Legacy Magazine 2017-2018

Legacy 2017-2018

Musical Theater
at Marymount
For many years, the Marymount Players have
performed musical theater productions in
offsite venues to accommodate ever-expanding
casts and even larger audiences. One of the key
features of our new building is a state-of-the-art
auditorium to host guest speakers, instrumental
and choral performances, and major theatrical
shows like last year’s extraordinary production
of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. In this new
space, students will not only hone their ability to
express themselves and communicate ideas to
an audience, but they will also be able to learn
the light and sound engineering skills needed to
bring theatrical productions to life.

Legacy
2017-2018
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A Letter from Headmistress Concepcion Alvar
Alumna Anne Vallot-Basker
Oh, the Places They Go!
Marymount Moments
Athletics Highlights
Summer Internships 2017
Commencement 2017
Updates from the Board of Trustees
Alumna Laudine Vallarta
Dreaming Big for Our New Building
Upcoming Events
Reunion Weekend 2017
Alumna Barbara Bricker
Class Notes
COVER ART: ln a collaborative physical science/art/technology project, Class VIII students
each designed a piece of translucent art that illustrated something that they value. Students
illuminated their artwork using parallel circuits that they built and soldered onto a square
of cardboard. Each individual square was joined together in a mosaic that shares a power
supply, symbolizing the School’s goal of the year, “to create unity through diversity.”

A Letter from the
Headmistress
Dear Marymount Community,
Mother Marie Joseph Butler founded Marymount to educate both the
heart and the mind, seeking to nurture the compassionate, conscientious
spirit to complement the analytical, questioning brain. Empathy is one
of the greatest skills that we can teach our children today. In the words
of a concentration camp survivor in an address to educators: “Reading,
writing, and arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our
children more human.”
At Marymount, we live out the RSHM mission to serve those who are
most in need of justice – the powerless, the deprived, the voiceless –
so “that all may have life and live it to the full.” We teach our students
to use their time, talent, and energy to help care for their sisters and
brothers and to stand up against hatred in all its forms. In this edition
of the Legacy magazine, we honor three alumnae who continue to fulfill
this mission by giving back to their local and global communities and
making a positive impact.
We come to Marymount with unique backgrounds, experiences,
and beliefs, but our community of diversity finds commonality in
our commitment to the values and mission of the School. Together,
we find the courage to recognize our differences and build bridges
across divides; the strength to be our best selves and approach others
with empathy and understanding; and the conviction to advocate for
ourselves and for those in need of our help. These are the hallmarks
of a Marymount education, and as such, I have the utmost
confidence in the young women we launch into the world
as the bold, wise, engaged leaders of tomorrow.
With gratitude,
Concepcion R. Alvar
Headmistress
2

3

M
Class of
2013
Anne Vallot-Basker
When Anne Vallot-Basker ’13 first came to
Marymount in Class IX, she didn’t think she
could learn Spanish. “That’s what I had been told
at my previous school,” she says. “But Mrs. Alvar
encouraged me to keep trying. She told me, ‘You’re
going to be good in Spanish. Trust me.’ She gave
me confidence.” The following summer while
working in rural Mexico, Anne says, “It clicked.
I was finally able to communicate in Spanish,
and I loved it. I realized I wanted to learn more
languages, to meet more people and hear their
stories, to explore other worlds and cultures.”
After graduating from Marymount, Anne went to
the American University of Paris, learned French,
and spent her junior year in Lebanon where she
also taught English twice a week to Syrian children
in a refugee settlement. “I first became interested
in Syria while I was at Marymount,” Anne says.
“I wanted to understand more about it, to put a
human face to the conflict.” When she returned to
Paris for her senior year, Anne continued working
with Syrian children in an art therapy program
that she organized with other students at her
university. Now she is in her first year of a master’s
program in Near and Middle Eastern Studies with
intensive Arabic at SOAS (School of Oriental and
African Studies) at the University of London.
When she completes her graduate degree, Anne
would like to continue working with Syrian
refugees, learn Turkish and Farsi, and pursue
a career in human rights: “A few summers ago,
when I was living in Palestine, I met a girl who
was born on the same day and in the same year
as me. I thought, ‘That could have been me. I
could have been born in Palestine, surrounded by
walls and borders.’ I’ve been incredibly fortunate.
When you’ve gone to a school like Marymount
that is filled with such love and kindness, it makes
you want to give back, to put some good into this
world. Because, when it comes down to it, we have
as much in common with others as that which sets
us apart.”
4

“When you’ve gone to a school like Marymount that is filled
with such love and kindness, it makes you want to give back,
to put some good into this world.”
5

Oh, the places they go!
As part of a global network of schools, Marymount celebrates
its gift of internationality. Here are some of the exciting
exchange programs and travel opportunities that
we offer our students:
MONTGOMERY,
ALABAMA
• Upper School
Study Tour 2018:
A Civil Rights Journey
CUBA
CALIFORNIA
• Upper School
Study Tour 2017
• Marymount Singers
Concert Tour 2017
BRAZIL
• Exchange program
MEDELLÍN,
COLOMBIA
• Exchange program
• Global Network of RSHM
Schools Conference
6

PARIS,
FRANCE
LONDON,
ENGLAND
• Study abroad program
• RSHM Sports Festival
2018
• Exchange program
• Class VIII trip
• RSHM Sports Festival
2017
• RSHM leadership retreat
BREST,
FRANCE
• Exchange program
PORTUGAL
BÉZIERS,
FRANCE
• Marymount Singers
Concert Tour 2018
• Faculty/staff trip
• Class VIII trip
MADRID,
SPAIN
• Exchange program
BARCELONA,
SPAIN
• Exchange program
• Class VIII trip
ROME,
ITALY
• Study abroad program
Expanding
Global
Conversations
Upper School students had the
opportunity to use a pop-up “Portal”
by Shared Studios that can virtually
transport visitors to sites around the
globe where authentic conversation and
interaction can take place. During the
WOW Summit on November 18, students
connected with people in Rwanda,
Mexico City, and Afghanistan as they
engaged in a global dialogue about gender
equality and social justice. They traded
stories and laughter, finding commonality
with people who have very different
backgrounds and experiences. These
Portal connections inspired empathy,
compassion, and understanding in all
who entered. The Portal will return
to Marymount from January 31 –
February 16 so that more members of our
community will be able to experience this
immersive audiovisual technology.
7

MARYMOUNT
Moments
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
Marymount had a great turnout this year
for the annual GRACEful dinner, with 276
parents, alumnae, prospective families, faculty,
and students participating in important
conversations about diversity and inclusion at
the School. In small groups, attendees watched a
video called “Inclusion Starts with I” and Upper
School students led discussions of current news
topics such as DACA, Charlottesville, and the
transgender military ban. The event was a great
opportunity to increase awareness and inspire
action in our community – to, in Gandhi’s
words, “be the change that you wish to see in
the world.”
Activating
Student
Engagement
After attending a NYSAIS professional development
session on “Imaginative Inquiry,” Class II teachers were
inspired to revamp their social studies curriculum,
which explores the history and people of New York
City from the Lenape Native Americans to Dutch
explorers to immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. This
year, students began their immersion into history by
entering time machines built in STEAM class while
singing a chant created in music class. In each lesson,
students are engaged in conventions of drama, such as
pantomimes, role-playing, and tableaus, to bring the
content to life. By taking on the perspective of the past,
students gain empathy for another person’s story.

