Class News - Dominican University

CLASS NEWS
You always belong to the
Dominican University community.
Class News provides all alumnae/i of
Dominican University with an opportunity
to share news and celebrate important life
events. Class News is prepared through the
Office of Alumnae/i Relations in cooperation
with class agents. If you would like to be a
class agent, have news to report or have
questions, please contact our office by
email at [email protected], by phone at
(708) 524-6286, by fax at (708) 366-4197
or by mail at Office of Alumnae/i Relations,
Dominican University, 7900 West Division
Street, River Forest, IL 60305. For questions
or contact information, please contact our
office. Please note: the magazine cannot
publish pregnancy and engagement
announcements.
Class News items are submitted by
alumnae/i and do not represent positions,
policies or opinions of the Office of
Alumnae/i Relations, or Dominican University.
The class news published in this edition
was collected before November 15, 2015.
News submitted after November 15, 2015,
will appear in the next edition of the magazine,
Fall 2016. Thanks for sharing your news!
Alumnae/iWeekend
Renew the experience. June 9-11
2017
Save the date
Alumnae/i Weekend June 9-11
All are welcome! Special milestone
celebrations will be held for classes
ending in 7 and 2, including the Class
of 1967, celebrating their 50th reunion
and the Class of 1992, celebrating their
25th. Visit dom.edu/alumniweekend
for more information.
Are you receiving
our emails?
Send your email address to us at
[email protected] so you can stay
in the loop on upcoming events
and university news.
1949
Sister Mark (Cleo) O’Laughlin, OP,
class agent
Carol Cook Woods writes, “I recently
downsized to a one bedroom apartment at
Brookdale of Glen Ellyn. I am still driving and
have infrequent jobs teaching Spanish at a
local high school. (Thanks, Sister Sheila).”
Dorothy Rolfs Stenz and I touched base via
phone. We had some good laughs sharing
memories of 4 East hall, our trip to fish creek
65 years ago. She is well, enjoying life and
Arizona warmth! She sends love to all of us.
Her four sons keep her busy.
Joan Janda Belza writes “Along with
others, I am sure, Jan and I were privileged
to celebrate our 65th Wedding Anniversary
in October this year. Last year when we had
a memorable family trip to Warsaw, Poland
to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the 1944
Warsaw Uprising in which Jan took part as a
teenager, we were convinced that that would
be our last big trip. However, come October
this year when we received an invitation
from friends celebrating an anniversary in
New York we decided yet one more trip we
could manage. It was fun to visit St Patrick’s
Cathedral, be entertained in the Grand Central
Terminal as well as the Core Club. Back
home we are still very active. Jan has had
more titanium inserted in his shoulder; we
walk; I continue being a docent at the Carmel
Mission. We anticipate more visitors now that
Pope Francis has canonized the founder,
Junipero Serra. The granddaughters are busy
with college, either applying for graduate
school or for first year…leaving their parents
with an empty nest. Our grandson will be
confirmed and then head for high school.”
Sr. Bianca Madden, OP sends messages
to the Mound with Minneapolis news. She
remains active and grateful for Rosary
connections.
Edgewood Campus School in Madison and to
study for a PhD at the University of Wisconsin,
Mom said my entering was all right after all.
That was before my assignments to Paris and
Florence.
I would never in my wildest dreams have
imagined any of these things, but now I’m
happily retired to the Mound. The day I arrived
I was met at the front door by a couple of
attendants with a wheel chair (good health,
bad legs) and off we went to my new quarters.
We were rolling along this way and that when
suddenly I hear a voice calling, “Jean, Jean,
hi”. Who ...then came, “It’s me, Cleo”. The
Mound lost its spookiness then and there.
Cleo O’Loughlin (Sister Mary Mark) and I have
rooms near each other and so does Mary
Alice Neylon.
Betty Madden (Sister Mary Bianca) and I
email all the time. I would love to get in touch
with Mary Kuhn, a friend since high school
days, and with Joan Janda Belza from La
Jolla and Jane Schotthoeffer Schwarz
from Peoria. Those were happy days up on
the fourth floor dorm at Rosary listening to
One Man’s Family on Sunday afternoon.
Marjorie (Marge) Valleau, “Our Manhattan
New York city ’49er, is still a city ‘res’ and
voter. I talked with her on her last birthday in
July and she updates me on Broadway news
and plays. She is well and active and still very
perky! As they say in show business – “Break
a leg, Marge!”
As for me, your class agent Sr. Cleo, I am
still begging you all for news. Buttons and
marbles are still active in our 88 year old
heads, hearts, and bodies dear ’49ers-please
let Cleo hear from you! I am retired at our
Mound Motherhouse at Sinsinawa, WI, (6
miles from Dubuque) on 450 acres-however
no bus stops nearby or active cab service. Do
phone (608-748-4411 ext. 315), write, come
visit. I am well, still move and walk slowly, can
put a subject and verb together.
Sr. Mary Alice Neylon, OP relays that she
feels perky and well. She has had a few trips
to the mount checking out bones and staying
active. Sister lives in Chicago at the House
of Connections and loves tutoring adults on
basic reading two days a week.
Waiting to hear from you.
Patricia O’Donnell Wadden calls
periodically to keep in touch. Patricia says she
is in good tune though her cuff surgery limits
her golf game! Her bridge group and family
keep her busy. She is “as sassy” as ever!
Despite a recent fall, Lillian Behrens
Havranek said, she is “rolling with the
punches” and finds life fascinating. She still
volunteers with St. Vincent de Paul at her
church and tries to go to the movies once a
week. Call her if you want a run down on the
latest movies. Lillian’s son – the oldest of her
six children – lives with her in Phoenix, where
they moved when she was a young wife and
mother. She credits Rosary for her religious
faith, which she says sustains her.
Sr. Mary Eileen Scully, OP lives at the
Mound. She loves her retirement years and
living at the Mound with wonderful people.
Sr. Jean Richter, OP writes “I’ve been silent
for all too long, so now I’ll try to summarize the
events of the 67 years since I left Rosary after
our freshman year to become a Sinsinawa
Dominican. My mother had been strongly
against my entering because she believed I
would stagnate in some rural school, losing all
traces of personality and even personhood.
Fifteen years later, after I had been assigned
to Milwaukee, River Forest, Fribourg, and
Manhattan before finally being sent to teach at
1950
Virginia Lyons Mullery, class agent
Jeanne Casey Ginther wants her
classmates to know she prays for them daily.
Following two strokes, she said, she prays
a lot, can no longer play golf but can take a
walk every day and read. She lives in Munster,
IN and her five children are as far away as
Australia, Idaho and Pennsylvania. Rita
Winter Rogers has not been well either but,
CLASS NEWS
she said, with two daughters-in-law, who are
nurses, she is well taken care of.
Ann Hellmuth Ahern keeps up with her
Oriental art and belongs to the Sumi Oriental
Brush Group, of which she once served as
president. She attends monthly meetings
and belongs to a woman’s group at church in
Potomac, MD.
Alice Monday Holzer and her husband,
Richard, celebrated their 64th wedding
anniversary last fall in Oshkosh, WI. All
but one of their seven living children live in
Wisconsin. They have 16 great grandchildren.
Gertrude Pinion Greey and her husband,
Elmer, marked their 63rd anniversary. They
live in the country outside Shippensburg,
PA, and when I talked to them they were
getting ready for Thanksgiving, which their
daughter prepares for the entire family. As
you know, I live in my late daughter’s home
and every Thanksgiving since her death my
granddaughter comes from her home in the
North Woods of Wisconsin and cooks dinner
for our clan as her mother used to do.
Nancy Welty Clark spent a weekend at the
Mound in Sinsinawa last fall, attending a class
on silk screen painting. Unfortunately, she
was diagnosed shortly after with bone cancer
but was planning a trip to California to visit her
son. She said, Sister Clemente “Marge”
Davlin had visited her several times. Marge
reminds us that the Dominican Order is
celebrating 800 years since its founding. She
said to watch for special events.
Elaine Tracy was excited about the
“Welcome Back” weekend she had just
spent at the Mound. It was for women who
had once been a member of the Sinsinawa
Dominicans. Elaine was in the order for 30
years. After that she was on the faculty of the
University of Notre Dame for 17 years. Retired
and still living in South Bend, she gets tickets
for every home football game. She said she
tries to do some little random act of kindness
every day - a note, a phone call, etc. - and
that lifts her spirits.
I talked recently to Ellen Sleeter Engelke
in San Antonio, TX, and Florence Heid
Badger in Naples, FL. Florence and her
husband, John, now spend most of the year
in Naples where three of her four children live.
In the summer they return to Ohio.
Agnes Tierney Prindiville is active in the
Women’s Bar Association of Lake County
(IL) and is a lector at church where she also
sings in the choir. She is still doing pro bono
work in the Probate Court in Waukegan. It is
mostly in the area of Guardianship of minors
and disabled adults. She is also active in the
Women’s Bar Association of Lake County and
recently took a trip to NYC with her children.
It was great, weather was superlative; they
visited many important memorials and
museums. At Saints Faith, Hope and Charity
Church, she is a lector and in the choir – all of
which she enjoys very much. She also keeps
up with her seven children, 20 grandchildren,
and two great-grandchildren… there is never
a dull moment!
