Coeur à Coeur 2008-2009

lake forest il 60045

top left: Suzanne F. Reynolds (left) accepts an honorary Sacred Heart award from Woodlands Academy Trustee Rosemary Dewey ’47, RSCJ (center) and former Woodlands Academy Headmistress Fran de la Chapelle. top right: Angeline Antonio ’98 and her fiancé David Giangreco. bottom left: Woodlands Academy alumnae enjoy Congé 2009. (from left) Megan Leonard Fleischel ’91, Meghan Kelley MacKinnon ’91, Marni Soderland Mans ’90, Mary Beth Tiernan Kamraczewski ’75, Betsy Stahler Fallon ’94, Allie Mitchell Solomon ’91 and M. Julie McKinley ’74. bottom right: Susan Saint James ’63 and her sister, Woodlands Academy alumna

Mary Mercedes Miller Dewey ’67.

150th Anniversary Issue

paid permit no. 93

2008 – 2009

u.s. postage

coeur à coeur |

non-profit organization

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart ... 150th anniversary issue

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Longtime adversaries Beatrice, played by Caroline Deniston ’09 (left) and Benedick, played

by Austen Murrow ’10 (right) go head-to-head in the Woodlands production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

03-15

school news

16-19

feature story

• • • • •

The Ties That Bind A Blessing to All A Beautiful Mobile Memory Lane A Year in Photos

Catherine Lynch ’03 embarks on one of the most challenging climbs on Earth to help the inhabitants of a remote village.

20-25

around woodlands

26-34

alumnae news/notes

Take a peek inside the halls of Woodlands Academy.

• Four Alumnae You Should Know • Catching up with Past Alums • Memorials

photo credits: jim newberry photography:

Much Ado About Nothing, The Ties That Bind, A

Blessing to All, A Beautiful Mobile, Be Our Guest, It Can Be Done!, Around the Woodlands Halls.

Andrew Campbell: Memory Lane, Around the Woodlands Halls. kathryn Lynch ’03:

It Can Be Done.

GENEROUS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY.

on our cover The 150th anniversary logo, designed to commemorate our year-long Sesquicentennial celebration, graces the cover of this special issue of Coeur à Coeur. This logo served as a symbol to the Woodlands community of 150 years of Sacred Heart education in Chicago.

2008–2009

1

school news

A Letter from the Head of School

2009 Ring Ceremony

760 East Westleigh Road | Lake Forest IL 60045

Dear Friends & Families of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart,

p 847. 234 . 4300 | f 847. 234 . 4348

On August 24, 1858, Mother Margaret Galwey and four Religious of the Sacred Heart

……………

arrived in our rugged, swampy city to establish the first Convent of the Sacred Heart in the fledgling diocese of Chicago. What did these brave young women think when

Editor:

they encountered this rough and tumble city only to learn that the welcoming bishop

ANGELA REITER, Director of Marketing

offered them his prayers but no house and no money? In true Sacred Heart spirit, they remained faithful to God’s mission as expressed by their Mother, Madeleine Sophie Barat, and approached their challenges with practicality. Mother Galwey rented a house on Wabash Avenue and began recruiting students. Their new “house” opened in September of 1858 with two day students and five boarders. It was at that moment that our school was launched.

One hundred and fifty years later, our “fledgling” city of Chicago is an international city people around the world want to visit. Our school has grown and changed in dramatic ways, and faithful lay women and men carry on the work that the Religious of the Sacred Heart did for many years. They still rely upon the Religious for their prayers that this work will be faithful to the vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie as interpreted today in the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. It is our hope and our prayer that while the form has changed significantly over 150 years, the substance remains the same. We are still Madeleine Sophie’s mission and Margaret Galwey’s “house.”

We had a glorious year of celebration. Our intention from the start was to join hearts and hands with each community with whom we are in relationship — after all, Sacred Heart is all about relationships — and celebrate. Our opening liturgy included representatives from each constituency with whom we exist. With Josephinum Academy, we shared the wisdom of former Superior General, Sister Patricia Garcia de Quevedo, RSCJ. We celebrated Christmas with our “cousins” at Sheridan Road. We prayed in Gospel fashion with our brothers and sisters from Saint Malachy’s. Barat College of the Sacred Heart alumnae/i joined us for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the dedication of the Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat window in our library — their sesquicentennial gift to Woodlands!

Alumna Susan Saint James, ’63, made us laugh and cry as she shared with us her life and the role Sacred Heart played in getting her through life’s greatest challenges.

"I was given the opportunity to attend a school that accepts me for me..."

Contributing Writers: ANGELA REITER Mary Ryan Kathryn Dill ’04 Maura Chamberlin

Design: GRIP DESIGN

Administration: Gerald J. Grossman, Head of School Madonna Lee Edmunds, Principal Kathleen Creed ’91, Director of Admission & Financial Aid Barbara Keilwitz, Director of Finance & Operations Angela Reiter, Director of Marketing Christine Schmidt, Dean of Students Roger W. Shepard, Director of Advancement

Board of Trustees: David A. Borosh Alisoun Brewster Candida Casey

the ties that bind 2009 Graduate Amanda Steele Reflects on Four Years of Sacred Heart Life

f

our years ago, I stood outside Woodlands Academy as a new

I go I will find a home at the Sacred Heart. This year we celebrated the

freshman, balloon in hand. As I released one of the balloons com-

150th anniversary of Sacred Heart education in Chicago — and boy,

memorating our 100th anniversary, I gazed at the doors that would

did we celebrate! From endless Goutér to the memorable visit from

someday open so many doors for me. That was my first taste of the

our own alumna Susan Saint James, it has been a year I will never

Sacred Heart identity that has come to define much my high school

forget. It was not just an anniversary, it was a celebration of who we

experience. During my freshman year, many attempted to explain the

are and what we stand for. It is recognition of the ties that bind us

Sacred Heart mission, but I knew I would never fully understand it

not just to Josephinum Academy and Sheridan Road, but also to the

Rosemary Dewey ’47, RSCJ

until I experienced it. When Woodlands underwent the Sacred Heart

entire Sacred Heart community around the world.

Judith B. Castellini, Chair Mary Charlotte Chandler, RSCJ Paramjit (Romi) Chopra, M.D. William B. Denniston, Jr. D. Alan Denton

Anna Cohn Donnelly

Committee on Goals (SHCOG) evaluation the following year, I had

Ralph J. Elwart

yet another opportunity to dig deeper into Sacred Heart life. As part

Nancy Finn, RSCJ

of my student leadership duties, I was asked to reflect on the Goals

David L. Genger, Jr.

and provide commentary to the committee from a personal perspec-

Susan Goodman

tive. It was then that I first sensed it, that feeling of belonging and of

Gerald J. Grossman, ex officio

pride that is truly unexplainable. I was finally becoming part of the

Meghan Kelley MacKinnon ’91

Society. As I listened to fellow students whom I admired share their

M. Julie McKinley ’74

Sacred Heart experiences, I gained a new perspective on the power

In mid-May, we concluded our year-long celebration with a Mass of Thanksgiving

Michael J. Moore

of the Sacred Heart mission.

heard from amazing speakers, as well as from countless alumnae

and acknowledged that without God in our lives, our education would have little

Frank J. Oelerich III

purpose. It was a year of celebration and reflection, and we emerge from it all the

David O’Neill

As tradition dictated, juniors are bestowed rings during Ring

thankful I was given the opportunity to attend a school that accepts

more committed to the mission, to “the Goals,” and to life at the Sacred Heart. And

Thomas P. Reidy

Ceremony. Wham! There it was again, the feeling of belonging.

me for me, gave me the tools to succeed, and will always be my home.

Suzanne Reynolds, Trustee Emerita

Receiving that ring was physical evidence of the pride I was already

this mission to new students who will walk through our doors for the first time.

Jeffrey D. Steele

experiencing. Going out in the world with that ring on my hand, and

The work continues!

Mary K. Swift

possibly meeting others with their own Sacred Heart stories, further

Edward Wanandi

solidified my sense of belonging. While attending the Sacred Heart

Mary Hickey Weiss ’66

Leadership Conference with students from Sacred Heart schools

Barbara Wood-Prince ’54

around the country, my connection continued to flourish. Meeting

Alumnae parent Mike Leonard regaled us with stories of his work on camera and how his courage and confidence made him the man he is today. The local Religious of the Sacred Heart joined us in prayer and celebration for the Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, and three RSCJ participated in our annual Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ Speaker Series. Women and men from various faith traditions — Christian, Muslim, Jewish — shared scripture and prayer with us in our first Interfaith Prayer Service, and Woodlands families participated in our October Community Picnic.

the story does not end — on August 24, 2009, we begin our 151st year of carrying

Sincerely,

Corrections from the Last Issue: Douglas DuBrin was

incorrectly named as the writer of the

article Unto Others. Alexa Hand was the author of the piece.

gerald j. grossman, Head of School

In Sugar and Spice, Phoebe Hoffmann was mistakenly

As a senior, I spent much of the year planning my future. I also considered Woodlands’ future. Seeing the many alumnae return throughout the year to participate in the various 150th celebrations has further cemented my belief that Woodlands is truly a home. From the speaker series to the barbeque, this year has surpassed all other Woodlands celebrations. The ever-present 150th logo and anticipation of the events generated excitement that did not disappoint. We and sisters who taught us so much. For that I am truly thankful —

students who not only knew about Congé and Cache-Cache, but who also lived the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education was such a unique opportunity. It was then that Mr. Grossman's constant quotations from Life at the Sacred Heart finally sank in: wherever

amanda steele ’09 and her father, Board of Trustees member jeffrey d.steele.

listed as a member of the Class of 2008. She is a member of the Class of 2010.

