CordechoECHOES FROM THE HEART A magazine for the Sacred Heart Academy Community Summer ’23 10 4 Curriculum Enhancements: The Impact of IB Vision in Action: An Update on SHA’s Strategic Plan 8 Living Our Yes!: The Roots of Our Commitment
A Message from the Head of School isterhood is a term we often use here at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. New students are invited to the SHA Sisterhood, and our commencement speakers often refer to the bond of sisterhood in their remarks. Sisterhood has become a stand in for lifelong friendships, a support network that is there when needed most, and an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie that is signature to SHA. Interestingly, buildings designed by the same architect are sometimes referred to as “sister buildings.” The concept is that they come into existence from the same creator and often bear many similar characteristics. Like SHA’s main campus at 3860 Main Street, our new building (learn more about this purchase on pages 12-13 of this issue) was designed by prolific and renowned Buffalo architect, Duane Lyman. Therefore, it is fitting that we will refer to our new building as SHA’s “sister building.” At the core of a sisterhood is girl-centeredness, which factors prominently in our strategic plan. From how to attract ambitious young women, to a curriculum that is uniquely girl-focused, to athletic and performance spaces that support the whole young woman, to a wellness plan that strengthens each young woman on her journey to adulthood, sisterhood is a theme that runs through nearly every goal and objective in our strategic plan. I hope you enjoy learning more about our 2023-2028 strategic plan in this issue. I think of our SHA Sisterhood as our own take on St. Francis’ fraternitas - a way of being at peace and in community with his brothers and the world. Inspired by Francis, we experience the beautiful example of the Sisters of St. Francis living in peace and harmony with one another and our world. Pope Francis has expanded the concept of fraternitas to one of family. While we often reference our sisterhood, Sacred Heart Academy is, in fact, a family, and this issue also recognizes some of the strategic planning team members who are fathers of SHA students and alumnae. We are grateful for their contributions and that of many other men who have dedicated themselves to SHA over the years. Finally, this summer we have had four legendary Sacred Heart men leave this earth. In gratitude for their contributions to SHA, we acknowledge each of them and their lives well lived. First, we remember Michael Sullivan, husband of Kathy Laurich Sullivan ’83 and father of Abigail Sullivan Vallone ’14. Michael contributed his expertise in facilities to SHA for decades and most recently served as the co-chair of our Facilities Domain in strategic planning. Michael ministered to the Diocese of Buffalo for 38 years overseeing the upkeep of a myriad of Diocesan properties. His presence and warmth will be missed throughout the WNY community. We also remember Bob Freeland, beloved husband to the late Mary Deane Freeland (beloved former SHA religion teacher), who upon Mary’s untimely death, set up a scholarship and a garden on campus to keep her beautiful spirit deeply embedded in the SHA community. Bob, an artist, educator and advocate, had been involved with Sacred Heart for decades. It is appropriate that Bob be remembered in this issue where we introduce our new strategic plan as he was a member of our first formal strategic planning team back in the 1990s. George Wopperer, husband to the late and great Jackie Shea Wopperer ’52, father to four SHA alumnae and grandfather to three more SHA graduates, entered into eternal rest this summer. George was a constant at the trifecta of SHA events: the Christus Super Omnia (CSO) Scholarship and Awards Dinner (Jackie was named a distinguished alumna in 2003); Sandstone; and the Sr. Maria Pares Golf Tournament. George was always the life of the party. We will be sure to raise a glass to you, George, at our upcoming CSO Dinner this fall. Finally, Dr. Bryan Krull, a beloved social studies teacher, passed away suddenly while on vacation in Colombia with his family. Bryan has been a vital part of our school family since 2013. His passion for teaching and commitment to excellence has left an indelible impact on the lives of countless young scholars. Page 3 contains a sample of the tributes that poured in for Bryan who demonstrated for each of us that life is to be embraced and lived to the fullest. Thank you, Michael, Bob, George and Bryan, for being integral members of the SHA family. Rest in peace, gentlemen. 2 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. ONTHECOVER This edition of the Cordecho magazine brings big news of the expansion to Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s campus. The acquisition of the former Eggertsville Hose building at 3826 Main Street brings lots of opportunity and some very familiar architectural features. Can you identify which of the cover images were taken at our original campus and which were taken at the new property? Check your answers and learn more about our expansion on pages 12-13. SPIRIT. MIND. BODY.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 3 Dear SHA Community, When my family and I cleared U.S. immigration in 2003 and I attempted to traverse this new city, I often stopped the unsuspecting pedestrian for help. Directions came in a baffling sequence of north or south, letters and numbers, i.e.,“Go north on the I-190.” The same enquiry in Ireland would have been met with a sequence of landmarks and the comment, “If you are going there, you shouldn’t be starting from here.” In either circumstance, reaching the destination depended on a reliable internal compass, a steady hand, and a full tank of gas. As Sacred Heart Academy set forth on our Strategic Planning journey 12 months ago, we were very fortunate in knowing the destination: the founding Sisters of St. Francis committed themselves long ago to “providing a balanced college preparatory education with a commitment to service for generations of young women in Western New York.” Success in setting direction for the Strategic Plan pivoted on open, candid, and sometimes challenging conversations with various stakeholder groups in the SHA community. Survey platforms, focus groups, retreats, and steering committees rallied the support of faculty and staff, students, parents, alumnae, and donors. We engaged cutting-edge consultants to help us interpret and map the catalog of information we gathered. We experienced support and solidarity from our partners in