FocusThe Alumnae Newsletter of Mount St. Mary Academy

Fall 2011

Mount St. Mary Academy,

founded by the Sisters of St. Mary

of Namur, is a Catholic, private,

college preparatory school for

young women.

Within a nurturing environment,

the Academy strives to develop

the whole person. Guided by our

Catholic tradition, and rooted in

Gospel values, we educate young

women who are dedicated to

lifelong learning, moral integrity

and service to and acceptance of

others.

Over 150 alumnae came home to Mount St. Mary Academy on June 12, 2011 for our first annual Alumnae Sunday. Together, alumnae and family celebrated Mass in our beautiful chapel with Monsignor Francis Weldgen on the feast of Pentecost.

The gathering allowed alumnae of all classes to come together and enjoy the company of women who share fond memories of the Mount. Old friends reconnected at a brunch following the Mass in the school’s dining hall, lin-gering over coffee and reexploring old classrooms and hallways.

Special honors were given to our reunion classes, most especially the Classes of 1956, 1971, 1996, 2001 and 2006 who included Alumnae Sunday as part of their reunion weekend.

This year’s Alumnae Awards were presented after Mass. Special hon-orees were given a Mount St. Mary medallion in honor of their personal achievements.

Mary Jenkins Roberts (1973) received the Sophia Award, in recog-nition of her wisdom, determination and professional achievement. The award was presented by Mary’s sister, Ann Jenkins Santiago (1977), and niece, Leah Santiago (2012). Roberts currently serves as the Execu-tive Director of the Darwin Martin Restoration Corporation.

The Alumna of the Year Award was presented to Kathleen Shanahan, PhD (1976). This award recognizes an individu-al who exhibits the virtues that Mount St. Mary Academy was founded on: Scholarship, Acceptance, Integrity, Tradition, Ser-vice, Values, Respect and Nurturing. Shanahan was selected by the Alumnae Board to receive this award for her many years of service and compassionate care for cancer patients at Buffalo’s Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

A new award was established to recognize excellence in teach-ing. The first Distinguished Faculty Award was presented to Sr. Mary (Robert) Thompson, SSMN, (1945) who taught Religion, English and Latin at Mount St. Mary Academy intermittently throughout the 1950s-1990s.

Next year’s Alumnae Sunday will be held on September 9, 2012 to coincide with the 85th anniversary of the school.

MSM Celebrates Our Alumnae

If you would like to make a donation in honor of one of our Alumnae Award recipients, please contact Julie Rosenecker Wojick (1985), Assistant Principal for Institutional Advancement, at (716) 877-1358 or jwojick@mt-st-marys.org.

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Celebrating 50 Years Together Almost 60 alumnae reunited on September 17, 2010 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Msgr. Wettter celebrated a Mass in the MSM Chapel, where deceased classmates were remembered with a rose ceremony.

A tour of the school was offered to those who wished to explore their old haunts. “Even after 50 years, as I walked in the halls I had visions of days past -- remembering a smile or a facial expression. It was like being a student here all over again,” said Linda Cercone Zimmerman.

The group continued its remembrances at the Buf-falo Club where each class-mate reviewed her past 50 years. Not all of these classmates’ histories lived up to the Class of 1960 Prophecy Scroll!

The class gathered dona-tions which will benefit the missions of the Sisters of the St. Mary of Namur.

A special thank you to Barbara Warren Strzyz and Ruth Tuttle Frawley for their work planning the event.

Pictured above: The Class of 1960 at their 50th reunion. Pictured below (clockwise from right): The Elizabeth Seton Story; The Class of 1960’s Prophecy Scroll; Graduation Day in the new audi-torium.

Remember When?

We asked classmates from our golden jubilee class to tell us about their days at MSM. Do you remember when?

“In all my years at the Mount there were only two lay teach-ers: Mrs. Weaver and Ms. Wesley. We took a class to learn how to walk and speak! I loved Freshman English, with Sr. Jean Heavey. She was every-body’s favorite. We didn’t have summer reading, that was our parents’ department.”

-Patricia Walder Carr

“When we started, ‘the New Wing’ had just opened but the auditorium was being built. We sold World’s Finest Chocolates to fundraise for the building. The chocolate had pic-tures of the school on it, and it seemed like I brought a box home everyday!”

-Barbara Warren Strzyz

“We had a big class, but you never felt lost in the crowd. I always felt the opposite -- I didn’t know anyone when I came to the Mount, but I was one of the group. I felt invigorated. Our uniforms were solid blue with the white cuffs and collars. You just washed your cuffs and collars and you were set to go!”

