95, Mary Anne - Magnificat High School

MAGNIFICAT 

Magazine 

a publication of Magnificat High School 

« 

FALL 2012 

Phase I 

‘SURROUNDS’ STUDENTS WITH 

NEW LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 

« 

PAGE 3

CONTENTS 

3 SURROUND LEARNING ® 

6 Advancement News 

8 School News 

12 Reunion Weekend 2012 

13 Alumnae 

16 Class Notes 

18 Transitions 

19 In Memoriam 

The Alumnae Leadership Cabinet, Pictured (L to R): Carrie Goold Foliano ’79, Christine LaSalvia ’94, 

Meg Jeffers Rowe ’87, Beth Haas Laschinger ’94, Ann Zoller ’82, Maureen Karnatz Smith ’81, Rebecca Molina Zieger ’74, 

Barbara Williams Carson ’78, Sue Niehaus DelVecchio ’73, Christine Noga Booth ’88, Ann Litzler Coyne ’88. 

Not pictured: Katie Redmon Cooke ’87, Colleen Craven ’93, Joan M. French ’95, Mary Anne Bishop Gauntner ’64, 

Janet Duffy Leitch ’68, Ellen Voinovich Matisko ’85, M. Patrice McCarthy ’68, Sharon Byrnes Mixner ’84, 

Mary Kinzel Ripich ’85, Molly Gibbons Robinson ’71. 

A Message from 

Sister Carol Anne Smith, H.M. 

Board of Directors 

2012-2013 

Mr. P. Kelly Tompkins, Chairperson 

Mr. John Bello 

Mrs. Kathleen A. Ferry 

Mr. Daniel Filippi 

Dr. William W. Francis 

The Honorable Patricia A. Gaughan ’71 

Mr. Ralph P. Higgins, Jr. 

Ambassador Heather M. Hodges ’64 

Ms. Teri A. Coury Ingleright ’80 

Ms. Rose Marie Gates Jenne ’68 

Sister Rose Marie Kramer, H.M. 

Mr. Gary Miller 

Mrs. Ann Mathews O’Malley ’81 

Mr. Thomas J. Onusko 

Mr. Thomas A. Richlovsky 

Mrs. Margaret Jeffers Rowe ’87 

Sister Susan Schorsten, H.M. 


Mrs. Maureen Karnatz Smith ’81 

Sister Annette Solma, H.M. ’69 

Mrs. Darlene Thomas 

Mr. Robert Troop 

Mrs. Karen Wysocki Yacobucci ’83 

This is a publication of the Offices of Marketing and 

Advancement. Please call (440) 331-1572 or email 

kuthe@magnificaths.org with questions or comments. 

School Photographer: Woodard Photographic 

Design: Academy Graphic Communication, Inc. 

2 Magnificat Magazine 

A capacity Freshman Class, experienced and energetic 

new faculty members, a transformed central learning 

and research area, and expanded curricular and cocurricular 

offerings combined to make this first quarter 

vibrant and engaging. As junior LINK leaders welcomed the Class of 2016, all 

students and faculty were introduced to the Surround Learning Center as a 

place the students “love” and “never want to leave!” 

My heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to Phase I of our SURROUND 

LEARNING ® – Innovative Education for Global Leading Capital Campaign. To 

date, $2,633,500 or 52% of our $5 million three-year campaign goal has been 

raised in just one year! As you will read in our Board Chairperson’s column 

on page 6, with the Board’s approval, we plan to extend the SURROUND 

LEARNING concepts into the redesigned Cafeteria and Kitchen with 

construction scheduled for summer 2013! 

Led by Ann Litzler Coyne ’88, a strong and enthusiastic Alumnae Cabinet has 

joined efforts with our campaign Co-chairs, Mary Lu and George Wasmer 

and Jeff and Jan Duffy Leitch‘68, their Volunteer Leadership Cabinet and a 

dedicated Parent Cabinet in raising leadership gifts. 

When you receive this issue of our Magazine, the 55th annual Night-in-Blue 

will be history. Once again, the dads of Magnificat, in the lead, along with our 

Mothers’ Club, alumnae, faculty and students, have joined efforts to support 

our school financially with spirited competition, culminating in the fun-filled 

family bazaar weekend. Thank you to each and every one who played a part 

in making the drive another tremendous success. 

The words of our school prayer, The Magnificat, reflect our daily experience 

that “God who is mighty has done great things for us.” As you and your 

families celebrate this Thanksgiving season, please know I thank God for you 

and wish you abundant blessings. 

Sincerely in Mary, 


President

« 

Magnificat ‘Surrounds’ Students With 

New Learning Environments, Promoting 

The Synthesis Of Learning Modalities 

And Innovative Instructional Strategies 

Phase 1: Complete 

In September 2011, the Magnificat High School Board of Directors launched a $5 million 

Capital Campaign, called SURROUND LEARNING ® —Innovative Education for Global 

Leading, to redesign one-quarter of the school, including the central learning, research 

and leisure areas. The trademarked term “Surround Learning” was coined by Sister 

Helen Jean Novy, H.M., Vice President of Mission at Magnificat High School, and refers to 

the blending of physical environment, new learning methodologies and technology to create 

an enriched learning experience. 

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 

www.magnificaths.org 

3

Introducing the Surround Learning Center 

Phase 1 of the redesigned space—the Surround Learning Center— 

was completed less than a year later and unveiled to the public on 

September 20, 2012, complete with a blessing by Bishop Roger W. 

Gries, O.S.B., and a Proclamation from Rocky River Mayor Pamela 

Bobst. The redesigned areas include the Main Entrance, Lobby and 

the Surround Learning Center (formerly known as the Resource 

Center). Since the first day of school, the new Surround Learning 

Center (fondly called the SLC by students, faculty and staff), has been 

a hub of activity—teaching, learning, researching and collaborating. 

Whether in class groups conducting research while accompanied by 

teachers, or as individuals or small groups studying independently, all 

learning styles are served in maximum ways. 

“The installation of the Center and the revamping of the learning 

process has been a major hit with students. There’s never an empty 

chair in the SLC. I feel so lucky to be able to be here as a senior,” says 

Allie Corrigan ‘13, President of Student Council. 

Junior Colleen Platten agrees, saying that “the facility is much more 

inviting and relaxing, and I come here all the time now.” 

In order to provide the strongest preparation for success in college, 

SURROUND LEARNING incorporates the results of research 

conducted by a team of librarians and ethnographers entitled 

Students Studying, as well as contacts made with university Chief 

Information Officers. This allows the SLC to build on the strengths of 

the school’s college-preparatory program--providing students with an 

environment which fosters academic, communication, scientific and 

technological innovations—while also offering a welcoming 

environment, with its comfortable, colorful and collegiate 

atmosphere. The end result engages students in individual and 

collaborative modes, inspires knowledge creation and catalyzes both 

critical and creative thinking. 

“The space better meets the needs of modern students. I’m seeing a 

whole new level of learning and engagement taking place,” says Ms. 

Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76, Dean of Faculty and Academics. “Students 

are given the opportunity to pursue solo work, collaborate on group 

projects or even socialize. The new facility easily helps them find the 

learning modality that is best suited for them.” 

Electronic Activities 

A range of electronic activities are offered and being used by students 

and teachers, including: 

• Skyping with alumnae for Rosemary’s Conversations (in 

conjunction with The Rosemary Saas Center for Women of Faith in 

Leadership Speakers Series) 

• Distance Learning to connect with experts at Cleveland museums 

and The Ohio State University School of Medicine 

• Editing of original films on Mac platforms 

• Project-based investigation of real-world problems in the community 

• Seminar-style classes 

• Pre-Genesis research 

• eBook leisure reading 

• Wireless connections for individual devices 

Striking Characteristics of the Surround 

Learning Center 

Featuring of the Unique School Logo 

The symbolic image of Mary overshadowed by the Holy Spirit is 

depicted in a large, banner-like form that floats over the central highceiling 

area, reminding us that our school patroness is always with us. 

