![ClassNotes
Class of 1939
Peg Keane Metzger: Attended Holiday
Bazaar. (See sidebar story.)
Class of 1940
Betty Johnson Ott: So Proud of what
SEM is doing to help young women have
all the tools to become leaders in our
communities in the future. Enjoy work-
ing with Ro Whiting in this volunteer
work [Class Agent] for SEM.
Neva Jane Manock Upp: Neva Jane
sends greetings to all. She is doing well
and had a lovely 90th birthday this sum-
mer with family and friends.
Rosemary Woodworth Whiting:
Hardly seems possible that we’ve been
“out” 73 years. Hang in there for another
two, dear friends, and we’ll celebrate
75 together. But we’ll miss Marge Mow
Sullivan who died in June ’12 or ’13.
I hope there are none of whom I am
unaware. God bless all of you who read
this heartfelt greeting. Love, Ro
Class of 1943
Sally Jeacock Munschauer: Attended
Holiday Bazaar. (See photo.)
Class of 1944
Alison Coatsworth Johansson: Attended
Holiday Bazaar. (See photo.)
Joanne Bozer Rehmus: I feel very for-
tunate that my health is good, and I can
watch my triplets progress through col-
lege. My wish is to stay well, as I would
like to go to West Point in May for my
granddaughter’s graduation. I am enjoy-
ing my two little great-granddaughters.
Patricia Maxwell Sweeney: April
brought us a new great-grandchild. This
time it was a boy—our first among five.
Class of 1946
Vanette Townsend Smith: I have moved
into independent living at Canterbury
Woods, 755 Renaissance Drive, Wil-
liamsville, NY 14221. I have a great
apartment and so far, into bridge and
water aerobics. Love it!
Class of 1947
Georgia Johnson Pooley: Attended
Holiday Bazaar. (See photo.)
Joan Kahle Smith: Attended Holiday
Bazaar. (See photo.)
Class of 1949
Shirley Hassell Keller: Moved to Winter
Haven, and we love our house. We’re near
Cypress Gardens and Bok Tower, where
I was a docent for many years. I worked
as a lab manager at a middle school.
Retired and became president of United
Methodist Women at my church. Sunday
I visit church members who are home-
bound or in assisted living. My youngest
son is a sergeant major in Little Rock. My
oldest son works for FEMA. I’m a great
great-grandmother: Four children, nine
grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and
one great great-grandchild. Whew!
Louise House McClive: John and I have
really enjoyed living in Buffalo again. We
are enjoying all the museums, concerts,
theaters and seeing old friends again. We
recently spent two weeks in an apart-
ment in Rome enjoying the magnificent
baroque architecture. Hope to see some
of you at our 65th Reunion!
Class of 1950
Bonnie Gordon Flickinger, Ph.D.:
From Rainbow Lectures flyers: Dr. B. G.
Flickinger gave a lecture on “Fabulous
Fabergé: More than a Man, More than
Eggs,” on September 10, 2013, while on
a study tour in Russia. Dr. Flickinger,
who has four degrees from the University
at Buffalo and is a world traveler, was
asked to emphasize the French Huguenot
background of the Fabergé family and
the design and mercantile influences
of the London branch of the firm. She
welcomed the audience to the wonderful
world of stunning artistry and achieve-
ment in the Fabergé family.”
Lillian Osberg Fromm: All of you who
are still in the area, why not join us for
luncheon at the Buffalo Yacht Club? We
meet once a month, reminisce, catch up,
and just have a great time together. Joan
Marsh Brady acts as our “leader”—call
her (886-8078) to R.S.V.P. Life is short—
let’s have fun!!
Class of 1951
Mary Anne Tracy Lambert: I keep
hoping to get back to Buffalo. I miss
seeing old friends. I have enjoyed having
my granddaughters visit. Ada just fin-
ished her second year of medical school
at University of Tennessee, Memphis.
I’m looking forward to our next reunion.
Love to all.
Loraine Herdeg Murray: Attended Holi-
day Bazaar. (See photo.)
Class of 1953
Helen C. Jones: Enjoying retirement.
Still remember (and recite) Santayana
poem we memorized for Miss Angell’s
morning chapel. “O world, thou choos-
est not the better part!”
Adele Petrillo Smart: Burt and I divide
time between our homes here in Lafay-
ette, LA, and on the beach in Destin,
FL. Our daughter Kay, husband Kevin,
and daughters Shannon (17) and Erin
(14) live in Attleborough, MA. Our son
Mike, wife Ellen, and sons Nick (17),
Andrew (13), Jack (11), and Luke (8)
live in San Diego, CA. We travel coast
to coast.
Class of 1954
Dorothy Graham Slater: Still hoping to
make my 60th next June. Staying with
Joan [Dickey] Taggart and looking very
much forward to seeing whoever is there!!
Class of 1955
Lucy Keil: I’ve been doing annual finan-
cial reviews for area churches. In addi-
tion to auditing the books, I try to help
improve communication and correct tax
errors. It’s a nice niche.
Class of 1956
Mary Ellen Daniels McCormick: Going
to condo living—should make traveling
to various coasts and shores easier—Lake
Michigan, Lake Superior, and Monterey,
California, Casco Bay, Maine—all favor-
ites of ours. We had a lovely week in
Victoria, BC, the Olympic Peninsula and
Michigan this spring too.
Class of 1957
Mary Louise Norton Flanagan: We
survived the PGA Open in Merion, PA
and are getting back to normal. Having
a wonderful time with grandchildren,
two boys 14 and 12 and then a 3-year-
old girl. If any classmates are in our area,
please give us a call!
Iris Skoog: “Are you still teaching?”
Yes, I am and still love literature and
my students. When playwright A.R.
Gurney visited Buffalo this past autumn,
he opined that when we “elders” hear
“STILL,” we always realize the inference.
I had to chuckle. Love to all the ‘57ers!