A few years ago Sister Catherine Meyering
contacted Joanne Weithers, daughter of the
late Mary Ann O’Connell Weithers, to
extend sympathy on the death of her brother.
Consequently, Joanne visited her at the
Mound and the two took a day trip to Eagle
Point Park on the Mississippi River. It has
become an annual event and last October,
Catherine said they took a picnic to the park
and enjoyed the fall colors and watching the
eagles.
Sr. Clemente reports that she went to the
Alumnae/i Memorial Mass for our deceased
and as usual it was crowded. She ran into
Ginny Cagney Madden and her son and
daughter and Virginia Kott and Therese
Buckley Mulvihill. Very nice, and they all
look great, although each of us could use a
few little prayers for this and that.
The Dominican Order is beginning its
celebration of 800 years since St. Dominic
started it! DU is having lots of events--try to
come if you can.
1957
Ellen Bendry, class agent
Hi classmates,
I am writing to you from my health club! I met
up with a lot of classmates this year. Anna
Marie Gonzales Fernandez and Karen
Siewers Hoefs were here visiting and we
have a chance to meet several times. We
talked about our next reunion in 2017. They
both plan on attending!
Jean Horrigan-Delhey hosted a luncheon
last summer and several alumnae were there.
If you would like to join us next summer (Jean
comes every summer for two months as she
has an apartment in the city) we would love to
have you join us.
Audre Coia-Kurowski writes, “This has
been a wonderful year for me. Despite the
odds, my health has held up. I was blessed
to serve as church organist both at my
home parish, St. Katharine Drexel in Sugar
Grove, IL, and at Faith Lutheran in Aurora,
IL, As a member of our St. Vincent de Paul
Conference, I have been blessed to bring
financial and spiritual help to area residents
seeking assistance in the past 10 months.
How I wish my parents were around to see
all the fruits of the Catholic education they so
generously provided.”
At the last class agent meeting we joined
some of the group from the President’s Circle
for a grand luncheon in the area where the
nuns used to live. It was the first time I had
ever been in that area of the school.
President Donna Carroll spoke to us about
the new student commons and displayed plan
for student use and new office space. I sure
was impressed. The campus was wonderful
the day I was there for the meeting. The grotto
and labyrinth were especially beautiful.
Prayers for our classmates.
1958
Class agent needed.
Contact Alumnae/i Office to volunteer.
Jeri Hall-Ahart (nee Jerry Hall) lives in
Boerne, TX. For the last 23 years, she
was regional director of foreign language
programs for children throughout the state
for the IES Language Foundation. She retired
in June 2015 and has been ever since! She
is regent of the Catholic Daughters Court at
church. She also runs a 93-year old guest
cottage (B & B) in beautiful Texas hill country.
To celebrate her 80th birthday, her friends
and she will do what they do every year on or
around this day: drive to Lost Maples State
Park and hike the trails.
1960
Jo Scaccia Maday, class agent
This past year, I have been in touch with
several classmates. Adrienne Motykie
Dahl told of the death of her daughter in-law,
Laura, who bravely fought cancer for five
years. “Laura shared her cancer experience
in a book called Shine”(available on Amazon).
When I spoke to Adrienne last spring, she
said that she and Tom visit her son, Steve,
often to help him with his young children
when he travels for his work. It’s a drive from
Georgia to Champaign, IL, and one of her
sons, Mike, helps with the trip.
Mary Jo Knuth travelled the summer of 2015
to Budapest for four days, and to Prague
for eight days with friends. Luckily, they left
Europe before the refugee crisis. Mary Jo and
her partner, Toni, are planning to cruise to the
Panama Canal in the spring of 2016. Mary
Jo keeps in touch with Fran Murray Llope,
Carol Drexler Clancy, Marian Fulton
MacCarthy and Connie Kahmann Falvey.
Ann Kinskey Rae, PhD and her husband
have spent the last few winters in Tucson,
AZ. They have been able to travel to Mexico
and Hawaii, and plan to cruise the Panama
Canal area in January 2016. I asked Ann if she
had read any good books lately. The Pope’s
visit in 2015, inspired Ann to read Seven
Story Mountain by Thomas Merton. Ann
said, (like us all) “Keeping up with doctor’s
appointments keeps us busy.”
In August 2015, Betty Banas Cella, Karen
Loan Haggerty and I met for lunch. We
talked about health issues, children and
gardening; for Betty, her Michigan retreat and
for Karen, her cabin in Indiana.
Jeannette McBride Murray and I attended
the Memorial Mass at Dominican. We are
fortunate to live near each other and spend
time together.
I hope you and your loved ones stay close.
We all are grateful for family and friends.
CLASS NEWS
1961
Mary Melocik Hambleton, Betty Freehill
DeGuzman, class agents
Betty Freehill DeGuzman writes, “My
Rosary education got me off to a good start.
Now my husband and I are leisurely learning
(and travelling) as we go to classes on opera,
science and the brain, and great literature.
2016 will be our 55th reunion. Hope to see
classmates there!”
1962
Kay Pielsticker Coleman, Elizabeth
Freidheim, Corrine Carnivele Hanley,
Carolyn Sweeney Judd, Gloria Adams
Mills, Mary Beth Vander Vennet Tallon,
class agents
Judy Drabek Bettice and husband took
an extended Amtrak tour covering MemphisGlacier National Park-Seattle-California.
Carol Carey Leblique wrote a poem titled
“You, Lord” following her mother’s death, and
it was published in a book entitled Beyond the
Sea. Sue Meyer Hubbard has become quite
the quilter and shared photos of her work
with classmates. Donna Allendorf Wahlert
told of her grandson’s continued recovery
from cancer and wrote a poem in memory
of our classmate Kathy Sullivan Stewart,
also shared with all our classmates. Mary
Beth Vander Vennet Tallon entertained lots
of grandchildren at their summer house in
Michigan. Her son’s cancer appears dormant
after extensive treatment. Paulette Karras
Economus was in Chicago for a family
reunion and to celebrate an uncle’s 100th
birthday.
Corrinne Carnivele Hanley spent a
whirlwind week in New York City celebrating
her husband’s high school reunion and visiting
friends and family in that region of the country.
Stacy Shrout Schumacher hosted her
granddaughter, Caitlin, for two months during
her internship at a local design firm. They
discovered many new eating establishments
together. Ginny Lane, now retired, continues
to volunteer at Clarehouse, a place for endof-life patients. Phyllis Ann Brandoin is
getting settled in Florida and now plays piano
for her neighbors’ weekly singalong gathering
when she isn’t on the road visiting family
and friends. Patsy Egan-Turner managed
to delay injuring her knee until after a trip to
Aruba with her sons. Ann Flynn Horowitz
told of the tragic loss of her son, Scott.
Please remember her in your prayers. Donna
Bloemer Cash celebrated her 50th wedding
anniversary by going on an Alaskan sea-andland trip with her whole family.
Carolyn Sweeney Judd spent most of
the summer jaunting between Colorado,
Yellowstone, Montana and Idaho, meeting
with children and grandchildren along the
way. Rose DeAno Dressander cruised
on the Douro River in Portugal, attended
the Jubilee of a friend who is a Sister of St.
Agnes, has taken up painting, and meets
often with other Rosary classmates. Nancy
Fiedler Eckerson tells of her parish in Santa
Fe presenting a history of the Sinsinawa
Dominicans and then her later coming across
a copy of The Memoirs of Father Samuel
Charles Mazzuchelli in the Archdiocese
library with a translators note written by Sister
Maria Michele and Sister Jeremy Finnigan
with assistance from Sister Paul McCabe.
We all remember those marvelous women at
Rosary. Gloria Adams Mills spent a quiet
summer becoming a genealogy junkie on
Ancestry.com while continuing to domesticate
an adopted feral cat and speculating on the
disappearance of a blueberry crop into the
purple-stained jaws of the local herd of deer.
1963
Susan Flynn, class agent
Hello from Chicago to the ’63 Rosarians,
I have made it back to the area and am living
in a small apartment in Elmhurst and enjoying
the wonderful fall colors and mild weather. It
is so good to be back in familiar surroundings
and finding my way to places I once knew so
well.
Susan Sobey Druffel gave me shelter
and great food for a week. The apartment
complex where she now lives has an indoor
pool and she is swimming again, attempting
to regain strength and mobility.
Judy May Ziemba has also recently moved
although because of a more serious reason,
a house fire in 2013. Judy reports she and
Ron stayed in a motel several weeks, then
in an apartment for nine months while the
repairs were made. She writes: “We were
planning to down-size so bought a house
in Chillicothe, IL, and sold the repaired and
updated house. We had built the house and
had lived there 35 years, but we were ready
and love our new place with little regret. It
has been two years of adjustment but we
are back to our retirement activities and
travel. Ron is very involved with SeniorNet, a
computer education program for retirees and
I am having a great time designing a new and
much smaller garden. I retired from writing for
Garden Club of Illinois publications and skip a
few Master Gardener activities but still enjoy
representing MG in educational programs.
