A publication for alumnae, parents, and friends of Marian High School
Summer 2014 Volume 36 Number 3
2014 Distinguished Alumna: Mara Hart Filo ’77
BY PAT O’LEARY KNIPPER ’77
Mara Hart Filo ’77 was selected as the 2014
Distinguished Alumna for her professional
accomplishments, her community outreach,
and her commitment to Marian High School.
As Distinguished Alumna, she addressed
the Class of 2014 at their
commencement ceremony
at St. Hugo of the Hills
Church.
employees, and the Detroit advertising
community value her incredible contributions
to the industry.
are active supporters of Manresa Jesuit Retreat
House, and Mara has been co-chair of the
annual Manresa Auction.
Mara was recently promoted to the Hearst
Intergrated Media Team representing the
Mara knew her experiences at Marian have
influenced her successes, and she wanted
the same education
for her daughters,
Lauren who graduated
Marian in 2002 and
Becky who graduated
in 2008. Becky says,
“As graduates of
Marian, we have been
instilled with a sense
of leadership, a deepseated faith, stronglyrooted Christian
ideals, and the singular
wisdom that can only
be passed down from
those who have come
before us.”
“Don’t let a world that does
not often put the words
‘kindness’ and ‘success’
in the same sentence
dissuade you of your
choice. Don’t let some
business, professional, or
media-generated image
of toughness force you to
hide your kindness,” Mara
advised the graduates. “I
want you to know being
kind isn’t just something
you are supposed to do, or
be, in the years to come,
but, in fact, it is your
armor, your secret power,
your greatest asset for
success and happiness.”
Mara has deep respect
for the Marian
community. She
continued to stay
involved through
volunteer work when
The family of Mara Hart Filo ’77 joined her at Marian’s 2014 graduation ceremony at St.
As a student at Marian,
her daughters were
Hugo of the Hills Church. Pictured with Mara are Lauren ’02, Doug Filo, and Becky ’08.
Mara was a leader and a
at Marian, and now,
role model. She was a class officer all four
by
reaching
out
to
alumnae
and acting as a
Hearst Men’s Group in Detroit, working for
years. She played tennis and volleyball in
mentor
for
those
who
also
wish
to pursue
magazines like Esquire, Popular Mechanics,
an era when interscholastic athletics for
careers
in
advertising.
She
has
served
as a
Car and Driver, and Road and Track.
high school girls was very new, and she was
Field
Day
judge,
as
a
sponsor
for
the
Alumnae
Previously, she was the Detroit Advertising
involved in MUN in a time when there were
Senior
Luncheon,
as
a
donor
to
Marian
Director for O, the Oprah Magazine and also
few co-curricular activities.
causes, and as a supporter of the school’s
served as the Midwest Corporate Director at
commitment to excellence.
Rodale, Inc. In an industry that some may
As a student at the University of Notre
describe as “cutthroat,” Mara says, “I get paid
Dame, Mara earned a Bachelor of Business
“Now, more than ever, the world is in need of
to be nice to people.”
Administration degree with a concentration
women with integrity, strength, dedication,
in marketing. She also met Doug Filo, now
intelligence, and above all, Christian values,”
The parents of two daughters, Mara and
a social studies teacher at Brother Rice. They
Mara said. “Marian has been, and will
Doug are devoted to their family and their
married and began a family – and Mara
continue to be, a crucible in the formation
community. They are members of St. Regis
began a successful career in advertising and
of such women. Few institutions of our time
Parish where Mara has successfully chaired
media sales. She climbed the corporate ladder
have performed a more vital task with such
the Christmas Giving Tree project for several
with poise, grace, integrity, intelligence,
great proficiency and love.”
years, and she has also served as co-chair of
and kindness. Mara’s clients, co-workers,
the St. Regis School auction. She and Doug
In this Issue:
Calendar of Events ......................... 2
2014 Class Reunions Weekend..... 10
Alumnae/Senior Luncheon ............. 3
Class Notes ............................... 14-15
School and Alumnae News ........4-13
Good News ..................................... 15
Mission Statement
Summer 2014 – Volume 36 – Number 3
2014-2015 Board of Directors
Executive Board
Steven M. Raymond
Board President
John G. Allen
Board Vice President
Karen Stepien Pasquier ’63
Secretary
Karen Decker Cross ’79
Treasurer
Sr. Lenore M. Pochelski, IHM
Marian President
Sr. Patricia McCluskey, IHM
SSIHM Leadership Council
Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Sisters,
Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The mission of Marian High School is to ensure, within a Christian environment, an excellent
education built on a strong academic curriculum, which will enable young women to value
human diversity and live responsible lives of leadership and action based on gospel values.
Upcoming Events
August 20
Alumnae Association Meeting
Theresa Maxis Room
September 20
Senior Football Pre-game Kickoff Party
Marian back field
Office of Advancement
Lorry Ashe Kempf
Vice President of Advancement
Tina Malloy Pedersen ’96
Director of Admission
Sally Riemenschneider Bzdok ’71
Advancement Services Manager
Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77
Alumnae Relations Coordinator
Rachel Smith
Communications Coordinator
Bridget Cassidy VanDagens ’81
Admission Coordinator
Alexandra Williams
Advancement Associate
Christine Germaine
Administrative Assistant
9:30 AM
Senior Football
Stevenson High School, Sterling Heights
September 26
1 PM
2014 Class Reunions Weekend
Field Day
Legacy Moms’ Luncheon
Theresa Maxis Room
Directors
Susan M. Conway
Joseph C. Cornillie
Margaret Desmond ’83
Rosemary Etue
Paul W. Holtgreive
Sr. Theresa Koernke, IHM
Margaret Kronk
Kathleen McBride
Judith Grace Quakenbush ’85
Frank A. Scerbo
Michael F. Schmidt
Raymond Skowronski Jr.
Barbara L. Spreitzer-Berent ’70
Rev. Scott Thibodeau
Paul Troy
Marcia C. Wright
7 PM
September 27
September 28
8 AM
11 AM
2014 Class Reunions Weekend
2014 Class Reunions Luncheon
Auditorium
11:30 AM
2014 Class Reunions Weekend
Alumnae Family Mass/Breakfast
Auditorium/cafeteria
10 AM
November 3
Memorial Mass
Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel
7 PM
November 19
Girls’ Night Out
Benefit for Dolores Chapman Scholarship
Leon and Lulu, Clawson
6 PM
December 19
New Alumnae Christmas Luncheon
Theresa Maxis Room
11:30 AM
The Marian Monitor is published three times a year for alumnae, parents, and friends of Marian
High School. The Office of Advancement has made every effort to ensure the information in this
issue is complete and accurate. We would appreciate being informed of any error or omission. Send
all alumnae correspondence and inquiries to:
Marian High School, Office of Alumnae Relations
7225 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
(248) 644-1946 • fax (248) 502-3014 • www.marian-hs.org
Social Networking
For those who utilize social networking, please look for news about Marian at these sites:
Facebook - Connect with: Pat O’Leary Knipper
Join our group: Marian High School Alumnae - Bloomfield Hills
Become a fan of Marian: Marian High School - Bloomfield Hills, MI
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Join our group: Marian High School - Bloomfield Hills, MI
Follow Marian on Twitter - @Marian_High
Email Marian!
If you are not receiving email information from Marian and you would like to, please contact
Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77, Alumnae Relations Coordinator, at pknipper@marian-hs.org. If your
email has changed recently, please update us with your latest email address.
2
Summer 2014
Marian’s Alumnae Association hosted its
third annual Alumnae/Senior Luncheon
at the Village Club in Bloomfield Hills
in April. The luncheon, which welcomed
the Class of 2014 into the Alumnae
Association, was the first of several
events for graduating seniors. Individual
alumnae sponsored the seniors’ lunch and
transportation; nearly 160 alumnae and
seniors attended this year’s event.
The program, emceed by Katie Emig
Braue ’06, Alumnae Association president,
featured Cassie Sobelton ’95 as keynote
speaker. “Marian has helped you in more
ways than you can imagine,” Cassie told
the seniors. “The network of students,
teachers, coaches, administration, and
alumnae have been very important in
shaping who you are today.
