Please include the following alumnae, faculty and family in your prayers. May they rest in God’s peace.
• Gertrude Hancock Brumleve A54, 78, died Oct. 22, 2016. She was happily married to the late Pete Martin for 39 years, and for 12 years to Ben Brumleve, who survives her. She had three careers: first and foremost, as mother to her five children and four stepchildren. Later, she became a metaphysical counselor and aspired to be an author. Gertie’s survivors include her sisters, Sister Jane Miriam Gertrude Hancock C43 and Sister Jane Irvin Hancock C47, and her nieces, Carolyn Marren A65, Becky Collins Morris A71 and Marie Collins A75. • Theresa Luckett Dobbings A52 passed away Jan. 23 in Hackettstown, N.J., where she was living with her daughter. She was born in Lebanon, Ky., and had lived in Lakeland and Jacksonville, Fla. She was a tax preparer for many years and retired from H&R Block. Donald Dobbings, her husband, Theresa preceded her in death in 2007. Theresa was co-editor of The Mount during her student years and is remembered as “bright and funny.” Among her survivors are her children, David Dobbings and Dawn McDermott, and her sister, Millie Ewing. • Betty June Dillon Fruehstorfer A48 died in Mansfield, Ohio, on Jan. 20 at age 86. She worked at General Electric following graduation, and later worked in food service at Appleseed Junior High School and Mansfield General Hospital. She greatly enjoyed traveling and celebrating birthdays Betty with her family. She is survived by five children and three stepchildren. Her sister, Mildred Long Aukerman A46 and her husbands, Ray Dillon and William Fruehstorfer, preceded her in death. • Helen Elizabeth Clark Mattingly A45 died Feb. 22 at the Carmel Home in Owensboro. She retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 23 years of service and enjoyed quilting, traveling and spending time Helen with her family. Her alumnae survivors are her daughters, Kathy Evans A68 and Sharon Bell A72; and her sisters Joan Clark A47, Nancy Walz A55 and Anita Bergevin A52. • Dora Ann McCarty A45 died Nov. 28, 2016, in Owensboro when she was 90. She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker and housewife and later worked as a seamstress at Mount Saint Joseph. Her Dora survivors include Carolyn McCarty Howard A70, Susan McCarty A72, Benita McCarty Voyles A77, Becky Henderson McCarty A70, and Sharon Thomas McCarty A75. • Madaline J. Lowe A69, age 65, died Oct. 21, 2016, in Owensboro. She loved to cook and worked in the food industry most of her life. She was described as a people person who got along with everyone. George Edgar Lowe Jr., her husband of 41 years, preceded her in death. Her survivors include her son, Wilda Jeff, her daughter Laura, and her sister, Marianne O’Rourke A67. • Wilda Calhoun Matthis A65 died Feb. 1 in Owensboro. She was known as an outgoing and kind person who loved serving others. She worked at Field Packing Co. for almost 28 years. She is survived by her daughter, Robin Foster, her sons, Cary Matthis and Chad Matthis, and her sisters, Judy Ward A60, Brenda England A62 and Kay Winfield A67. Other survivors include her cousins, Stephanie Warren A73, Tamara Warren A74, Georgia Ann Bottles A68, Imelda Cecil A71, Rhonda Mischel Hughleen A73, Jan Warren A55, Karen Gilbert A76, Barbara Sue Castlen Erpenbeck A67 and Patricia Castlen Wuerth A69. • Hughleen Thompson Riney A45/C47 died Feb. 12 at age 89. She earned a degree in medical technology in Milwaukee, Wisc., and worked as a medical technologist in Owensboro for many years. She and her husband, Kelly Riney A45, who died in May 2016, were married for 66 years and had Nancy nine children. Two of her surviving daughters are Academy graduates, Mary Kelly Sils A69 and Donna Jean Warder A71. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren. • Mary Cleophas Fulkerson Stallings C50 died in 2005 at age 75. Her survivors include her sister, Ann Fulkerson Mattingly A57. Joyce • Marylyn Joan Taul Story A54 died Jan. 19 in Louisville. Her twin sister, Carolyn Taul A54, died in 2016. Survivors include her husband, Louis Story, and her children, Cindy Brown and Kevin Story. • Nancy Lewis Sturgill C46 of Prestonsburg, Ky., died Feb. 1. She was born in Owensboro, and married Barkley Sturgill in Prestonsburg, where she settled and raised her children, Patricia, Dorothy, Sarah and Barkley Jr. She was a staunch advocate and tireless supporter of the Jenny Wiley Theater Vickie and the arts in Eastern Kentucky. She was noted for her unyielding faith, commitment to family and community, infectious humor and strong character, all used for the betterment of friends, neighbors and community. • Joyce Warren A47, died Jan. 15. A very community oriented and caring person, Joyce was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining friends. Among her survivors are her