2

coeur à coeur

2008–2009

3

school news ( front row) nancy morris, rscj; pam heeley, rscj; rosemary f. dewey ’47, rscj;

Sacred Heart Award honorees ( from left) helen bruns ryan ’50, eleanor

susan p. maxwell, rscj; carol haggerty, rscj. (back row) shirley miller, rscj;

clarke, Sesquicentennial Anniversary Honorary Committee Chair mary

patricia reiss, barat ’57, rscj; frances de la chapelle, rscj; martha currie,

mcconville joyce ’55, Barat Education Foundation Chair and CEO shelia a.

rscj; mary charlotte chandler, rscj; mary hagele, rscj.

smith ’63, Woodlands Academy Board Trustee barbara jones wood-prince’54, margaret mary barry o'neill conley ’49 and suzanne f. reynolds.

Former Woodlands Academy Headmistress fran de la

elizabeth denton ’12 carries seeds to the altar, symbolizing the future growth of Sacred Heart.

chapelle, rscj, speaks at the 150th Anniversary Liturgy homily.

a blessing to all Woodlands' Year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration Opens with Words of Wisdom

w

oodlands academy celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the

are all privileged, blessed to be part of the Sacred Heart family. With

founding of Sacred Heart education in Chicago with an entire

this blessing comes a responsibility to make a difference in our world

year of special events. Kicking off the 150th Anniversary Opening

and to make our world a better place. Thus I end with my

Liturgy in October was beloved former Woodlands Academy Head-

same question —

mistress Fran de la Chapelle, RSCJ. As guest homilist, she paid special tribute to seven outstanding Sacred

tatum denton ’10 carries the Josephinum Academy flag during the processional of the Sesquicentennial Liturgy.

"When was the last time you did something for the first time? As God has blessed us, may we always be a blessing to one another.”

Heart alumnae, who were honored for their lives of dedicated service

"We are all privileged, blessed to be part of the Sacred Heart family. With

and were presented with a special Sacred Heart Award. Sister de la Chapelle spoke of the many Society of the Sacred Heart who risked doing something for the first time. Beginning with Saints Madeleine Sophie and Philippine Duchesne and continuing through the succession of RSCJs who brought Sacred Heart education to Chicago and

laura fitzpatrick torosian ’90 (left) catches up with Woodlands faculty

then to Lake Forest, Sister de la Chapelle told of the strong faith and

member dr. richard

trust in God that made 150 years of Sacred Heart education in Chicago

scheiber and fellow

possible. As she ended her homily, Sister de la Chapelle reminded the community, “We… are all being asked to continue this great work. We

alumna shelia roberson hussey ’90 following the 150th Anniversary Liturgy.

this blessing comes a responsibility to make a difference in our world and to make our world a better place. Thus I end with my same question: When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

— sister de la chapelle

“I never lost my Très Bien, and my best friend from Stone Ridge never got hers!”

school news

susan saint james ’63 laughs as she recalls,

a beautiful mobile Woodlands Academy alumna Susan Saint James ’63 kicks off the Sesquicentennial Speaker Series

"m

y life here began in the basement of Barat College. We had cubicles; a small square space attached one to the other

separated by pink and white striped curtains, a chair, and a bed.

We had a small locker for our stuff, our uniforms, and a few after school outfits.”

Saint James is quick to mention how her Woodlands education equipped her for the rigors of life.

“We were polite and respectful, and we were so educated! Logic, Religion, Latin, French, all types of History over four years; we were being prepared.” Saint James captivated the audience for well over

Susan Saint James ’63, Emmy-award winning actress and philan-

an hour, speaking honestly about the triumphs and tragedies she has

thropist, opened the Woodlands Academy Sesquicentennial

endured. She equated life to a mobile, sometimes in balance, other

Celebration Speaker Series on October 3rd. Her pilgrimage back to

times not. As her sister, fellow Woodlands Academy alumna Mary

the halls of Woodlands brought her first to the school theater that

Mercedes Miller Dewey ’67, looked on, Saint James bared her soul

bears her name, where she dined and spoke to a packed audience

about the tragic 2004 plane crash that took the life of her fifth child,

of students. She then fielded questions from students, ranging from

fourteen year-old Teddy, and nearly claimed her son Charlie, and

how Woodlands has changed to what famous celebrities she knows.

husband Dick Ebersol. She closed her lecture with sound advice:

Saint James began her high school days as a boarder at the Academy

“Stop each day and check your mobile and that of your children.

of the Sacred Heart, and moved to the newly-constructed Woodlands

Remember — we don’t have to be afraid to sail our boat as we are

Academy of the Sacred Heart before graduating in 1963. Although

learning how to weather the storms.”

much has changed since her time here, some things remain intact.

susan saint james ’63 addresses a packed house of students in the theater that bears her name.

susan saint james ’63 chats with Woodlands students ( from left) caily gallagher ’10, lauren lees ’10 and emma mcguire ’10.

Head of School gerald grossman shares a laugh with susan saint james ’63 at the post-lecture reception.

2008–2009

7

Welcome back! See who showed up to celebrate the Woodlands Academy 2008 Reunion!

school news

( from left) sara antunovich ’98, jamie tuttle, Woodlands Academy faculty member, and orion montoya.

class of 195 8

class of 1963 class of 1968

class of 1983

memory lane Alums gather for an evening of fun, food, and fond memories at Reunion 2008

n

Members of the Class of ’63 beth lynch murphy and gael

class of 1988

class of 1993

grafft moyers.

ot to be forgotten in the flurry of the Sesquicentennial kick-off events, Woodlands alums gathered at the Renaissance

Chicago North Shore Hotel on the evening of October 3rd to stage a fête all their own. Members of classes ending in threes and eights, along with all classes in the decade of the 1980s met to catch up on lost time and reminisce about their Woodlands days.

Several faculty and staff members of Woodlands Academy were

kim moreland ’88 (right) catches up

also in attendance, including Gerald Grossman, Head of School;

with dina ponsen

Madonna Edmunds, Principal; Marsha Marko, and Jamie Tuttle.

sidharta ’88 (left), who was dubbed, “Farthest

To view and order pictures from Reunion 2008, please visit our website

Traveled,” making her

at woodlandsacademy.org. The link for pictures is listed in the

way to Reunion 2008

Alumnae section of the site.

from Jakarta, Indonesia.

8

coeur à coeur

class of 1998

class of 2003

written by angela reiter & mary ryan photos by jim newberry, and generous members & friends of Woodlands Academy

year in photos Sesquicentennial Celebration:

7

coeur Ă coeur

fall 2009

8

school news school news

a time to celebrate

Johnson-Odim, Provost and Vice President of

The sesquicentennial celebration continued

Robert S. Kallen, Founder of RSK Strategies,

on October 4th with a field hockey game

LLC, Chicago; Sonya Lopez, Program Faculty

pitting past and present Woodlands players

and Grant Specialist at Southwest Texas

against each other in a heated battle for brag-

State University; Hilary Morgan, Executive

ging rights (even a few Woodlands mothers

Director of Street to Home for Common

joined in the competition). The tantalizing

Ground, New York City; and Arlene Mayzel,

aromas of hot dogs and burgers filled the air

Dean of Lake Forest College Graduate School

and Woodlands Academy community mem-

of Management.

bers conversed between cheers.

Kaleidoscope, Woodlands award-winning select choir, joined forces with the muchheralded Woodlands Orchestra and presented an amazing display of talent inside the chapel. In the afternoon, Woodlands Academy played host to a prestigious

Academic Affairs at Dominican University;

1

fathers zachary lazar (Alexandra ’12) and mark lamarre (Andrea

2

Rockefeller Fellows (clockwise from left) dr. cheryl johnson-odim,

tion, Next Generation Leaders, included a

arlene mayzel.

12

coeur à coeur

Garcia de Quevedo, RSCJ, presented Saint

Academy.

Madeleine Sophie’s Gift: A Spirituality Rooted

Woodlands Academy faculty member jamie tuttle (center) catches up with

3

Sesquicentennial Speaker Series and was

(left) and gwendolyn boyce ’98 (right).

open to the public. Woodlands students had the opportunity to talk with Leonard at an informal dinner that evening, and a recep-

finding your way Those who attended the presentation by renowned NBC Correspondent and author

attendees engaged with far more than celeb-

tion in Leonard’s honor was held after his

Your Way, was ripe with tales of struggle, personal triumph, and of course, an occasional story or two about today’s icons. The audience learned how he got his start as a journalist, where he met and married the love

ye soo shin ’12, lisa borosh ’11,

of his life, and how he is looks at his bumpy journey as one of self discovery. Leonard’s ties to the Woodlands Community run deep, as

dougherty to the Janet Erskine Stuart,

RSCJ’s presentation, explored Sister Chan-

RSCJ Speaker Series. Sister de Quevedo

dler’s life journey as well as Catholic faith

spoke to members of the Woodlands and

communities.