“Be sure to keep Marian in your life,”
Cassie advised. “Give of yourself to Marian
with your time, talent, and treasure as you
leave and venture out. The world is big,
and your Marian roots are important.”
Cristina Gabarda Elsen ’92, Alumnae
Association vice president, presented
the Distinguished Alumna of Tomorrow
Award to Alexandria Still ’14.
Additional photos from the luncheon can be
found on Marian’s website at http://www.
marian-hs.org/alumnae-senior-luncheon
The Alumnae/Senior Luncheon for the
Class of 2015 is scheduled for April 29, 2015
3
Marian’s 2014
Distinguished
Alumna of
Tomorrow,
Alexandria
Still ’14, is
joined by her
mother, Carolyn
Thomas StillLove ’86, at
the Alumnae/
Senior
Luncheon.
at the Village Club. Alumnae who would
like an invitation to this event should
contact Pat O’Leary Knipper, Alumnae
Coordinator, at pknipper@marian-hs.org
or (248) 644-1946.
Catholic League Honors Two Alumnae Athletes and Ski Coach
Rachel Charles ’10, Madison Packer ’10,
and Coach Rob Rhoades were the latest
Marian inductees into the Catholic High
School League Hall of Fame.
Rachel was honored for her years as a libero/
defensive specialist for Marian, the Legacy
Volleball Club, and Lehigh University. As
a three-year varsity volleyball captain, she
led Marian to three straight state finals,
including a Class A State Championship in
2009. During that same year, Rachel was
voted Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year,
the only libero in the country to receive
this prestigious award. At Marian, Rachel
maintained a 3.56 grade point average. She
volunteered as a bible school counselor and as
a youth volleyball coach.
At Lehigh University, Rachel was ranked
15th in the nation in service aces per set,
individually averaging 0.45 per set. She
claimed her third straight Patriot League
Libero of the Year honor while also garnering
first team All-Patriot League recognition.
Rachel finished her career as Lehigh’s all-time
career digs leader, tallying 1,693 digs.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in
environmental science, Rachel plans to work
as a graduate assistant at LaSalle University
while pursuing a master’s degree in public
health.
Madison Packer was honored by the Catholic
League for her years of competitive hockey
on AAA teams, the US National Team, and
at University of Wisconsin. While attending
Marian, Madison was a lacrosse goalie,
earning three time All-league honors and two
time All-state honors. She also competed
for the Girls U19 AAA Little Caesars hockey
team in Detroit,
when the team won
the Michigan state
championship four
times.
A USA Hockey
National
Tournament bronze
medal winner in
2007 and silver
medal winner in
2008, Madison
tallied a careerhigh 98 goals in 60
games while also
adding 53 assists.
Rachel Charles ’10, Coach Ron Rhoades, and Madison Packer ’10 were
She was part of the inducted into the Catholic High School League Hall of Fame. Rachel was
first US Women’s
recognized for her volleyball achievements; Ron was honored for his 25
National Under-18 years and four state championships as ski coach for Marian and Brother
Rice. Madison, a lacrosse goalie at Marian, was recognized for her hockey
hockey squad that
accomplishments during high school and college.
won a gold medal
in Calgary in 2008,
Performance Award. She is tied in eighth
tying for 11th in tournament scoring with
place for single season shots with a total of
nine points (5-4). As a selection for the USA
184 on the Wisconsin record board.
Hockey Women’s National Festival in Lake
Off the ice Madison earned a Bachelor of Arts
Placid, NY, Madison went on to help the
degree in English and creative writing as well
US pick up two wins in a three-game series
as a certificate in Swedish. She plans to play
against Canada in 2008. That same team
hockey in Sweden for a year and then attend
went on to win gold in her second IIHF
law school.
World Women’s U18 Championship. Serving
as an alternate captain, she tallied 11 points
Rob Rhoades, has served as the varsity ski
in five games (6-5).
coach at Marian and Brother Rice since 1990,
celebrating his 25th year with a Marian State
During her time at University of Wisconsin,
Championship. During his time as coach, the
Madison scored 36 goals and assisted with
teams have captured four state titles (Rice in
38 points, leading her team to two WCHA
2007 and Marian in 2010, 2011, and 2014)
championships and one NCAA national
and numerous district, regional, and league
championship. Madison earned a spot on
titles. Rob was named the State Ski Coach of
the All-WCHA Academic Team in 2013the Year in 2007 and 2011.
2014 as well as the Wisconsin Buckingham
Alumnae Pantry Day Fund
The Alumnae Pantry Day Fund was created to fulfill requests that alumnae make for charitable donations from their
alma mater. The following donations have been made during 2013-2014 school year to support Marian alumnae and
their charitable causes:
Kate Lynch Calkin ’78
Metro Detroit Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis
Emily Grombala and
Carol Winter Grombala ’80
Mind Over Matter – Brain Tumor Fund
her cousin Bridg et
Ronnie Winter O’Hara ’83
Mind Over Matter – Brain Tumor Fund
O’Hara ’13 walked in
Teresa Asher Pilibosian ’82
Mind Over Matter – Brain Tumor Fund
the 2014 Mind Over
Alumnae seeking donations from the Marian Alumnae Association for
Alumnae Pantry Day funds should forward all requests in writing to Pat
O’Leary Knipper ’77, Alumnae Relations Coordinator, at pknipper@marianhs.org or Marian High School, 7225 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI
48301. A committee from the Alumnae Association reviews each request.
Please note: The fund awards a onetime donation/per alumna/per charity.
Marian Sophomores Colleen Grombala, Sofia Smith, Caroline Cibulas, Kate
Charboneau, and Bella Spognardi took part in the 5K Mind over Matter Walk, held
at Bloomfield Hills Middle School. The Brain Tumor Fund supports important
science and clinical research efforts involving brain tumor clinicians and leading
university centers.
4
Matter 5K walk for the
Brain Tumor Fund.
Summer 2014
2014-2015 Marian Scholarship Recipients
Marian is pleased to announce the recipients of over $36,000 in scholarships for the 20142015 school year. Each scholarship has various criteria that each recipient is required to meet.
Scholarships are based on review of applications, responses to essay questions, and, in some
cases, personal interviews.
Elizabeth O’Donnell Baer
’89 Memorial Scholarship
Morgan Garmo ’15
BEAM&R Scholarship
Sydney Dunn ’15
Caritas Scholarship
Lindsey Waldie ’16
Dolores Chapman
Memorial Scholarship
Zoe Ryder ’17
Sr. Elizabeth Girardot,
IHM Scholarship
Anna Davlin ’15
Mary Anne Harahan
Scholarship
Elizabeth Grobbel ’16
Genevieve Lutz ’15
Courtney Johns ’96
Memorial Scholarship
Julia Surratt ’18
Juliette Thomas ’17
Emily Balow ’16
Katherine Champion ’15
Kerry A. Kerby ’98
Memorial Scholarship
Jenna Sesi ’15
Raymond J. Nagle
Memorial Scholarship
Brooke Filar ’18
Uchechukwu Ike ’18
Two students will be granted
renewals of their current
Raymond J. Nagle Memorial
Scholarships, based on their
first quarter 2014 grades, next
November:
Jessica McCleary ’16
Elizabeth James ’15
Taunt Family Memorial
Scholarship
Lauren Goralczyk ’17
Bailey Thomas ’16
St. Marguerite d’Youville
Scholarship
Catherine Fassett ’15
In addition, Marian awards
10 scholarships to incoming
freshmen.
Academic
Rayya Harb ’18
Lauren Ong ’18
Art
Katerina Kornievskaia
’18
Mary Ann DuBay
Leadership Scholarship
Madeline Kizy ’18
General
Ellen Brooks ’18
Haley Henry ’18
Sophia Kalabat ’18
Emma Ploch ’18
Sydney Still ’18
Margaret T. McMahon
English Scholarship
Kaeli Fish ’18
After a brief career in elementary education
at Detroit’s Epiphany and Gesu schools,
Sr. Joan came to Marian in 1974 as an
administrative intern under Mr. James
Moseley, who was then principal. For the
next three years she served as co-principal
with Sr. Diane McCormack, IHM. In
1978, Sr. Joan became the Marian principal,
serving in that capacity until 1988.