A Taste of the
“Real World”
Class VII is excitedly exploring the world of
budgeting and personal finance in a math unit
this semester. Given an annual gross income of
$50,000, students calculate their net income
after taxes and then figure out their monthly
income in order to set a budget. They go online
to scour real estate ads to find apartments within
their budgets. Recognizing the high cost of living
in New York, many students decide to move out
of Manhattan or find several roommates in order
to stretch their dollars farther. In the process,
students also practice writing “checks” for rent,
living expenses, and utility bills.
Educating & Learning
for a Peaceful World
Joining representatives from other RSHM schools, Mia C. ’21,
Marre G. ’22, Eva L. ’21, Mackenzie M. ’22, and Calliope S. ’22 traveled
to Marymount Paris in September for a retreat that helped them
develop key leadership skills. Emphasizing the importance of empathy
and compassion in a leader, the retreat included a visit to Béziers –
the birthplace of the RSHM – to explore how founders Père Gailhac
and Mère St. Jean focused on serving the less fortunate. In
their footsteps, the students learned how to organize and run
philanthropic programs, culminating in the development of an
action plan for a service project at their school. In November,
our students ran a successful book drive that collected nearly
fifty boxes of books for local organization Women in Need (WIN).
Rising Stars in Class III
Our Lower Mid Rising Stars
presented The Lion King Jr. for their
fall musical performance. A recordbreaking
39 students from Class III
participated in the show – singing,
acting, dancing, and sharing their
joyful message of Hakuna Matata with
the whole community! When director
Sarah Verasco welcomed her own
two lion cubs in October, Margaret
Gunther stepped in to co-direct the
show and bring it to completion with
the creative assistance of Jon Fuller,
Carol Garcia, and Margaret Feldman.
Gracing the 97th Street stage for
the first time, our Rising Stars filled
the space with beautiful energy and
superb performances!
9

MARYMOUNT
Moments
littleBits Engineer-in-Training
Last spring, Class V student Lena E. was
selected to be part of littleBits’ first Kid Advisory
Council, which tests products at various stages
of development. According to Senior Designer
Monty Kim, “Lena’s unique understanding of
our technology and company mission made her a
perfect candidate for providing us with feedback on
our Star Wars Droid Inventor Kit.” Lena explains,
“I was very excited, but I was to tell no one about
the product. Everything was top secret!” The
Council had a major impact on almost every aspect
of the product, including physical components and
how they come together, how users navigate and
use the apps, and even the artwork and messages
on the product packaging. Now that the Droid
Kit is one of the hottest toys on the market, Lena
hopes that “people see it in stores and think of the
littleBits Advisory Council that helped make it!”
The Business Leaders
of Tomorrow
The Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business
(HUWIB) organization sponsored its first Young
Women’s Business Leadership Conference this fall for
high school students. Four members of Class IX (Lila
F-S. ’21, Katie H. ’21, Julia M. ’21, and Kennedy M. ’21)
traveled to Boston for this two-day conference where
they honed their leadership skills and explored possible
career paths in business. Through a series of interactive
workshops, activities, case studies, and presentations,
participants learned the fundamentals of finance,
marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and public
speaking. They all left feeling inspired to work hard
as they begin to prepare for college and their future
careers.

Enhancing Financial Literacy
In a world where only 6% of Fortune 500 CEOs
and fewer than 10% of all US fund managers are
female, Marymount seeks to be a leader in financial
literacy and education for young women. This year,
Marymount became the first high school in New
York City – public or private – to offer Bloomberg
Market Concept (BMC) coursework and trading
terminals for our students. The BMC is a robust
e-learning course designed to help students gain
familiarity with key market concepts, financial
language, and Bloomberg terminal functions
that are necessary for jobs in asset management,
trading, equity research, and other financial sectors.
The Bloomberg terminals are powerful tools that
allow students to apply their learning in a “real
world” setting to study market trends and manage
investments.
In its pilot year, students in the Class XII economics
elective will complete the BMC coursework, as
will members of the Business and Finance Club.
Dr. Cornelis, who is spearheading the Bloomberg
initiative, remarks, “The terminals and coursework
give students a unique exposure to and sophisticated
understanding of the world of finance. It gives them
an early advantage to getting internships, which is a
key step on the path towards a career in finance. As
we re-envision our Upper School finance curriculum
going forward, our goal is to give every senior access
to Bloomberg in the coming years.”
In addition to exposing them to possible career paths
in a male-dominated sector, the Bloomberg initiative
also offers students a first step toward financial
power and independence. As Dr. Cornelis explains,
“Empowering women is not just about giving
them the confidence to go into the world and make
change – it’s also about giving them the tools to do
so. Women who possess the knowledge to manage
their finances are better positioned to manage their
futures. They are also better equipped to be agents
of social change as they understand how to acquire
and invest resources to fund the causes they care
about. In combination with Marymount’s focus
on philanthropy and social justice, this financial
literacy program is a game changer.”
11

Athletics
12
Back-to-Back
Champions!
Varsity Volleyball had another
exceptional season this fall and was
crowned both AAIS and NYSAIS
Tournament Champion for the second
year in a row. This is the first time in
Marymount history that a team has
won two state championships!
Freshman
Shatters
School Records
Lauryn H. ’21 repeatedly
made Marymount history
in her extraordinary
debut season on the
Varsity Cross Country
team! Blowing away
her competition in
nearly every race,
Lauryn became the first
Marymount runner
to win a Jim Smith
Invitational race, to
place first in the Brown Invitational, and to be
named both the AAIS and the NYSAIS Individual
Champion. She shattered school records with
a time of 15:20 in the 4K at the AAIS Championship
and a time of 19:39 in the 5K at the NYSAIS
Championship. Her time at the AAIS Championship
places her third on the all-time fastest champions
list. Lauryn also represented NYSAIS at the New
York State Federation Championship where she
placed fifth of all freshmen in the state.

Athletic Awards 2016-2017
Six members of the Marymount community gained special recognition in athletics for
their achievement, attitude, and perseverance:
Playing
at the
Collegiate
Level
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S AWARD
Eliza Baker and Asia Horne
This award is given only on years when an
extraordinary student athlete achieves recognition at
the highest level in her sport and brings special honor
to Marymount School.
PATRICIA BARTER
AWARD
Sheila Mastropasqua
In honor of Patricia Barter,
former Marymount parent
and Director of Development,
this award recognizes the
senior who has made a
significant contribution
to Marymount’s athletic
program, usually as a threeseason
athlete throughout
Upper School or longer.
Four Marymount scholar
athletes have been recognized
by recruiters for their
extraordinary talent and
have already committed to a
college or university for their
respective sports.
• Although she was also
recruited by Columbia
University and Harvard
University, Francesca
M. ’18 has decided to play
Division I women’s volleyball
for Dartmouth College next
year.
• After visiting several
schools that were interested
in her, Analiese S. ’18
has committed to play for
Roanoke College’s women’s
soccer team.
MONIKA ANDERSON
AWARD
Francesca Meldrum
This award is given to a
student who distinguishes
herself as a threeseason
athlete with
outstanding physical
ability, highly developed
skills, and excellent team
performance and spirit.
HUGO GELARDIN
AWARD
Lily Moffly
Presented in honor of
former Trustee Hugo
Gelardin, this award
is given to a player
who has personified
sportsmanship
during her years at
Marymount, playing
enthusiastically and
encouraging others.
While she relishes the
win, she accepts defeat
with graciousness and
optimism.
WOJCIECH RUMPRECHT
AWARD
Mara Booth
In memory of former
Marymount coach Wojciech
Rumprecht, this award is
given to the athlete who serves
as a role model for younger
players and whose leadership
and maturity allow coaches
to count on her as if she were
their assistant coach.
• Following months of early
morning and late afternoon
rowing practices and
competitions, Jackie H. ’18
has accepted an offer to join
Georgetown University’s
Division I crew team.
• Olivia H. ’19 committed
in the summer after her
sophomore year to play
women’s volleyball for her
dream school, Northwestern
University. She will join elite
Big Ten competition in the
fall of 2019.
13