education here in WNY and throughout the country, all united in the mission and vision of Catholic education. We are grateful to all who lent their voices, talents, and time to creating the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. The landscape has changed dramatically since the Sisters first established the school in 1877. Now more than ever, society needs young citizens with the ability to think critically, with sound theories to determine what is true and what is false, and with a reference book of knowledge that is uniquely their own. The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan for SHA remains ever faithful to the values of St. Francis and St. Clare and aspires to share with SHA graduates the skills necessary to navigate the profound societal changes of our time. It has been my privilege to serve on the Board of Directors at SHA for the last five years. As the proud parent of Aoife Scannell ’18, it was with a debt of sincere gratitude that I agreed to join the board. I recall being overwhelmed at my first board meeting in September 2018 by the outstanding expertise, talents, and abilities of my fellow board members. It has been an honor to be part of a governing body that is so clearly united with and loyal to the mission and vision of the school, and whose members offer good governance with a steady hand across all domains. Throughout the pandemic I watched from a new perspective, and with great admiration, the dedication and solidarity of faculty and staff. They worked steadfastly to support students and colleagues both intellectually and socio-emotionally. Who could have imagined in spring 2022 that there would be “sufficient gas in the tank” to carry us through a five-year Strategic Planning process! Throughout this journey we have been guided by a reliable internal compass: the spiritual presence and support of the Sisters of St. Francis. Their presence remains palpable throughout the corridors and rooms of the Academy. A sincere thank you to all the Sisters. We celebrate your legacy! Yours in gratitude and appreciation, Eileen O’Brien-Scannell THE SHA COMMUNITY REMEMBERS Dr. Bryan Krull “I will miss serving as a judge for Bryan’s creative class projects. It was clear that the students learned a lot by inhabiting the lives of peoples in far-off times and places. Bryan was always a supporter of young women, from Girl Power Fridays and the Friday celebration of female musicians to being his daughter Addison’s go-between for Girl Scout cookie sales. His humor was clearly on display as a long-time member of that talented group, No Direction. Of course, Your 80s Movie Guide to Better Living (Volume 1) was the perfect Christmas gift for my nephews.” - DR. MARTHA HOROHOE, SHA COLLEAGUE “I remember Dr. Krull being so good-natured and funny (even when the class veered off track), and as a family man, proud of his two children. Something that stayed with me after graduating were his Girl Power Fridays - as it was this weekly activity that introduced me to so many brilliant women and their activism. His presence will be forever missed. Dr. Krull, thank you.” - KENYA SANDERS ’18 The outpouring of tributes and memories of Dr. Bryan Krull from colleagues and students is a testament to the impact he has had on all who were fortunate enough to teach or learn with him.
Vision in Action MAKING GOOD ON THE ust months after the implementation of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, the steering committee is pleased to report that progress is being made in each of the domains that were identified as priorities. Steering Committee Co-Chair Joan Horrigan Maira ’77 says, “The Plan, as the committee designed it, is intended to drive change at Sacred Heart through the next five years, and we are using the summer months to lay the groundwork to hit the ground running in the 2023-2024 academic year. Some of the domains presented immediate opportunities that we were well-positioned to take advantage of, which is very exciting. But it’s important to note that all of the objectives we included in the Strategic Plan remain essential priorities. We have an opportunity to better communicate the impressive things SHA is accomplishing for young women. The Cordecho is one of the main communication tools that will be leveraged to provide updates and share the progress SHA is making to achieve the key objectives set forth in the plan.” The national Catholic education consulting firm Partners in Mission was an outstanding resource in the development of the Plan: their consultants ensured that the goals we set for SHA were ambitious but achievable, well-defined by action verbs, and measurable. Each domain’s subcommittee succeeded in identifying a bold primary goal supported by three objectives that capitalize on Sacred Heart’s existing strengths. Of course, at the heart of the Plan remains our distinctive Catholic Franciscan mission and our commitment to providing a superlative education for young women. Build on Sacred Heart’s long tradition of nurturing young women as lifelong learners with a curriculum that emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, inquiry, growth mindset, and love of discovery. Develop and enact a facilities and infrastructure master plan while building a capital reserve for facility needs within and beyond our current footprint to ensure Sacred Heart is well positioned to serve future generations. Sustain Sacred Heart’s Franciscan mission and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis by ensuring that the Board of Directors and school leadership are fully committed to its mission; represent the fullness and diversity of the larger SHA community; and equip SHA to successfully execute this Strategic Plan and create a seamless leadership succession plan. Sr. Jo-Anne Grabowski, OSF ’67, attended the Strategic Planning retreat to offer her guidance both as an alumna and as Provincial Minister of the Sisters of St. Francis. She reflected on the day saying, “I listened and watched the people who were gathered, amazed at them. I was moved to say a few words. I thanked them all for their goodness and presence during this day, and for being so committed to and concerned about SHA. Their energy and enthusiasm were palpable. On behalf of the Sisters of St. Francis, sponsor of SHA, I thanked them for ministering with us, and for carrying on our legacy. For almost 150 years, Sisters and staff have walked these halls at SHA. They are still here, watching over us, guiding us. Their spirits are strong, surrounding us here, now. Their Franciscan Spirit lives on in you, in us.” 4 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY.