Our grandchildren are all still in our area but
I think not for too long. Love and prayers for
all.”
Pat Lane Giese also recently moved from
Glen Ellyn to Bartlett where she rents an
apartment in Clare Oaks, a Franciscan
retirement place.
Kathy Markley Scruggs loves fall travel, but
she won’t have two trips overseas so close
together next time – September in France,
October in Turkey. She traveled with spouse
Max and her sister Louise. In France they
focused on WWI sites and museums and all
the beauties of Reims, Strasbourg. Kathy was
the driver for 1,000 miles and is now getting
notice of some speeding tickets (those sneaky
cameras). In Turkey they enjoyed Istanbul
(again), Diyarbakir (again), Ankara (again) and
Antalya. They ate exceedingly well in both
countries. The political situation in Turkey
was discouraging but the hospitality they
encountered was most generous.
Also travelling to France in October was Mary
Lynn McGough Eckl and husband, Wray.
Mary Lynn writes: “Wray was diagnosed
with cancer in the summer of 2014. After
a year of oral chemo and 22 radiations, he
was declared cancer free. We celebrated
with a self-guided trip to France, Fribourg
and a visit with cousins in London. We were
very pleased with our elderly ability to follow
directions, make it to the correct station,
get on the correct train, not get lost, etc. It
may not have been the most intellectual and
informative of trips but it was FUN.”
Debbie Hegberg Heer followed her passion
for jazz to New Orleans in September for
a jazz festival on the Steamboat Natchez.
This was her first trip to New Orleans. She
wrote: “Filled the nights with jazz at several
night spots (none on Bourbon Street, which
we considered reserved for a much younger
generation). Filled the days with sightseeing
and visits to museums: WWII museum
was amazing and I learned so much at the
Museum of the History of New Orleans,
including three rooms devoted to Hurricane
Katrina. This year, I taught French at the Oak
Park Art League in a course titled ‘Speaking
of Art en Français’ and then I taught Spanish
for one night a week for 16 weeks to the staff
at the Children’s Home and Aid social work
agency in Chicago.”
Susan Sobey Druffel and I met
Louise McCormick at the September
Remembrance Mass. Sister Jean Brennan,
OP, was remembered. Pam Balow also
attended, as her husband, Hugh Tovar, was
remembered. Barbara McGann Hayford
had planned to be there and her husband
Jack was remembered. Barb and family had
another memorial for Jack at Notre Dame
that same day. The Dominican liturgy was
beautiful, as always. While in Chicago, Pam
visited family and saw Donna Doherty
Kane and Mary Ellen Creadon O’Donnell.
Of course, we continue to pray for all our
classmates who are ill or in need.
I drove out to Hanover, IL, and visited with
Louise McCormick in October. She drove
us all over the Three Corners (Illinois, Iowa,
Wisconsin) and the harvesting and fall colors
were spectacular. We visited Sinsinawa and
the Trappist Abbey in New Melleray, IA. We
had great fun trying to get her new GPS
system to recognize voice commands to find
the abbey, to no avail. Louise found it on her
own. The chapels at both New Melleray and
SInsinawa have stunning architecture, and a
deep sense of presence.
More travel news from Karen Christensen
McGirr: “I took another wonderful road
trip to Mexico this summer. My son, his
wife, and two daughters live high in the
CLASS NEWS
mountains outside Mexico City. We drove
north and east through areas that I had
never seen before, including very dense
jungle rainforests high in the mountains in the
states of San Luis Potosi and Tamaulipas. My
son and his wife have lived in Mexico for
over 20 years, speak the language and
know the country. How fortunate I am to
have knowledgeable guides. They are both
musicians in The Orchestra of the State of
Mexico in Toluca.” Karen also wrote about
her volunteer work and love of music: “For
over 30 years I volunteered at the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra Women’s Association
with the docent program, fundraising
projects, finances, and office administration
(I was an early user of computers). I stopped
this year because the many stairs to the
elevated tracks just became too much. I
am still volunteering with the Oak Park
Township Senior Services helping seniors
cope with their finances. A bit like the halt
leading the blind but at 74, I can still balance
a checkbook. I’m going to get another
granddaughter in January. It’s late in the
game, but Bill and I didn’t start early and
my kids didn’t either. This will make the
fourth grandchild (all girls) plus one stepgranddaughter.”
Helen McCauslin sent medical news. She
is recovering from a “left hip replacement on
April 7 gone haywire (the femur fractured) and
any possible complication that could follow
did — ischemic colitis, falls, arthroscopic
surgery on infected right knee, blood clot,
compression fracture at T11. My orthopedic
surgeon has quipped, “Don’t call me, I’ll call
you!” I do water therapy three times a week
and I am getting stronger and stronger. I am
now able to go to concerts, restaurants and
not live only in the world of books. My next
goal is a walk in the woods with Willow, our
golden retriever. Greetings and healthy wishes
to all!”
Marcy Goral Jackson writes from
Connecticut that she and Bob celebrated
45 years of marriage in June and celebrated
Bob’s 89th birthday November 11. Bob
suffered an aortic dissection in June and
has recovered well at home with hospice
care. Marcy said she is no longer president
of the Alliance Française of Northwestern
CT, after 22 years there. Now she volunteers
with the Woman’s Club of Woodbury and the
Pomperaug Valley Garden Club, and is in two
book clubs.
Susan Sobey Druffel and I went to the
National Catholic Reporter celebration at
Dominican on October 24 and found it
challenging and exciting. There was lots of
discussion on social issues in the world and
within the Church. Sister Joan Chittister called
us to “Rise up!” and “to be holy, bold and
persistent.”
The email group continues and a number of
classmates are on Facebook. Join in when
and where you can. Our 1963 endowed
scholarship continues to grow. You can
contribute to it every year and you can
contribute to the Fund for Dominican for the
operating needs of the university, including
financial aid. Please continue to be generous.
Christmas Party this year but highly
recommend it for a great afternoon with your
grandkids. Plan ahead for 2016!
Caritas et veritas.
Hope the winter was kind to all – stay in touch
– we need each other more than ever!
1964
Hugs to all! My new email address is:
[email protected]
Mary McGough Schultze, class agent
Dear friends,
I would like to invite all of our class to visit our
Facebook page – Rosary College Class of
1964 – for the timeliest notice of both good
news and bad. We lost a special member
of our class with the death of Sister Jane
Brennan (Jerome Aemelian). Mary Lou
Campbell Hartman remained close to her
and has posted her story on the FB page.
Judy Colohan Blatherwick has also posted
news of her remodeling efforts. She will be
gaining help now that her sister is selling her
Oak Park home and moving in with Judy.
Judy is active at St Clement’s.
Barb Dineen writes: “Last fall Barb Riley
Rygiel and I toured a number of shrines
throughout France. We started in Toulouse
where Our Lady appeared to St. Dominic
giving him the rosary in 1214. St. Thomas
Aquinas is buried there. St. Dominic went
on to found the Dominican Order, “Order
of Preachers” in 1216. We continued on to
the shrines at Lourdes, the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, and the Sisters of Charity. Then on
to Paris where St. Thomas Aquinas became
a Dominican priest, studied with Albertus
Magnus and wrote the “Summa Theologica.”
Barb Dineen also brought news of the death
last January of Mary Beaver. Barb remained
a good friend to Mary who left her sophomore
year and struggled with mental health
issues for many years. Barb has retired and
alternates between Milwaukee and Sun City,
FL. Our Florida contingent continues to grow
with Noreen Nagle now in LeCanto, FL.
Nancy Jones Eppolito returned to the
Midwest in September for her 55th high
school reunion in Dixon. Nancy was able to
visit her brother in Dixon and her sister in
Wisconsin. She joined husband, Antonio, at
his LeMoyne College reunion. Nancy has six
grandchildren evenly split between New York
and New Jersey. She is looking forward to
a grand family get-together in August on the
Outer Banks.
Mary Sullivan Feeley has retired but is
busier than ever volunteering for Catholic
Charities and serving on several boards. She
is now in Indian Head Park and not too far
from her six grandchildren spread from K-16.
Katie Kammerer Morvay and husband Jim
stopped by the lake on their way to Banff and
the Canadian Rockies. Their West Virginia
mountain aerie would fit right in. They are very
active in their parish of St. Thomas and are
living close to nature.
If you have the opportunity, stop by the
campus. I could not make the Alumnae/i
1965
Mary Poelking Sclawy, class agent
Maureen McMahon Hibbott: In July, she
wrote: I am two weeks into recovery from my
second knee replacement and all seems to be
going pretty well. Helen, Angus (14) and Meg
(13) arrived from Shanghai yesterday so it is
nice having extra people to take the strain off
Richard, who has valiantly been my caregiver,
gardener, cook, domestic, chauffeur and
nurse. He is pleased to have some help with
the more-than full time job. Tomorrow Alice
and family arrive from London and on Friday
Jane and her family arrive for a long weekend;
the house will be wall-to-wall bodies. (And
then it was fall) My left knee continues to
improve and get stronger. However a recent
X-ray of the right hip has proved my worst
fears: it needs total replacement due to severe
osteoarthritis. (Surgery was scheduled for
November 4.) As the whole family are coming
to Whitley for Christmas, I am hoping that
I will be able to contribute to the festivities.
