Reunion 2009: Friendships, Fun, Good Cheer
REUNION OF THE STARS 2009
A Weekend Of Renewed Friendships, Great Fun, Good Cheer.
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“It was evident the College wanted us to have a great weekend...We felt appreciated and loved.”
Phyllis Gott Shea ’59 |
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“It was fun to catch up with fellow classmates...and it was nice to see the college looking even better than it was when we attended. Wonderful to see CHC alive and doing well...and as always...a beautiful campus!”
Alice Campbell ’89 |
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“Memorable, fun, relaxing ...wonderful...well planned, tasteful, well run...warm and inviting...”
Amy McLeer Frangione ’94, Barbara Cruse ’64, Carol Parrish Derba ’59, Eleanor Yoa Ayers ’69, Clara McNierney Doyle ’54 |
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“Loved it all…!”
Jean Koch Williams ’84 |
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“Stellar!”
Julia King Gorniak ’99 |
Click to enlarge any photo presented in the narrative or in the concluding photo gallery; photos will open in a new window. Click to go straight to the Picasa photo galleries. Tell us what you think of the photos or the activities they capture by entering your comment in the box offered after each photo:
Friday Gallery
Saturday Gallery
Sunday Gallery
Weekend photographs presented throughout this summary provided by Jim Roese Photography.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
The signs looked ominous on Friday, what with stormy skies and a healthy downpour threatening all day. They proved no match, though, for more than 100 alumnae who arrived in late afternoon and early evening for one terrific reunion weekend.
What to do? You just shift to Plan B — Friday afternoon’s rainy check-in moved from the tented, red-carpeted Piazza to the Fournier Hall Lobby, where returning alumnae received hearty welcomes from staff and volunteers plus commemorative reunion bags containing name badges, decorative hand fans, key fobs, and more.
By Saturday morning, the number attending reached 277, representing 24.5 percent of all alumnae eligible to return to campus for the Reunion of the Stars 2009. While the total number of alums decreased from those who attended last year (classes ending in 3 and 8), the percentage of this year’s alumnae from classes ending in 4 and 9 actually increased 3 percent from 4’s and 9’s who attended their reunion five years ago.
Awaiting those who attended --- an expanded weekend of activities, educational and personal enrichment sessions, cuisine, and more.
- The new Hi! Tea Welcome Back Reception, hosted by the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Office of Alumni Relations, kicked off weekend festivities with a variety of traditional and spirited teas, punches, and sweet treats. A special display of silver teaspoons, sent by alumnae to the Alumnae Office in the mid-60’s, graced the buffet table.
- Five educational/personal enrichment sessions, led by CHC faculty and two alumnae, registered more than 80 percent of those booked to arrive on Friday.
- The international buffet of dishes from Mexico, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Germany, the Mediterranean, and Asia challenged the willpower of the diet conscious.
- “CHC Idol Night on the Hill” confirmed the talent, sportsmanship, and good nature of alumnae of all ages in the face of a beckoning karaoke machine.
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| One of five "Nourish Your Mind, Body, Spirit" enrichment sessions Friday afternoon |
Spanning the Globe Buffet Dinner
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It's "CHC Idol Night on the Hill." Watch out, Aretha! |
“Valet parking was great, especially with the rain. [Hi! Tea Welcome Back] Reception was wonderful and perfectly located. Appreciated the gift bag; contents were very helpful.”
Barbara McCabe Ludlam ’69
“Good efficient [check-in] set up...was most impressed with the congeniality of the students who showed us to our rooms.”
Carol Parrish Derba ’59
“Valet service was nice. Goodie/info bag was fine.”
Christine Binkowski Andrews ’74
“The Hi! Tea was a good way to kick off the portion of reunion.”
Kathy O’Boyle ’84
“The check-in staff of volunteers was excellent, helpful and welcoming. The red Reunion Weekend bag provided useful information and was a warm welcoming token.”
