MSM The Messenger Fall 2024

MESSENGER

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The

MESSENGER

A publication of Mount St. Mary Academy

On the cover:

3224 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72205 501-664-8006 • mtstmary.edu

Mount St. Mary Academy is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and is a member of Mercy Education.

MISSION

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

VISION

Equipped with knowledge, our graduates leave with confidence, courage, motivation and drive. Like Catherine McAuley, they are fierce pioneers, passionate about making a difference in their communities and the world.

2024-2025

MSM Academy Board of Directors

Anne Hiegel Mines ’82, Chair

Chad Aduddell

Deborah Baldwin

Donna Chachere ’83

Jena Cupples Compton ’91

Ashley Bressinck Cunningham ’88

Fr. Stephen Gadberry

Jeff Hathaway

Summer Khairi ’12

Sr. Diane Koorie, RSM

Mary Logan

Teresa Mendez

Edward Oglesby

Kelli Keene Sanders, MD

Susan Smith

Wallace Smith

Sara Jones (ex-officio)

2024-2025

MSM Foundation Board of Trustees

Tim Mines, Chair

Heather Allmendinger

Ben Bailey

Larry Boccarossa

Melody Brown ’92

Amy Davis

Rush Deacon

Megan Saer Garrison ’99

Bill Gorman

Stephanie Haynes

Sr. Judith Keith, RSM ’51

Kathy Breyel Pahls ’88

Roc Senavinin

Sam Walls

Lorie White ’92

Sara Jones (ex-officio)

The Messenger Staff

Jamie Groat, Editor

Dwain Hebda, Contributing Writer

Darlene Hebda, Project Manager

Nelson Chenault and Jason Masters, Contributing Photographers

Published by Wheelhouse Publishing

The Messenger is produced annually for the alumnae, families and friends of Mount St. Mary Academy. Please report any address changes or corrections to the Foundation Office at 501-476-3375, or email vgerbholz@mtstmary.edu. All other comments should be directed to the publication’s editor at jgroat@mtstmary.edu.

From left: Seniors Ella Crowder, Chinotu Kwelle and Laura Grace Files near a statue of Sisters of Mercy Founder Catherine McAuley in the foyer at Mount St. Mary Academy

Celebrating Our Spirit

As we open the newest edition of our annual magazine, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the vibrant community that defines “the best school we know of.” This past year has been one of remarkable achievements, heartfelt connections and steadfast commitment to our mission of empowering young women through education and faith, rooted in the rich tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.

Students have excelled not only academically but also in their extracurricular pursuits, demonstrating leadership, creativity and resilience. From groundbreaking research projects and artistic performances to athletic triumphs and service initiatives, their accomplishments inspire us all. This is due in large part to our faculty and staff who continue to provide an exceptional learning environment that fosters curiosity, critical thinking and a passion for lifelong learning.

Catherine McAuley once said, “Let us pray well and never get weary of doing what is good.” At 3224 Kavanaugh Boulevard, we proudly harbor the spirit that drove the Sisters of Mercy founder to give without reservation to those most vulnerable and in need. This year’s magazine offers a glimpse into that spirit of service, which is nurtured at Mount and then carried in the hearts of our graduates throughout the remainder of their lives.

Mount St. Mary Academy Leadership & Advancement

Its pages reflect our shared values of compassion, justice and respect, which guide our students to become women of faith, integrity and action.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, we remain resolute in our mission to nurture the whole person and to serve as proud stewards of what Catherine McAuley started nearly 200 years ago. We will continue to strive to develop not only the intellect but also the character of each student, preparing her to make a positive impact in her community and beyond.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Sisters of Mercy, whose vision and dedication still inspire and guide us. To our alumnae, parents and friends, your unwavering support enriches our school community and helps us to achieve our goals. And to our students, you are the heart of Mount St. Mary Academy. Your energy, enthusiasm and compassion make our school a place of joy and excellence.

May this magazine serve as a celebration of our collective efforts to live Mercy and a testament to the spirit of MSM. Together, we look forward to another year of growth, achievement and making a difference in the world.

Sara Jones, Ed.S. Head of School

Sara Jones, Ed.S. , Head of School / Robin Johnson, Ph.D. , Assistant Head of School / Msgr. Lawrence Frederick , Chaplain / Josh Salman , Director of Campus Ministry / Lane Vassar West ’89, Director of Athletics / Kate Schweder, Director of Finance / Eden Coker, Director of Enrollment / Jamie Groat , Director of Communications & Marketing / Mary Catherine Burney, Director of Advancement / Chelle McKenzie McCarroll ’02 , Director of Alumnae Relations / Lauren Clay Day ’06 , Director of Special Events / Vic Gerbholz , Database Coordinator

Hope KNITTING

Krafty Belles finds unique mission serving cancer patients

MOUNT ST. MARY ACADEMY’S LANE VASSAR WEST ’89 IS ONE TOUGH COOKIE. NOT ONLY DID THE DECORATED ATHLETE WEAR THE PURPLE AND WHITE WITH PRIDE, BUT SHE HAS SPENT THREE DECADES AT HER ALMA MATER CRAFTING CHAMPIONS ON AND OFF THE COURT. AS FORMER COACH OF THE TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL AND SOFTBALL TEAMS — AND FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, AS THE SCHOOL’S ATHLETIC DIRECTOR — SHE’S INSPIRED COUNTLESS BELLES TO GIVE THEIR BEST, ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES AND NEVER GIVE UP.

So when the revered coach was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2023, it unleashed an outpouring of support both broad and deep as she began the fight of her life.

“When the doctor’s office called me on December 28,” she said, “I was leaving a basketball game, and the woman on the other end introduced herself and asked me if I was sitting down. I knew she was going to say it was breast cancer.”

News of the longtime coach and educator’s situation spread quickly throughout the close-knit school and its extended family. When it reached Tara Gilmore, MSM staff member and advisor of the school’s Krafty Belles crochet club, it was as if by the hand of fate. Like all clubs at the Mount, Krafty Belles is required to fulfill a service component, which led Tara to discover Knitted Knockers, an organization that equips groups to craft breast prostheses for cancer patients following surgery.

“When the club started, I did some research to see what community service needs we could meet with crocheting,” she said. “One of the first things I came across was the Knitted Knockers website, and it got my attention. As soon as I clicked on it, I was like, ‘Oh, this is amazing.’”

Further research yielded patterns for the prosthesis, which could also be crocheted, and special details for their construction, such as the types of materials to use to prevent allergic reactions or skin irritation. Tara gathered all the information to present before the members of the fledgling club.

“Once we shared it with the students, they didn’t quite understand at first how big the impact was,” Tara said. “There are a lot of things patients go through that they didn’t know. When we talked about making a prosthesis, some of them were like, ‘Well, why do they need that? Don’t you just have breast reconstruction surgery?’ It really opened their eyes to

discover that for whatever reason, that’s not always an option, some patients have to have a prosthetic instead.”

The club would ultimately crochet 50 sets of prostheses to be donated to cancer patients. Blakeley Potts ’25 was one of the club members with a personal connection to the cause.

“I joined the club because I was really into crocheting, knitting and stuff like that,” she said. “When we started making the prostheses, it was so cool. My grandma died of breast cancer, and she did get a mastectomy. That made this really special; it was like, OK, I can take something I’m really passionate about and use it to help others. It’s so fun.”

Fellow club member Theresa Roca ’26 also found the cause meaningful as her mother had battled breast cancer in the past.

“I didn’t do any of the knitting or crocheting part of it. I’m still in the process

From left: Theresa Roca, Tara Gilmore, Lane Vassar West and Blakeley Potts

of learning,” she said. “I was the one who placed signs around school to publicize the club. It feels really good to participate; I would say that for anyone who takes the time to learn how to crochet, this is a really wonderful idea.”

Club members didn’t have a connection to many of the people who benefited from their handiwork, but there have been exceptions. The first completed pair was made for the grandmother of a Mount classmate, Kate Lock ’26. Kate’s mother, Traci, said the club is an apt representation of the empathy and conscientiousness the school seeks to forge in its students.

“It was within a month of welcoming our daughter Kate to our world that my mom shared, ‘I think I have breast cancer. I’ve found a lump,’” Traci said. “I was like, no way. This is not happening, Mom. I have my baby girl home; you cannot leave me.

“She had a radical mastectomy and

because of radiation and her specific situation, she wasn’t able to have reconstructive surgery. For her to go through that fight to be a survivor, to regain some little sense of normalcy, that’s special to her.”

Talking to club members reveals a special joy in what they’re doing. Even the comfort level with which they talk about their projects, which under other circumstances might produce embarrassment, is discussed with refreshing frankness and a sense of humor.

“People at school are like, ‘What are you making?’” Blakeley said. “It’s kind of crazy telling them, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m making breast prostheses.’ Then I explain what they are for and they’re like, ‘This is so cool.’ It’s really fun to work with my hands, and it’s just special knowing that I’m helping people while I’m doing something fun.”

“ I joined the club because I was really into crocheting, knitting and stuff like that. My grandma died of breast cancer, and she did get a mastectomy. That made this really special. ”

- BLAKELEY POTTS ’25

Without question, the pinnacle moment of Krafty Belles’ inaugural year was the club’s presentation to Coach West of her own set, customized for the beloved coach and educator.

“My favorite color is purple, and so I got a special pair of Knitted Knockers,” Lane said. “Mine are skin color on the top and then the very bottom, probably about an inch to the bottom, mine have purple on them. I got my very own special pair.”

As the club’s second year dawned and students were hard at work producing more prostheses, Tara reflected on the significance the activity would have.

“I hope the girls realize that even something small can have a huge impact,” she said. “Last year, we had someone come in and talk to us who owned a pair of Knitted Knockers, and she explained how much that did for her personally, how they instilled confidence and made her feel normal and whole.

“It’s sometimes hard for the students to comprehend that on their own, having never gone through it personally. Many of them tend to think, ‘Ha, ha, I’m doing this little silly thing,’ when in fact it’s a huge confidence booster to someone else, something that makes that person happier and feel more complete. I want our students to realize that they can contribute all these things to someone who really needs it.”

THE CIRCLE OF

Mercy

IN HER EARLY 20S, MONICA MADEY PARKINSON ’06 WAS PUTTING HER ANTHROPOLOGY COLLEGE DEGREE TO USE WORKING FOR THE UA LITTLE ROCK CENTER FOR ARKANSAS HISTORY AND CULTURE. SHE LIKED THE WORK ENOUGH, BUT THE SOLITARY NATURE OF IT DIDN’T SATISFY HER NEED FOR CONNECTION WITH OTHERS. AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS IN THE DUSTY STACKS, SHE UPDATED HER RESUME WITH MOUNT ST. MARY ACADEMY IN THE HOPES OF LANDING A TEACHING JOB IN THE SCHOOL’S ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. ONE DAY, SHE GOT THE CALL.

“I jumped on it,” Monica said. “In fact, my former senior English teacher, Kathy Smith, who was head of the department at that time, was still there. She is the one who helped get me hired. She remembered me as a good English student and particularly as a strong writer. I guess she knew that I’d be able to carry that torch of academic excellence that the English department is so famous for.”

Many schools boast of their traditions of excellence, but not many can say that such traditions stretch back 173 years the way Mount St. Mary Academy can. Founded in 1851 by the Sisters of Mercy, MSM has stood for excellence ever since, developing strong young women of character and leadership.

Every teacher on staff today feels the weight of that legacy, especially those who once walked the halls as a student. For them, the ability to return and carry the school’s hallowed traditions to the next generation of students is the ultimate professional honor.

“I see my role as a teacher as service,

but I don’t think about it like that on a daily basis,” said Maureen Riley Stover ’78. “I enjoy my colleagues, and I enjoy the students — talking with them and helping them learn as they make their way through high school. I’m having too much fun to see it as service, I guess.”

Maureen has spent 40 years having fun as a teacher at the Mount, something she might not have been able to imagine when she completed her student teaching stint there. She would have joined the faculty right out of college, but thinking there were no vacancies at the time, she took what she could get elsewhere and waited.

“I did some subbing and some public school teaching, and that was not for me,” she said. “I knew where I wanted to be. I liked the atmosphere of the Mount as a student, and I knew from doing my student teaching here that it was a good place to teach. More than that, this was home.”

Another long-timer, 28-year veteran Cheri Bonner Martinka ’85, also had the goal to one day return to her old stomping

ground while teaching elsewhere, only to be surprised by what the first day back felt like.

“Honestly, it was in some ways very intimidating,” she said. “When I started at Mount St. Mary, I was 30 years old. It was the fall of 1997 when I first came back, and many of the teachers there were teachers I’d had. There was this iconic teacher, Charlotte Miller, who was there and she had taught me. It was very hard to call her Charlotte, not Mrs. Miller. In fact, I called her Mrs. Miller for several years.

From left: Monica Madey Parkinson, Cheri Bonner Martinka, Maureen Riley Stover and Georgia McGahee

“As far as the teaching, though, it was very much a natural flow for me. I loved it. To me, teaching is just a connection; it’s a connection with the kids, helping them connect with ideas, thoughts and material. It was just very natural for me when I did it.”

Monica, who didn’t start out to teach but came to the role after sampling other careers, felt the same drive to return and stand at the front of the classroom. However, her love and nostalgia for the place initially took a back seat to the

butterflies jumping in her stomach when reporting for duty for the first time 12 years ago.

“I can vividly remember my first day on the job, walking into that room full of 25 or so sets of eyes just staring at you expectantly, waiting for you to instruct them and inspire them,” she said. “I was very nervous, but you learn quickly on the job. What helped me was all the love and support I got from everyone on the faculty — things I have felt every day since then. That’s one of the many things that makes this place so special.”

The allure of teaching at the Mount continues to attract new generations of educators from among the ranks of alumnae. Georgia McGahee ’18 left a teaching gig she enjoyed in special education following her graduation from Ole Miss in Oxford and is now in her first year teaching at MSM.

“I loved my kids in Mississippi, but I just feel like this was meant to be,” she said. “I did not think that my dream to teach at Mount was going to come true anytime soon, but I applied thinking the worst they could do is not give me an interview. Instead, it went great, and I decided to come home.”

What each of the veterans knows, and what Georgia will no doubt discover, is the absolute necessity of broadening one’s own mind through professional development and personal growth. This education comes from a variety of sources, both formal and informal.

“Teaching Latin and some English through the years, I don’t think it’s so much that the subject has changed, it’s the manner of delivery,” Maureen said. “I was in that period of time when I still had a typewriter working on my master’s degree, so when computers came along, that was a pretty wonderful thing. I’ve always kind of enjoyed learning new technology even though I’m not particularly great at it. The kids are actually pretty good about showing me what buttons to push.

“Now, the language, the lingo, whatever, has changed. I try to change with it, but I’ve always kind of been behind the times. There are times when I’ll say something, and the girls will look at me like, what? I just explain it, or I try a different example or a different simile and

“ I see my role as a teacher as service, but I don’t think about it like that on a daily basis. I enjoy my colleagues, and I enjoy the students — talking with them and helping them learn as they make their way through high school. I’m having too much fun to see it as service. ”

- MAUREEN RILEY STOVER ’78

keep going. It just seems to come naturally for me to have those conversations.”

Even the rookie Georgia said appearances aside, she’s having to brush up on speaking her students’ language, even though she’s been gone for a very short time.

“I graduated in 2018 when I was 18, and I’m 24 now. I think girls are more different now than they ever were before,” she said. “I think as society changes, the girls in high school are a little more mature now. My challenge is trying to find the sweet spot between classroom management and being their friend, while also maintaining that trustworthiness as their teacher.”

As Georgia learns the ropes, she finds she can lean on the expertise of veteran teachers who have been around long enough to have seen multiple generations of students and gone through different seasons of life themselves including ― in Cheri’s and Maureen’s cases ― teaching their own daughters and a niece or two. As time goes on, no teacher remains the contemporary of their students they

2024-2025

MSM ALUMNAE FACULTY AND STAFF

Over a third of our faculty and staff are MSM alumnae this school year. From a handful beginning their first year to two alumnae celebrating year 40, these 22 Mount grads have collectively accumulated nearly 250 years of Mercy service at their alma mater.

Ilia de la Ruiz Bailey ’06 – English Dept.

Anna Brady ’18 – Associate Director of Admissions & Marketing

Cameryn Miller Burch ’08 – Learning Services Coordinator

Catherine Hickey Cole ’95 – Finance Office Administrator

Laura Morris Crawford ’99 – Learning Services

Lauren Clay Day ’06 – Director of Special Events

Lauren Ramsey Lawrence ’08 – Theology Dept. / Assistant Athletic Director

Cheri Bonner Martinka ’85 – Social Studies Dept.

Erin Lynch Mason ’01 – English Dept.

Chelle McKenzie McCarroll ’02 – Director of Alumnae Relations

Georgia McGahee ’18 – Learning Services / Freshman Cheer Coach

Oceanna Kuonen McMahon ’00 – Math Dept.

Lauren Naeyaert ’08 – Science Dept.

Heather Thomae Olvey ’94 – English Dept.

Monica Madey Parkinson ’06 – English Dept.

Sr. Joan Pfauser ’64 – Director of Mercy Charism & Archives

Amber Pruss ’07 – Math Dept. / Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach

Nan Hennelly Rindahl ’85 – Attendance Director

Whitney Calliotte Smotherman ’03 –College Counselor

Maureen Riley Stover ’78 – International Language Dept.

Stacy Torres ’20 – Front Office

Administrator

Lane Vassar West ’89 – Athletic Director

“ I’m reinventing my teaching persona every couple of years whether I like it or not ... It’s sort of this beautiful everlasting loop, something that I understand better now and one that I’m really glad I get to be a part of. ”

- MONICA MADEY PARKINSON ’06

might once have been, but what time takes in the familiarity of current fads, trends and vernacular, it returns in experience, perspective and wisdom.

“It is funny when I think about, even from the time I started at Mount St. Mary to where we are today, the whole introduction and utilization of the internet and the access to information,” Cheri said. “Those students don’t really need me today the same way they once did because everything we discuss in class is out there available for them — and they easily can find it. Many find it without me. What I and my fellow teachers have to do, I have found, is teach them responsible, ethical utilization of that. I think that harkens back to really steadfast values that were established by Mount St.

Mary when I was a student ― being a responsible student of integrity and academic excellence.”

“Starting in my early 20s, I didn’t feel so far removed from the students, and I would sort of talk to them as a peer, especially the older girls,” said Monica. “Now I feel that I’ve graduated from being sort of their sister or their friend to this older aunt, I guess. It’s new territory being much further removed from them generationally, and I find I’m reinventing my teaching persona every couple of years whether I like it or not, just because I’m changing as a person. It’s sort of this beautiful everlasting loop, you know, something that I understand better now and one that I’m really glad I get to be a part of — the Circle of Mercy.”

Below: 2024-2025 MSM alumnae faculty and staff in the main hallway of their alma mater

Mount

THEN AND NOW

What’s it like to work at the place where you spent your high school days? We asked two alumnae from different eras to find out! Sr. Joan Pfauser left her role as a Catholic school assistant principal in New Orleans in 1985 to return to her alma mater, where she’s celebrating her 40th work anniversary this school year. Heather Thomae Olvey came back to Mount in August 2021, having previously taught at nearby Holy Souls Catholic School.

