VILLA JOSEPH MARIE ALUMNAE NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2020 CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2020! The Class of 2020 ended their years at Villa unlike any other class in Villa's history. Fortunately, thanks to creative thinking and determination, they were able to gather together earlier this summer (socially distant, of course!) one last time on Villa's campus. We are excited to welcome these newest members into our Alumnae sisterhood, including the Class Agents for the Class of 2020: Katie Boesch, Sarah Cahill, and Emily Noone. Congratulations, Class of 2020! Welcome to the "other side" . Thank you to our Alumnae mothers who read the Alumnae Pledge during the ceremony - Danielle Benner '91 (mother of Jordan Benner '20), Melissa Tartar Pickersgill '90, (mother of Lucy Pickersgill '20), and Susan Browarek Webster '93, (mother of Caitlin Webster '20). ALUMNAE UPDATES Dolores Reiber Haizlip '52 would like to send greetings to all, especially the class of 1952.
Carmen Kreivenas Peetz '52 shares, "my husband at 96 years, Dr. Dwaine J. Peetz passed in March. I am in process of relocating to a warmer climate and closer to the children. Pray for his soul."
Lony-Ann Hoesel Blizzard '59 shares that she has been married for 49 years with 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way. She retired after living in PA, TX, CA & now in SC. Her husband is retired from the Navy.
Margaret (Peggy) O'Neil Schenk '60 recently published a book called "It Happened," which is set in Bucks County in 1776. Peggy shares, "few insider tid bits I'd like to share with you... First of all, I found this story as a result of researching the history of Villa Joseph Marie and it is dedicated to the VJM family, especially our young JEMS. I wanted them to know what was going on with the people who lived in the area in 1776. I wanted to call the book "It Happened in Holland," because it did happen in Holland - Holland, Pa. Also, when I was a freshman at the Villa back in the day, Sister Clarita, our music and typing teacher, directed us in a musical entitled "It Happened in Holland," which she chose in part because Villa is located in Holland. I was a Dutch boy. But I guess there are only a handful of us Villans, certainly no JEMS, who would know that, and my classmate, Nicole d'Entremont, nixed the title. Thus, it was shortened to "It Happened." Then, way back when and I had day dreams of becoming a great and prolific author, I fantasized about taking a pen name. I could choose to be called any name I wanted, and I would have something in common with Mark Twain. However, during my years of research into the Dutch farmers who lived in Holland, Pa., I found in old marriage and baptismal records a Margaret Schenk. That did it. I had to be Margaret Schenk for her. "It Happened" is available for purchase on Amazon.
Diane M. Bentivoglio Barkley '62 shares, "I am very excited that my great niece, Madalen Bentivoglio will be starting as a Freshman this Fall 2020!"
Suzanne Regina Stehlik Mehta '66 shares, "retired RN, graduate BSN Penn State University, married 49 years to Dr. V.S. Mehta, 2 children, 5 grandchildren."
Class of 1980 celebrates their 40th reunion. Alumnae from the class of 1980 attended a virtual 40th reunion this summer on July 22nd. Chris Federici Owens '80 shares, "We had hoped to meet in person but COVID-19 interrupted these plans. We missed those who could not attend or who we couldn't locate contact info for but a great time was had by all and we enjoyed smiling and laughing together." They even got creative with their Corona yearbook from 1980! They plan to get together again for a 'back to school' virtual happy hour in early September. Any member of the Class of 1980 interested in more information on the September gathering should email Chris Federici Owens at cfowens730@gmail.com.
Mary Swift McCloskey '80 shares she was, "recently appointed board member for East Goshen Township Sustainability Advisory Committee. I became interested in environmental issues and the need to protect our natural resources thanks to our Arbor Day celebration in the orchards of VJM."
Paula Stoudemayer Paradiso '85 shares, "My daughter, Erin Paradiso, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Social Work from Winthrop University. My daughter, Katherine Paradiso, graduated from The John Carroll School and will attend Coastal Carolina University in the fall."
Brittany E. Bontemps '07 shares, "so proud to be a Villa Alum, especially during this pandemic-- continue to be a light for all our Villa girls!"
Lissa Rosendale Wolcott '04 was selected as a "Rising Star" in Progressive Grocer's 2019 Top Women in Grocery for Acme Markets.