Quality of Transparency 

The Entranceway, enhanced with special lighting and bamboo 

surfaces, provides views of the Marian Courtyard, as well as the 

Computer Lab and students studying throughout the Lobby and SLC. 

The Entrance Lobby provides an array of furniture configurations and a 

“One of the greatest things I’ve witnessed is how Magnificat’s 

Mission takes us beyond the traditional classroom setting and 

translates into the creation of countless gateways and 

opportunities I never would have dreamed of.” 

Christine Billie ’13 

4 Magnificat Magazine

video monitor displaying the 

multiple activities of the day 

and month. 

Quality of Seamlessness 

The SLC connects indoors and 

outdoors, formal learning 

areas and informal learning 

spaces, independent study 

and collaborative problemsolving, 

experts and learnings. 

Agile furniture adjusts to 

student and teacher purposes, 

including cloverleaf tables for 

ease in sharing materials, 

“sushi tables”/benches, quick 

stand-up computer research, 

group-focused “campfire” 

areas, comfortable chairs for 

casual reading and white noise 

“curtaining” various areas. 

“The SLC is the perfect environment to get work 

done. It is full of life and learning and you are truly 

surrounded by knowledge and education. The SLC is 

my favorite place in the school and I feel so blessed 

that I am part of the first group of students that gets 

to use it.” 

Liz Jaye ’16 

Availability of Expertise 

Student and adult users of the SLC are expertly assisted by the Director of Educational 

Technologies and the Information and Research Specialist, as well as teachers from 

multiple disciplines. 

Community Partnerships 

The SLC has become a model within the Northeast Ohio educational community—both 

within and outside the Diocese. In September, 100 young women in grades 5-8 spent a 

day learning about robotics, in collaboration with Great Lakes Science Center. Last month, 

members of the Fairview Park City School District, among other educators, visited to learn 

more about the Surround Learning concept. Next month, Magnificat is hosting two mini 

seminars for Diocesan elementary school principals—“Environment: An Essential Element 

in Learning” and “Project-based Learning; Technology Support in the Classroom”. 

Kicking off Phase II 

With Phase I complete, the Magnificat High School Board of Directors has forwarded 

Phase II, which recently kicked-off and is being led by the Alumnae Leadership Cabinet 

and Parent Cabinet. Phase II involves the redesign of the Cafeteria, Kitchen and access 

halls with a seamless connection to the SLC and Marian Courtyard. Phase III allows for the 

transformation of the Large Group Instruction Room (LGI), Business Technology Center 

(BTC) and outdoor areas. The Campaign’s goal is to raise $5 million by December 31, 2014. 

“The SURROUND LEARNING campaign, in its entirety, is about matching all the 

environments throughout the school with the new ways of teaching and learning,” 

says Sister Carol Anne Smith, H.M., President of Magnificat High School. 

HOW FACULTY MEMBERS 

ARE USING THE SLC 

1. Independent Study in 

Advanced Spanish 

As told by Mrs. Josie O’Hara, Chairperson, 

World Languages Department 

We spend every class in the SLC 

where our classroom is Seminar B. 

I enjoy teaching in that room--all the 

conveniences are there and it is cozy 

for a small class. When we are working 

independently on an assignment, the 

students immediately gravitate to the new 

Mac computers with their ease of use, 

clear resolution and sleek widescreen 

monitors. We are grateful to have Mrs. 

Carole Richardson and Mrs. Valerie 

Yarmesch there to help us--practically 

on-demand--functioning as a team. The 

students love meeting in the small group 

area right outside Seminar B, which is a 

great venue for discussion. 

2. Junior Economics Class 

As told by Ms. Liz Wojtkun ’02, 

Social Studies Department 

My classes have been using the SLC in 

a variety of ways, though primarily for 

collaborative group research such as the 

Economics Entrepreneurship Business 

Plan project. The SLC provides space 

where students have extensive access to 

technology, as well as tables that support 

and promote a collective approach to 

project-based learning. Students are able 

to use the moveable white boards to 

enhance brainstorming or help organize 

their thoughts. I have definitely seen an 

improvement in the quality of their projects 

with the use of this redesigned space. 

SURROUND LEARNING thus enriches the holistic education of Magnificat students for 

college success and global leading. 

IT’S OFFICIAL! REGISTRATION OF SURROUND LEARNING ® IS COMPLETE 

Sister Carol Anne Smith, H.M., President of Magnificat High School, is pleased to share the news 

that an official document from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has been received, and the 

registration of Surround Learning ® has been completed! Sister shares this news with deep 

gratitude to everyone who has helped move SURROUND LEARNING from vision to reality. A 

special thank you to Director Tom Onusko and Attorney Rick Klein, who have guided us through 

this process, and to Fielding Nair International for encouraging this pursuit because SURROUND 

LEARNING conveys so powerfully the ideal integration of environment, multiple learning modalities 

and information and communication technology for enriched learning. 


5

Advancement NEWS 

BOARD CORNER 

Welcome to our 

second quarter! 

With the grand opening of our Surround Learning 

Center, we had an exciting launch of the 2012- 

2013 school year. I am happy to report that 

with the successful completion of Phase I, our 

Board of Directors in September approved the 

Mr. P. Kelly Tompkins 

kick-off of Phase II of the capital campaign. This 

tremendous progress and momentum is made possible through the 

efforts of a generous school community; a focused leadership team; 

a dedicated capital campaign team and a strategically focused Board 

of Directors. 

With the following new directors, the experience and qualifications 

of your Board only gets better. I take great pride in announcing the 

following four newly appointed members to our Board: 

Mr. John Bello 

Mr. John Bello currently holds the title of Senior 

Institutional Consultant, Senior Vice President at 

Graystone Consulting. Prior to that he was Senior 

Vice President-Investments and Institutional 

Consultant for the Bello Group. He is also a former 

member of the Institutional Consulting Team at 

Mr. John Bello UBS Financial Services, Inc. Mr. Bello has a B.S. in 

Finance from Kent State University, and has attended the Wharton/ 

Securities Industry Association Management Leadership Institute. 

He and his wife, Mary, live in Avon Lake and have three daughters-- 

Alexandra ’08, Victoria ’10 and Caroline ’14. 

Mr. Daniel Filippi 

Mr. Daniel Filippi is the Director, Business 

Development for RR Donnelley. Prior to that he was 

Vice President, Sales at Bowne of Cleveland. Mr. 

Filippi is active in St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake, 

coaches CYO sports and is the former Magnificat 

Fathers’ Club President. He is a graduate of St. 

Mr. Daniel Filippi Edward High School and John Carroll University. 

He and his wife, Peg, reside in Avon Lake and have two daughters, 

Elizabeth ‘08 and Rachel ’10. 

Ambassador 

Heather M. Hodges 

Ambassador Heather Hodges ’64 

Ambassador Heather Hodges joined the Cleveland 

Council on World Affairs as President and 

Ambassador in Residence in November 2011. She 

was U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador from August 2008 

to April 2011. She was Ambassador to Moldova 

from 2003-2006. During her career she also served 

in Venezuela, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru and 

Spain. She left the Foreign Service in September 

2011 after 31 years of service. Ambassador Hodges is a Bay Village 

resident and 1964 graduate of Magnificat High School. She has a B.A. 

in Spanish from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN and an M.A. 

from New York University. She speaks fluent Spanish. 