Class of 1968
Susan Blaine Nesbitt: Our 45th Re-
union was great fun. Plans are beginning
to take shape for our 50th so hopefully
more classmates will be able to join us.
Elizabeth Swados: The Contest poems
by Elizabeth Swados was published by
Hanging Loose Press in July 2013. “Eliz-
abeth Swados is a composer, novelist,
children’s book author, poet, theater di-
rector, and teacher, who has won honors
in every field she has entered.
Class of 1971
Tara VanDerveer: Stanford University
Head Women’s Basketball Coach Tara
VanDerveer will receive the 2013-14
John R. Wooden “Legends of Coaching”
Award, the honorees of which are select-
ed based on character, success on the
court, graduation rates of student-athletes
in their basketball program, and coaching
philosophy. She played collegiately at
Indiana University, and she is a member
of the school’s Hall of Fame. She also
guided the U.S. to a gold medal in the 1996
Olympic Games in Atlanta. (See Picture.)
Class of 1974
Grace Walsh Munschauer:
(See boxed story.)
Mary “Memo” E. B. Oshei: Still work-
ing at Shea’s. It’s a terrific season with
musicals Wicked and Beauty & the Beast.
Class of 1975
Jane Hopkins Carey: Jane, a 1979 grad-
uate of Georgetown University, will be
recognized for her “track record of lead-
ership and service,” on April 11, 2014.
She will receive the John Carroll Award
at the Alumni Association Service Recog-
nition Awards banquet in Washington.
Class of 1976
Missy Kennedy Cleary: A show of Missy’s
photographs (she has been a commercial
photographer for more than 30 years)
opened at the Burchfield Penney Art
Center in September 2013. In her
show—“Snap Out of It”—the photog-
rapher turned to her friends as subjects
with the goal of creating extraordinary
images of extraordinary women who are
over 40. The result is an exhibition of
photographs of 25 women, all of whom
call Buffalo home.
6 7
Above: Alison Coatsworth Johansson ‘44,
Joan Kahle Smith ‘47, Sally Jeacock
Munschauer ‘43 and Georgia Johnson Pooley ‘47
Right: Loraine Herdeg Murray ‘51 and Peg Metzger Keane ‘39.
Holiday Bazaar
REVEL
ATHLETICS
Grace Walsh
Munschauer ‘74
Recognized
Alumna NEWS
Grace Walsh Munschauer ’74 was
recognized in October 2013, by Buffalo
Business First in its “WNY Women of
Achievement” honors. As a part of
the recognition Lake Shore Savings
Bank made a donation of $1,000 to an
organization of Grace’s choice. Grace
designated Buffalo Seminary.
Grace is the president of Deronde Door
& Frame. The company is noted for its
state-of-the-art computer aided man-
ufacturing of steel doors and frames.
Prior to owning Deronde, Grace was a
senior vice president at HSBC.
Thank you and congratulations,
Grace. We always knew you were a
Woman of Achievement!!
PHOTOBYBUFFALOSPREE
December 7
In November 2013,
Coach VanDerveer
became the fifth
women’s basketball
coach to reach 900
victories.
Here, the SEM
basketball team
congratulates her.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/1d328fa8-5e46-41be-b332-163cbcfca199-160926192100/85/Bflo-Seminary-SNIPPETS-2014-4-320.jpg)
Bflo Seminary SNIPPETS 2014
- 1. What’s Inside: SCHOOL NEWS ALUMNAE NEWS Greetings from Head of School................... 2 Fall Sports Round-Up Results and Pictures............4,5 5-Day Boarding Introduced Meet Elissa Lipke ‘15 and Niko Lu ‘14................................3 Annual Fund Update Challenge Grant for Parents of Seniors.......................................9 Fall Play “The Conference of Birds”........3 SEM SnippetsWINTER 2014 Classnotes.......................... 6 Isabella Bannerman ‘78 Cartoon Museum honoree......8 Grace Walsh Munschauer ‘74 A Woman of Achievement.......7 Youngest Alums Return to Revel......................10 Reunion Calling Classes Ending in 4 or 9.................................. 12 In Memoriam.................... 11 Freshman Samantha Burlow ‘17 ran SEM right to the New York State Championship in Wappinger Falls, New York. Grandparents Day on Nov. 26, drew families from the region and the world. See more pictures at Flickr/buffaloseminary. As festive as ever, the whole school participated in SEM’s annual Hanging of the Greens, Dec. 6. Only Online! 2014 Auction Bid March 1– March 10 Go Somewhere Great. Do Something Fun. It All benefits SEM! In cooperation with Just Buffalo Literary Center, “The Joy Luck Club” author Amy Tan gave a chapel talk and visited with students on Nov. 15. “Hour of Code”on Dec.9, covered by The Buffalo News. See pictures at Flikr/buffaloseminary and the story at buffaloseminary.org. SEM’s own faculty/staff glee club sang with the chorus and ensemble at Revel, Dec. 20. SEM’s Online Auction Bid On: Hilton Head vacation home. Chicago experience weekend. Skeet Shooting package. Jackson Hole condo. Reserved Premier Seats at Graduation!
