BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report 2024-2025
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 Robert C. Beiswanger, Jr., Treasurer Diane Bernbeck, OSF ’64 James Biddle, Jr. Lauren Byrd Gerbino ’03 Janice M. Cheney ’80 William Christ Jennifer M. Demert, Head of School Carrie Fahey, ChFC, CFP, Secretary David Faturos Jo-Anne Grabowski, OSF ’67, Provincial Minister Khristian Powell King ’03 Linda Lewandsowski, OSF ’70 Christine Licata ’63, President Joan Horrigan Maira ’77 Terri Miklitsch, OSF Gail Y. Mitchell, Esq. Dorothy Mueller, OSF ’60 Melissa Weiksnar, Vice President 2024-2025 Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this report, spanning the time period from July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025. If you suspect an error or omission, please contact the Advancement Office at (716) 834-2101, x352. Board of Directors Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is honored to have the leadership and stewardship of our Board of Directors, who devote their time, talents, and treasures in the spirit of St. Francis to further our mission.
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 As you open our Annual Impact Report, I want to begin with a simple but heartfelt message of gratitude. Your generosity makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of our students and in the vitality of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. As a Franciscan school, we have always been rooted in transformative education, learning in relationship, serving with humility, and caring for the whole person. Today, your support ensures that this time-tested tradition remains accessible to girls who are eager to attend an all-girls school where they will learn, lead, and find their voice. Philanthropy plays a critical role in attracting talented students and making a SHA education accessible for families who seek to support their daughter’s education in spirit, mind, and body. Within these pages, you will find stories of impact, including students whose lives have been shaped by opportunity, programs strengthened through generosity, and a community sustained by those who believe deeply in our mission. I invite you to take time with these stories, and with the stories of the generosity of this community that make these impacts possible. Whether your support comes through the Annual Loyalty Fund, an endowed scholarship, a major gift, a commitment to our Legacy Society, or participation in one of our events, please know how deeply grateful we are. Every gift matters. When each of us does what we can, together we ensure SHA’s continued strength and vitality. For nearly 150 years, Sacred Heart has formed young women ready to make a positive impact on their world. With your partnership, we can continue to support this sisterhood and help sustain a girl for life— today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. With deep gratitude, Jennifer M. Demert, Head of School 1
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 Year in Review 2024-25 BY THE NUMBERS SPIRIT MIND BODY 4 MONSIGNOR MARTIN TITLES for SHA Athletics: Cross Country, Swimming, Bowling, and Track and Field 83 GIRLS PERFORMED ON THE SHA STAGE as part of the musical, drama, talent show, or music department showcase 24 SHARKS selected for All-Catholic teams 3 SHA MUSICIANS recognized with soloist awards at the Darien Lake Music Festival 4TH CONSECUTIVE All Catholic Bowling Championship win for the Sharks 6 SCHOOL SWIM records broken 10 STUDENTS named All Western New York Scholar Athletes and 37 honorable mentions 236 girls participated in at least one sport 14 STUDENTS participated in SHA’s M&T Bank Women in Leadership in Business Academy 5 STUDENTS selected to participate in the UB WISE program 3 Curated student art shows 96 MEMBERS of the Class of 2025 received 587 scholarships totalling $34,528,584 22 GRADUATES received an IB DIPLOMA in addition to their SHA diploma 7 STUDENTS recognized for excellence on the National Latin Exam 2 STUDENTS elected as New York State HOSA officers 2 GRADUATES going on to Ivy League institutions 14 SHAke UP sessions 15,794 HOURS OF SERVICE given to the Western New York community by SHA students 4 CLASS RETREATS and 60 STUDENTS trained as retreat team leaders 42 BICYCLES repaired for Wheels for Workers as part of Day of SHAring 14 MASSES celebrated at 3860 Main Street 2 REFUGEE FAMILIES settled by the Class of 2026 35TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY hosted for the Down Syndrome Parent Network of WNY 10 STUDENT-LED prayer services
