SHA Cordecho Fall 2020

1 2 C O R D E C H O S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . Mary Fox Sullivan ’55 Mary Fox Sullivan can vividly recall the day when at age five, sitting in the lobby of a busy hospital during her father’s surgery, she decided she would dedicate her life to nursing. She was inspired by the compassionate care provided by the busy nurses and nuns wearing what she thought were “winged hats.” After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, she earned a BS in Nursing from D’Youville College and began her career at Our Lady of Victory Hospital. After five years, Mary took a job at the University Health Center at Buffalo State College, earned a master’s in education fromCanisius College, and was promoted to Assistant to the Medical Director at Buffalo State, a position fromwhich she retired in 1991. Mary became her brother’s full-time caretaker in her retirement while also volunteering in many capacities at St. Christopher’s RC Church and St. Leo the Great RC Church. A consistent and generous philanthropist, Mary created two endowed scholarships at SHA to recognize the academic achievements of incoming students. Jeanette Piscitello ’72 Jeanette Piscitello is the definition of a dedicated alumna. After earning her degree from Rosary Hill College, now Daemen College, she returned to Sacred Heart Academy where she spent her entire career totaling 45 years. She has influenced thousands of young women in many roles during her tenure including as a religion teacher, counselor, and Student Council moderator. Jeanette is famous among SHA alumnae for her warmth, wit, and unwavering support for student growth and wellness. At any time, students could enter her office, knowing they would receive helpful advice without judgment no matter the situation. She was also a great friend and support to faculty and staff, always ready with a joke, story, and listening ear; some of her closest friends are her SHA colleagues. Jeanette retired in August. Sacred Heart Academy is so thankful for her dedication and many years of service. Jeanne Vezina Vinal, Esq. ’82 Jeanne Vinal is a busy woman: wife, mother of four, co-owner and co-managing partner with her husband Greg of the litigation law firm Vinal & Vinal PC, owner of a start-up publishing firm called Vinal Publishing Corporation, and the current Erie County Legislator representing District 5. Jeanne passionately advocates for the disadvantaged, leveraging her position in the legislature to remove barriers to employment, promote workforce development programs, and ensure equal access and representation in government. She serves the community in many different ways, from hosting food drives to establishing a scholarship at Sacred Heart Academy to sitting on the boards of Literacy Volunteers of America and the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York. Jeanne is a graduate of Colgate University and University at Buffalo School of Law. Meghan E. Jacobs, MD ’07 After graduating from SHA, Meghan Jacobs graduated cum laude with a BS in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology from the University of Rochester and earned an MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Meghan is currently a pediatric hospitalist at Oishei Children’s hospital and focuses her work on caring for underserved children with medical complexities, many of whom are unable to communicate for themselves. When not providing direct care, Meghan is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University at Buffalo, is a faculty advisor, and participates in clinical research in quality improvement. In addition to her very busy work schedule, Meghan volunteers at Sacred Heart Academy and sits on the board of Stella Niagara Education Park. Celebrating... Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is proud to recognize the achievements of four remarkable alumnae who have distinguished themselves in their careers and exemplify the Franciscan spirit and tradition of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. The SHA community will gather virtually this year to celebrate our newest Distinguished Alumnae on Thursday, December 3 with a Zoom cocktail hour, dinner at home, and a silent art auction featuring the work of some of our very talented alumnae. Funds raised this evening will support Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s scholarship program, allowing SHA to continue to attract the best and brightest young women in Western New York. For more information, visit bidpal.net/cso.