Mary Nagle Bell ’54
“Valet parking service much appreciated on arrival...Check-in process well done.”
Clara McNierney Doyle ’54
“Check-in was very well done. The key chain is attractive and something that everyone can use. The valet parking was much appreciated given the rain.”
Eleanor Yoa Ayers ’69
“[The Nancy Loving ’68/Dr. Kathleen McNicholas ’69 women’s heart health] presentation was excellent...very appropriate to women our age and situation. Really covered a lot in short time and did it professionally...promoted future thought and discussion.”
Barbara McCabe Ludlam ’69
“Wow! This [women’s heart health] session was great.”
Martha Bender Jollie ’69
“Fantastic lecture [“Hemingway On the Big Screen”], and great idea for the afternoon.”
Gillian Horna Dezzutto ’84
“Broadway Musicals” and “To Boldly Go…” were excellent presentations, the highlight of the weekend.”
Stephanie Smith ’79
“Suzanne del Gizzo was very entertaining and informative. This [“Hemingway On the Big Screen”] was a very worthwhile session.”
Kathy O’Boyle ’84
“Hemingway on the Big Screen” an excellent session!
Ellen Shields ’59
“The “Broadway Musicals” seminar was absolutely wonderful. Prof. Strauman was highly knowledgeable and made the class stimulating and informative! Very enjoyable and informative.”
Maureen Stolzer ’84
“[CSI: CHC…How Do They Do It?”] session was very interesting. I enjoy CSI, NCIS, The Mentalist, Law & Order, etc. I never knew the flaws in the TV series until I attended the seminar.”
(Dorothy) Bonnie Palatucci ’64
“Enjoyed Father Malloy’s [“Catholicism Through Hollywood Eyes”) seminar.”
Margaret Greene Stubee ’54
“Father Malloy did a wonderful job…would love to come back and audit his class.”
Mary Lou Stafford McGill ’54
[“Catholicism Through Hollywood Eyes”] was very enjoyable and informative.”
Nancy Egan Kenneally ’59
“...It was fun being in the Planetarium [for Sr. Kathy Duffy’s “To Boldly Go...” session]. I’d never been there before.”
Phyllis Gott Shea ’59
“Would have enjoyed the chance to hear more lectures on Friday.”
Zita Levy King ’59
“Attended ‘To Boldly Go…” session. Excellent. I wish I could have attended more sessions…so many looked interesting.”
Jean Peters Kinney ’59
“I was too busy exercising my mouth and attended nothing [of the Friday educational sessions]. Next time, I promise.”
(Roberta) Bobbie Rini Cartlidge ’49
“Loved karaoke night.”
Jean Koch Williams '84
A FEW MORE FRIDAY PHOTOS: (also see complete gallery)
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| Volunteer and former alumni association president Sperky Whiteside Byrne '56 greets Dorothy Phinney '44. |
Returning alumnae enjoying a chat with Sister Carol Jean Vale, College president (r). |
Friday Hi! Tea Welcome Back Reception kicks into high gear. |
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
- The Annual Memorial Mass, celebrated in the College’s glorious Main Chapel, offered more than a few touching moments, but especially the singing of the College hymn, “Salve Mater Salvatoris.”
- A cocktail reception and class pictures led into the 62nd Annual Reunion Luncheon—the weekend main event—highlighted by a continuous slide presentation of Friday’s arriving alumnae, the traditional Roll Call of Classes, the College president’s “state-of-the-College” report, and the presentation of the two Alumni Association awards. The alumni relations office found that some things are sacrosanct: switching from a dry white wine to a high quality rosé to complement the three luncheon entrées was not as successful as anticipated, even though the latter is the new hot rage, so says the Wall Street Journal and other opinion makers.
- Classes with the greatest number of registrations: 1959 (46); 1964 (31); 1974 (26); 1984 (20); 1949 & 1979 (17). The Class of 2004 logged in 19, issuing a registration challenge to the Class of 2005 for its 5th reunion in June 2010.