PROMISES LAID OUT IN SHA’S STRATEGIC PLAN STRATEGIC PLANNING LEADERSHIP Joan Horrigan Maira ’77 Retired VP of HR, HSBC; BOD Member Eileen Scannell SHA Board President Jennifer Demert Head of School & Planning Director Kathleen Casey Consultant, Partners in Mission Strategic Planning RETREAT PARTICIPANTS MISSION DOMAIN Lisa Bonn Maria Michalek Clare ’95 Nancy Zahm Hejaily ’88 Bridget McGuinness Sister Patricia McMahon, OSF ’63 Donna Mostiller ’78 ACADEMIC DOMAIN Mary Alice Bagwell Keré Patterson Boyd ’92 Michele Calandra Meghan D’Andrea Christine Licata ’63 Peter Reiser Ron Stepien Melissa Weiksnar Julie Zulewski ADVANCEMENT DOMAIN Erica Burzynski Lauren Byrd ’03 Susan Reiser Daniels ’92 Allison Gioia Marnie LaVigne ’80 Anne McCaffrey Jim Panepinto ENROLLMENT DOMAIN Carmelita Burgos-Burgin Brian Connolly Mary Ganey Lynn Panepinto Mary Beth Popp Krista Sobon Laura Yusick FACILITIES DOMAIN Jim Biddle Paul Kolkmeyer Sister Dorothy Mueller, OSF ’60 Mike Odojewski Chris Poole Rick Rogers Michael Sullivan FINANCE DOMAIN Robert Beiswanger Carrie Fahey David Faturos Sister Jo-Anne Grabowski, OSF ’67 Kathleen Grieco John O’Brien GOVERNANCE DOMAIN Chris Fulco Sister Anne Marie Jablonicky, CSSF Alicia Cummings McGlinchey ’83 Sister Terri Miklitsch, OSF Marilyn Wittman ’66 STUDENT LIFE Jeanne Gooch Christiano ’90 Patty Horrigan Creahan ’73 Kristina Geschwender Khristian Powell King ’03 Katie Gravelle Kittleson ’05 Terry Madill Nadine Mastroleo ’89 Barbara Staebell Rooney ‘74 Develop an institutional commitment to well-being by creating a culture and climate of compassion, equity, and social justice to support the holistic development of all members of the Sacred Heart community. Leverage Sacred Heart’s strengths (financial stability, educational programming, culture, school spirit, legacy, sisterhood) to establish and grow equally strong external impressions and relationships that engender a lifelong commitment to advancing our vital mission. Develop and maintain a robust, long-term financial plan that ensures Sacred Heart’s financial strength and supports our outstanding, first-in-class education for all students. Build a flourishing pipeline for ambitious young women from a wide variety of backgrounds who seek an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, spiritual grounding, commitment to service, and the leadership skills necessary to make a positive impact in the world. SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 5
Class Facts & Figures Number of Scholarships Awarded Number of Students $37,636,706 103 727 Value of Scholarships Awarded Salutatorian Rose Genco University of Pittsburgh Valedictorian Brooke Pollock University of Michigan 6 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Congratulations to the
Kate Feroleto Chetta ‘02 Commencement Speaker Kate Feroleto Chetta ’02 A gifted trial attorney, Kathleen (Kate) Feroleto Chetta ‘02, has been recognized by the New York State Bar Association for her commitment to service within the profession. She recently returned to Buffalo with her husband and three daughters. Our graduates and their families benefited from her wisdom and grace in an address that focused on sisterhood and making room for all at the table of success. “Strong women demand seats for other women and all marginalized people at every table where decisions are made.” SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 7 Class of 2023
Meghan D’Andrea In her 8 years at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, Ms. Meghan D’Andrea, MEd, MAT, MDiv, has worn many hats. She is currently coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP); teaches in the religion department; is the IB Creativity, Activity, Service coordinator; is SHA’s communications coordinator; and serves as Student Council moderator. This essay is adapted from a “TED Talk”-style presentation that Ms. D’Andrea delivered during her current pursuit of a Masters in Science in Educational Leadership/ Administration. It captures the optimism, positivity, and commitment to mission that drove our Strategic Planning process. Though Ms. D’Andrea generally prefers to stay out of the spotlight, she has graciously agreed to let us share her thoughts here, in the spirit – as you will read – of Sister Leonarda’s yes. 8 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Living Our Yes! Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s story begins with a no and one big, bold, daring n 1877, higher education for girls was anything but popular in Buffalo. Members of the ecclesial hierarchy felt it was their duty to warn parents against the dangers of educating their daughters beyond basic elementary skills, for it would be “the means of perverting ideas of their place and duty in the home.” When Sister Leonarda Hannappel, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, set out to establish an academy that would provide a rigorous education for girls in French and German, English literature, and the sciences and mathematics, her male counterparts at boys’ schools raised their eyebrows. They would have recommended that a girls’ school should stick to needlework, domestic skills, and other ladylike pursuits. But Sister Leonarda – a petite powerhouse – refused to accept that girls should not be challenged, stimulated, and nurtured as she had been during her childhood in Germany. Sister Leonarda heard a no, and replaced it with a powerful, daring yes. Mother Leonarda’s was a yes to innovation, a yes to challenging limits, a yes to exploring possibilities, a yes to imagining and dreaming a future beyond comprehension. Her yes to providing young women excellence in education is the very heart of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. As founding members of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, we join with schools around the world who boldly proclaim that a school for girls is better than a school with girls. Sacred Heart continues to innovate in all aspects of education. Through our curriculum, extracurricular activities, athletics, leadership opportunities, and campus ministry, we build the bonds of community and sisterhood, reflecting the Catholic Franciscan Tradition for new generations of SHA students. Last year we inaugurated a Strategic Plan. It was a time for SHA to reinvigorate our story – to revive our identity as innovators, trailblazers and pioneers. It was time to give the world another big, bold, daring yes. The Strategic Planning team dug deep into data, interviews, and research while simultaneously convening groups of experts. This work revealed our tremendous institutional strengths and illuminated the path to improving where needed.