Sr. Joan Pfauser, RSM ’64

DIRECTOR OF MERCY CHARISM & ARCHIVES

World history because Sr. Ita made it so interesting I chose history as my undergraduate major

Yearbook – I was editor my senior year and loved the creativity involved in the work

Navy blue skirt, white blouse, navy blue tie

All the service opportunities

Recognition of the intrinsic worth and dignity of each person

The certain knowledge that my teachers were concerned about me as a person

The fine people I have had the privilege of working with over the years

The newer buildings and technology, though the essential spirit never changes

“The tender Mercy of God has given us one another.”

The strong emphasis on learning the subject matter while simultaneously developing individual talents, a right relationship with God and others, and a spirit of giving back

Sr. Joan

As the saying goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Certainly a lot has changed at Mount over the course of 173 years. However, after chatting with both alumnae, it’s clear the school’s focus on academic excellence, spiritual growth and service remains steadfast.

Influential high school course?

Sports team or club you most enjoyed?

Your school uniform?

Favorite Mount tradition?

Mercy Value you hold most dear?

Fondest memory as a student?

Best part about working at Mount?

Biggest change since graduating?

Favorite Catherine McAuley quote?

Top reason Mount is “the best school we know of”?

Heather Thomae Olvey ’94 ENGLISH TEACHER

Senior theology with Sr. Deborah, which encouraged me to think about myself and my relationship with God in new ways

Volleyball – We were undefeated conference and state champions my senior year

Houndstooth skirt, white polo shirt, navy sweatshirt, and maroon senior sweatshirt

The yearly button theme with a Bible verse that unites the entire student body

A voice for dignity and respect

Winning the state volleyball championship and experiencing it with my teammates

An amazing atmosphere created by motivated students and incredibly supportive teachers

Air conditioning throughout the school and computers instead of typewriters

“…resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.”

Mount felt like home to me as a student, and it still does now that I am a teacher. Being part of a sisterhood that spans generations sets this school apart.

From left: Kate Hancock ’26 and Michaela Dolan Johnson in CARTI Cancer Center’s infusion site, where volunteers regularly assist patients

Whatsoever

YOU DO

ASK ANY MEMBER OF BELLE NATION ABOUT THEIR TIME AT MOUNT ST. MARY ACADEMY, AND AMONG THE MANY MEMORIES WILL LIKELY BE A RETELLING OF THEIR TIME WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY OR ON PROJECTS TO BETTER THE LIVES OF PEOPLE LESS FORTUNATE THAN THEMSELVES. THEIR SENIOR CLASS MAY HAVE RULED ROBIN HOOD DAYS BY GATHERING THE MOST CANNED GOODS. THEIR CLUB OR SCHOOL ORGANIZATION MAY HAVE IMPLEMENTED A HUMANITARIAN PROGRAM THAT EXISTS TO THIS DAY.

For some, volunteering in a hospital ward, a school for exceptional children or a nursing home revealed their career passion and inspired their life’s work. For others, the concept of service itself became their vocation, a blueprint for life after graduation: in the military, Peace Corps or AmeriCorps; on staff at existing nonprofits large and small; or founding their own organizations to better serve others locally. In ways philosophical and practical, service permeates the Mount St. Mary experience, serving as the binding thread that weaves together generations, provides

context for the curriculum and serves as a cornerstone of a life well-lived.

“As a Catholic school, obviously, we want them to learn the faith aspect of service. That it is what we are called to do,” said Lauren Ramsey Lawrence ’08, the school’s service learning coordinator who has taught and coached at Mount for 13 years. “We have that responsibility as human beings to give back to others and to serve others. But if you take a look at another side of that component, there are a lot of life skills that these girls learn.

“Many of them are just as I was ―

introverts who are asked to put themselves out there and learn to take the initiative. They learn to problem solve; they learn conflict resolution. They, for the first time in a lot of their lives, learn to interact with people they’ve never interacted with before. That opens their eyes to a whole new world.”

To outsiders, service is often mistakenly assigned as a standalone Mercy Value, something to be completed and checked off like an item on a grocery list. It is much more than that. Service is the bonding compound within each Mercy Value that adheres it to the outside world and keeps it relevant through practical action that affects change. Through service, the values of Educational Courage, Inspired by Faith, Principled Leadership, and A Voice for Dignity and Respect are all elevated from mere words on a page to the living code by which each Mount girl lives her life through the doing of things for others.

“I think it’s really cool to see not only the joy that serving can bring to people,

2024-2025 Junior Service Learning Program Service Sites

ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Early Childhood Campus

The Allen School

American Heart Association

Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Arkansas Hospice Ottenheimer Inpatient Center

Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center

Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub

Arkansas Right to Life

Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Baptist Health

Brady Elementary School

Briarwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

CARTI Foundation

Christ the King Catholic School

Easterseals Arkansas Academy West

Easterseals Arkansas Children’s Rehabilitation Center

Easterseals Arkansas Little Rock

Developmental Preschool

Fair Park Early Childhood Center

Forest Heights STEM Academy

Grace Lutheran Early Childhood Development Center

The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock

Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center

Home for Healing Little Rock

ICM BRAVO Community Center

Live Thankfully Little Rock

McDermott Elementary School

Museum of Discovery

North Little Rock Catholic Academy

Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic School

Pulaski Heights Elementary School

St. Theresa Catholic School

Women & Children First

Woodland Heights

Honoring Ms. Judy

For some people, it is hard to pinpoint the exact moment their future path is set. Not so for Bailey Newcomb Faulkner ’99, who can trace a solid line from her current role in nonprofit work to her service work at Mount during her junior year.

“I was assigned to volunteer at a nursing home,” she said. “Every day, I spent my time talking to this lady, Ms. Judy, about her life and how she was a teacher and eventually ended up in the nursing home because she had mobility issues and how she used a walker to get around.

“It’s strange how that parallels what I do now. My favorite part of my job is talking to the families we partner with and hearing their stories, what they did in their younger years and what they are doing in their older years. It’s come full circle for me, realizing how all those times I spent talking to Ms. Judy prepared me for the work I’m doing today.”

That work is leading an organization called Ozark Mission Project, for which she serves as CEO. The organization brings in youth from all over the country to Arkansas for the express purpose of performing service work over the course of a summer.

“We do things like build wheelchair ramps, paint houses and do accessibility projects for low-income families across the state,” she said. “During the school year, we continue to do accessibility projects for people in Arkansas, and a lot of adults partner with us on that. They’ll do it as a team-building exercise

for their company, or again, youth groups will do it.”

Prior to joining the organization 12 years ago, Bailey worked in the political arena. One day she realized the best part of her role as a staffer was the interaction she had with people and nonprofit organizations throughout her home state. She decided to pursue that passion full time, a decision she credits to her Mount St. Mary foundation.

“I think a lot about Catherine McAuley and what I learned freshman year,” she said. “I didn’t grow up Catholic, and I remember learning so much in religion class about the Mercy Values of the school. As a freshman, I didn’t ever think that I was even capable of being a leader of our city, of our state or of a thousand young kids that come through our program every year, but at Mount, they believe in you. They give you the infrastructure and the programs that allow you to grow and become who God created you to be.

“Looking back, I’m so thankful my parents realized how important it was for me to be in that type of environment where education was paramount, and on top of that, where young women can explore all the different things that create a community.”

but the joy that the girls get out of helping others,” Lauren said. “In my own experience, that was what stuck with me. When I saw service opportunities in college, I had that same feeling of wanting to participate and give back to my community. Seeing the look of joy on the face of whomever you are helping teaches you how to treat people and how to be the hands and the feet of Christ.

“At the end of the day, we’re all human beings to be treated with dignity and respect. That’s one of the things that I’ve taken with me from Mount, and it’s something I want these girls to carry through for the rest of their lives.”

Approaching its 175th anniversary, Mount St. Mary has plenty of evidence to support its philosophy of service as fundamental to a well-rounded education. Yet it is also something to which the wider educational community has yet to catch up. In a 2024 article, HistoryTools.org reported that as of 2021, 86% of U.S. high schools require students to complete some community service for graduation eligibility, but this number is misleading. Only 36 of the 50 states codify community service in graduation requirements, and not all of them are required but are “promoted as a best practice.” In many cases, such guidelines are set by school

districts, meaning requirements can vary widely from state to state and even within states.

In the 25 states that do set clear hourly expectations, the average requirement is 60 hours. However, Florida and Maryland set minimum expectations at around 75 hours, while Illinois (40 hours) and New York (100 hours) establish hour thresholds aimed at different targets. States such as Texas, California and Massachusetts, meanwhile, have no binding statewide service requirements at all.

For generations, even Mount’s home state of Arkansas had no uniform statewide requirement until Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ LEARNS Act became law in 2023, requiring all public high school students to complete 75 hours of community service to be eligible to graduate.

Mount’s program has evolved through the decades. The most current format, the Junior Service Learning Program, is credited to Sr. Teresa “Terri” Bednarz, RSM, who brought the concept to Mount in the mid-1990s based on a similar program she launched while working at Mount St. Mary Catholic High School in Oklahoma City.

Chinotu Kwelle ’25 ACCESS/Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Of all the memories she will take from Mount St. Mary, Chinotu Kwelle’s encounter with a pediatric patient at Arkansas Children’s Hospital during her junior service year will rank near the top.

“There was this little boy there who was 5,” she said. “They asked us to bring him some toys and board games, and when we walked in, he had needles sticking all over his leg. He had the biggest smile on his face because he was so excited to play a board game. I think that was one of the best experiences there, just to see how much he really cared about us being there. It’s a really surreal experience to help little kids. I enjoy working with them.”

Chinotu was eager to serve in the surgical unit at Arkansas Children’s, given her career goal of being a doctor. She said while working with sick children could be emotionally wrenching, she and her partner got some helpful advice on how to cope.

“When these little kids come in for surgery, you see the fear in their eyes because they don’t know what’s going to happen,” she said. “Our life specialist was really awesome; she said just approach them as you would approach a healthy kid. Approach them as if they were on a playground, not in a hospital setting. When we’d come in, we’d have smiles on our faces, just trying to help relieve that anxiety of surgery.”

As familiar as Arkansas Children’s might have felt, Chinotu’s semester at ACCESS working with exceptional children was a new and eye-opening experience, one that refined her vision for the type of medicine she wants to one day practice and irrevocably altered her view of the world, she said.

“It changed me personally, teaching me to see the face of Christ in everyone I encounter, no matter how they look, no matter how they talk,” she said. “I was reminded that we are all created equally in His image and likeness and not to judge someone at first sight or just on the way they look.

“My experience really allowed me to take what I had that day — my problems, all the tests I had — and just put them aside and focus on the kids. I wasn’t there because the school told me to go or because it was part of a grade. I was there because I truly wanted to make a difference.”

From left: Chinotu Kwelle, Melissa Stiles, Ella Crowder, Lauren Ramsey Lawrence, Laura Strack Aday and Laura Grace Files

Fighting Back with Love

When Brynna Linkous Wagester entered college after graduating from Mount in 2017, she didn’t have a clear picture of what she wanted to do except to help people. While attending Oklahoma City University, she did an internship that changed all that.

“I got an opportunity with the YWCA as an intern in their court advocacy program,” she said. “Right after I graduated college, my supervisor decided to take a new job and recommended me for the director position. I pretty much went straight from college into being the director of the Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Program with the YWCA.”

The program helps domestic violence victims navigate the often-confusing channels of getting help. In her role, Brynna acts as a liaison with the local police department to connect with victims and provides court advocacy to get protection orders against their perpetrators. The department also operates a hotline by which she stays connected to clients.

“Anybody who comes to us and wants help, we will help them no matter where they are in their journey,” she said. “I get clients who still want to stay with their partner. Statistically, it takes about eight to 13 times for a woman to finally leave an abusive relationship, so having

an advocate throughout that process is really beneficial. We also help connect clients to different shelters, housing, rental assistance, things like that.”

Brynna said the early foundation she got from family, faith and her education helped prepare her for a life in service to others.

“I was born into a family that’s been Catholic for multiple generations, and what you hear growing up, going to church and going to Catholic school, is service is such an integral part of being a Catholic person,” she said.

“Going to Mount St. Mary, that’s always been reinforced in me through our service learning. I did a semester at Brady Elementary, and it really opened my eyes to how individual connection can really change somebody’s outlook or outcome in their life, no matter how small.

“I don’t know that I was fully aware of it at the time, but it taught me that even if I’m not able to see the actual outcome of what I’m doing, I know that every little thing can change somebody’s life.”

“When I was invited to Little Rock by Sr. Deborah Troillett ’73, then president of Mount St. Mary Academy, the framework for a service learning program was already lined up,” she said. “I identified organizations that served the kind of critical concerns that we wanted to go in-depth with. I then contacted those organizations and made on-site visits to each of them.

“Part of that was looking at the safety factors for our students, but I was also looking at the kind of service they would be doing. I wanted it to be meaningful. The directors of these groups were wonderful; they would call me immediately if a student did not show up when they were supposed to.”

Carolyn Cerrato Chalmers ’64 has had a ringside seat to Mount’s service program from the beginning, having served in various administrative roles, including dean of students, when Sr. Terri introduced her concept.

“Before, the girls would do service outside of school, and that usually happened in the summertime,” she said. “When Sr. Terri came in, there were things we had to figure out. Probably the biggest thing was how to get the girls to their sites safely. We also created formalized sheets, and the students would have the people that they were volunteering for sign off. Then, they’d turn in the sheets to me.”

Carolyn has seen the program work from every angle. In addition to her history with the school, she’s a former board member with The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock food pantry where she still volunteers, often working alongside the latest crop of Mount girls. She said the school’s program is as vital as ever to developing character in young women.

“We learn our values from our parents, first off, and they help us with service,” she said. “But with so many things that parents have to do today, if we didn’t have the service program for the juniors, I think they would miss out a lot on relating to the community and relating to people that are not like them. This program provides that.”

The original nine-week program serving one nonprofit would be expanded and refined over the years. Today, it’s a two-semester class taken during students’ junior year. During that designated class period, students are deployed in pairs to an approved

nonprofit of their choosing, changing service partners and organizations for the second semester.

“I let the girls choose their top three service sites for their particular class periods. It doesn’t necessarily mean they get that, but we want them to have a voice in the process,” Lauren said. “Every year, the first thing I say to these girls is to choose something that is outside of their comfort zone, because that’s an essential part of this program. They have to learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“Second semester, it’s the exact same process and they always go to a different service site. I tell them to think about where they went during the first semester ― let’s say they were working with kids or the elderly ― and to choose something in a different area for the second semester. Also, I try to pair them up with someone different, so they get two completely different experiences.”

The Mount benefits from its many local alumnae who have gone on to work in nonprofits and who enthusiastically support the program. One of the longest-standing relationships is with ACCESS Schools in Little Rock which serves the educational and life skills needs of exceptional children and youth. Laura Collins Wyerick ’05 helped forge that partnership.

“When I started there, ACCESS did not have a volunteer program,” she said. “There were a lot of young people and adults who wanted to volunteer and give back, but the organization did not have the capacity. It takes quite a bit of organization and manpower due to the logistics that go along with supporting a volunteer program. After joining the development team in 2014, one of my first roles was to establish this kind of program. I connected with Mount and from there we developed a beautiful partnership.”

Laura, who is now on staff for the forthcoming Fort Kids Children’s Museum in Fort Smith, said she worked to make the Mount girls’ experience at ACCESS as impactful as her own service experience was while a student, particularly for what comes after high school.

Laura Grace Files ’25 The Helping Hand/Easterseals

Working with special needs youngsters and serving the hungry made up Laura Grace Files’ service experience. She said she came away from junior year with a new perspective on society and her place in it.

“I think I gained a lot of compassion, empathy and also a completely different perspective on how our lives can be so much different based on how we were raised and the environment that we have grown up in,” she said. “I think that’s really important moving forward in life because it shows how one person can be on a completely different track and have either similar opportunities or completely different ones.”

At The Helping Hand, Laura Grace filled and helped hand out food bags to the hungry, while at Easterseals, she and her partner were assigned to a preschool classroom.

“We were there to help the teachers with whatever they needed with snack time, playing with the kids, keeping them entertained while the teachers set up for the rest of the day,” she said. “We would take them out to the playground and run around with them, try and get some of their energy out and just be there any way that we could to help the teachers so that they could have a less stressful day.”

Laura Grace said she specifically chose nonprofits that were outside of her comfort zone in order to gain the most perspective she could from each program.

“The Helping Hand and Easterseals were both places I hadn’t been before, and I thought they might be a bit more of a challenge,” she said. “I thought both of those would give me something else to do that I hadn’t done before and give me an opportunity to be around a different type of community that I could learn from while helping them.”

While she isn’t sure of her college path, Laura Grace said she is leaning toward studying physical therapy, an interest she credits at least in part to her service experience.

“Particularly for Easterseals, I worked with a lot of kids who had some sort of physical or mental disability,” she said. “That kind of drew me to that field because it showed me how differently people function and how sometimes one person might need a specific type of care while another needs completely different care. I find that really interesting and think it might make a good career.”

Above left: Lia Ureta ’25 (left) and Sarah Kaelin ’25 help Patrice O’Donoghue, teaching garden coordinator, at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center

Above right: Samantha Olvey ’25 (left) and Maggie Wimberley ’25 process food donations at The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock

A Life of Dignity

In high school, Laura Strack Aday ’02 completed a service project with the neurological unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock that forever changed how she saw the world.

“For me, actually going out and doing the service learning at Children’s, I was taken out of the bubble I grew up in,” she said. “Seeing those in need firsthand, you know, you recognize that not everything is equal. There are things people are going through, crises and hard times.

“The understanding that not everyone’s life is easy, that life does give lemons, and witnessing that firsthand showed me how I could be a part of helping a family in need.”

The experience helped inspire her career journey. After earning a master’s degree in social work, Laura spent time working in the CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock. Today, she is the care services coordinator at the ALS Association. There, she works with patients and families dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder for which there is no cure.

Times have changed and so has the clientele, but Laura still lives the lessons she learned during her Mount experience.

“Working with ALS patients, you’re not just working with the patient but also their caregiver and the family unit as a whole,” she said. “ALS patients have so many needs as they progress; it’s not just devastating for them but for their families, too. They’re having to quit their jobs because they’re taking care of their loved one or they get an outside agency to come in and help which is a huge cost.

“I advocate for the patient and get them what they need, but I also help the family get them what they need to help the patient.”

Walking alongside patients and families on this journey can be exhausting, both mentally and emotionally. Laura said she is strengthened by the knowledge that her work eases patients’ suffering, maintains their dignity, and gives families critical support and access to resources.

“I think the biggest takeaway from my time at the Mount was to have my eyes opened to such things,” she said. “There is still a huge need out there, and I feel a responsibility to get out there and help people to make the journey they’re on a little easier in some way.”

“That immersion and experience help these young girls get a unique understanding and often times enlightenment into professional opportunities,” Laura said. “Maybe they come into the program enjoying time with children. Then, they come to ACCESS and discover their potential to be a therapist helping young kids with their speech, gross motor skills or fine motor skills. It opens up their world in terms of possibilities, and how they could positively impact society using their talents.

“I have been in jobs where I did not feel like I was giving back to the community, and I was not fulfilled. I have realized my internal need and desire to give back. I truly believe the foundation of my servant heart was formed at Mount.”

Michaela Dolan Johnson ’87, foundation director for CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock, also channels her own service learning experiences from Mount with every MSM duo she oversees today.