Fortunately, all three sons-in-law are excellent
cooks (with Richard being chief dish washer)
and have offered to cook Christmas dinner.
Barb Tucker Philipps: I had a grandson on
October 7. The first boy in our family (well, not
counting Joe). He weighed in at 8 lbs 3 oz.
and 20.5 inches long. We are all very happy
and Josie is a terrific big sister. Best news!
My daughter Leigh Ann and her husband Bob
decided to name the baby Robert Tucker
Dolan. I am so surprised and touched by this
– what a lovely honor. Our first boy and he
carries my maiden name.
Mary Fransioli Gilliland: I have joined
the ranks of the widows in our class. My
beloved husband Gary died suddenly and
unexpectedly while recovering from a broken
ankle on September 30. I don’t believe
anyone from DU met him as we married in
1981, long after we had gone our various
ways. The Lord gives and the Lord takes
away, and blessed be the name of the Lord.
Marian Matulis Rohde: I had a distracted
walking accident in late June. Going down
stairs, I tripped off the bottom step, fractured
and sprained my right ankle and twisted
my already bad back. I could not drive for
about a month. For our 46th anniversary,
we returned to Traverse City, MI, where we
had honeymooned. We visited Old Mission
Point Lighthouse. Our original visit sparked
our interest in collecting lighthouse items and
clothing. On October 25, I went to Kansas
City to celebrate the 10th birthday of my
niece/godchild, daughter of my brother, Bob,
17 years younger than I. I was caught up in
CLASS NEWS
Kansas City Royals postseason fever.
Marge Kearney Floyd: During reunion
weekend, those of us who attended Rosary’s
Junior Year Abroad Program in 1963-64
in Fribourg, Switzerland, held a reunion.
Those from Rosary in attendance were
Dottie Macina Grimm, Mary Pat Ventola
Rynell, Fachon Schwope Wilson, Jane
Lee, Nancie Edwards Stewart, Monique
Schenone Edwards, Joanne Crowley
McAdams and me. Seven girls from other
colleges/universities who were in the program
joined us. We spent our weekend at a French
hotel in Chicago, seeing the sights, enjoying
a fondue dinner (which we frequently had in
Fribourg), and a beautiful brunch on Sunday.
Lots of laughing and reminiscing – just what
reunions are for. (So, did you speak French?
I asked.) Not really. Some phrases here and
there, mostly for fun. There were some girls
who returned to Fribourg after we all left, and
it was fun to see their pictures of the Villa, etc.
We did sing some songs as the brunch was
winding down, some in French and some in
English. That certainly took us back.
Carol Andrews Burger: Jim is feeling
better (after a serious motorcycle accident)
but still has to visit the ortho and spine
docs to make sure everything is staying in
place. We had a wonderful summer that
started with a camper trip to Beaufort,
NC, in May and a very pleasant stay with
Maria Stavrakos during the reunion. It
was so good to see everyone and catch
up on each others’ lives. Gardening, visits
with our kids and grandchildren, and taking
care of my mom, who has been in a nursing
home since her stroke five years ago, kept
us busy all summer. In August, Jim and
I traveled to Asheville, NC, with our little
camper for a week with family and visits to
the Biltmore Estate and hikes along the Blue
Ridge Parkway. In September we were in
Washington, DC, for a week and I was able
to visit some former colleagues from my time
at the National Science Foundation. A quick
repack and I was off with a friend on a tour
of Prague, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest.
We’ll keep traveling as long as we can.
Margie Malafronte Mills: Heartfelt thanks
to all who signed a card for me at the reunion
and for your kind words. Roger Wilson took
lots of pictures of the events. It was a pleasure
to see so many familiar, lovely faces.
Kathleen Stark Burt: My husband and I are
working on the Bernie Sanders campaign.
Other than that, no news.
Sheila Durkin Dierks and Kim Regan took
separate trips to Japan in early fall, Sheila
staying in country inns with hot springs. Kim
and Dan Hoth may have been celebrating
their anniversary.
The Sclawys hosted the Poelking family
reunion in late June, just a week before our
cruise on the Rhine and Mosel rivers. August
brought Grrlz Weekend, when my sister Ann
and our friends sat around, ate, drank, talked
and played games. We took a road trip to a
wedding in Baltimore on Halloween, preceded
by a visit to old friends in Seaford, VA. I mall
walk two miles, three days a week with friends
whose ages run from 49 to 86. Some go
faster – and farther – than others. But we all
keep on keeping on. Hope you all are too.
1966
Judy Purvin Scully, class agent
Lina Fruzzetti is still teaching at Brown
University and spent January to April 2016
in India for her sabbatical leave. She was
awarded a faculty fellowship from The Institute
for Advanced Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru
University (JNU). Lina reports she has finally
finished a documentary film, which took her
eight years to complete. According to Lina,
“The film is about my mother, her marriage
to an Italian colonial officer during the Italian/
Eritrean colonial period. Coming to know my
cousins in Tuscany and making amends and
healing old wounds.”
Chris Heidtke Clark welcomed her ninth
grandchild, Louise Delphine, on May 14, 2015.
Ten days later our oldest grandchild, Colleen,
graduated from high school. Cam and I are
truly blessed!
Bev Doherty wrote she enjoys hearing news
about friends from Rosary Days. She has
old photos from her freshman year on fourth
floor north. Some of the classmates in those
photos include Ann Canale, Meg Cameron
and Winnie Toohill Adler. When she lived
on campus, she was a server in the dining
hall under Helen McClauslin ’63, head server.
She’s planning to share her photos at our
reunion. Bev has stayed in touch with Brenda
Thomas and noted both of them lived off
of campus with families during their years at
Rosary, although Bev lived on campus for
two of those years. They were roommates
living in Hyde Park when Bev was in graduate
school at University of Chicago and Brenda
was in her first year as a social worker in
Chicago. Bev noted, “Brenda’s career was in
social work and she certainly lives it even after
retirement.” Brenda is an active member of
Mount Carmel parish and very involved from
September through Easter each year with the
RCIA program working with adults who want
to become Catholic. Both are planning to
attend our 50th reunion.
Kerry Hubata, a special classmate who was
only with us for freshman year, has stayed
connected to Dominican and always attends
our reunions. Ballet was and is her passion
and the reason she left school to pursue her
dream. She co-founded the Evanston School
of Ballet in 1968 and is the director and
principal teacher. Some of the school’s alums
have moved on to dance with the American
Ballet Theatre, the New York City Ballet and
the Royal Swedish Ballet. Kerry has been
quoted as saying, “I plan to teach as long as I
can move.”
Maureen Doran Zimmerman spent time
in Cape Cod in August with her three sisters.
She is enjoying the flexibility of substitute
teaching. She works four-five days a week,
but can always refuse an assignment if there
is something else she wants to do.
Jan Ciastko Lane reported that Meg
Cameron Beeler visited her in Minneapolis
in July. They had a great time swimming at the
pool with Jan’s grandsons, touring Stillwater,
and attending a play at the Guthrie.
At the President’s Circle event in September,
Donna and key staff members made a
presentation about the proposed student
commons area. Relationships are at the
core of the Dominican mission and this new
space will provide a special, welcoming
gathering space for commuters, residents,
undergraduate and graduate students. I
was pleased to be introduced to another
classmate who is also a President’s
Circle member. Dr. Mary Schneider (Sr.
Margryta) when she attended Rosary as a
Dominican student-sister) retired from the Oak
Park Elementary School District 97 where she
served as the assistant superintendent for
teaching and learning.
Sister Teresa Margaret Mary, OCD, the
former Susan Brinkman, celebrated her
Golden Jubilee of solemn profession as a
Carmelite nun on October 15 at the Carmel
of St Joseph in St. Agatha, Canada, just west
of Toronto. Terry Wilkinson Pawlik (her
roommate at Rosary) attended the Mass to
celebrate Sister’s Golden Jubilee along with
her brother, Rob Brinkman of Gainesville, FL.
Both participated in the readings for the Mass.
Terry reported Bishop Crosby of Hamilton,
Ontario, gave a wonderful homily which
alluded to Sister’s “meanderings” across the
U.S. before coming to Toronto in 2010. There
was a lovely reception hosted by the local
Carmelite guild (third order Carmelites) after
the ceremony. Sister greeted guests in the
par four/speak room at the convent after the
Mass. Terry and Rob spent the afternoon with
her and reminisced and laughed about their
joint year at Rosary, the many wonderful visits
to the Brinkman home in Des Plaines, and the
53-year-old friendship we have cherished.