-Linda Cercone Zimmerman

Class of

1960

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Mount St. Mary’s 80th Graduation

Members of the Class of 2011 pose on the front lawn before gradua-tion: Laura Brick, Emily Bork, Julia Manuszewski, Erika Taylor, Rosie Paternostro, Lauren McDaniel, Kristin Seel and Lynn Poltowicz.

On June 5, 2011, Mount St. Mary Acad-emy graduated its 80th class, consist-ing of 85 young women, dressed in tra-ditional long white gowns and carrying red roses.

This year, Dr. Mary Patricia Pauly (1967) addressed the graduates encour-aging them to persistent, be adaptable and to make a commitment to service.

The Class of 2011 garnered over $12 million in scholarships and will now continue on to colleges throughout the nation.

Dear Sister Alumnae,Fall has arrived at Mount St. Mary Academy. Our hallways are once again bustling with activity -- the clanging of lockers and laughter of young voices.

This year, we happily welcomed the Class of 2015 through our front doors. On Freshman Orientation night, this year’s new class took the stage to perform the Alma Mater for the first time, singing to their most appreciative au-dience: their parents. Remember what it felt like to enter Mount St. Mary as a freshman? Oh, the nervous antici-pation of all the wonderful days to come!

As fall continues, I hope you’ll take a moment to remember that first day of classes years ago and to plan your return through the doors of MSM.

The fall issue of Focus is laden with updates of alumnae events that have taken place over the past year. This year promises to be just as busy and exciting.

There’s always something going on at the Mount, and there’s no time like the present to come home!

Dawn Hurley Riggie (1971)Principal

P.S. Want to keep up with your sister alumnae and get the latest news on upcoming events? Find us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/MountStMaryAcademy.

In NYC and missing MSM?Save the Date

MSM is coming to NYC for

Columbus Day Weekend.

Join us on October 9 for a cruise

around the New York Harbor. Call Bonnie May at

(716) 877-1357 for details.

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The Mount St. Mary

Academy AwardsChrysalis Auction

2011

Pictured on the left (from top to bottom):Auction co-chair Liz Reiser (1975) displays her award show spirit with her husband, Phil Sullivan; Marj Jakiel (1975) poses with Oscar; Scott and Anne Jakiel McBride (1972) show some “True Grit.”

Pictured on the right (from top to bottom): Dancers perform a number from the blockbuster Hairspray; co-chairs Anne Reiser Meegan (1985) and Carol Reiser Maranto (1986) saddle up next to John Wayne; the main hall in all its glitz and glamour.

The 16th annual Chrysalis Auction was a blockbuster hit! With 323 tickets sold, the Academy Awards, Hollywood-themed auction and dinner was our most attended Chrysalis yet. Hit live auction items included a private lunch with silver screen star Celeste Holm, a Louis Vuitton bag, and trips to New York. In total, the Chrysalis Auction raised over $70,000 for the school.

A special thank you goes to this year’s chairs, Liz Reiser (1975), Mary Reiser Fiorella (1979), Anne Reiser Meegan (1985) and Carol Reiser Maranto (1986), and to all of our sponsors.

Save the Date:

Mount OlympusThe 17th Annual Chrysalis Auction and Dinner

Saturday, March 10, 2012

This year’s event is being chaired by The Hoelscher Family:Donna Hoelscher Suchan (1978), Kathy Hoelscher Glieco (1981),

Kim Hoelscher Curtin (1981) and Kristin Glieco (2009).

Information about sponsorship and advertising information can be found on our website, www.mt-st-marys.org. Stay tuned for additional details!

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Mount St. Mary Academy’s Reverse Raffle $11,500 in Cash Prizes!

Only 400 Reverse Raffle tickets will be sold!

Tickets will be sold on a first-come/first-served basis. So hurry and get your ticket today!

Ticket Donation: $100 each Date: Saturday, November 5, 2011 Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM Location: MSM Gymnasium Dress: “Come for Fun!” Casual Ticket drawings begin at 7:05 SHARP!

Each ticket purchased provides the following: A 1 in 400 chance at the $10,000 Grand Prize A chance at other cash prizes totaling $1,500 A chance to win one of many “2nd chance” door prizes Admission for two to the Reverse Raffle party with

complimentary snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks A great way to support Mount St. Mary Academy!

You do not need to be present to win.

Chances for additional side raffles and a 50/50 split

will be available during the main event.

To obtain tickets: Fill out the information below and return it with your check (payable to Mount St. Mary Academy) to:

Mount St. Mary Academy, 3756 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217, Attn.: Reverse Raffle.

Tickets will be mailed once availability and payment have been confirmed. Additional ticket request forms are available on the Mount St. Mary Academy website: www.mt-st-marys.org.

