Onyx Anneau Spring 2021

SPRING 2021/Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Magazine

VIRTUAL MEETINGS HAVE BECOME THE NEW NORM

A CHERISHED TRADITION — THE WOODS RING

’68 ALUM RECALLS MAKING VOTING HISTORY

Deanna Bradley, right, will retire in May 2021 after serving the College for 30 years. Bradley served as athletic director since she joined The Woods in 1991, pioneering the program and making it what it is today — 14 varsity scholarship athletic teams. She also served as the head women’s basketball coach from 1992 to 2018. President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., announced the center court in Hamilton Arena will be named for Bradley for all she has accomplished, and for the heart she brought to her job. King shared, “We are a Catholic institution, faith is a part of who we are. Deanna never forgot that. She recruited coaches, coached students and the mission was always close to her heart. That is the foundation she has built for our athletics teams which will go on into our future.”

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An ever-evolving legacy A note from President Dottie King

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a wonderfully complex institution! Our 180 years of education provides so many stories that allow us to look back, remember and be blessed by the generations which came before us. At the same time, we eagerly look forward and continue to dream, innovate and create an ever-evolving legacy. Deep roots provide such a strong foundation for new branches swaying with the winds of today. When you read in this edition of Onyx Anneau of an alumna traveling with Sisters of Providence to assist with voter registration for African American people in 1965, our 99th Ring Day and the enduring tradition that includes a Legacy Ring Program, and the ways the College has embedded a virtual reality into the educational experience of our students and even our celebration of Reunion, you can’t help but marvel at the resourcefulness, resilience and dogged persistence of our College. We enjoy a rich history that is remembered and celebrated, and it becomes an important thread for our present and future. May we ever be brave adventurers, willing to sacrifice for the good of new generations who will be blessed to hear our stories and challenged to add their own as part of our collective Woods journey! Blessings,

Dottie L. King, Ph.D. President

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ONYX Anneau SPRING ISSUE 2021

Vol. 95

No. 3

Karen Dyer Editor in Chief Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives BJ Riley ’16 Editorial Director Director of Marketing Marissa Schmitter Managing Editor Content Marketing Specialist Kristy Fry Creative Director Director of Creative Services CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Fredricks Dorsey ’97 Lindsey Richardt ’07 Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 Heather Tighe Dylan Thomas ’18, ’21G Sue Weatherwax

The Simmons triplets are taking after their mother, Jessica Olsen Simmons ’72 , as the juniors received Woods Rings during the 1 p.m. Ring Ceremony on March 20, 2021. L to R: Jessica Olsen Simmons ’72 is pictured with her children, Hailey, Christopher and Ashley and husband, Brian Simmons.

Contents

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ON THE COVER Students and alumni love to visit the statue of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and place their Woods Rings into her hand following the annual ceremony.

CHERISHED: A RING TO KEEP 4

Please send correspondence to: Office of Advancement PO Box 70 Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 47876-0070 Phone: 812-535-5270 E-mail: alumni@smwc.edu © 2021 by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information contained in this magazine is accurate.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S CALL 6

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE The Woods Today........................................8 Nota Bene......................................................31

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Virtual meetings keep alumni in touch By Marissa Schmitter

Resilience was shown by students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College during the pandemic, and by alumni who missed Reunion and other alumni events such as Homecoming due to COVID-19. Face- to-face interactions had come to a halt, however connections were still being made, screen-to-screen. Getting in front of a camera, whether by phone, tablet or computer, became a normal occurrence for those wanting to stay connected. Judith Anne Gilberti ’79 found this time of uneasiness an important time to check in with her classmates, which she did by sending notes, cards and hosting a Zoom session, a now widely known platform. “I was trying to make it as warm and welcoming as possible,” Gilberti said. The class used their Zoom time to toast The Woods and classmates. As the world shut down last March, nearly all scheduled events at the College were cancelled or postponed, including Reunion 2020. This was difficult for alumni who were to celebrate as well as the College staff planning the celebration. “I love staying connected with our alumni and hearing how they are doing. Not coming together for Reunion or Homecoming last year was heartbreaking,” Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05 , director of alumni relations, said. “Our world was turned upside down with the pandemic, professionally and personally. No one really knew how significantly it

would impact our lives and work. What did we do? We picked up the phone and began calling our alumni and found a way to connect with them.” The College hosted a series of virtual alumni gatherings, featuring updates from President Dottie King, while alumni hosted gatherings with their classmates and fellow Woodsies — some scheduling regular monthly meetings. In less than one year, the College hosted 20 virtual meetings. Margot Rudge Sullivan ’63 helps keep the Southern California alumni and friends in touch by utilizing Zoom. “We have a wonderful group that has grown quite close even though we are from different classes,” she said. Sullivan said they usually meet in person, but the virtual meetings help to keep each other in the know about both their lives and the College. For some, the use of technology was new, but that was a challenge Gilberti gladly accepted as she sent directions and encouraged her fellow alumni who were still learning. She is hoping to host another session this summer to do what she calls “keeping it special.”

While Zoom and Microsoft Teams created new pathways for connection, Mahady says it cannot quite replace being together in-person. “Seeing everyone at Reunion and Homecoming, reminiscing and sharing stories is a feeling that cannot be put into words,” she said. “I look forward to visiting with our alumni and seeing them reconnect with each other this year in-person as life slowly begins to return to normal following a year of being shut- down and isolated from each other during the pandemic.” Looking forward, Mahady believes that the team has gained new knowledge and practices that will enable the College to continue to connect with alumni who may not be able to return to campus or attend an event. “Our programming will benefit from all that we’ve learned and will continue to include virtual opportunities as we move into a post-pandemic world,” she said. Virtual elements will become a staple for events such as Reunion and Homecoming, allowing more alumni to stay connected to each other and to The Woods.