In October, Maureen O’Rourke Cannon,
Linda Miller Drennan, Mitzi Battista
Witchger, myself and our spouses travelled
to Barto, PA, to spend several days at
Landhaven, the B & B owned and operated
by Donna Freehill Land and her husband,
Ed. They are nearing retirement, but offered to
host all of us for a reunion before Landhaven
is sold. Donna and Ed have lovingly restored
Landhaven over the years and it has become
a gathering place for local music concerts,
weddings and other special events. As Donna
reported, “After 16 years of the excellent
experience of running our B&B, Landhaven,
Ed and I have put our whole place on the
market as we prepare for our next great
adventure. These have been exhilarating years
- first saving and converting an 1870s general
store building, then welcoming people from all
over the world to our little corner of the
world…. We eagerly anticipate what comes
next.” It’s always a joy to spend time with
CLASS NEWS
friends of more than 50 years. That includes
the spouses because the five of us were
dating our prospective husbands while we
were at Rosary, so we could all reminisce
about times past and present and make new
memories as well. Because of the friendships
Donna and Ed have developed in the
community over the last 17 years, we were
able to see glass blowing, sound sculpture
and blacksmithing demonstrations, the latter
by Ed who creates amazing metal sculptures.
Left to right: Judy Scully, John Scully, John
Drennan, Tom Witchger, Mitzi Witchger, Jim
Cannon, Linda Drennan, Donna Land, Ed Land
and Maureen Cannon
I connected with Kathy Pudik Rey at
the Endowed Scholarship Luncheon at
Dominican in October. We agreed that
it is very special to be able to meet our
scholarship recipients. Knowing there are
donors out there who believe in them and
are willing to provide support so they can
achieve their dreams makes a real difference
in students’ lives. We have both been moved
listening to their stories and hearing their
plans for the future after graduation. My hope
is that many of you will have that opportunity
once we have funded our Class of ’66
scholarship in celebration of our 50th reunion.
Kathy had just returned from a trip to Paris
with her brother and sister-in-law, which she
said was absolutely amazing.
Suzie Howard Bassi hopes to be able to
make it to part of reunion. They have a trip
to Carlsbad planned with their three oldest
grandsons with the return flight scheduled
for June 11. She’s hoping to book an earlier
flight so she can join us, so we’ll think positive
and hope she can join us for at least part of
our 50th. She and her husband have another
whole family trip to Ireland planned for July
which includes three kids, their spouses
and six grandkids, ages 1- 8 years. What a
wonderful experience that’s going to be for all
of them!
Judy Schleitwiler Wolicki wrote: “At some
point in my life, I thought it would be nice to
live to be 100. I remember thinking that I never
wanted to retire. Be careful what you wish
for, I guess. My life has been full of careers:
secretary, teacher, administrative assistant
to a marketing director, admissions director
of a nursing home, office manager of an
architectural firm, lawyer, mediator, pastoral
associate, hospital chaplain, post-doc ethics
fellow, member of an ethics consultations
service at a Cook County hospital, hospice
chaplain, census taker, chaplain resident....
At one point, I cleaned houses, because I
could take my daughters (Anne and Kate)
with me. Does this sound like someone who
can’t decide what she wants to be when she
grows up? (I just don’t want to grow up, I
think.) At any rate, I’m not retired. Right now
I have three jobs: I take care of Trixie, the 2
½-year-old, one of my three grandchildren
(perhaps the most fun of my three jobs). I’m
also an occasional chaplain at Advocate
Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge,
IL. My third-job title is “field secretary of the
Illinois yearly meeting of the Religious Society
of Friends (Quakers).” The chaplain job and
this one keep me busy doing pastoral care.
The field secretary job includes visiting
Quaker Meetings in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana
and Missouri and offering programs, finding
resources, and other activities. Perhaps I think
it would be nice to be retired, but I certainly
have a life filled with joy!”
My husband, John and I continue to travel
while the spirit is willing and the various body
parts cooperate. We were in Scotland and
London in April of 2015, the latter in order to
watch our son run the marathon; spent the
summer in Minocqua, WI, with family rotating
in and out for special time together; cruised
down the Danube River in early November,
beginning in Budapest and ending in Prague;
escaped the Chicago winter in sunny Hawaii
and then Florida to visit with, and care
for, my parents in January/February; and
toured Morocco and Spain in March with a
grade school classmate and her husband.
My parents, at 92 and 97, celebrated their
72nd wedding anniversary this year –
amazing! We’re very fortunate that our four
grandchildren, ages 6 to 16, live in the area,
so we’re busy with their various sporting
and school events as well. We continue to
be involved at Dominican and Notre Dame,
our respective alma maters, and our home
parishes in both Riverside and Minocqua.
We were saddened to hear that Sr. Jean
Brennan (Sr. Jerome Aemelian or Sr. J.A. as
she was called by those of us who lived in
the dorm) “was called to eternal life… on July
28, 2015.” She had been our resident director
during our years at Rosary and a number of
classmates responded to the email reporting
her passing. Pat Carey: “She was truly our
sister and we valued her guidance.” Vicki
Scott Conley: “She was one special lady.”
Maddie McGrath Gallagher agreed, “She
was a lovely woman.” Chris Drabek: “Sister
Jean was a sweetheart….She always had a
sweet disposition and a beautiful smile.” Mary
Jones Harrison: Sr. Jerome Aemelian…
was indeed one of my favorites. I can see her
beautiful smile and flushed cheeks as I think
of her.” Lucille DiSalvo Hartman: “Sr. J.A.,
was definitely a big part of dorm life. She’ll
be in our memories and in our hearts.” Chris
Campbell Dagenais-McCuen: “I have
fond memories of Sr. Jerome Aemelian. Jan
Ciastko Lane: “Sr. J. was so kind and had
such a delightful sense of humor. That sense
of humor was evident in Maureen Doran
Zimmerman’s memory of Sr. J.A. “when she
caught Jane wielding a broom full of gunk
from our room down the hall to the incinerator
instead of using a dust pan – she scolded
her a bit then couldn’t keep from laughing!”
Charlotte Greco Kinnane: “Jean was a
great ‘kid.’” How true – she was only a few
years older than we were!
Both Sr. Jean and Jane Lampe Groh, the
assistant resident director while we were
at Rosary, were listed in the program at the
Remembrance Mass John and I attended
in September, along with William Wills,
brother if Suzie Wills Kessler. Sr. Jean will be
remembered as a kind, gentle soul with a
generous heart and a radiant smile. She will
be missed!
If any of you reading this are not on our Class
of ’66 email directory and would like to be,
please email me at [email protected].
1968
Mary Duncan Gemkow, class agent
Kristin Arneson had her haiku poetry
published in the October 2015 issue of The
Edge magazine.
1971
Kathy Klem Large, class agent
Several classmates notified me of the loss of
Terri Roth Zusag to cancer this past fall.
Terri had received a degree in biology from
Rosary and of late, had worked as a Medical
Technologist for ACL Labs. A memorial
service was held at St. Giles Church in Oak
Park the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Our
sympathy and prayers go out to her family.
Linda Grzesiakowski Hanrath wrote to
share news about a trip she and her husband
made to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
They were able to see the home decorated
for the holidays and then continued on to
Jacksonville, FL, for a visit with friends.
Sending news from California, Mary Engle
wrote to say that she had retired from the
University of California digital library. She was
the first acquisitions librarian at the start-up,
negotiating for and licensing materials for the
system wide (10 campus) digital library. She is
presently living In Berkeley and her twins are
seniors in college.
Martha Yancey Hellar is definitely enjoying
retirement. She and her husband, Don,
are able to see their granddaughters quite
frequently, as they are only two hours away.
They have also travelled with her sister,
Susan Yancey Decker ’68 and her husband
Russ. All of them enjoyed a trip to Aruba this
year for some spectacular snorkeling. Other
travels included treks to Daytona Beach,
Kennedy Space Center and Saint Augustine.
Fortunately, they are close enough to the
mountains and this past summer made a
“no itinerary” trip to Colorado. Martha said
CLASS NEWS
that the best part was driving “through
Rocky Mountain National Park-along with
the tunes of John Denver.” She continues to
do substitute teaching and volunteering at
church activities. They have also spent time
remodeling a cabin which was part of the
original house on their property. In between,
she is keeping fit at Zumba classes. She
misses Chicago and all that it has to offer but
with Don’s impending retirement, they hope
to take advantage of the Wichita Theater
offerings, etc.
classes, and some exercise/dance classes in
preparation for full-time retirement one day.”
I attended a class agent meeting at
Dominican and Vicki Woodward was there
as a member of the President’s Circle. We
were able to enjoy a breakfast together
while listening to an update on the Student
Commons, which will be the next building
going up at the college. The majority of the
students are commuters and they need
additional space for them to gather between
classes and events. Vicki has officially
retired and became a first-time grandmother
this spring. I foresee many trips by Vicki to
California to spoil that little one!
Kathy Cavanaugh Niekrasz, Barbara Nash Pozzi,
Deborah Broxterman and Martha Nugent Hinkle
at dinner together.
AI and I added a fourth little granddaughter
this past June. Our son Mike and his wife
Emily, welcomed Zoe Amelia, as did big sister
Aubrey. They live in Carmel, IN, so we get to
see them fairly often. We continue to make
treks to Asheville, NC, to see Tom and his
family.
Finally, keep those cards and letters coming!
(and any email address changes too!)