Aliya Davne '16 shares, "much changed in [the] last 4 years. In May, [I graduated with a] BS in Business Admin from the University of Alabama, focusing in marketing and sales. Taking [my] first business class at Villa sparked interest in [a] business degree. [My] time at Alabama was [an] incredible experience, breaking out of my shell and moving so far out of state did wonders for me professionally and personally. [I] recently started my dream post-grad job with AT&T. Once COVID-19 subsides, [I] will be relocating to Dallas, TX to complete [an] intensive program at corporate headquarters. Villa opened the door to me in so many different ways, and I honestly can say I would not have had the opportunities or success that I have had it not been for VJM. "
Sarafina Ramalho '16 shares, " I graduated [from] Virginia Tech [as a] PolySci major. I am currently enrolled with Widener University Delaware Law School, but wait listed at Temple, not sure which school yet.... I am a 2nd LT in the Army, I will be a JAG for the Army."
Alexis Stansfield '16 shares, "I received my B.S. in Biology in December 2019 from Florida Gulf Coast University, and now I am pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science at Lehigh University. I am using bog records to compile a history of the water table across North America to better understand how its depth has changed over time...I hope you all are staying safe and happy!"
Diana Fegley '18 shares, "I have just finished my sophomore year and will be transferring to Temple in the fall semester. " She expects to make the Deans list this semester.
Share your Good News with us! We all love to hear what our classmates have been up to. Now you don't have to wait for the next edition of The Profiler to share your news. We can share it right here in the Alumnae Newsletter! Click here and tell us what's new in your life. We'd love to hear from you and share it with our Alumnae family!
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION UPDATES Current Executive Board: President Stephanie Schlegel Shortall '01 Vice President Sara Couch '04 Treasurer Renee Kitchenman McGovern '02 Secretary Becky Flynn Hensel '99 Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Sharon Citak Bell '86 Nicole DiEnna '02 Andrea Bradbury Sorial '04 Jeannine Bradbury '07
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD UPDATE The Executive Board celebrated their incoming and outgoing members at a meeting in July. Thank you to Nicole Prunetti ' 07, outgoing President, for her leadership, commitment, and dedication to growing the Alumnae Association. We're thrilled to welcome Stephanie Schlegal Shortall '01, into her new role as President and Becky Flynn Hensel '99, into her role as Secretary. The Executive Board is excited for the future of the Alumnae Association. Stay tuned for news from the Alumnae Association regarding ways to get involved and stay connected with your Alma Mater!
Elections for Vice President and Treasurer will be held Spring 2021. If you are interested in learning more about the Alumnae Association, including how to get involved, click here. ALUMNAE OFFICE UPDATES UPDATES FROM THE SISTERS OF ST. CASIMIR Sr. M. Concetta Petrauskas celebrated her 100th birthday ‪on June 17‬! Sr. Concetta spent many happy years at Villa from 1970 to 2007 and was well loved. Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes and helped Sr. Concetta's birthday so special.
Sr. Margaret Zalot, SSC '67 will celebrate her golden jubilee as a Sister of St. Casimir on August 15, 2020. She welcomes everyone to join the celebration virtually via this link: https://www.facebook.com/MidwestAugustinians Congratulations, Sr. Margaret!