- 2. 3 The Community Service Board would like to thank all the SEM students, faculty, staff, and parents for generously participating in Giving Week. The chapel stage was filled with donations. We collected coats for students at Lafayette High School, clothing for kids at the International School PS #45, books for two pediatrician offices -- Buffalo Pediatrics and Lifetime Health and food for St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. SEM also sponsored a Giving Tree for The Family Help Center, which sent us gift wishes tags for 50 children. New this year to Giving Week was bell ringing for The Salva- tion Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. The saying goes that if you ring a Salvation Army bell for 2 hours, you can feed a family for one week. SEM will be feeding one family for three weeks! Another Successful Giving Week 5-Day Boarding is Here Emilia Navarrete, Nyamana Byaombe, and Hannah Porter are de- livering books to Buffalo Pediatrics’ Reach Out and Read program. The donations on the chapel stage. Elissa ‘15 and Niko ‘14 Elissa Lipke ’15 and Niko Lu ’14 helped us launch SEM’s 5-day boarding program with a postcard and a video tour of their residence, the Margaret Wendt House, at buffaloseminary.org/boarding. 5-day boarding makes SEM acces- sible to girls from the region but out of daily commuting range. During the week it allows girls uncurtailed access to sports and clubs and scheduled study and tutor hours – but they return home for the week- end. And the girls get the benefit of an expanded world view. Elissa said,“ I’ve been making friends from around the world.” They Flew, They Saw, They Conferenced... ...and they were never the same again! “The Conference of the Birds,” SEM’s 2013 Fall Show was, in fact, a cast of birds and that touched upon the themes of religious belief, communication, truth, self, enlightenment and humanity. Our production was unique. We built it from nothing but our creative selves. There was movement, storytelling and song. How did I get so many actresses to perform? Well, you know, “birds of a feather.” —Susan Drozd SEM is full to the brim with bustle at this time of year – classes, contests, games, concerts, performances, and field trips. The music is especially lovely. I can hear the halls fill with piano music from the gallery, the Chinese guzheng played in a morning meet- ing, at lunchtime, singing from the glee club and Semachords and music made by Mr. Martin’s biggest ensemble ever, wafts through the halls. We had six German exchange stu- dents living in school houses this fall and now five French girls have joined us. During spring vacation, SEM girls will travel to France and Spain on our language exchanges. The annual International Dinner highlights the vibrancy of our community and provides yet another opportunity to share with one another. This year’s attendance was an all-time high and we had our richest entertainment and a bounty of food includ- ing authentic crepes made while you wait - by our students from France. In December, John Chubb, new president of the National Associa- tion of Independent Schools came to Buffalo to visit schools and shortly thereafter and recognized SEM as the kind of independent school that others should emulate. He noted that we represent schools of the future and highlighted our diversity, adaptability, and versatility. Recently, at the Nation- al Conference on Girls’ Edu- cation he talked of us in his speech “Independent Schools: A Growth Industry,” to a room full of educators from across country and around the world. Admissions for next year show an unprecedented volume. Good schools thrive for many reasons. SEM is fortunate to have strong support from so many people: loyal alumnae, out- standing teachers, community friends, and a dynamic collection of parents and students. Recently representatives from all of these groups joined with the Board of Trustees in a Strategic Planning Retreat. We are grateful to Nicole Lee ‘94 for facilitating. In the spring, the board will release the new plan with priorities for the next five years. We look forward to working with all of you as SEM continues to build on the strong foundation started so long ago. Best wishes to all, Greetings from the Head of School 2 Celebrating the Lunar New Year, Weiyi Li ’15, plays the guzheng. Left: Jody with students Enya Cirillo ’17, Rebekah Alexander ’15, Morgan Baker ’17, Lara Sherris ’17 and Anya Roy ‘17. Below: Students prepare traditional dump- lings for our feast celebrating the New Year, The Year of the Horse. SEM Director of Advancement Suzy Marlette Sears ‘73 and Nicole Lee ‘94. French students Lucinne Mauger, Manon Gruel, Lola Joncquiere, and Kenzila Boungou-Mockassa make crepes at International Dinner. The SEMACHORDS sing at Grandparent’s Day. (L to R) Kendyl Kratzer ’16, Abby Hopkins ’16, Hannah Porter ‘15, Dominque Detwiler ’16, Madison Chamberlain ‘16, Natalie Harden ’15, Amber Chinn ’14, Eliza Hopkins ‘13. Announcing 2014 Wilkinson Poet Thanks to the generosity of the family and friends of Betty McNulty Wilkinson ’25 the En- glish department invites a nationally known poet to give a public reading for all students at SEM and to work with our students in their poetry classes. This year, we are honored that SEM graduate Charlotte Mears Stovall ’72 has accepted our offer to be the Wilkinson poet and we look forward to her visit on April 17. The biography in her most recent book of poems, Sweet Air, highlights that she is from Buffalo, received her B.A. in English from Hollins College, and received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Ar- kansas. Ms. Mears has received nine awards for her poetry, taught literature and writing in seven colleges and uni- versities, and currently lives with her husband and daughter in Madi- son, Mississippi.