Albertine Books/
French Embassy
Angelina V.
Lauchangeo, MD
BlackRock
Blue Pearl
Veterinary
Partners
Camp Kimama
CIFC Asset
Management LLC
COOKFOX
Architects
FOODMatch, Inc.
Summer Inter
Greenstone Plus
Kule
Making
Milestones
Memorial Sloan
Kettering Cancer
Center
Nardello and
Company
New York State
Office of the
Attorney General
New York
University School
of Medicine
Northway
Physical Therapy
Red Fuse
Communications
Playing a Role in the
War on Cancer
Cathy S. ’18 had a fantastic internship at
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center this
summer that confirmed what she has long
suspected: that she would one day pursue a
career in STEM. The Human Oncology and
Pathogenesis Program “helped me discover
the field of translational research in a more
in-depth way. Research is something that I
really enjoy participating in, especially because
I know that I am making an impact on how
we view cancer,” Cathy reflects. Under the
guidance of a mentor, Cathy did research on
cells to determine the role of a particular kind
of gene mutation (H446 Schlafen-11 mutations
that induce S-phase arrest in response to
DNA change). “We took data from patients,
did experiments in the lab, and then came
full circle by returning the information to the
patients to impact their treatment in a positive
way,” Cathy explains. “In just eight short
weeks this summer, I learned so many skills
and protocols necessary to conduct efficient
research. This internship was so worthwhile
and extremely rewarding, especially as a way
to explore career options. I will definitely be
continuing this work in college.”
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Rockland County
Times
Scorpio Group
Scorpio Tankers
Solera Capital
Tara Rubin
Casting
The Advantage
Program
The Paideia
Institute

Cornell Lab of
Ornithology
Cultural Services
French Embassy
Cynergy Physical
Therapy
Douglas Elliman
Erin Nance, MD
Estée Lauder
Companies
Explain
Everything
nships 2017
Godwin Inc.
i2 Camp
Lower East Side
History Project
Manhattan
Pediatrics
Metropolitan
Museum of Art
Thinking
Outside the Box
Jackie L. ’18 put her creativity to work at
her internship this summer at Red Fuse
Communications, a full-service agency
dedicated to serving Colgate-Palmolive brands
worldwide. Collaborating with other interns
in the Digital Natives Program, Jackie was
given a brief and tasked with developing a
digital advertising pitch for brands such as
Hill’s Science Diet ® pet food or Optic White ®
Toothpaste. “We needed to come up with
creative ideas that would sell the product. You
really have to understand how people think
and what they would be attracted to,” Jackie
explains. Eager to pursue marketing in college
and beyond, Jackie learned what it takes to
be successful in the field: “I found that my
skills with social media and editing software
really came in handy during my internship.
Leaders in advertising are able to evolve with
ever-changing technology and are consistently
willing to think outside of the box. For instance,
one of my favorite pitches was to Google – it
integrated a Colgate product with their virtual
reality headset, the Google Daydream. I
learned so much during my internship and got
to do so much hands-on work in the field. It was
completely worthwhile – and one of the best
experiences of my life!”
Neighborhood
Playhouse School
of the Theatre
New York State
Supreme Court
Nick Bollettieri,
Inc.
Pace Gallery
Riverbrook
Regional YMCA
The Rockefeller
University
Thomson Reuters
Tory Burch
U.S. Senator
Charles E.
Schumer
Vidcode
Wave Hill-
Woodland
Ecology Research
Mentorship
West Side Avenue
Holdings LLC
15

Commencement
2017
Clad in white and carrying bouquets of red roses,
the fifty-five members of the Class of 2017 celebrated
Commencement at the Church of St. Ignatius
Loyola on Tuesday, June 13. The
graduates paid tribute to the unique
camaraderie and unity they had
developed over the last four
years and looked to the future
with hope and possibility. As
Salutatorian Lisette Fischer
remarked, “Marymount has
taught us to always work our
hardest; it has taught us to fight for
our beliefs with conviction; and it has
taught us that, despite adversity, we will always
have this community and our sisterhood to support us
and love us.” This sentiment was echoed by Valedictorian
Alida Monaco, who thanked her classmates “for taking a
school and making it a home.” She encouraged her fellow
graduates to “go out into the world: lead, inspire, dream,
create, make mistakes, take risks, be daring. Give the
world the privilege to know your talents, to experience
the well-rounded, intelligent, poised, and fabulous
personalities of each and every one of you.”
Journalist Kate O’Brian enjoyed getting
to know the Class of 2017 – the selfproclaimed
“class of winners.” In
her Commencement address, she
acknowledged that they recognized
the true weight of the word: “To be
a winner is to be fair, accepting,
understanding, and to uphold a
responsibility to yourself and your
community. They know that real winning
is taking joy in your friends’ successes and
supporting them in their challenges.” Ms. O’Brian
implored the graduates to stay true to themselves and
“to be strong in your skin…. Even if you are surrounded
by individuals or groups who want you to turn into
something else, resist. Even if you feel pressure to be
someone you are not, resist. You know who you are.” We
are confident that the members of the Class of 2017 will
shine brightly on their college campuses and beyond!
16

“Marymount has taught you so many
things: these will be the cement, the
foundation, for a successful life. By
successful, I mean not money or fame,
but the lessons that help you recognize
the importance of what already burns
brightly inside of you.”
– 2017 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER, KATE O’BRIAN
17