Reunion will be hosted in-person from May 21 to 23, 2021. The deadline to register is May 1. Virtual events will be held for those who wish to participate remotely — check smwc.edu/alumni/ for updates. The College is following COVID-19 protocols and guidelines closely to allow for a safe and enjoyable Reunion.

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Cherished: A Ring

to Keep

By Jennifer Fredericks Dorsey ’97, Ph.D.

A symbol of the longstanding instantly recognizable the world over. With this year serving as the penultimate celebration leading up to next year’s 100th anniversary of the Woods Ring, the traditional awarding of Rings took place on March 20, 2021, in two ceremonies. More than 100 campus, Woods Online and graduate students received their Rings. As important as the Woods Ring is to students and alumni, it is not an inexpensive purchase. Depending on the metal, costs for the Ring can range from $375 to $1,700, creating a financial barrier for some students. Two programs are available to help bridge this cost gap for those who need assistance purchasing a ring: the Legacy Ring Program and the Woods Ring Scholarship Program. Awards for both programs are decided by a committee of staff and faculty — many of whom are alumni — based upon applications from the students. The Legacy Ring Program allows alumni and their families to donate pre-owned legacy rings to juniors who qualify on the basis of financial need. Anna Madden ’18, ’20G , currently serves on the Alumni Board of Directors and is a legacy Ring recipient. “I applied for a legacy ring, because I not only wanted to enjoy the piece of home close to my heart on a daily basis, but I wanted a reminder to carry on The Woods’ values, education and traditions in my forthcoming career and life,” Madden says. Olivia Wendell ’20 , holds her B.S. in music therapy and will be starting her master’s in music therapy at SMWC in the fall while working at Rhythm Garden Music, LLC in Jasonville, Indiana. She is the proud recipient of a legacy Ring from the traditions of Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College (SMWC), the Ring is

Olivia Wendell ’20 is the proud recipient of a Legacy Ring from the estate of Sue Pietrus, SP, ’72 who served as SMWC’s director of choirs and Madrigals for 28 years.

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The Yaw family donates a 10-carat Ring each year. Pictured left to right is Lisa McCormick, Elizabeth Yaw ’92 , Dorothy Carole Bonwell Yaw ’91 , Allison Parks and Elaine Yaw ’95 .

estate of Sue Pietrus, SP, ’72 . who served as Chorale and Madrigals director in the music department prior to her death in 2008. Wendell says wearing Pietrus’ Ring is a daily reminder of their shared love of music. “As a recent graduate from the music department, it fills me with joy knowing that I can continue

[Stipanovich] ’52 and The Woods after receiving my Ring on my Ring Day was overwhelming joy, the same joy I feel when I glance at my ring today,” Madden says. “I’m grateful to Alice and her family for allowing me the chance to wear this Ring with pride.” The legacy of these programs is one the College hopes to continue for a long time. Saunders, associate vice president for advancement, says,

Donating to the scholarship program is a family affair for the Yaw women, who decided to donate a 10-carat Ring each year. Dorothy Carole Bonwell Yaw ’91, Ph.D. , and her daughters, SMWC associate professor of

“I talked it over with Elaine and Elizabeth and we decided to give a Ring scholarship as a family, because we love our Rings.” — Dorothy Carole Bonwell Yaw ’91, Ph.D.

making music in her memory,” Wendell says. While the origins of the Legacy Ring Program likely began when family members began passing Rings down to relatives and close friends, it has branched out to include bequests as well as donations

“We are deeply grateful to the generous alumni who have donated legacy Rings and provided funding for students who need assistance with purchasing their Rings.”

in honorarium from living alumni who wish to pass on their Rings.

media art Elaine Yaw ’95 and Elizabeth Yaw ’92 , are members of the East Central Illinois/ West Central Indiana Alumni Club. “ Catherine Mickey Saunders ’98 attends our meetings once or twice a year. At our last meeting in 2019, she talked about the Woods Ring and how several students could not afford them, so they had started scholarships. I talked it over with Elaine and Elizabeth, and we decided to give a Ring scholarship as a family, because we love our Rings,” Dorothy says. “The Ring is a symbol to all of us of the dedication The Woods has shown to educate women and empower them,” Dorothy says. Madden feels this inter-generational bond every day. “The connection I felt to Alice

To participate in the program, alumni may contact the SMWC Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. For more information, visit smwc.edu/legacy-ring .

This creates a connection — one that helped Patricia “Patsy” Lysaught Oser ’70 decide to donate her Ring while she is still around to meet the student who will wear it next. She would like to see more alums give their Rings to mark special reunion years and create a new tradition of giving with the Ring to build inter-generational alumni relationships. “If I can give this back and remind someone else of the memories they have, those moments will be just as special as the Ring,” Oser says. Woods alumni can make Ring Day a reality for more students by participating in the Woods Ring Scholarship Program. This program helps students defray the cost of a Ring.

Do you have a Woods Ring story to share? Plans are currently underway for a big celebration in 2022 for the Ring’s 100th anniversary. Let us know what the Ring means to you.

Email alumni@smwc.edu to share your Woods Ring story and photos.

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SMWC answered Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call to MAKE. EVERY.

As the Voting Rights Act made its way through Congress in the summer of 1965, two SMWC faculty members

and six students hit the streets of Albany, Georgia, to help thousands register to vote.

By Lindsey Richardt ‘07

Alma Louise Mescher, SP, ’45 , left, and Mary Jean Mark, SP, led a group of six students to Georgia after being invited by Martin Luther King, Jr. to participate in the Summer Community Organization (and) Political Education (SCOPE) program.

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MLK Image Credit: Designsoul/Shutterstock.com

VOTE. COUNT.