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 9 The full team gathered for a planning retreat in December 2022 collectively establishing big, bold, daring plans for an even brighter future. Like Mother Leonarda’s original vision, our new ideas are grounded in providing young women a foundation from which to say yes to a thrilling and unlimited future. Throughout the Strategic Planning process, we focused our efforts on providing our students a warm, welcoming, supportive community where they are permitted, encouraged, and empowered to cultivate their own yeses. What was revolutionary in girls’ education 150 years ago continues at SHA today with our upgraded approaches to curriculum, our community life, and the appreciation of our faith tradition and heritage. Sacred Heart is proud of this legacy and the momentum that will carry us forward, with the support and engagement of all constituent groups. In other words, we need to say yes to sharing our legacy and shaping our future. The yes that Mother Leonarda championed almost 150 years ago echoes throughout our halls today. We are, and will always be, a school community committed to providing excellence in education for young women in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. That’s one big, bold, daring YES to another 150 years. Ms. Meghan D’Andrea and IB Diploma candidates from the Class of 2024 work collaboratively to select the topics they will deeply research for individual assessments. Mother Leonarda Hannappel, foundress of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart
10 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS or Strategic Plan committee members focused on Sacred Heart’s academic domain, the primary goal has always been clear: Our Franciscan tradition calls us to nurture lifelong learners who think critically, seek growth, and celebrate the diversity of God’s creation. When Sacred Heart earned the designation as an International Baccalaureate World School in 2020, we embraced an educational approach that – through inquirybased learning, a focus on metacognition, and an emphasis on service – is a natural vehicle for the delivery of our mission. Defining objectives that will guide Sacred Heart’s transition from a NYS Regents curriculum to a school-wide curriculum using IB-inspired approaches energized the Academic Domain team. As the team and faculty move this work forward, the benefits of an IB curriculum are shared among all students. SHA Director of Academics Michele Calandra says, “I don’t like to think of it as moving away from Regents; I prefer to think that we’re moving toward student-driven, experiential, conceptfocused, and application-based learning. In many ways, our transition to an IB curriculum just provides a new framework for the kind of expansive teaching and learning that has been at the heart of a Sacred Heart education since SHA was founded.” With the first class of IB Diploma Program participants graduating in 2023, SHA faculty and students have become progressively more familiar with the values underpinning the IB approach. That increased fluency with the IB pedagogy has been intentional. Several all-faculty professional development days during the 2022-2023 academic year were devoted to the theory behind the IB approach, with coaching for teachers on how to incorporate the philosophy into existing courses. Ms. Tracy Cercone, senior religion teacher, says that professional development programming has been enormously helpful to her implementation of IB approaches. She reflects, “The IB Diploma Program will not be for everyone, but the IB approach offers an outline that makes sure we incorporate communication, deep thinking, and self-management in every topic we cover. It forces the students to take ownership over their own learning, and that ownership sparks excitement.” In 2023-2024, SHA will be expanding the number of individual IB courses that are available to interested students beginning in their junior year. New offerings will include IB Environmental Studies, which incorporates the care for creation that is fundamental to the Franciscan tradition; IB Psychology; and IB Math Analysis. Existing sections of IB Literature and Language and IB World Religions will be open to all interested upperclasswomen, and additional IB courses will be added through the course of the Strategic Plan. Ms. Tracy Cercone Senior Religion Teacher Ms. Michele Calandra Director of Academics PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES/GLOBAL APPROACH How the International Baccalaureate philosophy is opening doors to discovery In Ms. Tracy Cercone’s senior religion classes, students applied IB approaches to complete an assignment inspired by the Clothesline Project, a nationwide effort that raises awareness for survivors of assault and abuse.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 11 A TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE TEACHER: Mrs. Katie Kittleson ’05 DEPARTMENT: Math What have you done differently since adopting the IB pedagogy? In previous years, I would come in and work through a couple example problems on the board and then send the students off to work in groups. This year, we’ve been building “thinking classrooms”—or classrooms where the process of thinking is emphasized over the outcome. I’ve put the students up at a whiteboard, which is a vertical surface so students have to be a bit more engaged. They have one marker to share and everyone in their group of three has to contribute. If someone wants to write something, they have to ask to borrow the marker. The result is students really collaborating —and it takes the pressure off each individual to be “perfect.” They’re not worried about making mistakes because they see that we can fix it together. They learn by doing the math, playing with it and taking risks, and I’ve seen that they’re definitely more actively involved in their learning. You’re an alumna and now a teacher at SHA. How is the IB approach a continuation of what SHA has done in the past? We’ve always worked in groups and learned collaboratively with our classmates, so I think a lot of this isn’t really new or different. Now we can be more intentional about it. Faculty have been given more time and resources to collaborate, and the result is a lot of really creative ideas that are geared toward the students’ interests. We have a new vocabulary that gives specific guidelines about how we can develop students who are critical thinkers, who are engaged, who are doing group work and collaborating with their classmates instead of just practicing independently. Ultimately, I think it’s just good teaching. A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE STUDENT: Rosaly Rosa ’24 IB Diploma Program Tell us about a project you completed that exemplifies the work you do in your IB classes. In my IB World Religions class, we’ve learned about Christianity, but also Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and other religions, along with how other people view certain issues. Ms. [Meghan] D’Andrea, who is an amazing teacher, helps people understand the information instead of just throwing it at us. For our Internal Assessment,* we were supposed to ask a question about a religion of our choice and do a deep dive to find out the answer. This project immediately interested me because I’m Puerto Rican and I’ve been curious about Santeria, which is a religious tradition in Puerto Rico that’s kind of been ostracized. I used a lot of different sources including books and online resources, but I also interviewed both of my parents about their knowledge of Santeria and their feelings about it. I made some really interesting discoveries, not only about the relationship between Christianity and Santeria, but about my own family and my own culture. * In IB vocabulary, an Internal Assessment for World Religions is a written investigative study of an aspect of the religious experience, practice or belief of a group and/or individual adherents. Why did you choose the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program? I came to SHA from a public school, and I decided when I got here that I would put myself in situations that forced me to learn and that made me work up to the level of classmates who might know more about a subject or a topic than I did. I took as many honors and AP classes as I could, and then I was able to enter the IB program—and I’ve loved it. My teachers have built up my confidence and helped me to really love subjects that I never would have enjoyed before. In class, we have incredible discussions, and we can express our ideas and know that they’ll be respected. I just think you need to keep pushing yourself, to put yourself in environments where you might not be the best or the smartest, but you can work toward doing better, being better all the time. Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature • English A: Literature and Language HL Group 2: Language Acquisition • Spanish B SL • French B SL • Latin SL Group 3: Individuals and Societies • History of the Americas HL • Psychology HL • World Religions SL Group 4: Sciences • Chemistry HL • Biology HL • Environmental Sciences SL Group 5: Mathematics • Mathematics: Analysis and Interpretations SL • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA COURSES AT SHA
12 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Expanding our Footprint uffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is thrilled to announce that one of the school’s major Strategic Plan objectives has been fulfilled through the acquisition of a property located at 3826 Main Street. SHA’s purchase of the building and lot, formerly occupied by People, Inc., was filed in early August. Located just across Maynard Drive from SHA’s Clare Music Hall, the building adds 10,000 square feet of bright, flexible space to the Academy’s facilities. Originally the home of the Eggertsville Hose Company, it was designed in 1931 by the storied Buffalo architectural firm of Bley & Lyman—the same team responsible for designing our iconic building at 3860 Main Street. “The possibilities for this space are extremely exciting. It satisfies the immediate needs for IB and AP testing locations as well as meeting and community gathering space,” says Head of School Jennifer Demert. “The rooms are large and airy with ample natural light, so the building already feels like a perfect match for our unique approach to learning in community. ” Among the most immediately beneficial aspects of the acquisition is the three quarter acre lot, which currently accommodates 53 parking spaces. SHA’s leadership has long sought a permanent alternative to the school’s tenuous parking agreement with the Benchmark Group which owns the adjacent parking lot. With the addition of 3826 Main Street and an expansion of the parking area to the rear of SHA’s main building, Sacred Heart will independently satisfy parking needs for our active and vibrant school community. With parking and additional learning space secured, two major Strategic Plan facilities objectives remain: To arrange long-term access to home fields for athletics and to improve the auditorium to better showcase Sacred Heart’s talented performers. Members of the Strategic Planning committee continue to develop strategies in support of both goals, and updates on their progress will be forthcoming. The classic architectural beauty of Bley and Lyman is now visible in two buildings on the expanded Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart campus. Which cover images from our existing campus at 3860 Main Street and the newly acquired sister building did you correctly identify? 1. There’s no mistaking the entrance to our original gymnasium at 3860 Main Street. Arched windows, flooding interior spaces with light are abundantly found in both buildings. 2. Decorative light fixtures are found in both buildings, including this example from the central foyer at the sister building. 3. Even traditional rectangular windows are surrounded with decorative brick arches. While this feature is visible at both properties, the example in this picture belongs to the sister building. 4. Decorative iron work gives the impression of a Juliet balcony as seen over the main entrance at the sister building. 5. The jewel of 3860 Main Street has always been the tower, topped with a cross. This image is clearly visible from our new property as well as the new rear parking area. 6. A slight variation in wrought iron appears outside second floor classrooms at 3860 Main Street, closely resembling the entrance of the sister building. 7. Iron and wood banisters grace the terrazzo stairs in both buildings but this elegantly curved newel post is only present at the sister building. 8. Leaded glass windows complement the white columns flanking the entrance to the sister building. 9. Arched windows illuminate both spaces with ample natural light, as visible in the staircase leading from the second to the third floors of 3860 Main Street.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 13 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9
