Summer 2013 Alumni Newsletter - Oldenburg Academy

different, and being across the world. My experience at OA in the Adopt-a-sis program reminded me of my encounters
with the widows. Having learned the tools at such a young age to foster relationships that bridged decades of generational
gap and Franciscan values of helping others are ones that have shaped me into the person I am today. I remember
countless stories from the sisters about their work in Papau New Guinea and on Native American reservations; it
taught me that no matter how much or how little you have, helping others is what we are supposed to do. To hear the
narratives of women who stepped outside of then societal norms to travel abroad and think outside of themselves and
their surroundings created a desire inside of me dedicate my life to helping the oppressed. I do not know that I would
be the independent, passionate, and strong-willed young woman I am today had I not had the opportunity to attend
Oldenburg Academy. While in India I learned a new value for what poverty is and that whatever situation life deals
us, someone out there has it worse. I have a new appreciation for clean and running water, consistent electricity, a hot
shower, clean and regulated healthcare, my family, my education, and the opportunities I as an American woman have
that many across the world do not. My 300 hours in India have changed my life and opened my eyes to an even bigger
world where people live interdependently, and not so focused on themselves, much like the Sisters of St. Francis do.
Taryn Fledderman ‘05
Advancement Department Updates
What a fun night it was for all our guests to be on campus with us on Saturday, February 23rd for the 24th Annual
Reverse Raffle as we celebrated 160 years of the Academy. The gym was transformed for our 320 guests with uniforms
from prior years and current years, banners, trophies, and many, many yearbook pictures from our 160 years.
Our guests were entertained by the OA Orchestra and the Academy Singers for a small portion of the evening and
had the opportunity to bid on over 250 gifts.
The $2,000 grand prize raffle was won by alum Sarah Sauntry ’76. Winners of the jewelry raffle were: Blue Topaz
Pendant – parent Heidi Shenk, Hand Polished Jasper Stone on Omega Chain – alum Terri Reynolds Cuellar ’74,
Handmade Sterling Silver Natural Turquoise necklace, bracelet & earrings – grandparent Janis Greene, Sterling
Silver Pandora bracelet & beads – past parent Anthony Moning, and Freshwater Pearl Necklace & Bracelet – past
parent Barbara Luff. The Live auction raffle winner was Marge Greiwe, grandparent. The School Project this year
was the School Security System with nearly $5,000 received from our generous guests toward this project.
Thanks to everyone who helped in any way with this Reverse Raffle – “Traditions…Leading OA into the Future”.
Your help, even in the smallest way, made a tremendous impact on this event. With your help we were able to exceed
our net goal by over $5,500. Thanks to our wonderful donors, sponsors, equipment suppliers, attendees, ticket purchasers
and approximately 50 volunteers! Your generous support directly impacts each and every student at Oldenburg
Academy.
The committee sends a very big thank you to the alumni who donated gifts and/or volunteered, attended the event
and purchased raffle tickets.
Thank you to a fantastic committee for all the hard work over the past 6 months – to Barb Bohman, Mary Beth Simmermeyer
Welsh ’75 and Katie Welsh ’06 who co-chaired this event, along with Susan Strange Glaser ’80, Keith
Moenter and Leslie Puttmann, live auction chairs, Kathy Kuntz Dietz ‘76, silent auction chair and a great committee
of decorators, gift solicitors and gift pick up volunteers, basket makers, class gift coordinators, kitchen coordinators,
and power point designers: Judy Cutter Behlmer ’88, Janet Borst, Mary Beth Hortemiller Dickman ’78, Kathy
Fangman, Jackie Wenning Fitzgerald ’80, Sr. Ruth Mary Forthofer ’51, Mary Pat Kuntz Frey ’79, Ruth Geis, Mary
Harrah, Carol Reed and Jane Smith.
Please plan to join us next year as we celebrate the 25th Annual Reverse Raffle on Saturday, February 22, 2014!
Debbie Lamping, Advancement Specialist
ALUMNI NEWS - 10