Midge Maroni ’68 spent the summer of 1965 in the depths of the civil rights movement. She picketed, she marched, she was arrested, and at one point, she even sought refuge from rifle-bearing members of the Ku Klux Klan. That summer, she and three other Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College (SMWC) students, along with two students from Indiana State University (ISU), followed SMWC associate professors Alma Louise Mescher, SP, ’45 and Mary Jean Mark, SP to the deep south for one purpose: to fight for the rights of Black voters. During the spring term of 1965, Marie Perpetua Hayes ’33, SP , then-president of SMWC, received a letter from Martin Luther King, Jr. inviting the College to participate in the Summer Community Organization [and] Political Education (SCOPE) program. As pressure was building for the United States Congress to pass what would become the Voting Rights Act, King was seeking volunteers from academic communities across the country to spend the summer battling disenfranchisement in the South. This was a dangerous mission. By 1965, the civil rights movement was in full swing. America had witnessed civil rights workers putting their lives on the line as they fought for equal opportunities and voting rights. Maroni recalls her parents’ hesitation when she asked for permission to participate. Her request came just one month after civil rights activists were brutally attacked and beaten by Alabama state troopers in a march known as Bloody Sunday. “It was a really pivotal part in American history, not only for African Americans who were treated as second class citizens, but for our nation as a whole. It was a sad and a proud legacy — sad because of the tragedies and brutalization, and proud because so many people in America finally understood that the injustice could not stand,” said Maroni. Sister Mark, who was well known in the Terre Haute, Indiana, community for her ecumenical work, asked local businesses to support the project and they responded generously. In

SMWC faculty member, also loaned his car. With support from the community, The Woods answered King’s call. Maroni, Susan Sperry ’68 , Juanita Garcia-Maldonado Sayres ’65 , Margarete Baum ’67 , as well as two students who knew Sister Mark through the ISU campus ministry program, Barbara (Koester) Foster and Robert Mullins, followed the professors to Georgia. After orientation and training in Atlanta, the SMWC group was stationed in Albany, a medium-sized city located in southwest Georgia. The goal was to educate and register as many Black voters as possible. On a typical day, they hosted educational programming for children during the day and adult literacy in the evening out of an abandoned building which had been turned into a school. By the end of the summer, the group had racked up a few arrests and dangerous run-ins with the opposition — the bullet holes in the back of rabbi Cohen’s car were a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with the movement. The Voting Rights Act was signed by Congress on Aug. 6, 1965, prohibiting the unfair practices used to prevent Black people from registering to vote. According to a report on the Civil Rights Movement Archive, the project registered more than 49,000 new voters across six states and impacted nearly a million others through political and literacy education. Fifty-five years later, Maroni says this was a pivotal time in her life that has led to what has become a life-long commitment to justice. “Reflecting on the summer of 1965, it was a glorious, climactic time because of the passage of the Voting Rights Act that August,” Maroni said. “I recall Reverend King’s reference to the moral arc of the universe bending toward justice and I feel that arc does not bend by itself. Justice, decency and love are not passive: human beings must actively embrace them to bend and pull that moral arc.”

This abandoned building in Albany, Georgia, was turned into a school where SMWC faculty and SMWC students taught educational programming to children and literacy to adults.

addition to monetary donations, an ISU professor provided adult literacy training and a local Dodge dealership loaned the group a car for the summer. Rabbi Bernard Cohen, leader of the United Hebrew Congregation in Terre Haute and A daily sing-along was held at the Freedom School in Albany. Sister Alma Louise is seen at front right of the group .

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THE WOODS TODAY

“... my time as an online learner at The Woods has been marked by the kind of quality instruction and deep connections that I know will bear fruit throughout my future ...”

It might seem perplexing that I, someone who has earned two degrees from SMWC’s online programs, would list “community” as one of the things I value most about my time at The Woods. In fact, friends and family have sometimes given me puzzled expressions when I speak about the peer discussions, group projects and very real friendships that have grown out of my time as an online learner. But it’s true — this sense of community is important to me — and SMWC’s skillful use of technology to promote student interaction has been a guiding factor in my decision to pursue higher education at The Woods. I found the experiences and insights of professors and peers have helped to inform my own understanding of the coursework I’ve encountered and my appreciation for the varied and valuable ways different individuals approach a topic. I also found that these interactions have helped to grow me into a professional that values differences of opinion and the dynamic collaboration that can come out of not letting such differences fetter teamwork. As we find ourselves navigating a global pandemic, one might be tempted to think that online coursework is just another avenue of isolation. I would urge reconsideration. My time as an online learner at The Woods has been marked by the kind of quality instruction and deep connections that I know will bear fruit throughout my future and will inform who I am in the communities in which I live and serve.

— Dylan Thomas ’18, ’21G Master of Leadership Development Dylan

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RING DAY MEMORIES

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It is so good to be in touch with you again! A big thank you to Mary Jo Hughey Matheny for her close to 30 years of service to our class. Joan Lewis Ingram is still able to live alone in her condo in Terre Haute. She manages to drive and does her own errands. A letter from one of Christene “Chris” Harries Ladesich’s sons let me know Chris is in a nursing facility following a stroke in March 2020. She is recovering nicely. Anne Stack Connell is grateful to be free of arthritis but is dealing with Macular Degeneration. She still plays bridge and lives with one of her daughters and enjoys her two married grandchildren. She sends love to all the ladies who have reached 90. She has problems with her sight but does get out to play bridge. Jane Sullivan Baylor has stayed close to SMWC and was hoping to attend our 70th Reunion, but she hasn’t been in the best health. Daughter Elizabeth and her husband Ted have given Jane three grandchildren. Angela “Angel” Crowley Kenny has not stopped moving! She is involved with the Legion of Mary and visiting the homebound. After 50 years, she stopped playing the organ for church, but keeping in touch with 19 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren is time consuming enough! Angel does her own cooking and enjoys it. She is looking forward to Reunion and hoping we are all allowed ‘out’ by then. Julia Rooney Ladne r has been confined to home following hip surgery and a recent fall. Her daughters are looking after her at home during her recuperation. I also contacted several gals who started with us but didn’t graduate with us. Catherine “Cathy” Pert Foley lives in Colorado and is doing well. She has four children and five grandchildren. She has fond memories of SMWC. Gloriann “Gloria” Naumcheff Long is good. She goes to mass weekly, reads, works in the yard, walks and travels. She lives in Michigan. Molly Keane Houlihan lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has ten children, and was married for 64 years. She lives alone in a home her and her husband built. She does not drive, but has family meeting her needs. Her health is good, and she has kept in touch with Gloriann Naumcheff Long and Kathleen “Kathy” Kelly Collins . Rosemarie “Rory” Roney Eckman was able to contact Mary Jo Hughey Matheny . She is in a retirement home and is wheelchair bound. They had a lengthy chat. I am still independent but had to stop volunteering at Birthright when we closed due to the pandemic. I try to ignore my arthritis, and I am reading a lot since the pandemic has forced me to stay in mostly. To stay sane, I have been baking quite a bit; my neighbors have been lucky recipients. We will get updates regarding our C L A S S N O T E S ’51 Mary Hoynes Duhigg 2365 Manchester Ln Avon, OH 44011-1670 mchduhigg@att.net