DAVID FATUROS EVP & Chief Financial Officer, Rich Products Husband of Patti Voigt Faturos ’87 and father of Katie Faturos ’19 Strategic Plan Domain: Finance “It’s important to have a school where young women can develop as students, and also gain confidence and become independent adults so that they can have a fulfilling life – not just in work but in all aspects. My wife and daughter had great experiences at different times at SHA, and I think the school really did shape who they are as people. They both made lifelong friends there, and I witnessed how well prepared my daughter was for college. I want to help ensure that future generations of young women have that same ability and opportunity to be successful.” BRIAN CONNOLLY Strategic Advisor, Business Development & Communications Father of Allie Connolly ’24 and Katie Connolly ’26 Strategic Plan Domain: Enrollment “I love the community that we’re part of at SHA, but more than anything, I love how happy my girls are with their choice. I love that they enjoy going to school and that they’re being challenged. I see the growth that comes from that. Part of SHA’s admissions success comes from strongly and clearly communicating the value of the school to the right people. I’ve worked in media and communications in the Buffalo area for 20 years, so I was happy to offer any insight I have – professionally or just as a parent who cares about SHA’s continued growth and momentum.” JOHN O’BRIEN Financial Advisor, retired Father of Kerry O’Brien Feldmann ’91, grandfather to Abby Feldmann ’20 and Clare O’Brien ’27; Past member of SHA Board of Directors Strategic Plan Domain: Finance “I can’t say no to Sacred Heart! I just love the school and I’m a huge supporter of its mission. Even though the Franciscan Sisters are not as physically present as they once were, I think the faculty does a phenomenal job of keeping the Franciscan charism front and center – and I think that’s absolutely critical to SHA’s ability to educate and to cultivate remarkable young women. When I served on the Board in the 1990s and would go to the school for executive committee meetings, I would arrive intentionally early so that I could sit in the front hallway by the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When the bell rang, the girls would come into the hallway and I’d hear all this wonderful chaos – people laughing and conversation and so forth – and the heartbeat of the school literally came alive in front of that statue. It was just wonderful. And now my granddaughter Clare will be matriculating in the fall as part of the 150th Anniversary class! I’m very proud. Sacred Heart is very much a part of our family.” PAUL KOLKMEYER President & CEO, Priam Enterprises, LLC Son of Annette Stievater Kolkmeyer ’45, father of Natalie Kolkmeyer Pender ’07 and Emily Kolkmeyer ’12 Past member of SHA Board of Directors Strategic Plan Domain: Facilities “I was asked to co-chair the Facilities Domain team and I was happy to do it, because of both my background in real estate and my long relationship with Sacred Heart. We heard from students and alumnae and a variety of stakeholders, and three main topics kept coming up: parking, access to outdoor athletic fields, and improved facilities for music and the arts. My hope for SHA is that it can accomplish each of those objectives because they all mean a great deal to different members of the community. But I also know that the other domain teams came up with pressing goals as well, and I trust the school’s leadership to decide which priorities to tackle first.” 14 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. THE DYNAMIC DADS OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS Leveraging Some of SHA’s Most Valuable Assets At Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, we believe in the power of a women-led educational institution, created specifically and exclusively for girls. But we are wise enough to know that our success derives from the contributions of all members of our community, not the least of whom are the supportive, enthusiastic, generous fathers who show up for SHA time and again. From the earliest phases of the Strategic Planning process, we sought the input and expertise of Sacred Heart dads who are leaders in their fields and who care deeply about the impact Sacred Heart has on young women, including their daughters. We asked a few to share their thoughts about the process, and their enthusiasm for Sacred Heart’s strong future.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 15 STRATEGIC PLAN Progress Report In the ADVANCEMENT DOMAIN, Strategic Planning Committee Co-Chair Joan Horrigan Maira ’77, Head of School Jennifer Demert, Director of Advancement Susan Reiser Daniels ’92, and Alumnae Associate Sydney Schmidt Chambrone ’15 are working with industry experts to enrich SHA’s capabilities in nurturing relationships, effectively stewarding donors, and building capacity in the interest of advancing SHA’s mission. Work has begun in the ENROLLMENT DOMAIN to create a comprehensive marketing and enrollment plan with the initial target of families who may not have previously considered an allgirls Catholic education. Utilizing the talents of Uplifter Video and photographer Mark Mulville, we are moving towards the launch of a social media campaign highlighting Sacred Heart’s unique value propositions as well as highlights of the SHA experience through the lens of current students. One of Sacred Heart’s strategic objectives within the STUDENT LIFE DOMAIN was the formation of a team to assess the school’s current wellness programming and to make recommendations for even more effective support of student mental health and well-being. While care for the whole student—in spirit, mind, and body—has always been foundational to SHA’s educational approach, recent studies point to increased anxiety and depression in teens across the nation. Sacred Heart has pledged to take a proactive approach to student care, building upon our existing academic, spiritual, athletic, and cocurricular offerings. SHA has added to the wellness team by hiring a full time social worker, Robyn Stanley Dhand ‘09. The wellness team is meeting through the summer months to prepare for the 2023-2024 academic year.
