Let Her Dance! - Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women

A LU M N A E N E W S
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women
rochester, new york
Let Her Dance!
Oprah Winfrey once said, “Every day brings a chance for you to draw
in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance.” Our Lady of Mercy
alumna Chelsea Bonosky ’05 lives that motto through her work in the
performing arts. Recently she shared her thoughts on her career and
her alma mater.
What have you been doing since you
left Mercy?
SUMMER
2013
Since graduating Mercy in 2005, I moved to
New York City to attend New York
University’s Tisch School of the Arts on a
dance scholarship. I graduated Tisch with a
BFA in dance/choreography. I have worked
numerous jobs in the city – dance and nondance-related (social networking consultant,
assistant to two fashion designers, Red Bull
Girl, etc.), many at the same time to support
myself as a working artist. In that time I was
given the opportunity to work with multiple
dance artists as well as travel for dance
Chelsea Bonosky ’05
festivals and performances (The Netherlands,
Montreal, San Francisco) to find myself in the
dance community. I can proudly say that the hard work is starting to pay off as I can
now fully support myself as a performing artist in New York City. Two years ago I was
offered a contract with the off-Broadway immersive theatre production, “Sleep No More,”
with the London-based dance company PunchDrunk. Experiencing acclaimed reviews
by The New York Times and a story/picture spread in Vogue magazine and being hailed
the number one show in Manhattan for the past two years is a very humbling honor. On
top of that I work in close collaboration with Adam Barruch Dance (adambarruch.com).
Adam and I have been invited to teach in the city and to perform at multiple venues,
including “Jacob’s Pillow” in The Berkshires, New York Live Arts, Joe’s Pub, and many
festivals. We just returned from a dance intensive in LA where we were guest choreographers. Recently, we received commissions to set works on other dance companies –
one being Alvin Ailey II – and continue to travel, work, and create. I am also a certified
Pilates instructor with a base of private clients in the city and am one of the faces of the
beauty campaign online for Prescriptives through Estee Lauder, opening a whole other
world of possibilities.
Why did you pursue this particular career?
I always find that question difficult to articulate into words, as dance is such a physical
form. I knew when I was at Mercy I loved and thrived off a sense of community and
purpose. While in high school I was attending the Timothy M. Draper Center for
Dance Education, and I found my passion to lie in movement, art, and creation. How to
put that sense of movement and community together was my goal. Attending NYU
gave me a home and a base to meet fellow artists to explore and create together. The
hard work and rising opportunities are starting to fulfill my goals. Art and dance is an
continued on page 3
A Message from the President
Suzanne Klingler Johnston ’61
SUMMER
2013
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610-2298
585.288.7120 (voice)
585.288.7966 (fax)
www.mercyhs.com
[email protected]
PRESIDENT
Mrs. Suzanne Klingler Johnston ’61
Principal
Mr. Terry Quinn
ANGLES
is published
twice yearly by the
Advancement Office of
Our Lady of Mercy
School for Young Women
and is distributed to
alumnae, parents, and friends.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING/
COMMUNICATIONS
EDITOR OF ANGLES
Mrs. Ginny Segerson Lenyk ’78
Director of
Alumnae Relations
Ms. Karen M. Ralph ’72
Director of
Advancement
Mrs. Melanie Barnas-Simmons
ADVANCEMENT
SERVICES MANAGER
Mrs. Mary Beth Curtin
Campaign Associate
Ms. Maura Monley Baron ’86
Mercy’s graduation ceremony has remained essentially the same for 81 years. Each June, Mercy’s
seniors, garbed in the traditional pale blue cap and gown, each carrying a long-stemmed rose,
walk across the stage to receive their diploma. This significant rite of passage begins with a
prayer led by senior class officers and ends with the Bishop’s blessing of the graduates. Following
this, the new graduates are joined by faculty, staff, and all attending alumnae in singing the Alma
Mater. It is a memorable evening, warm, joyous, and appropriately dignified.
One of the modifications in this important ceremony involves the speakers at graduation. No
longer is there an external or guest speaker. Instead, the Valedictorian gives the valedictory
address, and a student selected by the graduating class serves as Class Speaker.
This year, both speakers were especially noteworthy. Emily Armstrong, our Valedictorian, who
with perfect SAT scores is headed to MIT, spoke with great wit and wisdom. She spoke of “How
life often takes you to places you’d never expect.” Emily spoke of some of her own experiences,
including never envisioning herself attending an all-girls school, and never, ever believing she
could address an audience like the one she faced at that moment. She spoke of the uncertainty
that all the graduating seniors face as they leave home and family for new and very different
venues. Her closing included a quote and her personal advice as well, stating, “Stephen Colbert
once said: ‘Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what’s going to happen next and you are
mostly just making things up as you go along.’ Take it from the classic nerd,” Emily continued,
“who never thought she would be able to speak to more than 10 people at once: if you give it
a shot and pretend you know what you’re doing, you can accomplish so much more than you
think you can. So let’s get to that. Walk across the stage, get your diploma, try not to trip on
your way there, and get out of here. Try to keep your friends, but if you can’t, then keep your
memories. Please refuse to accept any life but the one that makes you happy and lets you be the
person you are. I look forward to seeing all that you will achieve and become.”
Nora Hanna, the Class Speaker, was equally compelling. Her address, which we included in
this publication (page 12), gives assurance that the values that have shaped generations of Mercy
women continue to be cherished. The theme of Nora’s speech was our school’s motto, “the way,
the truth and the life.” Nora spoke to what those words meant to her and her class. She said, “I
have been shown ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ in ways I could never have expected when I
joined the Circle of Mercy four years ago. Through the life I have lived at Mercy, I have undoubtedly experienced God in each and every one of my friends in the Class of 2013. This is a very
special group of young women, full of talent and passion, intelligence and wisdom, and an undying amount of love which I know fully well that they will show the world much like they have
all shown me. I am incredibly grateful for my experiences at Mercy, and, on behalf of my class, I
would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made sacrifices to send your daughters
to this school. There is no adequate way to explain what this place has meant to each of us, but
I assure you that your sacrifice was worthwhile. No matter how far the bright futures of your
daughters take them, they will have roots in a community that made them strong and merciful women. I know that although my own life is about to change enormously, I can always look
down to the ring I wear each day and see the words, ‘Via, veritas, et vita,’ and I will never forget
what Mercy and the Class of 2013 taught me that those words mean.”
In a world marked by change and conflict, how reassuring to know that the essence of Mercy, an
institution committed to developing strong, competent, compassionate women, remains constant
and faithful to its mission.
Thank you for all your loving and prayerful support—you keep the spirit of Mercy alive.
LET HER DANCE! continued from cover
expression of emotion through certain tactile functions, ultimately
reaching and serving a greater public. I want to touch and awaken
something in people through my art.
What similar activities did you do during high school?
During high school I was very active at Mercy as well as outside
its walls. I was a member of the Student Council, Spirit Club, the
orchestra, performed in Arts Fest, proudly wore the mascot outfit,
and was one of two students (myself and Zoe Gallagher ’05) who
were chosen to create and paint our class mural in the senior hallway. I was taking private art classes with Mrs. Pam Ford outside
of school as well. At the same time, I was a company member with
The Rochester City Ballet and training at The Timothy M. Draper
Center for Dance Education, dancing sometimes 30 hours a week
and during performance times sometimes 50 hours. Mercy and
my Mercy friends were so important to me that it was no question
that I wanted to work around my dance hours to be involved with
them and my in-school activities. It was a matter of how to balance
everything and I think those days prepared me for the hectic pace
I’ve had to maintain to be an artist in Manhattan.