Josephinum communities about the legacy

In April, Judith Garson, RSCJ spoke about

6

Sacred Heart schools. The Speaker Series was

leonard, and megan leonard

born out of an eagerness among Woodlands'

family health service after years of work in

fleischel ’91 at the Finding Your Way

lay collaborators to develop a stronger part-

presentation.

nership in mission with the Society as well as to learn of the many expressions Society mission takes. Woodlands celebrated this 150th

welcomed three Religious of the Sacred Heart, each with a message of ministry and mission in conjunction with this 150th Anniversary year. Former Superior General

gerald grossman (left) welcomed

Sister patricia de quevedo, rscj, and Josephinum Academy President michael

(from left) cathy leonard ’65, mike

The Janet Erskine Stuart Speaker Series

Woodlands Academy Head of School

Multiculturalism, Mary Charlotte Chandler,

her service as executive director of a Harlem

the speaker series

7

in Love. Radical Gospel Living: Ministries and

presentation.

rity anecdotes. His presentation, Finding

Orchestra students (clockwise from left)

min he kim ’11, and ingrid watts ’12.

The address was part of Woodlands’

former students courtney driscoll ’98

for, as the past Woodlands parent kept

rscj, hilary morgan, sonya lopez, and

Diversity. The notable panel included Cheryl

of the Society of the Sacred Heart, Patricia

’91 and Kerry ’96, all attended Woodlands

handiwork.

Rockefeller Foundation. Their presenta-

Discussion on Leadership, Gender, and

his wife, Cathy ’65, and two daughters, Megan

Varsity vs. Alumnae Field Hockey game.

Mike Leonard got more than they bargained

mix of nationally renowned fellows of the

Marguerite Green and Joan L. Coffey Panel

Current and former players battle in the

’09) take a break to sample their grilling

robert s. kallen, moderator sally furay,

distinguished panel of participants in the

4 5

of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat.

8

mary charlotte chandler, rscj, posed with alison bestler ’10

following her Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ Speaker Series presentation, Radical Gospel Living: Ministries and Multiculturalism.

9

judith garson,rscj, met with Woodlands students and megan

Anniversary year with the school’s partners

mcelroy, op and member of the Theology

in mission and presence in the Chicago area.

department, to share her experiences working

Josephinum Academy students were guests for Sister Garcia De Quevedo’s presentation in November, and Schools of the Sacred

with the poor as the Executive Director of Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service in New York City.

Heart on Sheridan Road visited for Woodlands’ Christmas concert.

2008–2009

13

school news school news is indeed the work of the Society, and Philip-

words resonate for anyone who has come to

a beautiful piece of art, this ties us to our

pine’s vision and actions opened the door for

know this amazing woman. The inscription

past,” said Gerald Grossman. “It serves as a

Woodlands Academy celebrated the Feast

other Religious of the Sacred Heart to journey

continues, reminding all that:

tangible presence of Barat here at Woodlands

of Saint Philippine Duchesne in November

to new lands. How appropriate to honor the

by honoring several Religious of the Sacred

RSCJ for their dedication and lives given in

Heart. Seven RSCJ from the Chicago area

love on Philippine’s Feast Day!

celebrating philippine

and beyond, many with deep ties to Wood-

St. Philippine. As this year marked the 20th anniversary of the canonization of Rose Philippine Duchesne, the prayer service focused on the expanse of the Society: 3,600 RSCJ's working in forty-four countries on six of the seven continents.

Those gathered expressed gratitude to the

prayers for peace

10

The Emil Frei Company of St. Louis, the

imam senad agic, Director of the Islamic Cultural Center of Greater

Chicago, joined mia swift ’10 for a studentled Interfaith Prayer Service for world peace. Celebrants from various other denominations also participated in the event.

spoke of the meaningful work of the Society

a window of hope

in a host of different countries, and symbol-

"For the sake of one child, I would have founded

ized their contributions by placing bread

the Society of the Sacred Heart." Engraved on a

from each country on the altar. Feeding

plaque alongside the floor-to-ceiling stained

others in multiple ways in the name of Jesus

glass window, Saint Madeleine Sophie's

coeur à coeur

company who designed the window is 1924, Madeleine Sophie Barat window found its

11

Principal madonna lee edmunds gives a blessing at the Saint Mad-

eleine Sophie Barat Window Dedication ceremony in December. The window, a gift from the Barat College community, is now proudly displayed in the Bolton Sullivan Library on the Woodlands campus.

bernadette hutson ’10 and

Madeleine Sophie Barat’s mission, the

her grandfather, mr. donald m.

Woodlands community celebrated the gifts

13

mr. tom reedy, grandfather of

14 15

tyler johnson ’09 and her grand-

arndt, enjoy a laugh in class.

Claire Bonnel ’09, explores a popular

spot on his tour of the Senior Lounge.

parents, don & carole johnson. sophie phillips ’12 and her grandmother, mary center.

new home in the Bolton Sullivan Library at Woodlands Academy. The historic window previously adorned the Old Main building of Barat College for nearly eighty-five years.

Alumnae/i of Barat College of the Sacred Heart were honored guests for the Immacu-

sharing their gifts so others who hunger for

14

Sacred Heart, 1918-2005, each of whom is that

After being restored by the same art glass

members of the Society for generously God’s love might be spiritually fed. Students

Alumnae/i and Faculty of Barat College of the one child.”

lands, joined the school community for the prayer service celebrating the life and work of

“This window is dedicated to honor the

Academy of the Sacred Heart.”

12

late Conception liturgy, and processed with lit candles from the chapel to the library for the formal dedication ceremony, with Most Reverend George J. Rassas presiding. The window restoration and installation were gifts to Woodlands Academy from the Barat Education Foundation. “Besides being

and blessings that survived and thrived over the last 150 years, and recognized the need for Saint Madeleine Sophie’s vision to continue for another 150 years.

16

mark goodman, father of Mary

17

Woodlands Academy alumna helen

’09 and Anne ’11, shares a reading

during the Mass of Thanksgiving in May.

bruns ryan ’50 (left) stops for a

photo opportunity with mary hagele, rscj

be our guest

we give thanks

Grandparent's Day, a biennial tradition, gave

Woodlands Academy concluded its Ses-

grandparents a closer look into their granddaughter’s life at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart. Grandparents began their day with a continental breakfast, followed by a special liturgy and Sacred Heart Awards presentation in the Woodlands chapel. Their day culminated with tours, lunch, and classroom visits with their granddaughters.

quicentennial festivities with a Mass of

(center) and Woodlands Academy Registrar mary crook.

18

wanda kaminski (left) enjoys the the Mass of Thanksgiving with her

Thanksgiving. The May 17th, 2009 service

daughter and Board of Trustees member

served as a poignant reflection on 150 years

mary swift (right). Mary is the mother of

of Sacred Heart education in Chicago.

Woodlands Academy students Mia ’10 and

Attendees raised hearts and hands in

Isabella ’12.

thanking God and the determined pioneers who made the Sacred Heart mission available to Chicagoans. In tandem with Saint

2008–2009

15

feature story

A dedicated group of students embark on one of the most challenging climbs on Earth to help the inhabitants of a remote village.

it can be done Story by kathryn dill '04

at the rocky base of mount kilimanjaro, above the Tanzanian town of Moshi, lie twelve villages perched on low mountainous terrain. In these, the Uru villages, where there are homes and schools, kitchens and classrooms, work to be done and life to be lived — after the water is collected. There is no clean water distribution system in the villages, and each day villagers trek up and down dangerous paths, five-gallon drums perched atop their heads, collecting water that they need for drinking and cooking...

for the documentary, which will be released in January 2010, one year

wanted to know. Lynch signed on to the project and seven months

since she first reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. “I want to

later, in January 2009, she reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

highlight how a small organization of three women can impact 30,000

with Joye and others as part of a 19,500 foot pledge climb raising

people,” says Lynch, who hopes the film will allow people anywhere to

money for the organization.

feel a connection to the people of Moshi.

“Jeremy and I don’t want to show that television commercial with that little kid with flies on his eyes where you change the channel because you just feel so terrible about yourself."