Reunion, which is currently scheduled for May 21- 23. I hope that we will be able to get together. ’52 Rita Burke Gannon 5440 Fox Hollow Dr Boca Raton, FL 33486-8637 jazgannon@yahoo.com In less than a week Rita Burke Gannon ’52 will have her second vaccine shot. She hopes to travel abroad once restrictions allow. Her second term on the board of her homeowner association keeps her very busy. Her parish does a YouTube mass every week for those who cannot attend and it has been comforting to have this close communication. Dennise Keeshan Lafferre ’52 recently retired from being a travel agent. It has been many years of helping her clients successfully enjoying their trips on land and on the seas, cruising. With the pandemic, she is home, waiting for the all clear. She hopes her class of 1952 are healthy and enjoying their families. There are always nice surprises in this job. I had a surprise call from Patricia “Pat” Carbon Etling from Terre Haute. Pat had 10 children, several of whom went to The Woods, and even had weddings in the college church. She has 32 grandchildren, with multiple scientists, doctors and lawyers. On 4th of July, Pat said she had two NFL quarterbacks at the family gathering. Dolores “Dee” Eisenbeil Humm is a faithful responder who like so many spoke of praying for our country. In her area of California, they also prayed for rain. Dee met with Sarah “Sally” McCoy Harrington and husband Jim in New Jersey last year. She also ran into Gay Wasas Ducharme in San Francisco. Gay Wasas Ducharme normally leads city tours and is busy at the Art Museum. She phoned with an update on how COVID has altered her activities in those areas. Carol Nolan, SP is retired and back at SMW. Sister lost her younger sister, Nancy Nolan, SP, ’59 on Dec. 20. She was General Superior from 1986 to 1996. Older sister L ucille “Lucy” Nolan, SP, ’64 lives in Maryvale next to the College and they are hoping the vaccination schedule allows them to get together for St. Patrick’s Day. Sister Carol also reported the College is doing wonderfully. Our Canadian resident classmate, Lois Guertin Doherty , is in about the same boat as those of us “South of the Border.” Lois has dual citizenship and could vote in the U.S. from Canada as I understood. She misses seeing her young grandchildren and enjoys reading to them online. Arlene O’Rourke Hamm was able to do a little traveling this year, spending Thanksgiving in Knoxville, Tennessee and planning for Christmas in Atlanta (virus permitting). Oh for the day when we don’t have to add that! The family celebrated two ’54 Jane Antrobus 5135 Tarrytown Dr Memphis, TN 38117-2125 JANTROBUS3@aol.com

weddings and one great grandchild in 2020. Lucille “Lou” Restifo McGrath lost her husband two years ago. Lou is well and living alone. She has five children and four grandchildren. If she is snowed in another five days, she may find all kinds of things. This is the first time a Memphis, Tennessee snow reminds her of SMW. ’57 Martha Jacob, OSU 128 N Peterson Ave Apt 6 Louisville, KY 40206-3103 (502) 338-3331 mjacob@ursulineslou.org First, I must confess, I failed to ask you for your news in order to meet the Feb. 15 deadline for these Class Notes! Thus, I am writing this on Feb. 14 to meet the deadline. I have managed to talk with some of you and here is what I know. Prayers to the family of Teresa “Dippy” Messina Rogers , who died on Jan. 30, 2021. We extend sympathy and prayers also to Patricia “Peachy” McDonald King on the death of her husband, Paul, in July 2020 and to Julia Rice King on the death of her husband, Marty, in August 2020. Both Pat and Julie are coping. Pat says she only sees her kids and Julie says her large family, including a son in Hong Kong, ‘visit’ by Zoom about once per month. She still works three mornings per week at her parish. Marilyn Marschall Antonik is living in Wilmette, Illinois, in a condo overlooking Lake Michigan. She and Mary Hayes Garvin have strict instructions to stay home while their children meet every need. Marilyn enjoys lectures, book discussions and some classes, plus contacts with family and friends through the internet. Mary’s son lives with her in the family home in Wheaton, Illinois. Rosalie McGlynn continues to live in her family home in Chicago. Her needs are met by her faithful cousins. Alice Geary Sgroi seems to be doing OK in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Camille Grafe Rust retired in March 2020 as a massage and body works therapist. Her ukulele group is still functioning. Peggy Curl Doak and her husband permanently closed their B&B in Rock Island, Illinois, in December 2020. The pandemic and then the winter weather helped them decide it was time to do so! Gertrude “Trudy” Knecht Mazzarella’s life is slower since tours of Christ Cathedral in Orange, California, were suspended in March 2020. She directed the volunteers who gave the tours, as well as showing visitors around. When tours will be resumed is not known, but the Cathedral is now open for services with a 25% attendance. She reports her two sons who live nearby are taking good care of her. Mary “Bonnie” Carroll Kilroy has two complaints – COVID-19 has canceled the outdoor group activities offered at the senior care facility she calls home, and the tornadoes/storms in the New Orleans area in fall 2020 were quite frightening. She is thankful these were not near where she is living. Carol Baker Cardenas lives in Magnolia, Texas. When I spoke with her on Feb. 13 she said people of Magnolia cannot cope with the cold,