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 Giving Circles With the support of many alumnae, family, friends, and benefactors, Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart graduates young women with intellectual preparedness, spiritual grounding, and the leadership skills required to have a positive impact on the world. We are truly thankful for the dedication and contributions of all of our donors listed here for gifts made between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart Mission Statement Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is a community committed to providing young women with a comprehensive, balanced, and challenging Catholic education rooted in the core values of the Franciscan tradition. We graduate young women with intellectual preparedness, spiritual grounding, commitment to service, and the leadership skills necessary to have a positive impact on the world. The generous support of alumnae, parents, family, friends, and benefactors makes that mission a reality. It is with deep gratitude that we recognize all those who have supported Sacred Heart between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Founder’s Circle $5,000+ Anonymous Marybeth McCarthy Basil ‘85 Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart Parent Guild Judith Grzywa Clontz ‘77 Leah Cunningham, MD ‘87 Carrie Fahey, ChFC, CFP Eileen Vanderburgh Franz ‘57 Fr. Leonard Gioeli Elizabeth Barczak Horrigan ‘64 Christine Carroll Licata ‘63 Favio and Maureen (Piazza ‘83) Lopez Georgia Burke Lu ‘65 Kathleen McCarthy ‘56 Revelas Family Foundation Marilyn Schmitt ‘51† Susan Schmitt ‘64 Ruth H. Smith, CDR USN NC Retired Patricia Tracy Kate Wolf Vasilius ‘77 Melissa Weiksnar Head of School Circle $2,500 - $4,999 Robert C. Beiswanger, Jr. Janice M. Cheney ‘80 William and Patricia Christ Kathleen Delaney ‘69 Jennifer M. Demert, Esq. Valerie Frank Haarmeyer ‘76 Shirey Keppel ‘53 Marnie LaVigne, PhD ‘80 Joan Horrigan Maira ‘77 Sheila Brennan McGann ‘62 Sandra Piech ‘64 Taylor-Byrd Family The Vincent and Harriet Palisano Foundation Director’s Circle $1,000 - $2,499 Josephine Lombardo Arnold ‘60 Lenore Belzer ‘51 James Biddle, Jr. Rita Pierpaoli Blanford ‘60 Julie Bondanza, PhD ‘60 John Canty, Jr., MD and Ann Canty Carmela Anastasia Colucci ‘51 Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo John and Patricia Connolly Eileen Tubridy Drinkwater ‘67 Karen M. Eckert ‘68 Bonnie Taglialegami Floyd ‘72 Margaret A. Frainier, MD ‘55 Paul Frank Ann Hackford Galbo ‘63 Anthony Galley Elizabeth Guancial, MD ‘97 Patricia Ahern Hain ‘51 Heide Herrmann ‘91 John J. and Maureen O. Hurley Sandra Ciambella Jaros ‘59 Margaret Buchanan Johnson ‘73 Paul and Carol Kostyniak Marianne Kozlowski Margaret Rackl Loesch ‘64 Christopher and Anne McCaffrey Alicia Cummings McGlinchey ‘83 Patricia McKernan ‘72 †Denotes donor who has returned to God. Eileen Lonergan Miner ‘60 Joseph Modica, DDS and Mary Claire Modica Patricia Oates ‘57 John and Maureen O’Brien Joseph and Pamela Priest Jane Gies Rasmussen ‘70 Sean and Mary Clare Kukoda Reilley ‘94 Mary E. Jay Reistetter ‘77 Barbara Geary Reynolds ‘56 Barbara Staebell Rooney ‘74 Michael Sheedy Patricia L. Smith ‘75 Patricia Marino Smyton ‘61 † Laurie Hess Sperry ‘82 Patricia Petrina Spinelli ‘65 Isaac and Chris Thomas Nicholas Tzetzo Sarah Van Domelen ‘03 Walter Family Ann Smits Wegrzyn ‘76 Maroon & White Club $500 - $999 Madonna Walter Brennan ‘74 Kristen Arling Burwick ‘01 Michele Calandra Kathleen Hughes Carley ‘51 Nadine Feneck Case, PhD ‘70 Donna Baszak Cianci ‘80 Amy Csizmar Dalal ‘90 Susan Reiser Daniels ‘92 Deborah Botorick Diebold ‘65 Lala Marie DiPaolo-Placey ‘61 Teresa Herrman Donner ‘68 Sharon Tenney Downey ‘73 William and Nancy Erdman Laura Evans, EdD ‘65 Mary Clare Fahey ‘81 Virginia Kostur Foschio ‘59 Carrie and David Frank Patricia Hannigan ‘85 Rebecca Haslinger-Desiderio ‘96 3