1972
Christina Lapetina Kukla, class agent
Chris Lapetina Kukla: “We continued our
traditional annual get-together by meeting
at the Evanston Golf Club on Sunday,
September 27, 2015. Mary Pat Collins
organized this excellent luncheon that
included lots of wonderful food, a great view
of the golf course and, most importantly, time
to talk with our friends and fellow Rosary/
Dominican classmates. Attendees included:
Mary Pat Thornton Collins, Mary Pat
Weldon Woitas, Luisa Scala Buehler,
Barb Podesta Fox, Marilyn Aiuppa Dean,
Gail Fitzpatrick, Mary Hajlo Taylor,
Krystina Srutwa Khavari, Dianne Kaleta
Mylenbusch, Nancy Lurito Machnowski,
Chris Kukla.”
Martha Wesbecher Hinkle wrote, “Kathy
Cavanaugh Niekrasz, Barbara Nash
Pozzi, Deborah Broxterman, and I got
together in September 2015 for dinner and
laughs. Kathy manages the offices of Mark
Niekrasz, DDS and Associates in Palatine.
Barb is a highly successful real estate agent in
Boulder, CO. Deb is still working full time and
travelling the world – she is a wonderful
photographer. I’m doing psychological
assessments for clergy candidates in
Arlington Heights and thoroughly enjoying my
three grandchildren, ages 8, 9 and 10. I’m
also taking piano lessons, cake decorating
1975
Mary Alice Griesinger, class agent
Gera-Lind Kolarik was featured in a
48 Hours special based on her true crime
book I am Cain. She was also featured in LMN
Channel’s Killer Kids. The American Bar
Journal ran a major feature in their January
issue on her corporation, Evidence Video, and
profiled her work. This year, her company
helped Illinois lawyers settle over $300 million
in case of people injured or involved in
medical malpractice through their
documentaries and “Day in the Life” videos.
It looks like many of our 1972 classmates are
enjoying their retirement, while others are
still working, even though we have passed
the “magic” 65 years of age marker. Lots
of us are also very involved with our local
communities, volunteer activities, and helping
with grandchildren. Needless to say, we
Dominican women keep busy!
1973
Gera-Lind Kolarik was in a 48 Hours special.
Class agent needed.
Contact Alumnae/i Office to volunteer.
1979
Lydia Colón Perera writes, “Greeting from
the Southern Hemisphere! I have been living
in Cusco, Peru, for 17 years as an artist,
Illustrator (Markawasi: Peru’s Inexplicable
Stone Forest by Kathy Doore). I am coowner of Hotel Prisma Cusco and proud
owner of Quilla Villa Mystical Retreat in the
Sacred Valley of the Inca. In August 2015, my
husband – a Billboard Award-winning harpist
– moved to Cusco, Peru after 40+ years of
playing in the USA. In October 2015, we did
our first event together celebrating “El Dia
del Artista Plastico” which was held at the
Municipal Gallery of Cusco. (La Galeria de la
Municipalidad de Cusco). The event was a
great success and it was a full house.”
Hilary Ward Schnadt, class agent
I was pleased to socialize with several
classmates this fall. At a September 11
scholarship fundraising dinner in Lake
County, I ran into Peggy Ryan, OP. I thought
that she was still living in Wisconsin but
learned that she is now living in a convent in
Waukegan and working to support the social
justice concerns of the Fr. Gary Graf Center.
On October 4, I joined Helen Hollerich,
Augusta Simpson-Archer, Nan Silva,
Kathleen Johnson and Teresa Anderson
Shultz at what for them was a second annual
brunch in Oak Park.
L-R, back row: Kathleen Johnson, Hilary Ward
Schnadt, Nan Silva. L-R, at table: Augusta
Simpson-Archer, Helen Hollerich, Teresa
Anderson Shultz
Lydia Colon Perera and her husband, Roberto
Perera, at his first performance in Peru.
Kathleen, who in 2014 coined the term
“platinum birthday” to describe what those of
us born in 1957 turning 57 years old would
be celebrating, has a new celebratory word
for 2015: “Anniversafree” to describe the day
that the newly divorced would have previously
celebrated as a wedding anniversary. She is
appreciating that new freedom and she and
Gus heartily recommended the Christian film
“War Room,” which both had seen multiple
CLASS NEWS
times. Gus and her husband are planning
a trip to Israel in 2016. She would also like
to visit Alabama, where classmate Julia
Hulcher, MD, moved this year to be closer
to family after retiring from her psychiatry
practice. Nan is now an empty nester with
Gareth in college and she recently organized
a Regional Health Summit for the western
suburbs. She won the door prize provided by
Helen – a Rosary College picture plate.
Nan Silva with her Rosary College picture plate
Teresa was celebrating her son’s new job
which is more aligned with his passions.
Helen was keeping busy with her school job
in Milwaukee but had taken time for a family
reunion in August. Gus and Kathleen report
that Lynette Cabell is now among the
happily retired.
Then I got to celebrate Halloween with
Margaret (Foy) Shields and two friends
from middle school/high school (including
my freshman roommate Anita Heinze). After
many years of living in the two-flat above her
in St. Louis, Margaret’s Irish mother is now
living at St. Patrick’s in the western suburbs
near Margaret’s brother. With Margaret now
planning more holiday trips to Chicago, I’m
hoping to see more of her in the days ahead.
Eva (Klaus) Bellinger wrote to say, “I have
very full volunteer teaching days on Mondays
and Fridays. Ms. Just would have been
delighted to join me and my fourth graders for
rock science, where we examined the residue
after dissolving different minerals in vinegar.
I also have three adult ESL learners. One
learner got as far as sixth grade in her home
country; and is learning to grasp the idea that
she really can compose English sentences
that work; we can always fix the verb tense
and spelling later. The other two never had
a chance to go to school, ever. It’s amazing
how much mileage we can get out of a simple
phonics reader about vets helping pets. . .
.Women who used to earn their living farming
rice and raising animals can relate to the
sentence ‘Some pets visit the vet’; it makes
sense if you’ve had to take your donkey to the
vet clinic!”
Joy Davy can relate to pets and vets. As
reported in the last issue, she has a book
out (Healing Circles) that addresses grieving,
healing and bonding with animal companions.
She continues to practice psychotherapy in
Hinsdale and is, as she put it, “enjoying the
winding road.”
Following up on another item from our last
issue, Theresa Kaminski has now got the
cover art for her book, Angels of the
Underground, which Oxford University Press
will be bringing out in December 2015.
Be aware that the “Rosary College Class of
1980 & Friends” Facebook group has also
had some vintage photos from our college
days. Reach out if you’d like to be added to
that Facebook group.
1980
Linda Rohde, class agent
It was great seeing those of you that made it
to reunion - it seemed like all had a good time!
If you want to check out who was there, the
photos are on the DU Facebook page, which
is viewable to everyone – just go to dom.edu
and click on the Facebook icon on the bottom
right of the home page.
In later news, Grace DuMelle had two
amazing tour experiences this year. She
got access to The National Personnel
Records Facility in St. Louis, which is where
the records of all military and government
personnel are kept, as well as those of
famous people like JFK, Patton, Elvis and
Paul Newman. She got shown around the
conservation and storage areas, a rare
privilege. And then she followed that up with
a tour of the National Archives and was able
to learn about the prohibition agent who shut
down her husband’s grandmother’s tavern.
Since Grace runs a genealogical business,
you can imagine her excitement!
Dave Martin has had another grandchild
(Cohen Jaxson Martin born 11/11/15), bringing
the total to seven, with hopes of more on
the way. Dave Jr. is a pastor at the Moline
Missionary Church. Daughter Bonnie is with
the U.S. Corps of Engineers (and just received
her appraisal license), son Ben is with the
Rock Island Arsenal. So everyone is close
by, except for the youngest, Mike, who just
moved to Waukesha, WI.
Rick Wilk shared another photo in October
2015 – himself with the award he received
from the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services for excellent leadership and
strong commitment to ensuring that all people
have access to health care. Good going!
Theresa Kaminski’s new book published in
December 2015
Nancy Greco reports that she was recently
at Dominican to view the new nursing school.
She had a trip to Sicily in September with
her Mom, and then lots of rehearsals. She
was understudying Barefoot in the Park in
October, while rehearsing for the part of
Widow Corney in Oliver at Citadel in Lake
Forest.
Rick Wilk was honored by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
you retire,” seems more appropriate than
“Write when you get work.” In any case, know
that your classmates will gladly supply the
caritas if you provide the veritas.
This fall brought a mixture of sadness and
joy to Ann Van Hoomissen Bixby. She
lost her mother, Jean C. Van Hoomissen ’50
in October, but gained her first grandchild,
Alessandra Sofia on November 8.
Please keep those cards and letters (or email)
coming, everybody. These days, “Write when
Also up north is Maureen Arens Marks,
who’s been running the TC Smith Historic Inn
in Lake Geneva for the last 30 years or so.
Her latest projects: trying to save an historic
1870s home in Maple Park from becoming
a parking lot as well as keeping the Hillmoor
Golf Course as green space for the area.
Jann Cox Beauchamp has moved back to
Illinois and is looking forward to participating
in DU events again.
Despina “Debbie” Damolaris retired from
a 28-year career as librarian for the University
Club of Chicago. She plans on spending more
time with her family including her daughter,
Valerie, and sons, Anton Damolaris ’84 and
George Damolaris ’91.