Mr. Gary Miller 

Most recently, Mr. Gary Miller was the Treasurer 

and Corporate Controller for Aspire Brands and 

the Bonne Bell Company. He is a Certified Public 

Accountant in the State of Ohio. He is a member 

of several professional organizations, including the 

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 

Mr. Gary Miller the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants 

and the Northeast Ohio Treasury Management Association. Mr. Miller 

has a B.S. in Business Administration-Accounting from The Ohio State 

University. He and his wife, Clare, are Bay Village residents and have a 

daughter, Josephine ’13. 

With the additional guidance and support of these new members, our 

Board of Directors is committed to keep the momentum high and be 

as successful in Phases II and III of our Capital Campaign as we have 

been in Phase I. The Magnificat Community can rest assured this 

Board will also be good stewards of our collective resources as we 

chart the path forward for our young women. 

My best wishes to you and your families during the coming 

Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Thank you for your faithful 

involvement and support throughout the past year. 

Sincerely, 

P. Kelly Tompkins 

Chairperson 

Magnificat High School 

Board of Directors 

Give Every Year 

Make A Difference 

Every Day 

Gifts to the Magnificat ANNUAL FUND play a vital role in providing 

challenging and rewarding OPPORTUNITIES to current students. 

The Magnificat Annual Fund directs INDIVIDUAL GIFTS of all 

sizes into a collective pool of SUPPORT for the school’s highest 

priorities and most important initiatives. Our alumnae, parents 

and friends, working together, make an immediate and significant 

DIFFERENCE in the lives of current students. 

To make your gift today, please visit 

WWW.MAGNIFICATHS.ORG/GIVING.ASP 

Gifts may also be mailed to 

Magnificat High School 

Advancement Office, 

20770 Hilliard Blvd. 

Rocky River, OH 44116, 

or call (440) 331-1572 


Advancement NEWS 

Off to a Great Start! 

The 2012-2013 Parent 

Participation Challenge 

In 2010, the Parent Participation Challenge (PPC) was launched as 

part of Magnificat’s Annual Fund Program. Designed as a friendly 

competition between classes, the PPC creates awareness of the importance of our Annual Fund 

Campaign and promotes the idea that gifts of all sizes are valued and contribute greatly to the 

success of a campaign. 

In the past two years, parent participation has more than doubled! Magnificat recognizes that 

gifts to the Annual Fund go above and beyond the sacrifice parents already make for tuition. The 

increase in parent participation is testament to our parents’ belief in the value of a Magnificat 

education and their willingness to further invest in the future of all our students. 

This year, the PPC is led by chairpersons: Terry and Tammy Embrescia Ryan ’82 (Class of 2013); 

Ellen and Terry Collier (Class of 2014); David and Jennifer Eisel Puckett ’89 (Class of 2015); and 

Paul and Mary Montforton Meler ’82 (Class of 2016). 

Special thanks to our Class Chairpersons and to all our parents who participate in this year’s 

Challenge. Your Gift Matters! Please contact Mrs. Traci Zahn in the Advancement Office, or 

email her at tzahn@magnificaths.org, if you have any questions or would like to be more involved 

with the Challenge. 

Are You Prepared for 2013 TAX LAW 

Changes? 

The current estate tax laws will expire at the 

end of 2012. Unless Congress intervenes 

before that time, you will see significant 

changes. Here is a preview of what you 

can expect: 

Income and capital gains taxes will both 

increase and the estate, gift and generationskipping 

tax—the shift of property by gift 

or at death to a person who is two or more 

generations below that of the person granting 

the gift—exemptions will change dramatically in 

2013. The basic exclusion amount—the amount 

you can own before your estate is subject to 

estate taxes—lowers from $5.12 million in 2012 

to $1 million in 2013. 

The top estate tax rate also increases from 

35 percent to 55 percent. That means, for 

every dollar you own more than the $1 million 

exemption, up to 55 percent will be subject to 

federal estate taxes upon your death. 

And it is expected to affect many more estates. 

The Internal Revenue Service, for example, 

estimates that 114,600 estates of people dying 

in 2013 will have to pay taxes on their estates. 

By comparison, in 2011, an estimated 8,600 

estates of people who died paid estate taxes. 

Thus, if you haven’t drawn up an estate plan 

yet, there may be no better time to do so. 

Here are some other federal tax laws affecting 

estate planning in 2013: 

Capital gains and income taxes raised: 

Capital gains taxes will increase from 15 

to 20 percent and the top income tax rate has 

been raised from 35 percent in 2012 

to 39.6 percent in 2013. 

Gift tax exemption lowers: The gift tax 

exemption lowers from a $5.12 million exclusion 

amount unified with the estate tax exemption 

to $1 million in 2013. The top gift tax rate will 

rise from 35 percent to 55 percent. The annual 

gift tax exclusion—the amount you can give to 

anyone gift tax–free each year—is projected to 

be at $13,000 ($26,000 for married couples), 

adjusted for inflation. 

Portability ends: For 2011 and 2012, if one 

spouse died without using up his or her 

federal estate tax exemption, the unused 

portion could be transferred to the surviving 

spouse. This is called a portability provision. In 

2013, however, portability between spouses 

ends. 

All that said, if a new tax bill is approved 

before Dec. 31, you will need to be ready for 

the last-minute changes. And you may want 

to talk to your tax advisor. 

Copyright © The Stelter Company, All rights reserved. For 

legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in 

examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject 

to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to 

federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law 

may impact your results. 

La Centre in Westlake 

Mark your calendars to join Pat and 

Michele Sims Ahern ’85 and Melissa 

and Tom Coughlin, co-chairpersons of 

the 2013 Gala, for an evening of dinner 

and dancing, a silent auction and the 

very popular wine pull. Exciting games 

of chance are also being planned, 

including the Apple Tree—an instant 

sell-out last year! 

Proceeds from the Annual Endowment 

Gala support the Magnificat 

Endowment Fund, providing tuition 

assistance to deserving students. 

Thanks in part to our Gala participants, 

alumnae, parents and friends, 

Magnificat benefactors helped 46% 

of our students with tuition assistance 

this year, meeting 57% of the 

documented need. 

Go online to www.magnificaths.org/ 

endowmentgala for more information. 

Congratulations to our 

2013 Award Recipients 

John Reali – 

The Magnificat Award 

Mary Anne Bishop 

Gauntner ’64 – 

The Alumnae Award 

of Excellence 


7

SCHOOL NEWS 

Campus Ministry 

IT’S OFFICIAL: 

MAGNIFICAT EARNS ‘FAIR 

TRADE’ DISTINCTION 

New Bike Racks 

Support Healthy Living 

and Job Training 

This fall Magnificat paired up with Lutheran 

Metropolitan Ministries (LMM) to encourage 

students, faculty and staff to ride their bikes 

to school while supporting a great cause. 

LMM operates the largest men’s homeless 

shelter in the State of Ohio, providing clients 

not only with basic needs for those living on 

the streets, but also helping them gain job 

skills and training that leads to dignified work 

and permanent employment and housing. 

LMM’s Metro Metal Works is one of the 

organization’s Social Enterprise programs 

where men from the shelter manufacture 

and install bike racks, gaining valuable job 

training and skills. Magnificat purchased 

10 bike racks from Metro Metal Works and 

they were recently installed on campus. 

To encourage students, faculty and staff to 

ride to school and use the bike racks, we 

have also started the Magnificat Bicycle 

Co-Op, coordinated by Campus Minister 

Mr. Dennis Hjort, offering “open shop” 

classes where students, faculty and staff 

learn simple bicycle maintenance skills. 