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icy weather they were having! She is grateful for heat from the living room fireplace. She has two grandsons at the University of Notre Dame. In 2020, Angela Miller McNamara celebrated two new grandsons and Mary Howard Brown , another great-grandson. Mary was unable to participate in her grandson, Andrew’s September 2020 wedding in the state of Washington because of the pandemic. I learned that Sheila Sullivan McIntyre’s son is planning to ‘rebuild’ her house on the lake. She now lives in Castleton, Vermont, year-round. Marilynn Burdick Stadtmiller is doing well. However, she missed being able to be with her sons’ families for Christmas. She keeps busy on a bowling team and enjoying the time for reading, especially the history of World War II, and the company of her two cats. “I am at peace.” Shirley Walter Wuertz says she is coping, ready for a defeat of COVID-19! I am OK, seem to keep busy with some writing of Ursuline history, helping the Ursuline Sisters Office Staff with various project, and ‘tutoring’/helping a Dominican Sister from Vietnam with English. She is living with us while studying at Bellarmine University, Louisville. Our message to each other is the same! Be careful and stay well. For better news, Carole Marzano Bersinger has recovered from COVID-19, and is playing golf. Her last visit with her family was December 2019. Mary Ellen Bendel Hudson also saw her family then and met her great grandchild, Margie Hudson. Her sister, Ruth, had the virus but has recovered. Mary Ellen and Lew are praying for the end of the pandemic. Kathleen Petrunick Lendzion and I phone each other and she is doing well, misses her family — especially her grandchildren. Bernice “Bernie” Schmitt Ridgway’s family live in Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia and they worry about storms as well as the virus. Sylvia Dickas Coma’s husband, Bob, has health issues but is holding his own. They are looking forward to the mountains of North Carolina this summer. Nancy Mertz Thorson’s husband and children are well and virus free. Marilyn Caserotti Kostenski is in good health but husband, Elmer is showing his age of 92. Jim and Carole Lattus Liggett have gotten their first vaccine shot and all is well. She is in touch with Ellen Narolewski Lau who misses her husband, Reid, but is otherwise doing well. Sandra Chabot Landay sent an update. She and Jerry moved to Rhode Island in 2002 and she began teaching voice and conducting choir at St. Michael’s Church. Jerry died in 2013 and is greatly missed. She is grateful for health, family and singing. David and Letizia “Tish” Fiore Lowman have gotten their first vaccine shots and are all right. One of their grandsons had a mild case of the virus but ’58 Virginia R. Reed (773) 477-6836 Vergrose@aol.com 2850 N Sheridan Rd Apt 1221 Chicago, IL 60657-6145

has recovered. She gets fresh air in their yard but finds creative juices are not flowing much. Janice “Jan” Lauber Hummel keeps in touch by phone with Jane Ordovensky Avil and Jane Schneider Krempp . Jane Krempp’s extended family takes good care of her. Jane Avil is busy as a grandmother and loves it. Jim and Jan are going to be vaccinated soon. Virginia Senicka Wirtz’ son also lives in Savage, Minnesota but her other children live in Stillwater. I am well but lost a niece to the virus. My sister, Betty, is well and her daughter, Carol, lives with her. This certainly has been a very different year and so many of our lifestyles have been altered. Our hope and prayer is that we can resume some normalcy in 2021. Thirteen classmates attended the June 2019 reunion. Since Onyx was on sabbatical, we were unable to share our class news. Mary “Maggie” Burns Gage lives on the same property in the middle of the woods with her son and family. During spring and summer, Maggie spent numerous hours climbing up and down the hills in the woods pulling invasive plants and identifying woodland plants and flowers. It was good therapy following her second knee replacement in mid-January 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosemary Burke Ciaudelli on the sudden death of her son David on Aug. 30, 2020. Daughter Maria Ciaudelli Cholak ’90 , teaches in the Cincinnati, Ohio, schools. Her daughter Megan is a pre-med student at Chicago’s Loyola University. Daughter Catherine is in a nurse practitioner program at the University of Cincinnati and son Joshua is in high school. Kathleen “Kitty” Farrell Zink is thrilled 2020 is behind us. She has generally stayed home but spent three weeks at their Michigan cottage. She noted that winterizing the cottage in the fall was more work than leisure without George. The main event was the wedding of grandson Isaac who married Claire in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in August, originally scheduled for April. Son Jim organized a Zoom meeting every Saturday calling it the Zink Happy Hour. Marilyn Bosler Henley was diagnosed with vascular dementia. During the COVID pandemic, her condition deteriorated and now resides in a memory care unit in West St. Paul, Minnesota. Her husband and son are able to visit frequently and agree that she is receiving good care. Elizabeth “Liz” Merry O’Daniel and Roger are moving into a new townhouse in Bloomington, Minnesota, after 50 years in their house. Daughter Kari is a frontline nurse and hero. Children Lee, Marie, Dillon and Erin are busy with work and distance learning. Daughter Merry Beth, keeping busy at her business and loves being a grandmother. Steve and Toni Marie are building ’59 Agnes Piszczek 6410 N Leona Ave Chicago, IL 66046 773-763-4775 (home) agnespiszczek@icloud.com