- Class meetings, opportunities to sit back, chill out, and just plain relax, or a chance to stretch the legs with a hike around campus or a stroll along the Chestnut Hill shopping district preceded the Milestones Cocktail Reception for the 25th and 50th reunion classes, and hosted by the College president; the evening’s Luau on the Hill offered what one celebrant called “the best meal I’ve ever had on this campus”; this year’s Casino Royale, immediately following the Luau, offered the additional feature of the celebrated Brazilian jazz trio Minas, truly evoking the mood of the Riviera or the beaches of Rio that would tempt the likes of James Bond.
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| Peggy Jackson Quinn '64 leading the Annual Memorial Mass procession. |
Alumni association president Patricia Cholewinski Nicholson '70 welcomes more than 280 to the 63rd Annual Reunion Luncheon and the Roll Call of Classes. |
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| The College president updates reunion celebrants on CHC's academic, student life, and campus plans. |
Kathy O'Boyle '84 admires the reunion commemorative hand fan during the Milestones Cocktail Reception. Each fan displays the "seat of learning" image from the Rotunda skylight captured in the '07-08 Annual Report. The reverse side presents the Alma Mater and alumni office contact info. VP Ken Hicks and classmates join the conversation. |
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“Very much enjoyed the campus tour and questions and answers.”
Patricia Harper Petrozza ’84
“Campus tour with the student was great, Reunion Mass very special, pictures and cocktail reception okay.”
Jeanne Marx Young ’49
“Thought all of the [Saturday registration process and welcome bag items] were well-organized and most helpful. Cocktail reception, reunion mass were quite nice.”
Denise Gervase Ferrier ’69
“Annual Memorial Mass was lovely. Chaplain [Richard Malloy, S.J] is wonderful….Reunion Luncheon was a perfect balance of social and informative components. Sr. Carol Vale’s talk was excellent, and the long-range plans for CHC are dynamic & inspiring.”
Charlotte Kelley Hyer ’59
“Pre-Luncheon Cocktail Reception is a tradition by now. Picture-taking went well enough. Memorial Mass in Main Chapel is highlight of the weekend.”
Clara McNierney Doyle ’54
“Enjoyed all of Saturday. Our group did our own campus tour in a.m. Cocktail hour and lunch were well planned and class pictures handled efficiently…Reunion Luncheon---just right.”
Barbara McCabe Ludlam ’69
“I liked seeing the photos [slide presentation] of arriving alums, including myself.”
Jean Peters Kinney ’59
“The College President’s presentation was informative and stimulating. Quite good.”
Mary Nagle Bell ’54
“Especially enjoyed the presentation of the College’s future plans.”
Gillian Horna Dezzutto ’84
“Sister Carol Jean did an excellent presentation.”
Eleanor Yoa Ayers ’69
“Excellent menu and luncheon program. Slides used in Sr. Carol’s presentation were impressive…I love the ‘outdoor’ meal concept --- the Luau --- for Saturday night. Luckily, the weather cooperated...Jazz trio was good.”
Barbara Cruse ’64
“Sister Carol had me wishing I could be a freshman again!”
(Roberta) Bobbie Rini Cartlidge ’49
“Liked the [25th reunion commemorative] business card case. Thanks.”
Kathy O’Boyle ’84
“[Luncheon] very nice. Just wish our class had a better showing.”
Cecilia Filippelli Hazel ’74
“Saturday Mass was wonderful. Would be nice if areas were designated for class seating. All receptions were great…Although I signed up for Casino Night and looked forward to attending, I was busy with my class raffle in the Lounge in Fitzsimmons and couldn’t attend. I heard it was fun and the drinks were said to be amazing.”
Phyllis Gott Shea ’59
“I found the Luau dinner so much fun and a great way to relax and reminisce about old times.”