- 3. 4 5 Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations The Athletic Hall of Fame Se- lection Committee is accepting nominations for the Class of 2014. The induction ceremony will be held during SEM’s Fall Weekend 2014. Nomination forms and criteria are available on the school website at www.buffaloseminary. org/nominate. The deadline for submissions is April 14, 2014. Thank you for taking time to nominate a worthy graduate. For a mailed nomination form please contact Eva Cunningham, Director of Athletics, ecunning- ham@buffaloseminary.org or (716) 885-6780. SportsRound-Up Varsity Soccer This year’s SEM soccer team had a great turn-out for try-outs so it grew into the big- gest team we’ve ever had – making it strong. New skills and new faces added to SEM’s soccer team, making a big difference in their performance. The team captains were Maddy Thompson ’13, Natalie Voos ’13, and Sarah Obletz ’13. For the first time in three years we made it into the first round of the playoffs. Coaches Jill Sattey and Lindsey Granna helped guide the team towards a great perfor- mance! Great job girls! Varsity & Jr. Varsity Field Hockey SEM’s Varsity field hockey teams were cap- tained this fall by seniors Meghan Sullivan, Marissa Egloff, and Marla Beyer. Meghan Sullivan was elected MVP, and Marissa Egloff won the Coaches’ Award. One highlight from a strong fall season was the team’s 3-0 victory in a match at Ridley College in Ontario. Freshman goalie Emily Jimenez won the Most Improved Player award. The team will miss its four seniors - the captains and Mary O’Connor. Caity Grundtisch ’15 will captain next year’s team. Coached by Leigh Przepiora, JV Field Hockey had one win, 4 losses, and 1 tie. They finished the season strong with that win and look to carry it on to next year! Varsity Fall Crew This fall the SEM crew rowed their way to success! The team featured seven SEM freshmen: Brooke Gannon, Jesse Sloier, Christina Siragusa, Maria Laudico, Anya Roy, Tracy Clark, and Frankie Siddiqui. Crew sophomores were: Bessie Shiroki, Ella Sowa, and Deidra Mitchell. The five juniors on the team were: Marissa Olsen, Mary Kate Conboy, Susannah Young, Paige Usiak, and Elissa Lipke. Seniors were: Sam Barry, Allie Glick, and Paige Gannon. For the Head of the Novice & Wright, our Novice 8 came in third place, Varsity 4 in seventh place, and Novice 4 in fifth place. Varsity 4, team 1, came in fourth place during the Head of the Gen- esee race and Varsity 4, team 2, came in sixth place. Although Varsity 4 came in 73d place at the Head of the Charles, it was in a national competition. At the Head of the Fish, Varsity 8 came in 28th place, Varsity 4 in 27th By Coach Eva Cunningham and Assistant Coach Kacie Mills place, and Novice in the 25th place. Novice 8 came in 33rd place but it was an accomplish- ment considering a problem with the boat. At the final race, Hogan-Fries, Novice 8 won 1st place! It was a great way to end the season. Varsity Golf SEM’s golf team finished the season 1-9, but showed progress. Erica Luciano ‘15 and Niko Lu ‘14 had very strong finishes. Coaches Jim and Edi Dref look forward to next season and the younger golfers coming into their own. Varsity Cross Country Coach Rachel McNamara coached SEM for the first time - and freshman Samantha Burlow ‘17 finished 3rd at the Monsignor Martin League All Catholics. Samantha qual- ified for the New York State Championship in Wappinger Falls, N.Y., where she finished 174th out of 255. A great first year for both coach and student! And a great second year for SEM cross country! Sister runners Megan Lee’15 and Katie Lee ‘15 showed improve- ment with every race and everyone’s ready for next year. Fall 2013 Teams Above Right: From the 2000 SEMINARIA - the SEM Swim- ming Team. Right: From the 2000 SEMINARIA - the SEM Basket- ball Team. Go SEM!Go Red-Tailed Hawks! MICHELEGOLDFARBPHOTOGRAPHY Varsity Field Hockey Squash Tryouts Golf Golf Cross Country Cross Country JV Field Hockey Soccer Crew Soccer
- 4. ClassNotes Class of 1939 Peg Keane Metzger: Attended Holiday Bazaar. (See sidebar story.) Class of 1940 Betty Johnson Ott: So Proud of what SEM is doing to help young women have all the tools to become leaders in our communities in the future. Enjoy work- ing with Ro Whiting in this volunteer work [Class Agent] for SEM. Neva Jane Manock Upp: Neva Jane sends greetings to all. She is doing well and had a lovely 90th birthday this sum- mer with family and friends. Rosemary Woodworth Whiting: Hardly seems possible that we’ve been “out” 73 years. Hang in there for another two, dear friends, and we’ll celebrate 75 together. But we’ll miss Marge Mow Sullivan who died in June ’12 or ’13. I hope there are none of whom I am unaware. God bless all of you who read this heartfelt greeting. Love, Ro Class of 1943 Sally Jeacock Munschauer: Attended Holiday Bazaar. (See photo.) Class of 1944 Alison Coatsworth Johansson: Attended Holiday Bazaar. (See photo.) Joanne Bozer Rehmus: I feel very for- tunate that my health is good, and I can watch my triplets progress through col- lege. My wish is to stay well, as I would like to go to West Point in May for my granddaughter’s graduation. I am enjoy- ing my two little great-granddaughters. Patricia Maxwell Sweeney: April brought us a new great-grandchild. This time it was a boy—our first among five. Class of 1946 Vanette Townsend Smith: I have moved into independent living at Canterbury Woods, 755 Renaissance Drive, Wil- liamsville, NY 14221. I have a great apartment and so far, into bridge and water aerobics. Love it! Class of 1947 Georgia Johnson Pooley: Attended Holiday Bazaar. (See photo.) Joan Kahle Smith: Attended Holiday Bazaar. (See photo.) Class of 1949 Shirley Hassell Keller: Moved to Winter Haven, and we love our house. We’re near Cypress Gardens and Bok Tower, where I was a docent for many years. I worked as a lab manager at a middle school. Retired and became president of United Methodist Women at my church. Sunday I visit church members who are home- bound or in assisted living. My youngest son is a sergeant major in Little Rock. My oldest son works for FEMA. I’m a great great-grandmother: Four children, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. Whew! Louise