What advice would you give young women interested in a
similar career?
If there is anything I can say to any young budding artist, it is to
not be afraid. There are no mistakes. It is hard. I am not going to
lie and say it has been an easy path, but nothing but art is more
than worthy of such a life. Allow yourself to explore. You may
think you know exactly what you want and how you want to get it,
but if you don’t keep your eyes open along the way you may actually miss what the universe has purposely laid in front of you.
Shop and pizza log days. May Day, Moving Up Day, Christmas
Basket Families made more good memories! One of my favorite
memories has to be our last week as seniors. Most of us had a free
period at the end of the day, and we all sat in the Senior Lounge in
our Mercy skirts from the 7th grade and our senior t-shirts
(“Often Imitated, Never Duplicated”), and we got on the radio
and they played our senior song. The whole class of young
women scared but ready to take on the world! Such a bond
will never be recreated, and will never be broken.
I am forever thankful to hold that memory
close to my heart.
How did your time
at Mercy prepare you
for this part of your life?
I truly believe to this day that Mercy was the
central growing place for my strength, confidence,
and commitment. I was allowed to develop at
Mercy as me, and nobody else. I was allowed to
learn and grow with no judgment or fear. My
closest and dearest friends even now are still
my core group of friends from my Class of
2005, talking almost every day. A bond
forms when at Mercy, and that can
never be destroyed. You form
yourself at Mercy. I was lucky
to attend such a school.
What are some of your fondest memories of your
Mercy days?
Oh my gosh, I have so many amazing memories! From Spirit Week
to Friday announcements on MTV, to Penny Wars, and the Candle
The Quinlan Sorbello Family celebrates multiple
generations of Mercy Women!
Shown from left to right are Camy Sorbello ’68, Francesca Sorbello ’20,
Dorothy Quinlan Sorbello ’84, Elizabeth Quinlan Bohn ’79, and
Linda Quinlan Bassinger ’78.
Two great aunts, Mary Dodson Suss ’40 and Dolores Dodson Callahan
’43, also graduated from Mercy but were unavailable for this photo.
3
Update from the Alumnae Association Board
The Mercy Alumnae Association Board is looking for new members!
Requirements for joining:
Save the Dates for
Upcoming Events
•Must be a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy…from 1932 to 2013!
•Must be willing to have fun and meet other alumnae.
•Must be interested in contributing to and participating in
annual board events.
•Must be able to commit to attend meetings once a month.
•Craft Show & Sale
If this sounds like you, please contact the board today to let us know!
Kerrie Smith Mullen ’06, Co-President Katie Tkaczyk ’81, Co-President
E-mail: [email protected]
Cell: 585.773.0156
Cell: 585.737.2743
2013 – 2014 Alumnae Association Board
Kelly Beedon ’04
Katelynn Callon ’04
Roxane Crupi ’73
Andrea Buchholz Curtis ’04
Sondra Imperati-McFarlane ’87 – Treasurer
Kris D’Hondt Lepel ’94
Kerrie Smith Mullen ’06 – Co-President
Katie Ziarko Snyder ’01 – Secretary
Katie Tkaczyk ’81 – Co-President
•Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Tuesday, December 10, 2013, all day at Pittsford Plaza B&N
What better way to shop for Christmas gifts for family and friends,
and also to support Mercy? And if you can’t make it out to the
Pittsford Plaza location that day, feel free to make purchases online.
•Applebee’s Dine In
Tuesday, December 10, 2013, from 11 a.m. to close at Pittsford
Plaza Applebee’s
After you’ve stocked up on all your gifts at Barnes & Noble, stop by
Applebee’s to grab a bite to eat! A percentage of your purchase will
be donated to the Alumnae Board.
Alumnae Luncheons Going Strong
Alumnae luncheons at Mercy have been going strong for more than eight
years! Annually, three to four groups of alumnae gather at OLM for lunch.
In spring 2013, members from both the Class of 1943 and 1955 enjoyed
their respective special luncheons. In addition to being welcomed by
Mercy president, Suzanne Klingler Johnston ’61, they also were treated
to an update on the school presented by six senior students better known
as the “Super Six.” Thanks to organizer, Rosemary Loritz Maracle ’43,
a fun-loving group of ’43ers celebrated the 70th anniversary of their
graduation; and thanks to Pat Gay Mueller ’55, a large and lively group
of ’55ers celebrated their 58th anniversary back where it all began!
These luncheons provide a wonderful opportunity for alumnae to socialize
with their classmates and to continue the friendships made so many years
ago. Any group that would like to schedule a lunch, breakfast or after work
“happy hour” here at Mercy, please contact Karen Ralph, Director of
Alumnae Relations, at 585.288.7120 x313 or [email protected].
Top: Class of 1955
4
Saturday, November 2, 2013, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at OLM
Last year, 45 vendors participated and raised more than $2,100 to
benefit the Alumnae Board Scholarship Fund. We can’t wait to see
what this year will bring! Do you know a vendor, or would you like
to be one yourself? Please contact us at [email protected]
or [email protected].
Bottom, the 2013 “Super Six,” L to R:
Morgan Barron-Bozman, Megan McNiffe,
Sarah Hetterich, Caity Purcell,
Carey DiPasquale, Emily Graham
ALUMNAE CELEBRATE SPRING!
Rochester Alumnae Meet & Greet
With spring in the air, 40 alumnae
turned out for “Happy Hour” on
April 4 at Tap and Table located in
Rochester’s Cornhill neighborhood.
More than 15 class years were represented! The spirited group thoroughly
enjoyed an evening of sharing good
food, good drink, good conversation,
and, most importantly, great memories
of Mercy. Many thanks to Rose Feor
’02 and Caroline Whelan ’02 for
organizing this terrific event!
Chicago Events:
On May 16th, alumnae gathered at Quartino Ristorante &
Wine Bar in Chicago for a delicious Italian buffet. Thanks
to Julie Evans Rancourt ’88 for coordinating this wonderful
event! Attendees included (above) Joan Esterheld ’71, Ann
Kalaska ’72, Julie Evans Rancourt ’88 and Dianne Salt
Dunagan ‘64.
Mercy’s president, Suzanne Klinger Johnston ’61, hosted a
luncheon for loyal alumnae supporters from the Chicago area
at The Union League Club on May 16. Pictured above right
are Claire Conley ’71, Lou Dwyer Kaufman ’49,
Mary Schraml Canty ’83 and Sabra Ebersole ’85.
Pat Stenner MetzgerNoonan ’54 and Marie
Coelho Spiegl ’54 at the
Chicago reception.
In 2013–14 Mercy again will be hosting alumnae events out of town. If you
live in a major city and would like to
be part of organizing an event in your
area, please contact Karen Ralph ’72,
Director of Alumnae Relations,
at 585-288-7120 x313 or
[email protected].
Mercy Alumna Shares Boston Marathon Experience
Karin Diminuco Pecora ’89 did most of her running at Mercy on the
soccer field but enjoyed track as a secondary sport. She played soccer
in college at Holy Cross, then took up distance running after graduation and fell in love with it. Pecora ran four marathons in her 20s then
took a break to have a family. She recently
got back into the sport and put running the
Boston Marathon on her “bucket list.”
Heading to this monumental event in April
with her parents, husband, and three kids,
Pecora was excited and a little nervous.
“My only real fear was that I would cramp
up or injure myself while running,” she
said. “It never crossed my mind to fear for
my safety.”
subway was evacuated and droves of emergency
response vehicles were everywhere.
“We were actually staying in Cambridge so we had to
walk with my parents and the
kids for an hour and a half to
get back to the hotel. There were
no taxis or buses available.” Along the
way she checked the Internet on her phone
to see what had happened and received text
messages with updates as well.