During her time in the villages and while climbing Kilimanjaro, Lynch kept the cameras rolling and waited for the story to take shape. The presence of two young white filmmakers with Sony Handycams generated a fair amount of curiosity. “To see a camera that costs more than [the villagers] can even wrap their mind around is boggling. We’re at these schools and the kids just run up to the camera, they just want to see it, they want to be in front of it, they want to look behind it, they’re so engrossed with the equipment.” Despite the excitement, reactions to the camera never proved a barrier, but rather helped Lynch cut to the truth.

left: Lynch takes a moment to contemplate her surroundings. right: The benefactors of It Can Be Done!

felt a stronger connection developing not only to the people of Uru, but to the work itself. “I was able to come home and say to myself, ’I want to highlight non-profit or small organizations and be their voice and be their eyes.’ Ideally one day I would love to create a home for non-profits to highlight their organizations, but also so that people in the world can find a relationship to [them], whether they want to volunteer or give money, and film is a wonderful medium to get that across.”

repeat. Climb, collect, repeat, with no exceptions for education or other opportunities, just the constant drumbeat of a need that is never adequately met. Climb, collect, repeat.

these people are incredibly happy people despite the fact that they

whether you’re in Africa or Brazil or Chicago. Those are human, basic

water and the impact that need was having on the women and chil-

needs and they’re relatable across the board." To lean more, visit

dren of Uru. She wondered if a small group of volunteers could form

itcanbedoneafrica.org/film.

Yes, she decided. It could be done. It can be done. It is a phrase Lynch

Kathryn Dill is a Chicago-based freelance journalist who currently

now finds herself saying more often. The members of It Can Be Done!

covers North-suburban news and government for the chicago

plan to return to Moshi this summer with a drill rig and the supplies

tribune. Her work has previously appeared in the daily

amount to 250 wells. Lynch will return to Moshi to film the digging

herald and national geographic intelligent travel. Dill is a 2004 graduate of Woodlands Academy and a 2008 graduate of Boston College.

"The story tells itself": Lynch behind the lens.

Catherine Lynch (WA ’03) had graduated from Columbia College and

When a Tanzanian reporter came to write an article about the orga-

was looking for a project when she began talking to a woman named

nization and discovered the filmmakers, he proved more interested

Barbara Joye about an organization Joye had founded with two other

in his own portrayal than those of the women on whom he came to

women called It Can Be Done! The members were working to bring

report. “He was so concerned with the camera and how he looked, you

a clean water distribution system to villages at the base of Mount

could tell he wasn’t focused on what [the women] were saying,” she

Kilimanjaro. Joye’s son, Jeremy, was filming a documentary to raise

recalls. “That’s why I love documentaries—the story tells itself. I’m not

awareness about and funds for the project, and she knew that Lynch

directing anyone. He perfectly portrayed himself.”

Lynch identifies the most important aspect of documentary work as having an eye for great characters, and when she describes her time in Africa, it is the characters she returns to again and again, characters like Mama Florentina, a woman from the villages of Uru, who after living abroad in Sweden for many years with her late husband, returned to Moshi where she is a prominent figure in the community as an advocate for AIDS awareness and as a female landowner. Mama Florentina is also one of the primary advocates for It Can Be Done! in Tanzania, and at the age of 72 made the climb up Kilimanjaro with the other members of the organization. As she climbed eight hours

Members of the It Can Be Done! expedition on the

not even going to try. This documentary is going to be showing that

climbed Kilimanjaro for the first time in 2006, she saw the need for

necessary to dig the first twenty-five of what they ultimately hope will

and responsibilities for as many as five hours a day. Climb, collect,

you just feel so terrible about yourself. You can’t relate to that so you’re

for love, needs for water, needs for food, family, and that’s relatable

women and children to whom it is relegated from their schoolwork

a harbinger of waterborne diseases. This daily routine take the

little kid with flies on his eyes where you change the channel because

When Margaret Braband, one of the founders of the organization,

t

contaminated by pesticides and human and animal waste,

“Jeremy and I don’t want to show that television commercial with that

don’t have water. What is relatable is that everyone has needs—needs

a partnership with the people strong enough to change the situation.

he water is not only difficult to obtain but also

“To see a camera that costs more than [the villagers] can even wrap their mind around is boggling. We’re at these schools and the kids just run up to the camera, they just want to see it..."

each day and watched the characters developing before her, Lynch

When Barbara Joye asked Catherine Lynch in May of 2008 if she could climb a mountain, specifically, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lynch told her, “That will remain to be determined.”

don’t have a pass,’ and I said, ‘No, you caught me, but I’m leaving for Africa tomorrow to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a non-profit, can I swim one last time?’ And they said sure.”

Since joining a gym was cost-prohibitive for the freelance filmmaker, Lynch found other ways of training for the nearly 2,000 foot trek.

“I ended up climbing my sister’s condo stairs— she lives on the 30th floor. I would run up and down those stairs six times, several times a week.” Lynch also found a pool in her neighborhood where she managed to swim without a membership. “It was on the last day before we left for Africa [ a pool employee] said ‘You

Over the course of the six day expedition, climbers pass through five climates, ranging from jungle-like conditions to terrain Lynch described as being like the moon. In addition to a guide and cook, three porters per climber carry gear for the expedition, work which pays approximately $3 per day. While hiking the challenging terrain, it is crucial that climbers adjust to the ever-increasing altitude. If a climber succumbs to altitude sickness, he or

she must immediately abandon their climb and descend to the base.

Lynch’s time on the stairs in Chicago paid off, and she reached the peak of Kilimanjaro, a victory she said has made other challenges seem more manageable. She recalls encouraging words from the guide who accompanied their expedition, who has since returned to school himself to study water engineering so he may be more involved with the work being done in Moshi.

“Catherine,” he told her, “you will summit” — and she did.

Mt. Kilimanjaro summit.

18

coeur à coeur

2008–2009

19

feature story

had a filmmaking background. Could Lynch climb a mountain?, Joye

Winter Wonderwalk

around the woodlands halls

AROUND WOODLANDS

top left: Woodlands Winter WonderWalk co-chairs Monica Kubicek, left, and Coni Carfagno. top right: Shoppers peruse poinsettias at a vendor table during Winter WonderWalk. bottom left: Lauren Hermsen ’11 and her mother, Julie, assist attendees of Winter Wonderwalk. bottom right:

Mary Geldermann Georgopulos ’72

studies a bottle of olive oil with her husband, Michael, at Woodlands’ annual Winter WonderWalk and Holiday Gift Boutique. The festive event featured a house walk of homes in Lake Forest, as well as a gourmet lunch. The Parent Association of Woodlands Academy sponsors the event annually to benefit Woodlands Academy’s scholarship funds.

Peek into what goes on inside Woodlands Academy

Community Service Day From Left: Alexandra Lazar ’12, Eleanor McEnaney ’12 and Leslie Dill ’12 enjoy

Fall Sports

The Woodlands Varsity Volleyball team had a stellar season in 2008, posting a 16-8 overall record and finishing 2nd in the Independent School League. Other notables from the fall sports season include Cale Wardell ’09 being named All-State in field hockey, and Annie Sullivan ’10 garnering another 1st Team All-Conference honor in tennis. Sullivan also posted a 6th place finish in the IHSA State Tennis tournament.

working in a food bank during Community Service Day, an annual all-school commitment to serve others in need.

Impelled to Action

Once again Woodlands Academy placed two students on the prestigious 2008-2009 Daily Herald Lake County Leadership Team. Chosen by educators and civic leaders from around the region, Julie Castellini ’09 (top) of Winnetka, and Branden Zollar ’09 (bottom) of Chicago were praised as students who not only stand out among their peers as volunteers, but also characterize leaders who make a change.

Mass of the Holy Spirit/Flag Day Students assemble for Flag Ceremony, an integral part of the Mass of the Holy Spirit. This liturgy and flag ceremony is celebrated at the opening of school to ask God's blessing on the school year and to celebrate Woodlands’ diverse international community.

Castellini says, "Although I cannot eradicate poverty or take away pain, I can make a child whose life was in dire conditions smile. This gives joy for even just a moment." Zollar states, “Community service never, ever feels like a responsibility or an obligation to me.

I love it. It is my passion." Congratulations from the Woodlands community to two young women who embody the Sacred Heart mission of social awareness!

Vienna Exchange

Several students and faculty members visited Gymnasium Sacré Coeur Wien, a Sacred Heart school in Vienna, Austria, as part of Woodlands Academy’s commitment to global education and Sacred Heart exchange. The Woodlands contingency included (front row, from left) Bernadette Hutson ’10. Ridhima Chopra ’10, and Cathryn Morette ’10. (back row) Anne Goodman ’11, Mia Swift ’10, Lillian Dasso ’10, Christina Osorio ’11, Elizabeth Kurowski,

Woodlands faculty member, Corinne Fretwell, ’10, Rachel McClusky ’11, and Elisa Mascorro, Woodlands faculty member.

Mater Ceremony Leann Lyden ’11, left,

and Stephanye Vela ’11, right, are all smiles after being honored with their sophomore classmates at the Mater Ceremony in October.

Father's Club Fund Woodlands Registrar

Mary Crook, along with Principal Madonna Edmunds (not

shown) visited Joigny, France during Spring Break 2009 to explore Saint Madeleine Sophie’s roots. The pair were selected along with Dr. Richard Scheiber, Woodlands History Department Chair, to receive awards from the Fathers Club Fund for Faculty and Staff Enrichment.

