Ursuline Academy Alumnae Newsletter XIX- September 2021
Commencement 2021 On Sunday, June 6, the seventy-five members of the Class of 2021 received their diplomas from Ursuline Academy, becoming its 75th graduating class since the school's founding in 1946. Just prior to the ceremony, the graduates assembled for a formal photo on the staircase leading up to the Ursuline Convent, framed by rhododendron shrubs in full bloom. With a large number of the community vaccinated and Massachusetts COVID restrictions relaxing, Ursuline was able to hold an in-person graduation ceremony and Baccalaureate Mass, with both ceremonies held outdoors on campus. Mary Beth Hunt McMahon '82 (pictured right), President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, delivered the keynote address. Telling the graduates "I had a plan, but Ursuline Academy changed that plan," McMahon relayed how the spirit of Serviam acquired during her Ursuline years prompted her to leave her job in the financial industry for a vocation with Special Olympics. The valedictory address was delivered by Nicole Olson and the two salutatory addresses were delivered by Brooke DeLucia and Greta Wyers. Click here to read more. Alumnae Moms! Prior to the ceremony, Ursuline Academy proudly celebrated five legacy families among the members of the Class of 2021. The graduates and their Ursuline alumnae mothers are pictured here, left to right: Maddie Hayes '21 and Amanda McCartney Hayes '89, Greta Wyers '21 and Beth d'Entremont Wyers '89, Julianna More '21 and Cristine Corcoran More '82, Olivia Manning '21 and Mary-Jeanne O'Connor Manning '81, and Isabella Pieretti '21 and Maria Moser '97 (Merici Academy, Venezuela).
Virtual Reunion on September 25 Classes ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6! Our Virtual Reunion is Next Week!
The good news -- we'll be bringing the classes ending in 0, 1, 5, and 6 together for an event via Zoom on Sat., Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. The event will feature a guest comedienne performance, In addition to a short speaking program and breakout rooms for each class to gather and continue the celebration! And it's free! We look forward to celebrating with you. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER by Wednesday, September 22nd. All attendees at our virtual reunion will receive a 75th Anniversary gift!
Ursuline Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations Now Open! Last spring, a committee of seasoned individuals gathered to begin the work of establishing an Ursuline Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Now, we invite you to nominate an individual or a team to be considered for an induction ceremony that will take place on April 9, 2022. Please use this link for more information and to make your nomination. Nominations are due November 1, 2021 to be considered for the April induction. Help us establish this important program during Ursuline Academy's 75th Anniversary year.
75th Anniversary Speaker Series To mark the 75th anniversary of Ursuline Academy's founding in Boston in 1946, we have begun a year-long series of events and special programs to celebrate. As part of our calendar of events, Ursuline has planned a speaker series, with monthly programs, as a unique opportunity to share informative and inspirational topics with its entire community and promote dialogue on important issues of the day. COMING SOON! A Virtual Event on Thursday, September 23, 2021 A collaborative event with the Dedham Historical Society: Join us for a webinar with Sally Seufert Holmes '71 who will share the backstory of "Federal Hill Farm" and how it evolved into the convent and Ursuline Academy of today, continuing its legacy of strong women. Learn more and register here.
In case you missed these programs: On May 20, 2021, Sr. Elisa Ryan, OSU, Sr. Angela Krippendorf '59, OSU, and author Nancy Schultz discussed how Brescia, Italy, the Ursuline Convent in Charlestown, Arlington Street in Boston, and Lowder Street in Dedham all contributed to the history of Ursuline Academy. From Brescia to Dedham: A History of Ursuline Academy. Click here to watch this program. On June 16, 2021, Ursuline hosted a virtual conversation with Mark Shriver, hosted by Mary Beth Hunt McMahon '82. Shriver, nephew of President John F. Kennedy and Chief Strategy Officer at Save the Children, spoke about his father, Sargent Shriver, and his work with the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. In case you missed it,
Fore the Girls Golf Tournament, June 2021 29th Annual Golf Tournament On Monday, June 28, 2021, the Ursuline community gathered for a sold-out golf event at the Blue Hill Country Club in Canton. Despite it being a hot and steamy day, golfers were in good spirits and were not deterred from coming out to play the sport they love in support of Ursuline Academy! At the tournament banquet, six student-athletes from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 were honored for signing letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and supporters, Ursuline Academy raised over $60,000 for its athletic programs. Kate Levesque with Ursuline Student-Athlete honorees Caroline Afonso '20, Siobhan O'Sullivan 20, Caleigh Wukitch 20, Kelly Cheevers '21, and Makenzie Haughey '21 (Nicole Olson '21 not pictured).