On October 2, Magnificat High School was 

officially recognized as the fourth Fair Trade 

High School in the country! This certification 

is the result of two years of hard work by a 

dedicated group of students—the Fair Trade 

Task Force—with the guidance of Campus 

Minister Mr. Dennis Hjort. These students 

(some who have since graduated) conducted 

endless hours of research about Fair Trade 

and how the social movement directly 

benefits the workers and their communities 

in these developing countries. The student advocates 

noted how the values of the Fair Trade movement align with our own 

school Mission, values and Catholic Social Teaching, and then brought education and 

awareness to the entire school community. Through their efforts, Magnificat was able 

to satisfy all criteria for becoming a Fair Trade School: 

• Magnificat has established a Fair Trade Committee 

and Education Campaign at the school. 

• Magnificat has Fair Trade products available for 

sale in the onsite school Bookstore. 

• Magnificat serves Fair Trade Coffee through AVI 

Fresh, the school’s food service provider, in the 

Cafeteria and at all school events. 

• And most importantly, Magnificat has adopted 

a Fair Trade Resolution that formally states our 

school’s commitment to supporting the Fair Trade 

movement whenever possible. 

The Fair Trade Task Force has recently added another project to the Fair Trade line-up, 

introducing the Fair Trade Café, a rolling beverage cart on wheels, providing a weekly 

selection of Fair Trade hot chocolate, tea and coffee beverages. The Fair Trade Task Force 

looks forward to many more informational and fun projects throughout the school year. 

FAIR FOOD AGREEMENT 

On October 4, Chipotle became the eleventh large-food 

retailer to sign the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of 

Immokalee Workers (CIW), a community-based organization 

in Immokalee, Florida, that has been working for justice in the 

tomato fields since 1993. Magnificat students learned about the 

CIW during Campus Ministry’s immersion trip there this past 

summer. These immersion students created displays, wrote 

articles and gave presentations to educate their peers, and they 

enjoyed celebrating when one of their favorite foods finally 

became a fair food! For more information about this landmark 

agreement, visit: www.ciw-online.org. 


SCHOOL NEWS 

Master 

Teacher 

2012-2013 Speakers Series 

February 4, 2013, 2 p.m. 

Magnificat Center for the Performing Arts 

Ms. Jodi Berg 

Ms. Jodi Berg, President and CEO 

of Vita-Mix Corporation 

Ms. Berg is a respected woman leader who will share 

her insight on running a fourth-generation, family-owned, 

local company that has enjoyed international success. Our 

Magnificat Community members are welcome to attend 

Ms. Berg’s all-school presentation by registering at 

(440) 331-1572, ext. 274. 

Through a bequest from Rosemary Saas—a great woman, leader, mother, visionary 

and benefactor—The Rosemary Saas Center for Women of Faith in Leadership was 

established at Magnificat High School. The annual Speakers Series is part of a variety 

of women’s programs sponsored by the Center. 

Global Student Body 

Magnificat Theology 

teacher Mrs. 

Rebecca McKenna 

recently earned Mrs. Rebecca McKenna 

Master Teacher 

distinction from the State Board of 

Education of Ohio. She is one of the first 

teachers in the Diocese of Cleveland to 

achieve this recently established status. 

According to the Ohio Department of 

Education, a Master Teacher demonstrates 

excellence inside and outside the classroom 

through consistent leadership and focused 

collaboration to maximize student learning. 

Congratulations, Mrs. McKenna! 

Merit Scholars 

Magnificat High School is proud to 

announce its seven 2013 National Merit 

Scholarship Program Semifinalists and 

Commended Students: 

Front row, left to right (Semifinalists): 

Sophie Wood and Gemma Aldana. 

Middle row, left to right (Commended): 

Katherine E. Adler, Myia M. Eren and 

Elizabeth A. Young. 

Back row, left to right (Commended): 

Morgan E. Lorkowski and Maria Vlasie. 

Students from both Spain and Kosovo have joined us this year to experience 

life at Magnificat High School. Four students from el Colegio CASP in 

Barcelona were here earlier in the school year on a two-week cultural 

exchange, while two students from Kosovo are here for the entire school year 

via a program initiative of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs. We thank our 

international students’ host families for allowing these six young women to 

stay with them during their time at Magnificat. 


9

SCHOOL NEWS 

‘Prayers and 

Reflections’ 

by Sister Helen Jean 

Magnifibot 

A Success 

Throughout her years 

at Magnificat High 

School, Sister Helen 

Jean Novy, H.M., 

VP of Mission, has 

composed numerous 

prayers and reflections 

for various occasions, 

from morning announcements and 

committee meetings to student 

gatherings and school feasts. At the 

request of the Mothers’ Club, and 

with the support of Sister Carol Anne 

Smith, H.M., President of Magnificat, 

Sister Helen Jean’s prayers have been 

compiled and published in a booklet 

entitled Prayers and Reflections. The 

booklet is now available for sale through 

the Magnificat Bookstore for $10, with 

proceeds benefiting the Angels in Blue 

Fund, which assists families in need with 

school-related costs. These booklets 

make great Christmas gifts, too! 

Bravo! 

Congratulations to the directors, cast and 

crew of our fall musical, Peter Pan, for taking 

us to Neverland and back—all in one night. 

Special recognition goes to Director Miss 

Amy Smialek ’00 for letting our imaginations 

fly…literally! 

Next up: Anne of Green Gables, April 26-28, 

2013. Stay tuned for more information. 

One hundred young women in grades 5-8 enjoyed an afternoon of LEGO Robotics, attending 

Magnificat’s inaugural Magnifibot 1.0 event. The girls learned how to build and program robots 

using LEGO NXT technology, a laptop and teamwork. Magnificat was excited to offer this event 

that engaged young women in STEM-oriented explorations, while promoting team-building and 

collaborative learning. A special thank you to Great Lakes Science Center for partnering with us 

to produce such a great event, and of course, to our core committee and faculty and student 

volunteers who assisted the girls during the creation of their ‘bots. This will become an annual 

event, with Magnifibot 2.0 slated for September 21, 2013! 

The Magnificat Fathers’ and Mothers’ Clubs 

and Alumnae Association, along with the 

entire student body, faculty and staff thank 

everyone for attending the 55th Annual Nightin-Blue! 

The heritage event was again a great 

success due to the hard work and planning of 

so many volunteers, led by Mrs. Night-in-Blue 

herself—Mrs. Julie Sims Gibbons ’80, Director 

of Student & Parent Activities. Special thanks to 

Mr. Colin MacLean of Elyria Hyundai for again 

providing this year’s grand prize. 


2012 FALL SPORTS WRAP-UP 

“How you do what you do is Mission.” 

SCHOOL NEWS 

1 Golf 

The team returned to the OHSAA state championships as a team for the sixth time in 

the past seven years. With a 1st place finish in sectionals and 2nd place in the district, 

they qualified for the OHSAA state tournament where they placed 7th in Division 1. 

The team was led by Jillian Hollis ‘15 who placed 14th in the state and Ali Nageotte ‘14, 

who placed 18th, and were both also named Plain Dealer “Players of the Week.” 

3 

2 Tennis 

For the sixth year, Magnificat fielded three tennis teams, Varsity A (17-5), Varsity 

B (14-2) and JV (10-5-1). The Varsity A team won the Northeast Ohio Girls Tennis 

Association Division A. Six players advanced from OHSAA sectional to district 

competition and the team was district champions. Emily Witt ‘14 qualified for the 

state championship, where she placed in the top 8 and was awarded second team 

All-Ohio. The team finished 3rd in the state in the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association 

team championship. 

4 

3 Field Hockey 

For the first time, the team (13-5-1) played in the district semifinals. They bowed out 

of the OHSAA tournament to Hathaway Brown 2-0. The team played inspired and 

exciting field hockey all season and surprised league opponents. Co-captain Mary 

Kate Hutchinson ‘13 was named a Plain Dealer “Player of the Week.” Magnificat is 

the only west side school to field a team. 