18
Student Award
Recipients
Heather Hertzan Award:
Mary Kantor
Carina Tam Award:
Julia Ranocchia
Maggie Murray Portfolio
Prize: Madeleine Chow
Catherine Koller Award:
Sofia Cabrera and Katie Semack
Awards at
Commencement
Sr. Kathleen Fagan
Leadership Award:
Caroline O’Sullivan and
Amelia Roessler
Sr. Antoine Campbell
Award:
YeJi Yang and Sophie Rizzieri
Special Honors for the Class of 2017
Caroline Lin and Alida Monaco were
named Commended Students in the 2017
National Merit Scholarship Program.
Sofia Cabrera and Caroline Lin were
named National Hispanic Scholars in the
National Hispanic Recognition Program.
Myrto Kampouris was awarded an
Engineering and Applied Science scholarship
at George Washington University, and she
also received GWU’s Presidential Academic
Scholarship.
Samantha Corso was awarded the
Marymount High School award at Loyola
Marymount University.
Loukia Aydag was awarded University of
Rochester’s Dean’s Scholarship.
Sabrina Stanger was awarded American
University’s Dean’s Scholarship.
Virgilia Antonucci, Lisette Fischer, and
Margaret Griffin were awarded scholarships
for Academic Excellence from the New York
State Department of Education.
Asia Horne accepted an offer to join the
NCAA Women’s Division I Soccer Team at
American University.
Caroline Lin received a Regional Scholastic
Art and Writing Gold Key award and was
named a National Scholastic Art and Writing
Silver Medalist. Caroline was also named one
of the top 300 young scientists in the 76th
annual Regeneron Science Talent Search,
the nation’s most prestigious pre-college
science competition. In addition, she was a
winner in the National Center for Women
and Information Technology (NCWIT)/
Aspirations in Computing Award Greater
New York Competition, and she received an
Honorable Mention in the NCWIT Aspirations
in Computing National Award competition.
Cassie DeVera received an honorable
mention in the NCWIT Aspirations in
Computing Award regional competition.
Gaby Palines received a Regional Scholastic
Art and Writing Silver Key award and
also won first place in her age group in an
international art contest sponsored by the
Center for UNESCO Louis François in Troyes,
France.
Margaret Griffin received an honorable
mention in the Maloof Family Young Peace
Builder competition.

Class of 2017
College Acceptances
American University
Amherst College
Arizona State University
Assumption College
Bard College
Barnard College
Baruch College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brigham Young University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Catholic University of America
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colgate University
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
College of William and Mary
Columbia University
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Dickinson College
Elon University
Emory University
Fairfield University
Fordham University
Franklin and Marshall College
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Gettysburg College
Gordon College
Grinnell College
Hamilton College
Harvard University
Hawaii Pacific University
High Point University
Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Hunter College
Indiana University
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Kenyon College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Lehman College
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University, Maryland
Marist College
McGill University
Miami University-Oxford
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
Muhlenberg College
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Pace University
Pennylvania State University
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhodes College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Sacred Heart University
Saint Olaf College
Salve Regina University
Skidmore College
Smith College
Southern Methodist University
Saint John’s College
Saint John’s University
SUNY Binghamton University
SUNY Buffalo University
SUNY New Paltz College
SUNY Purchase College
SUNY Stony Brook University
Syracuse University
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University
Union College
University of Alabama
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of Chicago
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rochester
University of Saint Andrews
University of Southern California
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington, Seattle
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Vassar College
Villanova University
Washington University in St Louis
Wesleyan University
Wheaton College
Williams College
Xavier University
19

AN INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC
DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
proudly congratulates the Class of 2017
Charlotte Albunio
Virgilia Antonucci
Loukia Aydag
Eliza Baker
Victoria Becker
Sea Louise Bensimon
Mara Booth
Cheyenne Brooks
Sofia Cabrera
Sidney Caccioppoli
Claudine Carballo
Madeleine Chow
Anna Clifton
Kathryn Coffey
Samantha Corso
Elizabeth Daly
Eunice Daudu
Cassandra DeVera
Lisette Fischer
Rose Fischer
Caroline Fitzgerald
Pauline Gad
Silvana Gatto
Margaret Griffin
Brigitte Harbers
Chloe Harper
20

Margaret Hennelly
Caroline Lin
Alexandra Okon
Amelia Roessler
Claire Hickey
Asia Horne
Allison Hupper
Myrto Kampouris
Mary Kantor
Terrell Kikis
Quincy Lucin
Sheila Mastropasqua
Annerose Metaxas
Lily Moffly
Alida Monaco
Lillian Nolan
Maria Gabrielle
Palines
Taylor Panagakis
Julia Ranocchia
Sophie Rizzieri
Victoria Rodrigues
Catherine Semack
Sabrina Stanger
Emma Wrazej
YeJi Yang
Kimora Kong
Caroline O’Sullivan
Natasha Lane
Claire Lezhen
21

Updates from the
Board of Trustees
MARYMOUNT SCHOOL COMMENDS THE MEMBERS OF
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WHOSE TERMS ENDED IN 2017.
We are blessed to have benefited from your
wisdom, guidance, and insight. The School is a
better place because of you. Thank you for your
years of service to Marymount!
Arthur Bender, SJ offered nine years of distinguished
service as a member of the Board of Trustees. A member
of the faculty at Regis High School, Fr. Bender immersed
himself in both the academic and physical operations of
Marymount. Fr. Bender’s enduring commitment to
Marymount’s values helped the Board remain faithful to
Mother Butler’s mission and vision for the School.
Patsy Sciutto Doerr ’86 provided three years of
service as a member of the Board of Trustees. Patsy
served as President of the Alumnae Association,
strengthening its commitment to professional
development and mentorship for alumnae. She was also
a valuable member of the Board’s Development
Committee and a supporter of the Campaign for Marymount, ensuring
the continuation of Marymount education for future generations.
The son of a Marymount graduate, Daniel Keegan
devoted nine years of service as a member of the Board
of Trustees. As a member of the Finance Committee, Dan
has supported the School’s ambitious dreams for its
students. His business acumen and wise counsel have
contributed to the Board’s prudent financial decisions in
its strategic planning for the future.
Celine Seker ’09 offered two years of service as Young
Alumna member of the Board of Trustees. She has been
a wonderful representative of the young alumnae
community, bringing a fresh perspective to Board
meetings. She was a thoughtful and committed
participant of the Development Committee and the
enthusiastic host of a campaign event for young alumnae.
22

WE WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD:
John Demsey is
the proud father of
Marie Helene (Class
III). John is the
Executive Group
President of Estée
Lauder Companies, overseeing a wide
portfolio of brands including
Clinique, M•A•C, TOM FORD
BEAUTY, Jo Malone London,
Smashbox, and Prescriptives. Mr.
Demsey oversees the Creative Center
of Excellence, focused on the ongoing
advancement of creative capabilities
and talent across the Company, and
also serves as Chairman of the M•A•C
AIDS Fund, which has raised more
than $430 million to date in the fight
against HIV/AIDS. He earned a B.S.
from Stanford University and an
MBA from New York University.
After graduating
from Georgetown
University, Daniel
Lahart, SJ, entered
the Maryland
Province of the
Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. He
served as a member of the faculty or
administration at Scranton
Preparatory School, Gonzaga College
High School, and Strake Jesuit
College Preparatory before being
elected President of Regis High
School in 2015. Fr. Lahart serves on
the boards of several schools,
colleges, and universities across the
nation. He holds a Master in Divinity
from Weston School of Theology, a
Master in Education from Boston
College, and an MBA from Stanford
University.
Erin McDermott
Nance ’01 joins the
Board of Trustees as the
new Young Alumna
member. Erin is an
orthopedic surgeon with
subspecialty training in hand surgery. She
earned a B.A. in Human Biology at the
University of Virginia and an M.D. from
Brown University. Erin completed her
Orthopedic Surgery training at Lenox Hill
Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital,
Baltimore Shock Trauma, and Memorial
Sloan Kettering, and graduated from the
Hospital for Special Surgery Hand
Fellowship Program. She is the founder of
Nance MD, a private practice on the Upper
East Side. Erin lives in Manhattan with her
husband, Justin, and two-year old
daughter, Annabel.
Laudine Vallarta ’01
joins the Board of Trustees
this year as President of
the Alumnae Association.
Following in the footsteps
of her sisters, Malyn
Vallarta Sheridan ’85 and Tracey Vallarta-
Jordal ’86, Laudine graduated from
Marymount in the Class of 2001. She is the
Director of Talent at Etsy, an online
e-commerce marketplace connecting
sellers and buyers of unique handmade
goods around the world. She oversees both
HR and Talent Acquisition functions
globally. Laudine has spent the last ten
years cultivating her HR career at various
tech and media companies in New York
such as AOL, Rent the Runway, and
Michael Kors. She holds a B.A. in English
and Sociology from Drew University and a
master’s degree in Human Resource
Management & Development from New
York University.
23