Jennifer Smith Hogan ‘77 Mary Keefe-Hinners ‘64 Thomas and Jane Igiel Michael D. Keem, DVM Susan Ciresi Kenline ‘72 Mary Jo Hezel Ketchum ‘59 John Kinner Karen Kukoda ‘86 Ladies of Charity Association Deborah Laux ‘81 Teresita Schwartz Lebeau ‘67 Caroline Dotterweich Leighton ‘59 Peter F. Liberti, Sr. Courtney Timms Maloney ‘96 Sharon Doyle Pasterick ‘60 Mary Beth Phelan ‘80 Christine Procknal ‘67 Maureen Tubridy Ramaccia ‘68 Kathleen Reilly ‘83 Terrence and Deborah Romance Maura Tomm ‘16 Madonna Kissel Starr ‘65 Scott and Erika Stewart Eileen Turner Warner ‘80 Patricia Wopperer-Olin ‘77 Christine Zinter-Chahin ‘75 Academy Club $250 - $499 Anne Augustine ‘04 Rosemary Uhteg Bateman ‘53 Sarah Belliotti ‘05 Sheila Sarner Boehm ‘72 Gail Wind Boersma ‘60 Horace and Mary Lou Burger Club Italiano 74 Dell Immacolata Inc. Club Maria SS Del Soccorso Karen Kiener Conway ‘86 Kristin Grimaldi Coppola ‘99 Kathleen Wolf Cox ‘61 Scott and Tara Czamara Patricia Tubridy Dasher ‘65 Robert and Laura Davis LTC Robert and Dr. Mary Dickerson Lenore Peters Dimon ‘59 Ross Eckert Christine Fanning ‘03 4 Friend of SHA ~ Anonymous (3) Bernadette Corcoran Gaffney ‘65 Robert Garbacz Matthew and Michelle Georger Laura Casimino Grable ‘89 Karen Erdman Halsdorfer ‘89 Richard and Janice Herrmann Judith Wolf Hessel ‘61 Kenneth and Doris Hoffmann Jean Gallagher Huebsch ‘77 Karen Jones-Thomas ‘80 Robert Kalb, MD Peter and Amy Kates Mary Ann Stievater Kelleher ‘47 Leslie King ‘72 Cheryl Knox-Whitehead ‘66 Elizabeth Kolber ‘65 Ann Kreuz Kuczkowski ‘56 Rosalinda Vigorito Lamberty ‘69 J. Michael and Elizabeth Lennon Anne Marie Reynolds Lyndaker, MD ‘90 Jim and Judy Manzella Margaret Beltrami Moberg ‘00 Grace ModicaAmore Amy Niederpruem Moody ‘97 Thomas Murphy and Jennifer Judge Murphy Jennifer Korzen O’Toole ‘95 Margaret Macey Papaj ‘70 Jeanette Piscitello ‘72 Anthony and Susan Pivarunas Julie Beckinghausen Ponkow ‘65 Therese Cunningham Reinagel ‘61 Demi Riegel ‘21 John and Dorothy Rinaldo Christine Savage ‘64 Mary Summers Scamacca ‘80 Patricia Heupel Sims ‘80 Paul and Debora Sippel Heather Thompson ‘95 Susan Barczak Uba ‘61 Melanie Marczak Whitney ‘96 Carol Kolb Wiktorski ‘64 Daniel and Shannon Yeager Michael and Shirley Zahm Michael Zobel Carrie Fahey joined SHA’s Board of Directors because she believes deeply in the power of all-girls, Catholic education. A proud graduate of Holy Angels, she is honored to support an institution whose mission and values reflect her own. During the Strategic Planning process, when the Student Life Committee identified the need for a dedicated space to support student mental wellness, Carrie realized she had both the capacity – and the desire – to make a meaningful difference. Taking time to understand the vision and the needs behind it, Carrie chose to make a significant investment in Sacred Heart. Her leadership and enthusiasm created the momentum to transform an underutilized area into what is now the Student Wellness Center – home to Campus Ministry and the school Social Worker. Located directly across from the Counseling Center, the space offers students convenient access to a full network of support. At the dedication ceremony, Carrie’s niece, Elissa, an educator, captured the spirit of the moment in her reflection: “Today, we gather not only to open a door, but to open a space – a space that embodies peace, prayer, clarity, and care in the often hectic rhythm of life. A space that now belongs to the young women of Sacred Heart, and that will, I hope, be a sanctuary for many years to come.” Gifts like Carrie’s enrich the daily experience of our students, strengthen the bonds of community, and support the sense of safety and belonging for which SHA is known. Her generosity will continue to uplift generations of young women who enter the Student Wellness Center, seeking guidance, support, and peace. A Space for Peace: One Leader’s Vision for Student Well-Being BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 Head of School Jennifer Demert and Board Member Carrie Fahey were joined by the Fahey family, board members, alumnae, parents, and friends of SHA for the Student Wellness Center ribbon cutting ceremony. “Today, we gather not only to open a door, but to open a space – a space that embodies peace, prayer, clarity and care.”