WALL OF FAME 2020 The Villa Joseph Marie Wall of Fame Selection Committee is pleased to announce this year's inductees: Sr. Margaret Petcavage, SSC, Villa Joseph Marie Wall of Fame Inductee 2020 Sr. Margaret Petcavage, SSC, former Member of Villa Joseph Marie's Board of Directors and Former Assistant General Superior and Councilor for the Sisters of St. Casimir, is devoting her time as the Vice Postulator for Mother Maria Kaupas' cause for Sainthood. Through her tireless efforts, Sr. Margaret hopes to one day help bring Mother Maria to Sainthood. We are grateful to Sr. Margaret for her dedication and commitment to this cause and are honored to induct her into Villa's Wall of Fame for 2020. Sr. Margaret shared her reflection, "I can easily see how blessed my life has been, for God has faithfully spoken. From the time I first held a book, I became an avid reader and so reading about the fun girls had in a boarding school, sparked my interest when my 8th grade teacher, Sister M. Celeste, spoke about Villa Joseph Marie. Ah my destiny was chosen! From the moment I entered the Villa my life was so enriched. I made lasting friendship with the girls and received a marvelous education. My days there were happy and lead to my vocation to enter the Sisters of St. Casimir. The Sisters were not only excellent teachers but fun to be with and soon I felt God's call to be with them in bringing an education and love to the world. How doubly enriched my life became when I realized my home parish, St. Joseph in Scranton, PA was the very church in which Mother Maria, foundress, of our Congregation and of Villa, prayed within, for four years when she was her brother, Father Anthony's, housekeeper. I loved my years as a teacher and principal and traveled extensively when I became a member of our Congregation's Leadership Team. In that position, I was honored to be back at the Villa, for many years, as a Board Member. What a blessing to see the school grow and excel and most especially to witness how the spirit of Ven. Mother Maria had become a part of the very lives of Villa's Leadership, Faculty, Staff and Students. Seeing the spirit of Mother Maria being so embodied in the lives of so many, helps my work as the Vice Postulator for Mother Maria's Canonization Cause, so much easier. Mother Maria established two high schools for girls because she knew that if women were educated in both faith and knowledge, the world would be a better place. She truly believed "Woman, how divine your mission!" ( W.R. Wallace 1865) How proud I am to be a part of the history of VJM, for the girls of Villa exemplify this statement to the fullest and bring it to life as they move on into the world, continually making it a better place. "
Marie Politowski, Villa Joseph Marie Wall of Fame Inductee 2020 Marie Politowski was as a teacher in Villa's Science department from 1990-2012 and served as Science Department Chair. Marie was instrumental in creating events such as the Sciathlon, which continues to be a Villa tradition today. Marie still regularly acts as a judge at Villa's annual Science Fair. It is fitting that she is inducted into our Wall of Fame at this time in Villa's history, as we are on the verge of a new STEAM hallway expansion, which will allow young women to continue to make advancements in the field of science, something to which Marie was dedicated during her time at Villa. We are grateful to Marie for her effort to help our Jems cultivate a love for the sciences and are honored to induct her into Villa's Wall of Fame for 2020.
Marie shared with us, "I am happily married to my husband Jim, and we have two grown sons. After a successful career as and analytical chemist, I earned my master degree in education and began my journey at Villa. I was fortunate to have two mentors, Sister Elaine and Sister Pius, to guide me. With their help and guidance, I was able to institute the Science Fair program, the Sciathlon, and to start a chapter of the Science National Honor Society. I cherish my years at Villa which were made memorable by my wonderful students and colleagues." Congratulations to these two most deserving inductees! Send your memories or well wishes for our newest Wall of Fame members by emailing alumnae@vjmhs.org. We will share them at The Wall of Fame induction ceremony in September.
ANNUAL ALUMNAE REUNION: UPDATE Thank you to those Alumnae with graduation years ending in "0" and "5" who completed the recent reunion survey sent via email. Your input and your feedback was greatly appreciated. Taking into consideration the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as your survey responses, we feel hosting an in-person reunion this September will not be in the best interest and safety of our Alumnae family. While we are disappointed that we are not able to gather in-person, we hope you understand this was not an easy decision. Our hope is that we can all gather together for a larger reunion in 2021.
Currently, the Advancement Department along with the Alumnae Office are working on an exciting idea which will keep our Alumnae connected. We will keep you updated. Stay tuned!
Want to plan a virtual reunion with your class? Some classes have held their own virtual reunions, just like the Class of 1980 as highlighted above in the Alumnae Updates section. If any other classes are interested in organizing a virtual reunion and need contact information for their classmates, email our Alumnae office at alumnae@vjmhs.org. We're happy to help!
PRAYER INTENTIONS The Sisters of St. Casimir, Villa's Mission and Ministry Office, and the Villa community are happy to pray for any intentions you have. Please fill out this form to submit your intentions to us. God bless you! UPCOMING EVENTS September 12, 2020 Wall of Fame Induction September 28, 2020 Jericho National Country Club October 4, 2020 Do you have news or information you want to submit for publication in the Villa Joseph Marie Alumnae Newsletter? We want to hear from you! All submissions can be sent to alumnae@vjmhs.org. Submissions may be edited or omitted for space, clarity, or content at the sole discretion of the editor. We also welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions. Thanks for reading the Villa Joseph Marie Alumnae Newsletter! |