MSM Reverse Raffle Ticket Request Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________City: _____________ ST.: ____ Zip: _______ Phone: _________________ E-Mail: ___________________________________________ How did you hear of this event? _____________________________________________________ Number of Tickets Requested: ____ x $100 = $__________ (Payment enclosed) Number of persons planning on attending the event: _______ (Each ticket admits maximum of two.)

For those wishing to pay for tickets via credit card, we will accept VISA and MasterCard. Please call Bonnie May at (716) 877-1358 to order your tickets.

Ticket Position Cash Prize

1st Ticket Drawn $100 13th Ticket Drawn $50 25th Ticket Drawn $50 50th Ticket Drawn $50 75th Ticket Drawn $50

100th Ticket Drawn $100 125th Ticket Drawn $50 150th Ticket Drawn $50 175th Ticket Drawn $50 200th Ticket Drawn $200 225th Ticket Drawn $50 250th Ticket Drawn $50 275th Ticket Drawn $50 300th Ticket Drawn $300 325th Ticket Drawn $100 350th Ticket Drawn $100 375th Ticket Drawn $100 400th Ticket Drawn $10,000

Total Cash Payout $11,500

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Alumnae Notes

1960’s

Maryann Pokracki Jumper (1966) has been retired from teaching for eight years. She is actively involved in the Federated Garden Clubs of NYS, Inc. and is currently serving as First Assis-tant Director of District VIII. Maryann has three grandchildren.

Mary Laubenthal (1961) is happy to announce that she has returned to the area and is living in Tonawanda.

1970’s

Lori Silveri (1975) [pictured above] would like to thank everyone at the Mount for their prayers and support for her son Jonathon Cote. Jonathon was kidnapped in Iraq in Novem-ber 2006, held hostage for 17 months and was murdered.

Alumnae UpdatesSteve Fainaru has published a book Big Boy Rules, about Jonathan’s story.

1990’s

Nancy Strychasz writes: “To all my friends out there: Amy Strychasz (1991) has just self-published her first novel, available at Amazon.com, for the Kindle, the Nook, etc. Check out her site: amyjstrychasz.com. The book is great [I’m only her Mom!], but her site will give you a good sense of what Buffalo Gals is all about. Pass the word along!

2000’s

Kristen Silvestri Peer (2001) owns Sealed With Love Designs, which pro-vides custom invitations and gifts for life’s special occasions. Kristen and her husband, Andy, had their first child in June.

Meghan Loftus (2005) is attending the University of Virginia Law School in Charlottesville.

Please join us in honoring our Alumnae:

Alumnae Remembrance Mass

Tuesday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m.

All are welcome.Parking is available on the Front Circle.

Please enter through the Auditorium doors.We will be reading the names of alumnae who have passed away in 2011. If you would like to remember your classmate at the Mass or if you have any questions, please contact Alexandra Fussell at (716) 877-1358 or by email alumnae@mt-st-marys.org.

Did you attend St. John the Baptist? Celebrate your grade school:

St. John the Baptist All Class Alumni Mass Saturday, November 26, 4 p.m.

Tours and an informal reception im-mediately following

Please contact Michelle Salemi

msalemi@stjohnskenmore.com

(716) 877-6401

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

GODSPELLJoin us for Alumnae Night

at the Fall Musical, Saturday, November 19 at

7:30 p.m.

Call (716) 877-1358 for tickets. Men-tion you’re an alumna for a discounted ticket.

Additional show dates are Friday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 20 at 2:00 p.m.

In Memoriam

James Beaupied, March 28, 2011, husband of Jane Jasinski Beaupied (1954).

Ronald M Bernard, May 3, 2011, son of Peggy O’Neill Bernard (1954).

Frances Bubas (1967), April 8, 2011, sister of Barbara Bubas Shea (1965).

Juliet Moses Budi (1946), Janu-ary 29, 2011, sister of the late Yvonne Moses Ostrowski (1947) and the late Maryann Moses Stroth (1955).

Farry (Fred) Conway, July 6, 2011, fa-ther of Kathy Conway (1968), Anne Conway Sullivan (1976), Mary Conway Reiser (1981), grandfather of Bridget Sullivan-Ryan (2001),

Kelly Sullivan (2004), and Sheila Sullivan (2007).

Dale Lewis D’Alessio (1954), April 18, 2011, sister of the late Patricia Lewis Donohue (1953), and Con-stance Lewis Weir (1960).

Mary Cain Downey (1940), March 2, 2011, grandmother of Monica Bailey (2009), Colleen Bailey (2014) and Molly Downey (2015).

Helen Duquette, March 3, 2011, mother of Marcia Duquette Noto (1970), grandmother of Elizabeth Rossi (2009), Julia Duquette (2013) and Madalyn Rossi (2013).