During her years as principal, the years
just after Title IX, a number of new varsity
The Marian High School Board of
Directors recognized the following
faculty and staff members on the
special anniversaries of their service to
the Marian community:
35 Years
Anne Kania
20 Years
Marsha Rafferty
15 Years
Maloy Dick
10 Years
Maureen Barringer
David Feldman
Mary Ann Findling
Saundra Stack
Five Years
Stephanie McRoberts
Joanne O’Rourke
Julie Sartori
Joseph Swain
Memorials
Rest in Peace
Sr. Joan
Charnley,
IHM,
former
Marian
principal,
died May
13, 2014
at Mercy
Memorial
Hospital in
Monroe,
MI. Sr. Joan
entered
the Sisters,
Servants of
the Immaculate Heart of Mary congregation
in 1958 and received the name Sr. Joseph
Andre.
Marian Faculty/Staff
2014 Anniversaries
athletics were introduced to high school
girls. The Marian Flowers became known
as the Marian Mustangs, and wood was
installed over the linoleum gym floor. Sr.
Joan oversaw many other projects, including
the renovation of the Front Office area,
the installation of the Caritas statue on the
front campus, and Marian’s 25th anniversary
celebration. Marian’s first major fundraising
and construction project, the religion and
science wing known as the A wing, took
place while Sr. Joan was principal.
When Sr. Joan left Marian, she became
principal of Bishop Borgess High School in
Redford, then principal of Covenant School
and Cornerstone School, both located in the
Borgess building. In 2010, Sr. Joan began a
new ministry as adult faith coordinator for
St. James Parish in Novi.
In 2011, Sr. Joan was honored for her service
to the Marian community at the Celebration
of Thanks. Over 150 guests attended this
event in Sr. Joan’s honor.
The Mass of the Resurrection for Sr. Joan
was celebrated at the IHM Motherhouse
in Monroe, with Fr. George Charnley
presiding. Memorials may be made to
the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm,
Monroe, MI 48162.
5
(As of June 1, 2014)
Gifts were made to Marian’s
Memorial and Honorarium Fund in
remembrance of these loved ones:
In Memory of
Mary Sue Bradd
Martin Brennan
Gloria Bresnihan
Jerome Buckman
Sr. Joan Charnley, IHM
Douglas Christie
Rose Corcoran
Alice Cullen
Denise Gardner Darge ’71
Charles Dean
Patricia Ann Hammer
Richard Johnson
Dot Kaletta
Kathryn Miller Kramber ’63
Robert McGowan, PhD
Renate Mozer
Rudolf W. Mozer
Mary Bird Parks ’68
Kim Petras
Jean Beth Sabatino
Truman Strong
Patricia Stuart
In Honor of
Irene L. Kopko
Candlelight: A Marian Tradition
Alli
h president
id t off th
i Cl
C
l
h
ld
Allison T
Tuohy,
the J
Junior
Class,
holds
the lit candle she has just received from Brooke Galli,
president of the Class of 2014.
Marna Gappy was
chosen by the
Class of 2014 to be
the senior speaker
at the traditional
Candlelight
ceremony.
Candlelight, an annual end-of-the-year
tradition where the seniors pass the
leadership torch to the juniors, took
place at St. Regis Church in May. As
part of this ceremony, each senior passes
a lit candle to a junior in exchange for
a rose. While the candle symbolizes
leadership, the yellow rose represents
friendship. The theme of this year’s
ceremony was based on this quotation
from Kahlil Gibran: “Yesterday is but
today’s memory, and tomorrow is
today’s dream.”
Speakers and music performances from
both the junior and senior classes were
featured in addition to a faculty speaker
chosen by the seniors. The Class of
2014 chose Ms. Molly Varbedian,
English teacher, to address them.
Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77, Alumnae
Relations Coordinator, also spoke to
the graduates as the newest members
of the Marian Alumnae Association.
Immediately following the Candlelight
ceremony, the Mothers’ Club hosted a
reception in the Marian cafeteria.
Theresa Beckley-Amaya, Carolyn Bradley,
and Rachel Bartkowiak wore their caps
and gowns for the first time at Marian’s
Candlelight ceremony.
Seven Athletes Sign to Play College Sports
The 112 graduates in Marian High School’s Class of 2014 earned over $11.5 million in college
scholarships – including seven Mustangs who will continue to play at the college level.
• Laura Bruton signed to play
basketball at Lawrence Technological
University in Southfield, MI.
• Jessica Kopmeyer signed to play
volleyball at Hillsdale College in
Hillsdale, MI.
• Paige Carey signed to play volleyball
at Central Michigan University in Mt.
Pleasant, MI.
• Megan Carney signed to play field hockey
at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY.
• Catherine Schneider signed to play field
hockey at Central Michigan University in
Mt. Pleasant, MI.
6
• Annika Johnson signed to play
soccer at George Washington
University in Washington, DC.
• Tatyanna Dadabbo signed to play
singles squash at Stanford University
in Stanford, CA.
Summer 2014
Marian High School Congratulates the Class of 2014!
• 2 National Merit Finalists
• 2 National Merit Commended
students
• 47 Phi Beta Kappa honorees
• 78 Presidential Educational
Excellence awardees
• $11,553,847 in college
scholarship money earned
Marna Gappy was voted by her
classmates as the recipient of the
Woodburn Distinguished Senior
Award in recognition of her “quality
of character that manifests integrity,
purpose, principle, and faith.”
Brooke Galli: Herman Spirit Award from
her classmates for her enthusiasm, positive
attitude, and pride in her class and school.
The Marian Alumnae Association wishes all
of the graduates the best in their future, and
we remind our newest members that the
Marian family of faculty, staff, and alumnae
are always here for you. Please come back
and visit!
Additionally, these four seniors
received further recognition of their
achievements:
Amy Christenson: Theresa Maxis
Duchemin, IHM Award for superior
service to the underprivileged,
awarded by the Congregation of the
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate
Heart of Mary which sponsors Marian.
Shannon Stork, 2014 salutatorian, poses with
Brooke Galli, class president, and Riley Dankovich,
valedictorian, before the graduation ceremony at St.
Hugo of the Hills Church.
Diplomas were bestowed on 112 seniors
at Marian High School’s 52nd annual
commencement exercises at St. Hugo
of the Hills Church, Bloomfield Hills.
Valedictorian of the Marian Class of 2014
is Riley Dankovich and Salutatorian is
Shannon Stork.
Family and friends recognized the
accomplishments of the Class of 2014,
which include
Elizabeth Albano: Mothers’ Club Service
Award for service to her class and to Marian
over the past four years.
Laura Bruton: George DuFour Scholar
Athlete Award for high scholastic
achievement, involvement in more than one
sport, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.
The third
girl,
Th
hii d and
d finall Pickens
Pi k
i l Hannah
H
h ’14,
’14
graduated Marian in May. Attending her
graduation were her sisters, Julie ’12 who
attends Aquinas College and Mary ’10 who
graduated Michigan State University this
spring. Hannah will be attending Northern
Michigan University in the fall.
Class of 2014 College/University Choices
Marian High School graduates from the Class of 2014 will be attending the following colleges and universities this fall:
Aquinas College
Bellarmine University
Case Western Reserve
University
Central Michigan University
Columbia College Chicago
DePaul University
Eastern Michigan University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Grand Valley State University
Hampton University
Hillsdale College
Hope College
Howard University
Kettering University
Lawrence Technological
University
Loyola University Chicago
Molloy College
Miami University of Ohio
Michigan State University
Northern Michigan University
Oakland Community College
Oakland University
Purdue University
Stanford University
University of Alabama
University of Dayton
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Michigan
University of St. Thomas
University of Washington
Vanderbilt University
Wayne State University
Western Washington
University
New alumnae from the Class of 2014 jubilantly toss their graduation
caps in the air on St. Hugo’s patio after the ceremony.