House McClive: John and I have really enjoyed living in Buffalo again. We are enjoying all the museums, concerts, theaters and seeing old friends again. We recently spent two weeks in an apart- ment in Rome enjoying the magnificent baroque architecture. Hope to see some of you at our 65th Reunion! Class of 1950 Bonnie Gordon Flickinger, Ph.D.: From Rainbow Lectures flyers: Dr. B. G. Flickinger gave a lecture on “Fabulous Fabergé: More than a Man, More than Eggs,” on September 10, 2013, while on a study tour in Russia. Dr. Flickinger, who has four degrees from the University at Buffalo and is a world traveler, was asked to emphasize the French Huguenot background of the Fabergé family and the design and mercantile influences of the London branch of the firm. She welcomed the audience to the wonderful world of stunning artistry and achieve- ment in the Fabergé family.” Lillian Osberg Fromm: All of you who are still in the area, why not join us for luncheon at the Buffalo Yacht Club? We meet once a month, reminisce, catch up, and just have a great time together. Joan Marsh Brady acts as our “leader”—call her (886-8078) to R.S.V.P. Life is short— let’s have fun!! Class of 1951 Mary Anne Tracy Lambert: I keep hoping to get back to Buffalo. I miss seeing old friends. I have enjoyed having my granddaughters visit. Ada just fin- ished her second year of medical school at University of Tennessee, Memphis. I’m looking forward to our next reunion. Love to all. Loraine Herdeg Murray: Attended Holi- day Bazaar. (See photo.) Class of 1953 Helen C. Jones: Enjoying retirement. Still remember (and recite) Santayana poem we memorized for Miss Angell’s morning chapel. “O world, thou choos- est not the better part!” Adele Petrillo Smart: Burt and I divide time between our homes here in Lafay- ette, LA, and on the beach in Destin, FL. Our daughter Kay, husband Kevin, and daughters Shannon (17) and Erin (14) live in Attleborough, MA. Our son Mike, wife Ellen, and sons Nick (17), Andrew (13), Jack (11), and Luke (8) live in San Diego, CA. We travel coast to coast. Class of 1954 Dorothy Graham Slater: Still hoping to make my 60th next June. Staying with Joan [Dickey] Taggart and looking very much forward to seeing whoever is there!! Class of 1955 Lucy Keil: I’ve been doing annual finan- cial reviews for area churches. In addi- tion to auditing the books, I try to help improve communication and correct tax errors. It’s a nice niche. Class of 1956 Mary Ellen Daniels McCormick: Going to condo living—should make traveling to various coasts and shores easier—Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Monterey, California, Casco Bay, Maine—all favor- ites of ours. We had a lovely week in Victoria, BC, the Olympic Peninsula and Michigan this spring too. Class of 1957 Mary Louise Norton Flanagan: We survived the PGA Open in Merion, PA and are getting back to normal. Having a wonderful time with grandchildren, two boys 14 and 12 and then a 3-year- old girl. If any classmates are in our area, please give us a call! Iris Skoog: “Are you still teaching?” Yes, I am and still love literature and my students. When playwright A.R. Gurney visited Buffalo this past autumn, he opined that when we “elders” hear “STILL,” we always realize the inference. I had to chuckle. Love to all the ‘57ers! Class of 1968 Susan Blaine Nesbitt: Our 45th Re- union was great fun. Plans are beginning to take shape for our 50th so hopefully more classmates will be able to join us. Elizabeth Swados: The Contest poems by Elizabeth Swados was published by Hanging Loose Press in July 2013. “Eliz- abeth Swados is a composer, novelist, children’s book author, poet, theater di- rector, and teacher, who has won honors in every field she has entered. Class of 1971 Tara VanDerveer: Stanford University Head Women’s Basketball Coach Tara VanDerveer will receive the 2013-14 John R. Wooden “Legends of Coaching” Award, the honorees of which are select- ed based on character, success on the court, graduation rates of student-athletes in their basketball program, and coaching philosophy. She played collegiately at Indiana University, and she is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame. She also guided the U.S. to a gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. (See Picture.) Class of 1974 Grace Walsh Munschauer: (See boxed story.) Mary “Memo” E. B. Oshei: Still work- ing at Shea’s. It’s a terrific season with musicals Wicked and Beauty & the Beast. Class of 1975 Jane Hopkins Carey: Jane, a 1979 grad- uate of Georgetown University, will be recognized for her “track record of lead- ership and service,” on April 11, 2014. She will receive the John Carroll Award at the Alumni Association Service Recog- nition Awards banquet in Washington. Class of 1976 Missy Kennedy Cleary: A show of Missy’s photographs (she has been a commercial photographer for more than 30 years) opened at the Burchfield Penney Art Center in September 2013. In her show—“Snap Out of It”—the photog- rapher turned to her friends as subjects with the goal of creating extraordinary images of extraordinary women who are over 40. The result is an exhibition of photographs of 25 women, all of whom call Buffalo home. 6 7 Above: Alison Coatsworth Johansson ‘44, Joan Kahle Smith ‘47, Sally Jeacock Munschauer ‘43 and Georgia Johnson Pooley ‘47 Right: Loraine Herdeg Murray ‘51 and Peg Metzger Keane ‘39. Holiday Bazaar REVEL ATHLETICS Grace Walsh Munschauer ‘74 Recognized Alumna NEWS Grace Walsh Munschauer ’74 was recognized in October 2013, by Buffalo Business First in its “WNY Women of Achievement” honors. As a part of the recognition Lake Shore Savings Bank made a donation of $1,000 to an organization of Grace’s choice. Grace designated Buffalo Seminary. Grace is the president of Deronde Door & Frame. The company is noted for its state-of-the-art computer aided man- ufacturing of steel doors and frames. Prior to owning Deronde, Grace was a senior vice president at HSBC. Thank you and congratulations, Grace. We always knew you were a Woman of Achievement!! PHOTOBYBUFFALOSPREE December 7 In November 2013, Coach VanDerveer became the fifth women’s basketball coach to reach 900 victories. Here, the SEM basketball team congratulates her.