6 

1 

2 

5 

4 Soccer 

The team (13-2-1) took a giant step with a 10th place ranking in Ohio 

Division 1 soccer. They beat state champion Strongsville 1-0 in the opening 

weeks of the season. Paige Rombach ‘14 was nominated for All-Ohio by the 

Greater Cleveland Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association, Natalie Coury ‘14 

was voted to the 1st Team All-Greater Cleveland District and Ciara Murray’14, 

second team. Receiving honorable mentions were Jaycie Brown ’14, Olivia 

Lizanich ‘14, Kaleigh Piscioneri ‘15, and Alyssa Baumbick ’16. 

5 Volleyball 

The varsity team (12-12) won in the Magnificat Blue Streak Invitational by 

defeating Brecksville-Broadview Hts., Holy Name and Padua Franciscan. 

Caley Balser ‘13 is signing a National Letter of Intent to Clemson and 

has also been selected to 1st team Northeast Ohio Volleyball Coaches 

Association. Emily Velten ‘13 and Michaela Grabanic ‘14 were selected to 

2nd team by the coaches association and Mallory Alexander ‘13 received 

an honorable mention. 

6 Cross Country 

The team hosted the First Doc Leonard Magnificat Blue Streak Invitational on 

October 12 at Mastick Park. The 2012 team struggled with injury, but placed 

3rd in the district race at LCCC, qualifying them for the regional race. A 5th 

place finish (by four points) at regionals left them short of a state berth. 


11

REUNION WEEKEND 2012 

Another Reunion Weekend has 

come and gone too quickly! 

Women from the classes of 

’62, ’67, ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, 

’97, ’02 and ’07 came from as far away 

as Hawaii and Alaska to reconnect and 

reminisce. The women of the Class of 

1962, who celebrated their 50th 

reunion and won the Reunion Challenge 

for highest participation in alumnae 

giving, led a beautiful prayer service in 

the Magnificat Chapel, which was 

followed by a dinner and cocktails. 

Thank you to all who attended! 

Please contact Maggie Mroz Lamb at 

mlamb@magnificaths.org if you’d like to 

help make next year’s reunion weekend 

special by becoming a Class 

Representative. 

NEW DATE: Reunion Celebration 2013 

Saturday, September 14, 2013 


ALUMNAE 

Introducing… 

THE YOUNG ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION 

Some members of the new Young Alumnae Association include: 

(left to right): Kathleen Drescher ’04, Caitlin Mackin ’06, 

Katie Newman ’03 and Madeline McGrane ’01. 

The Magnificat Young Alumnae Association (YAA) is 

born! The YAA held its first meeting September 10, and 

will meet regularly throughout the year in an effort to 

keep Magnificat’s recent graduates better connected. 

The association’s goals include spearheading new events to 

encourage personal and career development, fostering the 

Magnificat tradition and developing a culture of philanthropy. The 

YAA recognizes and values the importance of staying involved as 

alumnae, and hopes to establish a variety of avenues to interact 

with Magnificat. 

The group already has its first event on the books, with a 

networking breakfast scheduled for December 13 at 7:30 a.m. in 

the Magnificat Center for the Performing Arts Lobby. Participants 

will meet in small groups to share information and advice, and 

among the guests will be alumnae human resource professionals 

who have volunteered to review resumes and offer tips. 

“The Alumnae Board, always dedicated and striving to strengthen 

the connections between alumnae and Magnificat, believed a new 

association created specifically for and catering to younger 

alumnae was a good idea,” says Director of Alumnae, Maggie Mroz 

Lamb ’84. “So with the help of Alumnae Board members Katie 

Newman ’03 and Kathleen Drescher ’04, and other enthusiastic 

alumnae, the Young Alumnae Association was born.” 

Chaired by Katie Newman ’03, members of this new association 

include: Madeline McGrane ’01, Jane Kleinsmith ’02, Devon 

Lynch-Huggins-Szep ’02, Julie Rasic ’02, Jennifer Kirallah ’03, 

Kathleen Drescher ’04, Maura Garven ’05, Caitlin Mackin ’06, 

Sarah Michael ’06, Bridget Mackin ’07, Amanda Papa ‘07 and Mary 

Kate Sweeney ’08. 

If you are interested in becoming a committed member of the 

Young Alumnae Association, please contact Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84 

at mlamb@magnificaths.org or 440.331.1572, ext 268. 


13

ALUMNAE 

MEET SOME YOUNG ALUMNAE 

ASSOCIATION MEMBERS: 

Jane Kleinsmith ’02 

Trust Advisor—PNC Institutional Investments 

Katie Newman ’03 

Chair of the Young Alumnae Association 

Manager, Affiliate Associations—National 

Association of Collegiate Directors of 

Athletics (NACDA) 

Katie is the primary administrator for the 

Under Armour Athletics Director of the 

Year program. She is a Wilmington College 

graduate, where she played on the awardwinning 

women’s basketball team. 

Q. What makes you reach out to recent 

Magnificat graduates and other young 

alumnae? 

A. As a young woman, it seemed difficult 

at times to create a network for myself, 

especially in the field I was pursuing. It 

didn’t even dawn on me that through 

Magnificat I already had a network. 

As chair of the Young Alumnae 

Association, it is my hope that I will 

be able to communicate this valuable 

asset to young women and encourage 

them to utilize this inherent benefit. 

Madeline McGrane ’01 

Associate Attorney—McDonald Hopkins, LLC 

Madeline was a teacher before becoming an 

attorney, and is a Georgetown University and 

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law graduate. 

Q. If you could share one thing with 

current Magnificat students, what 

would it be? 

A. “I didn’t realize until I left Magnificat 

how much each faculty member really 

cared about me as an individual. Take 

advantage of the people at Magnificat 

who care about you—they are 

dedicated to you as a person and care 

about your growth.” 

Jane has had several articles published in 

financial trade journals and is a graduate of 

Ohio University and Case Western Reserve 

University School of Law. 



alumnae? 

A. I’ve received so much support and 

guidance from the teachers, staff and 

students of Magnificat in every phase 

of my own life that I happily feel the 

same obligation to pay that forward. 

Devon Lynch-Huggins-Szep ’02 

Advancement Coordinator—Saint Martin de 

Porres High School 

Devon was a campus minister and teacher at 

Saint Martin de Porres before moving to the 

Advancement Department. She graduated 

from Loyola University and received her 

advanced degree at John Carroll University. 

Q. What role has Magnificat played in 

your own life? 

A. An interest that began and was 

fostered at Magnificat has given me 

the opportunity to work at a school 

that absolutely allows me to put my 

creativity, faith and intellect into my 

work on a daily basis. 

Jennifer Kirallah ’03 

Golf—IMG World 

Working with world-ranking athletes is all in 

a day’s work for Jennifer, who received both 

her undergraduate and advanced degrees at 

John Carroll University. 

Q. How does Magnificat’s Mission 

influence your life today? 

A. I try to emulate the word “humility” in 

how I live each day. Magnificat molded 

me into the woman that I am today. 


ALUMNAE 

Maura Garven ’05 

Currently searching for a position in urban 

redevelopment. 

Former Program Specialist—Partners In Health 

After three years working for an international 

health non-profit, Maura has returned 

to Cleveland to join the city’s growing 

community development scene. She is a 

graduate of Georgetown University. 

Q. How does Magnificat’s Mission 

influence your life today? 

A. When I look to the incredible network of 

Magnificat alumnae, I see women doing 

amazing work, committed to justice, 

learning, faith and family. These women 

are certainly a model for me of the life 

I want to live and the means through 

which I hope to live Mary’s Magnificat. 