Since that day, Pecora admits she has been
more cautious. It’s not going to stop her
Karin Diminuco Pecora ’89
from doing the activities she and her family
at the Boston Marathon
enjoy, but she thinks more about security
than she did before. “Before this happened I thought after running
Pecora says it was the best race she ever ran. “The whole city is out
Boston I would be done with marathons because I had accomthere supporting the runners. I never felt so touched along the way.
plished my goal. Now a part of me really wants to run it again next
It was such an emotional feeling because the people along the route
year out of defiance. I want to show that we are not scared.”
are so wonderful.”
In fact, at age 42, Pecora finished the race with her fastest time ever:
3:38:56. After getting some food and water, she headed down to the
subway while her husband went to get her parents and kids. Her
family was just coming down the stairs when the bombs went off.
They assumed it was cannons going off or fireworks celebrating the
day. It didn’t take long to figure out that wasn’t the case when the
Pecora is taking a little time off from running to give her body a
break. She is doing some cross training instead to keep in good
shape. This grateful mom is also spending a lot of quality time with
her family. She is a freelance marketing consultant, and previously
worked in marketing for Bausch & Lomb. She and her husband,
Phil, live in Webster with their three children.
5
1954
Pru Costich Schmidt published Shades of Love, a book
of 13 stories of romance.
1957
A quilt by Christine Wickert of Penfield, NY, recently
won top honors at an American Quilter’s Society show.
Joyce Nuccitelli Lobene shares, “There have been
many things that happened in the past 55 years since I
graduated and quite often I have to step back and think
about what three very special ladies – Sister Bryan, Sister
Edward and Sister Cyprian [Sr. Mary Bryan Ford ’43,
Sr. M. Edward Connelly ’45, and Sr. Jane Hasbrouck
’39] – would tell me I should consider doing. When I
reflect on these past years, I realize that what the Sisters
of Mercy taught us was not just in books but in life’s
daily lessons. Here in Spencerport, at St. John’s Church,
there seem to be more Nazareth graduates than Mercy
graduates. We manage to keep up a lively rivalry. As
Mayor of the Village of Spencerport these past four years,
I have managed to get quite a bit done that others had
left on the sidelines. The nicest comment I have heard
was from a very active Nazareth grad, who said, “it took a
Mercy girl to get it done!”
1959
Alumnae
Doris Cuddeback Jones, RN, recently moved from
Washington, DC, to Gulfport, Mississippi, on the
beautiful Gulf Coast. Hurricane Katrina destroyed her
military retirement condo in Gulfport, and now she is in
a new complex there. Doris volunteers at the USO each
week and works as a park ranger at Gulf Islands National
Sea Shore in Ocean Springs. She is taking classes at
Mississippi State University as part of a Life Long Learning
program and enjoys the annual Mardi Gras celebrations.
1960
Elaine Smith Parker has been married to her husband
William for 37 years, and after living “the second third”
of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia, they moved to
Broomfield, Colorado, for their golden years.
Do you
have news
to share?
1961
You can also use the
form at the back of
this newsletter.
1968
Contact us!
• 585.288.2610
• advancement@
mercyhs.com
• www.mercyhs.com
6
For more than two years, Judy Otto has been consulting
with a biotech start up, Bioarray Therapeutics, Inc, whose
mission is to develop molecular diagnostic tests to enable
effective treatment for cancer sooner. As a 14-year breast
cancer survivor who was disabled for 10 years by the
treatments, Judy “is especially interested in the promise to
customize one’s treatment for fewer side effects.”
Marcia Zeller Opperman hosted a Royal Baby Shower
to honor Kate Middleton. Gifts were donated to Mercy
Community Services. Attendees were very generous,
donating $85 in checks, four decorated boxes filled with
baby items, and two huge shopping bags of diapers and
wipes! Mercy grads in attendance, L to R: Marcia Zeller
Opperman ’68, Jeannette (Jeanne) Bellave Pavia ’58,
Pat Blackburn Houseknecht ’68, Claudia Zeller Ciresi
’73, Pat Duffy ’68. Not pictured: Pat Carroll Loomis ’68)
1972
Patricia Booth Isaacson shared, “It was great celebrating
with so many of my classmates at our 40th reunion. We
now have our own group on Facebook and share family
stories, births, deaths, and excitement. My children are
18, 22 and 25, with the youngest going off to college. I
am the Firm Administrator for a national law firm based
in NYC. I was elected President of the New York City
Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators, which
is an international organization of more than 10,000
members who manage legal practices in corporate law
departments and law firms. My day is filled but I love to
catch up evenings with all my friends from Mercy.”
1979
Kathy Curran Molino and her family gathered last
November at Cross Creek Ranch in Dover, Florida, to
celebrate the marriage of her daughter, Alyssa, to Dustin
Klein. Kathy was recently in Washington, DC, with
classmate Anne Hammele Yockel celebrating their
30th college reunion. While there, they joined another
classmate, Lori Cullen Zorc, for dinner. Pictured L to
R: Ann Marie Curran, Mark Molino, Kathy Curran
Molino, Alyssa Klein, Dustin Klein, Ginny Curran,
and Bobby Molino. (Kathy’s 16-year-old son Justin is not
pictured but will be a junior at St. Peter Catholic School
next fall and is a big baseball player).
1982
Connie Lartigue Sierra and husband, Rick, have two boys, ages 13 and
11. Connie teaches first grade and loves it! She won the Susan B. Lucas
Teacher of the Year Award from the Delaware County Historical Society.
2001
Julia Tedesco married Colin Orr on May 25 at Sacred Heart Cathedral
in Rochester, NY. Julia is the Chief Development Officer at Foodlink.
Colin is a middle-school teacher at True North Rochester Prep. Below
L to R: Cecelia (Hayes) Lester, Kate (Fleche) Stanley, Stef Tedesco,
Nina (Wales) Talcott, Meagan Mahar, Sarah Notter, Julia Tedesco,
Kelly Smith, Danielle Mariano, and Caitlin Burke. Other Mercy
alumnae who attended were Jessica Andrychuk ’08 (cousin),
Roxane Crupi ‘73, Nancy White Onofrey ’73, Brigette Maurer
Ryan ’01, Kate Cerame Sumner ’01, Janet Andrychuk-Tedesco
’73 (mother), Susan Becker Truelove ’73, Alyssa Weir ’00, and
Dorothy Tedesco Yax ’63.
1983
Above, members of Mercy’s Class of 1983 gathered at the Back Nine
Grill in July to celebrate their 30th reunion.
1985
Kristen DiSanto Didier returned to teaching first grade in 2010 at
St. Joseph Catholic School in Marietta, Georgia, after staying home with
her two children for eight years. She will be teaching third grade in the
fall, which is the grade she taught before her hiatus. Kristen’s daughter,
Natalie, is in fifth grade and son Ben is in second grade at St. Joseph.
1986
Beth Knittle-Linn lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband and
5-year-old son. She works as a counselor at Visintainer Middle School
and is Marketing Director for Buckeye Flooring and Installation, LLC,
which is her husband’s business.
1989
Stephanie Yaeger Wallace
attended the dress rehearsal
of Annie on April 18, 2013,
with her two daughters,
Payton and Madeline. The
spring musical dress rehearsal
and alumnae reception is an annual event that Stephanie has attended
for several years. However, this year was better than ever as her
daughters got to meet the star of the show! Shown above are Madeline
Wallace, Megan “Annie” McNiffe ’13, and Payton Wallace.
