SHA-Cordecho-Winter-21-22

S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . C O R D E C H O 3 1 JANE GIES RASMUSSEN ’70 Distinguished Alumna Jane Gies Rasmussen ’70 is a lifelong learner. She has used that skill to build communities and enhance the lives of those around her – all while establishing herself as a pioneer in the tech industry. As a Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart student, Jane had a passion for math which led her to teaching. When school closings and layoffs cut that path short, she used her love of learning to segue into market research and ultimately computer programming. She always remained open to new opportunities and seized chances to continue to grow her skills. Jane used her skills and talents to improve difficult situations many times in her professional life. She applied the same work ethic to supporting her aging father by advocating for his care. Her work on his behalf had a halo effect, benefitting all those in his residential care community. It’s no surprise that while her life has taken her far fromWestern New York, Jane has played a pivotal role in keeping her SHA classmates connected over the years. She loves to solve problems – and she does so by building strong relationships. Jane traces some of her natural capacity for community building to her time as a student. She felt empowered and challenged by the opportunities available. Activities such as class plays enabled students to work together to creatively utilize everyone’s talents – whether or not they were close friends. She has carried this skill throughout her career and volunteer activities. Recently retired, Jane continues to ponder, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” No doubt, those around her will benefit as she finds that answer. MARY ANN KUCHARSKI LONG ’73 Distinguished Alumna Mary Ann Kucharski Long ‘73 has spent her career caring for others. Patient care is her passion, but the support, attention and mentorship she lends to her colleagues is just as notable. Her career at Roswell Park Cancer Center (RPCC) has spanned three decades with many years spent in administrative roles. Mary Ann reflects on her profession in this way, “Oncology nursing provides the opportunity and privilege to interact with patients and their families at a difficult time in their lives. We are caregivers, cheerleaders, confidants and, in many cases, close friends.” Beyond building relationships with patients and their families, Mary Ann’s understated leadership style has elevated patient care across the hospital. Her focus has always been on global improvement and helping all members of the staff better serve their patients. Mary Ann has accomplished this in part through mentorship of the nursing staff. She continually guides and advises the staff, working with them on career development and most importantly encouraging them. Nurses at all levels of RPCC attribute their professional success to Mary Ann’s guidance and reassurance. Mary Ann’s care for those around her, including both patients and colleagues, has led her to the role of Senior Vice President of Nursing at RPCC. She took on this role at the brink of a global pandemic, when medical staff were physically and emotionally stretched. While this would be daunting to most, Mary Ann remained grounded in her commitment to serve, encourage and be present for those around her. This fortitude provided just the stabilizing effect necessary as the healthcare industry navigated unchartered waters. J. EDWARD “NED” CUDDY, PHD † & JEAN ARNS CUDDY Franciscan CharismHonorees Ned and Jean Cuddy have exemplified the values of St. Francis through their work in education, social justice and, most importantly, their intense dedication to family. Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart confers the Franciscan Charism Award on members of our extended SHA family who have given unselfishly of their time and talents to further the mission of Sacred Heart. Upon accepting a teaching position at Rosary Hill (now Daemen College), Ned Cuddy quickly became one of the most dynamic and well-liked members of the faculty. Many Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity spent time in his classroom, and credit his insightful teaching methods with building their own awareness for social justice issues. As a student at Daemen, Jean Arns Cuddy was empowered to be a leader. Jean went on to earn a master’s degree in business education from Buffalo State. From 1977 through 1986, Jean taught at Sacred Heart Academy as Business Department Chairperson. After moving on from SHA, she earned her license with the NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers) and continues to work in the financial industry. Ned and Jean shared a deep bond that lasted more than 60 years until Ned passed away in August of 2021. Together, they raised six daughters, Mimi Cuddy-Mierzwa ’81, Karen Cuddy-Miller ’82, Maureen Cuddy Kieffer ’83, Jennifer Cuddy Lantzas ‘86, Michele Cuddy Fisher ’89, and Molly Cuddy Reader ’91. Jean and Ned have left a lasting impression on Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart and the Western New York community. However, no legacy is greater than their loving family. †Dr. Cuddy is being recognized posthumously. Celebrating the Best of SHA On December 2, 2021 Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart joyfully recognized the achievements of Distinguished Alumnae Jane Gies Rasmussen ‘70 and Mary Ann Kucharski Long ‘73 along with Franciscan Charism honorees J. Edward “Ned” Cuddy, PhD† & Jean Arns Cuddy. Honorees and invited guests celebrated together with the Sisters of St. Francis at Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse. The pre-recorded program featuring interviews between SHA seniors and the award winners was shared virtually to even more “guests.”