“The program was really different back in the 1980s, but I still remember it making a huge impact on me,” she said. “What I love about what the girls are doing today is it’s part of their curriculum. It’s amazing the growth I can see in the students even over the course of a semester. Many of the girls who volunteer here have an interest in medicine, and they get to be around our incredible medical team and really get to watch them in action.”

Michaela said students also get to learn about the intangibles that go into cancer treatment, along with the medicinal and technological therapies as they pertain to a work position.

“When the girls come to CARTI for orientation, I talk to them about how this is a cancer center, but it’s also a place of hope,” she said. “They learn that patients fighting a cancer diagnosis are some of the strongest people they will ever meet, and they see how they can impact someone’s cancer journey significantly. I tell them there’s nothing too small and nothing beneath them, that small acts of kindness truly make a difference.”

After nearly 30 years, Mount’s program has received numerous recognitions for its contributions to the community. Most recently, MSM was recognized as 2023 Volunteer of the Year by the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center and in 2021 was honored as one of three finalists for Outstanding

Volunteer Youth Group by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Arkansas Chapter, nominated by ACCESS.

“I will tell you, what stands out about this program is the quality of young women that we get to volunteer here at the museum,” said Melissa Stiles, ’89, chief development officer for the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. “Typically, we get two Mount St. Mary students per semester. We have just been extremely fortunate to get girls who are capable, friendly and willing to help any way they can. They have been stellar volunteers.”

Stiles said the experience is more than just providing extra hands, it also serves to educate students on the role the museum plays in the community and appreciation for a job well done.

“We hope they realize how important their service is to the museum, that they come away with a sense of accomplishment for the work that they’ve done and help that they’ve provided,” she said. “It’s been a good experience, certainly from our side, and hopefully from their side as well. Their service is invaluable, and we hope that they come away with some pride in having provided that service.”

After so many years in practice, the program is having a generational impact on Mount students many of whom graduate inspired and equipped to go out and create positive change in their careers, neighborhoods and society at large.

“Well, it’s certainly the world seen through the Mercy lens,” Sr. Terri said. “How do you bring compassion and serve someone who is different from yourself and has different experiences if you never encounter the person personally? How do you begin to look at the issues that are surfacing in our world today — the root causes of why people land where they do in society — and respond to them?

“Service helps students be more engaged with critical concerns. It allows analysis and understanding of why things are the way they are. Then, it challenges them to think about how they can help and how they can make a difference. Through the Mercy lens, they learn how to go out into the world to make it a better place.”

Ella Crowder ’25 Baptist Health/Easterseals

Ella Crowder transferred to Mount St. Mary from another high school specifically to experience MSM’s service-forward program.

“Service was something I felt I was looking for and that I wanted to do more of,” she said. “I wanted to volunteer, but I wasn’t really sure how to go about it.”

Ella, who has an eye on a medical career after high school, said her experiences at Baptist Health and Easterseals allowed her to experience what that career would really be like. She said even though pandemic-related restrictions had changed some of what she had hoped to do and see, there were other elements that helped her grow in unexpected ways.

“I thought with Baptist I’d get to interact with patients and different things of that nature, but we ended up getting to help at the front desk,” she said. “Learning how to interact with people as they’re coming into the hospital taught me empathy for others. When someone’s coming into the hospital, they can experience every range of emotions. Volunteering there taught me to meet people where they’re at in how I interact with them.

“I chose Easterseals for how hands-on they were with the children. It solidified my thoughts on going into medicine. I’m still pretty set on pediatrics, but now I’m thinking more about doing pediatric genetics and developing better ways to improve the quality of life of people with physical and developmental delays. I feel like society wants to diminish people like that, but those are the people that we can learn the most from.”

Ella said the service emphasis at Mount often goes beyond the formal projects and the individual gains to create a more nurturing environment at the school as a whole.

“At Mount, I see students who are more willing to come up to somebody, even if they don’t sit at the same lunch table or they don’t have any classes together, and just be like, ‘Hey, do you need help carrying your books?’ or ‘Are you OK? Do you need to talk to someone?’ compared to other schools,” she said.

“The stereotype with teenage girls, especially at an all-girls school, is that we’re petty and cliquish, which can be true. But when you do Junior Service or experience your first Mercy Day, it teaches you how to better interact with people. I feel like that makes us a more open community.”

Above: Kayla Hill ’25 (right) makes Christmas ornaments with a student at Easterseals

God AND COUNTRY FOR

IN THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS LINES READS, “GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS, THAT A PERSON WILL LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS” (JOHN 15:13). ON SOME LEVEL, EVERY MEMBER OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES UNDERSTANDS THIS AND ACCEPTS THE RESPONSIBILITY UP TO AND INCLUDING MAKING THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO PROTECT ONE’S HOMELAND AND PRESERVE ONE’S FAMILY.

Mount St. Mary Academy has a proud tradition and lineage of graduates who have answered this call, one of the highest embodiments of service to others there is. We visited with three of those heroes to learn what led them to stand a post and preserve freedom at home and at various foreign deployments.

To all others who have answered the call to serve, we say thank you.

Head of the Column

Jennifer Weiler Broach ’85 grew up in St. Patrick Parish in North Little Rock and was the third generation of her family to attend Mount St. Mary Academy. That’s about as far as the “typical” part of her story goes. Coming from a challenging background that required her to work off her tuition, she developed an independent, survivalist spirit early on.

“When I was a kid, we lived in Park Hill and that was during the Cold War,” she said. “I grew up by Camp Robinson and played army a lot in the backyard. I always dreamed of working at Camp Robinson, that was just kind of something in the back of my mind.”

After high school, Jennifer landed behind the bar at a Little Rock restaurant, and it was there that her life hit a wall that altered the direction of her life.

“I was living the bar life and having a blast,” she said. “The guy I was dating, his two brothers were in the military and they kept trying to tell me, ‘Hey, you’re going

down the wrong road,’ which only made me go down the wrong road even further. I about died on my birthday at the bar; I accidentally cut my arm open at the artery.”

Jennifer awoke in the hospital to the realization that she had to make a change. The idea of college wasn’t appealing, so she hearkened back to her childhood dreams of being in uniform and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Military life was no picnic, but it gave her purpose and a challenge, something her personality latched on to immediately.

“I always fought for myself. That’s how I was growing up, and that’s how I took on the military,” she said. “I wasn’t a quiet one. I was always in the front. Everything I did, I was the overachiever.”

Female military personnel weren’t unheard of during her time, but they weren’t as plentiful as they are today. Jennifer’s hard exterior and mental toughness more than kept up with her male counterparts through two tours of duty in the Middle East.

Today, Jennifer is in her sixth year leading the Junior ROTC program at Conway High School and is looking forward to mentoring her niece who just enrolled as a freshman. She has conquered personal demons, manages her PTSD and has been immortalized in the 2024 book Women Trailblazers: Groundbreaking History of Their Service in the Arkansas National Guard. She credits her alma mater for instilling the faith and fortitude to see things through, in good times or bad.

“ I always fought for myself. That’s how I was growing up, and that’s how I took on the military. ”

- JENNIFER WEILER BROACH ’85

“I continue to do what I do because of the Mercy Values I learned and leaned on as a teenager,” she said. “When I had no one at home, I had that school.

“My purpose now is to be like Jesus every day and to walk with Jesus every day. When I got this job, it was like a huge weight was lifted, and I’m finally fulfilling my purpose. I love anybody and everybody, and I still want to make a difference in the world.”

Anchors Aweigh

One of the things Mount alumnae have in common is how the school’s challenging curriculum makes the transition to college studies easier. For Sarah Beadle ’11, the same held true for

adjusting to the United States Navy.

“The Mount instilled in me the attributes that are required of a military officer,” she said. “The Navy provided a strong level of discipline which I had already gained from the sports I played at Mount. Also leadership, which was something big in my high school life, is huge in the military. As a 20-somethingyear-old officer, you will be expected to drive a warship. I wanted that challenge.”

Sarah took an already demanding career track up a notch when she put in for submarine duty, becoming one of the first 50 women in U.S. Navy history accepted to serve on underwater vessels.

“My sophomore year in college is when they lifted that males-only requirement and began to admit females to the submarine community, and it was extremely selective. They were picking about five people per calendar year from all ROTCs in the country,” she said. “I was like, ‘Well, I probably won’t get this, but I think it would be a cool kind of trailblazer experience to try and see if I could do it.’ When I got the call that I was selected, I was one of just six people in the country to get it.

“I was totally stunned, but I wouldn’t change it for the world because when I showed up to my submarine, I was the

STUDENT SOLDIER

While many of her classmates spent summer break relaxing by the pool, working a job or vacationing with their families, Elvira Huerta ’25 had a much different experience. A recruit of the U.S. Army, Elvira traded her flip-flops for combat boots and water balloons for a carbine during basic combat training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.

fifth female to serve on that submarine and, as such, was setting the path for the enlisted women who came after me. I took that responsibility seriously, always trying to do my best, always trying to perform at the highest level so that we earned the respect that women deserved in the submarine community and kept it going for years to come.”

Following her final deployment, Sarah was assigned to the ROTC program at Notre Dame where she also completed her MBA. Now living in Boston, she is a senior project manager at a company that is helping the nation transition to more sustainable sources of energy.

Looking back over her journey thus far, Sarah attributes her fearlessness and servant mentality to the example set by her parents, teachers and coaches who molded her into the person she is today.

“How my parents raised me instilled confidence in my academics, in my personal pursuits, my athletics, everything,” she said. “I think I realized the level that my leadership was at after my mom passed away while I was in college, and then the very next semester I was asked to serve as our battalion’s commander.

“I remember thinking to myself, ‘I can either sink or swim here.’ I could very easily

“ The Mount instilled in me the attributes that are required of a military officer. ”

- SARAH BEADLE ’11

just have taken a different path after my mom passed. But the way she raised me, and the way that I was taught all the way back to Our Lady of the Holy Souls and Mount St. Mary, was you can do whatever you want. So for me, by the time I was at the submarine, I was ready for it.”

“I have always been intrigued by the military,” she said. “The promise of a free education was a good benefit, but I always wanted to do something in the military. My recruiter told me that I could do what’s called the split ops option, where you do basic training this summer and then advanced individual training next summer once I finish high school.”

Elvira, who enlisted at age 17 last fall, said she relished the chance to sign up.

“Less than 1% of people in the U.S. are in the military or join the military,” she said. “There are plenty of people doing small acts of service, but I know there’s a calling for people to join the military. There’s a need for people willing to step up and defend our country.”

Elvira said she excelled at the obstacle course during training but was only average in marksmanship. Still, a senior in houndstooth with the heart of a trained warrior is something not often encountered in the high school hallway. During her next phase, Elvira will train in her military job as a chaplain’s assistant.

“I wanted to do something that not a lot of people were going to do,” she said. “I wanted to do something that was actually helping people, not just adding another number to a career that was already popular.”

After Mount, Elvira also plans to use her military benefits to earn her college degree, with an eye on studying computer science. She said there are many other variables to her six-year hitch, including whether to go active duty or remain in the reserves, but whatever comes to pass, she’s proud to serve.

“I appreciate things a lot more now. I realize the sacrifice everybody makes by going through training and by giving up time with their family,” she said. “I was only gone to training for two months, and I didn’t see my family. I now realize how hard it must be for people who are going active or who get deployed for months on end in different countries.

“This whole experience just made me see how much we take for granted and how much we truly have. I value everything a lot more.”

Entrepreneurs Empowering

OF

EVERYTHING THAT ENCOMPASSES THE AMERICAN DREAM, FEW THINGS HAVE MORE POTENTIAL TO CHANGE A PERSON’S LIFE THAN OWNING A BUSINESS, WHICH GIVES PEOPLE THE MEANS OF SHAPING THEIR OWN DESTINY AND CREATING GENERATIONAL WEALTH.

Entrepreneurship is a dream shared by many — as are the challenges and roadblocks to bringing that dream to fruition. Foremost among these challenges is gaining access to the funding needed to launch, and it is here that Itzel Velazquez ’15 has rapidly earned a stellar reputation in the local business community.

Itzel, who transferred to the Mount for her final two years of high school before attending the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, also holds a master’s degree in higher education from Loyola University in Chicago. With such credentials, she could have excelled in any number of for-profit industries but knew from an early age that she wanted to build a career in the nonprofit space serving others.

“My parents in general have always been very service oriented. They were always willing to help anyone in need; if someone was sick, they’d go to visit them or just lend a hand where they could,” she said. “I was involved through my local church and doing activities with my youth group, and then obviously at the Mount I got to go out and complete volunteer activities.

“I continued by doing a lot of volunteer work throughout my undergraduate time at UCA, not only on campus but also getting involved with the community in Conway. I think I knew that at some point

I would be working in the nonprofit space just from being involved like that.”

Itzel lives out her personal mission of assisting people through her work as capital access manager with Kiva Little Rock, a local hub that’s part of an international organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs to sources of funding. There, she shepherds minority and women business owners through the process of applying for funds to launch their business — people who might otherwise have difficulty borrowing through conventional lenders for a variety of reasons.

“Language is a big barrier for many of the people we work with, and a second one is trust,” she said. “A lot of these individuals just don’t trust financial institutions; they tend to have more trust in a person than the entity they represent. Lack of a network of resources is another big thing; many of these entrepreneurs may not have a banker or a lawyer or people who can provide business resources or advice.

“Part of my job is to be a connector, gaining access to as many resources as I can and then referring people who might be too busy running their business to discover those resources on their own.”

Despite having to overcome skeptical perceptions by some clients of her expertise due to her age, Itzel has quickly risen to

“ Part of living out your faith is being a person who serves others, whether it’s with your time or if you are able to financially support something. That all stems from faith and the responsibility it requires of us to help others. ”

-

“who’s who” status in the community. The 27-year-old currently serves as chair of the Minority Business Accelerator Committee of the North Little Rock Chamber and has been recognized as one of Arkansas Money & Politics “Top 100 Professionals” in 2023 and as a 2024 “20 in Their Twenties” achiever by Arkansas Business

A decade after high school graduation, she can draw direct correlations between her experiences at Mount St. Mary and the work she does every day in helping lift up people looking to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

“During my time at Mount St. Mary, I really enjoyed the emphasis on education. I am a first-generation college student, and Mount really prepared me for college,” she said. “The level of work that we were doing at Mount in all of our classes mirrored college, and when I got to UCA, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m used to this workload.’ That made it an easier transition.

“Also, being an all-female school, it was just an education on how multidimensional women can be. I saw classmates who took hard advanced placement and International Baccalaureate classes and also did sports and were involved in all of these clubs. By the time I got to college, I was confident that I was capable of doing well in school and being involved in my volunteer activities. It was just normal for me by that time.”

Itzel, who completed her MSM service project with a nursing home and Easterseals, also credits the faith-based, service-forward mentality of the school for helping reinforce her desire to follow a career path in the nonprofit world.

“The faith piece has been very important as a grounding force and as a motivator on why I want to be involved in the community,” she said. “Part of living out your faith is being a person who serves others, whether it’s with your time or if you are able to financially support something. That all stems from faith and the responsibility it requires of us to help others.”

All Creatures

GREAT AND SMALL

Of all the worthwhile causes Mount girls devote themselves to, the care and protection of animals may be the most heartwarming. We set out to find several of these dedicated individuals who took their grounding in the Mercy Values and applied it to a mission of serving God’s furry, feathered and scaly creations.

THE DOCTOR IS IN

Ashley Smith ’15 knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was 3 years old, but it wasn’t until college that she caught a glimpse of her future. While completing her undergraduate work at the University of Arkansas, she volunteered with a nearby Springdale nonprofit, Spay Arkansas, where she saw the kind of work she wanted to devote her life to.

“I never really knew that vets could be in nonprofits. I didn’t know that existed,” she said. “In college, I was looking for something to do community service-wise,

and I found this group that rescued cats. They would take those cats to get spayed at this low-cost nonprofit clinic. I started volunteering there throughout college and learned that this is definitely what I wanted to do.”

Ashley attended veterinary school at Mississippi State University in Starkville, where she focused her education on the areas of animal medicine that would be most utilized in her future practice.

“I tried to focus my entire education on how I could provide the standard of care that they teach you in vet school to the

“ I tried to focus my entire education on how I could provide the standard of care that they teach you in vet school to the people who cannot afford it. ”

- ASHLEY SMITH ’15

people who cannot afford it,” she said. “I wanted to be the best surgeon I could be so I could provide those resources because a lot of people can’t go see specialists. I thought if I could get really good at it, I could do it for them. I set a goal to get a hundred surgeries before I

Right: Laurel Siems Huff seeing foster beagle, Wyatt, off on his flight to Colorado

graduated, most students do 20 or 30, and I surpassed that goal. I got to 500 before I graduated.”

Ashley was also something of a unicorn when it came to the type of animal medicine she wanted to practice. In fact, out of a class of 92 veterinary students, she was the only one who had her sights on such a career path in nonprofit care.

“Most of them said, ‘You’re never going to make any money. How are you ever going to pay your debt back?’ Luckily the government has a program called Public Service Loan Forgiveness. If you work for a nonprofit for 10 years, all of your student loans are forgiven.”

Ashley landed at Kitties and Kanines in Fort Smith where she is now the only full-time vet for the low-cost animal clinic. The work is grueling ― in her first year, she estimates performing about 5,000 surgeries ― and the circumstances often heartbreaking, but it’s work she loves doing every day.”

“It’s hard working in nonprofits, no matter if it’s animals or humans. No matter what you’re doing, it is hard, emotional work,” she said. “To be honest with you, just a few minutes ago, I euthanized a dog that had been abandoned in labor; her

uterus had ruptured, and she was septic.

You can’t just see the negative every time something like that happens because you’re going to get burned out fast. I saw it as a blessing that she ended up in my clinic because I was able to help her.”

SNOOPY COME HOME

Caring for animals has always been a major part of Laurel Siems Huff’s life; some of the Class of 2011 graduate’s earliest memories are of her family rescuing dogs,

of her own love of competitive equestrian events and volunteering in middle school for organizations that utilized horses in a form of physical treatment for humans called hippotherapy. Today, Laurel continues to indulge her love of fourlegged angels, helping to find homes for one of America’s most well-known and best-loved dog breeds.

“Beagles are big hunting dogs in Arkansas,” she said. “Unfortunately, a lot of those dogs outlive their breeding

ALUMNAE

Far left: Ashley Smith and her dog, Bailey

Below: Ashley Smith performing her 500th surgery while attending veterinary school

“ Unfortunately, dogs don’t have a voice, so someone must advocate for them. ”

- LAUREL SIEMS HUFF ’11

time or they get too old to hunt or they have behavioral issues. They get dumped a lot, in some cases people over-breed them, and they’re hoarded and live in just awful situations. It’s really a big problem here in Arkansas.

“One of the newer rescues I have been working with is Beagle Basecamp based out of Conway. We rescue them, and we work with Colorado Beagle Rescue to find them a home. About 99% of our beagles end up flying to Colorado, and sometimes they get adopted right off the plane. Sometimes they end up in foster homes there.”

Laurel, who is a full-time stay-at-home mom, has made a career out of such work, having volunteered for several central Arkansas dog rescues over the years. The work has given her enormous satisfaction as well as a pretty good-sized pack of her own. She estimates she’s rescued around 40 dogs in her lifetime and is currently the den mother to five fluffers plus one foster pup that may or may not become permanent in the future.