M
Class of
2001
Laudine
Vallarta
One of the main reasons Laudine Vallarta ’01
joined Etsy as Director of Talent was because
of the company’s mission: “It’s really important
to me to work for an organization that’s making
an impact. Our buildings are LEED-certified.
We’ve set goals to divert our waste away
from landfills. We’re committed to diversity
and inclusion. We support and advocate for
small businesses. At Etsy, it’s not just about
contributing to the bottom line, it’s also about
making a positive difference in the world.”
Laudine’s passion for philanthropy, equity,
and social justice is an extension of her time
at Marymount: “A lot of my desire to give back
comes from Marymount. For example, I’ve
been thinking about the Incarcerated Mothers
program and how I can bring something
like that to Etsy.” As the new President of
Marymount’s Alumnae Association, Laudine
has also been thinking about programs that
Marymount might also benefit from, like Edsy—
Etsy’s internal engagement program which
showcases the individual talents and passions
of its employees: “Our employees share their
talents, teaching each other about everything
from candle-making to designing jewelry. It’s
a great way to build community and nurture a
creative atmosphere at the company.”
Each day, Laudine is inspired by the people
she interviews for positions at her company:
“More and more young people want to work for
a company that they believe in, that’s genuinely
having a positive impact on the world.” It’s
a desire that Laudine is quite familiar with
from her experience at Marymount: “Etsy is
doing in the media sector what Marymount
is doing in education. At Etsy, we’re showing
people that we can be a profitable company and
still do good. At Marymount, we get a great
education but are also taught that we can make
a difference in the world. This is why I’m still
so connected to Marymount: the values and
lessons I learned at the School have stayed with
me everywhere I go.”
24

“...the values and
lessons I learned
at the School have
stayed with me
everywhere I go.”
25

Faculty Highlights
Zen for Christians
Dr. Kim Boykin, who teaches World Religions and Scripture in the
Upper School, is bringing her knowledge to the masses with a second
printing of her book Zen for Christians: A Beginner’s Guide. Originally
published in 2003, the book offers Christians a way to integrate Zen
practice into their lives without compromising their faith. Dr. Boykin
explains, “This book is a practical introduction to the teachings
and meditation practices of Zen Buddhism that grew out of my own
spiritual search. Coming from an essentially nonreligious background,
I got involved in Buddhist practice in my twenties, including spending
a year in residence at Zen Mountain Monastery in upstate New York,
and became a Catholic in my thirties. As I see it, Zen practice can be
a powerful way for Christians to nurture our capacity to love God, our
neighbors, ourselves, and all of creation.” The second edition of Zen for
Christians will hit bookshelves in April 2018 and is available for preorder
now through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Mr. Betts’ Class
As he was working on his master’s degree five years ago,
Upper Mid teacher Timothy Betts created his own
YouTube channel that presents history in a fun way.
“In order to make the content come alive, I had to
speak the language of the students,” explains Mr.
Betts. “Video is the main medium for consuming
information for this age group.” In parodies of popular
songs, Mr. Betts explores topics such as the lost colony of
Roanoke (set to Frozen’s “Let It Go”) and the United States
Constitution (set to the song of the summer “Despacito”).
His unique and engaging presentation of the material is
wildly popular, with his channel averaging 300,000 views
per month! Over the summer, he shared his process at an
Education on YouTube panel at a convention in London
and in a podcast on technology and video in the classroom.
Mr. Betts’ interest in the medium has translated into projects
for his students as well, with Class VII developing vlogs set
in colonial times using the green screen at 97th Street. To
watch him in action, search for Mr. Betts’ Class on YouTube
or follow him @MrBettsClass on social media.
26

Unlocking
Data Puzzles
Science Teacher Jessica Genter was recently invited to become a Curriculum
Director for the Hudson Data Literacy Initiative, helping the Cary Institute
expand its educational reach and improve the Hudson Data Jam. For the last
two years, Upper Mid students have participated in (and won!) this competition,
in which they choose a scientific topic related to the Hudson River that interests
them, analyze and graph data related to the topic, and find a creative way to tell
a story about the data. “I have a genuine excitement about solving puzzles
and telling stories with data,” Ms. Genter explains. “As a result of my
work with the Initiative, I was able to increase the size and scope of the
Class VII unit on the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the
Hudson River. Instead of just collecting data at a point in time, students
used HRECOS, a real-time monitoring website with stations all along the
river, to draw connections between data over time, including rainfall and
salinity levels and air temperature and dissolved oxygen levels.”
A Fresh Approach to
Physical Education
Lower School Physical Education Teacher
Monika Kurschatke presented her forwardthinking
approach to PE class at the 80th annual
New York State Association for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation, and Dance Conference
this November. With presenters coming from
across the country to share their programs and
techniques, Ms. Kurschatke offered a workshop
on “Apps, Mindfulness, Yoga and More: A Fresh
Toolkit for Elementary PE.” Ms. Kurschatke
incorporates iPad apps into nearly all of her
classes, from warm-up exercises to timed
challenges to assessments. Tailoring the program
based on developmental levels, she is also able
to incorporate fitness training, yoga poses,
relaxation exercises, meditations, and healthy
nutrition games into the curriculum. Using this
holistic approach to physical education, Ms.
Kurschatke provides her students much-needed
time to nourish the body, mind, and spirit.
27

Dreaming Big for Our
While the School is finalizing plans for our new building
with the New York Board of Standards and Appeals,
we asked students to dream big and design their
ideal classroom. Here are some of our favorite
(and fantastical!) spaces:
Art Room
Gym
28
by Gigi, age 11
“My dream classroom would have four rooms – two in
the loft and two on the ground floor. Each room would
be dedicated to a different form of art (sketching,
painting, sculpting, and other [mediums])… Everything
would be made of glass so you could see everything!”
by Maria, age 10
“My dream gym would be two floors. The first would
be a basketball court and around it, a track… In the
balcony, there [would be] treadmills, trampolines,
and a rock wall.”