- 5. Class of 1978 Isabella Bannerman: (See boxed story.) Jennifer Prince Bronstein: What a great year for Ryan ’15, my daughter at SEM. What a super experience for her. Kilby ’10 was accepted into an internship last summer in New York City, where she lived a life of fun and excitement. Ron and I are just happy to see them fly. Leslie Pooley Heffernan: I was so looking forward to seeing my classmates of ’78 at our 35th Reunion! And it was wonderful. What a milestone! Class of 1981 Gwen Baggs Ito: On August 31, after four adventurous years of doing market- ing and PR for SEM, I spent my last day at 205 Bidwell as a school employee. It was bittersweet. An unexpected invita- tion from a former boss led me to a new opportunity: I am now Senior Editor and Proofreader at Crowley Webb & Associates. I thank Head of School Jody Douglass for putting her faith in my abil- ity to help the school for the past several years. Although I no longer work at SEM, I intend to stay connected. (For one thing, Mr. Schooley and I still collaborate on the Alumnae Facebook page! Be sure to “like” it if you haven’t already.) Having enjoyed an intimate vantage point, I know how hard the faculty work to prepare future leaders from SEM. In fact, my love and respect for our alma mater has grown even stronger. I encourage all of you to stay in touch with the school somehow—it’s a magi- cal place that nurtures the independent minds and hearts of girls from all over. My daughter, Hanna ’13, is one of the most recent beneficia- ries. Peace and love to all. And semper fidelis! Class of 1983 Judy Montanari: Had a great time at our 30th Reunion with Lorraine Simon, Dawn Glunz, Jennifer Markus, Karen Moden, Sue Ann Mervine, Amy Hersey, and Kate Gerstle. It was fantastic to see Monsieur Sutton! Class of 1984 Sarah Larkin: This past year we switched both of our daughters (in third and sixth grades) to an all-girls school. The academics, confidence and leader- ship building remind me of the same experiences SEM provided for me. I feel so blessed. Life is still great in Pittsburgh. Sharon Prise Azurin: A partner at Phillips Lytle LLP, she was elected to a three-year term on the board of trustees of Trocaire College. She received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell Univer- sity School of Hotel Administration, her MBA, with distinction, from the Univer- sity at Buffalo School of Management and her JD, cum laude, from the UB School of Law. Class of 1986 Amy Williams: At SEM on November 6, 2013, the Buffalo Chamber Players presented Regional Offerings with Amy’s Cineshape 2 on the program. Amy spent time at school, where she visited classes and performed for the whole school community. Amy has a Ph.D. in compo- sition from State University of New York at Buffalo where she also received her Master’s degree in piano performance. She has taught at Bennington College (her alma mater) and Northwestern University, and is currently Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Graduate Admissions at the University of Pittsburgh. Amy’s compositions have been performed all over the world from Buffalo, Toronto and Pittsburgh to Aus- tralia, South America and Europe. Class of 1988 Tara A. Ellis: Meals on Wheels for West- ern New York’s President and CEO Tara A. Ellis was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs. She will serve on its membership committee. Erin O’Brien: The University at Buffalo School of Management named her assis- tant dean and administrative director of graduate programs. Previously, she was director, business relationship manage- ment at HealthNow New York. Class of 1994 Bethany Grabiec: After working as an employment litigator for nine years with the national firm of Jackson Lewis LLP, Bethany recently joined Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, California, as Senior Employment Counsel. At Para- mount, Bethany provides employment advice and counsel, creates and updates employment policies, and manages litigation regarding Paramount’s 3000+ employees in the U.S. and abroad—and loves every minute of it! Rayleen Tolejko Reo: Rayleen was mar- ried on August 3, 2013. (See photo.) Class of 1995 Mara Hoffman: Was featured in The Buf- falo News in a story about New York Fash- ion Week along with fashion luminaries like Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Vera Wang. “‘I’m being a little bolder this season,’ Hoffman said, ‘as fortune favors the bold.’” Rebecca Neri Speno: Rebecca’s mother, Martha, writes: Our daughter continues to distinguish herself in the community. Most recently she received the ‘40 Under Forty 2013’ Award from the Central New York Business Journal. Rebecca is a partner with the law firm of Bond, Shoeneck & King, PLLC, Syracuse. Rebecca and her 1994-95 crew team is a member of the SEM Athletic Hall of Fame. (See “Nomi- nation,” pg. 5.) Rebecca is demonstrating the empowerment women have in to- day’s world. She is an example of living what she learned at SEM as described in its mission statement. Rebecca lives in Baldwinsville with her husband Mike, daughter Mia and son Max. Class of 1996 Carrie Lyons Auwarter: Kevin and I welcomed our daughter Lily on June 5, 2013! (See photo.) Megan Burke Witzleben: It’s been a banner year! I finished my Ph.D. in English literature at Fordham Uni- versity in July, began my new job as Assistant Professor of English at Hilbert College in August, and, most impor- tantly, had Charlie, my handsome baby boy, in January. Life is good! Class of 1998 Kara Hornung Kerwin: I officially took the reigns of The Center for Education Reform, the nation’s leading and pioneer- ing organization for substantive change in America’s schools. I attribute much of my success in communications, policy, and leadership to Buffalo Seminary. I’ve had the benefit to visit hundreds of schools and communities across the U.S. during my tenure with the Center. I cherish more and more each day the foundation SEM gave me! Class of 1999 Leah A. Bouquard: Leah was honored by the Minority Bar Association of Western