This “special appreciation fund” was created to recognize individual Woodlands faculty and staff members for their commitment to bringing passion and excellence to the classroom and in interaction with Woodlands students.

The Fund awards grants for study, travel, or research to enrich the recipient’s ability to teach and inspire Woodlands students. For his part, Dr. Scheiber spent time in Berlin studying the history of the Holocaust.

IMEA Honor Yuri Uchida ’10, was selected first violinist in the Illinios Music Educators Association All-State Honors Orchestra.

Students from all over the state of Illinois audition, and members are chosen after a rigorous audition process. Those receiving the honor are deemed superior in talent, skill, musicality, dedication and instrumental technique. fall 2009

18

Junior Ring Ceremony Junior Mia

Father/Daughter Service Day

Swift ’10 takes a “turn” with fellow junior Lily Dasso ’10 after

AROUND WOODLANDS

Junior Ring Ceremony in March.

Karly Anderson ’12 and her father, Ken, dabbed

their paint brushes as part of Father/Daughter Service Day. The March 1st outing sent Woodlands dads and daughters to fellow Sacred Heart school Josephinum Academy to assist Josephinum community members in their spring spruce-up.

St. Malachy

top: Andrea Odegaard ’10, makes new friends when the students from St. Malachy’s visit in February. bottom: Somin Lee ’09 unleashes her inner artist by painting the face of a St. Malachy’s student.

Christmas Concert Orchestra member LuLu Ren ’12 performs at the Woodlands Academy Christmas Concert. Woodlands welcomed the Sacred Heart Schools (Sheridan Road) community in celebration of the holiday season.

Annie

Orphans in the spring production of Annie (from left) Catherine Wanandi ’12,

Caroline Moriarity ’12, Eleanor McEnaney ’12, Kassielle McKinley ’10, Lillian Dasso ’10, and Gina Carfagno ’11. The role of Annie was performed by Gabriela Carrillo ’12.

Vienna Exchange

Students and teachers from Gymnasium Sacré Coeur Wien don their traditional uniform while posing with Gerald Grossman, Woodlands Academy Head of School.

Kaleidoscope Competition Microscope members Lillian Dasso ’10, Austen Murrow ’10 and Microscope Director Caroline Denniston ’09, earned a Gold Rating in the Chamber Choir division of the Heritage Festival. This particular distinction recognizes the group for being student directed. Other members of Microscope not pictured include Mary Goodman ’09, Elizabeth Lerum ’10, Katherine Flint ’11, Tyler Johnson ’09,

and Lauren Murphy ’10. In addition, Kaleidoscope, Woodlands Academy’s select choir, earned an IHSA Division I Award in addition to their own Gold Rating in the Treble Choir division of the Heritage Festival.

Ash Wednesday Gina Carfagno ’11 receives ashes

Women in the Arts Month

during the Woodlands Ash Wednesday prayer service.

Featured Women in the Arts Month guest artist, photographer Mary Farmilant, discusses her craft with junior McKenzie Hughes ’10. The annual monthlong program is organized by the Woodlands Academy Fine and Performing Arts Department and honors women’s contributions to the arts.

Gingerbread House Workshop top:

WAAA Board Member Sheila Roberson

Hussey ’90, enjoys decorating houses with

her daughter Madeleine and niece Lilly Brown (daughter of Amy Roberson Brown ’87). bottom: Mia Anderson, granddaughter of Woodlands Academy staff member Barbara Fritsch, tells Santa her Christmas wish list.

2008-2009 Basketball

Coach Chris Ohlwein and members of the Woodlands

Academy Basketball team. fall 2009

20

Years of Service

Select Woodlands students presided over May Crowning, a long-standing Catholic tradition. (from left) Madeline Oelerich ’12, Julie Castellini ’09, Blair O’Neil ’11, Remy O’Neil ’09, Olivia Napier ’10, Kiara Born ’09, Nicole Genger ’09, Mary Goodman ’09, Ingrid Watts ’12, Chelsea White ’09 and

AROUND WOODLANDS

Faculty and staff members of Woodlands Academy achieved milestone years of service. (from left) Alexa Hand (10 years), Marsha Marko (20 years), Mary Ann Salemi (5 years), Chris Ohlwein (10 years), Madonna Edmunds (40 years), Rosemary Briesch (35 years), Linda Tilton (20 years), Lee Jashelski (25 years), Gerald Grossman (5 years), and Marilyn Fincutter (20 years).

Not pictured: Rose Haage (10 years).

May Crowing

Meghan Stagl ’10. The four seniors were chosen by their

peers for their demonstration of Mary’s attributes.

The remaining eight students were selected by their respective classes to serve as the Honor Guard.

Fine Arts Evening

left:

Student artwork on display. right: Gabriela Carrillo

’12 performs with the Woodlands Academy Orchestra as part of Fine Arts Evening, an annual

spring showcase for the Fine and Performing Arts department.

Honors Assembly right: Gerald Grossman, Head

of School, congratulates Anne Goodman ’11 as she receives a traditional Sacred Heart crown of flowers during Honors Assembly in May. bottom right: Head of School Gerald Grossman and Christine Schmidt, Dean of Students, honor Martha Bissing ’09 as she receives First Honors recognition for Mandarin Chinese.

Spring Sports

top: Members of the 2009 Woodlands Softball team clown around during a double header against Francis Parker. bottom: Alison Bestler ’10 battles a Lake Forest Academy opponent for possession of the ball in soccer.

Woodlands Academy Alumnae Association Induction top: Woodlands Academy Head of School Gerald Grossman congratulates Helen Bruns Ryan ’50, as she accepts the Saint Philippine Duchesne Outstanding Alumna Award during the WAAA Induction Ceremony. bottom: Newly inducted Woodlands Academy Alumnae Association members proudly display their Sacred Heart Passports. (from left)

Natalie Cambata ’09, Sarah Kaplan ’09, Martha Bissing ’09

and Claire Bonnel ’09.

Congé

top left: Congé co-chairs Susan and Mark Goodman. top middle: Woodlands Academy Dean of Students Christine Schmidt enjoys a conversation with Woodlands Alumnae Board member Francine Antonio Walker ’92. top right: Josephinum Academy President Michael Dougherty and Celeste Bavaria Denton, Vice Chair of the Josephinum Board of Trustees and mother of Woodlands students Tatum ’10 and Elizabeth ’12, enjoy Congé. bottom left: Congé Live Auction Chair Margaret Bedford browses the Silent Auction tables with husband Howard.

Graduation

top left: Members of the Class of 2009 are all smiles as they are honored at the June 4th Commencement Ceremony. Pictured (from left) are Natalie Cambata ’09, Caitlin McGowean ’09, Margaret Oelerich ’09 and Tubtim Chaowanasongtham ’09. top right: Chelsea White ’09 celebrates with faculty member Linda Tilton at the postCommencement reception. bottom right: Class of 2009 Commencement Speaker Remy O’Neill ’09 fixes father and Woodlands Board Trustee David’s tie prior to the festivities.

alumnae news and notes

where are they now?

Four alumnae you should know

Balykina na i r Ekata 04 Class of 20

st private

, the large

Bank lyst at Alfa Equity Ana ia scow, Russ bank in Mo

“after graduating from Woodlands in 2004, I went to Lake Forest College, where I majored in Chemistry the first two years. I went though almost the entire pre-med program, including Organic Chemistry. I loved the department, loved the courses, but becoming a doctor was not meant to be. Having the long-term goal of returning to Russia meant I needed a versatile degree in order to work anywhere in the world; a U.S. medical degree was not what I needed.

"All in all, I pulled a major in two years, got on the Dean’s List and got

opera studio. Since the purpose of AIMS is to help the mainly graduate

Award from the Minnesota Psychiatric Society, Marvelous

a job at a top investment bank…all thanks to my family and those who

and postgraduate student body bridge the gap between musical

Minnesota Woman Award, and, in the summer of 2008, the Citizen

were there for me from the very beginning…"

training and a career in music, many participants stay in Europe after

of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers

finishing the program to audition with various opera houses.

Minnesota Chapter.

"I have to say Woodlands prepared me for every challenge that came my way. Personal attention from every teacher, their genuine desire

Since returning to De Pauw, Catherine has been approved by the fac-

to help, the kindness of every single person at Woodlands Academy,

ulty to give her Junior Recital, which will take place on November 14,

and the rigorous education made a phenomenal stepping stone for my

2009. She is on her sorority's standards committee, and is one of the

career and life."

co-chairs for De Pauw's major student fund-raiser for charity, a dance

"I always remember Woodlands with the warmest memories and a smile. I know all of the ladies of the 2004 graduating class keep in

through thick and thin, and that’s what makes the bond of Woodlands Academy graduates so precious. All the best to everyone, live the

rholden sue abde 72 Class of 19

This was one of the hardest decisions of my life because I had only two years to finish a major which is one of the longest at LFC, and I was going to enter a whole different department, leaving all my friends in

catherine lerum

"Being able to explain what’s happening in the global economy seemed phenomenal to me, so I worked hard to learn and succeed."

6

always there for each other (as Woodlands is there for us as well)

fourth and have some goûter for me.”