And Mike Hattie, our social media
coordinator, is not only still exuberant about
our reunion where he “saw some regulars
and saw some first-timers for the first time
in decades,” but managed to get to Canton,
CLASS NEWS
OH, for a family reunion where his mom got to
see her great-grandchildren for the first time.
He also requested that people come check
out our Facebook page (Class of 1980 and
Friends). He really enjoys facilitating this and it
shows. There was a great retrospective of old
photos in honor of reunion this year. And it’s a
great way to stay on top of who’s doing what
and when in the present.
As for me, I’ve been keeping busy at work,
writing training manuals, blog content and
coordinating our inbound marketing program
for my department and anything else that the
powers that be need to have in addition to my
normal sales functions. You can appreciate
the irony here, if you realize that for years my
friends teased me about my lack of computer
skills. I now know not only what SEO means,
but how to use it!
Iowa and a senior at Lone Star High School
here in Frisco. She has been married for 25
years to a wonderful man, Stuart.
Marian Henley Liautaud and her husband,
Dan, celebrated their 30th anniversary on
March 1, 2016. They have four sons (Danny,
Nick, Jackson, and Elijah) and one grandson,
Joshua.
1992
Melissa Mascari Santo Pietro, class agent
Nick Litow completed his second Chicago
Marathon as a charity athlete for UPS for
Downs.
1997
Don’t forget to keep the Alumnae/i Relations
office or me up to date with your contact info
if your phone, email or address change. You’ll
never know what you’ll miss if we can’t find
you!
Matthew Toles, class agent
Pattie Piotrowski MLIS ’98, will be
president of the Illinois Library Association
starting in July 2016. (She is currently
serving as the vice president/president-elect
and is excited to share this news with her
colleagues.
1982
Class agent needed.
Contact Alumnae/i Office to volunteer.
Cynthia Blaha Hahn, professor of French at
Lake Forest College, published her second
volume of poetry in illustrated, bilingual
(English/French) format, called Co-ïncidences.
She is also an active translator of two FrancoLebanese authors and her fourth novel
translation by Ezza Agha Malak will appear
this fall. The book, The Man of All Silences, in
which the break-up of a marriage is a symbol
for the break down of Lebanese society due
to the current Syrian refugee crisis there. Her
translation of Evelyne Accad’s historical novel
on the Tunisian women’s movement will be
reprinted in bilingual format (French/English)
and will appear this year. For more information
on Hahn’s poetry and translations, see her
web page, http://cynthiathahn.com
1986
Jennifer Doelker DeGraff, class agent
Jennifer Doelker DeGraff is starting a
new career as a teacher in Texas in her first
year (probationary) for the Frisco ISD. She
works in alternative education as an at risk
specialist social studies teacher, government
and economics (she was a poli-sci major
at Rosary and interned in D.C. with the
Washington Center). She substitute taught for
many years back in Crystal Lake, specializing
in alternate education and now has her dream
job at her dream school! She has a daughter
who is a sophomore at Grinnell College in
Linda Jarosz Vogt with son, Timothy, and her
husband, Kevin Vogt
1998
Scott Hanak, class agent
Nick Litow wearing his medals.
Lauren Attore Fiorentino is in her 12th
year of teaching Art at St. Angela School
in Chicago. She went back to school and
earned a master’s degree in curriculum and
instruction in 2012.
Jennifer Green started a new job last April
as a neuro health specialist for XenoPort, a
biotech company. She has been in healthcare
sales for over 18 years.
I am currently serving as the vice president
of student services at my daughter’s school,
which keeps me incredibly busy.
Be sure to visit the Rosary College/Dominican
University Class of 1992 Facebook page!
1996
Jennifer Utterback Davis, class agent
Linda Jarosz Vogt married Kevin A. Vogt on
June 14, 2014, at Divine Savior Church in the
presence of God, our family and our friends.
Her sister, Karen Jarosz ’99, was maid of
honor. Afterward, they visited Dominican
University for photos on campus. On May 4,
2015, the couple joyfully celebrated the birth
of their first child, Timothy Michael. He was
born at 8:38 am, weighed 5 lbs. 12.5 oz and
was 19.5 inches long. Linda writes, “We are
truly blessed!”
At Dominican’s Hispanic Heritage Reception
in October, Dora Elías McAllister PhD
was presented with the Hispanic Heritage
Alumnae/i Award. The Hispanic Heritage
Award honors a Latino alumna/us who
distinguishes him/herself through professional
work in the context of the Dominican core
values of scholarship, reflection, community,
and service with a sustained dedication to the
advancement of the Latino community. Elías
McAllister is currently an independent higher
education consultant in Texas who specializes
in assisting nonprofits with program planning.
2001
Alison Hecimovich, class agent
Bronwyn Clark McDaniel and Patrick
McDaniel welcomed baby Anna Marion in
June 2015. She joins big brother Sam who is
almost 3.
Alison Hecimovich accepted a new position
at the Catherine Cook School (CCS) as
a technology specialist. She served as a
learning specialist for nine years at CCS prior
to accepting this position. This past July,
Alison was elected as vice chair of the Windy
City Performing Arts Board of Directors.
CLASS NEWS
2003
Mary Sobczak Minster, Yvette Vasquez
Pratt, class agents
Rebecca Fitzgerald Condon MBA ’04
celebrated her marriage to Kevin Condon
(brother of Kerry Condon Redmond) on
October 24, 2015, at Notre Dame de Chicago
Church in Chicago and many DU alumni were
in attendance! Maid of Honor was Ashley
Helfrich ’05, MBA ’06. Also in attendance
were Sarah Rehmer, Leonore (Chaidez)
Pietropinto and Helen Murphy-Evans ’02.
Rebecca wrote, “I’m so grateful for the lifelong
friends that I made while at DU – these are
clearly relationships that are made to last!”
2005
Victoria Kathein Theodossopoulos,
class agent
Renee Vai married Jason Polakowski ’06
in 2010. Both currently teach at Josephinum
Academy, where Renee is the department
head of English and head soccer coach and
Jason is the department head of history and
the director of music.
Erin Rohan recently relocated to Seattle,
WA. She has continued her work as a
database administrator in fund development
for La Rabida Children’s Hospital.
Lisa Pauletto Jerzyk is now the manager
of customer relations with Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and she
started in September 2015.
Derek Schriewer served at the chair
of strategic planning for the state realtor
association, Missouri realtors. He successfully
completed his fifth year as a licensed realtor
and going on 10 years in the industry as well
as he is wrapping up his fifth year coaching
soccer at Washington High School, his third
year as head coach. In 2014, he graduated
from University of Missouri St. Louis with a
masters in international relations. He sold
more than $16 million in property during 2014
with his real estate team to be first in Franklin
County, MO – all while buying his first home in
Washington, Missouri.
Melissa Fleming Higgins and Mark
Higgins welcomed Ashlyn Grace Higgins into
the world on June 22, 2015.
2007
Mark Carbonara, Stephanie Lieberman,
class agents
Mark Carbonara switched jobs within
Dominican, leaving the Office of Alumnae/i
Relations and joining the Office of Student
Involvement as the associate director. Mark’s
responsibilities now include overseeing
the Campus Activities Board, leadership
programs and other student-centered
activities.
Michelle (Scott) Ende married Michael
Ende in September 2014. They honeymooned
in Ireland and Scotland where they got a
chance to explore some family roots. Michelle
also started a new job at the Delaware
Division of Forensic Science in the controlled
substance and arson unit.
Jessi Begy Murray got married to her
husband, Sean, on September 11, 2015.
Jessie and Sean are living in Darien, IL, and
Jessie is still working as a dietitian at an
acute rehab center.
Colleen Barron, in collaboration with a
group of her colleagues, published through
Routledge, The Interactive World of Severe
Mental Illness: Case Studies from the U.S.
Mental Health System and presented at
Creativity and Madness in July 2015.
2006
Annie Hughes, Diane Scchultz Meske,
class agents
Dorothy Paape Kotscha and her husband
welcomed their second child, Everett Conrad,
on July 28, 2015.
Steve Dowjotas married Susie Kolodziej on
July 11, 2015 at Abbey Farms in Aurora, IL.
DU members in bridal party: Jason Fox ’07
(bestman), Josh Jennings ’07, Anwar
El-Abaza.
Julie Binggeli Hawks, her husband John,
and their daughter Gia recently moved to Los
Angeles from Cleveland. John is working at
UCLA with the men’s volleyball team and Julie
is working at Yo San University as the director
of enrollment management. Gia just turned
1 in August and was a UCLA cheerleader for
Halloween this past year.
Tina Gustafson Biel married Bob Biel in
Forest Park; the wedding was supposed to be
on baseball field 1, but due to weather was
moved indoors. Their son, Aiden, threw out
the ceremonial first pitch with the rings tied on
the ball. Tina also recently graduated from
The Chicago School of Professional
Psychology with her EdD in school
psychology and now works for District 129 at
a preschool to fifth-grade building.
CLASS NEWS
2010
2011
Ann Hussey, Michelle Schultz, class
agents
Barbara Lagrotteria, Fanny Lopez,
Jaron Salazar, class agents
Jessica Salinas Hughes and Patrick
Hughes welcomed their daughter, Margaret
Mary, to the world on September 22, 2015.