New York – she was presented their Legal Service Award in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and work for the minority bar and pro bono (free) legal work. Class of 2000 Anna Van Valin: Anna appeared in Shakespeare’s Othello at the Hudson Guild Theater in New York City (fall, 2013). My mom always says, “the trick is to figure out what you love to do, and then talk somebody into paying you for it.” I’m very lucky that I’ve always known what I loved, and I actually get to do it. I’ve played smart, sexy leading ladies at amazing theaters like New York Shake- speare Exchange, Primary Stages, Trinity Rep, Rising Phoenix Rep, New York Madness & Theater for a New Audience. Last year I wrote, produced, and starred in a short film called Take it Off which has gone to several festivals and won a few awards. Theatrespeak, New York Theatre Review and Women and Hollywood have been kind enough to publish my writing. I’ve got fancy degrees from NYU and Brown and am a proud member of Actors Equity and NYWIFT. I am now Head of the New York Madness Acting Company. I also love my cats, practice yoga, and do needlepoint. Yeah, people still do that.” Class of 2002 Robin Hace: Coordinator of Carly’s Club at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, she was named one of Business First’s “30 Under 30” young leader honorees for 2013. Robin was also the speaker at SEM’s Open- ing Day Convocation on Sept. 6, 2013. 8 9 Isabella Bannerman ‘78 Honored at Cartoon Museum The Cartoon Art Museum and “Laydeez Do Comics” hosted special guest Isabella Bannerman’78 (SEM Colby Artist), for a presentation on August 15, 2013. Her latest book is “Cartoons for Caregivers.” Isabella Bannerman has been a cartoonist since 1987, when she was in The San Francisco Bay Guardian. Her work has been in many publications, including Glamour, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, “World War 3 Illustrated,” and “The Funny Times.” As an animator, she has contributed to MTV, “Pee Wee’s Playhouse,” and the TV show “Doug,” and her “Coffee God” image is licensed by Northern Sun. Isabella is the Monday artist for “Six Chix,” a comic strip syndicated by King Features Syndicate. “Six Chix” can be seen daily through “Comics Kingdom.” See more of her work at isabellabannerman.com or sixchixart.blogspot.com. Alumnae NEWS Above (L to R): Francesca Bannerman `76, Carrie Brown Wick `76, and Isabella at the Cartoon Museum reception. Rayleen Tolejko ‘94 wedding. (L to R) Valerie Zererntsch Tobias ‘94, bride, Cheryl Caprio ‘94 and Erin Holland Johnson ‘93. Annual FUND Four Months to Go! More opportunities for SEM, thanks to the generosity of our community Thanks to energetic co-chairs Mary Ross Rice ’52 and Linda Robertson Magavern ‘73, we are well on our way toward our ambitious Annual Fund goal of $500,000. We invite all members of the SEM commu- nity to participate in this year’s campaign by using the envelope enclosed with this newsletter or by visiting the school’s website, www. buffaloseminary.org. A big shout out to the school’s faculty and staff, 100% of whom have already made a gift or pledge. Senior Parents: Because of a very generous challenge gift from a fellow Senior Parent, your contri- bution will be matched. It’s so easy to double your impact for SEM as part of this memorable year in your daughter’s life. Go Class of 2014! SEM continues to offer excep- tional education and opportunities to girls from all over our city, our region and our world. Thank you for your support and generosity! DONATE TODAY AT www.buffaloseminary.org. (L to R): Lisa Niswander ‘03, Sally Jeacock Munschauer‘43, Shirley Rumble Burrows‘43, Susan Roberts Bean ‘43 Lily Auwarter Correction
- 6. Class of 2004: Callie Burke: Callie married Michael Georger on September 26, 2013 at Westminster, the same church that her grandmother, Ruth Gibson Fatin ‘47, was married sixty years ago on the 27th of September. (See photo.) Class of 2006: Carrie Burke Dealtry: Carrie married Thomas Dealtry on November 10, 2012 at Westminster. Tom is from Leamington Spa, England, where they spent the pre- vious year completing their master’s degrees. They now reside in Buffalo. (See photo.) Mary Claire Worrell: Mary Claire’s mother writes: After graduating from McGill University, Mary Claire spent four months in Nigeria assisting with lead contaminated soil remediation in rural villages. She then traveled solo in South America for five months. She now will begin post-graduate studies in public health at Emory University in Atlanta. Class of 2007 Katharine “Katie” Dryden: Will start a degree in viola performance at SUNY Purchase in the fall. Class of 2009 Sadie Baker: Sadie graduated from SUNY Geneseo in May. She is working with Teach for America in eastern Ken- tucky, where she will be teaching science. Class of 2010 Julia Papiernik: Julia’s mother Mar- tha writes: Julia attended the Fashion Institute of Technology after graduating from Buffalo Seminary. Her love for art and fashion drew her involvement into Fashion Week and a semester-long internship with Vera Wang. Julia’s final garment was selected with the top students of her class to be displayed at the Schiaparelli- inspired Fashion Design AAS exhibition. Upon receiving her fashion design degree, she chose to expand her focus to Art History transfer- ring to Marist College. For the past year she studied Art History with a minor in Italian. Julia currently lives in Florence, studying at Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici. She feels deeply that her experience with SEM’s college prep education has con- tributed to her confidence in her diverse college education and travel. After her 2014 graduation, her next step in life is to attend graduate or law school. Class of 2011 Sarah Mortellaro: From Sarah’s mother: Sarah is having a great time at York Uni- versity in England, where she is studying historical archaeology specializing in human remains. Class of 2012 + 2013 See who returned for Revel. (See story) Class of 2013 Hanna Ito: Gwen Baggs Ito ’81 writes: Hanna is enjoying her first year at Elon University in North Carolina. She made her broadcasting debut on both Elon’s One On One sports debate TV show and Elon’s WSOE Sports Radio. Hanna plans to major in strategic communications or broadcast journalism and minor in psy- chology. Hanna is also a tutor for America Reads. See who returned for Revel. (See story) InMemoriam 10 11 Samuel Taylor Bodine Jr., husband of Marsha Feine Bodine ‘63 Helen Boisaubin 2014 Martha Weaver Burke ’39, mother of Susan Burke Gibbs ’71, great-aunt of Callie Burke Georger ’03 and Carrie Burke Dealtry ‘06 Valerie M. Caldwell former SEM Science Teacher, niece of Marilyn Gohr McTaggart ‘53 Alice Merckens Chappell ‘60 Madelyn D. Cleary mother-in-law of Missy Kennedy Cleary ’76, grandmother of Madeline “Suki” Cleary ’11 and Annabelle Cleary ‘13 Betty E. Darby mother of Anne E. Darby ‘86 Elizabeth B. Deckop mother of Susan Deckop Donner ‘60 Nancy Gerry Elliott ‘54 Marion E. Faller Colby Artist Rosemary G. Esty grandmother of Natalie Symons Sorensen ’88, Victoria Sanderson Sieglaff ’89 and Robin Symons Alibozek ‘91 Raymond M. Fretz husband of Betty Ann DuRant Fretz ‘48, brother-in-law of Janice Roberts Fretz ‘49, uncle of Anna Fretz ‘16 Avery Thompson Funkhouser ‘57 Pliny H. Hayes III uncle of Anne Dellinger Cocklin ’72, Jane Lord Dellinger ’76, and Molly Dellinger-Wray ‘77 Ellen Hurley daughter of Karen Siegfried Magee ’52, cousin of Gretchen Siegfried Nymoen ’48 and Erica Siegfried Machado ‘87 Kathryn Hyde mother of Grace Hennigan ’09, daughter of Barbara Cowan Hyde ‘43, niece of Margaret Cowan Walter ’45, cousin of Carla Walter Gojlewicz ‘73 Shirley Klass grandmother of Erin Klass-Hooge ‘02, Catherine E. Klass ‘03 and Ann C. Klass ‘06 Mary Lou Kraetz mother of Pamela Kraetz Odlum ‘70 and Suzan Kraetz Sletteland ‘75 Phyllis H. Kreiner mother of Sandra Scheidt Clarkson ’60, grandmother of Elizabeth Mathias Griffis ’79, great-grandmother of Lindsay Mathias ‘11 and Molly Mathias ‘13 Joseph V. LoTempio father of Maria M. LoTempio ’88, M.D. Melanie Luongo former trustee, mother of Christine Luongo ’06, Joelle Luongo ’09 and Cureen Luongo ‘13 Barbara Pooley Miller ’39 sister-in-law of Georgia Johnson Pooley ’47, aunt of Georgia Pooley Helliwell ’76, Leslie Pooley Heffernan ’78, and Esther “Tess” Helliwell ‘11 RoseMary Murphy stepmother of Jessica V. Murphy ‘90 Jean M. Neff mother of former Business Manager Michael Neff, grandmother of Kristina Neff ‘03 Neil Nunan husband of Louisa Lipp Nunan ’58, brother- in-law of Evelyn Lipp Harman ’61, Anne Lipp Frank ’63, and Amy Lipp Bellino ’71, cousin of Louise House McClive ’49 and Marjorie House Keller ‘54 Florence M. Poley mother of Katie Poley McWilliam ‘78 Josephine A. Pomeroy ‘36 Mary Weiss Repec ’44 mother of Jennifer Repec ‘87 William S. Reynolds father of Elizabeth “Emmy” Reynolds Schwartz ‘73 Daniel T. Roach father of Molly Roach ’74, grandfather of Sarah Miller ‘11 Randolph Larkin Robb, Sr. husband of Patricia Forman Robb ‘50 Robert A. Sandoro brother of Lisa Sandoro Schaus ‘73 Jacob F. Schoellkopf V father of O. Abbott “Abby” Schoellkopf ’87, brother of Marion Schoellkopf ’59, Sandra Schoellkopf ’64, and P. Spring Schoellkopf ’72, uncle of Sita White ’91 and Leslie Allen ‘05 Mary Hamilton Schuck ‘34 Earl L. Seeger husband of Barbara Trubee Seeger ‘43 Morton “Jerry” Smith father of former Drama Teacher Toni Smith Wilson, grandmother of Samantha Wilson ‘97 Anne Gladding Stern ‘37 Marjorie Mow Sullivan ’40 Patricia Runk Sweeney ’56, Ph.D., Honorary Trustee Dr. John Vance grandfather of Erin Teeter ‘16 Michael Vincent husband of Sally Spitzmiller Vincent ’64, father of Margot Vincent ’89 and Kate Vincent Peterson ’92, brother-in-law of Bonnie Cornelius Spitzmiller ’59, uncle of Sandra Spitzmiller Ferrick ‘84 June Seufert Walker ’39, Honorary Trustee, grandmother of Robin Walker Fortner ‘90 Marjorie Hucker Wallon ‘40 Judith Goldberg Weinberger ‘64 Eleanor “Ellie” Walsh Wertimer ’39, sister of Gertrude Walsh Butler ‘41, Geraldine “Jerry” Walsh Clauss ‘47, Sheila Walsh Parizeau ‘48, and sister-in-law of Grace “Holly” Salt Walsh ‘47, aunt of Sally “Demi” Walsh Ayres ’65 and Grace Walsh Munschauer ‘74 Piper W. Wyckoff son of Margot Rumsey Banta ’60, sister of Wendy Wyckoff ‘85 Gayle L. Zimmer mother of Wendy E. Zimmer ’80, M.D.Callie Burke wedding (L to R). Therese Kurtz, Rachel Moloney ‘04, Courtney Hunter ‘02, Sarah Jane Burke, Callie Burke ‘04, Caitlin DeRose ‘02, Amanda Beecher, Michelle Georger, Carrie Burke Dealtry ‘06. Carrie Burke Wedding (L to R): Tristan Rhys-Taylor, Emily Moloney, Michael Georger, Sarah Jane Burke, Raymond Burke, Carrie Burke Dealtry ‘06, Thomas Dealtry, Callie Burke Georger ‘04, Tony Hilton, Maggie Burke, Steve Dealtry, Sarah Dealtry. REVEL Our Youngest Alums Return to Revel Mr. Martin’s biggest ensemble ever performed at Revel. Above Left: Only some attendees pictured - (L to R) Liza Marlette, Kristyn Farrar, Taylor Levin, Sara Sanderson, Maddie Gacioch, Eliza Hopkins, Grace von Simson. (Front) Cureen Luongo, Hanna Ito. Above Right: Class of 2012 - Only some attendees pictured - (L to R) Carolyn Kirsch, Natalie Schoetz, Alex Holland, Paiton Micheal, Brianna Harris, Caitlyn Orta, Bella Buscarino. (Front) Juliette Brown.
- 7. NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, NY PERMIT NO. 3426 2014 Reunion June 6th & 7th, 2014 For all years ending in “4” or “9” Class of 1979 Mark your calendars now for your Reunion in June! Plans are underway for a memorable weekend for you and your classmates.Watch for updates at buffaloseminary.org or contact Carolyn Clark at: cclark@buffaloseminary.org or call 716-885-6780 ext. 221 Check out Summer 2013 Snippets or buffaloseminary.org/ reunion to see pictures from reunion 2013 and to get infor- mation on this year’s reunion. Buffalo Seminary • 205 Bidwell Pkwy. • Buffalo, NY 14222 SAVE THE DATE! Class of 1964 1939 1944 1949 1954 1959 1964 1969 1974 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 Development@BuffaloSeminary.org 716.885.6780 ILLUSTRATION BY LESLIE ZEMSKY