Left: Laurel Siems Huff rescuing Hazel Mae, a foster pup that is now a permanent member of her family

Bottom right: Maggie Quinn Raglin standing in front of a male jaguar named Malcom at the Little Rock Zoo

“All of them have been rescue dogs, fosters, that were picked up off the side of the road,” she said.

She cites her Mount St. Mary experience for reinforcing her commitment to God’s creatures — something that was underscored with her junior service project working with seniors through CareLink. That experience taught her the value each living being has no matter their stage in life, and with each hound she saves, keeps or adopts, Laurel said she again sees the Mercy Values at work.

“I took a lot away from the community service aspect at Mount,” she said. “It is so important for young women, who are so nurturing and caring by nature, to cultivate that and light that fire in us because we can make such a big difference. Volunteering helps us learn empathy and look at different aspects of what is going on with this person or that animal. What can I do to help if I can’t do A or B? I can do C instead! That’s a big thing Mount did for me.

“When it comes to people, you know, many have a voice. Unfortunately, dogs don’t have a voice, so someone must advocate for them. Some people just don’t realize how spiritual and amazing animals are; there’s always a way to help and nurture them and use those Mercy Values.”

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

For Maggie Quinn Raglin ’06, Mount St. Mary Academy played a significant role in the decision to serve animals as a career. The school’s focus on service first put the thought in her mind of living a life in service to other living things, and a television at the University of Central Arkansas Student Union did the rest.

“I’ve always volunteered with animals ― I worked at a veterinary clinic as a vet assistant for quite some time during high school and college ― and one day at college, I was watching Animal Planet between classes,” she said. “I was just like, ‘I could stare at lions all day.’ Then I thought, ‘That would be so cool. How do I do that?’”

Despite being halfway to her degree at UCA, Maggie followed her epiphany to Oklahoma State University where she began work on a zoology degree. Starting over

“ I’m teaching young kids now to enjoy being outside and learn about how they can take care of their environment, how if we each take care of our earth, no matter where we’re at, it affects everyone. ”

- MAGGIE QUINN RAGLIN ’06

meant studying for three years instead of the usual two, but she credits the extra time with allowing her to fine-tune her vision and get the material down cold. Despite the challenging curriculum, the more she studied, the more convinced she was of making the right choice.

“When I switched to zoology, it was really hard. Math and science did not come naturally to me, and I ended up with more average grades than what I was used to in subjects where things came easier to me,” she said. “I’m glad I decided to stretch it out to three years and really focus hard; it made my interest in animals and the entire biology of a species so much stronger. It

made me more interested in learning why they do what they do, and getting into the nitty gritty of that really helped me along.”

Maggie’s commitment would be tested following graduation as well. Jobs like what she was after ― working with big cats in a zoo ― are few and far between, and while she made connections at the Little Rock Zoo through unpaid internships, she had to bide her time until a full-time position opened up. Once the opportunity came, her perseverance paid off. She has been a carnivore caretaker for the past 13 years.

She said one of the most rewarding things about her role, in addition to caring

for animals every day, is inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

“We did so many community hours at the Mount, service just got built into you. It becomes part of you, so thinking ‘How can I affect change around me? How can I give blessings?’ is just kind of built in,” she said. “I’m teaching young kids now to enjoy being outside and learn about how they can take care of their environment, how if we each take care of our earth, no matter where we’re at, it affects everyone.

“It’s been really awesome to teach young kids that and give them that same spirit of community. It just feels like I’ve come full circle.”

MSM alumnae behind a variety of nonprofits ServicePROVIDERS

NONPROFITS COME IN ALL SHAPES, SIZES AND CAUSES, OFFERING PLENTY OF SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN ONE’S COMMUNITY. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSON IS PASSIONATE ABOUT A CAUSE ONLY TO LOOK AROUND AND SEE THERE’S NO ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO IT?

That’s the predicament faced by a number of Mount St. Mary alumnae, some of whom took matters into their own hands to form charitable organizations. The following dedicated individuals took up that very challenge in support of a worthy cause.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Anyone who thinks God doesn’t order a person’s steps never met Errin Calhoun Stanger ’94, for only the hand of Providence can explain the path she’s walked to launch Refuge Village. After her sister’s death from breast

cancer, a friend invited her to volunteer at a cancer run. The race day experience turned into more service and with each hour served, she became more convinced that nonprofit work was her true bliss.

She didn’t know what form that activism would take until she felt moved to do something to address the homelessness she saw daily going to and from her job.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always sought out opportunities to try and serve, and thanks to Mount St. Mary, I was able to help with several different organizations,” Errin said. “When I saw these individuals

outside of work, I said to myself, let’s get some help.

“It led me to do research on what was available for long-term care and support for the chronically homeless. After doing that, I decided that I was going to start my own nonprofit.”

Refuge Village dreamed big from the start, envisioning a housing community for the chronically homeless. Phase one of Providence Park village, being built in Pulaski County, will consist of 100 homes, the first 20 of which are expected to be ready by mid-2025. The master plan

also calls for a medical clinic, community garden space and work opportunities for residents, all of whom pay rent to live there.

“It’s thrilling to see what God is doing,” she said. “He’s just opened so many doors that have made it possible for this dream to come alive. I’m so excited about the future of this.”

A FRESH START

Sometimes it’s not the lack of a resource that hits the hardest, but the fact that it feels so foreign. That was the situation Stephanie Hiegel Byers ’90 discovered that led to the founding of Settled Souls.

“Jericho Way in Little Rock was housing people, but when you house a homeless person, they have hardly anything. Most often, it is their backpack and maybe a mat of some sort,” Stephanie said. “So many of them come from communal living if they’re in a shelter or a camp, and they weren’t comfortable living in an empty apartment. There were even a couple of people who returned their keys saying, ‘I don’t want to live there. It’s too empty. It’s too quiet.’”

Stephanie co-founded Settled Souls with Lindsey Taggart to help address the issue by partnering with other nonprofits to furnish living units for homeless individuals. By distributing donated furniture and household items, Settled Souls works to turn housing into homes for people trying to get back on their feet.

“The interaction we have with people is just amazing. We hear a lot of, ‘Nobody’s ever done this for me,’ or, ‘It’s been so many years since I’ve been able to lock the door behind me,’ or, ‘I can cook again,’” she said.

“It really brings to light how grateful we should be to have a lot of the luxuries we have. My first interaction was bringing this guy, Brandon, a shower curtain. I drove to his apartment complex and met him in the parking lot. I said, ‘Here you go. Shower curtain and rings.’ His face just lit up. He was so joyful, and I was joyful to help him.”

From left: Stephanie Hiegel Byers, Errin Calhoun Stanger, Teresa Kraft Dannaway and Kasia Pabian

HEALING AND HOPE

“ We prayed long and hard about the purpose of Mark’s injury, and we determined it happened so we could help others. ”

- SARA ROSE BORENE ’92

Between her family, her youth group at St. Patrick Church in North Little Rock, and her time at Mount St. Mary Academy, Kasia Pabian ’91 learned the importance of giving back.

“I was taught from a young age to contribute to my community, whether through church activities, family efforts, or other opportunities that came my way,” Kasia said. “That early sense of service helped shape my future.”

In middle school, Kasia joined the Christian Youth Organization, where she began her journey of community service. This early exposure to service work inspired her to think bigger, envisioning a future where she could make an even greater impact in the lives of others who needed help. She wanted to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

Kasia earned a nursing degree in 1996 and later a Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia in 2004, which broadened her understanding of addiction and its effects on individuals and families.

“In the healthcare field, you care for patients with a wide range of illnesses and diagnoses,” she said. “Over time, I saw firsthand how many people were battling addiction without the support they needed to recover fully.”

Kasia founded Magnolia Recovery Community to be a beacon of hope for those striving to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. The nonprofit not only provides safe, supportive housing but also empowers residents through a 16-week peer-led program focused on life skills, self-sufficiency and personal growth. Magnolia Recovery Community’s mission is to inspire long-term recovery, offering connections to vital community resources that support each individual’s journey toward a better future.

“Residents who complete our program often want to give back to help others

through the same process,” Kasia said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see people return as mentors, eager to support those just beginning their recovery.”

TRIUMPH FROM TRAGEDY

The greatest of movements can rise from the most challenging circumstances, and that’s exactly the backstory of TBI Ranch, serving patients with traumatic brain injury. Sara Rose Borene ’92 spearheads the nonprofit, formed in the wake of her husband Mark’s workplace accident.

“While working at a Level IV special education facility with students with emotional and behavioral disorders and severe autism, he quickly sustained a series of concussions,” she said. “The final one came when he had a student in a protective hold. They fell backward, Mark’s head hit a wall and that was it.”

Serving as her husband’s caregiver, Sara became intimately aware of the challenges patients and families go through, inspiring the creation of TBI Ranch.

“Brain injury retreat centers can cost many thousands of dollars and you have to commit to being there for X amount of time,” she said. “The treatment that works is all private pay, and most people with TBI are no longer employed and have no income.”

TBI Ranch is in the process of raising funds, and the couple hopes to build a retreat campus in Wyoming that would offer help based on the couple’s own experiences with traditional health care. It’s an ambitious idea with lots of work ahead of it, but Sara sees it as nothing short of a divinely inspired personal mission.

“We prayed long and hard about the purpose of Mark’s injury, and we determined it happened so we could help others,” she said. “The Holy Spirit is my best friend, and God provides. I’m not joking when I say that; the Holy Spirit tells

me to do something, I do it and it works. It’s amazing.”

A CHILD LEADS THEM

In 2018, Teresa Kraft Dannaway ’95 said goodbye to the earthly presence of her 8-year-old son, Tyler. That same year, the Tyler Dannaway Foundation was born, through which the little boy with the big smile lives on.

“After he was diagnosed with autism at 2½ years old, they basically sent us on our way,” she said. “They didn’t really give us any resources, so we had to hunt and find another mom who had a son with autism so we could get some information about what to do in that situation.”

The experience led Teresa to form a support group where parents could share experiences and lean on one another. After Tyler died from the flu, that group morphed into the foundation as a tribute to her son.

“My husband and I started this nonprofit in Tyler’s memory because he loved helping others,” she said. “He wanted to grow up to be a doctor to help kids with autism. We wanted to give back to the autism community in his name.”

Recognizing drowning as a leading cause of accidental death among children with autism, the foundation provides scholarships for swimming classes designed to teach special needs swimmers. It also helps families access hippotherapy, a form of treatment utilizing horses. Longterm goals include the creation of Tyler’s House, envisioned as a sensory gym for special needs children.

“I love helping others,” Teresa said. “At Mount, I did my service hours at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock, and that was really impactful. I really want to help families dealing with disabilities, and I love giving my time to help those less fortunate.”

2023-2024

ANNUAL REPORT OF GIFTS

This report gratefully recognizes the generous support from our alumnae, parents, parents of alumnae, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends. Everyone at Mount St. Mary appreciates the unwavering commitment to our school as demonstrated by all those who made contributions in various capacities during the 2023-2024 year. Their dedication to our mission, and to helping ensure a strong future for Mount St. Mary, is truly an inspiration.

To err is human; to forgive, divine. The MSM Foundation Office has worked diligently to ensure the accuracy of this report of gifts. If your name was omitted or improperly noted, please accept our apologies. If you notice such an error, we ask that you notify Database Coordinator Vic Gerbholz at 501-476-3375 or vgerbholz@mtstmary.edu so our records can be corrected. Thank you.

MOUNT ST. MARY

Undesignated (Greatest

OThanksgiving A SONG OF

N THE SURFACE, LARRY AND PATTI BOCCAROSSA ARE JUST LIKE HUNDREDS OF OTHER MOUNT ST. MARY PARENTS. THE COUPLE PUT THREE GIRLS THROUGH THE MOUNT, INCLUDING JENNIFER ’01, ASHLEY MCNATT ’03 AND STEPHANIE PIERCE ’06, WHO AMONG THEM WERE HIGHLY ACTIVE AND INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL’S VARIOUS ATHLETICS, EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS AND THE ARTS.

The couple admits they didn’t give their girls much of a choice when it came to high school, but the trio made the most of their Mount education anyway, each accomplishing much in their respective fields of study, careers and families following graduation.

“They have a camaraderie up there that is unbeatable,” Patti said. “Once Jennifer started up there, there was no doubt in our minds that the other two would follow suit.”

“I’m an Italian Catholic, and part of it had to do with wanting to bring our kids up in a Catholic environment through their education,” Larry added. “We wanted them to get the foundation that the Mount lays for future development in young women there, the foundation to do whatever they choose to do afterward.”

For Jennifer, that meant music. A gifted vocalist, she returned to Mount St. Mary as a music teacher and was quickly embraced by her alma mater and its students. Sadly, it was not to last as Jennifer died unexpectedly in 2013 of a hypertensive stroke. She was just 30 years old and left behind a son, Wyatt, who is a constant reminder of her

and the music she so dearly loved.

Remembering their daughter, it is obvious time can only smooth grief’s sharp edges, leaving the weightiness of loss behind.

“What MSM did for Jennifer and her music development was amazing,” Larry said. “When she came back to the Mount, I’ll never forget her saying, not just to me but to others, that she felt like she was back at home. That was a tremendous blessing, it just ended too soon.”

Even as they mourned, the Boccarossa family knew they had to triumph over their tragedy by turning their loss into a powerful tool for helping others. They did so by establishing the Jennifer Boccarossa Music Scholarship. The award goes to a sophomore or junior student affiliated with Mount’s music program.

“There are so many kids up there who need assistance of some kind, financial, if nothing else,” Patti said. “The girls who have received the scholarship have all been very appreciative. It didn’t bother them that it wasn’t a full scholarship. They have all been very grateful, and that has been satisfying to see.”

Larry and Patti said while the scholarship honors Jennifer by name, the impact of helping a student complete her Mount education is a tribute to both her and her sisters. It also continues a legacy of giving in the Boccarossa household – of time, talent and treasure – that stretches back more than 20 years. Larry has provided guidance as a long-standing member of the school’s governing boards, and Stephanie and Ashley volunteered their time and energy for 14 years and 4 years, respectively, to coach the Belles soccer teams. They all also continue to support Mount financially through fundraising events such as Dinner Belles and the Mercy and Me Luncheon.

“One thing that holds people back is thinking that because they’re not wealthy, their support doesn’t count,” Patti said. “Anyone who thinks that even $100 doesn’t matter is mistaken. It all adds up to benefit the school.”

“We’re not rich people, but we’ve always tried to do what we could, in whatever limited way, to support the Mount financially and otherwise,” Larry said. “Even though our girls have moved on, we still want to do our part to help Mount St. Mary and continue to give other girls the chance to experience what that wonderful school gave to our daughters.”

Above: The Boccarossa family – (from left) Wyatt, Patti, Ashley, Larry and Stephanie – in the music room at Mount St. Mary Academy

McAuley SOCIETY

JULY 1, 2023 –JUNE 30, 2024

The McAuley Society is comprised of lead donors committed to the future of Mount St. Mary Academy. Membership is open to all individuals, families and organizations who make a minimum $1,000 annual gift to the school.

Anonymous (2)

Dorothy Saenger Ackfeld ’52

ACS Roof Maintenance, Inc.

Angela & Chad+ Aduddell

Jan & Dave Allmendinger

Terry Angtuaco

Bernie Balest Ardemagni ’64 & Richard Ardemagni

Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation

Shannon Benafield Aston ’85 & David Aston

Curtis Bailey

Deborah Baldwin+ & Jim Metzger

Nancy Wilhite Bartlett ’72 & David Bartlett

Sarah Beadle ’11

Desi & Andrew Beers

Patti Callahan Bernstein ’65 & Davis

Bernstein

Corinne & James Billie

Patti & Larry+ Boccarossa

Corinne Bonner

Bosley Construction

Jane & Doug Bown

Erin Crain Brady ’90 & Justin Brady

Brown Foundation

Lori & Chad Brown

Melody Brown ’92+

Stephanie & Daniels Bynum

C.B. Foundation

Allison & Keith Caldarera

Joni Johnston Calva ’76 & D.J. Calva

Becky Carroll ’72 & Linda Spink

Catholic Business Women’s Club

Donna Chachere ’83+

Chevron Matching Gift Program

CHI St. Vincent

Kristin Dumboski Clark ’01 & John Clark

Ashley & Brandon Cliff

Jane Ferrill Colclasure ’63 & Bruce Colclasure

Jena Cupples Compton ’91+ & Adam Compton

David Corless

Kristie & Michael Cronkhite

Beth & Jeff Crowder

Patti Murphy Dailey ’64 & Jim Dailey

Betsy & Richard Davies

Amy+ & Scot Davis

Debbie & Rush+ Deacon

Margaret Cassidy Dearing ’71 & Bill Dearing

Diocese of Little Rock

Heidi & Chris Doolittle

Tom Downing

Beth Lipsmeyer Dunn ’66 & Ted Dunn

Theresa Sprenger Dunn ’73 & Jim Dunn

Katie Sprenger Dupslaff ’82 & Scott Dupslaff

Anne McAdams Dyke ’85 & Merritt Dyke

Carolee Sroka Emerson ’95 & Matt Emerson

Patty Berg Enderlin ’73 & Charles Enderlin

EOG Resources, Inc.

Estelle Stimel Charitable Trust

Trisha Fitzgerald Filipek ’69 & David Filipek

Karen Goodhart Flake ’65 & John Flake

Flora Bittner Croft Endowment

Msgr. Lawrence Frederick

Laura & Mike Freville

Joanna Fureigh ’12

Megan Saer Garrison ’99+ & Justin Garrison

Lou Ann & Wally Gieringer

Karen Kerr Glover ’73 & Bruce Glover

Conley & Alex Golden

Amber & Cody Griffin

Missy Dishongh Griffy ’75 & Tim Griffy

Theresa Goshen Hall ’78 & John Hall

Shanti+ & Bill Halter

Debbie Wright Harris ’75 & Bill Harris

Mike Hart

Janet & Greg Hartz

Sarah Hartz

Mary Bea Couch Hiegel ’57 & Ken Hiegel

Kathy Dailey Hightower ’63 & Ray

Hightower

Liane Rhein Humble ’53 & Bill Humble

Amy & Jeremy Hyde

Rhonda Schneider Jansen ’98 & Brian Jansen

Sara & Larry Jones

Ashley Kersey ’99

Dana & Joe Kleine

Vicke & Kevin Kordsmeier

Paula Jegley Korte ’74

Sharon Kresse ’76

Kroger

LeMay Photography

Melissa & John Lipsmeyer

Sr. Donald Mary Lynch, RSM ’61

Lou & Frank Ma

Kathleen & Derek Marks

Kallie & Thomas McCullough

Scott McLeod+

Cecilia & Beau McNeff

Rebecca & Nicolaus McNeill

Pamela Tucker Meeks ’88 & Cooper Meeks

Katie & Mark Melton

Vickey Hum Metrailer ’69 & James Metrailer

Ruth Straessle Metzger ’53 & Clarence Metzger

Sloan Johnson Milton ’05 & Tyler Milton

Anne Hiegel Mines ’82+ & Tim Mines+

Lucia Trujillo Morris ’09 & Jared Morris

Janis Morrow

Angela Nutt-Nguyen ’85 & Duong

Nguyen

Fr. John Oswald

Our Lady of the Holy Souls Men’s Club

Cathy Hastings Owen ’76 & Steve Owen

Alyce & John Parker

Mary Katherine Petrus ’69*

Lisa Petursson ’88

Gretchen Wewers Pierce ’90 & Randy Pierce

Stephanie Boccarossa Pierce ’06 & Aaron Pierce

Dorothy Pumphrey

Cheryl Chandler Rainey ’78 & Russell Rainey

John Renick

Nan Hennelly Rindahl ’85 & Marty Rindahl

Rourke Family Foundation

Roy and Christine Sturgis C&E Trust

Arkansas

Roy and Christine Sturgis C&E Trust

Texas

Beth & Bruce Saad

Angela Maynard Sewall ’64 & Frank Sewall

Sara & Kevin Shalin

Meredith Hartz Shelton ’02 & Luke

Shelton

Jeanette Sims ’72

Robyn & Jason Stewart

Becky Clement Sullivan ’74 & Charley

Sullivan

Anne & Alan Tedford

Becky & James Terbrack

Lu Tlapek

Tracy’s Glass and Mirror, Inc.