As of May 6, 2014, the Class of 2014 earned $11,553,847 in scholarship money.
7
Marian High School Honors Dads’ Club for 40 years of service
The Marian Dads’ Club was honored for
its 40-year history of service to the school
at the Celebration of Thanks, the annual
donor reception, in May.
The reception acknowledges individuals and
groups who have given tremendous amounts
of time, talent, and treasure to Marian
High School. The Board of Directors and
Sr. Lenore Pochelski, IHM, president,
acknowledged 120 members of the Marian
community for their contributions to the
school at this gathering.
Jack Shantz, the
fourth Dads’ Club
president, spoke
of Marian’s early
days and the
beginning of the
Dads’ Club at the
C e l e b ra t i o n o f
Thanks.
Jack Shantz,
Marian’s fourth Dads’
Club president spoke
of Marian’s early days
during his speech
at the event. The
Dads’ Club began in
the early 1970s for
two main reasons:
concerns about the
fluctuating student
enrollment and about
the early debt of the
school.
“In the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Marian was a
parochial school for young ladies with five
parishes to act as feeders into Catholic high
schools including Marian,” Jack Shantz
said. “Today, two of those parishes are
gone. Today Marian is a regional Catholic
high school for young ladies with students
coming from Grand Blanc, Ann Arbor, St.
Clair Shores, etc.
“Although many of the traditional
Catholic high schools, such as
Immaculata and Dominican, are gone,
Marian must and
does compete with
private and public
schools in the
area,” Jack told the
audience. “The
challenges to be the
best will always be
there. I am confident
Sr. Lenore, the staff,
faculty, and students
will be up to the
challenge.”
In addition to
Jack Shantz, eight
“It was evident that
other former Dads’
Ten Dads’ Club presidents, former and current, attended the Celebration of Thanks which honored the
additional revenue
Club presidents
Dads’ Club for 40 years of service to Marian. Seated are Rob Baer, Ron Laing, Jack Shantz, and Dennis
was necessary,” Jack
were present at
Flynn.
Standing
are
John
Woch,
Phil
Stenger,
Brad
Hyde,
Terry
Desmond,
Dan
Bliss,
and
John
Everly.
told the audience.
the Celebration of
The Dads’ Club
Thanks: Dennis
Today, members of the Dads’ Club work with
early involvement began with fundraisers like
Flynn, Robert Baer, John Everly, Terence
the Mothers’ Club on the Benefit Evening
the 300 Nite, Monte Carlo, and citrus sales.
Desmond, Philip Stenger, Ronald Laing,
auction fundraiser, as well as supporting the
While the fathers have always been supportive
John Woch, Daniel Bliss, as well as current
Scholarship Fund with an annual raffle. The
of their daughters’ education at Marian, today’s
president Brad Hyde.
group also sponsors father/daughter events,
Dads’ Club focuses on involvement with their
including a Christmas party, a service project,
daughters through events as well as supporting
a liturgy and breakfast, as well as a Detroit
the financial needs of the school.
Tigers game event.
Wish we had it…
Each spring, Marian administration prepares budget projections for the following fiscal
year. The operating budget provides for the essentials to maintain our mission of providing
the best possible Catholic college preparatory education for young women here at Marian.
However, in the process, “wish we had it” items do not get included in the final budget.
Here’s a list of items we “wish we had.” Can you help us?
Altar cloths and linens for Chapel ..................................................................... $250
Dry-erase directional signage for use around the building (5 @ $100) ............... $500
Heavy duty, high-power paper shredder for Guidance Office............................. $750
Tower fans for Guidance College Room, testing room, offices (5 @ $100) ........ $500
Dry-erase easels with flipchart pads, for use in standardized testing (2 @ $200) ....... $400
Conference table for Office of Advancement .................................................. $1,000
Conference room chairs (6 @ $250) ............................................................... $1,500
Matching side cabinet for Office of Advancement conference room .................. $500
8
If you would like to help us
with one of these items –
or donate funds toward its
purchase – please contact
Lorry Ashe Kempf,
Vice President of Advancement,
at (248) 644-1946 or via email
at lakempf@marian-hs.org.
Thank you!
Summer 2014
Spring Raffle 2014: Marian Music Video Awards
Thanks to the efforts of the entire Marian
community, our 2014 Spring Raffle,
Marian Music Video Awards, exceeded its
$115,000 goal! Students and their families,
faculty and staff,
alumnae, and friends
of Marian joined ranks
to raise an outstanding
$131,300 in ticket
sales for Marian’s 25th
annual Spring Raffle.
The Raffle Challenge Trophy was awarded
to the Class of 2015, the class which
achieved the highest percentage of its raffle
sales goal. Both the freshmen and the
faculty/staff achieved 100 percent
participation. Top student sellers
Raffle were Senior Kristen Pogats, and
2014 Juniors Megan Hannigan and
Sadie Simon. Top selling faculty
and staff were Steve Kulesza, Sr.
Lenore, and Julie Sartori.
Congratulations to Vicky and Joe Trondle
who won the first prize of $5,000! Other
winners were the Oblates of St. Francis de
Sales, $2,500; Sharon Videtich, $1,000;
Michael Sessine, $500; and Gunner
Jenney, $500.
Special thanks goes to the A.J. Desmond &
Sons Funeral Directors for underwriting
the printing of our raffle tickets. And
thank you to the following businesses for
their generosity in providing raffle incentive
prizes for our over-quota sellers:
Andiamo Italia West, Beverly Hills Club, Brady’s Tavern, Bravo, Brio Tuscan Grill,
Buddy’s Pizzeria, Café Via, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Crispelli’s, Emagine Theater,
Granite City Food and Brewery, Hamlin Pub, Karma Yoga, Kruse & Muer on Main,
Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery, Local Kitchen, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Mark Ridley’s
Comedy Castle, P. F. Chang’s, Peabody’s, Plum Market-Bloomfield, Premier Pet Supply,
Shield’s Restaurant, Somerset Collection, Starbucks, Sweet Lorraine’s Café and Bar, The
Franklin Grill & Tavern, and The Rusty Bucket.
All of our 2014 Spring Raffle supporters helped fund the $1,800 Marian Leadership
Grant that each student received during the 2013-2014 school year. Many thanks to all!
Buy a Brick… Build a Future…
Bricks
Marian’s Pathway
ayy
ordered
by October
Program is a
20, 2014 will be
tradition that
installed before
was established
Thanksgiving.
in 2008 when
the school’s frontt
campus was refreshed. This program
offers alumnae, families, and friends the
opportunity to leave their permanent
mark at Marian while helping to ensure
that future Marian students will receive
the same quality education that they did.
Become a part of Marian’s legacy by
having your name, the name of a
loved one, or a message engraved on
a commemorative brick paving the
walkways on Marian’s front campus.
Cost of each brick is $200.
Order your brick by downloading a
form at www.marian-hs.org. Click
on Pathway Program under Quick
Links. For more information call (248)
644-1946 or (866) 903-7269, or email
lakempf@marian-hs.org.
EDUCATING
WOMEN LEADERS
FOR 55 YEARS
A Legacy of Excellence
Since 1959, Marian has remained true to its commitment to
personal success, academic excellence, and Christian values which
define its legacy. With the ongoing support of Marian’s alumnae,
family, and friends, this standard of excellence continues. Won’t you
help us educate additional women leaders? Remember Marian when
making or changing your estate plan.
Colleen
District M. Duris ’7
Three
9
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Altrusa
Intern overnor
FL, GA, ational Inc.
NC, SC
Alumnae and friends who inform Marian of their future gifts are
recognized as members of The 1959 Society.
_____ I have remembered Marian in my estate plan.
_____ I am interested in more information about planned giving.
’97
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Traci nt Managetion
Name ______________________________________________
Accou ft Corpora
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Phone number ______________________________________
Email address _______________________________________
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For more information, visit www.marian-hs.org/estate-gifts or contact
Lorry Ashe Kempf at (248) 644-1946 or lakempf@marian-hs.org
r
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In addition, individual
class reunion events are being held.