Paul D. Gray, January 2011, husband of Beth De Tine, (1971), brother-in-law of Nancy De Tine (1966), Susan De Tine-Carter (1968), Linda De Tine (1970), Amy De Tine (1973), and Carol DeTine (1975).

June Courtney Kobus (1946), Feb-ruary 21, 2011.

Leanne Kogler (1948), May 31, 2011, sister of Alicia Kogler (1969), cousin of Sr. Mary Vincent (Clare Marie) Kogler (1952), Geraldine Kogler (1955) and Alexandra Kogler Fus-sell (1996).

Kathleen Rapp Moore (1951), June 4, 2011.

Marie E. Fiorella Oehler (1966) March 27, 2011.

Jane Elizabeth Reddin (1975), Feb-ruary 6, 2011, sister of Patricia Red-din Vories (1979).

Mary Ann Thomann Roland (1945), July 20, 2011, mother of Carol Roland Regan (1968) and Mari-anne Roland (1976), grandmother of Jaclyn Roland (2000), sister of Virginia Thomann Hall (1944), sis-ter-in-law of the late June McGovern Thomann (1945), aunt of Kathleen Thomann Lake (1967), Karen Hall Pysczynski (1967), Debra Hall-Stonish (1971), Marleen Rohring Rein (1974) and the late Cynthia Thomann (1965).

Joyce Smith Stone (1945), May 24, 2011.

Patricia Klocke O’Brien Twist, May 27, 2011, mother of Mary Grace O’Brien Casey (1976), Margaret (Peg) O’Brien Simons (1978), Clare O’Brien (1984), stepmother of Mary Ellen Twist Creighton (1976), Kathy Twist Burns (1980), grand-mother of Brigid Lawrence (2009) and Megan Lawrence (2011).

Engagements & Weddings

George and Geraldine Tuyn Brick (1959) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 24, 2011.

Jessica Zoladz (1999) was married on October 9, 2010 to Zar Ni Htay at Christ the King Chapel at Canisius Col-lege. A reception at Brookfield Country Club follwed their ceremony. Natalie Janiszewski (1999) served as Maid of Honor. Jessica currently works as a Cer-tified Genetic Counselor with Genzyme Genetics and the University of Miami.

Emily Najjar (2006) married her high school sweetheart and St. Joe’s graduate, Matthew Kuch, on December 20, 2010. While Matthew is active duty in the US Navy, Emily is working for Hyatt Hotels in Boston, MA.

Births

Danielle Nixon Fleckenstein (1994) and her husband Jim, and big brother Abel Henry joyfully welcomed Silas James on April 25, 2011. He is the grandson of Beverly Seibert Nixon (1971), and nephew of Amber Nixon Hartman (1993) and Jenna Hor-witz (2010).

Rebecca Young Donoghue (1995) welcomed Margaret Jean Donoghue, born on July 15, 2010. She joins big sister, Cecelia Ann. Margaret is niece of Nicole Young (1990) and Monica Young (1996), and granddaughter of Carla Damiani Young (1965).

Julie Johnson Davis (1996) and her husband, Mark, welcomed Benjamin Palmer Davis on March 30, 2011.

Alumnae Updates

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Share your news! Please contact Alexandra Kogler Fussell (1996), Coordinator of Alumnae and Public Relations, to place an announcement or provide your update. Call (716) 877-1358 or email alumnae@mt-st-marys.org today.

Focus

Upcoming Alumnae Events

October 9 NYC Alumnae Cruise with the MSM Marching Band

November 1 All Saints Day1:00 p.m. Alumnae Remembrance Mass MSM Auditorium

November 5 Reverse Raffle Drawing6:00 p.m. MSM Gymnasium

Giving to MSM Mount St. Mary Academy depends on the generosity of our alumnae to achieve our mission. To make a donation, please call (716) 877-1358 or fill out the following form and mail it to: Mount St. Mary Academy, Development Department 3756 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217

This gift is from:

Name

Address

City, State Zip

Phone Email

I/We enclosed a gift of: I wish my gift to remain anonymous I would like to make my donation in honor/memory of:

Please designate my donation to: The Alumnae Scholarship The Annual Giving Program Other:

Please charge my Visa/Mastercard (please circle one):

Charge Account # Expiration: CVV: Signature:

Mount St. Mary Academy is registered with the New York State Office of Charities as a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Mount St. Mary Academy3756 Delaware AvenueKenmore, New York 14217

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBuffalo, NY

Permit No. 601

Mount St. Mary Academy3756 Delaware Avenue

Kenmore, New York 14217(716) 877-1358

www.mt-st-marys.org

Questions? Updates?Contact Alexandra Kogler Fussell (1996)

Coordinator of Alumnae and Public Relationsafussell@mt-st-marys.org

(716) 877-1358 ext. 414