Jennifer & Sam+ Walls

Haven Hornibrook Waters ’63 & Bill Waters

Claire Saenger Weiler ’55

Peggy Wells ’72*

Kelly & Eric Wewers

Susie+ & Mike Whitacre

Lorie White ’92+

Nancy & Stephen White

Robbie Williams

Harrigan Wortsmith

Suzanne Stiefvater Wren ’81 & Daniel Wren

* deceased + 2023-2024 board member

2023-2024MSMfacultyandstaff are in bold

Thank You!

ANNUAL DONORS HONOR ROLL

JULY 1, 2023 – JUNE 30, 2024 2023-2024

The following list recognizes all donors who have expressed their loyalty and commitment to our school in the form of a monetary gift that has helped advance the mission of Mount St. Mary Academy and ensure the continuation of our rich legacy of academic excellence. These gifts range from tuition assistance, school endowment contributions, memorial gifts, major designated gifts, acquired planned gifts and bequests, and unrestricted contributions to the Annual Fund. Thank you for your generosity!

Sr. Catherine McAuley

Legacy Circle

$10,000+

Brown Foundation

CHI St. Vincent

Debbie & Rush+ Deacon

Flora Bittner Croft Endowment

Janet & Greg Hartz

Ruth Straessle Metzger ’53 & Clarence Metzger

Dorothy Pumphrey

Roy and Christine Sturgis C&E Trust

Arkansas

Roy and Christine Sturgis C&E Trust

Texas

Becky Clement Sullivan ’74 & Charley

Sullivan

Harrigan Wortsmith

MSM Founders’ Circle

$5,000-$9,999

Anonymous

Bernie Balest Ardemagni ’64 & Richard Ardemagni

Donna Chachere ’83+

EOG Resources, Inc.

Missy Dishongh Griffy ’75 & Tim Griffy

Sharon Kresse ’76

Lou & Frank Ma

Sloan Johnson Milton ’05 & Tyler Milton

Lucia Trujillo Morris ’09 & Jared Morris

Angela Nutt-Nguyen ’85 & Duong Nguyen

Mary Katherine Petrus ’69*

Stephanie Boccarossa Pierce ’06 & Aaron Pierce

Rourke Family Foundation

Peggy Wells ’72*

Legacy of Leadership Circle

$2,500-$4,999

Angela & Chad+ Aduddell

Terry Angtuaco

Deborah Baldwin+ & Jim Metzger

Desi & Andrew Beers

Patti & Larry+ Boccarossa

Bosley Construction

Erin Crain Brady ’90 & Justin Brady

Jena Cupples Compton ’91+ & Adam Compton

Patti Murphy Dailey ’64 & Jim Dailey

Margaret Cassidy Dearing ’71 & Bill Dearing

Diocese of Little Rock

Beth Lipsmeyer Dunn ’66 & Ted Dunn

Estelle Stimel Charitable Trust

Karen Goodhart Flake ’65 & John Flake

Megan Saer Garrison ’99+ & Justin Garrison

Dana & Joe Kleine

Kroger

Sr. Donald Mary Lynch, RSM ’61

Kallie & Thomas McCullough

Rebecca & Nicolaus McNeill

Anne Hiegel Mines ’82+ & Tim+ Mines

Meredith Hartz Shelton ’02 & Luke Shelton

Anne & Alan Tedford

Becky & James Terbrack

Sisters of Mercy Circle

$1,500-$2,499

Anonymous

Jan & Dave Allmendinger

Shannon Benafield Aston ’85 & David Aston

Sarah Beadle ’11

Corinne & James Billie

Stephanie & Daniels Bynum

Joni Johnston Calva ’76 & D.J. Calva

Catholic Business Women’s Club

Betsy & Richard Davies

Trisha Fitzgerald Filipek ’69 & David Filipek

Msgr. Lawrence Frederick

Theresa Goshen Hall ’78 & John Hall

Shanti+ & Bill Halter

Debbie Wright Harris ’75 & Bill Harris

Mike Hart

Kathy Dailey Hightower ’63 & Ray Hightower

Liane Rhein Humble ’53 & Bill Humble

Vicke & Kevin Kordsmeier

Paula Jegley Korte ’74

Melissa & John Lipsmeyer

Kathleen & Derek Marks

Janis Morrow

Nan Hennelly Rindahl ’85 & Marty Rindahl

Beth & Bruce Saad

Angela Maynard Sewall ’64 & Frank

Sewall

Jeanette Sims ’72

Lu Tlapek

Tracy’s Glass and Mirror, Inc.

Claire Saenger Weiler ’55

Angelus Bell Circle

$1,000-$1,499

Dorothy Saenger Ackfeld ’52

ACS Roof Maintenance, Inc.

Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation

Curtis Bailey

Nancy Wilhite Bartlett ’72 & David

Bartlett

Patti Callahan Bernstein ’65 & Davis

Bernstein

Corinne Bonner

Jane & Doug Bown

Lori & Chad Brown

Melody Brown ’92+

C.B. Foundation

Allison & Keith Caldarera

Becky Carroll ’72 & Linda Spink

Chevron Matching Gift Program

Kristin Dumboski Clark ’01 & John Clark

Ashley & Brandon Cliff

Jane Ferrill Colclasure ’63 & Bruce Colclasure

David Corless

Kristie & Michael Cronkhite

Beth & Jeff Crowder

Amy+ & Scot Davis

Heidi & Chris Doolittle

Tom Downing

Theresa Sprenger Dunn ’73 & Jim Dunn

Katie Sprenger Dupslaff ’82 & Scott Dupslaff

Anne McAdams Dyke ’85 & Merritt Dyke

Carolee Sroka Emerson ’95 & Matt Emerson

Patty Berg Enderlin ’73 & Charles Enderlin

Laura & Mike Freville

Joanna Fureigh ’12

Lou Ann & Wally Gieringer

Karen Kerr Glover ’73 & Bruce Glover

Conley & Alex Golden

Amber & Cody Griffin

Sarah Hartz

Mary Bea Couch Hiegel ’57 & Ken Hiegel

Holy Souls Men’s Club

Amy & Jeremy Hyde

Rhonda Schneider Jansen ’98 & Brian Jansen

Sara & Larry Jones

Ashley Kersey ’99

LeMay Photography

Cecilia & Beau McNeff

Pamela Tucker Meeks ’88 & Cooper Meeks

Katie & Mark Melton

Vickey Hum Metrailer ’69 & James Metrailer

Fr. John Oswald

Cathy Hastings Owen ’76 & Steve Owen

Alyce & John Parker

Lisa Petursson ’88

Gretchen Wewers Pierce ’90 & Randy Pierce

Cheryl Chandler Rainey ’78 & Russell Rainey

John Renick

Sara & Kevin Shalin

Robyn & Jason Stewart

Jennifer & Sam+ Walls

Haven Hornibrook Waters ’63 & Bill Waters

Kelly & Eric Wewers

Susie+ & Mike Whitacre

Lorie White ’92+

Nancy & Stephen White

Robbie Williams

Suzanne Stiefvater Wren ’81 & Daniel Wren

Mercian Cross & Shield Club

$500-$999

Anonymous

Melissa & Michael Angtuaco

Kimberly & Ben Bailey

Alicia Selig Berkemeyer ’86 & Kenny Berkemeyer

Gina Scerbo Bilger ’84 & John Bilger

Sydney Bueter Blackmon ’95 & Bentley Blackmon

Megan & Todd Boswell

Donna Bowers Bressinck ’64

Bring Change 2 Mind

Mary Catherine & Brad Burney

Mary and Robert Burns

Linda Grady Byrne ’70 & Rob Byrne

Braun Ray Campbell ’83 & John Campbell

Andrea Carlisle

Leah Pursell Carlson ’01 & Bryce Carlson

Blaine & Pat Carr

Centennial Bank

Christopher Homes of Arkansas, Inc.

CIA-Grant Fund

Michele Conners ’89

Natasha & Mark Cottingham

Miranda Roberts Crawford ’04 & Nathan Crawford

Tony Crifasi

Claire Pursley Cummings ’09

Ashley Bressinck Cunningham ’88+ & Baker Cunningham

Sarah Davies ’97

Barbara Lagasse Day ’05 & Greg Day

Lucille Kelly DeGostin ’68 & Robert DeGostin

Mary & Tom Devine

Cheryl Lienhart Driedric ’69 & Jim Driedric

Amber & Stephen Duch

Buff & Jay Easterly

Entergy Corporate Social Responsibility

Jennifer Fitts Finnegan ’85 & Thomas Finnegan

Margaret & Ray Fizer

Tracy & Robert Gandy

Sharon Strack Gunter ’85 & Marc Gunter

Danielle & Reece Hancock

Jeannine Huard Hart ’60 & Arthur Hart

Aubrey & Jay Harton

Charles Harvell

Stephanie Haynes

Christy & Mark Hopkins

Bethany & Chris Jennings

Maddie Oxner Johnson ’15 & Sam Johnson

Robin & Russ Johnson

Mary Bray Kelley ’62

Michelle Marshall Krause ’87 & Kent Krause

Lauren Nash Langford ’01

Kelly & Wes Lasseigne

Dianne & Jim Lincicome

Elizabeth Lipsmeyer ’56

Susie Wallace Lowther ’75 & Ed Lowther

Mary Lyon ’77

Karen & John Mangiaracina

Natasha & Cary Marlow

Joy Lowe Matlock ’92 & Lester Matlock

Elizabeth Lilly McLaughlin ’92 & Scott McLaughlin

Elizabeth Seredynski Moix ’62

Rhonda & Matt Morrison

Nabholz Construction Corporation

NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness

Northrop Grumman Foundation Matching Gifts for Education

Eduardo Pena

Barbara Hardin Powers ’82 & Michael Powers

Felicia Pruss

Beth & Scott Pursley

Virginia Quinn ’11

Emma Quo ’15

River City Turbo, Inc.

Roller Funeral Homes

Melissa & John Rutledge

Roseanne & Jim Samuel

Scenic Hill Solar, LLC

Becky & Robert Schulte

Deanna & Nathan Siria

Annette Barringhaus Stipak ’84 & John Stipak

Donna French Strack ’75 & Joe Strack

Angie & Phillip Suffridge

Gwen Brittain Taylor ’78 & Siisi Adu-Gyamfi

Jane Massanelli Tillery ’63 & Don Tillery

Brandy & Richard Uekman

Unite Private Networks

Sheryl Davide-Ureta & Sotero Ureta

Becki & Larry Vassar

Lezlie Wewers Vlasimsky ’84 & Stan Vlasimsky

Sharon & Carl Vogelpohl

Brenda & Dave Walter

Leighton & Doug Weeks

Sally & Topf Wells

Melissa Camferdam Wickliffe ’97

Lori & Bush Williams

Debbie & Mark Williamson

Kirk Wilson

Laura & Jeff Woford

Belles Purple & White Club

$250-$499

Anonymous

Michael Aclin

Margaret Pruss Albright ’98 & Bob Albright

Lynne Breen Alpar ’79 & Alan Alpar

Jean Bishop Armstrong ’62

Cindy & Andy Arnold

Sharon Waters Aureli ’81

Mary Swope Battreal ’57 & James Battreal

Natalie Carr Bell-Shy ’85

Carol Faryewicz Bishop ’74 & Robert Bishop

Michie McHardy Bissell ’62

Barbara Martin Blaes ’55

Rebecca & Kyle Blakely

Frank Borden

Janet & John Breen

Jennifer Weiler Broach ’85

Kelly Browe-Olson

Tricia Brown ’75

Donna Bentrup Brunson ’60

Rosemary Balest Bryant ’61 & Charles Bryant

Cameryn Miller Burch ’08 & Justin Burch

Joyce & Fred Burkhead

Suzanne & Hugh Burnett

Stephanie Hiegel Byers ’90 & Jeff Byers

Renata Byler

Allison Farrell Callahan ’97 & Jon Callahan

Jean & Dan Carter

Mary Kay Bergman Cashion ’75 & Paul Cashion

Carolyn Cerrato Chalmers ’64 & Glenn Chalmers

Kelley & Mark Coca

Patty Bergman Commerford ’71 & Joe Commerford

Jacquelyn Compton ’98

Emily Metrailer Cook ’94 & Ben Cook

Dana & Barry Craiglow

Annie McFadden Cross ’08 & Michael Cross

Janet Kirspel Deeter ’63 & Mort Deeter

Liz Dolan ’69

Robert Doolos

Jim France

Nancy Frost ’75

Kara Pabian Giddings ’95 & Brian Giddings

Brittany Greenwood ’12

Jamie & Neil Groat

Ashley Fotioo Gunderman ’92 & Chris Gunderman

Stan Hastings

Cynthia Gehrki Hawkins ’86 & Mark Hawkins

Brandy & Stephen Head

Paris Upshaw Henry ’78 & Perry Henry

Laura Holland Hoey ’94 & Doug Hoey

Kristine & Skip Hokett

Sarah Tisdale Horton ’96 & Johnathan Horton

Dianne Ferguson Hudson ’57

Dee James

Liz Ratchford Jasper ’91 & James Jasper

Jo Anne Zakes Jennings ’64

Arden Cornwell Johnson ’86 & Steven Johnson

Paula Johnson

Martha Deacon Jones ’01 & Grant Jones

Patty Cox Juniper ’89 & Mike Juniper

Stephanie Dailey Kelley ’73 & Hank Kelley

Carol Gangluff Kordsmeier ’87 & Brian Kordsmeier

Caroline McCrary Lasiter ’90

Christy Kresse Leach ’70 & James Leach

Amy & Matthew Lewis

Hallie Lindsey

Denise Hanson Lipin ’66 & John Lipin

Bridgette Mayhan Lyon ’98

Bonnie Wellborn Malzewski ’95 & Al Malzewski

Abigail Mines Mandel ’14 & Thomas Mandel

Kay Marak ’72

Mary-Margaret Rasco Marks ’98 & Matthew Marks

Patty Martin ’74

Tori Niedzwiedz Massey ’13 & Tyler Massey

Linda & Bud McCollum

Julie Baker Menke ’80 & Paul Menke

Elaine & David Miller

Sandy Hunter Miller ’95 & Eric Miller

Kim & Jim Moix

Ida Ward Moore ’66

Jenny Moses

Toni Nabholz ’62

Lauren Naeyaert ’08

Becky Smith Neighbors ’89 & Robert Neighbors

Melanie & Edward+ Oglesby

Karen Lienhart Oxner ’79 & Tom Oxner

Andrew Park

Christina Deuerling Pilkington ’78

Deborah & Andre Poirot

Marilynn & Rob Porter

Amanda Hall Potts ’96 & William Potts

Amber Pruss ’07

Mary Chudy Pruss ’71 & Mark Pruss

Betty Catlett Pullam ’63 & Joe Pullam

Ginney Pumphrey ’67

Peggy Byrne Pursell ’74 & Kent Pursell

Terry Renaud

Gabby & Vicente Robledo

Robotics Education & Competition Foundation

Angelica Luna Rogers ’91

Susie & Brian Rosenthal

Colleen & Tom Ruszkowski

John Seiter

Elizabeth Sellars ’98

Jody Simpson ’84

Bridgette Frazier & Mark Sims

Terry Borden Sloane ’67 & Ralph Sloane

Rebecca Richards Smith ’77 & Gary Smith

Kim & Justin Spickes

Therese & Matthew Spond

Natalie Tatom Summerlin ’91 & Allen Summerlin

Tacos Godoy

Barbara Tarnowsky

Anne & Alan Tedford

David Townley

Lou Ellen Treadway

Courtney & Chris Vincent

Mary Ellen & Steve Ware

Katherine Harding Wetzel ’99 & Luke Wetzel

Wren Ward Williams ’04 & Sammy Williams

Angie Muzquiz Wilson ’53 & Larry Wilson

Carol & Bill Wrape

Dr. Jane Wren ’74

Jacqueline & Ed Zeneski

Guardians of the Mount

Club

$100-$249

Anonymous (2)

Kimberly & Jimbo Adams

Racheal & Jeff Adams

Kathy Handloser Aday ’74 & Wade Aday

Laura Strack Aday ’02 & Steve Aday

Lauren Baldwin Agar ’78

Sarah & Peter Albahsous

Celeste Allen ’78

Melissa Knight Allen ’78 & Mark Allen

Penny Reeves Amundson ’85 & Jeff Amundson

Pauletta Baldwin Andrews ’84 & J.R. Andrews

Margaret Dickmann Arney ’67 & Don Arney

Sharon Wilk Ashley ’75 & Randy Ashley

Diane & Kirk Babb

Amy & Kyle Baldwin

Kirsten Baldwin-Metzger ’99 & Justin

Steinschriber

Judy Bales

Sue Jenders Balest ’74 & Phil Balest

Rosey Bartlett ’70

Maria Batres ’92

Kristen Rabal Bell ’91

Mary Ann Wollhower Bellas ’54

Deborah Dober Belyeu ’84 & Lee Belyeu

Jeannie & Joe Benight

Rosann Ouellette Bennett ’65 & Herbert

Bennett

Maura Beranek

Peyton Crawford Bishop ’58

Pat Black

Mimi Baldwin Blackwood ’72 & Mark Blackwood

Terry Blaylock

Cindy & Seth Blomeley

Pam Chudy Boehmer ’71

Betsy & Woody Bohannan

Allison Boyd ’83

Anna Brady ’18

Sarah Smith Brantley ’01 & Russell Brantley

Jan & Bill Brass

Christine Kelly Braun ’73 & Jim Braun

Cari & Brendan Britt

Aimee Colvin Brown ’87 & Bunny Brown

Kyla & Bart Bryant

Mildred Metrailer Buddenberg ’46

Gigi Davis Buhrow ’83 & Mark Buhrow

Irene & Toan Bui

Carrie & John Burkhead

Margo Nowak Bushmiaer ’71 & Robert Bushmiaer

Amanda & Adam Cadorette

Rosey Seguin-Calderon & Vince Calderon

Jerrie Farmer Campagna ’68 & Nicholas Campagna

Pat Carlisle

CARTI

Mary Robin Casteel ’97

Silvia & Marcos Cervantes

Alison & Brad Chambers

Cindy & Doug Chenault

Teresa & Mark Chudy

Christina Rossi Clark ’91 & Jay Clark

Ellon Cockrill

Eden Coker & Cody Jones

Dorothy Cooper

Catherine Corless

Erin & Kurt Cossé

Erin Reynolds Cowger ’06

Nancy Cox

Alisha Craig Crabill ’84 & Chad Crabill

Barbara & Rich Crews

Jackie Zihala Crowder ’96 & Will Crowder

Ashley Glover Cumnock ’91

Rita Baldwin Cunningham ’71

Jeanenne Dallas ’73

Pattie Davis

Paula Johnson Davis ’74 & Christopher Davis

Lauren Clay Day ’06 & Aaron Day

Vita Caldarera Debin ’58 & Robert Debin

Ashley Deed ’76

Tracy Barger DeJong ’78 & David DeJong

Cynthia & Jerry Delatte

Sr. Anita DeSalvo, RSM ’65

Misty & Donald DeSalvo

Christine Ray Eades ’78 & David Eades

Jill & John Eanes

Selena Duncan Ellis ’64

Alicia & Sam Emmerling

Ari Crum Fason

Jenny Crews Faulkner ’95 & Andrew Faulkner

Anne & Gibbs Ferguson

Sheila & Marc Fitts

Robbye & Gary Flynn

Becky Massanelli Foor ’68 & Dennis Foor

Melanie Parham Fox ’81 & Jeff Fox

Rebecca Franklin

Kristin Noor Gable ’92 & Kevin Gable

Ann & Bob Gasper

Missy Gazette

Lisa & Tinker Gibbons

Suzan Gilbert

Craig Gilliam

Carole Glancy ’68 & Mike Glancy

Phyllis Grasser ’72

Denise Graves ’73

Marjo & Paul Hadfield

Terry & Noland Hagood

Pam Yaniger Halter ’77 & Michael Halter

Lauren Hamilton ’98

Pam Matthews Handloser ’84 & Jim Handloser

Sarah & Dennis Hankinson

Patricia Nabholz Harness ’61

Diane Murdaugh Harrington ’70

Junie Harris Harris ’74 & Jerry Harris

Genny Wrape Harrison ’77 & Bradley Harrison

Sylvia Binz Hart ’63 & George Hart

Louise & Dan Hartman

Mary Renick Hauser ’03

Linda Haycook

Marc Hayes

Sharon Henderson

Kay Werner Henze ’72 & David Henze

Penny & John Herbold

Claudia Mendez Reyna & Carlos Hernandez

Donabelle Hess

Linda & Charles Hicks

Mary Rita Schlatterer Hoffman ’49

Linda Hoffmann ’70

Natalie Polk Hoffmann ’81 & James Hoffmann

Montica & Marcus Holloway

Karen Hooks ’86

Maria Hain Hooper ’72 & Bob Hooper

Lauren White Hoover ’99 & Joel Hoover

Kay Parman Horton ’56

Lori Menna Hunt ’94

Mary Jane Danner Hunt ’42

Jana & Mark Hunter

Star & Ronald Hy

Sue Ellen Jackson

Sandy & Vic Jacuzzi

Megan Janes

Curtis Jeffries

Denice Jeter

Pam Halinski Johnson ’71 & Randy Johnson

Quincey Johnson ’12

Sarah Filipek Johnson ’97 & Joel Johnson

ANNUAL DONORS HONOR ROLL

continued...