2002
Nina Colaruotolo was pinned on December 20, 2012, after
successfully completing her Nursing Degree at the University of
Rochester. Nina began her career as an RN in the ER at Strong
Memorial Hospital in February 2013.
Martha McCahill Sprague married husband Christopher on May
4 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine.
Martha and Christopher recently purchased a home and moved
to Gorham, Maine. Martha received her Master of Social Work –
Conditional Clinical license in April 2013. Pictured above, L to R:
Angela Guarnere ’02, Sue Clifford-Alvut, Kathleen Ansaldi ’02,
Martha McCahill Sprague ’02, Mary Elizabeth McCahill, Mary
Kay Huber, Rebecca Block ’04, and Laura Callens.
1999
Lisa Engstrom Smotrich
and her husband, Adam,
live in Palm Harbor, Florida.
They welcomed their first
child, Nora Madeleine, on
May 21.
continued next page
7
CLASS NOTES continued
2003
Katie Dry returned to Rochester to serve as Women’s Soccer
Assistant Coach at RIT. She will serve as the goalkeeper coach. Katie
enjoyed a stellar playing and coaching career at Bucknell, where she
earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Biology. Katie
currently serves as an orthopedic physical therapist at Lattimore
of Gates-Chili Physical Therapy in Rochester.
2004
Shannon Lappin received the Rising Star Award at the St. John Fisher
Jack Palvino Excellence in Communications Awards Gala. Shannon
currently works at Manning & Napier.
2005
Kaitlin Coco
recently got together
with Mercy friends
in New York City to
celebrate her move
from Manhattan to Los
Angeles, to pursue her
career as a professional
makeup artist. Kaitlin transferred from the Sephora in Times Square
to the Sephora in Beverly Hills. She is moving to be closer to her sister
Christen Coco ’02, who has lived in California for seven years and is
a licensed Child and Family Therapist. Kaitlin also will be near Bridget
Mackey ’02. Kaitlin shares, “I am very proud to be a Mercy girl and
very proud of the friends I made while there.” Photo, L to R: Alex
Caiola ’06 (senior talent acquisition specialist for adMarketplace),
Kristin Garbarino ’05 (assistant vice president in investment banking
controllers at Bank of America), Kaitlin Coco ’05.
2006
Arline Laurer graduated from University of Toledo College of Law in
May and was placed on the Dean’s List for the spring 2013 semester.
After graduating with a master of Library and Information Science
degree from the University of Pittsburgh in August, Desirae Sweet
married Anna-Sophia Zingarelli in a civil ceremony at San Francisco
City Hall. In September, Desirae took the position of business librarian
at James Madison University in Virginia.
2009
Mary Elizabeth Gerham was named to the Dean’s List at Loyola
University Maryland for the spring semester.
Kerry McLaughlin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in
May with her BSN. She has moved back to the Rochester area to begin
employment at the University of Rochester Medical Center as a Registered
Nurse on the surgical oncology floor. In her free time, she is also starting
her mobile healthcare company for geriatric patients, KnowMe.
Danielle Mietus graduated from the University of Albany, SUNY,
in May.
8
Andrea Telesca became a Board Certified Athletic Trainer in February
and received her license in May. In August, she became Graduate
Assistant Athletic Trainer at Alfred University while she earns her MBA.
Pam Torrey graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Music with a
bachelor of music degree in Vocal Performance with Academic Honors
in May. In April she sang the leading role of the “Enfant” in CIM’s
production of Maurice Ravel’s opera, L’enfant et les sortilèges. Pam
will be attending the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA at
Roosevelt University) in the fall, pursuing her master’s degree in Music
Performance-Voice.
2010
Nichole Adiletta was named to the spring President’s List at Siena
College in Albany. Nichole is majoring in Biology and Chemistry.
Courtney Kodweis was named to the 2012 Fall Dean’s List at the
University at Buffalo. Courtney has been on the Dean’s List for five
straight semesters, received numerous departmental and honors
awards, and is a member of Tau Beta Pi. She is majoring in Biomedical
Engineering and was selected to present at the National Conference
for Undergraduate Research in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, in April. She
presented on research findings collected during her internship at the
Milwaukee School of Engineering. Courtney traveled to India this
summer to do biomedical research.
2011
Kristen Graham was named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester
at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Samantha Guerrieri was named to the Dean’s List at Loyola
University Maryland for the spring semester.
Jessica Nozzi was named to the Dean’s List at Villanova University for
the spring semester.
Angela M. Smith was named to the Dean’s List at Mount St. Mary’s
University for the spring semester. Angela is majoring in Communication
Studies and Spanish and is in the Honors Program. Angela completed
the University of London Study Abroad Program this spring.
2012
Patricia Gould was named to the Dean’s List at St. Bonaventure
University for the spring semester.
Grace Rieck was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Joseph’s
University for the spring semester.
Christine Stemmer was named to the Dean’s List at Ithaca College
for the spring semester. Christine spent the summer studying at The
Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute in Waterford, Connecticut.
Maria Telesca was named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at
Niagara University.
Caroline Tierney was named to the Dean’s List at Marist College
for the fall semester. Caroline is majoring in Communication with an
emphasis in Public Relations.
A Hot Day for Golf!
The 14th Annual Fr. Ed Zimmer Memorial Mercy Golf Tournament
It was a real scorcher on July 17 for the 14th Annual Fr. Ed
Zimmer Memorial Mercy Golf Tournament. However, even with
temperatures well over 90 degrees, the field of 90 golfers still
managed to beat the heat and enjoy the day.
A highlight of this year’s tournament was the hole-in-one made by
golfer Steve Nicandri (in the foursome with Mercy’s principal,
Terry Quinn). Not only was it a “first ever” hole-in-one for Steve, but
it was also a first ever in the history of the tournament. Congratulations to Steve as well as to all the lucky winners listed below!
Women’s Winner: Karen Casper, Pam Tait, Ellen Samuelson,
and Linda McCoy
Mixed Winner: Julie Odenbach, John Odenbach, Jack Odenbach,
and Alex Odenbach
Men’s Winner: Fritz Odenbach, Jr., Dusty Odenbach,
Nick Lomenzo, and Lee Lomenzo
Women’s Closest to the Pin: Sr. Mary Marvin, RSM ’57
Women’s Longest Drive: Kim McNees
Men’s Closest to the Pin: Neil O’Brien
Men’s Longest Drive: Nick Lomenzo
MANY THANKS to our sponsors, raffle prize donors, contributors,
golfers, and spirited volunteers for helping to raise more than
$26,000 to benefit the students at OLM!
Alumnae Golfers: Patti Messner Mahar ’80, Julie Spath Hetterich ’80,
and Mary Lawrence Khalil ’80
Hole-In-One Group: Steve Whitman, Terry Quinn, Steve
Nicandri, and Tom Quinn
For information on how to get involved in this annual event,
please contact the tournament coordinator, Karen Ralph ’72, at
[email protected] or 585-288-7120 x313.
Sandra Odenbach and Fritz Odenbach Past P ’12, Fritz Odenbach, Jr.,
Dusty Odenbach, John Newell, Mandy Odenbach, and Nick Lomenzo
Todd Green P ’14, Chuck Bianchi P ’14 and Gordon Lennox Past P ’05
Student Volunteers: Christina Potter ’15 and Nicole Vigliotti ’15
9
10
REUNION 2013
The Class of ’52 celebrates 60 years at
Mercy on October 3, 2012
Left: Rita Lintz
Kane and Margie
Hanss Geen
Below: Kay O’Hara
Georger, Joan
Agram Wood, and
Joan Gargan
Polster
Class of ‘47 Continues to Gather
Superstitions were set aside as 13 of us from the Class of
1947 gathered for our annual spring “mini-reunion” luncheon
at Keenan’s Restaurant. All were a little slower in getting
around, yet young in heart, as we reminisced about the
“good old days.” Marguerite Mahoney made some lovely
bookmarks, with the date and a lovely quote on them, and
gave each of us one.