daughter, Jean Adcock Mary A72 and her nieces, Stephanie Warren A73, Tamara Warren A74, Georgia Ann Bottles A68, Elizabeth Imelda Cecil A71, Rhonda Mischel A73, Jan Warren A55, Karen Gilbert A76, Judy Ward A60, Brenda England A62, and Kay Winfield A67. • Georgia Victoria “Vickie” Riney White A42 died Jan. 11, 2017, in Terre Haute, Ind., at age 92. Soon after secretarial school graduation, Vickie took a job with Hoosier Cardinal Tool and Die in Evansville, Ind., where she met James Culver White, who would be her husband for 67 years. He was a pioneer and inventor in the plastics industry, and the family lived in several states due to his work. Vickie was active in the community wherever they lived, especially St. Patrick Church, Terre Haute. Survivors include her children, Patricia Clendennin, Sharon Wheeler, Susan Aldrich and David White; and her sisters, Marilyn Kurz A54 and Bernice Bertke A56. • Mary Elizabeth Hayden Willett A53 died Feb. 2, 2017, in Paducah, Ky. She was retired from P&H General Tire in Mayfield, Ky., and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Paducah. She is survived by her son, Kevin, and her daughters, Melissa McGuire and Lori Gardern. Her husband, William Thomas Willett, preceded her in death, as well as her sisters, Sister Ethelreda Hayden and Sister Mary Mercy Hayden.
Hello Alumnae, What is legacy? A legacy is remembering what the past has given us, while focusing on the present, but building for the future. On a recent trip to Kansas, I had the opportunity to visit with Sister Mildred Katzer, a 98-year-old Ursuline Sister who is a dynamic, full-oflife woman. What an amazing visit! She had a book chock-full of various things. She referred to that book multiple times, pulling out pictures, and recalling dates about her life and Ursuline community. She uses that book the way I use Pinterest! As I sat and listened to her I was mesmerized by all the wisdom and life experiences she has. It was during that visit that I realized how important it is to share what we have with future generations … the importance of leaving a legacy. What is given in a legacy can have many different forms. The Ursuline Sisters’ legacy is the gift of education and Christian formation. As alumnae, you know first-hand the importance of Ursuline education. When you think about your legacy, remember your past teachers. It is important that the sisters can continue to grow their ministries and it is through our prayers, giving of time and treasure that they are able to do so. Life is made up of what past generations left for us. Legacy giving is very much about life and living. Thank you,
Betsy Jo Mullins, Director of Development Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Sister Mildred Katzer looks through her special book.
Sister Mildred with Congregational Leader Sister Amelia Stenger A67
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Kay Beth Riney A72, left, and Sister George Mary Hagan listen to Sister Ann McGrew’s question, “What would have happened if Mary had said ‘no’ to the angel Gabriel’s request to be the mother of Jesus?” Sister Ann spoke about the impact of the decisions we make at the June 7, 2016, “Evening With an Ursuline” presentation.
Evening with an Ursuline Dinner/Presentations First Tuesday of each month • 5–6:30 p.m. • $20 Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center Register by calling Kathy McCarty: 270-229-0206 April 4: Sister Amelia Stenger A67 The Environment and Our Health May 2: Sister Mary Matthias Ward Mary, The Mother of God/Church June 6: Sister Ann McGrew - Mandalas July 11: Sister Marietta Wethington A55 Centering Prayer Aug. 1: Sister Ann McGrew - Lectio Divina
Upcoming Events at Maple Mount April 8............. Lenten Day of Prayer with Monsignor Bernard Powers April 22........... Prayer Day: Angela Merici - “I Am With ....................... You Always” April 29........... Arbor Day Tree Planting in Owensboro, ....................... Ky. More than 300 trees will be planted ....................... in honor of the Ursuline Sisters as a ....................... result of the “Sowing the Seeds of Faith” fundraiser!
May 20-21.... ALUMNAE REUNION WEEKEND
June 2-4.......... Yarn Spinners Retreat at Center (Also Aug. 11-13) June 17........... Associates and Sisters Day Sept. 8-10....... Anticipation is building for what will replace the ....................... Mount Picnic! We can tell you that it will be called ....................... “MapleFest at the Mount.” More details to come. Oct. 16-20....... Week one of new Spiritual Direction Training Program ....................... at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat ....................... Center. Please inquire about participating by Aug. 31. ....................... Contact Sister Mary Matthias Ward: 270-229-0200
NOV. 5.......... ALUMNAE MEMORIAL MASS