Stephanie Lively & Tony Jones

Meredith Morgan Kaffenberger ’03 & Samuel Kaffenberger

Charlene & James Kaminski

Rebecca Bailey Kane ’80 & Tom Kane

Theresa Kaplon ’72

Patsy Cooper Kelly ’54 & Paul Kelly

Karen & Bill Kennedy

Brenda Edgar Kent ’66 & Terry Kent

Kacie Johnson Kindrex ’02

Myra & Lee Kinnebrew

Joan Dickmann Kircher ’55 & Anthony Kircher

Pat Land Kirchner ’52 & Joe Kirchner

Cynthia Chudy Kita ’57

Jennifer Smith Kuhn ’96 & Chase Kuhn

Florence & Chid Kwelle

Mary Rose Enderlin LaMear ’60

Michelle Young Leding ’85 & Carl Leding

Claire & Chris Leopard

Wendy & Jim LePage

Patti Del Donno Lienhart ’73 & Mike Lienhart

Susie Donaldson Lilly ’69

Becky Robertson Linsky ’67 & James Linsky

Joan Lipsmeyer ’65

Betsy Calhoun Lomas ’80

Mary Alice Pushkarsky Lomason ’55

Gabrielle & Timothy Long

Paula Long

Stella & Troy Lowe

Joan Ogle Mabrey ’54

Anne Rankin Macaluso ’49

Betty Maddox

Sara & Edward Mader

Karen Mahoney

Bridget Zanoff Majkowski ’75 & Craig Majkowski

Anne Thompson Mancino ’76 & Michael Mancino

Flora & Juan Mares

Nancy Hastings Marks ’73

Brenda Marshall

Laurie Daley Martin ’76 & Rick Martin

Maria & Eduardo Martinez

Cheri Bonner Martinka ’85 & Tom Martinka

Melissa & Chris Masingill

Brandi Mayhan ’07

Ross McCain III

Pam & Jim McCoid

Chantel McCollum

Jamie Billie McCormack ’00 & Shawn McCormack

Betty Bassett & Paul McCormack

Marla & Bill McCrary

Elizabeth Kennon McFadden ’77 & Dan McFadden

Bobbie Cupples McKenzie ’62 & Ron McKenzie

Laura McKinney ’99

Rachel McLemore

Scott McLeod+

Ashley Boccarossa McNatt ’03

Jude McNeff

Saundra & Paul Meeks

Brenda & Allen Meier

Grace Kelley Mickelson ’04 & Luke Mickelson

Tonya Cannon Middleton ’98

Christina & Bill Miller

Kelli & Charles Miller

Marie-Bernarde Miller ’69

Sr. Stephanie Miller, RSM ’58

Elizabeth Lackey Mills ’92 & Don Mills

Holly Larrison Mills ’85

Jennifer & John Milwee

Kristie McCown Mitchell ’90 & Adam Mitchell

Bonnie Chudy Moix ’72 & Herman Moix

Susan & Darren Moore

Kathleen Buzan Moorhead ’78 & Samuel Moorhead

Cathy Wortsmith Moran ’61 & Mike Moran

Diane Yetter Morgan ’72 & Larry Morgan

Sandy Lawrence Morgan ’85

Kristy & David Morris

Patty Borden Mosier ’69

Lisa Lewallen Moss ’89

Linda & Lee Muldrow

Catherine Weakland Murphy ’62

Deb & James Murray

Jo Semasek Murray ’61 & Mike Murray

Judy & Bill Nagle

Dana Nahlen ’73

Courtney & Casper Nehus

Sherry Stengel Nehus

Ashley Porter Nguyen ’97 & Anthony Nguyen

Sheryl Griffith Nolan ’86 & Andrew Nolan

Brianna Nony

Nooma

Shirley Ruffer Nutt ’57 & Fred Nutt

Leslie Mahan O’Malley ’86 & Mike O’Malley

Michelle Thompson Oakley ’74

Sandra Smith Odom ’66

Marguerite Edelmann Olberts ’77 & Leo Olberts

Heather Thomae Olvey ’94 & Lance Olvey

Deborah Scroggin Osredker ’78 & Gary Osredker

Amy & Paul Owens

Charlsie Paladino

Monica Madey Parkinson ’06 & Ronnie Parkinson

Lorre Parrish

Lisa Kresse Patterson ’77 & Paul Patterson

Anita Kordsmeier Paul ’81 & Brad Paul

Christy Reeves Peletz ’97

Darian Pellicciotti

Martin Perez

Trinidad Perez

Charles Peters

Judith Kitta Peterson ’78 & Kevin Peterson

Patrick Petursson

Sr. Joan Pfauser, RSM ’64

Kristen & Hank Pfeifer

Ruthie Pineda & Antonio Abad

Claire Hankinson Pittman ’93+ & Chris Pittman

Mary Margaret Beck Plunkett ’61 & Joseph Plunkett

Paula & Frank Porbeck

Beth & Charlie Porter

Becky Baxter Porter ’71

Lauren & OJ Posey

Alice & Christopher Price

Anna Maria Brewczynski Pruss ’59

Irene & Tony Pruss

Jeanie & Frank Pruss

Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church

Leah Lange Quandt ’62 & Robert Quandt

Shelly Straw Quick ’00 & Matt Quick

Donna Higgins Rainey ’62 & James Rainey

Mary Lou & Terry Rasco

Sandra & Robin Raveendran

Peggy Althoff Reagan ’71 & Mike Reagan

Tuck Reaves

Lisa & Dan Reber

Pegi & Richard Redix

Dot Havey Reed ’48

Brittney Wilkerson Renfro ’05 & Phillip Renfro

Katie Davies Riccobono ’94 & Andrew Riccobono

Kim Richard ’78

Carolee & Mike Riley

Melanie Hart Riley ’73 & Rick Riley

Cheryl Harvey Ripper ’77 & Ricky Ripper

Lynne Handloser Ritchie ’72 & E.J. Ritchie

Catherine Johnston Robinson ’73 & John Robinson

Rita Rolf ’78 & Michael Snook

Brita Sward Rook ’01 & Carter Rook

Vanessa Cerda Ruiz & Juan Ruiz

Amy England Sahely ’93 & Kaam Sahely

Ruth & John Sahene

Grace & Josh Salman

Rita Sarna Schnebelen ’51 & Alfred Schnebelen

Shawn Schouweiler ’80

Sharon Olberts Sellars ’70 & Rick Sellars

Kay Yada Shields ’88 & David Shields

Laura & John Shiver

Barbara Linsky Silaski ’55

Joan Eichler Simon ’86 & David Simon

Sue & Butch Siria

Larry Slaten

Gracie Sloan ’13

Anita Calva Smith ’74 & Steve Smith

Debbie & Walt Smith

Heather Smith

Kathy Smith

Margaret Smith

Melissa & Keith Smith

Rose Anne Harness Smith ’72 & Donnie

Smith

Jane Gasper Snyder ’70 & Jerry Snyder

Cecelia Walker Soderberg ’69 & Bob Soderberg

Maureen Donovan Sokora ’81 & Richard Sokora

Missy Worley Solomon ’69 & Joe Solomon

Jan Spann

Mary Hart Spond ’68 & Dan Spond

Dee Dee & Wallie Sprick

Myra & Andrew Steinkamp

Annette & Hans Sterl

Carolyn Bergman Stewart ’72 & Danny Stewart

Michelle Poe Stewart ’97 & Jason Stewart

Marilyn Mattingly Stiefvater ’60 & Ralph Stiefvater

Mike Stiles

Mary Beth Peck Stivers ’85 & Michael Stivers

Susie & Mike Stormes

Chris Stratton

Naomi Stratton & Mark Meador

Naomi & John Strojek

Cindy & Mac Stroud

Lynda & Buford Suffridge

Carolyn Hepp Sullivan ’75

Patrick Sullivan

Wynne Taillac ’69

Mark Tarasuck

Norman Teltow

The Body Shop

The Saint Thomas More Society of Arkansas, Inc.

Evelyn & Jerry Thomas

Sarah Brewer Thompson ’71

Brook & Long Tong

Lynn Isgrig Topp ’75

Nancy Tresp ’68

Teresa Tresp ’73

Tricia Tresp ’75

Kay & James Tribo

Melanie Mines Trivella ’10 & Mike Trivella

Sr. Deborah Troillett, RSM ’73

Mary Jean Troillett

Lois & Chris Truss

Joanna Schnebelen Tucker ’78 & Eric Tucker

Breda Turner

Sharon & Mark Tyler

Harriette Jackson Upshaw

Amber Uptigrove & Matt Hoffine

Deborah & Richard Urquhart

Gema Vargas Valentine ’03

Valerie Vickers

Carol & Jim Waggoner

Jill Waldrop

Mary Walter ’04

Anita Gring Ward ’77 & Terry Ward

Mary Linda & Tommy Ward

Barbara Tucker Weber ’59 & William Weber

Amber & Bryan Weinzimer

Sarah Mattingly Wendel ’08 & Michael Wendel

Stacie Paladino Wharton ’86 & Allan Wharton

Lara & Walt White

Evelyn Deuerling Wideman ’79 & Barry Wideman

Donna & Bo Wilkerson

Shana & Malcolm Williamson

Jeanie Wilson

Karen Schubert Wolfe ’63 & Ken Wolfe

Karen & Jody Woody

Marcy Hall Wright ’04

Lori & Aaron Yacavone

Peter Yang

Laura & Alan York

Linda York

Dolores Luyet Zajac ’56

Robin & Michael Zimmer

Sharon Zimmerman ’82

Friends of the Mount Club

$5-$99

Anonymous (4)

Sally Adams & Dick Stoker

Chelsea & Braden Allman

Tracy & Koen Amburgy

Martha Kay & Bill Asti

Terry Barket

Cindy Morgan Barron ’68 & Michael Barron

Janet Dumboski Beck ’71 & William Beck

Patti Carter Belote ’63 & Jim Belote

Pamela Pike & Steve Binz

Kathy Black Bishop ’73

Cindi Evans Bond ’78 & Jason Bond

Larry Bradley

Dianne Hooper Brady ’66

Amy Bressinck Bratcher ’89 & Kevin Bratcher

Stefanie & Donald Brazile

Liz Beadle Breen ’09

Sr. Agnes Brueggen, RSM

Frances Rogers Buchanan ’63

Becky & Smitty Burgess

Wesley Burney ’19

Gray Burns

Patti Johnston Burton ’79 & Bruce Burton

Katherine Lord Butler ’98 & Benjamin Butler

Ellen Faryewicz Callaway ’73 & Joel Callaway

Martha Farris Campbell ’62 & Gene Campbell

Beth Petlak Canterbury ’85 & Robby Canterbury

Denice Hancock Carey ’77

Lisa Carey ’78

Lindy & Billy Carpenter

Laura Dailey Carter ’84 & Mark Carter

Connie & Martin Carty

Rebecca Catlett Cate ’73

Joan Doolittle Chambers ’72

Katherine Russell Cianciola ’09 & Austin

Cianciola

Melanie & Gary Clark

Pat Kirspel Claud ’70

Lana Coelho

Catherine Hickey Cole ’95 & Robby Cole

Debbie & Greg Cothran

Nikki Courtney ’07

Drew Dorsey Cousins ’14

Beverly Hanson Crookham ’69 & Bill Crookham

Jennifer Scheving Crosby ’78 & David Crosby

Edith Jack Crowell ’83 & Michael Crowell

Cindy & Terry Cupit

Connelly Weeks Dakil ’11

Hope Thomas Dalton ’95

Cyndi Lu Smith Daniels ’78

Carrie Drewenski Dannaway ’95 & Doug Dannaway

Dawn Barlow Darter ’77

Emily Mayes Davis ’71

Karyn Davis ’92

Bonnie Enderlin Dawson ’01 & Ryan Dawson

Lindann Blair Day ’03 & Neil Day

Dorris Karcher Deislinger ’51

Alice & Bill Dennis

Joyce Wewer Diemer ’74 & Guy Diemer

Alisa Dixon

Elizabeth Couch Dober ’61

Janet Handloser Dolan ’75 & Kit Dolan

Annette Ruckstuhl Doskey ’48

Jessica Pipkin Duff ’02 & Brandon Duff

Jody Duke

Mary Jo Dumboski ’69

Mary Dyer

Ellen & Russ Dykes

Beverly Thomas Edmonson ’92

Darlette & Tony Ellis

Sharon Fitz Ericson ’78 & Randy Ericson

Margo Rogers Eubanks ’75 & Ralph Eubanks

Patty Reagan Feinstein ’73 & Robert Feinstein

Nancy Ferrara

Terri & Chad Files

Joan Campbell Finnegan ’70 & Mike Finnegan

First Orion

Anita Enderlin Fiser ’91 & Chuck Fiser

Mary Kay Fitzgerald ’79

Brenda Hackley Fleming ’68

Martha Hiznay Flynn ’56 & O.C. Flynn

Betty Pilkington Fortner ’67 & Jerry Fortner

Katy Foster

Pat Mivelaz Foster ’71 & David Foster

Janet & Jim Fotioo

Nan Zakrzewski Fotioo ’72 & Gary Fotioo

Caroline Ward Fox ’80 & Mark Fox

Tonya Stringer Franzetti ’92 & Jeff Franzetti

Sophie Bawiec Fraser ’59

Sara & Richard Freeman

Jeannette Szparaga Freyaldenhoven ’66

Mary Helen Fuller ’67

Nancy & David Gambill

Charlotte Gandy

Anna & Edmund Gangluff

Kathy Garner

Barbara Garot

Marty & Michael Garrity

Annette Rogers Gary ’78

Bette Geldon

Victoria Gerbholz

Tara Gilmore

Susan & Rick Glatter

Kaylei Goings

Emely Gonzalez ’23

Leslie Gray

Sandra Lutz Gray ’78

Sharon Atwood Gray ’61 & Sam Gray

John Green

Brenda McNeil Grenier ’66 & Lauren Grenier

Sandi Griffin

Shelly & Wes Gross

Emily Grace Fitz Hagood ’12

Emily Hall

LeaAnne Gillenwater Hall ’89

Stacey Stark Hall ’02 & Adam Hall

Vicki & Charlie Hall

Martha Hancock

Patti Bowers Haness ’65 & Richard Haness

Meredith Battreal Hankins ’93 & Vaughan Hankins

Helaina Harb ’09

Connie Bargiel Harkins ’78 & Al Harkins

Christin Harper ’99

Mary Burnett Harris ’99 & Devon Harris

Drew Ford Herget ’09 & Ryan Herget

Mary Kay Higgins

Gwen Hart Hoffman ’73 & Bill Hoffman

Jenny & Rob Holder

Ruthie Huncke Holland ’66 & Alan Holland

Joyce Gangluff Hood ’78 & John Hood

Shannon Wolf Hooper ’84 & James Hooper

Liz Burnam Hunsicker ’68 & Spurg Hunsicker

David Hunter

Janice Lohstoeter Hutchinson ’73

Mary Isenman ’69

IQVIA, Inc.