The Class of ’48 celebrates 65 years at
Keenan’s Restaurant on May 22, 2013.
15% Discount
on ONE item
Kate’s Tea & Gift Shop
1437 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY 14610
Not for use with other discounts. Expires 12/31/13.
Those who attended were: Marie Limpert Cunningham,
Sr. Anne Marie Lennon, Betty Doran Kowalik, Rose
LeFrois Geraci, Teresa Byrne Carl, Sally Stock Eckert,
Rosemary Norton Smith, Marguerite Quinn Mahoney,
Marion Kubanka Wowkowych, Rosemary Leimberger
Hahn, my sister Nancy Ernst Shepard, and myself,
Dororthy Ernst Allen. Joining us for the first time was
Ruth Allen DiVincenzo.
We were so glad everyone was able to attend and we send
our get well wishes to those who were unable to join us this
time. We hope to see you all again on Wednesday, October
30 for our fall luncheon, same place, same time. Mark your
calendars now, and come join us.
Submitted by Dorothy Ernst Allen ‘47
11
Words from the Class Speaker
The following is the full text of
Class Speaker Nora Hanna’s
address to classmates at the
2013 graduation ceremony:
Hello, everyone! Family, friends,
and my dear Class of 2013,
welcome. I’d like to preface this
by saying that I’ve come to realize
that graduation speeches may be
the most cliché American tradition of all time, so bear with me. But
I want to share with you some of my experiences at Mercy in order
to shed some light on why I’m so thankful I’ve had the privilege to
spend the last four years there. It all has a lot to do with three Latin
words whose pronunciation I have never been able to get quite
right: Via, Veritas, et Vita. The way, the truth, and the life. This tiny
fragment contains the words chosen to describe our school. They
mark the crest that can be found on several surfaces around Mercy,
as well as on the rings we wear to show the world that we are Mercy
women. But we never really talk about what they mean. We know,
through some Mass or theology class in our past, of course, that
they’re the words of Jesus. But Mercy brings profound meaning to
those little words. Recently, I looked up what verse they come from
and found it to be John 14:6. How fitting that we are a class of 147
strong in which each of us has 146 sisters.
Via, or “the way,” might not be clear to us yet. In fact, I don’t think
the paths of our lives ever become clear. “I am the way, the truth,
and the life” is actually Jesus’ answer to the question, “How can we
know the way?” But the way is certainly a lot more obvious now
than it was to us as awkward freshmen, or tiny seventh graders, or
whenever we entered the Class of 2013. But more often than not, we
look for the way in our most difficult times. One of my most unique
experiences at Mercy, and one that I will never forget, happened
in the summer before my junior year. One of my very best friends,
and a great friend to everyone in our class – we all know Emma –
had just been diagnosed with leukemia. It was the night of the final
Harry Potter movie premiere, and in typical fashion, scores of Mercy
girls were there hours in advance to see the movie. A large group
of us snuck into the movie theater before we were actually allowed,
but pretend I didn’t tell you that part. Although we were all excited
for the movie, our hearts were heavy because Emma was sick. The
twenty or thirty Mercy girls with me in the theater joined hands to
say a Hail Mary, because it was all we knew to do to light the way
that seemed so suddenly complex before us. “Our Lady of Mercy,
pray for us,” were the words that seemed to guide us to wherever
we were going, even when we all felt so lost. There was no fear in
publicly praying together to gather some hope and strength. I know
that particular experience could not have happened in just any other
community, and I am deeply grateful that Mercy provided us with a
uniting faith in that moment when we really needed it. So even if we
12
do not know the way, and even if we never do, Mercy showed us the
spirit that is constantly present to guide us down the path of life that
even we ourselves cannot see.
Veritas – the truth – on the other hand, is one thing Mercy has
taught me to clearly know without a doubt. From my freshman year,
they cut right to the chase. On day one, Mrs. Bonar was already
teaching us “the secret to life,” which, in case you didn’t already
know, is to “break big things into little things.” Of course, there was
the truth we learned in class and the truth of daily life at Mercy,
which were two entirely separate things. The truth in class was
brought to us by an enormously dedicated and talented faculty, who
made most days very enjoyable. Some of the teachers still amaze me,
even after I’ve known them for years now. I will never understand
how Mr. Myers essentially knows facts about everyone who has ever
lived, in ridiculous detail; I’m still impressed that Mrs. Facci forgoes
sleep in order to bake a birthday cupcake for every student; and I
will never know how Mrs. Cannon is so happy every single day.
There is something remarkable about the way we learned the truth
from teachers who were devoted to every individual student. That
truth was available in an environment so comfortable that it became
a second home to all of us. Our little bubble of comfort was the catalyst for what we all know as “#MercyGirlProblems.” This myriad of
issues related to our incredibly unique, all-girls education has been
more than the punchline of several hundred tweets over the years.
This was a form of truth in itself, and the truth of being a Mercy girl
will certainly not be lost on my college years, as I am forced to rejoin
the so-called “normal” world. We had the special privilege of attending a high school where we all felt comfortable enough to arrive
looking however we did when we rolled out of bed in the morning
and threw on the dirty uniform sitting on the floor. At Mercy, our
level of comfort around our classmates allowed us to be our truest
selves – no matter how weird and socially unacceptable that self was.
These Mercy girl problems will be missed, no doubt, but I have faith
that we can all rejoin society in the fall. Of course, the new people
we meet in the coming years will never understand the truth of what
it means to be women of Mercy, but the true friendships Mercy gave
us will be with us forever.
The third portion of our motto is of course, “et vita.” And the life,
to me, is the single most important. The life of the Class of 2013 is,
in my eyes, incredibly unique. I have always believed that our class
shares a special spirit unparalleled by other classes. Take, for example, our devoted Christmas spirit that somehow transformed our
senior hallway into a portion of the North Pole during the month
of December. Buddy the Elf would be no match for our class when
it came to making paper snowflakes and hanging Christmas lights.
There was even a lawn décor-sized manger scene adorning the tops
of some lockers. Our class came together to achieve a level of comedic genius for years of Spirit Days. I don’t think anyone will ever
forget Leah’s inspired horror movie performance for our junior class
video. When it came to senior year, Dee and Alyssa created
a dance that was mastered by at least 50 girls, and, in fact,
can still be performed on command. In the Class of 2013,
life has been celebrated with humor and happiness over the
years in every way we could find. Our recent prank week
was a testament to our unity and our love of innocent fun.
For one of our pranks, we lined our senior hallway with a
red carpet and impersonated paparazzi to heckle every incoming student. But my personal favorite: with one day left
of school, we re-enacted the barricade from Les Miserables
and piled tables and chairs to block off a large section of the
gallery. Our class stood on the barricade and sang “One Day
More” – our freedom cry as we waved the flag and greeted
everyone who entered the building. Being one of the theatre kids at Mercy, I was shocked that our class could so
wholeheartedly join together in one voice. With, of course,
Megan’s voice “wafting heavenward” a little louder than the
rest. According to Les Mis, the very musical we fervently reenacted, “to love another person is to see the face of God.”
Through the life I have lived at Mercy, I have undoubtedly
experienced God in each and every one of my friends in the
Class of 2013. This is a very special group of young women,
full of talent and passion, intelligence and wisdom, and an
undying amount of love which I know fully well that they
will show the world much like they have all shown me.