Legacy Society Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart’s Legacy Society recognizes those who have named Sacred Heart as a future recipient of a gift through their will. Sacred Heart is deeply appreciative of the thoughtful generosity and consideration given to these gifts. Anonymous (3) Elizabeth K. Albov ’59 Josephine L. Arnold ’60 James Biddle, Jr. Louise Cantwell ’66 Judith Grzywa Clontz ’77 Tammie Lee Demler-Dodson ’87 Catherine Veronica DiVizio Joyce E. Fink ’48 David and Carrie Frank Ann Marie Galbo ’63 Patricia Ann Gallagher ’71 Kathleen Byron Heffern ’60 Mary Jo Ketchum ’59 Mary Anne Licker ’60 † Joan Mann ’46 † Kathleen A. McCarthy ’56 Sheila M. McCarthy ’51 Mary Beth O’Brien ’57 Barbara E. Ochterski, Ph.D. ’61 Marilyn Panzica ’53 Diane Peters-Korzen ’59 Jane (Gies) ’70 and James Rasmussen Mrs. Marita Ronald ’62 Barbara Staebell Rooney ’74 Peggy Ann Slowinski ’70 Ruth H. Smith Susan M. Spadinger ’66 Gail Wilczynski Tutt ’79 BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 Nancy Zahm ’88 and Joe Hejaily first met as high school students, where they came to appreciate the sacrifices their parents made to provide them with educations at Sacred Heart and St. Joe’s. When they married and began raising a family of their own, they knew a faith-based high school experience would be a priority for their children. As their beautiful family of four children (three girls and a boy) approached high school age, Nancy and Joe delighted in the prospect of continuing a cherished Sacred Heart tradition—one that included Nancy, her sister Karen Zahm Wilkie ’93, and Joe’s sisters, Jennifer Hejaily ’90 and Sarah Hejaily Beachy ’97. Claire ‘20, Evelyn ‘23, and Monica ‘25 each brought their unique talents and passions to SHA, deepening their family’s legacy. Nancy and Joe have witnessed SHA’s mantra of “Spirit. Mind. Body.” take root in their children’s lives. Nancy reflects, “Sacred Heart has prepared our daughters for college and careers, taught them about healthy living and competition on the field, track, and in the gym, and instilled strong Franciscan values. This not only makes their lives better but also shows them the impact they can have in our community. They’ve learned how to support others who haven’t had the same blessings in life. SHA teaches sisterhood, sacrifice, discipline, passion, and faith—building young women who live these values each day. Our daughters are dependable members of the community who can be counted on.” As their children grew, Nancy and Joe reviewed their retirement and estate plans and decided to establish a bequest to Sacred Heart. Their gift ensures that SHA will continue shaping the lives of young women for generations to come—a commitment inspired by their deep faith in Sacred Heart’s mission and their firsthand experience in the transformative impact SHA has on girls. Nancy and Joe Hejaily with their four children, Evelyn ’23, Nicholas, Monica ’25 and Claire ’19, feel confident that their commitment to a gift in their estate plan will help build a strong future for Sacred Heart. A Family’s Commitment to Sacred Heart’s Future “SHA teaches sisterhood, sacrifice, discipline, passion, and faith – building young women who live these values each day.”