For more information, or to join you
class reunion committee, please
contact your reunion representative.
2014 Class Reunions
Weekend
Class Reunions
Weekend
September 26-28, 2014
Class of 1974 – 40 Year Reunion
Marian welcomes home
members of the 2014 reunions classes:
with Brother Rice
Laura Cadarette Ragold
laurajcr@hotmail.com
1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009
Watch the mail for your invitations!
Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 7 PM
Birmingham Athletic Club
Class of 1979 – 35 Year Reunion
Kelli Grady Damman
bdamman@aol.com
Friday, September 26, 2014
Remember Field Day? Come back for the afternoon festivities, and join in other
activities planned for your reunion weekend.
Class of 1984 – 30 Year Reunion
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Mary Frasco Hughes
mfhughes@gmail.com
with Brother Rice
Class Reunions Luncheon
Saturday, September 27 at 6:30 PM
The Bird & The Bread, Birmingham
11:30 AM
A luncheon will take place in the Marian auditorium for all classes celebrating
a reunion in 2014. School tours will be available, and the Stang Shop will be open.
Individual Class Reunions in the Evening
Evening activities with/without Brother Rice at different venues
are being planned by reunion representatives from each class.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Alumnae Family Mass and Breakfast
10 AM
The 11th annual Alumnae Mass will be held in the Marian auditorium.
All Marian alumnae, all class reunions alumnae, all moms of alumnae,
and their families are welcome.
Class of 1994 – 20 Year Reunion
Sara Brenner Madigan
sbmadigan@gmail.com
If you are interested in holding an individual
evening reunion event, September 26-27,
contact Pat O’Leary Knipper
pknipper@marian-hs.org.
Class of 1969 – 45 Year Reunion
Class of 1989 – 25 Year Reunion
Class of 1999 – 15 Year Reunion
Class of 2004 – 10 Year Reunion
Class of 2009 – 5 Year Reunion
Have ideas for other reunion activities we could include?
Contact Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77, Alumnae Coordinator,
at (248) 644-1946 or pknipper@marian-hs.org.
— Marian Class of 1964 —
50 Year Reunion
Informal Pizza Party • 7 PM
Friday, September 26, 2014
Field Day • 12:45 PM
Come back to Marian for the afternoon festivities,
and join in other activities planned for your reunion weekend.
Informal Meet and Greet • 7 PM
Join your classmates at the Village Club in Bloomfield Hills for hors
d’oeuvres, cash bar, oldies music, and lots of opportunities to mingle.
Guests welcome!
$35/person
Come solo or bring a guest to Carol Bolz Heckman’s home.
$15/person
Sunday, September 28
Alumnae Family Mass and Breakfast • 10 AM
Return to the Marian auditorium for liturgy with
all Marian alumnae, all class reunions alumnae, all moms of
alumnae, and their families.
Complimentary continental breakfast follows in the cafeteria.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Class Reunions Luncheon • 11:30 AM
Please go to the Class of 1964 website
for all reunion information.
http://www.classcreator.com/Birmingham-MI-Marian-1964.
Join the Class of 1964 and all classes celebrating
a 2014 reunion at a luncheon in the Marian auditorium!
Tour the school, see what’s new, and shop in the Stang Shop!
$35
10
Summer 2014
Where Are They Now?
Marian has lost contact with some of our old friends. If you see your name on this reunion year list, or if you know the whereabouts of any
alumna on this list, please email Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77, Alumnae Relations Coordinator, at pknipper@marian-hs.org. You can call Pat at
(248) 644-1946. We would love to hear from you!
1964
1974
Kathleen Boyd
Sharon Corby
Joyce Anderson Cottle
Shirley Devine
Karen Ellul
Charlene Geiss
Susan Haring Guilds
Mary Lamb Hart
Patricia Stafford Hayes
Mary Lou Retzlaff
Houghton
Phyllis Obloy Hudeck
Kathleen McGraw
Johnson
Anita Johnston
Karen Coburn Judge
Dianna Koch
Mary Lickert
Sharon Lucas
Rachael Lupton
Pamela Mahler
Linda Matthews
Susan Fisher McCarthy
Judith Puskarich McHugh
Patricia Neiswander
Patricia Hurford Nickol
Vicki Matousek Oset
Cheryl Savage
Barbara Potvin Saxon
Theresa Schwartz
Annette Tisdale Sloan
Sandy Marantette Volkner
Barbara Lutz Weil
Carol Torzewski Witt
Kathryn Anderson
Paula Barch
Roberta McKnight Barry
Patricia Breyer
Christine Jones Brown
Linda Campeau
Charlene Snyder
Casarreal
Cara Castor
Clara Cote
Kathleen Coughlin
Karen Ebert Doyle
Deborah Burke Elliott
Fanny Evertsz
Ann Fitzsimmons
Elizabeth Connors Hayes
Maureen Hayes
Julie Hodge
Theresa Hunt
Nadine Kassab
Mary Knapp
Janet Kress
Barbara Krott
Julie Leppek
Jessie Mark
Paula Nagy Martin
Mary McCurdy
Kim Sauter Michaelson
Gloria Johnston Morris
Linda Muscarella
Nancy Nault
Caroline Noonan
Anne Norris
Catherine O’Brien
Joanne Owen
Carol Pastor
Carol Trudeau Pearce
Joan Picraux
Kathy Pirslin
Deborah Pozdol
Michelle Ramseyer
Janet Blashfield
Rothenhauser
Gail Russo
Tina Savage Smith
Barbara Cerini Sponseller
Karen Jones Weiss
Christine Kochanski Wilber
Diane Withington
Susan Yager
1969
Susan Allston Britt
Vicky Cassar
Colleen Finan
Deborah Sukes Fitzwilson
Theresa Wink
Hargrave-Thomas
Gail Johnson
Ann Marie King-Merrill
Mary Ludwig
Colleen Mulcahy
Sue Hanrahan Newberg
Mary Richardson Nickol
Jeanne Cleary
Rosenbergh
Kathleen Shank Ruh
Patrice Ryan
Nancy Dowbenko
Schermerhorn
Susan Fox Schwarzer
Sandra McKinley Scott
Daria Shaffo
Elizabeth Williams
Vucetich
Nancy Jordan Wert
Denise Withington
1979
Teresa Bold
Martha Carroll
Leslie Bearden Carter
Jane Weston Connery
Anne Craven
Patricia Dillon
Karen Donovan
Lorie Dooley
Lori Dunbar
Patricia Durak
Michelle Lizenby Finfrock
Margaret Enderby
Garrison
Linda Haggerson
Rosemary Hayes
Catherine Jermstad
Hervey
Muriel Joseph
Linda Rabahy Ladeira
Jan Laduke
Lisa Leblanc
Patricia Lynd
Maureen Lyng
Mary McElhinny
Sheila McGann
Anne McQueen
Mary Noonan
Catherine Pickner
Debbie Piotrowski
Renee Ropers
Nicole Sarkissian
Wendy Schevers
Tina Bridge Stenborg
Teresa Fearon Stevens
Nancy Story
Colleen Couzens Stricklin
Mary Wallace Terry
Valerie Thomasian
Paula Ureel
Christine Wantuck
Kristine Westfall
1984
Kelly Aldridge
Celeste Anton
Amy Hansen Appelbaum
Holly Aubin
Patricia Ward Bank
Kristen Allen Brink
Mika Brinkley
Stephanie Brown
Marie Buffington
Meg Campbell
Mary Carbin
Ann Chetcuti
Catherine Coffey
Karen Cuff
Moira Czechowski
Maureen Degen
Julie Doliber
Maureen Feely
Deborah Betanzos Gerard
Katey Glynn
Kathy Hays
Angelia Hurst
Renee Jahn
Carolyn James
June Justen
Madhuri Kakarala
Erin Kelly
Sherry Kramarz
Denise Latten
Malath Makhay
Nancy Bone Maple
Jackie Mayer
11
Karen Minor
Madeline Morrison
Rita Mastrangel Nemer
April Ogg
Kristin Foster Redmond
Jackie Retheford
Karla Riley
Jan Roy
Cindy McBride Rudland
Kari Goetz Schwuintek
Shannon Scott
Mollie Conway Waller
1989
Kristin Alles
Virginia Anderson
Sandra Betanzos
Jamie Chigi
Amy Cooney
Molly Curran
Chrissy Dorr
Susan Fernandez
Aimee Kondratenko
Garrison
Sandra Hamama
Colleen Robinson Higgins
Heather Johnson
Tanya Kattoo
Amy Knuckles
Karen Kopka
Amy Laffrey
Hala Makhay
Helena Malin
Lynn Mansour
Mary McDonald
Amy McGregor
Carla Moore
Renee Paquette
Abigail Quijano
Susan Ralston
Christina Scott
Cynthia Scott
Annamarie Attard Strand
Keisha Thompson
Nancy Tosch
Sharon Grohan Trudell
Jessica Van Sickle
Jennifer Ward
Tami Morbach White
Kathleen Wright
Jennifer Wujczyk
1994
Amanda Allen
Jean Currier Binkert
Erin Carr
Christine Clemons
Kelli D’Addezio
Cathy DeMark
Amy Evans
Stephanie Maynard
Katherine McCarthy
Amanda Baranski Murphy
Jennifer Pruse
Stefanie Sertich
Judith Stuart
Terricka Walker
1999
Kristin Aulie
Dawn Berry
Joelle DelRose
Laura DePalma
Kristin Lefere Foster
Nita Gamsho
Nyla Jano
Sarah Michalski
Samantha Seidner
Michelle Thomas
2004
Alexandra Aiello
Laura Belleville
Megan Carlisle
Katherine Dallacqua
Clare Feeney
Alissa Filoramo
Angela Johnson
Natalie Kuzminski
Jennifer Mabeus
Katya Prybula
Nicole White
Kim Ospalski Wilkinson
2009
Elizabeth Blair
Inn Hae Jeung
Dahae Moon
Lisa A. Vitello
Each year, on the third Monday in May, soccer alumnae
return to Marian’s back field at 6 PM to scrimmage the
current soccer team. This year was no exception! Pictured
here are those who participated – the 2014 varsity soccer
team, the soccer alums, and our soccer coaches.