Caitlin Mackin ’06 

Realtor—ERA Rath Realtors in Rocky River 

Legal Assistant—Wilson & Gillissie 

Caitlin grew up in the St. Christopher Parish 

and attended school there through eighth 

grade. She studied psychology at Cleveland 

State University. 

Q. If you could share one thing with 

current Magnificat students, what 

would it be? 

A. Getting involved gives you the 

opportunity to meet other students 

with similar interests and hobbies that 

you may not have the opportunity to 

get to know during the school day. 

Finding a co-curricular that you really 

enjoy not only looks great on college 

applications, it truly enhances your 

high school experience. 

Bridget Mackin ’07 

Student—The Ohio State University 

Graduating in May with a B.S. in Dental 

Hygiene, with a specialization in education, 

Bridget also works in the OSU alumni office 

and at the university’s coffee shop. She 

is also involved with Catholic Charities of 

Summit County, providing monthly overnight 

respite care for adults with disabilities. 

Q. What role has Magnificat played in 

your own life? 

A. I do not think I could have been better 

prepared for college. I am nearing 

the end of my college education and 

trying to analyze my options for postgraduate 

work. Service opportunities 

provided in high school helped me 

decide my career goal to provide 

access to care for people in inner-city 

Cleveland. 

Mary Kate Sweeney ’08 

Educational Leadership Consultant— 

Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity 

A recent graduate of Miami University, Mary 

Kate has hit the ground running, serving 

as a liaison between Alpha Omicron Pi’s 

international headquarters and all of its 

collegiate chapters. 



alumnae? 

A. I want to give back to this community 

and school that has given me so much. 

Reaching out to Magnificat graduates 

and young alumnae is so important to 

continue encircling lives of women and 

spreading the Magnificat spirit. 

Annual Breakfast with Santa 

and Toy Drive 

December 1, 2012 – 10 a.m. 

Advent Retreat for Alumnae and Friends 

December 10, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. 

Save the Date – Alumnae Events: 

Coffee and Careers: 

Alumnae Networking Event 

December 13, 2012 – 7:30 a.m. 

Annual Alumnae Happy Hour 

March 7, 2013 – 6 p.m., Location TBD 

Spring Retreat for Alumnae and Friends 

April 8, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. 

2013 Reunion Celebration – New Date, 

3s and 8s 

September 14, 2013 – 6 p.m. 


15

CLASS NOTES 

Alumnae! 

Email Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84 at 

mlamb@magnificaths.org with your 

alumnae updates. 

Marriages 

1 Karen Duffy ’78 married Bill Morley 

on June 30, 2012. Sister and Matron of 

Honor, Janet Duffy Leitch ’68, celebrated 

with several other alumnae. 

1 

3 

2 Megan Torok ’93 married Timothy Kantz 

on July 28, 2012. 

4 

3 Kelly Larson ’04 married John Broderick on 

July 7, 2012. Maids of Honor Kirsten Larson ’11 

and Maebh McGowan-Doyle ’04 were joined 

by several other alumnae for the wedding. 

Kelsey Evans ’06 married Tyler Gray on May 

5, 2012. Joelle Thomas ’06 was Maid of 

Honor. 

Births 

Denise Wimbiscus Shepherd ’81 and 

husband, La Mar, welcomed baby girl, Leona 

Rose Wimbiscus Shepherd, on January 24, 

2012. She joins big brother, La Mar Robert, 8. 

2 

6 

Betsy Schmitz Jones ’92 and husband, 

Randy, welcomed daughter, Olivia McGorray 

Jones, on April 9, 2012. She joins big sisters, 

Claire, 6, and Isabelle, 2. Betsy is the 

daughter of Magnificat teacher Martha 

McGorray Schmitz ’65. 

5 

Cara Michele Hoffman Akers ’93 and 

husband, Greg, welcomed daughter, Gabriella 

Sophia Akers, on January 26, 2012. She joins 

big sister, Kyla Barbara Akers, 3. Cara 

Michele is the daughter of Barbara Lukich 

Hoffman ’60. 

Mary Martha Schmitz Panther ’94 and 

husband, Shawn, welcomed daughter, Avery 

Mara Panther, on April 12, 2012. Mary Martha 

is the daughter of Magnificat teacher Martha 

McGorray Schmitz ’65. 

16 Magnificat Magazine 

Brigid Kennedy Chambers ’95 and husband, 

Connor, welcomed son, Connor Patrick 

Chambers, Jr., on May 21, 2012. Connor joins 

big sisters Grace, 6, and Moira, 4. 

4 Sarah Malloy Monahan ’95 and husband, 

Sean, welcomed son, Owen Michael, on 

January 16, 2012. He joins big brother, Daniel, 

4, and big sister, Clare, 2. 

Danielle Pinter Novario ’96 and husband, 

John, welcomed son, Calvano Gerard 

Novario, on June 21, 2012. 

Brianne Kenneally Huber ’97 and husband, 

Jeff, welcomed daughter, Quinn Kenneally 

Huber, on March 30, 2012. 

5 Maria McCafferty Petrulis ’99 and 

husband, Jeff, welcomed son, Rory Patrick 

Petrulis, born March 23, 2012. 

6 Colleen Stroh Steadley ’01 and husband, 

Chris, welcomed daughter, Kaitlyn Alana 

Steadley, on April 2, 2012. 

Correction: Collin Thomas Macuna, son of 

Catie Brimus Macuna ’96 and her husband, 

Tom, was born on September 1, 2011.

CLASS NOTES 

1960 

Nancy McDonough Geschke and her 

husband, Chuck, were presented with the St. 

Elizabeth Ann Seton Award from the National 

Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) on 

October 1 in Washington, D.C. The Seton 

Award is NCEA’s highest honor and is given in 

recognition of philanthropy, leadership and 

service to Catholic education. 

1961 

Diane Farr Knittle co-authored a book 

entitled, “Mothering: An Art of the Heart,” 

with eight other women. Recently published, 

her book can be found on Amazon.com. 

1968 

Paula Reeve Browand has six children and 

11 grandchildren. She also raised a grandson 

and a niece. 

1980 

Maureen McCarthy Lewis has a Master of 

Arts degree in Counseling from Marquette 

University. She works in Intercollegiate 

Athletics at Marquette as an Academic 

Advisor to Division I student-athletes. 

1993 

Megan Forst Buettner has been promoted 

to Vice President of Global Brands at 

American Greetings. 

1996 

Margaret Oakar was recently promoted to 

Assistant Director for Admission Services at 

Penn State University World Campus and 

Continuing Education. Margaret also began 

the Ph.D. program in Educational Theory and 

Policy at Penn State University in August 2012. 

1997 

Bridgit Space D’Agostino is an Account 

Executive for The 1010 Collective, a digital 

advertising agency in Las Vegas. She resides 

in Las Vegas with her husband, Dan, whom 

she married on September 15, 2012. 

Natalie Hostacky Stevens recently joined 

the Cleveland office of Ogletree, Deakins, 

Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. as a Senior 

Associate where she focuses on representing 

employers in all areas of employment law. 

2002 

Bridget Gallagher is in her third year of 

medical school completing clinical clerkships 

at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn. She is 

currently working on her 12-week surgery 

rotation, which will be followed by 12 weeks 

of internal medicine and six weeks of psychiatry, 

emergency medicine, ob/gyn and pediatrics. 

2004 

Colleen Smith Furlong and husband, Jeff, 

celebrated their one-year anniversary in June. 

Colleen is Associate Marketing Manager for 

Security Technologies at Ingersoll Rand. With 

her employer’s help as a sponsor, she recently 

organized an Adaptive Prom in Carmel, Indiana 

for more than 35 people with special needs. 