Sally Ruttle ’69
A FEW MORE SATURDAY PHOTOS (Also see complete gallery)
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
- The Golden Griffins Mass, welcoming all classes but celebrating those who’ve graduated 50 or more years, convened in the Rotunda, followed by the annual brunch in the West Dining Room.
- Rather than present a prepared speech, Sister Carol Jean Vale responded to questions posed by Golden Griffins and their spouses.
- The Class of 1959 was inducted into the Golden Griffins during a ceremony introduced in 2008. A commemorative medallion ---suitable for display in its velvet box or as a light paperweight --- also introduced in 2008, was presented to each ’59er in attendance.
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One of several groups of Class of 1959ers feted during the Golden Griffins Brunch.
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Induction of the 50th reunion class into the Golden Griffins and presentation of Golden Griffins Medallion to each attending member by (l-r) alumni association president Pat Cholewinski Nicholson '70 and College president Sister Carol Jean Vale, as announced by alumni relations director Pat Canning '70. |
Additional Golden Griffins classes gathered for the annual brunch. |
“Golden Griffins Mass, Brunch, and induction were most enjoyable.”
Clara McNierney Doyle ’54
“Once again, I was impressed by Sr. Carol Jean’s knowledge & professionalism.”
Carol Parrish Derba ’59
“Good program. Warm and welcoming.”
Mary Nagle Bell ’54
“Everything was wonderful. The medallion is beautiful. It would be nice if it had a loop on the top for a ribbon to go through so it could be worn at future reunions.”
Zita Levy King ’59
“Good to see 10 ’52 girls on Sunday …Sr. Carol Jean's comments very informative."
Anne Duffy Mirsch ’52
“Golden Griffins Mass & Brunch lovely.”
Jeanne Marx Young ’49
“[Golden Griffins] was an outstanding event. It is always great to see my classmates in attendance.”
Rita Ciotti Altman ’53
“We are losing so many in our class, it’s just good to meet at least once a year and recall—event for a fleeting moment—how much CHC shaped our lives and still touches our hearts.”
Dolores Sejda Aversa ’53
A FEW MORE SUNDAY PHOTOS (Also see complete gallery)
OVERALL COMMENTS AND KEYWORDS TO DESCRIBE REUNION OF THE STARS 2009
“Loved the promotional materials [mailed throughout the year]. They were excellent, made me want to attend, and kept up my interest and desire to attend…All of the activities livened up the weekend, especially Saturday evening, which usually was a letdown.”
Dorothea McEvoy Jordan ’49
“Thanks to all at CHC for making this Golden Reunion so memorable. I have received many messages from classmates indicating how much they enjoyed the weekend. ...In many ways it was overwhelming to have such little time to connect with those not seen since graduation. But many of us reconnected and now, with e-mail, we’ll stay closer and perhaps come to reunion again even though it may not be our reunion year. Is that a possibility, or is room so very tight that only those special reunion years can be accommodated?”
Phyllis Gott Shea ’59
“I liked the informal setting of the events, which I found made it so easy to chat with everyone in an informal manner.”
(Dorothy) Bonnie Palatucci ’64
“All dining was excellent.”
Mary Elizabeth Logan '54
“See you in 5 years!”
Stephanie McConnell Siegrist ’84
“Please send me information about volunteering for next year’s event.”
Erin Beirne ’04
“Pride --- rejuvenation --- informative --- fulfilling.”
Patricia Hamborsky Roddy ’59
“Wonderful dining!”
Martha Bender Jollie ’69
“Good, worth attending.”
Marilyn Leonard MacMaster '49
“A great time.”
Sally Ruttle ’69
“Heartwarming.”
Zita Levy King ’59
“Nostalgic, thought-provoking…Really appreciated the computer center being open so that I could print out boarding pass for return flight. Assistance in the center was very helpful. Used this on Saturday afternoon.”
Barbara Ludlam ’69
"Reacquainting, reassuring, fun."