Megan Jennings ’19

Becky Johnson ’73

Mary Prichard Johnson ’60

Alice Worley Jones ’73 & Philip Jones

Beth Saer Jones ’97 & Drew Jones

Jamie Jones ’02

Janet & Bud Jones

Suzanne & John Jucas

Barbara Johnson Justus ’73 & Joe Justus

Paula Thomas-Lee Kaczmarowski ’92

Tamara & Raouf Kassissieh

Sr. Teresa Kelone, RSM ’66

Betsy Baumann Kemp ’74

Georgianna Roescheisen King ’74

Julia Morgan King ’74 & Steve King

Kim Greathouse King ’93

Sue & John Kinsey

Martha Matthews Kirspel ’83

Pamela & Edward Kleitsch

Cathy Knox Koehler ’78

Laurie Borghese Koehler ’72

Sr. Diane Koorie, RSM+

Debbie Jegley Korte ’73 & Danny Korte

Sheila Atwood Kuonen ’65 & Joe Kuonen

Michele Reynolds Kuykendall ’74 & Rick Kuykendall

Laura Kuehner Larrison ’74 & Charles Larrison

Marcia Lasiter

Carolyn & Paul Lasseigne

Lauren Ramsey Lawrence ’08 & Colin Lawrence

Pamela & Stephen Lemley

Marilyn Lenggenhager ’73

Elaine Hall Lienhart ’80 & Stephen Lienhart

Cecilia Gangluff Lody ’69

Cameron Machen

Kay Cook Makatche ’67 & John Makatche

Carolyn Piechocki Malchaski ’77 & Steve Malchaski

Cris Chase Mammarelli ’88 & Paul Mammarelli

Robin Mangan

Trisha Marullo

Erin Lynch Mason ’01 & Drew Mason

Susan Hudgens Massey ’74

Marilyn Mitchener Mathias ’60 & Thomas Mathias

Veda Maxwell

Margie Murphy McCain ’67

Teresa & David McCain

Moe Werner McCamey ’72

Chelle McKenzie McCarroll ’02 & Greg McCarroll

Claire Rossi McClellan ’03 & Parker McClellan

Lorena & Rick McConnell

Diane & Chuck McDaniel

Abby & Damon McKelvy

Melanie Ray McKinney ’84 & Gregory McKinney

Oceanna Kuonen McMahon ’00 & Kyle McMahon

Marcella Melandri & Benjamin Batten

Deirdre McManus Metrailer ’01 & James Metrailer

Rita Zell Minick ’73 & Thomas Minick

Peggy Watkins Mitchell ’75 & David Mitchell

Paula Kerr Mizell ’70

Ashley Molina ’26

Genie Moore ’61

Meghan & Ryan Moore

Cecily Morris ’18

Martha & Mike Morris

Julie Morrow

Cathie & Gregg Mueller

Kay & Todd Mueller

Sr. Shirley Murphy, RSM ’52

Theresa Miller Murtha ’84 & Patrick Murtha

Sara Mangiaracina Neilson ’00 & Andrew Neilson

Mary Kathryn Temple Nelson ’00 & Scott Nelson

Margaret & Donald Nixon

Judy Hopes Nwankwo-Hervey ’70

Susan O’Malley ’74 & Chris O’Malley

Kristin Oglesby ’12

Ken Oliphant

Kathryn Hurst Pannell ’00

Maria & Tony Parra

Mimi Solomon Parrish ’01 & Matthew Parrish

Audrey Dimond Pascual ’03

Jackie & Usman Patel

Laura Filipek Patterson ’00

CeCelia & Johnnie Patton

Jo Halter Paulus ’71 & Mike Paulus

Diana & Ken Pearson

Tina & Todd Pence

Sarah Hedges Perkins ’03

Patsy Robertson Perry ’63

Polly Baldwin Petty ’80

Carmela Phillips

Mickie Pickard

Carol & Gerry Pinter

Opal Powell & Phyllis Powell

Gen Kerr Proctor ’62

Mimi Pruniski ’73

Cindy Pruss ’83

Kathryn Bennett Pruss ’94 & Mark Pruss

Leigh Ann Crain Raper ’87 & Chris Raper

Debbie Simon Ray ’90 & James Ray

Kristin Overstreet Reed ’98 & Nathan Reed

Leslie & Stephen Rikard

Leslie Borkowski Riley ’89 & Bob Riley

Dana Rodriguez

Ann Truemper Rogers ’81

Pam Bruton Rogers ’86

Pauline Thurston Rogers ’74

Sara Rose ’92

Amy Rossi ’71 & Joe Bryan

Susie Russenberger ’76

Debbie Jenders Rutledge ’77

Ashley Saer ’93

Rosario & Edward Salazar

Elizabeth Wellborn Sales ’77 & Hugh Sales

Yetica Del Angel & Jose Santiago

Sylvia Luyet Savoy ’60

Jane Hardin Schubert ’67 & Rick Schubert

Mandy Schuster

Kate & Lucas Schweder

Elizabeth Moore Shackelford ’92 & Scott Shackelford

Libby Brandon Sheard ’76

Cas Claud Shelton ’73 & Kenneth Shelton

Joan Land Shofner ’89 & Greg Shofner

Terri Shotts

Carolyn Connelley Simmons ’65 & Gregory Simmons

Constance Smith

Heather Bohannan Smith ’92 & Shane Smith

Morgan & Isaac Smith

Suzanne Smith

Whitney Calliotte Smotherman ’03 & Amos Smotherman

Amy Isgrig Sparrow ’96 & Samuel Sparrow

Dr. Mary Ann Stafford, Ed.D.