Archana Nadig earned a B.S. at University of 

Pennsylvania and graduated from Harvard 

School of Dental Medicine in May 2012. She 

is currently at University of California San 

Francisco for her residency in Endodontics. 

Archana and Sundeep Kasi married on May 

31, 2012. Sundeep is working on his 

residency in Ophthalmology at University of 

California San Francisco. 

2005 

Keriann Hurst, a fourth-year student in The 

Ohio State University College of Veterinary 

Medicine, has been selected for membership 

in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, as well 

as the Society of Phi Zeta, the honor society 

of Veterinary Medicine. In addition, she has 

been awarded the Mary Fox Scholarship of 

Veterinary Medicine Alumni Scholarship, the 

VanBakeren Endowed Scholarship and the 

College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni 

Scholarship. Keriann also co-authored a study 

that was published in the September issue of 

the Journal of the American Association for 

Laboratory Animal Science. 

Reshmi Raveendran graduated from 

Northeast Ohio Medical University and will be 

doing her residency in internal medicine at 

Hershey Medical Center/Penn State in 

Hershey, Pennsylvania. 

Where in the world is 

Magnificat? 

CANADA 

Debra Hewitt Croyle ’87 and her 

husband, William, pose in front of the 

Canadian side of Niagara Falls. 

If you would like to be featured in this 

regular column, please email a photo 

of yourself in Magnificat attire at an 

interesting location around the globe 

to Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84 at 

mlamb@magnificaths.org. 

2007 

Julie Brauer earned a Bachelor’s in Exercise 

Science from the College of Charleston in 

South Carolina. Julie is currently studying for 

her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Ohio 

University, which has one of the country’s top 

50 programs. 

2008 

Katie Ertle graduated summa cum laude from 

the University of Dayton in Early Childhood 

Education. She received the George A. Pflaum 

Award of Excellence, which is awarded to the 

outstanding student in Early Childhood 

Education. Katie is teaching second grade at 

St. Brendan School in North Olmsted. 

Maggie Griffiths completed a B.A. in Design 

Arts at Lehigh University, where she was 

selected as a President’s Scholar, the highest 

award given for academic achievement. As a 

President’s Scholar, she is eligible for a free 

fifth year of study. 

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 

« 


17

CLASS NOTES 

1 

Chelsea Lutz is interning in Los Angeles, 

California with director Catherine Hardwicke 

(Twilight and Red Riding Hood). She plans to 

graduate in August from the University of 

Toledo with a Bachelors of Arts in Film. 

Jacqueline Trudeau graduated with honors 

from the University of Chicago in June 2012, 

with a B.A. in International Studies and a 

minor in Human Rights. For her outstanding 

2 

leadership and contributions to student life, 

she was named a Student Marshal and 

received the Howell Murray Award, the two 

highest honors the University can bestow. 

Jacqueline was elected to Phi Beta Kappa 

and was the 2011 recipient of the Edith 

Ballwebber Award for her athletic and academic 

performance and leadership as a member of 

the varsity swim team. She was an NCAA 

All-American and Scholar All-American. 

Jacqueline served on the Prospective 

Students Advisory Committee and was the 

Executive Board Chair her senior year. 

Jacqueline is employed in a management 

position with McMaster-Carr in Aurora, Ohio. 

2009 

1 Lizzie Joyce a nursing student at 

Marquette University, studied Italian history 

and the Theology of Pilgrimage at Loyola 

University Chicago’s John Felice Rome 

Center during the summer of 2012. 

Michelle Krist is a nursing student at The 

Ohio State University and received the 

Clinical with Distinction Award from the 

Dean’s Office in the College of Nursing for 

the spring quarter. 

Meg Meckes is studying Environmental 

Science at Eckerd College in Florida. Meg 

spent the month of January in India for a 

special course, and then traveled on for a 

semester of studies in Great Britain. 

2011 

Nicki Gorny has received the N. James 

Polney Award for the most outstanding 

freshman at the S.I. Newhouse School of 

Public Communications at Syracuse 

University. Her majors are newspaper and 

online journalism and Spanish. She will be 

continuing her studies in the fall with the 

study abroad program in Santiago, Chile. 

2009/2010 

2 Elise Eiden ’10, a junior at the University 

of Notre Dame, and Adwoa Boakye ’09, a 

senior at MIT, together at the NASA MUST 

Scholars Program Annual Leadership 

Symposium in Florida. As two of only 100 

scholars chosen nationwide for the elite 

program, they receive scholarships, paid 

internships and mentoring. 

TRANSITIONS 

New Faculty & Staff 

Welcome Aboard! 

We welcome the following faculty and staff 

members to the Magnificat Community: 

Kathy Cichra—English Department, 

Caitlin Lynch-Huggins ’01—Theology 

Department, Kasey Reis—Softball Coach, 

Peg Szczesniak—Social Studies, Carol 

Ungvarsky—Science Department and Kim 

Worden Summers ’98—Performing Arts 

Department (Dance). We also welcome 

Sister Kathleen McIntyre ’62, H.M., who 

will be volunteering her time this school 

year in the Surround Learning Center and 

as a tutor. We look forward to getting to 

know each and every one of you! 

English Department 

Kathy Cichra 

Theology Department 

Caitlin Lynch-Huggins ’01 

Athletics Department 

(Softball Coach) 

Kasey Reis 

Social Studies 

Peg Szczesniak 

Performing Arts 

Department (Dance) 

Kim Worden Summers ’98 

Science Department 

Carol Ungvarsky 

Surround Learning Center 

Sister Kathleen McIntyre ’62, H.M. 


Memoriam 

IN 

Please join us in prayer for the families of our students and alumnae. 

Allyn R. Adams 

Husband of Sue Jerman Adams ’62; Father of Katherine Adams 

Kelly ’94; Father-in-law of Kim Bush Adams ’86; Grandfather of 

Elizabeth Blesi ’13 and Emily Blesi ’13 

Joseph F. Barrett 

Father of Ellen Barrett-Gisser ’80, Jean Marie Barrett Stanca ’81, 

Anne Barrett ’82 and Catharine Barrett Roof ’85; Grandfather of 

Catherine Gisser ’11 

Blake M. Bartchak 

Grandson of Maureen Cooney Gerencser ’62; Great-nephew of 

Jean Cooney Boylan ’64 and Patricia Cooney Hecker ’69 

Edward J. Bishop, M.D. 

Father of Betsy Bishop Burns ’84 

Frank Buddie 

Father of Suzanne Buddie Forsgren ’67, Mary Jo Buddie 

Williams ’73, Catherine “Kitty” Buddie Szado ’79 and 

Lisa Buddie Stoll ’86; Grandfather of Karen Buddie ’03 and 

Emily Forsgren ’04 

Dorothy E. Burke 

Mother of Laureen Burke Baker ’73 

Joan M. Cachat 

Mother of Connie Cachat Dykas ’68; Aunt of Mary Cachat 

Papa ’79; Great-aunt of Amanda Papa ’07 and Lauryn Papa ’09 

Marie Elizabeth “Betty” Moore Childers ’79 

Sister of Trish Moore Feador ’80 

Loretta Catherine Cleary 

Mother of Anne Cleary Grevey ’65; Mother-in-law of Nancy 

Donovan Cleary ’68 and Anne McGorray Cleary ’71; 