Coming this Fall Virtual Speaker Series Virtual Alumnae Networking Event
Humans of Ursuline Humans of Ursuline Our student communications interns continue their "Humans of Ursuline" social media series. Check out their latest posts here and look for more on UA's Instagram and Facebook pages. #HumansOfUrsuline By Kaitlyn DeLucia '23. To say Molly McFadden '11 has fulfilled the Ursuline mission of embodying faith, courage, and joy throughout her life would be an understatement. Molly studied history and theology at Harvard University, served in the military for four years as a military intelligence officer, and now works at Facebook as a policy enforcement investigator. She has carried out Ursuline's mission during each stage of her life, pursuing a passion for service and bravery. Read more. By Mairead Stack '21 and Mae O'Neill '21. As a true role model for both Serviam and relentless faith, former Campus Minister Corinne Murphy worked tirelessly post-college to manage retreats and relational ministry: "When I have nothing left to give, God will fill in the gap for me. I trust that if my hands are empty, His are not." Ursuline wishes Ms. Murphy nothing but success as she commences a new journey as a Franciscan Sister this upcoming fall. Her helpful spirit throughout our community will be greatly missed, but her new vocation will bless all new faces she encounters. Read more.
Good News! Ellen Fagone Huntley '70 is happily enjoying her new, third grandchild: a baby girl, Nevaeh, born on her wedding anniversary. Nevaeh joins two older brothers who adore her.
Kristina Clark Williams '06 welcomed a son, Charles Kenneth (Charlie) into the world on June 22, 2021. He joins big sister Kathryn, who is two! (Pictured in photo right.)
Jeanie Zmijewski Taddeo '89 is excited to announce the milestone of being 13-1/2 years cancer-free! Diagnosed when 16 weeks pregnant, Jeanie (and her twins, in utero) underwent 2 surgeries and 4 chemotherapy treatments together! Twins Giavanna and Gillian, born at 25 weeks, are now 13 years old! After their birth, Jeanie returned to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania receiving 8 more chemo treatments, 35 rounds of radiation, and a double mastectomy! She is happy to be healthy today through the Lord and the intercession of St. Gianna! Lorraine Noel Manninen '80 proudly announces that her son, Thomas A. Manninen, graduated with his Juris Doctor degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul Minnesota on June 7, 2021.
Diana Gulew '06 shared news of the wedding of Sarah Coppinger Brody '06, daughter of Carrie (Mastrodicasa) Coppinger '79, to John Brody. (Pictured with '06 classmates on July 24, 2021.)
Carolyn Arnish Elaimy '08 married Ameer Elaimy on Sunday June 13, 2021 at Oceanview of Nahant (pictured in photo right). In attendance were Julianne O'Connor '08, Bridget Bussell-Brujic 08', and Marissa Schneider '15. Siena Forest '08 and Charlotte Harrison '08 attended the ceremony virtually. In addition, Siena Forest of the Minnesota Opera and OOPS-MN, performed in a custom pre-recorded song played at the ceremony per request of the bride. ("Make Our Garden Grow" from the Operetta Candide, accompanied by pianist Carson Rose Schneider and tenor Jack Swanson.) Rachel Sulmonte '12 and Elizabeth Escobar '12 have gone from being classmates to coworkers! Now working at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Rachel is a per-diem American Sign Language Interpreter and Elizabeth is a Data Analyst for Patient Care Services, Quality, and Safety.
In Memoriam We pray for our recently deceased alumnae. May they rest in peace and may we continue to always honor them in the future by remembering them.
Kathleen Fitzsimons Cullinan '69 - June 7, 2021, sister of Mary Fitzsimons Bono '68 and Ann Fitzsimons Sullivan '70. Martha Anne Moynahan McMahon '63 (Springfield) - July 8, 2021, mother of Michaela McMahon Popeo '89 and the late Mariah McMahon Stanton '91. Terri Eisner Morris '85 - September 7, 2021 Linda Barletta '72 - September 9, 2021.
Please keep the families of the deceased in your prayers. Check our next issue of Serviam Magazine to see a full list of family members of our alumnae who have recently passed.
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