Sheila & Larry Standley

Laura Davidson Stanley ’77 & Robert Stanley

Michael Steinkamp

Stephen Henry Wells Revocable Trust

Jaclyn Morgan Stewart ’00 & Britt Stewart

Julie McKay Stiefvater ’92 & Alan Stiefvater

Emily & Jeff Stotts

Maureen Riley Stover ’78 & Rob Stover

Kathi Stoyanov ’75

Maria Chudy Swicegood ’81

Kim Smith Swindler ’74 & Courtney Swindler

Candace Weekley & Joel Tanner

Kiernan Casey Tarini ’90 & Michael Tarini

Priscilla Fitts Tebbetts ’66

Debbie Kent Terry ’73 & Jim Terry

Katherine & David Thomas

Mary Harness Thomas ’71 & John

Thomas

Nancy & Allen Thomas

Katie Kleitsch Thompson ’02 & Kent

Thompson

Janice Thurow

Joely Thurow

Micki & Jerry Thurow

Cynthia & John Tisdale

Lorna & Charles Tobin

Tracye & Larry Townley

Sarah Davis Travis ’00 & Clint Travis

Bobilu Frederick Tucker ’78

Casey & Mike Tucker

Martha Gray Tull ’88 & John Tull

Beth Tunnell

Catherine Tyler ’95

Linda Uekman

Lindsay Cookus Van Parys ’01

Yesenia & Jesus Varela

Chris Bailey Vaughn ’74 & Wally Vaughan

Lynette Vinson ’93

Barbara Fox Waller ’69

Catherine Kopp Walz ’44

Angie & Jason Wardell

Lisa Reynolds Warden ’78 & Don Warden

Janelle Ware

Margaret Weber

Elizabeth Casper Weidner ’60 & David Weidner

Bonnie Wellborn

Rose & David Wells

Lane Vassar West ’89 & Joel West

Sheron Wiess

Janice Finch Wilkerson ’68

Elaine Engster Williams ’70 & Charles Williams

Janet Kresse Williams ’73

Susie Stull Williams ’89 & Jan Williams

Sheila Schwarz Wilson ’66

Hardy Winburn

Patty Larrison Wingfield ’72 & Keith Wingfield

Carol Dober Wold ’85 & Scott Wold

Nedra & Jim Wood

Laurie Sims Woods ’79 & Michael Woods

Margaret Martin Woodward ’70 & Paul Woodward

Lydia Turpin Worden ’73

Linda & Darhl Worrell

Deborah Yates

Theresa Knoff Zarlingo ’51

Gretchen & Leonard Zell

* deceased

+ 2023-2024 board member

2023-2024 MSM faculty and staff are in bold

Class of 1962

Jean Bishop Armstrong

Michie McHardy Bissell

Martha Farris Campbell

Mary Bray Kelley

Bobbie Cupples McKenzie

Elizabeth Seredynski Moix

Cathy Weakland Murphy

Toni Nabholz

Gen Kerr Proctor

Leah Lange Quandt

Donna Higgins Rainey

Class of 1963

Patti Carter Belote

Frances Rogers Buchanan

Jane Ferrill Colclasure

Janet Kirspel Deeter

Sylvia Binz Hart

Kathy Dailey Hightower

MSM Alumnae Giving BY CLASS

YEAR

JULY

1, 2023 – JUNE 30, 2024

Class of 1942

Mary Jane Danner Hunt

Class of 1944

Catherine Kopp Walz

Class of 1946

Mildred Metrailer Buddenberg

Class of 1948

Annette Ruckstuhl Doskey

Dot Havey Reed

Class of 1949

Mary Rita Schlatterer Hoffman

Anne Rankin Macaluso

Class of 1951

Dorris Karcher Deislinger

Rita Sarna Schnebelen

Theresa Knoff Zarlingo

Class of 1952

Dorothy Saenger Ackfeld

Pat Land Kirchner

Sr. Shirley Murphy, RSM

Class of 1953

Liane Rhein Humble

Ruth Straessle Metzger

Angie Muzquiz Wilson

Class of 1954

Mary Ann Wollhower Bellas

Patsy Cooper Kelly

Joan Ogle Mabrey

Class of 1955

Barbara Martin Blaes

Joan Dickmann Kircher

Mary Alice Pushkarsky Lomason

Barbara Linsky Silaski

Claire Saenger Weiler

Class of 1956

Kay Parman Horton

Elizabeth Lipsmeyer

Dolores Luyet Zajac

Class of 1957

Mary Swope Battreal

Carole Anne Robertson Coward

Mary Bea Couch Hiegel

Dianne Ferguson Hudson

Cynthia Chudy Kita

Shirley Ruffer Nutt

Class of 1958

Peyton Crawford Bishop

Vita Caldarera deBin

Sr. Stephanie Miller, RSM

Class of 1959

Sophie Bawiec Fraser

Anna Maria Brewczynski Pruss

Barbara Tucker Weber

Class of 1960

Donna Bentrup Brunson

Jeannine Huard Hart

Mary Prichard Johnson

Mary Rose Enderlin LaMear

Marilyn Mitchener Mathias

Sylvia Luyet Savoy

Marilyn Mattingly Stiefvater

Elizabeth Casper Weidner

Class of 1961

Rosemary Balest Bryant

Sharon Atwood Gray

Patricia Nabholz Harness

Sr. Donald Mary Lynch, RSM

Genie Halsey Moore

Cathy Wortsmith Moran

Jo Semasek Murray

Mary Margaret Beck Plunkett

Margie Murphy McCain

Ginney Pumphrey

Jane Hardin Schubert

Terry Borden Sloane

Class of 1968

Cindy Morgan Barron

Jerrie Farmer Campagna

Lucille Kelly DeGostin

Brenda Hackley Fleming

Becky Massanelli Foor

Carole Glancy

Liz Burnam Hunsicker

Mary Hart Spond

Nancy Tresp

Janice Finch Wilkerson

Class of 1969

Beverly Hanson Crookham

Liz Dolan

Patsy Robertson Perry

Betty Catlett Pullam

Jane Massanelli Tillery

Haven Hornibrook Waters

Karen Schubert Wolfe

Class of 1964

Bernie Balest Ardemagni

Donna Bowers Bressinck

Carolyn Cerrato Chalmers

Patti Murphy Dailey

Selena Duncan Ellis

Sue Fredrich Enderlin

Jo Anne Zakes Jennings

Sr. Joan Pfauser, RSM

Angela Maynard Sewall

Class of 1965

Rosann Ouellette Bennett

Patti Callahan Bernstein

Karen Hardin Bryant

Sr. Anita DeSalvo, RSM

Karen Goodhart Flake

Patti Bowers Haness

Helen Farrish Hinkle

Sheila Atwood Kuonen

Joan Lipsmeyer

Carolyn Connelley Simmons

Martha Koehler Williams

Class of 1966

Dianne Hooper Brady

Beth Lipsmeyer Dunn

Martha Hiznay Flynn

Jeannette Szparaga Freyaldenhoven

Brenda McNeil Grenier

Ruthie Huncke Holland

Sr. Teresa Kelone, RSM

Brenda Edgar Kent

Denise Hanson Lipin

Ida Ward Moore

Priscilla Fitts Tebbetts

Mary Williams Walter

Sheila Schwarz Wilson

Class of 1967

Margaret Dickmann Arney

Betty Pilkington Fortner

Mary Helen Fuller

Becky Robertson Linsky

Kay Cook Makatche

Joan Doolittle Chambers

Nan Zakrzewski Fotioo

Phyllis Grasser

Kay Werner Henze

Maria Hain Hooper

Theresa Kaplon

Laurie Borghese Koehler

Kay Marak

Susan Hudgens Massey

Moe Werner McCamey

Bonnie Chudy Moix

Diane Yetter Morgan

Lynne Handloser Ritchie

Jeanette Sims

Rose Anne Harness Smith

Carolyn Bergman Stewart

Patty Larrison Wingfield

Class of 1973

Betty Zimmerebner Adams

Cheryl Lienhart Driedric

Mary Jo Dumboski

Trisha Fitzgerald Filipek

Mary Isenman

Susie Donaldson Lilly

Cecilia Gangluff Lody

Vickey Hum Metrailer

Marie-Bernarde Miller

Patty Borden Mosier

Cecelia Walker Soderberg

Missy Worley Solomon

Wynne Taillac

Barbara Fox Waller

Class of 1970

Rosey Bartlett

Linda Grady Byrne

Pat Kirspel Claud

Joan Campbell Finnegan

Diane Murdaugh Harrington

Linda Hoffmann

Christy Kresse Leach

Paula Kerr Mizell

Judy Hopes Nwankwo-Hervey

Helen Gremillion Plummer

Sharon Olberts Sellars

Jane Gasper Snyder

Elaine Engster Williams

Margaret Martin Woodward

Class of 1971

Janet Dumboski Beck

Pam Chudy Boehmer

Margo Nowak Bushmiaer

Patty Bergman Commerford

Rita Baldwin Cunningham

Emily Davis

Margaret Cassidy Dearing

Pat Mivelaz Foster

Pam Halinski Johnson

Jo Halter Paulus

Becky Baxter Porter

Mary Chudy Pruss

Peggy Althoff Reagan

Amy Rossi

Mary Harness Thomas

Sarah Brewer Thompson

Class of 1972

Nancy Wilhite Bartlett

Mimi Baldwin Blackwood

Becky Carroll

Kathy Black Bishop

Christine Kelly Braun

Ellen Faryewicz Callaway

Rebecca Catlett Cate

Debbie Uekman Chandler

Jeanenne Dallas

Theresa Sprenger Dunn

Patty Berg Enderlin

Patty Reagan Feinstein

Karen Kerr Glover

Denise Graves

Gwen Hart Hoffman

Janice Lohstoeter Hutchinson

Becky Johnson

Alice Worley Jones

Barbara Johnson Justus

Stephanie Dailey Kelley

Debbie Jegley Korte

Marilyn Lenggenhager

Patti Del Donno Lienhart

Nancy Hastings Marks

Rita Zell Minick

Dana Nahlen

Mimi Pruniski

Melanie Hart Riley

Catherine Johnston Robinson

Cas Claud Shelton

Debra Kent Terry

Teresa Tresp

Sr. Deborah Troillett, RSM

Janet Kresse Williams

Lydia Turpin Worden

Laura Marks Zaloudek

Class of 1974

Kathy Handloser Aday

Sue Jenders Balest

Carol Faryewicz Bishop

Paula Johnson Davis

Joyce Wewer Diemer

Junie Harris Harris

Betsy Baumann Kemp

Georgianna Roescheisen King

Julia Morgan King

Paula Jegley Korte

Michele Reynolds Kuykendall

Laura Kuehner Larrison

Patty Martin

Susan O’Malley

Michelle Thompson Oakley

Peggy Byrne Pursell

Nola Taylor Radford

Pauline Thurston Rogers

Anita Calva Smith

Becky Clement Sullivan

Kim Smith Swindler

Chris Bailey Vaughn

Mary Jane Hepp Webb

Jane Wren

Class of 1975

Sharon Wilk Ashley

Tricia Brown

Mary Kay Bergman Cashion

Melissa Hopkins Cleary

Janet Handloser Dolan

Margo Rogers Eubanks

Nancy Frost

Sheri Gilmore

Missy Dishongh Griffy

Debbie Wright Harris

Carla Graves LeMay

Susie Wallace Lowther

Bridget Zanoff Majkowski

Peggy Watkins Mitchell

Kathi Stoyanov

Donna French Strack

Carolyn Hepp Sullivan

Lynn Isgrig Topp

Tricia Tresp

Class of 1976

Joni Johnston Calva

Ashley Deed

Sharon Kresse

Anne Thompson Mancino

Laurie Daley Martin

Cathy Hastings Owen

Susie Russenberger

Libby Brandon Sheard

Class of 1977

Denice Hancock Carey

Dawn Barlow Darter

Pam Yaniger Halter

Genny Wrape Harrison

Mary Lyon

Carolyn Piechocki Malchaski

Janice Hoffmann McCullough

Elizabeth Kennon McFadden

Marguerite Edelmann Olberts

Lisa Kresse Patterson

Cheryl Harvey Ripper

Debbie Jenders Rutledge

Elizabeth Wellborn Sales

Rebecca Richards Smith

Laura Davidson Stanley

Anita Gring Ward

Class of 1978

Lauren Baldwin Agar

Celeste Allen

Melissa Knight Allen

Cindi Evans Bond

Lisa Carey

Jennifer Scheving Crosby

Cyndi Lu Smith Daniels

Tracy Barger DeJong

Christine Ray Eades

Sharon Fitz Ericson

Annette Rogers Gary

Sandra Lutz Gray

Theresa Goshen Hall

Connie Bargiel Harkins

Paris Upshaw Henry

Joyce Gangluff Hood

Cathy Knox Koehler

Kathleen Buzan Moorhead

Deborah Scroggin Osredker

Judith Kitta Peterson

Christina Deuerling Pilkington

Cheryl Chandler Rainey

Kim Richard

Rita Rolf

Maureen Riley Stover

Gwen Brittain Taylor

Bobilu Fredrick Tucker

Joanna Schnebelen Tucker

Lisa Reynolds Warden

Class of 1979

Lynne Breen Alpar

Patti Johnston Burton

Mary Kay Fitzgerald

Mary Ellen Rosell Greer

Karen Lienhart Oxner

Joan Knotts Traywick

Evelyn Deuerling Wideman

Laurie Sims Woods

Class of 1980

Caroline Ward Fox

Rebecca Bailey Kane

Elaine Hall Lienhart

Betsy Calhoun Lomas

Julie Baker Menke

Polly Baldwin Petty

Shawn Schouweiler

Class of 1981

Sharon Waters Aureli

Melanie Parham Fox

Natalie Polk Hoffmann

Anita Kordsmeier Paul

Ann Truemper Rogers

Maureen Donovan Sokora

Maria Chudy Swicegood

Suzanne Stiefvater Wren

Class of 1982

Katie Sprenger Dupslaff

Lisa Ligon

Anne Hiegel Mines

Barbara Hardin Powers

Sharon Zimmerman

Class of 1983

Allison Boyd

Gigi Davis Buhrow

Braun Ray Campbell

Donna Chachere

Edith Jack Crowell

Martha Matthews Kirspel

Cindy Pruss

Class of 1984

Pauletta Baldwin Andrews

Deborah Dober Belyeu

Gina Scerbo Bilger

Laura Dailey Carter

Alisha Craig Crabill

Pam Matthews Handloser

Shannon Wolf Hooper

Melanie Ray McKinney

Theresa Miller Murtha

Jody Simpson

Annette Barringhaus Stipak

Lezlie Wewers Vlasimsky

Class of 1985

Penny Reeves Amundson

Shannon Benafield Aston

Natalie Carr Bell-Shy

Jennifer Weiler Broach

Beth Petlak Canterbury

Anne McAdams Dyke

Jennifer Fitts Finnegan

Sharon Strack Gunter

Michelle Young Leding

Jill Marchese

Cheri Bonner Martinka

Holly Larrison Mills

Sandy Lawrence Morgan

Angela Nutt-Nguyen

Nan Hennelly Rindahl

Mary Beth Peck Stivers

Carol Dober Wold

Class of 1986

Alicia Selig Berkemeyer

Melissa Penney Forrester

Cynthia Gehrki Hawkins

Karen Hooks

Arden Corwell Johnson

Sheryl Griffith Nolan

Leslie Mahan O’Malley

Pam Bruton Rogers

Joan Eichler Simon

Stacie Paladino Wharton

Class of 1987

Cheryl Vogelpohl Barnard

Dottie Lou Skarda Benedetti

Aimee Colvin Brown

Holli Eastin Johnson

Carol Gangluff Kordsmeier

Michelle Marshall Krause

Jennifer Schueck McCarty

Leigh Ann Crain Raper

Beverly Martin Thornton

Class of 1988

Ashley Bressinck Cunningham

Deidra Williams Mack

Cris Chase Mammarelli

Pamela Tucker Meeks

Lisa Petursson

Kay Yada Shields

Martha Gray Tull

Class of 1989

Gabriel Wood Bond

Amy Bressinck Bratcher

Michele Conners

LeaAnne Gillenwater Hall

Patty Cox Juniper

Lisa Lewallen Moss

Becky Smith Neighbors

Debby Robinette Perkins

Leslie Borkowski Riley

Joan Land Shofner

Lane Vassar West

Susie Stull Williams

Class of 1990

Erin Crain Brady

Stephanie Hiegel Byers

Shannon Markell Dennis

Caroline McCrary Lasiter

Amy Mathias May

Kristie McCown Mitchell

Gretchen Wewers Pierce

Debbie Simon Ray

Kiernan Casey Tarini

Class of 1991

Kristen Rabal Bell

Christina Rossi Clark

Jena Cupples Compton

Ashley Glover Cumnock

Anita Enderlin Fiser

Liz Ratchford Jasper

Angelica Luna Rogers

Jamie Kusturin Sims

Natalie Tatom Summerlin

Class of 1992

Maria Batres

Melody Brown

Karyn Davis

Beverly Thomas Edmonson

Tonya Stringer Franzetti

Kristin Noor Gable

Ashley Fotioo Gunderman

Paula Thomas-Lee Kaczmarowski

Joy Lowe Matlock

Elizabeth Lilly McLaughlin

Elizabeth Lackey Mills

Sara Rose

Elizabeth Moore Shackelford

Heather Bohannan Smith

Julie McKay Stiefvater

Lorie White

Class of 1993

Meredith Battreal Hankins

Valerie Phipps Hauer

Kim Greathouse King

Claire Hankinson Pittman

Ashley Saer

Amy England Sahely

Lynette Vinson

Class of 1994

Emily Metrailer Cook

Allison Lasiter Hester

Laura Holland Hoey

Jaime Tarkington Norton

Heather Thomae Olvey

Kathryn Bennett Pruss

Katie Davies Riccobono

Lori Menna Rupert

Class of 1995

Sydney Bueter Blackmon

Catherine Hickey Cole

Hope Thomas Dalton

Carrie Drewenski Dannaway

Carolee Sroka Emerson

Jenny Crews Faulkner

Kara Pabian Giddings

Bonnie Wellborn Malzewski

Sandy Hunter Miller

Catherine Tyler

Class of 1996

Anonymous

Jackie Zihala Crowder

Sarah Tisdale Horton

Jennifer Smith Kuhn

Amanda Hall Potts

Amy Isgrig Sparrow

Kristi Eckelkamp Sutton

Class of 1997

Elizabeth Bailey Byrd

Allison Farrell Callahan

Mary Robin Casteel

Sarah Davies

Sarah Filipek Johnson

Beth Saer Jones

Ashley Porter Nguyen

Christy Reeves Peletz

Michelle Poe Stewart

Melissa Camferdam Wickliffe

Class of 1998

Margaret Pruss Albright

Katherine Lord Butler

Jacquelyn Compton

Lauren Hamilton

Rhonda Schneider Jansen

Sarah Carter Lane

Bridgette Mayhan Lyon

Mary-Margaret Rasco Marks

Tonya Cannon Middleton

Kristin Overstreet Reed

Elizabeth Sellars

Class of 1999

Kirsten Baldwin-Metzger

Megan Saer Garrison

Paige Fraser Hadfield

Christin Harper

Mary Burnett Harris

Lauren White Hoover

Ashley Kersey

Laura McKinney

Katherine Harding Wetzel

Danielle Woodall

Class of 2000

Lauren Kidd Anderson

Sydney O’Quin Gilbert

Mary Miller Hamilton

Jamie Billie McCormack

Oceanna Kuonen McMahon

Sara Mangiaracina Neilson

Mary Kathryn Temple Nelson

Kathryn Hurst Pannell

Laura Filipek Patterson

Shelly Straw Quick

Jaclyn Morgan Stewart

Sarah Davis Travis

Whitney Vandiver

Class of 2001

Sarah Smith Brantley

Leah Pursell Carlson

Kristin Dumboski Clark

Bonnie Enderlin Dawson

Martha Deacon Jones

Lauren Nash Langford

Erin Lynch Mason

Deirdre McManus Metrailer

Mimi Solomon Parrish

Brita Sward Rook

Lindsay Cookus Van Parys

Beth McCarthy Wikler

Class of 2002

Laura Strack Aday

continued...

Jessica Pipkin Duff

Stacey Stark Hall

Kacie Johnson Kindrex

Chelle McKenzie McCarroll

Michelle Scotter

Meredith Hartz Shelton

Katie Kleitsch Thompson

Class of 2003

Lindann Blair Day

Mary Renick Hauser

Meredith Morgan Kaffenberger

Claire Rossi McClellan

Ashley Boccarossa McNatt

Audrey Dimond Pascual

Sarah Hedges Perkins

Whitney Calliotte Smotherman

Gema Vargas Valentine

Class of 2004

Miranda Roberts Crawford

Mary Beth Johnston

Grace Kelley Mickelson

Mary Walter

Wren Ward Williams

Marcy Hall Wright

Class of 2005

Barbara Lagasse Day

Sloan Johnson Milton

Brittney Wilkerson Renfro

Class of 2006

Erin Reynolds Cowger

Lauren Clay Day

Jenna Harris

Monica Madey

Ilia Bailey McNeal

Stephanie Boccarossa Pierce

Class of 2007

Nikki Courtney

Ashley Bearden Frans

Brandi Mayhan

Amber Pruss

Class of 2008

Cameryn Miller Burch

Annie McFadden Cross

Olivia Dumboski Gassett

Lauren Ramsey Lawrence

Lauren Naeyaert

Sarah Mattingly Wendel

Class of 2009

Liz Beadle Breen

Katherine Russell Cianciola

Claire Pursley Cummings

Helaina Harb

Drew Ford Herget

Lucia Trujillo Morris

Emily Harris Rooney

Amelia Smith

Class of 2010

Melanie Mines Trivella

Class of 2011

Sarah Beadle

Monica Miller Clark

Connelly Weeks Dakil

Virginia Quinn

Class of 2012

Joanna Fureigh

Brittany Greenwood

Emily Grace Fitz Hagood

Quincey Johnson

Brenda Martinez

Kristin Oglesby

Class of 2013

Tori Niedzwiedz Massey

Gracie Sloan

Class of 2014

Drew Dorsey Cousins

Abigail Mines Mandel

Class of 2015

Maddie Oxner Johnson

Emma Quo

Class of 2016

Hope Ritchey

Class of 2018

Anna Brady

Ann Marie Brown

Cecily Morris

Class of 2019

Wesley Burney

Megan Jennings

Annie Quo

Class of 2020

Kaitlin Tarini

Class of 2022

Elizabeth Pellicciotti

Class of 2023

Emely Gonzalez

PledgetoMount yourloyalty!

MSM Alumnae Giving helps ensure the one-of-a-kind Mount experience for generations to come. Make sure your name is featured on this important list next year by making your gift online at mtstmary.edu/give.

dinner belles

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

More than 300 Mount St. Mary Academy alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends filled the McAuley Center gymnasium on Saturday, March 9, for Dinner Belles 2024: Belles in Blue Jeans. The biennial dinner and auction raised $135,000 for the school’s annual giving campaign, which supports tuition assistance, student programs, technology and facility improvements, faculty compensation, and more. We wish to thank everyone who helped make this important event a success and are especially thankful for this year’s generous sponsors.

Premier Sponsor

Community Sponsors

Centennial Bank

Joanna Fureigh ’12 with The Janet Jones Company

Mercy Education Nabholz

The Patch Boys

Scenic Hill Solar

Tracy’s Glass & Mirror

Silent Auction Sponsor

Simmons Bank

In-Kind Sponsors

Arkansas Beverage Sales

Arkansas Wine and Spirits

Blackmon Auctions

Vondran Orthodontics

WHO OUR DAUGHTER IS TODAY AND WILL BE TOMORROW

WRITTEN BY CINDY AND DOUG CHENAULT

WHEN WE FIRST CHOSE MOUNT ST. MARY ACADEMY FOR OUR DAUGHTER, DANIELLE ’25, WE KNEW SHE WOULD BE OFFERED AN EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION ACADEMICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. WE ALSO KNEW SHE WOULD HAVE THE LOVE, SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE OF TEACHERS AND MENTORS WHO WOULD CHALLENGE HER TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF HERSELF.

Before Danielle began attending MSM, she was hesitant, unsure of herself and reluctant to speak up. Today, as a senior, she has blossomed into a confident leader with a clear vision for her future. Her remarkable transformation is a testament to the profound impact of Mount and its Mercy Values. We feel incredibly blessed by her growth and the opportunities this school has provided.

Looking back, it is striking how just a few short years ago, all seemed to be falling into place for Danielle as she completed middle school with an eye on the exceptional educational journey that awaited at MSM. But life has a way of putting obstacles in our way that can cloud an otherwise clear vision of the future.

In 2018, we encountered overwhelming challenges that at the time seemed almost insurmountable. Doug, Danielle’s father, experienced severe and perplexing health issues, including a blockage in the basil artery of his brain, heart complications and other cognitive problems that numerous specialists in Arkansas struggled to adequately explain or diagnose.

It was only after seeking care at the Mayo Clinic that we finally began to understand the root cause of Doug’s health issues — Lewy body dementia. As Doug’s health declined and with this new diagnosis, it was clear that his successful 30-year-plus technology career was over, and our family was plunged into financial hardship.

Despite these difficulties, we found immense strength and support from expected and unexpected places. What many saw as a relentless series of setbacks — often accompanied by the sentiment, “You folks just can’t catch a break” — were for us opportunities to receive help from God through a broader

community of friends, family and even strangers who time and again reached out in our time of need.

The greatest gifts we received during this challenging period have been the many things that have aligned to allow Danielle the opportunity to attend MSM. Financially, this was once beyond our reach, but thanks to the generosity of those who contribute to Mount’s scholarships and tuition assistance programs, Danielle’s education has been made possible. Each school year, as we navigated financial concerns, we were continually blessed by the kindness of Mount St. Mary donors, most recently through Danielle receiving the Melissa Ma ’98 Endowed Scholarship.

We are profoundly grateful to those who make these scholarships and financial assistance programs possible. Your generosity not only supports Danielle today but also helps shape her future. As she begins her final year of high school, she plans to enter the medical field after graduation with a focus on caring for children with special needs. The financial support we have received from the donors has had a lasting impact on her ability to fulfill this dream.

We hope and pray that people continue to support Mount St. Mary Academy in this way. Speaking from personal experience, we can say with confidence that such contributions make a significant difference in the lives of students and families.

ENDOWMENTS MOUNT ST. MARY

The endowments at Mount St. Mary address key areas of need for the school and occupy an important place in its future financial security. If you would like to contribute to any of the existing endowments or scholarship funds, please contact Mary Catherine Burney in the Foundation Office at 501-476-3366. New endowments for scholarships and tuition assistance can be established as a living tribute or in memory of a loved one with a minimum gift of $25,000. This may be paid at the time the fund is established or over a multi-year period of up to five years.

Endowments for Operations

Academic Programs Endowment

Development Endowment

Employee Benefit Endowment

Facilities Operation & Maintenance Endowment

Faculty & Staff Professional Development Endowment

Faculty Salaries Endowment

Sr. Declan Faculty Compensation Endowment

Sr. Mary Teresa Farrell Endowment

Student & Staff Leadership Development Endowment

Technology Endowment

Endowments for Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

Bernadette Balest Ardemagni ’64 Scholarship Fund

Norma Bacon Fund

John S. & Patricia S. Bailey Distinguished Teaching Awards

Agnes Marie Birdsong and Jane Birdsong Stacy Scholarship Fund

The Jennifer Boccarossa Music Scholarship Fund

The Bornhoft Scholarship Fund

The Bella Brown “THINK” Scholarship Endowment Fund

Cavin Scholarship Fund

The Donna Chachere ’83 Endowed Scholarship Fund

Class of 2007 Scholarship Fund

The John L. and Jane K. Corley Endowment

Sr. Frances Coutlee ’21 Endowment

MSM Dad’s Club Scholarship

Olivia DiGregorio Scholarship Fund

Karen Doolos Scholarship Fund

Mary Drake Scholarship Fund

Juanita Baer Enderlin Scholarship Fund

The Flake Family Endowment

Dorothy Hanson Flanagan ’39 Scholarship Fund

Catherine West Frederick ’33 Scholarship

General Need Scholarship Fund

Griffy Scholarship Fund

Harding Family Fund

Greg & Janet Hartz Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

Lake & Ann Harvell Scholarship

Clelia Hawn Scholarship

Sandra Gueydan Hickey ’66 Merit Scholarship Fund

Keith Family Scholarship Endowment

Lucille Metrailer Kelly ’39 Scholarship Fund

Becca Kutait Memorial Scholarship

Sister Norma Lipsmeyer Scholarship Fund

The Melissa Ma ’98 Endowed Scholarship

Ma Family Endowment Scholarship

McAuley Achievement Award Scholarship

Annalissa “Magdalena” McClendon Travel Grant

Mercy & Me Endowed Scholarship

Clarence and Ruth Straessle Metzger Endowment

Philip & Janet Miron Scholarship Fund

Nabholz Charitable Foundation Tuition Assistance Fund Endowment

Rose Marie Nabholz Scholarship

Msgr. John O’Donnell Scholarship Fund

Barbara H. Oglesby Memorial Scholarship

Retired Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Fund

Dolores Hooks Sanderson Scholarship

Schulte Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Sister Scholarship – Class of 2009

The Andrea Maier Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund

Spirit of 1995 Scholarship Fund

Frederick Carson Springstead Scholarship Fund

Rebecca Clement Sullivan 1974 Scholarship

Luann Tharp Scholarship Fund

Evelyn Josephine Coulter Thomas ’30 Scholarship Fund

Sarah Travis Scholarship Fund

Sr. Deborah Troillett, RSM ’73 Endowed Scholarship

Vassar-West Scholarship Endowment

Martha Vroeman Scholarship Fund

Wells Pre-Engineering Scholarship

Alana Wolfe Memorial Scholarship

The Sherry Wilkins Wortsmith ’63 Scholarship Fund

Judith Wrappe Art Scholarship

PARTNERS IN SERVICE

CORPORATE

PROGRAM PROVIDES RESOURCES,

OPPORTUNITY

IN 13 YEARS WITH CHI ST. VINCENT INFIRMARY, 10 OF THEM AS CEO, CHAD ADUDDELL HAS POURED THE HOSPITAL AND ITS RESOURCES BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES. CHIEF AMONG THIS PHILANTHROPIC ACTIVITY IS MAINTAINING A LONG-STANDING MAJOR PARTNERSHIP WITH MOUNT ST. MARY ACADEMY, PROVIDING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORTING PROGRAMS IN THE STATE’S ONLY ALL-GIRLS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL.

“Our relationship with Mount St. Mary goes back more than 100 years,” Chad said. “Obviously the Sisters of Mercy are known for their commitment to education, but a lot of people don’t realize that they also started the first hospital in Hot Springs in 1888, which today is one of the St. Vincent hospitals. So, we have a shared connection within the Catholic Church and Catholic ministries through both education and health care from the founding Sisters of Mercy.

“Locally, the Mount and St. Vincent here in Little Rock have had a special relationship for a long time as well, so when I came into this role and the Mount approached me about being the Sr. Catherine McAuley Legacy Circle sponsor, we were happy to participate.”

The relationship is the highest sponsorship level the school offers and puts CHI St. Vincent front and center with myriad MSM programs. In addition to general financial support, the hospital sponsors the school’s athletic trainer, ensuring proper medical resources are present at Belle sporting events. The hospital has also been a participant in

the school’s Junior Service Learning Program, welcoming groups of juniors seeking to earn their community service hours while gaining an appreciation for the work of the hospital as seen through the lens of Catholic social justice.

“The core of our mission is to reveal God’s healing presence through our health care ministry — especially to the poor and vulnerable,” Chad said. “As the girls are looking at opportunities to meet their service requirements, we provide an opportunity here to come over and spend time at St. Vincent and to be part of that Catholic-based ministry.

“Oftentimes, we see people in some of their most difficult life moments, when they’re ill or they’re injured. For the girls to have exposure to that and see what we provide to the community I think is a really good opportunity that, for some, leads to a career in medicine. That’s something we’re particularly excited about — the chance to inspire the next generation of doctors, nurses, techs, administrators and leaders.”

CHI St. Vincent is the exclusive sponsor in its category but is far from the only corporate partnership the Mount

enjoys. Mary Catherine Burney, MSM director of advancement and administrator of the Community Partners program, said the 20 or so participating companies all play a vital role in keeping a Mercy education within reach of families.

“It costs $15,000 for every student who walks through the door, but the expense to Mount parents is about $10,000 depending on if you’re Catholic or not Catholic, meaning there’s a $5,000 gap per student that we have to cover,” she said. “Community Partners help keep tuition down for our girls so that they can just walk through the doors and begin to experience everything we have to offer here. That support also helps us afford the educational tools that are required to educate tomorrow’s leaders, things like

robotics and other needed equipment.”

To encourage the widest corporate participation possible, the MSM Foundation office has established tiers of support to accommodate large and small businesses. Community Partnerships start at just $500 and go up from there, while one-time general donations and targeted sponsorships of specific events during the year are also gladly accepted. Interested parties are asked to contact Mary Catherine at (501) 476-3366 or mburney@mtstmary.edu.

Chad encourages all businesses to consider supporting the school as a way of helping students receive the best education possible.

“As the major sponsor of Mount St.

From left: Bella Craiglow ’25, Bella Gizzo ’25, Chad Aduddell, Anna Kate Suffridge ’25 and Lauren Daughenbaugh ’25 at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary

Mary, we want to help instill certain character traits in the students we come in contact with and who benefit from sharing our ministry as volunteers,” he said. “We want them to see the kindness, compassion and service that we show all patients and to each other as part of our core values. Hopefully that’s inspiring to them so that whatever they go on to do, far beyond their brief experience with us, they carry those values with them for the rest of their lives.”

The Community Partners Program provides businesses with meaningful opportunities to support and advance our mission while also offering marketing access to a wide range of potential customers throughout Central Arkansas and our extensive MSM community.

Bosley Construction, Inc.

Matt W. Morris, State Farm Insurance

Tracy’s Glass & Mirror, Inc.

ACS Roof Maintenance, Inc.

Dr. Kristin Dumboski

Clark ’01 with Clark Orthodontics

Joanna Fureigh ’12 with The Janet Jones Company

Glass Erectors

The Patch Boys

Scenic Hill Solar

Torpedo Joe’s Fireworks

Beers Family

Emerson Family

Freville Family

Centennial Bank

Unite Private Networks

Boswell Family Day Family

Hancock Family Jennings Family Marlow Family

For

3224 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock, AR 72205

Parents of MSM alumnae, if your daughter has finished college and you are receiving her Messenger at your home, please notify the Foundation Office of her change of address so the magazine can be sent directly to her in the future. Call 501-476-3375 or email vgerbholz@mtstmary.edu.

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