New Building
The Best Room Ever
IIIB Stars
by Anna, age 8
“In my dream classroom, I would like a 15-foot stage
for speech and drama. I would also like a pizza bar
for snacks in class.”
by Eliana, age 9
“My dream classroom would have a disco ball on the
ceiling for dance parties every ten minutes… Also,
students can zipline to class so they can be pumped
up for the next subject. Lastly, there would be free
water for gym in case you forget [to bring your
own]… I want the best for my fellow girls and I want
every day at school to be a learning party!”
29

Upcoming Events
2
JANUARY
6
JANUARY
10
Alumnae
Retreat
Class of 2017
Picture Hanging
& Luncheon
0
18
FEBRUARY
23
FEBRUARY
26
Harambee
Marymount/
Browning
Skating Party
MAY
5
MAY
14
Women in Need
Alumnae Volunteer
Opportunity
Comedy Night
30

JANUARY
19
JANUARY
19
FEBRUARY
2
UMS
Father/Daughter
Dance
Marymount &
Browning
Alumni Event
Founder’s Day
Mass &
Benefit Gala
MARCH
2
APRIL
10
APRIL
20-21
LMS
Father/Daughter
Square Dance
Book Fair
Alumnae Reunion
Weekend
MAY
24
Alumnae Association
Welcome Luncheon
Mark your
calendars
today!
31

Reunion Weekend
2017
32
In April, alumnae from
around the country returned
to Marymount for Reunion
Weekend 2017. The weekend
began on Friday with studentguided
tours of Seurat’s Circus
Sideshow and Age of Empires
exhibits at The Metropolitan Museum
of Art. A festive cocktail reception
followed, featuring great food, lively
conversation, and a fun photobooth that kept
guests entertained for hours!
On Saturday, alumnae toured the Fifth Avenue building
and learned about our school of the future with renowned
architect, Rick Cook. A panel of inspiring seniors then
shared what life is like at Marymount today. Alumnae
enjoyed brunch and a performance from the Lower
School Chorus as they caught up with their classmates
and reminisced about their time
at Marymount. Headmistress
Concepcion Alvar acknowledged
the classes ending in 2 and 7
who were celebrating special
anniversaries and applauded
the Classes of 2002 and 2012 for
having the largest number of alumnae
in attendance at Reunion. The award for
furthest traveled was given to Regina Harris
Thomas ’57, who journeyed from Florida. Marilyn Noz ’57
received the Sister Collette McManus Award, which is
given annually to a person who has offered her passion,
time, and talent to Marymount. The day wrapped up with
a visit to the archives to revisit old memories and with a
special mass in the Chapel. It was a joyful weekend for
reconnecting with old friends and teachers in the School
where it all began.

Reunion Weekend
2018
Please mark your calendar for
Reunion Weekend 2018 on Friday,
April 20 and Saturday, April 21.
All alumnae are welcome and
encouraged to attend. Classes ending
in 3 and 8 will celebrate their special
anniversary reunions!
33

M
Class of
1954
34
Barbara Bricker
“School musicals, Lessons and Carols, Founder’s
Day Mass – you name it, I’m there!” says Barbara
Bricker ’54. She is one of Marymount’s “Golden
Girls,” a group of alumnae from the 1950s and 60s
who regularly return to the School to attend events
and show their support for the community. “There
is an atmosphere of such warmth and caring at
Marymount,” says Barbara. “When the students and
staff see you coming in, they give you big hugs and you
know that you’re welcome there!”
After graduating from Marymount, Barbara
attended Gwynedd Mercy College in Pennsylvania
and embarked on a series of interesting careers.
Inspired by her work with the famous milliner
Mr. John, Barbara opened her own home decor
boutique on Madison Avenue. She went on to work in
the advertising department of the F. & M. Schaefer
Brewing Company, and then moved to the Ferguson
& Co. Insurance Company where she remained for
more than thirty years, serving as the company’s
Chief Financial Officer. In 2007, after several years
of retirement, family members recruited Barbara to
be the accounting manager at Dalva Brothers, an art
gallery on the Upper East Side with a focus on 18th
Century French furniture.
In the late 1990s, after reconnecting with the School
during an alumnae outing to the New York Botanical
Garden, Barbara became increasingly involved in
the Marymount community. She even served as a
chaperone on one of the Class X community service
retreats. “We experienced firsthand what it is like to be
homeless,” she says. “I slept in a sleeping bag on a pew.
I cannot believe I ever did that, but I did. It was an
eye-opening moment for all of us – truly an amazing
experience that I’ll never forget.”
Barbara’s desire to give back to the School is rooted
in her belief in Marymount’s core mission and values.
“It is such a unique thing – the warmth and joy and
love that you feel at Marymount and see in the faces
of the girls there,” Barbara says. “It is the reason that
alumnae keep coming back and send their daughters
to the School. And it’s why I think that girls graduating
from Marymount can do anything. Because when you
have that kind of loving environment around you, you
can go out and do great things.”

“It is such a
unique thing –
the warmth
and joy and
love that
you feel at
Marymount
and see in the
faces of the
girls there.”
35

Class Notes
36
1940s
Barbara Hughes Meima ’49
continues to create stone sculpture in
Washington and in Bethany Beach,
Delaware. With
a lot of hard
work, fun, and
inspiration,
Barbara has won
a few first prizes
for her art.
1950s
Marie Giaimo Stokes ’53 is
working part-time at Montauk Library.
She spends time in Florida during the
winter and volunteers at her parish in
marriage ministry and outreach. She
enjoys spending free time with friends
and family.
Cecille (Ceil) Gavin Ainsworth ’54
continues her work at Straus News
as an Associate Publisher. Straus
publishes weekly community papers
in Manhattan, including Our Town in
the Marymount neighborhood. For a
second career, it has been fun! She still
loves visiting Marymount frequently.
Barbara Bricker ’54 enjoyed a
wonderful trip to England, Scotland,
and Wales in September.
Noni Reed O’Hara ’57 is still
living in Peter Cooper Village and
works in the kitchen of the Stein
Senior Center three days a week.
She has three grandchildren, and
is still in contact with fellow
classmate Susan O’Leary Portieri.
She has wonderful, fun, and happy
memories from her two years on
84th Street.
Barbara Pfeiffer ’57 is working with
kids from six months to six years old
at the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in
Camden, New Jersey.
Ellen Flanagan McGee ’59 caught
up with classmates Sr. Kathleen
Fagan, Linda Flynn Gage,
Melinda Lawrence Nobbs, and
Mary La Rosa Rooney at the
RSHM Luncheon at the New York
Athletic Club.
1960s
Gerry Rinehart Lykins ’61 is
currently living in the City of Fort
Thomas, Kentucky. She and her
husband look forward to moving
closer to their younger son, Jerry, in
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Catherine McKenna ’63 welcomed
grandson, Emmet McGill, into the
world on August 19. Catherine sees
Emmet and his four-year-old sister,
June, frequently in Brooklyn. She
continues to chair the Department of
Celtic Languages and Literatures at
Harvard.
Julia Ho Wang ’64 and husband,
Dexter, have been participating in
ballroom dance
competitions
for the past
fifteen years
and recently
competed in the
Empire Dance
Championship.
Mary Catherine Harris ’68 is
submitting a class note for the first
time and sends warm greetings
to all of her classmates! Mary is
a pediatrician specializing in the
intensive care of newborn infants
at Penn and Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia, where she has practiced
for the last 35 years. She has also
been an Advisory Dean at Penn Med,
where she has mentored medical
students over many years. As a
consequence of this, Mary’s life has
been very busy professionally, but
she is slowly beginning to focus on
herself and her family more. She has a
wonderful husband who is a physicist,
and she still cultivates her interest in
gardening and singing. Mary would
love to hear from anyone from the old
days!
Rosario (Rosie) Brache
Leparulo ’68 and husband, William,
raised two boys who are both happily
married at ages 42 and 39. She has
two grandchildren: Gracie (9) and
Anthony (7). Rosie and her husband
have lived in Tallahassee, Florida,
since 1974, and she retired from
teaching French at a local community
college after 32 years. She is still
best friends with her Marymount
best friend from sophomore year and
remains close to many more. Rosie’s