I have been shown “the way, the truth, and the life” in ways
I could never have expected when I joined the Circle of
Mercy four years ago. I am incredibly grateful for my experiences at Mercy, and on behalf of my class, I would like to
extend a huge thank you to everyone who made sacrifices
to send your daughters to this school. There is no adequate
way to explain what this place has meant to each of us, but
I assure you that your sacrifice was worthwhile. No matter
how far the bright futures of your daughters take them, they
will have roots in a community that made them strong and
merciful women. I know that although my own life is about
to change enormously, I can always look down to the ring I
wear each day and see the words, “via, veritas, et vita,” and
I will never forget what Mercy and the Class of 2013 taught
me that those words mean. Thank you.
Volunteers Needed
Do you remember Sr. Dismas and Sr. Joan’s outreach at
Rochester Psychiatric Center? We still have students
who volunteer weekly on Thursdays, 2:30-4:15 p.m.,
from October to April, to play Bingo and interact with
people at one of the half-way houses. If you ever have
time to drive and help with this project, we can surely
use you! Please contact Sr. Joan McAteer ’66 at
[email protected] for more details!
IN MEMORIAM
Please remember in your prayers all our
deceased alumnae, their families, loved ones,
and those in the wider Circle of Mercy.
Helen Sample Bembower ’36
February 22, 2013
Yvonne Poirier Mangan ’55
September 4, 2012
Mildred Hehir Camardo ’34
March 1, 2013
Dolores Copenhagen Marlatt ’48
December 17, 2012
Sister Annette D’Amico, RSM ’47
May 28, 2013
Theresa Pettinger Matthews ’45
March 7, 2013
Irma McLean D’Arienzo ’46
July 31, 2013
Margaret Wambach May ’39
March 7, 2013
Patricia Cole Dunbeck ’48
May 3, 2013
Carol Maher Monroe ’54
April 30, 2013
Joyce Roach Ellinwood ’51
April 4, 2013
Patricia Currier Mummert ’50
May 10, 2013
Evelyn Klem Etter ’39
March 26, 2013
Joan Heinlein Neitz ’46
June 13, 2013
Jane McMahon Evan ’70
April 18, 2013
Helen Dorrity Newell ’40
August 14, 2013
E. Ann Fogle ’55
August 2, 2013
Mae Coon O’Neill ’46
June 14, 2013
Marie Moscato Foxton ’61
May 15, 2013
Diane Marie Parus ’67
July 15, 2013
Joan Schlaefer Gilbert ’49
August 27, 2013
Marion Georger Paul ’39
April 11, 2013
Juliet Vecchiotti Gonano ’68
April 26, 2013
Patricia Hanna Peters ’63
June 5, 2013
Sister Jane Hasbrouck, RSM ’39
April 3, 2013
Ruth Kirk Phelps ’34
July 28, 2013
Sylvia Trabold Hasman ’52
May 4, 2013
Kathleen Harter Romanyshyn ’52
April 15, 2013
Marie Heimbuck ’73
June 10, 2013
Jeanne Hept Sellon ’47
May 1, 2013
Mary Ellen Hursh ’51
March 17, 2013
Shirley Coughlin Stone ’47
March 20, 2013
Rita Grass Knittel ’34
June 25, 2013
Carole Wishart Tallman ’53
May 20, 2013
Anne McGraw Lambrix ’56
March 20, 2013
Kathleen Carreo Tobin ’59
July 15, 2013
Mary Quinlan Long ’43
March 18, 2013
Nancy Gores Tucker ’57
April 29, 2013
Evelyn McGarraghy Lynch ’41
July 17, 2013
Rosemarie Rinere Viavattine ’49
June 19, 2013
Arline Heyer Maher ’46
April 16, 2013
Marilyn Roessel Wagner ’54
July 17, 2013
Ann Blaakman Maloy ’50
June 8, 2013
Isabel Tierney Williams ‘41
August 30, 2013
13
Sister Mary dePaul Scholarship Continues
The Sister Mary dePaul Scholarship
was established five years ago and has
supported Victoria Morales ’13 through
her years at Mercy. Rose Marchand ’15
is the new recipient of the scholarship.
Both Victoria and Rose have established
strong relationships with Sr. Mary dePaul
Dugan ’38 who has been a Sister of Mercy
for 75 years.
one who loves you unconditionally and
makes you feel happy whenever you are
in their presence. Sister Mary dePaul has
become my friend, my angel, my spiritual director. She and her family made
it possible for me to attend Our Lady of
Mercy and blossom as a young woman
of Christ there. My heart and thanksgiving go out to them each day. Our Lady of
Mercy is blessed to have the Sister Mary
dePaul Scholarship and the generosity of
the Dugan family. God Bless them and all
their efforts.”
Victoria’s mother Michelle shared, “In
2009 my daughter was presented with
the Sister Mary dePaul Scholarship. This
opportunity afforded my daughter many
Sister dePaul’s impact continues as she
blessings over the past four years at Our
sponsors Rose Marchand ’15. Rose’s
Lady of Mercy. Foremost, it highlighted
mother is Mercy alumna Cathy Geen
my daughter’s deep spiritual calling and
Marchand ’79, who said, “This scholarlove for academics. The scholarship
ship is such a blessing. My daughter
allowed her to continue her pursuits
Rose is the last of a long list of relatives
immersed in a faith-based environment.
Additionally, she was privileged to develop
to attend Our Lady of Mercy. She had the
a deep relationship with her mentor,
pleasure of meeting Sr. Mary dePaul
Victoria Morales ’13 (top) and Rose MarchSister Mary dePaul. Sister’s tremendous
Dugan this summer. Sister shared with
and ’15 (lower) with Sister dePaul
love of God, charitable spirit, and warm
her the call to enter the Sisters of Mercy
heart helped my daughter to develop her gifts while strengthen75 years ago. She even showed Rose her hand with her Mercy
ing her faith. She has graduated from Mercy, an outstanding eduring on it! Sister dePaul is a very gentle, humble, and kind
cational institution, equipped with the tools she needs to succeed person. Rose is honored to accept this scholarship in her name.”
as an intelligent Catholic woman, confident in her calling from
God to serve others and be a light to the world.” Victoria said,
God bless you, Sister dePaul, for helping to continue the mission
“I am off to SUNY Geneseo and I would not have made it this
of Mercy through your generosity.
far without the love and support of the Dugan family. A friend is
Mercy Crew Alumae Return
A group of Mercy Crew alumnae got together to compete at the
2013 Pittsford Regatta. The ladies shook off a few years of rust
and rowed beautifully. From left to right: Emma Bevilacqua,
’14 (coxswain), Caroline Stam ’11 (SUNY Oneonta ’15), Molly
Oldfield ’10 (St. John Fisher ’14), Emily Hrichak ’09 (Lehigh ’13),
Caitlin Peartree ’11 (Notre Dame ’15), Kelli Barnes ’10 (Fredonia
’14), Leah Pollack ’08 (Niagara ’12), Tegan Feeney ’09 (SUNY
Brockport ’13) and Katelyn Gordon ’12 (RPI ’16). Also rowing
that day was Mercy Crew alum Molly Clark ’11 (St. Lawrence ’15).
Become a Fan of Mercy!
Join Mercy’s Facebook Fan Page.
Just go to www.mercyhs.com
and click on the Facebook icon.
15
A Lasting Legacy
You could say things come in “3’s” for
Ron Anderson. His three daughters
graduated from Mercy. Three granddaughters are Mercy alums and three
more are currently enrolled here.
His long history with Mercy started in
1976 when he and his late wife, Kay,
were asked to be on a Parents
Committee. His involvement grew
to helping create the first Board of Governors, serving on that
inaugural board, and then most recently serving on the Board of
Trustees. If you know Ron though, he has gone above and beyond
in so many ways to help Mercy succeed.