a new house on their property and enjoy their grandchildren. Carolyn Stower Edelmann had a trying year with sister Marilyn and family members contracting COVID-19. All had serious cases but survived. Carolyn enjoys hiking, kayaking, writing poetry and works to preserve wetlands. She is still working as community and media relations director for D&R Greeenway Land Trust and recently reached a milestone; 21,000 acres in highly populated New Jersey are saved in perpetuity. Jeanne Cowden Meyer and Paul spent a year of non-events. Trips were canceled as well as other activities but looking forward to resuming travel in 2021. Margaret Mulhollan Quinn usually winters in Orlando with daughter Karen Quinn Walsh ’82 , but has chosen not to travel this year. She will miss spending time with her two great-grandsons but may go in the fall. Her daughter Maureen lives in St. Johns, Indiana and daughter Mary resides in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. Laura “Lolly” Trauscht Holland had a busy year caring for husband Dave. In November, he was placed in a memory care unit. He has adjusted well and appears very happy. The holidays were spent with daughter Jennifer and son Christopher and his family. In January, Lolly fell on ice and broke her pelvis but did not need surgery. Our thoughts and prayers extend to Lolly on the death of her sister Mary Ann in September. Mary Ellen Gase was unable to receive visitors this year. Usually Elizabeth “Liz” Merry O’Daniel visits each spring, but plans changed due to the virus. They do communicate via telephone and Mary Ellen enjoys hearing from former students. Patricia “Pat” Needham Burns and John stayed close to home in a bubble of two following all rules and regulations. In June, workers could safely complete some house projects while they completed projects such as cleaning closets, desk drawers, etc. Their families remained in their individual homes for Thanksgiving but enjoyed a Zoom meeting arranged by son Ian. It was wonderful visiting with family. Jacqueline “Jackie” Chott Carey and Tim became great grandparents for a second time in November 2020 but have not had an in person visit. Their son and family moved to Portland from Hong Kong and enjoy frequent visits. A granddaughter is a freshman at the University of Portland and her sister is enrolled in an accelerated nursing program at St. Louis on track to get her BSN in one year. Jackie and Tim have two grandchildren studying for their Ph.D.’s. Joan Mellican Dickson witnessed her eldest granddaughter’s wedding May 1 on Zoom arranged by the pastor to enable family and friends to witness the ceremony. Only her parents, Kevin and Sheila, and sister Morgan attended. The couple, Elisabeth and Paul, hope to renew their vows May 1, 2021, followed by a reception. The couple visited her grandparents. The trip offered Paul, from Scotland, an opportunity to tour the U.S. The Dickson’s three college grandchildren did well with classes. Joan loves having everyone so close.

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Bruce and Rosemary Fratto Malec celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at their daughter’s home in Wisconsin after canceling plans for a party in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Daughter Michelle’s oldest son Ryan married Meg Harvey at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on October 3, 2020. The party was held in an open tent. Mary Burtch Fetters has remained well and healthy during this pandemic year. Camille Filar Kopielski fell in her kitchen on Election Day and suffered a broken hip. She has fully recovered after spending several days in the hospital and a month in rehab. Gaye Salerno Kenny and Phil enjoyed their time staying at home at their retirement apartment that afforded the opportunity to reconnect with old friends via email and Zoom. They spent time cleaning out files and other projects while both remaining to stay well. Grace “Ann” Doran McLaughlin and Bob are well and staying close to home but keeping busy helping neighbors. Son Peter is living with them and grateful for the assistance he provides. Last summer the family camped at Lake George, enjoying the outdoors and visiting with family members. During the unusual 2020, they truly thank God each day for one another. Marilyn Rogge DiNardo reported that due to COVID, lots of plans were canceled including a family trip to Hawaii at Christmas. She spent time at home with projects, working puzzles and just organizing everything! Due to COVID-19, Mickey and Rosemary “Dee” Cirando Coyne had to change their plans to celebrate their 60th anniversary in Syracuse, New York, but their pastor in Naples arranged for a Mass and renewal of vows shown on YouTube for family and friends. Two of the three surviving members of the wedding party live in Naples so were able to attend the liturgy. Mickey and Dee pray daily for family and friends that they may be spared from COVID-19. Anita Wehmer Philpott passed away Aug. 14, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Richard. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to her family and friends. I, Agnes Piszczek , continue to serve on the National Alumni Board for Loyola University Chicago and continue as an active member on Maryville Academy’s Board of Directors. I plan to spend several months in Florida. Please continue to support the Woods Fund. C L A S S N O T E S ’60 Barbara Beach Hogan 4119 Fieldbrook Pass Fort Wayne, IN 46815-5580 MBHogan1963@gmail.com There is not a lot of news to report. With the restrictions due to the Pandemic, most of us are staying close to home. Mary Kay Schreier, DC has been living in Chicago with her community of Daughters of Charity while acting as POA for health and finances for her brother, who is single. He suffered a massive stroke,

is paralyzed and needs 24-7 caregivers. Sister also ministers part time as pastoral associate at the African American Mission Church of St. Peter Claver in Robbins, Il. This ministry brings much joy as well as challenges during this pandemic. Lois Leinenbach Mootz , Vivian Larkowski Kozak and Patricia “Pat” Vassallo Freebern all live near one another in Southwest Florida. They used to play golf together, but now it’s lunch and dinner. With Covid restrictions, they dine outside. How lucky they are to be in Florida! Recently Pat arranged for dinner with their husbands to celebrate birthdays for Lois and Vivian. Lois and Pete are faithfully following CDC guidelines and have received their first vaccines with the second one scheduled. Jeanne Smith Rielly still lives in Maine and runs the local food pantry. With Covid restrictions, distributions are curbside with some boxes prepared elsewhere. Jeanne’s husband, Edward, is finishing a book on Native American women in leadership roles. This includes the new Secretary of the Interior for President Biden. The grandchildren have adjusted well to virtual and hybrid learning. Birthday celebrations are being held in backyards with heaters and lights. Grandson, Morgan is now in the state legislature. He has a book coming out in August on new immigrants to Maine. Andrea “Andy” Unruh Linde reports that she and Harry staying home except for rare doctors’ and quick trips to the grocery store. They have just received their first Covid vaccination. Andy still holds out hope for Reunion. Ann Browne Martin is happy that she and her husband traveled when they did. Between transportation difficulties and health concerns, travel may be a luxury of the past. Ann hears from Mary Ann Schraffenberg Burger and Elizabeth Vessels Ayers regularly, but has not seen either of them recently. Nancy Kotowicz Williams and her husband arrived back in upstate New York from a trip to New Zealand and Australia days before New York locked down. Certainly, they didn’t have a clue what the following year would bring. They have received their first dose of Pfizer vaccine, but getting an appointment was a real challenge. Nancy misses her usual global travel. Now however there is no excuse not to work on the book she has been meaning to write. Nancy is amazed (as we all are) that we graduated sixty one years ago…..and happy we’re mostly all vertical! Although the past year has presented many challenges, I am blessed! Facetime and Zoom have allowed visits with the grandchildren, but I look forward to being with them in person. Now that I have been fully vaccinated, I am hoping that day will soon be here. ’62 Gail Sitzman Westhoven ‘62 401 Highland Ave Neptune NJ 07753 egwesthoven@mac.com 732-774-6885 News this year is a combination of news from 2019, 2020 and a little of 2021. As you know,