Alumnae Association News
The Alumnae Association is looking for one more person to
join the board as the vice president. If you would like additional
information about this position, please contact Pat O’Leary
Knipper, Alumnae Relations Coordinator, at (248) 644-1946
or at pknipper@marian-hs.org.
The 2014-2015 Alumnae Board including Cristina Gabarda Elsen ’92,
president; Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77, secretary/treasurer; and Katie Emig
Braue ’06, past president, invites all alumnae to attend the Alumnae
Association kick off meeting Wednesday August 20, 2014. This meeting
will take place at 7 PM in the Theresa Maxis Room at Marian.
Class Representatives
Listed below are the current volunteers for the Class Representative program. We thank you for your time and support, and we encourage ALL
alumnae to consider an active role in the Marian Alumnae Association.
1963-Mary Bode Byrd mary@marybyrdproductions.com
1964-Judith Heinen jheinen@marygrove.edu
1965-Colleen Finegan cfinegan@cinci.rr.com
1966-Pat Zafarana DeNio patriciadenio@gmail.com
1967-Kathleen Richards Dunn dunn4good@comcast.net
1967-Sandy Wellet josephsanjo@cox.net
1968-Carolyn Peters Hemphill carolynhemphill2@gmail.com
1970-Barb Courtney Appleton Aquamom52@aol.com
1971-Cindy Ficorelli caficorelli@genesys.org
1972-Pat Paffumi Odette trish11@comcast.net
1973-Fran Brennan franbrennan3@comcast.net
1974-Mary Kemp Adesko mkadesko@yahoo.com
1975-Pam Ranzilla Eifel p.eifel@oh.rr.com
1976-Laura Lee Prunty Kelsey alkelsey@comcast.net
1977-Kelly O’Hara Nagle knagle847@aol.com
1978-Tami Miller Christian tami.christian@att.net
1979-Kelli Grady Damman bdamman@aol.com
1979-Mary Jo Henry Warner warnermj@aol.com
1980-Carol Winters Grombala cgrombala@comcast.net
1981-Bridget Cassidy VanDagens bvandagens@marian-hs.org
1982-Megan McDonald Keiser mkeiserrn@aol.com
1984-Mary Frasco Hughes mkfhughes@gmail.com
1985-Kimberly Hakim Sharkey sharkeykim@gmail.com
1986-Kathy Tafel Pille kepille@comcast.net
1987-Marci Powers Harris harrism@aaps.k12.mi.us
1987-Holly Everly Mustion hemustion@earthlink.net
1988-Lori Goetz Ervin loriervin5@gmail.com
1989-Laurie Frederick Carolin l_carolin@yahoo.com
1990-Allison Halfyard allieh310@yahoo.com
1990-Meredith McNeilage McCormack meredithmccormack1@gmail.com
1991-Megan McNally Nacy megannacy@gmail.com
1992-Michelle O’Brien St. Andrew michellestandrew@hotmail.com
1993-Lidija Mitrius Fremeau lidija@fremeau.net
1994-Sara Brenner Madigan sbmadigan@gmail.com
1995-Megan Stenger Cooper beestenger@hotmail.com
1995-Elizabeth Kerby Quenneville ekerby@hotmail.com
1996-Tina Malloy Pedersen tpedersen@marian-hs.org
1997-Maggie Fuger Styes mfuger@gmail.com
1998-Jenese Reynolds jnreynolds.md@gmail.com
1998-Stacey Yankovich Hamm stacey_yankovich@yahoo.com
1999-Teresa Carlesimo root929@aol.com
2000-Kristin Stroh Winkel kristinstroh@hotmail.com
2001-Garlia Jones-Ly garlia@juno.com
2002-Lauren Filo laurenfilo@yahoo.com
2003-Catherine Schoeninger Stergar catherine.stergar@gmail.com
2004-Kathryn Lampi kathryn.m.lampi@accenture.com
2005-Taryn Riley McNamara tarynmcnamara@gmail.com
2006-Liz Schofding Lschofding@gmail.com
2006-Deanna Skowronski deannam@comcast.net
2007-Liz Siegrist siegri17@msu.edu
2008-Katrina Lutfy lutfyk@gmail.com
2008-Ellie Reason elleson.reason@gmail.com
2009-Nessma Bashi nbashi@umich.edu
12
2009-Courtney Currier courtcur@gmail.com
2010-Gina DiCiuccio gedi@umich.edu
2010-Mary Clare Houlihan mhoulih1@alumni.nd.edu
2010-Mary Pickens marympickens@gmail.com
2010-Stacey Scimeca staceyscimeca@gmail.com
2011-Holly Frederick
2013-Catherine Audette
2011-Caroline Rourke
2013-Lauren Johnson
2011-Megan VanDagens
2013-Anna Thomas
2011-Brigid Wilson
2013-Maura Wilson
2012-Shae Boguslawski
2014-Brooke Galli
2012-Kerry Condit
2014-AlyssaBeth Morton
2012-Grace Lutfy
2014-Kristen Pogats
2012-Lauren Szilagyi
2014-Alexandria Still
Please email Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77 at
pknipper@marian-hs.org for contact information
for these class representatives.
• • • Class Representatives Still Needed • • •
Class Representatives are needed for the following classes: 1969
and 1983. Please contact Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77, Alumnae
Relations Coordinator, at (248) 644-1946 or pknipper@marianhs.org to volunteer for this important job. We need you to help
us advance the mission of Marian High School!
Alumnae class representatives establish regular contact with their
classmates to serve as liaisons between them and Marian High
School. Their responsibilities include
• Keeping in touch with classmates and assisting with class
networking programs.
• Updating the Office of Alumnae Relations with current alumnae
information, such as address changes, engagements, marriages,
births, deaths, etc.
• Reconnecting and networking with your classmates.
Save the Date!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 6-8 PM
Benefit for Dolores Chapman Scholarship Fund
Leon & Lulu
96 W. 14 Mile, Clawson
Leon & Lulu is an eclectic mix of furniture, unforgettable gifts, and
accessories located in the historic Ambassador Roller Rink.