16 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Class Notes Class Notes-where you’ll find updates on your fellow alumnae. Please share your news! Send information, including pictures, to classnotes@sacredheartacademy.org. THIS ISSUE OF CLASS NOTES IS AS OF MAY 2023. 50s Marie Louise Pohlman, OSF ’55 celebrated her 65th anniversary as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity on June 25, 2023 at Stella Niagara, NY. Barbara Pfohl, OSF ’56 received the Jones-Carroll Outstanding Leader Award sponsored by NOAH (Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope). This organization trains local leaders and creates positive social change through direct civic engagement. Maria Pares, OSF ’58† was recognized posthumously by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), as one of 50 impactful women leaders during the 50th Anniversary of Title IX and Women’s History month. 60s Dorothy Mueller, OSF ’60 celebrated her 60th anniversary as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity on June 25, 2023 at Stella Niagara, NY. 80s Mary Beth Riley Metcalf ’87 was recognized by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), as one of 50 impactful women leaders during the 50th Anniversary of Title IX and Women’s History month. 90s Shannon Bell Nixon ’97, a critical care nurse in the NSICU at Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute, was recently recognized for Leading with CARE. Recipients of the Leading with CARE award exemplify Kaleida Health values in their daily work and go above and beyond for their patients, families and coworkers. Dana Covert Schott ’99 left her PreK teaching job to work for North Allegheny School District in Pittsburgh, PA as a Special Education Paraprofessional. She has the opportunity to work in a variety of classrooms. 00s Kyla J. Smith ’00 married Thomas Maeder on September 17, 2022. Several SHA grads were in attendance: Kirsten B. Smith ‘96 and Kacey J. Smith ’07 as her maids of honor, and guests Patricia Dickerson Penatar ‘00 and Margaret Beltrami Moberg ‘00. Billie ’Akau’ola ’01 has joined KPMG as an Advisory Managing Director with their Procurement & Outsourcing Advisory practice. Based in Chicago, Billie will play a critical role in delivering and growing the company’s procurement services business within the Private Equity space. Dr. Katherine McMahon Grennell ’01 published her first book, Disability and Accessibility in the Music Classroom: A Teacher’s Guide, with Routledge on September 1, 2022. Co-authored by Dr. Alexandria Carrico, the book provides college music history instructors with a concise guide on how to create an accessible and inclusive classroom environment. Meghan Finn Bankowski ’02 has been admitted into the partnership of Fust Charles Chambers in Syracuse. Meghan is a Partner in the Firm’s Audit Department and within the Firm’s Healthcare Consulting Company, Microscope. In addition, she leads the Financial & Operational Services Department within Microscope. Meghan joined the firm in 2006 and was the Firm’s very first intern. She resides in Syracuse with her husband Mark and three sons Jackson, Austin and Lincoln. Kathryn Belliotti Hammer ’02 received the Daemen University 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for Dedication to the University. Amanda Gary Przyklek ’02 has recently been promoted to Senior Vice President at M&T Bank in the Internal Audit Division where she is now the Senior Manager of Talent Management, Reporting and Quality Assurance. Erin Schalberg Pautler ’03 and her husband Jim welcomed daughter Josephine May on June 20, 2022. She joins sister Grace (10) and brother Jimmy (8). Carol Adornetto DeVincentis ’05 and her husband Anthony welcomed daughter Anna Grace on January 20, 2023. She joins big brother Anthony Joseph. Julia Kuczmarski Thomson ’05 and her husband Jesse welcomed daughter Juliette Catherine in April 2022. Maria Emilani Klee ’06 recently moved back to Buffalo to be with family and friends. After being gone for 10 years, she is loving showing her kids where she grew up and all the fun things Buffalo has to offer. She and her husband have three children, Abigail (1), Jackson (2), and Mason (6). Colleen Makar ’08 married Brendon Silver on October 1, 2022 at Christ the King Church. Celebrating with them were Colleen’s mother Kathleen Gaunder Makar ‘77, sister and
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 17 matron of honor Karen Makar ‘02, bridesmaid Rachel Cruz McManus ‘08, Brendon’s aunt Kathy Warsitz ‘78, Sister Mara Walton ‘59, Krista Armbruster ‘09, Jillian Kajdas Wisler ‘09, Mary Maroney Ruelle ‘10,and Tanya Felski ‘02. Maura Baker ’09 graduated from Buffalo State University in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in social work. She is a licensed Advanced CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) and the Registration Manager of Cazenovia Recovery Systems, Inc. in Niagara Falls. Jessica Seyfried Dee ’09 and her husband Daniel welcomed their second child Jameson George on January 11th. He joins big sister Sophia. Robyn Stanley Dhand ’09 and her husband Paul welcomed baby girl Lily Grace in October 2022. Macy Cambio Stepien ’09 and her husband welcomed their first son Theodore Joseph. 