Class of 2006

Studied summer 2008 in Graz, Austria at the American Institute of Musical Studies

irector of xecutive D E s a rs a Minnesota nty-eight ye tal Illness in n Spent twe e M n o al Alliance the Nation

to study abroad. While in Rome, Genevieve had the opportunity to take voice lessons from a maestro, Cesare Rufini.

me, ‘Non hai paura!’, ‘Don’t be scared!’”

years, I have lobbied and fought for community and family support for people with disabilities to fully participate in society. I was on the White House lawn when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law.

on november 1, 2008, Catherine competed in the National Associa-

"I have held positions with Arc of Minnesota, U.S. Senator Paul D.

tion of Teachers of Singers (NATS) auditions for the State of Indiana.

Wellstone and PACER Center (Minnesota's Parent Training and volunteer in Minneapolis public schools, host family for international

happening in the global economy seemed phenomenal to me, so I

The undergraduate auditions include all colleges and universities in

students at Macalester College, and a volunteer in numerous political

worked hard to learn and succeed. I loved every course I took in the

Indiana with vocal programs.

campaigns. My family has a foster care license and provides respite

"I left the US for Moscow in May of 2008, and in August I accepted a job

Dame for two years when she travelled to Rome in the spring of 2009

sound needed for singing opera,” says Genevieve. “He always said to

Information Center). I have also been a Girl Scout leader, a regular

2008 with a BA in Business Management and Administration."

genevieve nield had been studying Vocal Performance at Notre

Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota. Over the last twenty-eight

participate in the Regional NATS auditions later in the academic year.

ents gave me sound advice – foolproof as always! I graduated in May of

Took voice le ssons from m aestro, Cesar studying abro e Rufini while ad in Rome

“He wanted my voice to develop into the focused, powerful, confident

Catherine was awarded second place for college juniors and will

Economics/Business department of LFC, and realized that my par-

Nield

sue writes, “I’m currently the executive director of the National

It turned out I found my true passion! Being able to explain what’s

"Junior year of college was the first time I took an Economics course.

Genevieve

Class of 200

touch and always remember our good times at Woodlands…We are

"My parents suggested changing my major to Economics/Business.

the LFC Chemistry labs."

marathon.

care to children with disabilities.”

...at the end of the program, [many] stay in Europe to audition with the various opera houses.

offer from Alfa Bank, the largest private bank in Russia. I am now an equity analyst covering the Telecoms, Media and Technology sector

In the fall of 2007, Catherine was awarded honorable mention as a

here in Moscow."

college sophomore in the NATS auditions. The following summer she was accepted as one of a small group of undergraduates for study in

“He always said to me, ‘Non hai paura!’, ‘Don’t be scared!’”

Rufini worked to help Genevieve develop not only her voice but her confidence as a singer and the manner in which she approached

Sue has received numerous awards for her work: National NAMI

music, from the very first note of a song. “Having confidence in the

Executive Director Award for Excellence, the Paul Wellstone Advocacy

first note is vital, but having confidence in myself and my capability as a singer is paramount,” she reflects, adding that “[Rufini’s] comfort-

" I was on the White House lawn when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law."

able atmosphere allowed me to relax and believe that I could sing.”

Graz, Austria, at the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS)

26

coeur à coeur

2008–2009

27

alumnae news and notes

catching up! alumnae news & notes carol eckrich langs ’47 resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. susie floberg hayes ’63 writes, “I have recently changed jobs and am Vice President for Advancement at Opportunity Partners in Minnetonka, a suburb of Minneapolis.” betty downes ’64 writes, “I am a business of one — a sole proprietorship. I work in the public sector. Right now I am coordinating quality and evaluation efforts with the New Mexico Behavioral Health Purchasing Collaborative — a 17-agency collaboration to improve and purchase mental health and substance abuse treatment for children, youth, and adults in the state. I also coordinate a Blue Ribbon Panel on Disproportionate Minority contact in our juvenile justice system.

I recently finished a two-year project with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help states implement evidenced-based practices in substance abuse.” mary clare pollard white ’64 writes, “I am in my third year as chair of the English Department of Loyola Academy, responsible for twenty-four teachers and over two thousand students in their rigorous pursuit of excellence in English. This is not a position to which I ever aspired, because my passion regarding this subject has always been as a teacher. In thirty-four years I have never arrived at school without a smile on my face as I ready myself for the teaching day. Now I find myself in this new role, having been asked by the Academic Dean, and I am glad to serve. What I realize is that I am still a teacher — I have two classes of students ( Honors American Literature for sophomores and Advanced Composition for seniors in semester one and Modern Fiction in semester two) and twenty-four classes of teachers, so to

speak. I marvel at the dedication and talent of my colleagues, which makes my job a joy! Much of the charism of the Jesuits is similar to the RSCJ experience I had at Woodlands which, I’m sure, has made this a perfect fit for me all these years.” mariita conley ’69 writes that she owns a training and consulting firm, Hispanic Source, which develops strategic solutions designed to improve employee performance. Mariita has held executive positions in business and government. As executive director of the Beatrice Foundation, she launched an award-winning program in nonprofit management. She started in strategic planning for a global consumer products company ( Beatrice Companies), helping institute companywide strategic planning sessions. Later Mariita served as Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training. Managing a budget of $32 million and ninety employees, she instituted reforms to improve training outcomes for Chicago’s federal job training programs. Mariita’s community board experience includes HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement) and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, among others. The Chicago

3

kathi mullane hudson ’77 and husband Chris have two daughters, annie ’07 and kate ’08. Kathi is a member of the

philanthropic community named her Latino Donor of the Year in

WAAA Board and former Woodlands Mothers Club President. The

2001. Mariita Conley was married to the late Dr. Richard Evans III, a

family resides in Lake Forest.

pediatrician. She resides in Chicago.

1

kiki spencer batina ’75 and husband Tom are pictured with their children left to right: Marianne, Gregory, and Tommy. The

family resides in Minnesota.

2

4

beth zur weiss ’78 and husband John enjoy their four daughters, left to right: Allie, 16, Sammie, 12, Mary Grace, 14,

and Heather, 22. The family resides in Kenilworth. annie del missier mcaveeny ’80 writes, “I love being a wife and

carlette mcmullan ’76 and husband John Gibbons with

mother of two young ladies, Ellory, 16, and Lilly, 12. Recently we

their daughter, Madeleine. The family resides in Chicago.

became a safe family for homeless children. We feel so blessed that God gave us the opportunity to care for his sweet babies. During my spare time, I enjoy restoring historic gardens and designing seasonal containers and landscape settings for my clients.” Annie and family reside in Lake Forest. jennifer trimble ’80 writes, “I’m still in bank marketing for a small rural Kansas bank. I’m also currently the Interim Administrator for Coffey County Library. I’m enjoying this new challenge of managing a not-for-profit, but banking prepared me well! Being ‘Mom’ is still the job I love the most. My oldest, Walker, is a senior, and his sister, Kennedy, is in seventh grade. They both play year-round basketball, and most of our free time involves a basketball gym somewhere! I

6

marjorie (jorie) allen grassie ’86 and husband Colin are

7

carolyn musinski-merfeld ’87 is the President/CEO of

8

tracy schornack power ’87 and husband Ed’s children

9

The Sandner family of Lake Bluff is pictured with daughters

pictured with their sons Lachlan, Alasdair, Gregor, and Evan.

The family resides in London.

Carnegie Management Associates located in Waukegan. Pictured

are her sons Christopher, 5, and Ben, 2.

are pictured left to right: Molly, 5, Eddie, 3, Catherine, 8, and

Charlie, 9. The Powers reside in Wilmette.

kathy sandner-gialamas ’87 and angie sandner ’99.

kim moreland ’88 married Jason Beans in May. The wedding took place in Italy.

10

jennifer murtaugh fritzsche ’88 and husband David’s children are pictured left to right: Mim, Charlie, and Tommy.

The family lives in Wilmette.

11

sarah mullane georgi ’88 and husband Toby are the proud parents of daughter Paige, born June 15, 2008. The

family resides in Lake Forest.

try to get to Chicago at least once a year and even ran in the 2007 Chicago Marathon.”

5

jennifer lowe baldwin ’89 writes, “I live in Aurora, IL with my two children, Will, 7, and Jack, 4. I am a recent graduate of DePaul

The Curran family celebrated Jack and Val Curran’s 50th Wedding Anniversary this past year. Pictured left to right:

valerie curran, former Woodlands Mothers Club President, cinnia curran finfer ’78, valerie bock, tina curran ’80,

University.”

12

toddy hickey dyer ’89 writes, “I have lived in Seattle since I graduated from college in Washington, D.C. I work

sheila curran lane ’82, and jack curran, former Woodlands

as the advertising director at a parenting publication/website called

Trustee.