Join us for a night of friendship and shopping
to support our alumnae scholarship!
Look for invitations in October.
To request an invitation, contact Pat O’Leary Knipper ’77
at (248) 644-1946 or pknipper@marian-hs.org.
Summer 2014
Five Questions for Dr. Gabrielle Civil ’91
Gabrielle Civil ’91, the new Professor of Performance at Antioch College
in Western Springs, OH is also a poet and a conceptual and performance
artist. She earned her PhD in Comparative Literature from New York
University in 2000 and taught at St. Catherine University in St. Paul and
Minneapolis, MN. She has premiered almost 40 original performance art
works nationally and internationally.
This summer Gabrielle guest-edited an issue of Aster(ix) on a pop-up
micro-performance festival that she co-curated. She also performed at The
Hemispheric Institute’s Encuentro in Montreal in June. In addition, she is
organizing Call & Response, a dynamic of black women and performance,
at Antioch College this summer. Gabrielle’s works can be found on her
website https://sites.google.com/site/gabriellecivil2/.
After you graduated Marian in 1991, where did you go?
where, despite those factors, I could still matter. The social scene at
Marian wasn’t perfect, and I have my war stories. But I felt valued
and recognized at Marian, I felt respected, and I left high school
academically and socially prepared.
After Marian, I went to the University of Michigan where I triplemajored in Comparative Literature, English (creative writing-poetry),
and French. My junior year abroad in Aix-en-Provence was a
highlight. I graduated summa cum laude with high honors in English
and Comparative Literature. In college, I also came into my own as a
poet with the dream of living in New York City.
When and why did you begin to focus on English, women’s
studies, critical studies of race and ethnicity? Performance art?
I always loved books and reading and writing. By the time I arrived
at Marian, I knew I wanted to be a writer. Experiences at Marian
confirmed my need to engage issues of race and gender, both in
terms of my own identity, but also related to art, culture, and systems
of justice. Black feminism, women’s studies, and critical studies
of race and ethnicity became helpful tools for critical and creative
investigations. Performance art–ah! That’s a long story. I’ve written a
whole book about that called Swallow the Fish. It’s circulating around
publishers, and I’ll let people know when it’s finally out!
This dream came true when I went to NYU for a combined MA/
PhD program in Comparative Literature. This allowed me five years
in the Big Apple to study black women’s literature from around the
world as well as do poetry readings, design and facilitate community
art workshops, and run around the city watching puppet shows and
dancing at clubs. All of which I’d recommend.
I dreamed of being a writer and an artist and a cosmopolitan person
living in the world. I didn’t know what performance art was in high
school (and of course there was no internet to help me), but I knew the
kind of person I wanted to be, the kind of things I wanted to do, and
the kind of life I wanted to live. Not everyone has to know so young
(and it can cause its own problems to have that kind of fierce urgency
before you have complete autonomy in your life), but I knew. And I’m
still trying to live up to the dreams I had when I was 15 years old.
What motivated your move from St. Catherine’s to Antioch?
The need for change. I came to St. Catherine right out of graduate
school in 2000, got tenure in 2006, and had already been there for 13
years by the time I left. I will always treasure my time there, especially
because St. Kate’s values teaching, social justice, and the empowerment
of women (sound familiar?).
What classes and activities at Marian prepared you for your
career path?
Many, many things, including my courses in history with Dante
Melotti and Tim Wallace, geography with Mary Shelly, and art with
Pat Evans. I’m not Catholic, but the religious courses raised important
questions for me and gave me a working knowledge of saints and
miracles. And Mme. Cynthia Krasucki taught me French so well that
I started college immediately in the 300 levels.
But more than anything, the English department. To this day, I hold
Sr. Rose Petranek, Kay Hughes, Barbara Jones, Sandra Karolak,
and Luise Smela in the highest esteem. These women helped form
me. Not my career path, but my essence. (I can still hear Mrs. Jones
saying about Eustachia Vye, “Passion girls! Pure passion! That’s what
I’m talking about.”) I took every English class I could. The ones that
stick out the most for me were AP English, Humanities, Modern
World Literature, and, of course, working on the Marian newspaper.
I was also very involved at Marian as a class officer and an officer
or member of many clubs. I started the English Literary Society
(inspired, of course, by The Dead Poet’s Society) and as a black girl who
wasn’t rich, didn’t have a boyfriend, and was constantly struggling
to find a good hairstyle, I relished the chance to be in a school
But it was time to spread my wings. I wanted to try something
different and also participate in the rebuilding of a zany, historic
college. The move also allowed me to align my artist life with my
teaching life as I get to build and lead the Antioch Performance
Program. This is still just my first year on the job and, for sure, I’m
being kept on my toes!
What advice would you give to the young women currently
studying at Marian?
Follow your passion.
Don’t be afraid to be nerdy about ideas. Smart is sexy.
Study languages hard–they are the real passport. Cultivate mind, body
and spirit.
Do stuff even if you’re not good at it. (Maybe especially if you’re not
good at it.)
Question everything. Trust yourself. Reach out to people completely
different from you.
Dream big. Think systemically. And know that high school isn’t
everything. It’s just the beginning.
13
Class Notes
1960s
Ruth Shea Atallah ’67 had her article
entitled “A Defense of Defensive Medicine”
published in Ethics & Medics, A Commentary
of the National Catholic Bioethics Center on
Health Care and the Life Sciences in June
2014. Ruthie, a master lawyer and nurse
executive, expects certification in Catholic
bioethics from the National Council of
Catholic Bishops in September 2014. She also
holds a certificate from Loyola University in
Bioethics and Health Care Policy and will be
receiving a master’s degree in theology with a
concentration in bioethics in 2015.
Marlene Gardiner Stark ’67 announced the
birth of her grandson Robert Everett IV on
March 9, 2013. He was born to her older
daughter Lisa Marie Stark who married Robert
Everett III in March 2011. Baby Robert
joins his cousin Jane Evelyn Johnson, born to
Marlene’s daughter Michelle Stark and Lance
Johnson in Huntsville AL in March 2013.
1970s
Sharon Carlton ’70 graduated from Wayne
State University with a BFA degree in
printmaking and a Master of Art degree with
a concentration in printmaking. The mother
of 11 children and a part-time instructor at
Schoolcraft College, Sharon retired in June
after teaching Art Appreciation for seven years.
Cathie Messner Badalamenti ’78 has been
named Executive Director of Bloomfield
Hills Schools Foundation. She also founded
and is managing director of the Village Youth
Theater and president of the Village Players
of Birmingham. In 2012, Cathie received the
Birmingham-Bloomfield Cultural Arts Award
for her efforts on behalf of arts programming
for youth.
1980s
Jennifer Ureel Waechter ’88 enjoyed a
fun evening with Marian classmates who
said farewell to Andrea Cecchini Carlson.
Andrea moved to California in June.
1990s
Dana L. Teamor ’91 completed a second
doctorate degree, a Doctorate of Theology in
Systematic Theology, in 2008. She started a
veteran support non-profit agency, Calvary
House Military Support, in 2008 and the
very first Michigan chapter of the American
War Mothers. After a near fatal accident
in 2009, Dana’s life changed dramatically.
She left the workforce and underwent four
years of cognitive and physical therapies. A
published author, Dana is currently working
on her ninth book; she is also working with
screenwriter Vidal Marsh (BR ’90) on the film
version of her last novel, Mirage. She travels
full time, writing and caring for the nation’s
military heroes.
Rebecca Miller-Larson ’95, her husband
Shawn, and their son William Andrew live
with their dog Henry in Massachusetts.
Rebecca is an attorney in the pharmaceutical
industry, and Shawn is a software engineer.
Courtney Morales Hofmann ’98 was
thrilled when MCM Staffing won the Top
50 Companies to Watch in 2014 designation
for Michigan. Courtney is co-founder
and president of MCM Staffing located in
Southfield, MI.