we had no alum news in Onyx Anneau 2020 and although it wasn’t because of COVID-19, it does seem weirdly coincidental that it followed suit with everything else that didn’t happen! Judy Reich Hoyt’s letter reaffirmed that her big family keeps her very busy and very blessed! Pre- COVID, she enjoyed studying the Bible with two groups of friends. That gift of faith helps ease the pain from the loss of their son, Patrick, in 2018, as does having a very large and supportive group of family and friends. I attended a 2019 high school holiday luncheon with Judy, Kathleen “Kathy” Feeser Voigt and Celestine “Cel” Hamant when I was in Indiana for a family wedding. Kathleen “Kathy” Feeser Voigt vacationed in Arizona where she was meeting up with other high school friends. They began 2020 with “big 80” celebrations that continued through winter and into the spring. Kathy keeps in touch with Mary V. Sherman Krebs. Mary V. Sherman Krebs had a mitral valve replaced in January 2020 and a Maze procedure to correct A-fib. Mary V. finished rehab right before the pandemic lockdown. Car rides every afternoon got them out of the house and she kept busy with exercises, knitting, reading, making puzzles plus keeping in touch with family and friends. Steve and Margie Cahill Ban would rather walk on the warm sand in Florida than endure the cold winters of northern Illinois. All their kids live near them so moving south isn’t an option. She and Frances “Fran” Hogan Luby still met for coffee, in their cars parked side by side, windows down. The coffee venue changed when Frances “Fran” Hogan Luby and Joe moved from Tower Lakes to Arlington Heights, Illinois, in February 2020. In August, Fran’s allergic reaction to dental medication hospitalized her with heretofore unsuspected heart problems. By-pass surgery followed. Fran “never had a clue” about her clogged arteries. She’s back to unpacking moving boxes. Fran sent word that Camilla Carbon was having surgery for the removal of a cancerous kidney. Camilla had successful surgery March 24, 2020, and was home recovering five days later and even though up she was up and about, recovery was slow. She’s very appreciative of everyone’s prayers. Judith Anne Smith is still recovering from a surgical procedure in early 2019 and the continuing long sessions of chemo and radiation. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. She still lives in North Carolina and hopefully missed some of the colder winter weather. Janet Srebalus, MM, wrote from Mwanza, that Tanzania had precautions and testing programs in place trying to prevent Ebola from entering from their neighboring Congo so they were quite proactive with COVID. Schools, closed since March, reopened in July and the village was back to normal. Her ministries of helping those with special needs, retreat accompaniment and seminar facilitation continues. Celestine “Cel” Hamant hoped that 2020 would be better after spending most 2019 trying to

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resolve identity theft problems. She was sad to sell her Brown County cottage in July, after 50 years of wonderful memories there. Her house of 14 years is getting much-needed maintenance and upgrades. Cel nailed 2020 — “a year with plenty of time get things done but no motivation to do them!” In that vein, Louise Hertsted Musto reported nothing new happened in 2020 except that it was the year she “completed 80 years!” That made it a good year! Madeline Honnigford Roe and her family travelled to San Diego, California, in the spring of 2019 for youngest son Patrick’s marriage. Pat and his bride, Carli, live in Long Beach, California. Madeline sent her news from Sanibel, Florida, where she was vacationed with two widow friends and “enjoyed sand, surf and birding.” Madeline’s 80 birthday celebration, a family cruise, was put on hold. Barbara “Muffet” Curran saw her grandchildren mainly in the driveway of their home – and they had Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners via the iPad! Her daughter Katie started a non-profit FLAG (frontline appreciation group) to provide lunches and dinners to staff at Overlook Hospital in their hometown. They also contracted with local restaurants and businesses to give small businesses support. Muffet arranged a Zoom call in May with Madeline Honnigford Roe, Patricia “Pat” Curran Denato, Barbara “Barb” Millwater Herkner, Judy Reich Hoyt and Margaret “Peggy” Piszczek Kloempken and myself. Everyone was well but not enjoying the isolation! Muffet related that Tracy Johnson Schier’s widower, Wally, had Zoomed with them. Son Joe is married and lives in Taiwan. Daughter Jeanne and family live in New Hampshire. Jeanne’s son is headed to medical school. Patricia “Pat” Curran Denato keeps in touch via the internet and reported that she and her family remain well. She wrote that it’s great that almost 60 years out of college, we are still embracing new technologies and even though “many of our class communications now involve word of loss or serious illness, I like to think our Woods background and continued ties make us more resilient.” Barbara Millwater Herkner described 2020 as “nothing new beyond wearing masks, doing too much Zoom and playing bridge online!” Her family stayed healthy even though they had an emergency room doctor in the family. During the warmer months, she saw family frequently. She worked on getting her house on the market and hopes 2021 is the year. Shari Wigle sold her condo and moved in the middle of the pandemic. After 70 years of living in California, she moved to Surprise, Arizona, in September of 2020. “Selling, buying a house and moving to a new state during a worldwide pandemic was challenging.” But she’s very happy she did it! Gloria Hemery Duckworth lives an hour from Shari in Chandler, Arizona. Sadly, Gloria lost her husband, Bob, in November 2020 to respiratory complications. Gloria continues