ParentMap.” Pictured (from left) are her three children: Helen, 2, Charlie, 5, and Peter, 8.

veronica garcia ’91 writes, “I'm living in Madrid, Spain with my

position as the Editor in Chief for a web site targeted for North Shore

family. I have three children, Francisco, 1, Isabel, 5, and Jimena, 3.”

women called makeitbetter.net. We’ll be launching a magazine that will be a companion piece to the web site. This opportunity will help me marry two things I love — writing and building community. One extraordinary thing makeitbetter.net is doing to increase their circulation is partnering with schools and other not-for-profits.” Ann Marie and husband Edward are the proud parents of son James “Jimmy,” born April 14, 2008. Jimmy joins siblings Leo, Edward, Grace and Annie. The family resides in Lake Forest. katina wright robinson ’90 writes, “I am in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area working for the Director of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Medical Countermeasures. Our basic role is advanced biodefense research and medical countermeasure procurement for the nation’s stockpile. In 2004, I married Brandon Wright.” yukari akiyama ’91 writes, “I became a Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development at General Electric last April. My responsibilities include looking after all industrial businesses at GE. I still sing opera as a professional opera singer. I performed eight concerts last year, one of them was at the Tokyo Opera City Hall, the number one opera house in Japan! Having a dual career is tough but I enjoy both a lot!”

13

slon nelson-bently ’91 writes, “We just moved back to Germany. My husband is an officer in the Army and we are

stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. I attended Rebecca Ulz-Austin’s

veronica gelan ’91 writes, “In February of 2008 I changed jobs and now I am working for Time Warner in Mexico in a new media project called CNNExpansión.com. I have my own personal finance blog (www.cnnexpansion.com/blogs/el-buro-de-veronica) called El buró

17

rachel roberson agustin ’93 and husband Walden are the

school at the University of Chicago, and we both graduated in 2002.

proud parents of son Walden, born August 6, 2008. Walden

We moved to Seattle to complete our pediatric training, got married in

husband, Doug, and our daughter, Charlotte. I met Doug in medical

15

meghan kelley mckinnon ’91 and husband Bruce are

allyson schutzenhofer benko ’93 writes, “I graduated from

the proud parents of daughter Kelley Elizabeth, born on

Tulane in 1997 with a BSE in Chemical Engineering. I am now

September 23, 2008. Kelley joins sister Molly, 2. Meghan is a WAAA

active duty military in the United States Air Force. My core duty is

Board member and also a member of the Woodlands Board of

Developmental Engineering, but I am currently working as an ICBM

Trustees. The family resides in Wilmette.

(intercontinental ballistic missile) operator. I married Keith Benko

nancy mcfadden mcnett ’91 and husband Chris are the proud parents of son Ryan Patrick, born on March 27, 2008. Ryan joins sisters Annie and Sarah, and the family resides in Libertyville. aimee sanderson melton ’91 writes, “My son Jake is in high school, Tommy is in third grade, and Jimmy is a year old. I started my own law firm in 2008, Melton Law Office. I am doing trial work, family law, and criminal defense.” The family resides in Nebraska. juliet moffat ’91 and husband Scott Fanelli are the proud parents of daughter Patricia Lucia “Lucy,” born June 5, 2008. The family resides in Chicago.

University in St. Louis, where I had been working as a compliance

and Mary. The family resides in Northfield.

rachel courtney opel ’93 writes, “I live in Seattle with my

been working part-time as a general pediatrician, allowing me to do

Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Washington

14

Chicago. Francine is a WAAA Board member.

2003, and finished up at Children’s Hospital in 2005. Since then I have

ulz-austin ’91, and slon nelson-bentley ’91.

dana ball doran ’91 and husband John’s children Johnny

an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and works as a consultant.

Xavier joins brother Ramesses and sister Amina. The family resides in

Board member.

vicky varley o’neil braun ’92 writes, “In 2003 I received my

resides in Virginia.

Philosophy and speaks extensively on political reconciliation. Paolo is

the proud parents of son Xavier Martin, born August 31, 2008.

called Dinero (Money).”

julie jensen ’91, anastasia fitzgerald ’91, rebecca

parents of daughter Kaleigh Lilith, born March 6, 2008. The family

francine antonio walker ’92 and husband Euclid are

joins sister Isidora. The family resides in Chicago. Rachel is a WAAA

de Verónica. In March 2008 I became a columnist for a new magazine

wedding in July of 2008.” Pictured left to right: sharon laechel ’91,

gretchen bronson ’91 and husband Brian Levtov are the proud

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officer at their school of medicine. I took a leap of faith in 2005 and left the university to start my own practice management company, which has kept me busy consulting with clients all over the United States.

We relocated from St. Louis to Birmingham last year for my husband’s work, and, after living in the midwest for so long, we just love the warm weather here! Our son Jamison is nine and in the fourth grade. I am looking forward to catching up with everyone at the 2012 reunion!”

of Roselle, Illinois, who is an aircraft maintenance officer in the Air National Guard. We welcomed our first daughter, Skylar Joann, on September 1, 2008. We currently live in Cheyenne, Wyoming.”

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what I love, but still have lots of time at home with the baby. Doug is doing further specialty training and will be finishing up his pediatric bioethics fellowship next year. I think of Woodlands often and am always excited to see if there is any news about my classmates in the Woodlands magazine.”

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mary gillard anderson ’94 and husband Eric’s daughter Elle. The family resides in Chicago. Mary is

a WAAA Board member.

tama soderland filpi ’93 writes, “I married Christopher

megan dowd ’96 writes, “After finishing my Master of Arts degree

Filpi on October 20, 2007 at Luther Memorial Church in

at the University of Rhode Island in Communication Studies, I

Chicago. Among my bridesmaids were my sister, marni soderlund

was recruited by Ohio University to earn my Ph.D. in Communica-

mans ’90, WAAA Board member, and kathryn callaghan ’93. I

tion Studies. I am currently attending Ohio University in Athens,

work as a financial planner. My husband and I live in Chicago.”

OH. While working towards my doctoral degree, I am also the lead

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colleen murphy gardoni ’93 married Dr. Paolo Gardoni of Milan, Italy in August 2008. Colleen and Paolo met as

instructor for an undergraduate public speaking course as well as an assistant lecturer for an introductory course to communication.”

faculty members at Texas A & M where, in addition to work in their

kerry leonard ’96 writes, “ I am currently living in Springfield, MO

respective fields, they also teach and publish together in the field of

where I am the web producer for Metromix Ozarks, a dining, nightlife,

engineering ethics. Colleen is currently an Assistant Professor of

music, and event site for the Springfield area. I recently received my

alumnae news and notes

ann marie hartman scheidler ’89 writes, “I recently took a new

katie swisher ’05 is completing her senior at Yale University and

State University and graduated in December!”

was an intern with the New York Metropolitan Opera last summer.

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ashley beth leikam ’01 married Peter Joseph Merkel III in February 2009. Ashley graduated from Dominican Univer-

sity with a degree in psychology and then received her Master’s Degree from Dominican in Special Education. She is a special education high school teacher at Laremont School SEDOL in Gages Lake.

katherine rice ’08 with siblings Andrew, Kelly, and Erin.

Katherine is a student at the University of Denver.

margee k. rock ’08 was selected for membership to National Society of High School Scholars and was nominated to participate in the United States Scholar Athlete Games.

kate patterson ’01 received her Master of Arts degree from Iona University in New Rochelle, New York in 2008. She graduated with honors and is working at Morgan Stanley in White Plains, New York.

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adele lyden ratzlaff ’01 married Thomas Ratzlaff on February 21, 2009. Attending her wedding were fellow Wood-

lands alumnae pictured left to right: yvonne lyden ’04, danielle grinter ’04, susan krakora ’72, catherine roberts kane ’66, anne kane ’01 and leann lyden ’11. Not pictured is megan

Master’s Degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of

marketing innovation team at the Kellogg’s company working on

Journalism with a concentration in Reporting and Writing. I married

such cereals as Frosted Mini Wheats, Rice Krispies, and Froot Loops.

Greg Trotter in the spring of 2008.”

During the school year she lives in Evanston and is happy being back

kathryn metz ’96 writes, “I am the Education Instructor at the Rock

in the Chicago area.

and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. I am also a

kate mundy ’99 writes, “I teach special education in Connecticut to

Ph.D. candidate at The University of Texas at Austin.

students with autism. I am about to get my Master’s in Reading and

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mary ann gaffney bates ’59

susie hartshorn-randash ’01 and husband Marvin are the proud parents of son Felix, born July 27, 2008. Felix joins

siblings Emma, 4, Dean Edmund, 3, and Theresa (Tessa), 17 months.

Susie and her family reside in Gahanna, OH.

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Rene and the late Bob Key’s daughters are pictured left to right: kelsey ’11, megan ’03, Molly (attended WA), kerry

’08 and Katie.

a Master’s of Science.”

pursuing an Accounting and Business Advisory Master’s Degree.”

Baker & Hostetler LLP. Prior to this position, I was working with the

bethany o’hanlon ’99 writes, “I’m a senior financial analyst at

britt freitag ’04 received her bachelor’s degree cum laude from

International Trade Administration, regulating imports and then later

Walton Street Capital, a real estate investment firm in Chicago.”