Grandmother of Norah Grevey Leneghan ’91, Kathleen Grevey 

Pesoli ’98, Kathryn Cleary ’02 and Elizabeth Cleary Jones ’01 

Margaret Theresa Schroeder 

Cloutier ’61 Virginia M. “Jean” Dister 

Mother of Donna Dister Harlan ’73 

Maureen Mary Doyle ’64 

Sister of Kathleen Doyle Paukner ’60* 

Mary M. Farrell ’67 

Sister of Mercedes Farrell ’71; Aunt of Shannon Shami Loeffler ’93 

JoAnn “Mimmy” Finnegan 

Mother of Kathy Finnegan O’Grady ’78, Laurie Finnegan Fox ’79 

and Patti Finnegan Boehm ’81; Grandmother of Megan Fox ’09 

and Kristen Fox ’13 

Joseph M. Gaul 

Father of Megan Gaul ’94; Grandfather of Colleen Gaul ’09 and 

Nora Gaul ’16; Father-in-law of Julie Saas Gaul ’90 

Eileen Hull-Carpenter 

Mother of Kathleen Hull ’74 

Rita Ursem Jackman 

Mother of Connie Jackman Foster ’67 and Mary Beth Jackman 

DePasquale ’81; Sister of Renee Ursem Betz ’61; Aunt of 

Jan Duffy Leitch ’68, Karen Duffy Morley ’78, Devra Ursem 

Phillips ’83 and Durene Ursem Motsis ’88; Great-aunt of 

Megan Leitch Townsend ’00 

Thomas J. Jerman 

Brother of Sue Jerman Adams ’62; 

Uncle of Katherine Adams Kelly ’94 

Geraldine D. Josler 

Mother of Kathleen Josler Kiesinger ’77, 

Cynthia Josler McElhany ’80 and Julie Josler ’88 

Charles Norman Kaltenbach 

Father of Cynthia Kaltenbach Vaudrain ’69 

Carol G. Kelleher 

Mother of Sheila Kelleher Berman ’79 

Phyllis J. Kilroy 

Mother of Eileen Kilroy ’70; Grandmother of Caitlin Kilroy ’99 

Ronald Klima 

Father of Amy Klima ’93 

Don P. Konschak 

Father of Dana Konschak ’02 

Joseph Lange 

Husband of Irene Canny Lange ’59; Father of Mary Kay Lange 

McDade ’86 and Susan Lange Farnan ’89 

Diane M. Madden ’60 

James P. Malley, Sr. 

Father of Deirdre Malley Hetman ’85; 

Grandfather of Emily Hetman ’12 

Mary Jane Marquard 

Mother of Sr. Mary Beth Marquard, H.M. ’62; Grandmother of 

Abigail Marquard ’12 

Agnes Stafford Meckes (Lourdes Academy ’41) 

Grandmother of Mackenzie Meckes ’15 

Diane Meilinger Krupka ’63 

Joyce Montforton 

Mother of Mary Montforton Meler ’82; Grandmother of 

Alec Montforton ’07 and Elizabeth Meler ’16 

Colleen Whitley Moore ’67 

Sister of Jenny Whitley Leitch ’78 

Anita Marie Gauchat Notley ’60 

Sister of Helenmarie Gauchat Zachritz ’61 and 

Suzanne Gauchat Joseph ’64 

Jay Oyler 

Husband of Karen Kerver Oyler ’65 

Diego Javier Perez-Stable 

Father of Maria Perez-Stable ’72 and Marta E. Perez-Stable ’77; 

Grandfather of Sarah Perez-Stable ’01 and Hannah Perez-Stable ’08 

Amber Marie Reeve 

Niece of Paula Reeve Browand ’68 

Charles Eugene Sale 

Father of Rhonda Sale ’84 

Dorathy Weymark Schlosser ’64 

Bernard J. School 

Father of Ann School Sims ’61, Carol School Parkinson ’62 and 

Rose Marie School Dugdale ’64 

Rosie So-Bunag, M.D. 

Mother of Coralli So, M.D. ’87 

Mary Kathryn “Katie” Voelker Spurrier ’65 

Mother of Patty Spurrier Dete ’87 and Molly Spurrier Lynch ’93 

Arnold R. “Arnie” Stankus, Jr. 

Father of Allison Stankus McConville ’97 

Arlene M. Sterba 

Mother of Mary Ellen Sterba Conway ’71, Stacey Sterba Furey ’81 

and Zoe Sterba Komaransky ’69; Grandmother of Emily Sterba ’11 

and Phoebe Sterba ’16 

Chester N. Terrill, Sr. 

Husband of Sheila Martin Terrill ’62 

Charlie Warren 

Great-nephew of Debbie Cherry ’73 and Patricia Cherry ’77 

Bertha Yencha 

Grandmother of Sarah Michael ’06 and Liz Michael ’12 

Corrections 

Margaret J. Gordon 

Mother of Judith Gordon Riedel ’63; Grandmother of Sharon 

Graven Kudia ’81, Tricia Graven ’84, Sheila Graven ’86 and 

Cheryl Gordon Sigsworth ’85 

Margaret M. Schloff 

Mother of Mary Kay Schloff Bernardi ’62 and 

Peggy Schloff Rowland ’63; Grandmother of 

Bess Rowland ’01 

* Deceased 

We have included all the relationships that we could locate in our records. If we have missed one, kindly let us know by emailing 

Christine Rini Slyman ’84 at cslyman@magnificaths.org, and we will be happy to include it in the next edition of our magazine. 


19

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upcoming events 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA & TOY DRIVE 

December 1, 10 a.m-Noon 

MOTHERS’ CLUB HOLLY LUNCHEON 

December 2, 10 a.m. 

La Centre 

ADVENT RETREAT 

December 10, 6:30 p.m. 

Alumnae Spiritual Series for Alumnae 

& Friends 

MOTHERS’ CLUB’S HOLIDAY 

MAKE-IT, TAKE-IT EVENT 

December 12, 7 p.m. 

COFFEE & CAREERS: 

ALUMNAE NETWORKING EVENT 

December 13, 7:30 a.m. 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 

December 20, 7:30 p.m. 

THE ROSEMARY SAAS CENTER FOR WOMEN 

OF FAITH IN LEADERSHIP SPEAKERS SERIES 

Presents Jodi Berg, President and CEO 

of Vita-Mix Corporation 

February 4, 2 p.m. 

FATHERS’ CLUB REVERSE 

RAFFLE 

February 8, 7 p.m. 

FISH FRY 

February 15, 5-7:30 p.m. 

TALENT SHOW 

February 22, 7:30 p.m. 

FISH FRY 

March 1, 5-7:30 p.m. 

DAD PROM 

March 3 

La Centre 

ALUMNAE HAPPY HOUR 

March 7, 6 p.m. 

Place TBD 

ENDOWMENT GALA 

March 9, 6 p.m. 

La Centre 

FISH FRY 

March 15, 5-7:30 p.m. 

STAY IN TOUCH WITH OUR 

E-NEWSLETTER! 

An ’09 alumna was overheard saying, 

“I can’t wait for my E-news and just 

devour it!” And it’s no wonder with all 

that’s jam-packed into our monthly 

online newsletter. From student 

accolades to alumnae tidbits to dates 

and times of upcoming events, be the 

first to know what’s happening at 

Magnificat with “The Magnificat 

Messenger” E-newsletter. 

Start your “subscription” by sending 

your email address to Mrs. Traci Zahn, 

tzahn@magnificaths.org. 

mission 

Magnificat High School, a girls’ 

Catholic college-preparatory high 

school, founded and sponsored by the 

Sisters of the Humility of Mary, calls 

young women to live Mary’s Magnificat 

in the world. 

We educate young women holistically 

To learn, lead and serve 

In the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. 

you can help us go green! Please let us know if: 

• You’re receiving more than one copy of the magazine at your home. 

• You’d prefer to save paper and postage and view the magazine via the Magnificat website, www.magnificaths.org. 

• Your daughter has finished college, and you are still receiving her magazine at your home. We can forward her 

magazine directly to her. 

• You no longer wish to receive the magazine. 

Please email your request to Mrs. Traci Zahn at tzahn@magnificaths.org.

95, Mary Anne - Magnificat High School

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