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 SHA Loyalty Club Sacred Heart’s most loyal donors are recognized as part of the SHA Loyalty Club. The consistent generosity of these donors for 20 years or more forms the foundation of the Annual Loyalty Fund. Their devotion to Sacred Heart makes it possible for today’s students to flourish. Anonymous Sr. Karen Allen ’45 † William and Josephine Barnas Rosemary Uhteg Bateman ’53 Lenore Belzer ’51 Suzanne Jolls Bilson ’75 Rita Pierpaoli Blanford ’60 Clare Buchheit-Edson ’71 Lorraine Matuszewski Budowski ’46 Kathleen Hughes Carley ’51 Sandra Ernst Cohen ’88 Kathleen Malone Devine ’53 Eileen Tubridy Drinkwater ’67 Christine Klumpp Fix ’65 Patricia Maes Gemerek ’53 Josephine Caruso Haberl ’59 Deborah A. Hard ’70 Kathleen Byron Heffern ’60 Virginia Nettina Heller ’71 Heide Herrmann ’91 Kathleen Maier Heupel ’52 Jennifer Smith Hogan ’77 Elizabeth Barczak Horrigan ’64 Mary Eder Hurley ’74 Carole Burkot Ignaszak ’66 Geraldine Vollmer Janis ’71 Maryann Schwab Justinger, EdD ’69 Mary Keefe-Hinners ’64 Mary Ann Stievater Kelleher ’47 Margaret Galley Kendron ’65 Frances Lombardo Kraus ’62 An anonymous alumna recently established the Hope Scholarship, inspired by a desire to reflect God’s love through meaningful generosity. “God loves us, and we can demonstrate that to others through our own gifts,” she shared. “I want a student to know that someone cares about her future, even though they haven’t met her. That is a way I can demonstrate God’s love.” Her motivation is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: Hope can change a life. “The world can feel hopeless,” she reflected. “I want to give a family hope by making it possible for their daughter to access the transformational, faithbased, all-girls education at Sacred Heart. She will have to do the work when she gets there, but I can help take away the worry of cost.” The Hope Scholarship will provide four years of full tuition for one member of the Class of 2030. Gifts of this magnitude ensure that Sacred Heart continues to deliver the life-changing experience envisioned by the Sisters of St. Francis – one that nurtures young women academically, spiritually, and personally. 6 Carol Zimmerman LaPlante ’70 Carol Siefert Laschinger ’56 Kenneth and Sandra Levan Maureen Piazza Lopez ’83 Lois Bork Maines ’58 Kathleen Seitz Mazurek ’68 Marie Gordon McCarthy ’57 Sharon Jarvis Menchini ’60 Mary Kay Lang Moore ’61 Patricia Drzewiecki Nesensohn ’60 Jennifer Pelosi Noah ’93 Barbara Eckert Ochterski ’61 Mary Ann Kennedy O’Connell ’53 Mary Anne Kreher Peer ’78 Colleen Webb Prorok ’65 Therese Cunningham Reinagel ’61 Barbara Staebell Rooney ’74 Elaine Szczepankiewicz Sattelberg ’72 Mickey McGarry Slind ’56 Patricia Smith ’75 Cherrie Majkowski Solomon ’73 Florence Hejza Stack ’47 Barbara Eye Stanley ’72 Carol Schneggenburger Starr ’78 Annette Donaruma Suffoletto ’55 Elaine Reeder Telaak ’58 Suzanne Horvatis Tozer ’68 Susan Barczak Uba ’61 Margaret Mandell Walter ’45 Carol Kolb Wiktorski ’64 Lighting the Way: One Donor’s Vision for a Young Woman’s Future “I want to give a family hope by making it possible for their daughter to access the transformational, faith-based, all-girls education at Sacred Heart. She will have to do the work when she gets there, but I can help take away the worry of cost.” Ava Verrastro ’21 wasn’t necessarily destined to become a SHA girl. She attended public elementary and middle schools and felt comfortable with her friends and district. High school didn’t seem like something she needed to change. But as the time to choose a high school approached, Ava’s mom, Andrea Palisano Gunnells ’92, began sharing stories of her own experience at Sacred Heart. Beyond the fun memories and friendships, Ava heard how the school shaped her mother as a person, and she became intrigued by this very different option. A shadow day and an entrance exam were all it took to open the door. Those simple first steps led to four years that would help define who Ava became. She embraced the SHA