Hamilton College in May 2008. She now resides in Washington, D.C.

to Shananu Lai.”

elizabeth vehlow ’99 writes, “I am the Event Coordinator for the

katie hayden horn ’97 and husband Nathan are the proud parents

to preserve open space in the Gunnison Valley. I thoroughly enjoy

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of son Hayden Everett, born January 28, 2008. The family resides in

planning events such as the Adventure Auction and Gourmet Dinner,

Kansas.

The Caddis Cup Fly Fishing Tournament, and the Crested Butte Food

working on trade policy with India. I was married in December 2006

meghan marie palmer ’97 writes, “I’m a Senior Account Manager in a small business. I sell computers and technology-related items.

I was married in September to John Looby of Lake Forest. My sister

Crested Butte Land Trust. It’s a nonprofit organization that works

and Wine Festival. In my free time, I take advantage the beautiful and amazing area that I live in by snowboarding, Nordic skiing, white water rafting, and hiking with my Siberian Husky dog, Kaya.”

lindsay palmer ’04 was my maid of honor, and jessica ianello

malena boyle ’00 graduated from DePaul University’s School of

brosche ’00 was also one of my six bridesmaids.”

Education with a Master’s in Special Education in June 2008. She is

sarah personette paolo ’97 married David Paolo in June 2008.

Sarah and David reside in New York.

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elizabeth spieth rich ’98 married Michael Rich on July 7, 2007. They reside in Glenview.

betsy storey ’98 is currently attending Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management for her MBA degree. She is focusing on marketing as a major and spent her summer internship on the

currently the Treasurer of the Boys Hope Girls Hope Junior Board and is a former WAAA Board member. jessica ianello breosche ’00 and husband Kevin are the proud parents of son Conner born in February. The family currently resides in Chicago. carrie walker ’00 writes, “I was married to Alex Scarla on April 19, 2008. We met in college when I studied overseas in the Netherlands.

We have been in love ever since! Our wedding was in Scottsdale,

romelias agustin, father-in-law of Rachel Roberson Agustin ’93 judith carr arend, mother of Katherine A. Bassi ’79

zia han ’03 writes, “I’m currently in the Washington, D.C. area

four years. I am an international trade attorney in the D.C. office of

clare bick abeyta ’56

palmer looby ’01. The couple resides in Rockford.

Literacy at Southern Connecticut State University. I will graduate with

kavita mohan ’96 writes, “I’ve been in Washington, D.C. for almost

memorials

lydia gresens steck ’04 and husband David’s sons are, left to right, William, 9, and Henry, 11. The family resides

in Lake Forest.

sr. barbara becker, r.s.h.m. ’49 beth bello, daughter of Sally Sears Daniels ’59 mary ann brantman, sister of Maria Brantman ’74; aunt of Kristin B. Colberg ’90 and Allyson B. Fregoso ’91 james m. campbell, Jr., father of Dorothy C. Dhamer ’76, Margaret C. Guyott ’77, Catherine Campbell ’79, Anne C. Allen ’82 fred f. canning, father of Marggie C. Camellino ’76 and Kathleen C. Trkla ’88 gieriet sullivan carroll ’48 syl castellanos, grandfather of Jaclyn ’08 and Lisa Castellanos ’10

alumnae news and notes

Arizona where we both currently live. I received my MBA at Arizona

terry collins, husband of Suzanne Bell Collins ’63

consuela cuneo mcalister ’50

mary joyce vail gibbons conerty, mother of Joy Gibbons

f. dennis mccarthy, father of staff member Anne Montagne;

Wallace ’64

grandfather of Maryl Montagne ’11

pearl curnes, grandmother of Kathleen Fuller Garrett ’88

john g. miks, father of Veronica Miks, M.D. ’73

ronald dempsey, father of Megan D. Scarsella ’99; husband of the

christina little monroe ’88

late Susan Ambrose Dempsey ’70; son-in-law of Angela Ambrose McNulty ’46

bill morand, husband of Betty Carr Morand ’52

helene distasio, grandmother of Kathleen DiStasio ’95

anselmo nannetti, grandfather of Jennifer ’03 and

richard dowd, father of Kathleen ’97 and Megan Dowd ’00 mary ellen dornisch, aunt of Remy ’09 and Blair O’Neill ’11;

Meghan Stagl ’10 mary lauterbach o’connell ’64

sister-in-law of Trustee David O’Neill

margaret jane o’connor, mother of Katie O. Gawlick ’64, Peggy O.

eliana dubrin, infant daughter of faculty member Douglas DuBrin

O. Tobin ’70, Petie O. Russo ’74, Carmel O. Cowan ’75

daniel feiner, m.d., husband of Veronica Miks, M.D. ’73

jeanne burns o’malley, aunt of trustee Candida Casey

ora l. georgevich, grandmother of Kathleen Georgevich ’99

dr. sigrid oser, mother of Birgit Gmeindl-Oser of

e. timothy gorham, father of Brooke G. Moore ’92 paul a. hillistad, father-in-law of former staff member

MacNamara ’65, Susie O. Creevy ’66, Eunie O. Nondorf ’69, Dorothea

Sacré Coeur Vienna luz maria torres rangel, grandmother of Vanessa Ruiz ’01

save the date

Andrea Hillistad

louise nelson rupnicki, mother of Edith Rupnicki ’90

carol reed hoekstra, mother of Tami H. Rocha ’80; grandmother

vincent schreiber, grandfather of Jennifer S. Arch ’88, Heather S.

Mass Holy Spirit & Flag Ceremony

Immaculate Conception Liturgy

Fine Arts Evening

of Carolina Rocha ’05 and Alexandra Hoekstra ’08

Sannes ’89, and Amy S. Stanczak ’93

September 11, 2009 | 10:30am

December 8. 2009 | Time TBA

May 20, 2010 | 6:00pm

bernhard hoffmann, grandfather of Phoebe Hoffmann ’10;

norah ann sivia, grandmother of Erin Sivia ’10

Mothers Club Luncheon

Christmas Concert

margaret cecelia smith, sister of staff member Mary Crook

September 11, 2009 | 11:30am

December 10. 2009 | 7:00pm

WAAA Induction and Senior Mother/ Daughter Luncheon

Reunion 2009

Career Day

October 3, 2009 | 5:30pm

January 22, 2010

Mater Ceremony & Reception

St. Malachy’s Liturgy

October 23, 2009 | 1:45pm

February 5, 2010 | 10:30am

father-in-law of former staff member Susan Hoffmann arne hovdesven, husband of Helen O’Brien Hovdesven ’60 robert l. hudson, father of Therese A. Hudson ’91 marianna hussey, grandmother of Megan ’03, Kerrianne ’08, and Kelsey Key ’11; mother-in-law of the late Woodlands Trustee

mary virginia spranze, mother of Mary S. Warren ’92 john sternig, father of Amy S. Klokner ’58, Barbara Sternig ’60, Marylou S. Shelp ’63, Nancy S. Head ’65

May 21, 2010 | 10:30am

Robert F. Key

dudley r. sullivan, father of Joan S. Digani ’68 and Dierdre Sullivan ’63; husband of Mary Lawlor Sullivan SR ’37; son-in-law of the

Cabaret

Ash Wednesday Prayer Service

edie isaac, mother-in-law of faculty member Amy Isaac Perlick

late Mary Lawlor SR ’13

October 27, 2009 | 7:00pm

February 17, 2010

bernard kaplan, grandfather of Elizabeth Kaplan ’09

paula kurth till ’64

Fall Play (TBD)

Spring Musical (TBD)

dorothy ruez keogh, mother of Edrea (Nikki) Keogh ’59

julie fennelly trudo ’87, sister of Beth Ann F. Franklin ’89

November 12 - 15, 2009

March 4-7, 2010

george h. kiefer, grandfather of Alison Bestler ’10

marie leonardi umans, mother of Mary Umans ’66

Admission Open House

Junior Ring Ceremony & Reception

November 17, 2009 | 7:00pm joan lavezzorio, mother of Joan L. Schniedwind ’69, Francis L. Powell ’75, Gilmore Lavezzorio-Brennan ’72, Loretta L. Kenny ’74, Marion L. Goodworth ’77; sister-in-law of Patricia L. Magoun and

francesco vaccaro, grandfather of Nicole Wilmet ’07 peter williams, brother-in-law of faculty member Jamie Tuttle

St. Philippine Prayer Service & Sacred Heart Awards

May 26, 2010 | 10:30am

Sports Awards Ceremony May 26, 2010 | 7:00pm

Honors Assembly June 9, 2010 | 10:00am

Graduation June 10, 2010 | 6:00pm

March 5, 2010 | 1:45 pm

Congé

Donna L. LeVally ’55

November 20. 2009 | 10:30am

April 24, 2010 | 6:00pm

r. robert lyden, husband of former faculty member Barbara

Winter Wonderwalk & Boutique

Lyden; grandfather of Adele L. Ratzlaff ’01 and Yvonne ’04 and

May Crowning Prayer Service

December 2. 2009

May 14, 2010 | 10:30am

Leann Lyden ’11

St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Prayer Service & Sacred Heart Awards

fall 2009

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