years at Marymount continue to bless
her even today.
Mary Ellen Pogue Purdy ’69 lives
in Hobe Sound, Florida. She enjoys life
in a new community, on a lovely golf
course where she meets delightful new
friends every day! Mary invites fellow
alumnae on Florida’s east coast to
please be in touch – she would love to
see you!
1970s
Kathleen (Kate) McAnally
Graham ’70 retired this year after
thirty years as Chief Magistrate for the
Franklin County Municipal Court. She
and her husband, Galen, are enjoying
their retirement by spending more
time with their two daughters, being
docents, and traveling to new places.
E. Susan Johnson ’70 published
her second book, called The Power
of Twenty: The Women Presidents’
Organization Entrepreneurial
Excellence the First 20 Years in 2017.
Her first book, Women Presidents’
Organization 50 Fastest Growing
Women-Owned/Led Companies Guide
to Growth, was published in 2016,
sponsored by American Express.
Jane Rabbino Miller ’71 moved to
The Villages, Florida, in October 2017.
Margo Moore ’71 received her
Doctorate in Education from the
University of Massachusetts Boston
and has been a public school educator
in Massachusetts for many years.
1980s
Jackie Galatola Ceonzo ’82 is
working with the Archdiocese through
Archcare to develop a template for
converting convents/rectories into
housing for those on the autism
spectrum. St. Teresa on Staten Island
has been selected as the first site. This
is part of Jackie’s ongoing work with
SNACK (Special Needs Activity Center
for Kids). She recently extended her
program to meet the needs of adults
with autism as well as children.
Josefina Alba Essex ’82 is thrilled
to have her daughter Montgomarie
join Marymount’s Class of 2021 – a
joyful feeling of dèjá vu! Like her
sister Sydney (Class of 2016) who
is now at UPenn, Montgomarie will be
spending her lunches and frees in the
Tea House, visiting the Met weekly,
deciding on a class Halloween costume,
going to the the Skating Party, working
on the Marifia, participating in Campus
Ministry with Sr. Clevie, and making
lifelong friends. Go lions!
Mary Callaghan
O’Mahony ’82 lives
in Cork, Ireland, with
her two children,
Cormac (15) and
Áine (12). She and
her daughter share
an interest in inline
figure skating, and
this summer they
competed at the World
Open Inline Figure
Skating Championships in Dijon. Mary
recently began a clothing business for
figure skating attire. If you’d like to
learn more about Mary’s clothing line,
visit www.cnyskateanddancewear.ie
Pamela Kenny Turner ’82 and her
family moved to Vero Beach, Florida,
last year from Greenwich, Connecticut.
She has two daughters, Katie (16) and
Emma (14), who attend St. Edward’s
School in 11th and 9th grades. Her
husband works as an analyst for
Verizon Business International and she
is a substitute teacher. They love beach
living!
Jennifer Granozio ’84
received two 2017
Ex Awards and one
2017 Pro Award this
fall for her outstanding
Netflix Gilmore Girls
Luke’s Cafe promotion.
Christine Murphy ’84 will
celebrate 24 years working as a
Physician Assistant this December.
She received her master’s degree
from Cornell. Christine is happily
working at Mount Sinai West/Mount
Sinai St. Luke’s hospital (part of the
Mount Sinai Health System), where
she reconnected with fellow alumnae
Nicole Buchenholz ’84 and Erin
McDermott Nance ’01.
Alice Wong ’86 left book publishing
four years ago and is now a registered
nurse at NYP Brooklyn Methodist
Hospital. She is pursuing her M.S. in
adult primary care at NYU. She has
three daughters: Chi Chi, a senior
at Wesleyan University; Sylvia, a
sophomore at Smith College; Phoebe, a
10th grader at Saint Ann’s in Brooklyn.
Her husband, Clark, is still hanging on
in publishing.
Caroline
Nastro ’88
released her first
picture book,
The Bear Who
Couldn’t Sleep,
in October 2016,
published by
North South
Books.
Deborah Misir ’89
and husband, Grant Lally, have a son
named Brahm, who is two and a half
years old and just started preschool.
Deborah and her family live in Lloyd
Harbor on Long Island, and little
37

Class Notes
38
Brahm loves exploring the beach,
going to the “big person” library, and
helping Daddy clear brush! Deborah
practices law at Lally and Misir, LLP,
in Mineola, New York, and teaches
Constitutional Law at Touro Law
School. She sends her best wishes to
all.
Rita Pietropinto-Kitt ’89 was
appointed the first female Board Chair
of the Columbia University Alumni
Association.
1990s
Maria Krasnikow Harris ’92
works at SoulCycle Inc. as VP,
General Counsel. Maria went to
both college and law school at
Georgetown University. She practiced
as a big-law corporate attorney for
eight years before making the move
in-house to serve as counsel for
several pharmaceutical and beauty
companies, including Revlon and The
Body Shop.
She is beyond
thrilled that
her daughter,
Alexandra,
started
Marymount
this year as a
fourth grader.
Vannita Simma-Chiang ’94 is a
Board-Certified Urologist/Assistant
Professor and has recently taken
on the role of Associate Residency
Program Director with the Mount
Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of
Medicine, Department of Urology. She
is a surgeon, physician-educator, and
specializes in
General Urology
with a focus
in Women’s
Health/Female
Urology.
Vannita lives in
Manhattan with
her husband,
David, and their
three sons, Justin, Ryan, and Leo.
Raimonda Porter Clarke ’95 and
her husband, Raymond, welcomed
their third son, Sawyer Oliver Clarke,
in March 2017.
Elizabeth Cius ’98
and husband,
Michael, welcomed
Henry Michael
Nolan on June 13,
2017.
Mariah
Mulvihill ’99
and John Bradley
welcomed
their daughter,
Victoria Jane, in
September 2016.
Prior to Viva’s
birth, Mariah was
practicing family law and criminal
defense in New Jersey where they also
live. Mariah holds dear her friends
from Marymount, and is grateful for
the Marymount education, experience,
and continued fellowship.
Rebecca Lee Soylemez ’99 and
her husband, Nedim, welcomed their
daughter, Olive Rebecca, on June 13.
Olive’s older brother Teddy turned two
on June 2.
2000s
Martha Horan ’00
spent three terrific
years in New
Haven working at
Yale and recently
relocated to Miami,
Florida, joining the
University of Miami
Libraries as Head of
Preservation Strategies.
Elisabeth Anderson
Rapport ’00 recently
launched her own
communications
consultancy.
Elisabeth Rapport
Communications, LLC specializes in
creative, customized content solutions
for a range of organizations. Learn
more at elisabethrapportcomm.com.
Anna Kislevitz Stein ’00 married
Dr. Philip Stein on September 16,
2017. The couple lives
in Philadelphia,
where Anna works
as a Director of
Licensing and
Merchandising
at Striker
Entertainment and
Philip is a Pediatric
Gastroenterologist at
St. Christopher’s Hospital for
Children.
Nancy Whalen ’00 recently
relocated to Austin, Texas, to be the
head of HR for Vista Consulting
Group, the consulting arm of Vista
Equity Partners. She loves exploring a