10s Leah Daily Kanaparthi ’10 and her husband Sujith welcomed son Micah Jeevohn on September 17, 2022. Caitlyn Colucci ’11 married Henry Zimmer on June 4, 2022. Sarah Pawlak ’11 was a bridesmaid. Emma O’Connor Gagliano ’11 and her husband Joe welcomed daughter Cora Mae in April 2023. She was delivered by fellow SHA classmate Dr. Shelby Schraven Beckholt ’11! Kaitlyn Victor Starr ’11 was recently promoted to Facility Program Manager for the Veterans Affairs VISN 2 Health Administration - Pharmacy Division. Kaitlyn will be providing medication management through her virtual clinic for veterans across the VISN 2 region (New York and New Jersey). Renee Fregeau ’12 married Stewart Thomas on October 1, 2022. Jacqulyn Graber ’12 has successfully completed the New York Junior League’s provisional training and has been inducted as an active member. She earned the peer-nominated award, “Provisional on the Move,” and will be serving the New York City community with the League’s Social Equity committee. Pauline Kulczyk ’12 married Steven Bycznski on June 11, 2022. Victoria Erdman Levine ’12 and her husband Jordan welcomed their second daughter, Monica Roseann, into the world on November 10, 2022. Dr. Kristie Nasr ’12 is an internal medicine resident and was just selected as the Chief Resident at the University at Buffalo Internal Medicine Program. Colleen’s Bachelorette Party: Krista Armbruster ‘09, Karen Makar ‘02, Kathy (Gaunder) Makar ‘77, Colleen Makar ‘08, Sister Connie Marlowe, OSF Megan Ziemianski ’08 married Timothy O’Brien on October 22, 2022. Her bridal party included Jessica Ziemianski Wood ’05, Sarah Matyas Kostyszyn ’08, and Lauren Schepperly ’17. Lily Grace Dhand Anna Grace DeVincentis Micah Jeevohn Kanaparthi
Hannah Rehbaum ’13 married Jeremy Luchey on January 15, 2023. Mary Catherine Duggan ’13 was by her side as maid of honor. She is thankful for the friendships that SHA brought her! Cynthia Mazraani ’14 married Michael Gabriele on October 29, 2022. The wedding was at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Buffalo and a reception was held at The Columns Banquets. Abigail Sullivan ’14 married Thomas Valone at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Her best friend since her SHA years, Samantha Hevland ’14, was her maid of honor. Georgianna Stoj Toth ’14 and her husband Jared welcomed daughter Peyton Shea. Jacqueline Sosnowski ’12 has been selected by the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club as one of the Top 25 Under 35 young leaders for the 17th Annual Movers & Shakers Award. The ceremony took place in March 2023 at John Carroll University Boler College of Business. She and Greg Conklin were engaged on April 3, 2023. Kara Barke ’13 married Matthew Rice on August 27, 2022 at The Timberlodge at Arrowhead. Elizabeth Feeley O’Connor ’13 accepted a Program Management position at Calspan Flight Research to oversee flight test campaign execution. 18 CORDECHO SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. Class Notes continued Elizabeth Cannon ’15 is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Personal Trainer, and Reiki Practitioner with her business flowandgrow.lib. She currently lives in Antigua Guatemala, where she enjoys soaking up the culture and beauty of this unique country. Izzy Graziano ’16 is working on a doctoral dissertation in adolescent literacy and accepted a teaching position in New York City. Nicole Carocci Modrzynski ’16 welcomed daughter Rosalie Sage on August 15, 2022. Lauryn Saldana ’16 married Justin Begley on October 22, 2022. Maura Tomm ’16 was promoted to Associate at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Elizabeth Pokoj ’17 graduated with her master’s degree in social work from the University at Buffalo in spring 2022. During graduate school Libby had internships at an elementary school in Niagara Falls, Mayor Byron Brown’s Office in the City of Buffalo, and ECMC. After graduation, Libby accepted a job at ECMC in their Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) as an Adolescent Psychiatric Case Manager. Nicole Baird ’17 graduated from U.S. Air Force pilot training and earned her wings after flying for over a year. She has been selected to fly the C-130J in Texas, specializing in low level and airdrop missions.
SPIRIT. MIND. BODY. CORDECHO 19 In Memoriam Marion Karl, OSF ‘42 Antoinette Sartori LiPuma ‘45 Virgilia Ratajczak Deptula ‘47 Rita Wingerter Smith ‘47 Lorraine Kubiak Bieksza ‘48 Helen Novo Murray ‘49 Elaine Amigone Collora ‘51 Joan Nowakowski Therrien ‘51 Shirley Stetter Zerkowski ‘51 Catherine Closs Anderson ‘52 Barbara Gersitz Lutz ‘52 Sr. Patricia Irr ‘53 Alice Daly McDonald ‘53 Geraldine Mundt Nasiak ‘53 Geraldine Zimmerman ‘53 Dolores Uhteg Jedrzejek ‘54 Sharon Kolz Mahony ‘54 Mary Fox Sullivan ‘55 Louise Kotlowski DeJames ‘57 Mary Gersitz Patterson ‘57 Patricia Kay Tremblay ‘57 Jeanne Senecal Farnan ‘58 Mary Ann J. Marthia Mueller ‘59 Beverly A. Cocciolo ‘60 Carol Eberl Colucci ‘60 Margaret Siepierski Cross ‘61 Sharon Gibney Stephens ‘61 Jacqueline A. Tasch ‘62 Karen Frauenheim Genrich ‘63 Veronica Lovas Harris ‘63 Mary Clare Saviola ‘63 Barbara Ruth Delpriore Hilliard ‘64 Madelyn Drumm McMartin ‘66 Carolyn Colvin Drylewski ‘67 Martha Hard-Batzloff ‘72 Mary Barth ‘75 Suzanne Trapper ‘75 Deborah Pauly ‘76 Vernetta Billups Camp ‘77 Sharon Campbell ‘77 Alexis M. Smith ‘15 Caroline Reeb ’17 graduated in May 2023 from the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions with her Master of Public Health, concentration in Epidemiology. Josh-Lynne Jenifer ’19 graduated from Buffalo State’s honors program this spring and is currently the assistant JV basketball coach at Sacred Heart. Bridget Schiltz ’19 has received the Statler Foundation Scholarship of Excellence from the Department of Hospitality Management at Mercyhurst University. She is president of the Hospitality Management Club and Mercyhurst Frisbee Club. She has completed internships at White Lodging and is looking forward to making her own mark on the industry after graduation. Madeline Shaw ‘19 graduated from Alfred University in May with a degree in Biomaterials Engineering. She conducted and presented research at her university’s Undergraduate Research Forum. This research involved the Surface Modification of Gallium-Doped Bioglass utilizing Triethoxy(propyl)silane for Enhancing Dispersibility and Hydrophobicity for Biomedical applications. This surface modification technique is groundbreaking in the field of bone tissue engineering. 20s Irene Killian ’20 graduated from U.S. Army Airborne School in September of 2022.
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