When his wife died suddenly in 2010, Anderson decided to update
his will. It was then he decided to leave a significant gift to ensure a
strong future for the school that not only nurtured his family
members, but brought him into the Circle of Mercy as well.
“They treated me with respect.” Anderson explains. “I really care
about Mercy. I really do think of them like a family.” Anderson
says his daughters are very successful thanks to the education and
support they received at Mercy. He wanted to give something back
for all Mercy has given them. “It is easy for me to want to be good
to Our Lady of Mercy, since it has been so good to my family.”
Dorothy R. Pecoraro ’59 has always
felt her experience at Mercy made her
the woman she is today and will always
be. “The teachers really cared about
me,” explains Pecoraro. “They cared
about where I was going and what I
did.” Those teachers guided her to
explore opportunities she hadn’t
considered. That led to a successful
teaching career in the Rochester
City School District. Eventually, she was named Principal of
Jefferson and Edison Tech High Schools, and then worked for
Junior Achievement as Vice President for Programs.
Pecoraro always supported Mercy but wanted to do more. She
says, “To share what I have and know it is appreciated and
used wisely means a lot to me.” Pecoraro is a member of the
Cornerstone Legacy Society but didn’t want to wait until she was
gone to make a significant impact. When she turned 70½, an
opportunity arose and she decided to transfer some of her
required minimum distribution from her retirement plan to Mercy.
Not only is it making a big impact now on the education these
young women are receiving, the donation means a bit of a tax relief
for Pecoraro as well. “You don’t have to be exceptionally wealthy
to make a special gift like this,” said Pecoraro. “You just need a
big heart and the desire to keep your alma mater a leader among
all-female educational opportunities.”
2013 Craft Show & Sale
Presented by: The Alumnae Association Board
Saturday, November 2, 2013 — 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Kathleen Bonsignore Walgreen ’61 Gymnasium at Our Lady of Mercy
We are seeking to offer patrons an eclectic and exceptional mix of handmade items, including
arts (paintings, sculpture, etc.) and crafts (pottery, woodwork, sewn items, jewelry, and
the like), in addition to home-based businesses (Tupperware, Creative Memories, Avon, Silpada, etc.).
We will only select a limited number of vendors in each category for arts and crafts, as well as one representative for each
home-based business.
If you are interested in participating, please email a photo (arts and crafts) and description of items, along with your contact
information, to [email protected] or [email protected] by October 8, 2013.
We will review your submission(s) and respond to you no later than October 11, 2013. Upon acceptance, we will send
you the contract and registration forms. These documents will include the pricing for the non-refundable registration
fee of $45 (regularly $50 for non-alumnae) for a booth space. You will need to complete and sign both forms and return
them to the Alumnae Association Board by October 21, 2013.
16
Financial Planning for Women The Cornerstone
By Nicole Calcagni ‘89
Legacy Society
Relationship Manager at Cobblestone Capital Advisors
When it comes to financial planning, women
often find themselves in unique situations
with specific concerns. Women are increasingly playing a key role in making financial
decisions. Studies have found that more than
a third of women are now the family bread
winners and live an average of five years longer than men. As a result, women should take
responsibility for their own financial plan as their assets need to last
for a longer period of time. Couple these facts with research that
shows that women tend to be more philanthropic than men and it
becomes clear that women, more than ever, need to be cognizant of
gifting options when taking a look at their long-term goals.
When we consider our charitable gifting for the year, we usually
think of the simplest form of giving, which is the outright gift of
cash to our most cherished non-profit. There are, however, a multitude of additional options that could be more tax effective to utilize
when considering leaving a legacy to your preferred charities.
The benefits of charitable planned giving are numerous and not
limited to the benefit of assisting those in need, supporting the
arts and sciences, or fulfilling one’s beliefs and religious values. In
addition, there may be several tax benefits that could be realized,
depending on the gifting strategy. These tax benefits may include a
charitable income tax deduction, elimination or deferral of capital
gains tax, a reduction in estate taxes, or a potential to increase aftertax cash flow. The right decisions and strategy can greatly improve
the outcome for both the donor and the charity.
A planned gift can be funded during your lifetime or after your
death through your Will. The following investment vehicles are
some of the planned giving alternatives to consider when weighing
your gifting options:
• Appreciated Stock • Retirement Plan Gift
• IRA Charitable Rollover • Life Insurance
• Real Estate • Charitable Gift Annuity
• Charitable Remainder Trust
• Charitable Lead Trust
Planned giving offers a win-win situation, as it enables you to help
others as you achieve your financial goals. Donors face a wide, and
often bewildering, array of options when deciding how to make a
gift to charity. Successfully navigating this process requires careful
evaluation of donor objectives, cash flow needs, and specific tax
circumstances. With an effective planned giving strategy, you can
enjoy witnessing the impact of your gift during your lifetime as well
as leaving behind a legacy of philanthropic support.
Please feel free to contact Melanie Barnas-Simmons, Mercy’s
Director of Advancement, at 585-288-2610, to discuss your gifting
options further.
Since 1928, Our Lady of Mercy has been providing girls in
Rochester with an education in academics and faith. Today
there are more than 10,000 Mercy graduates making a difference in the United States and around the world. To continue
offering a Mercy education and the Mercy traditions for another
84 years, your support is needed.
Secure the future of Mercy girls by including Mercy in your
estate planning.
• Include Mercy in your Will
• Name Mercy the beneficiary of an IRA or a life insurance policy
• Establish a charitable gift annuity with Mercy
• Gift real estate or long-term appreciated securities to Mercy
Any one of these planned giving options helps Mercy. During
the 2012-13 academic year, Mercy received more than $400,000
of support from alumnae including the school in their wills.
Your gift can be directed to a specific area at Mercy. For example, the Performing Arts Department was designated in the
will of a Mercy faculty/staff person this past year. You also can
endow a scholarship in your name or a family member’s name.
Help continue the education and traditions started by the
Sisters of Mercy!
The Cornerstone Legacy Society
I would like more information on joining the
Cornerstone Legacy Society.
I have included Mercy in my estate planning.
Name_____________________________________________
Phone____________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________
Mail to: Our Lady of Mercy, 1437 Blossom Road,
Rochester, NY 14610
Attention: Melanie Barnas-Simmons,
Director of Advancement
Questions? Contact Melanie at [email protected] or
585-288-2610.
17
2013 GRADUATION
and ROSE MASS
MAY court 2013
Congratulations
to Our Lady of
Mercy’s 2013 May
Court!
May Queen:
Emma Falk
18
Proclamator:
Samantha Amalfi-Valvo
Crown Bearer:
Jennifer McInerney
Senior Honor Attendants:
Therese Marchand
Molly Verghese
Senior Attendants:
Rachel Benjamin
Emily Graham
Erin Kilmartin
Clare Malone
Victoria Morales
Tae’lor Powers
Kelly Smith
Junior Honor Attendants:
Sarah Bronk
Cali Anne Cleaves
Junior Attendants:
Maryn Cannon
Aidan Falk
Caroline Geen
Nina Santacesaria
Hannah Speach
Gillian Wangler
2013 Mercy Graduates on the move!
Congratulations to Mercy’s Class of 2013! Here’s what lies ahead for them this fall.