new city and is happy to trade in snow
boots for cowboy boots!
Kimberly Chiesi Hegarty ’01
recently moved to the D.C./Virginia
Beach area. She and her husband
currently have three daughters:
Virginia (5), Noelle (2), and Genevieve
(2), and are expecting their fourth in
early January.
After living thirty minutes from each
other for nearly four amazing years,
Kaitlin Barry ’02 and Stephanie
Philis Lentz ’02 were happily
reunited after a very long year apart in
San Francisco for Kaitlin’s wedding this
past May.
Emily Schulman
Mulflur ’02
welcomed daughter
Caroline Grace
Mulflur on August
5, 2017 at 3:16 a.m.,
weighing 8 pounds,
4 ounces.
Elisa Kearney Casey ’03 and her
husband, John, welcomed their second
daughter, Abigail Jane Casey, into the
world on October 1, 2017. Micaela (2) is
enjoying being a big sister!
Cassandra Porter Liscia ’03 and
husband, Mark, welcomed baby Andrea
Kathryn Liscia on November 16, 2016.
Elizabeth
(Betsy) Kana
Scarlata ’03
and husband,
Andy, welcomed
their son,
Declan Reilly, on
April 18, 2017.
Lenore Bell ’04 recently got engaged
to her boyfriend, Jonathan Todd! She
also had her thesis published; “The
Other in 9/11 Literature: If You See
Something Say Something” is now
available on Amazon. She currently
teaches English at the University of
Applied Sciences in Rotterdam.
Elisabeth Rennell Hosmer ’04 and
her husband Dan welcomed another
baby girl, Charlotte Renee, on June 16,
2017 – a month
early! Big
sister Kirsten
adores her baby
sister, and the
Hosmers can’t
wait to bring
Charlotte for
a Marymount
visit soon!
Julia Lindenthal ’04 chaired the
World Forum Disrupt Conference
in San Francisco, California, on
September 20-21, 2017. After spending
the past few years managing the
Infosys-AT&T Marketing Portfolio,
Julia decided to pursue a new
opportunity as the Lead Engagement
Manager overseeing account growth in
the North East region for Mu Sigma,
the largest data analytics company
in the world by data scientist talent.
Although she will miss her home for
the past three years of Dallas, she is
looking forward to returning to her
other home – New York!
Aditi Banga ’05 spent the past six
years in the Bay Area and is moving
back to New York with her fiancé. She is
looking forward to catching up with her
fellow alumnae in person!
Angelina Darrisaw ’05 offered
keynote remarks based on her TedX
talk, “Career Advancement is a Social
Justice Issue,” to 150+ LEDA Scholars
at Brown University to engage 1st-gen
students on how getting promoted
is meaningful for change in underresourced
communities.
Leila Swarztrauber Huff ’05,
husband, Tim, and son, Theodore,
welcomed Colin
Stewart Huff
into their lives
on September
1, weighing in
at 6 pounds, 13
ounces.
Elizabeth Kotite ’05 had an active
year in the theater community. She
joined an all-inclusive theater group
called EPIC Players. Elizabeth was also
in a production of You’re a Good Man,
Charlie Brown in November at the
Flea Theater. She penned a play called
Misty’s Plan, which was performed
in April at the Manhattan Repertory
Theatre. She also participated in the
United Solo Festival in 2017.
Rebecca Lang ’05 married Joe
McDermott on June 24, 2017, in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Bernadette Blanchfield ’06
graduated this spring with her Ph.D. in
Psychology
from the
University
of Virginia,
where she
researched
disparities
in sexual
minority and
racial minority women’s reproductive
health and family planning service
accessibility. She spent six years
analyzing national datasets and
conducting mixed-method studies
that identified social, economic, and
policy barriers to underrepresented
women’s reproductive opportunities
in the U.S. Bernadette also published
several scientific journal articles
and book chapters on this and other
39

Class Notes
40
LGBTQ-family related topics
along the way. She’d like to give a
shout out to Marymount’s writing
curriculum for laying a strong
foundation! Bernadette has since
made Washington, D.C. her new
home, working as a Research
Associate in Health Evaluation for a
statistical survey research firm in
Maryland.
Oona Curley ’06
married Katie Pidgeon
on October 6, 2017.
Elizabeth Rubacha ’06
makes beautiful, amazing
cakes! She received her training
as a pastry chef at Le Cordon Bleu in
Paris, and
spent a year
working at
Dominique
Ansel
Bakery
back in
New York.
She now
works in the
decorating
room as a confectionary artist at
Ron Ben-Israel Cakes. You can
follow her work on Instagram
@chewys.adventures
Marissa Mann ’07
and Luke Andrews
became engaged
during a recent
trip to Paris.
Amanda Vecchione ’07 married
Matthew Brink on September 9, 2017
on Fire Island. In attendance were
several other graduates from her
year: Marissa Mann, Dominique
Rennell, Helen Ingerman, Greer
Beauregard, and Sarah Jones
Harrison.
Angeline DeChiara ’09 was sworn
into the Virginia State Bar. She
recently completed a postgraduate
clerkship with the U.S. Justice
Department’s Attorney General’s
Honors Program. Angelina works as
an Associate Counsel with the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs in
Washington, D.C.
2010s
Alexandra Skrivanek ’10 began
her third year as a Ph.D. candidate at
the University of Florida Department
of Geological Sciences and her second
year as a fellow of the National
Science Foundation Graduate
Research Fellowship Program (NSF
GRFP). Alexandra’s research on the
response of sea level and ice sheets to
a warming climate has afforded her
the opportunity to travel to Jamaica,
Mexico, California, and the Bahamas.
She looks forward to returning to
the Yucatán, Mexico, this fall to do
fieldwork to look for evidence of
past sea-level change preserved in
fossil coral reefs exposed along the
coastline.
Allison Weadock ’1o married Sam
French on July 8, 2017.
April Cardena ’13 is currently the
regional director for a grassroots
organization within the New York
state Republican Party. Her mission
is to incorporate diversity, tolerance,
and grassroots efforts. She is an
associate at Gotham Strategies,
where their priority is to get more
women in office. As the regional
director, she works with leaders
of all other parties and states to
help society grow with leadership,
tolerance, and diversity.
Raeanne Villongco ’13 recently
graduated from Boston University
with a major in Graphic Design and
minors in Business Administration
and Art History. She is now
working as a Junior Designer at
Undertone, a digital advertising
agency in Manhattan. Examples
of her work can be found at
raeannevillongco.com.
In Memoriam
Patricia Shaughnessy
Antley ’53 passed away on
November 16, 2016.
Suzanne Lindberg Flynn ’71
passed away at home with her
family at her side on April 7, 2015,
after a long battle with cancer.

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
In order to provide a highly customized program with expansive offerings, Marymount
relies on your contributions to the Annual Fund to enhance our academic and
extracurricular programs, support our faculty, and maintain our facilities.
When we succeed, they succeed!
124
foreign
language award
winners
ACADEMICS
253 different courses across 4 divisions
2
FACULTY
26
6:1 student to teacher ratio
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
84 extracurricular clubs and teams
5
team
championships
43
music and drama
performances
FINANCIAL AID
$4.5 million allocated for scholarships
55 seniors
offered 242 acceptances
from 116 colleges and
universities
21%
of students receive
financial aid
SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND!
Give online at marymountnyc.org, or contact the
Development Office at 212-744-4486.
All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent provided by law. The School may expend as much of the endowment
fund as it deems appropriate, unless otherwise restricted by the gift instrument pursuant to N-PCL 553b.
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