Mary Clare Houlihan ’10 graduated from
University of Notre Dame with a major in
biochemistry and a supplementary major in
Spanish. She is moving to Chicago in the fall
to attend DePaul’s Master’s Entry to Nursing
Practice program.
Mary Pickens ’10 will be serving the
Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the
University of Notre Dame. The ACE program
works to preserve and improve Catholic
schools across the country by training cohort
members with a Master’s of Education degree
from the University of Notre Dame. After
summer courses, ACE members are sent out
to Catholic schools across the country to
teach. Mary will be serving as a fifth grade
teacher in a Catholic school in Richmond,
VA for the next two years.
Christina Heberer ’10 graduated Hope
College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
degree. She will pursue a master’s degree in
Wellness Management at Ball State University
with a graduate assistantship this fall.
2000s
Julie Neuser ’00 is now a licensed family
therapist. In February, she began work at the
new counseling center at Camp Pendleton, CA.
Garlia Cornelia Jones-Ly ’01 received an
Obie Award in May as a member of Harlem
9, a producing collaborative where she has
been working since the company began in
2010. The award was a grant in recognition
for Harlem 9’s annual August event, 48 Hours
in Harlem, a twist on the traditional 24-hour
play festival. The Obie Awards celebrate
excellence in off and off-off Broadway Theatre
in New York.
Catherine Schoeninger Stergar ’03 and
husband Steve continue to enjoy the beach
life in Southern California. Catherine teaches
second grade in San Pedro, and Steve is an
engineer at Northrop Grumman. Shannon
Slavsky ’03 enjoyed a trip to California this
past winter to meet Charlie, Catherine’s
first child.
Lauren DePorre ’08 recently accepted a
full time job as a fourth grade teacher at St.
Joseph Elementary School in Lake Orion.
Julie Hurlbert D’Angelo, Kelly Lodish Berghoff,
Jennifer Ureel Waechter, and Sally Nalbandian
Quinlan, all 1988 alumnae, gathered recently to
say farewell to Andrea Ceccini Carlson (center).
Andrea is sporting her going away gift, a brand
new Marian tank top from the Stang Shop!
work as a tech in the emergency room at St.
Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.
2010s
Gina DiCiuccio ’10 graduated University of
Michigan Ann Arbor in May with a bachelor of
science degree in neuroscience. She is studying
for the MCAT in August and continues to
14
Classmates for eight years, Christina Heberer
and Caitlin Ploch recreate their 2010 Marian
graduation photo after their 2014 graduations
from Hope College.
Caitlin Ploch ’10 earned two degrees,
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering and Bachelor of Arts in Physics,
from Hope College. She will be attending
Stanford University for graduate study in
Mechanical Engineering through a National
Science Foundation Fellowship.
Bianca Skowronski ’10 graduated magna
cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy
in May. Bianca is part of a family legacy of
UDM graduates that spans several decades.
Summer 2014
Good News
Births
Megan Stenger Cooper ’95 and her husband
Brian are thrilled to welcome their newest
arrival, Maren Lorraine. Maren, whose
adoption was completed in early February,
joins big sister, Loghan Josephine (3), whose
adoption was completed October 2013.
Rebecca Miller-Larson ’95 and her husband
Shawn Larson welcomed their son,
William Andrew, in October 2013.
Jennifer Guerra Short ’96 and her husband
Brian are thrilled to announce the birth of
their daughter, Amelia Ilona. She was born
on January 3, 2014 and is “a total joy.”
Hilary Levey Friedman ’98 and her husband
John welcomed their second child, Quenton
William Levey Friedman born January 14,
2014. He joins big brother Carston (2).
Meredith Schloss Maczka ’98 and her husband
Matt welcomed their fourth son, Theodore
Lee, on January 13, 2014. Theo joins big
brothers Charlie (5), Ben (3), and Will (1).
Garlia Cornelia Jones-Ly ’01 and her
husband Sulei welcomed their second
child, a boy, into the world on May 27,
2014. Malachi Aliu Jones-Ly joins big
sister, Aïda Scillar.
Rachel Chapman Kopera ’01 and her
husband Michael (BR ’01) welcomed their
son Jacob on May 3, 2013. Jacob would
like to thank Marian High School for
bringing his parents together; he is 100
percent MRP.
Heather Reo Snyder ’01 and her husband
Bryan welcomed Isabella Marie Snyder,
born October 18, 2013.
Amanda Troy Cavanaugh ’02 and her
husband John welcomed their first child,
Aiden John, born April 10, 2014.
Catherine Schoeninger Stergar ’03 and her
husband Steve (BR ’03) welcomed Charlie
Bear with open arms on December 16,
2013.
Maren Lorraine
Stenger is the second
daughter of Megan
Stenger Cooper ’95
and her husband
Brian. Big sister is
Loghan Josephine.
Welcome to our world,
William Andrew, son of
Shawn and Rebecca
Miller-Larson ’95.
Amelia Ilona Short is
the daughter of Brian
and Jennifer Guerra
Short ’96.
96.
John and Hilary
L e ve y Fr i e d m a n
’98 welcomed their
second son, Quenton,
who joins big brother
Carston.
Celebrating Helen McKenna’s 90th birthday are
Marian alumnae Karen Regep Glover ’71, Clare
Anderson ’14, Maureen McKenna Anderson ’77,
Karen McKenna Davey ’67, Mary Beth McKenna
Raimondi ’71, and Erin Anderson ’11.
Angele Yazbec ’10 graduated Grand Valley
State University in April as a member of
Sigma Delta Pi (National Collegiate Hispanic
Honor Society), Psi Chi (International
Honor Society in Psychology), and National
Residence Hall Honorary. Angele will
research cognitive aspects of learning
disabilities as she pursues a PhD in cognitive
psychology at Florida State University. Her
ultimate career goal is to help students
with learning disabilities achieve their full
educational potential.
Erin Anderson ’11 recently celebrated
her grandmother’s 90th birthday, along
with a number of Marian alumnae. Erin’s
grandmother is Helen McKenna, the founding
president of the Marian Mothers’ Club! Helen
and the Mothers’ Club were honored at
Marian’s 2012 Celebration of Thanks.
Members of the Skowronski family, all proud
University of Detroit Mercy graduates, celebrate
the graduation of Bianca Skowronski ’10.
Sara Zawacki ’11 and Bianca Skowronski
’10 were honored at University of Detroit
Mercy’s Honor’s Convocation this spring. Sara
was honored for her excellent performance
on UDM’s dean list. Bianca was inducted
into Kappa Gamma Pi for her academic
performance and service to the community.
Jacob Kopera is the
son of MRP alumni,
Rachel Chapman
Kopera ’01 and Mike
Kopera (BR ’01).
01).
Heather Reo Snyder
’ 01 a n d h u s b a n d
Br yan welcomed
Isabella Marie in
October 2013.
A i d e n
J o h n
Cavanaugh was born
April 10, 2014. He is
the first child of John
a n d A m a n d a Troy
Cavanaugh ’02.
02.
YEAH! Marian Grads! Sara Zawacki ’11 and
Bianca Skowronski ’10 both received honors at
the University of Detroit Mercy spring Honors
Convocation.
15
Charlie Bear is the
son of Catherine
Schoeninger Stergar
’03 and her husband
Steve Stergar (BR ’03).
03).
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CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Parents: If this is addressed to a daughter who no longer maintains permanent
residence at your home, please forward this to her and notify us of her updated
information. Thank you.
, an IHM sponsored school, is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
YOU
are our greatest
ambassadors!
Do you know someone who should become a Marian student?
We’d like you to encourage friends, relatives, neighbors, or colleagues
to consider Marian for their daughters. Marian is always looking for
qualified young women who desire an extraordinary Catholic college
preparatory education. As a Marian alumna, parent, or friend, you are
among the most qualified experts on the benefits of a Marian education,
so please share your experience with others. They will appreciate it, and
we will too!
Contact the Office of Admission for more information and help another
family become part of the Marian community.
Tina Malloy Pedersen ’96/Director of Admission
tel: 248.644.1946/direct: 248.502.3033
fax: 248.502.3034/email: tpedersen@marian-hs.org