NAME
College Attending
Amina Aliyeva....................... Monroe Community College
Samantha Amalfi-Valvo......... Suny Fredonia
Mary Appleby....................... Duquesne University
Emily Armstrong................... Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Tegan Ayers.......................... Rochester Institute of Technology
Paige Baker............................ Rochester Institute of Technology
Morgan Barron-Bozman........ Monroe Community College
Sarah Basta............................ Suny Geneseo
Bridget Behan........................ Suny Geneseo
Brittney Bender..................... Monroe Community College
Rachel Benjamin................... Ithaca College
Jesse Bennett......................... Suny Geneseo
Antionette Breedlove............. Finger Lakes Community College
Katherine Brooker................. St. Lawrence University
Tyshuneik Brooks................. Suny Canton
Brianna Burke....................... Alfred University
Mackenzie Burke................... St. John Fisher College
Jenna Butler......................... St. John Fisher College
Rachel Caterisano.................. Suny Oneonta
Elizabeth Cavacos................. Georgetown University
Cathryn Cavanaugh.............. Syracuse University
Sarah Cedruly....................... Duquesne University
Mei Ni Chen......................... University of Pittsburgh
Erin Clark............................. Saint Joseph’s University
Catherine Collins.................. Niagara University
Leanne Cook......................... St. Lawrence University
Shantavia Coombs-Bartley.... Rochester Institute of Technology
Erin Coppola......................... Rochester Institute of Technology
Anna Creatura....................... Fordham University
Giannina Crosby................... Johns Hopkins University
Hannah Crosby..................... Aquinas College
Julia D’Agostino.................... U.S. Marine Corps
Julia Delgatti......................... Liberty University
Carey DiPasquale.................. Marquette University
Emma Dupre......................... Presbyterian College
Kelly East.............................. Le Moyne College
Ariel Evans............................ Rochester Institute of Technology
Emma Falk............................ Loyola University Maryland
Ashley Fallone....................... St. Bonaventure University
Yifei Fan................................ University of Waterloo
Priscilla Files......................... Cedarville University
Victoria Frankiewich............. Suny Geneseo
Danielle Fuss......................... Highpoint University
Shaina Garfield...................... Pratt Institute
Erin Geen.............................. Niagara University
Melissa Gerwitz..................... Syracuse University
Emma Gordon...................... Hobart & William Smith College
Emily Graham....................... Nazareth College
Antiea Grice.......................... Keuka College
Taryn Grimes........................ Alfred University
Emily Hann........................... University at Buffalo, SUNY
Nora Hanna.......................... Manhattan College
Emily Hebert......................... Rochester Institute of Technology
Sarah Hetterich..................... Le Moyne College
Cassondra Hetzler................. Monroe Community College
Caitlin Higman...................... University at Buffalo, SUNY
Bridget Holvey...................... Mercyhurst University
Taylor Howarth..................... University of Richmond
Jingjing Huang...................... University of Illinois @ Urbana Champaign
Carolyn Huff......................... University of Scranton
Autumn Hunter.................... Nazareth College
Ching Lam Ip........................ St. John’s University
Miesha James........................ Morgan State University
Julia Jenkins.......................... Saint Joseph’s University
Sooyoung Jung...................... University of Korea
Erin Kilmartin....................... Niagara University
Bridgette Klein...................... Siena College
Jacqueline Klimek................. Saint Joseph’s University
Theresa Knopf....................... Wilmington College
Tara Knothe.......................... University of Tampa
Sarah Kohlmeier.................... Hartwick College
Rachel Krokenberger............. Providence College
Natalie Kucko....................... St. Bonaventure University
Jennifer Lebeau..................... Georgetown University
Hyemin Lee........................... Genesee Community College
Katherine Leone.................... University of Dayton
Elizabeth Lippa..................... Canisius College
Kathryn Lippa....................... Canisius College
Miley Lott.............................. Loyola University Maryland
Marissa Maenza..................... St. John Fisher College
Katie Magee........................... Niagara University
Clare Malone......................... Northeastern University
Kailani Manivong.................. Monroe Community College
Therese Marchand................. Niagara University
Julee Martin.......................... Rochester Institute of Technology
Grace Maxwell...................... University of Notre Dame
Sara McDermott.................... St. John Fisher College
Jennifer McInerney................ Hartwick College
Marissa McKnight................. Mercyhurst University
Megan McNiffe...................... University at Buffalo, SUNY
Margaret Miller..................... Rochester Institute of Technology
Victoria Morales.................... Suny Geneseo
Ellie Moran........................... Loyola University Maryland
Theresa Newell..................... Niagara University
Grace Neylan........................ St. Bonaventure University
Lauren Nugent...................... Drexel University
Jacqueline O’Flynn................ Canisius College
Alyssa Ogden........................ University of Dayton
Alana Olivieri........................ University at Buffalo, SUNY
Anna Palmer......................... Jacksonville University
Soyeon Park.......................... Cornell University
Charlotte Passero.................. Suny Fredonia
Ariana Perez.......................... Suny Fredonia
Allison Phillips...................... Suny Cortland
Jessica Pietropaoli.................. St. John’s University
Mikayla Platt......................... St. John’s University
Abby Posadni........................ John Carroll University
Tae’lor Powers....................... Nazareth College
Maggie Pryslak...................... University of Dayton
Caitlin Purcell....................... College of The Holy Cross
Amy Quinlisk........................ Canisius College
Jiselle Ramos......................... Monroe Community College
Caroline Riedman................. University of Richmond
Caprie Romano..................... Duquesne University
Adrianna Rossi...................... Niagara University
Katharine Rubery.................. Johns Hopkins University
Leah Rusin............................ Emmanuel College
Shannon Sak......................... Monroe Community College
Madelyn Scheel..................... Duquesne University
Olivia Schuler....................... John Carroll University
Catherine Sciortino............... Saint Joseph’s University
Jessica Simonetti................... St. John Fisher College
Carley Smith......................... Canisius College
Kelly Smith........................... University of Notre Dame
Sadaris Spotford.................... St. John Fisher College
Molly Stanley........................ Monroe Community College
Anne Stoklosa....................... Le Moyne College
Leah Strassburg..................... Syracuse University
Adeline Teumer.................... University of North Carolina Charlotte
Erin Trudeau......................... Siena College
Jamie Urlaub......................... Indiana University at Bloomington
Pamela Urquiza..................... Monroe Community College
Sandra Uwiringiy’imana........ Houghton College
Marina Vanini....................... University of Pittsburgh
Alexa Vanmaaren.................. John Carroll University
Victoria Vazzana.................... John Carroll University
Molly Verghese..................... Saint Joseph’s University
Gabrielle Vetere..................... Canisius College
Emily Virgil........................... Niagara University
Madisson Wickens................ Nazareth College
Jaclyn Wihlen........................ Monroe Community College
Victoria Wilson..................... Pace University (NYC)
Grace Winters....................... University of Dayton
Weiting Zhang...................... University of California at Irvine
Lele Zu.................................. Indiana University at Bloomington
19
The
mercy
mission
Via, Veritas
Et Vita
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rochester, NY
Permit No. 774
1437 Blossom Road
Rochester, NY 14610
Via — the Way:
embracing Gospel
values
Veritas — the
Truth: unleashing
creative energy
for the pursuit of
knowledge
Vita — the Life:
nurturing a hopefilled vision for
leadership, responsibility and service
KEEP US
INFORMED
If you change any of the following: Name, Address, Phone Number, E-mail Address or Spouse’s Name,
please update your information with Mercy’s Advancement Office. Call us at 585.288.2610, e-mail us at
[email protected] or visit www.mercyhs.com. You can also use the form below, and while you’re
at it, tell us what’s new!
Name_____________________________________________________________Class year__________________
(PLEASE INCLUDE MAIDEN NAME, IF APPLICABLE)
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Address____________________________________________________________________________________
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n Please check the box if address or contact info is new.