treatment for a lung tumor and has been taking oral chemo daily since February 2020. The small tumor is stable. Please keep Gloria and her family in your prayers. Tom and Margaret “Peggy” Pisczcek Kloempken’s son-in-law, Mark Poker, suffered a fatal heart attack in September of 2019. His wife (Peggy’s daughter, Mary Catherine Kloempken Poker ’89) died in 2009. He is survived by two sons. Peggy’s carpal tunnel surgery and knee replacement, Tom’s emergency stint surgery — all successful — ended 2020. They rehabbed into 2021! Oldest grandson Michael graduated high school and attends Macalester College in Minnesota. Harriet Cox Hrezo’s grandson, Kyle, married Jackie in May 2019. Harriet’s knitting skills have produced three Christening blankets for great grandchildren and she made many of the 2020 Christmas presents. She wrote of fun cooking challenges since Andy, in charge of shopping, came home with untried food choices! They celebrated the holidays with family — very carefully. Elizabeth “Beth” O’Connell had successful gamma knife surgery for a tumor behind her right ear and a skin lesion removed over her left eye. Beth’s 80th was celebrated with family – masked at six feet — as they were at all O’Connell celebrations. Beth’s brother Tom died suddenly and unexpectedly the end of January 2021. Please keep Tom, his wife, Connie, and family in your prayers. A note from Annabelle Farr Mumma in early 2020 reported that she had spent Christmas with her son Kevin and family in Raleigh, North Carolina, and then drove to South Carolina to visit for a few days with her daughter Debbie and her two daughters. Everyone was well. No news from Annabelle since then. Louise O’Neill Keefe emailed that she was diagnosed with several heart problems but had recovered completely after surgery in October of 2019. Since COVID, she and Bob have stayed home but look forward to taking their travel trailer out to visit Florida State Parks and introduce their new Maltese puppy to camping trips. Johanna Reichel Schuller contacted Barbara Cratty Albanese’s sister, Stella Cratty Bryant ’64 and found out that Barbara had several health problems and moved to Maine to live with her son Justin and his wife. She died in November 2019 of complications from all the health issues. Barbara and her husband, who died in 2012, will eventually be buried in Rome. After extensive research, Johanna was able to obtain news of Nancy “Nan” Nose Watakabe, with whom we both lost touch. Johanna finally made contact in Japan with a friend of Nan and her husband, Shigeo, and found out that Shigeo died in July 2019 and Nan, in September 2019. May they rest in peace. I’m grateful for Johanna Reichel Schuller’s efforts since 30 grandchildren take a good deal of her time! In early 2019 Paul and Johanna traveled to the Holy Land where they renewed their marriage vows at Cana and baptismal vows by the river Jordan. They visited the south of France in August and in 2020, celebrated their 80 birthdays with family and friends.

Anne Sheridan Ruck declared turning 80 was great since her whole extended family gathered to celebrate! Anne’s “best travel year ever”— not 2020 — included visits to Wisconsin, the National Parks in Utah and Arizona for three weeks, New Orleans, Greece and Italy and Salt Lake City, Utah for Thanksgiving. She reported that son, Matt, has recovered from a serious leg infection. Wallette Garcia Pellegrino wrote that they had little to report except that they had gotten the COVID vaccination. She mentioned concern for the state of our country and is praying for resolution and unity. Ellen Goodrich Bondi couldn’t recall her last normal social event. Her daughter Lynn’s 50 2020 birthday was celebrated outside with masks and six feet apart. Zoom offered Ellen and Jim the opportunity to participate in their theater group activities. They missed gym and Ellen confessed to lackluster home routines. She was still recovering from 2019 shoulder surgery. Kathy Bogan Cannady reported a tough recovery from her second shoulder joint replacement in December 2019. Kathy continued bridge games throughout 2020 with proper precautions. She volunteered to be a U.S. Census enumerator and worked August through September. An October visit to Oklahoma and a December trip along the Sarasota Keys soothed quarantine malaise. Wally Shelley Nowicki found life rather dull after her normal busy volunteer schedule. She managed to get to church on Sundays and her weekly library book sort. She said grocery store and doctors appeared to be the rest of her social life. Wally worked the polls in 2019 and as always, loved doing it although the days were long! Wayne and Marcia Chester Richey met Shari Wigle in Fort Worth, Texas, in May 2019 for their first reunion since our 50. In 2020 the Richeys cruised the islands around New England, visited Colorado and attended Wayne’s August Air Force Reunion in San Antonio, Texas. Their 2021 agenda includes the Far East trip cancelled in 2020. A Christmas card from Arlette Orlando Tanin said they were still debating whether to head to Naples, Florida, for the winter where their daughter and family live. It was a very quiet and different holiday season in Massachusetts. They hoped life would get back to normal soon. Carol Sipe Harter had her 80 in February 2020 — celebrated with a big party/dance at her church. Art classes resumed in November but chorus was virtual. Sadly, Carol lost two sisters in the last two years. Carol and SMW roommate Gloria Hemery Duckworth enjoyed the Woods Viking Cruise up the Rhine River Ann McCrea Bresnahan wrote that her youngest daughter Sharon lost her husband to ALS in June of 2019. Her family of three daughters and three sons had a rough 2020 with many health issues. Ann, who was very active in the music ministry at church and volunteer sites, really missed those activities. Linda Roof Sheehan emailed from Florida where she was vacationing with friends. When home in Ohio, she helped with the crews at her

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