Stephanie O’Connell Siegrist ’84
WHAT SINGLE ACTIVITY, EVENT, OR FEATURE WOULD REUNION CELEBRANTS NOT CHANGE?
“Nothing tops seeing your fellow alumnae after 50 years.”
Carol Parrish Derba ’59
“The gift of being there, especially the Chapel.”
Florence Jurewicz Korzinski ’49
“Reunion Cocktail Party & Luncheon…[but] would like to hear more lectures on Friday.”
Patricia Harper Petrozza ’74
“The induction of the 50th reunion class into ‘Golden Griffins’ and reception of the medallions.”
Jean Peters Kinney ’59
“Class Reunion Luncheon.”
Clara McNierney Doyle ’54
“Close connections to classmates and friends.”
Barbara McCabe Ludlam ’69
“The warm feeling of being with classmates and the warmth I receive from Cathy Quinn. It always feels like ‘home again.’ Reunion was well done, informative, welcoming, relaxing.”
(Roberta) Bobbie Rini Cartlidge ’49
“How friendly everybody is. It’s like returning home, seeing friends.”
Mary Lou Stafford McGill ’54
“Other than the luncheon, the luau. It was so, so much fun.”
Amy McLeer Frangione ’94
“Camaraderie.”
Debi Rosenberger Eckhart ’79
“The Friday night reception was a good opportunity to circulate and meet people.”
Eleanor Yoa Ayers ’69
“Time with friends.”
E. Barry (Elizabeth) Woolson ’59
“The opportunity to spend quality time with old friends.”
Maria Fella Cain ’84
“Reconnecting with old classmates was the greatest.”
Gillian Horna Dezzutto ’84
“I’d keep everything.”
Kathy O’Boyle ’84
“Campus…looks neat and beautiful, as always.”
Stephanie McConnell Siegrist ’84
“Luau dinner. So much fun and delicious.”
Sally Ruttle ’69
“I really enjoyed the Hi! Tea, especially since it allowed recent alums the chance to visit with their professors again.”
Maureen Stolzer ’04
“Sr. Carol Jean Vale’s presentation…of the state of the college and its challenges and plans.”
Mary Nagle Bell ’54
“Memorable! Nostalgic...and Golden!”
Phyllis Gott Shea ’59
“Everything was wonderful.”
Zita Levy King ’59
“So sorry that more of the Class of ’99 were not there. Nevertheless, I had a blast!...Would not change a thing. Very well orchestrated…the bartenders were excellent.”
Julia King Gorniak ’99
“We had a ball. It was delightful!”
Margaret Dickinson Campbell ’59
“Memorable, happy time. Good food at the Reunion Luncheon.”
Doris Byrnes ’49
“Loved it all. So much fun. Suggest no changes.”
Jean Koch Williams ’84
“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend.”
E. Barry (Elizabeth) Woolson ’59
BUT, THEN, THERE ARE ... SUGGESTIONS, DIFFERING OPINIONS
We hear you…return to dry white wine for Reunion Luncheon and Golden Griffins!
“...Liked the bag, would’ve liked a reunion t-shirt rather than all the little goodies, some of which I already have...”
“…Key fob was very nice but an unnecessary expense.”
“The [welcome] bag was a lovely idea... but I think that it was unnecessary. I'd have rather been given a note saying xyz dollars of the reunion went straight into the school's coffers.”
“[Suggest] less food at the different events, especially the cocktail parties. Fewer mailings---both are too expensive. Oops that is two things."
“[Golden Griffins Brunch] very well done. I do think a small pendant which could be worn would be a better choice for the 50th reunion. Medallions will sit in a drawer.”
“That the older classes have a designated space for getting together informally. Disappointed in chances to get updated with those in my class. The registration form was ridiculous and confusing. Try a spreadsheet with day, time, and cost.”