Edith Cepeda along with her husband,
Manny Navar, are proud parents to their
daughter Andrea Navar. Andrea was born on
October 5, 2015.
Miguel Granados Jr, married his wife,
Marisol Aguirre, on August 7, 2015. He has
been working with McMaster for four years
and plans to obtain his master’s degree.
On September 5, Robert Koors ’09 and
Amy Preston were married at St. Edmund’s
Church in Oak Park. Dominican was well
represented, with Annie Hussey Bala,
Allysha (Emmerson) McClary, Liz Droel,
Rick Boyte ’12, and Paul Gawlas standing
by their sides that day, in addition to many
more DU alum in attendance to party all night
long! Amy and Rob also purchased a home
in Forest Park this year, and celebrated at
quite a few other weddings, all equaling the
craziest, happiest year of their lives!
Anna Niemczewska graduated from
DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of
Business with a master’s degree in human
resources in August 2015.
Tracy Williams started freelance writing in
nutrition. Her website is: tracysplate.com.
Ivana Gentile Sedia married Adam Sedia,
a prominent lawyer from Indiana on May 23,
2015. They live in Griffith, IN. Ivana currently
works for the Temporary Visitor Driver’s
License Program of the Illinois Secretary of
State where she assists by using her foreign
languages (Spanish, Italian and Macedonian).
She was included in the Second Annual
Macedonian Diaspora’s “40 under 40” list that
acknowledges Macedonians under the age of
40 who have excelled in their professions and
as role models in their community.
2012
Ali Messina, class agent
Since leaving Dominican, Mylene M.
Esparza, has been working as a preschool
teacher. She started her teaching career in
Chicago and was then transferred to a sister
school in Los Angeles. She is currently living
in LA with her fiancé and new puppy.
2014
Anthony Garcia, Megan Graves,
Sam Viola, class agents
On May 30, 2015, Ryan Halbig and
Katherine Johnson ’11 were married in St.
Joseph, MI.
Megan Graves is no longer a candidate
with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters.
She is living in Woodridge and working as
an administrative assistant at a software
validation company called Arbour Group,
LLC in Oakbrook Terrace. She is also in the
process of applying to graduate school at the
Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park for
the fall 2016 semester for a master’s degree in
pastoral studies.
April Zehner gave birth August 13, 2015, to
Grace Frances Zehner.
I N S Y M PAT H Y
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
U N D E R G R A D U AT E
ALUMNAE/I
1940s
Sister Maria Michelle
Armato, OP ’41 (FS)
Mary Kenzie ’43 (NGA)
Sister Marie-Gerard
Donovan, OP ’44
Catherine Cullen ’45
Grace Bruns Dorian ’45
Muriel Long Foster ’45
Mary Halloran Harrington ’45
Eugenia Bley Lenert ’45
Sister Mary Woods, OP ’45 (FS)
Sister Miguel Hearty, OP ’46 (FS)
Ann O’Shea Spengler ’46
Sister Ellen Springer, CSJ ’46
Rosemary Cunningham Boland ’47
Margaret Carroll Burke ’47
Kathleen Fox Coveny ’47
Phyllis Seemann Esser ’47
Francella Kresl Leitel ’47
Gloria Rino Zaccardi ’47
Anne Jerry Elliott ’48
Margaret Papin Lampert ’48
Rita Munch Tesar ’48, MALS ’76
Charleen O’Connor Berens ’49
Rita Bursby Leamy ’49
Pauline Calderon Licht ’49
Sister Jean Richter, OP ’49 (FS)
1950s
Anne Nicholson Sandman ’50
Jean Charters Van Hoomissen ’50
Joann Cain Liese ’51
Emilie Zucker Speed ’51
Mary Raymond Marcucci ’52
Barbara Young Zidek ’52
Jeanne Dailey Johnson ’53
Nelle Maher Kinsella ’53
Marilyn Lawley ’53
Lucy McNulty ’54
Lolita Ghilarducci Sickler ’54
Joan Van Drisse Lynn ’55
Carmela Vitullo Albachiara ’56
Diana Blancato Cortina ’56, MBA ’83
Sister Emiy Herrington, OP ’58
Kathleen Doyle O’Malley ’58
Mary Williams Kovanda ’59
Joanne Holmes Maurer ’59
1960s
Jean Rackus ’63
Joan Seidel ’63
Mary Ann Perticara Wilborn ’63
Sister Dorothy Griff, OP ’64,
MALS ’71
Barbara Swinoga Childs ’66
RoseMarie Mack Pellegrino ’67
Catherine Dix ’68
dom.edu/magazine
1970s
Theresa Roth Zusag ’71
D’Artagnan Petty ’76
1980s
Elizabeth Manfredi MFA/
Schifanoia ’85
1990s
Alicia Hughes Yaus ’92
Richard Pisani ’93
G R A D U AT E A L U M N A E / I
Carol Gapen MBA ’87
Marianne Fettinger Perkins
MALS ’62
Sister Mary Neuhofer OSB,
MALS ‘65
Charlotte Brennan MALS ’66
Brother James J. Dolan FSC,
MALS ’66
Martha Purdy MALS ’66
Sister Jeanne Jones MALS ’68
Sister Sandra Marie Sosnowski
MALS ’71
Betty Cutler MALS ’73
Geraldine Vickers Harrison MALS ’75
Sister Virginia Murphy MALIS ’82
Jeannine Fournier MALIS ’86
Melissa Erickson Kennedy MLIS ’03
Mary Van Wazer MAEA ’91
F A M I LY M E M B E R O F
Jessica Anderson*
Rosalie Woods Bliss ’79
Laura Gentile Dee ’86, MBA ’96
Terese Jacobson Grant ’81
Ann Flynn Horowitz ’62
Peggy Hennessy Lawley ’51
Brian Lorbach ’08
Helean Morkes Ray ’42
Barbara Roti ’11
Norine Warrington Schneider ’61
Karen O’Shaughnessy Shanahan ’56
Anita Trainor*
Barbara Trine-Bebee MBA ’83
Angelo P. Vignola ’81, MBA ’83
Dominic Vignola ’76
G R A N D PA R E N T O F
Chris Anderson*
Suzanne Atterbury ’14
Kathleen Carlin Arbogast ’07
Evan Beadleston**
Omar Diaz*
Andrew Hayes ’15
Kate Schmidt*
Samantha Zidek ’14
John 14:1
PA R E N T O F
Catherine Adduci^
Nicholas Baird**
Robert Baird ’14
Ann Van Hoomissen Bixby ’79
Karen Breitenbach ’67
Mari Barth Callahan-Ross ’80*
Mary Boyle Callow ’67 (T)
Ann Dee ’81
Stephen Dee ’82
Thomas Dee ’83, MBA ’93 (T)
Anne Drougas*
Melanie Dykstra*
Mary Welk Esquivel ’04
Mary Pat Radke Fallon MLIS ’97
Lori Fisk-Conners ’85
Anicia Fye ’09
Maria Guccione ’07
Steven Holli MBA ’98, MSA ’08
Jacqueline Janeteas ’12, MSPED ’15
Jessica Karolewicz**
Catherine Kenzie La Plante ’69
Rebecca Lauris ’13
Marian Henley Liautaud ’85
Rose Ann Mathai*
Margaret Melun ’64
Mary Nash Parolin ’75
Barbara Nash Pozzi ’72
Mary Rathbun ’76*
Jacy Lawrence Rose ’13
Judith Gaudio Scala ’69
Susanne Schmitz*
Lisa Fisk Snyder ’91
Maureen Breitenbach Tralewski ’69
SIBLING OF
Amanda Cardin*
Joan Lawley Dunne ’51
Jeannine Sheridan Eubank ’51
Sister Susan Hahn, OP
Fachon Schwope Wilson ’65
SPOUSE OF
Mary Atkinson ’75
Sally Beaton Beckman ’54
Celeste Kroger Bonin ’52
Mario Cortina MBA ’79
Claire Cusack Cronin ’49
Joan Lawley Dunne ’51
Mary Shanahan Kennedy ’56
Daria Turula McKay ’61
Kathleen Hytry Nichols ’66
UNIVERSITY FRIENDS
Sister Catherine “Kate” Dooley, OP
(FS) +
Philip Rock +
Note: This list reflects deaths reported to
the Office of Alumnae/i Relations between
August 1, 2015, and February 1, 2016.
Please call the office at (708) 524-6286
regarding omissions or discrepancies.
Key:
+
Former Trustee
(T)
Current Trustee
*
Staff/Faculty member
**
Current student
^Friend
(FS) Founding Sister
(NGA) Non-graduating alumna/us
(MHS) Mazzuchelli Heritage Society
The Mazzuchelli Heritage Society
was established to recognize and honor
the alumnae/i and other friends of
Dominican University who have provided
for Dominican through their estate plans.
This honorary society is named for Father
Samuel Mazzuchelli, founder of the
Sinsinawa Dominicans—a man whose life
reflected both extraordinary generosity
and remarkable vision. For more
information, please contact Grace
Cichomska, vice president, University
Advancement, at (708) 524-6288.