“As usual, I had a wonderful time at the reunion and you and your group outdid yourselves. The only grumbling I heard (just a few) involved the Book Store hours and merchandise available (should be longer with more items)... Otherwise, no real complaints…”
“Two comments - 1. Original registration form was confusing re: Class Picture. I still don't know whether my fee covered the picture or I was supposed to pay more. 2. Perhaps eliminate one activity and allow for some down and chat time.”
“The cocktail reception and the luau timing made for confusion in dress code and omitting reception altogether for some. Perhaps it could be combined with the welcome party.”
“Bookstore could be much more lively. What do current students think of the inventory/layout? Do you use an outside vendor?”
“[Reunion Luncheon] too long.”
“[Casino Royale & Jazz] Event would have been better if drinks were not restricted and we could win something. Gambling for nothing is pointless.”
“More hours for the bookstore would've been nice. It was squeezed in between mass and pictures. Not liking the new griffin from the athletics uniforms appearing on college gear.”
“Let classes get together and do their own thing, like Sat. dinner.”
VOLUNTEERS, STUDENTS, AND STAFF: IT’S A WRAP. THANKS SO MUCH!
“Very evident that a lot of thought and planning went into the reunion weekend. Thank you one and all.”
Mary Lou Stafford McGill ’54
“All of the weekend activities were well thought out, and the hard work done by the committee made the weekend memorable.”
Colleen Ward Volpe ’59
“Student hosts were friendly and helpful.”
Mary Rose Gallagher O’Neill ’59
“I appreciate the work done by everyone connected in any way.”
Doris Byrnes ’49
“The College and the grounds all look beautiful and beautifully cared for. I was proud of having been privileged to have been a student…Although I only attended the Reunion Luncheon because of a family event, I thought the whole weekend was beautifully planned, with an interesting variety of events and activities. I was happy to be around to celebrate my 60th! The committee worked so hard to do a wonderful job. This whole weekend is a big deal, and all the alumni and employees work to make it pleasant for all attending.”
Patricia Tully Bannan ’49
“Thanks for all the hard work that went into planning such an outstanding Reunion Weekend.” Clara McNierney Doyle ’54
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(l-r) Mary Theresa Shevland, SSJ (planned giving director), Ken Hicks (VP for institutional advancement), Kathi Spigelmyer '98 (communications director), Cathy Quinn (development director), Pat Canning '70 (alumni relations director).
Missing from photo: Jessica Hannan (events & projects manager), Nicole "Coco" Minardi (associate development director).
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| The Office of Institutional Advancement raises a toast to the following alumni volunteers and students who assisted in carrying out the Reunion of the Stars 2009 weekend program prepared for our alumnae. Kudos and thank you's all around. |
Volunteers:
Kathleen Quigley Grimm ’88 and Kathy Shea Pié ’87, volunteer team leaders
Rosemary (Rodie) Mahoney Boyle ’57
Ellen (Sperky) Whiteside Byrne ’56
Keara Clauss ’07
Julia Dressler ’05
Sara English '05
Rosemary Haenn ’91
Ryan Ireland ’05
Patti Kane-Vanni ’75
Jessica Masso Keenan ’91
Ginny Haenn McKee ’88
Patricia Cholewinksi Nicholson ’70, alumni association president
Diane Napoli O’Grady ’57
Cecelia Englebert Passanza ’77
Michelle Schlindwein Pulcinella ’91
Poonum Singh ’05
Mary Pat Forsythe Stabile ’05
Chrissy Tomaselli ’05
Regina Black Urmson ’76
Fran Vorsky ’05
Angela Jones Willie ’85
Students:
Mark Urmson
Nicole Corrado
Katherine Tohanczyn
Colleen Tozer
Travis Wolfe
Karen Guwuriro
BOOK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY
Reunion of the Stars 2010: June 4-5-6
Welcoming School of Undergraduate Studies classes ending in 0 and 5.
Golden Griffins Mass & Brunch 2010: June 6
Welcoming classes up to and including the Class of 1959
Welcoming and inducting the Class of 1960