experience fully. During Spirit Week, she wore every yellow accessory she could find, surrounded by classmates who would become lifelong friends. An all-girls environment and school uniform were new to her, but quickly became two of her favorite parts of high school. Ava had always been outgoing, but at SHA she developed the communication skills and confidence not only to speak, but to ensure she was heard. The SHA sisterhood became part of her identity. She immersed herself in everything SHA offers: field hockey, lacrosse, Model UN, the Internship Program, YOUR IMPACT Where Donor Generosity Meets Student Potential: Ava’s SHA Experience
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 1945 Harriet Schepperly Baschmann † Annette Stievater Kolkmeyer 1946 Lorraine Matuszewski Budowski 1947 Mary Ann Stievater Kelleher Frances Schubert Poorman Florence Hejza Stack 1948 Emma Cardenuto Bernier Lorraine Kaznowski Dunkel Beatrice Closs Leveille Rita Gradwohl Sweeney † 1949 Mary Kay Stahl, OSF 1950 Mary Lavoie Bonato Yolande Michalski Gratton 1951 Lenore Belzer Kathleen Hughes Carley Carmela Anastasia Colucci Patricia Ahern Hain Leona Povinelli Prinzbach Marilyn Schmitt † 1952 Patricia Ryan Bean Joan Attea Deinhart Kathleen Maier Heupel Patricia Corcoran Schmidt 1953 Rosemary Uhteg Bateman Patricia Maes Gemerek Shirley Keppel Marilyn Honer McDonough Mary Ann Kennedy O’Connell Marilyn Turner Panzica Mary Sharrow 1954 Annrose Schubert Freeman Geraldine DeCarlo Samol 1955 Margaret Frainier Marie Louise Pohlman, OSF Rosemary Geraci Portera Helen Kardysauskas Sanders 1956 Beverly Foit-Albert Mary Wright Heary Eleanor Honeck Hurst Ann Kreuz Kuczkowski Mary Grace Downing Martin Kathleen McCarthy Barbara Pfohl, OSF Barbara Geary Reynolds Mickey McGarry Slind Joanne Johns Sutch Barbara Bosack Wagner † 1957 Patricia Kaul Cryer Helen Miskell Ernst Eileen Vanderburgh Franz Marie Gordon McCarthy Melanie Pawlik Santoro Geraldine Regan Swanson Jean Plunkett Taylor 1958 Christine Matre Kole Jacqueline Federiconi Paolini Janice Wutz Rachfal Emilie Walter Ring Joan Groff Seifert Maureen McNally Weber Maureen Janiak Yeostros 1959 Elizabeth Krylow Albov Lenore Peters Dimon Virginia Kostur Foschio Alumnae Giving The loyal support of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart alumnae is instrumental in ensuring that our students continue to receive the exceptional Franciscan education that has shaped generations of graduates. We are profoundly grateful for their generosity. and the National Honor Society. She felt supported by her teachers—emotionally, academically, and spiritually. And she also felt supported by the broader SHA community. “I was literally supported to simply be at SHA by the donors who allowed for my scholarship,” Ava shared. “At first, I didn’t understand why someone would give money to a high school so that a child they didn’t know could attend. After four years, I understood.” Ava went on to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied marketing, joined a sorority, held leadership roles, interned extensively, and built relationships that helped her grow personally and professionally. Today, she is a Brand Management Associate for the Buffalo Bills. In her words: “The things I learned at Sacred Heart Academy, both outside and in the classroom, gave me the confidence to love the life I lead.” Ava is a shining example of what becomes possible when donors invest in the next generation of Sacred Heart women. “Why would someone give money to a high school just so another child whom they don’t even know can attend? After four years, I understood.” Ava Verrastro ’21 on the Buffalo Bills sidelines. 7
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 8 Sandra Ciambella Jaros Mary Jo Hezel Ketchum Caroline Dotterweich Leighton Barbara Krajewski Lipome Suzanne Bishop Parks Mara Walton, OSF 1960 Josephine Lombardo Arnold Rita Pierpaoli Blanford Gail Wind Boersma Julie Bondanza Dorothea Nicosia Cosgrove Kathryn Knowles Faturos Rosemarie Gilbert Godard Kathleen Byron Heffern Janet Nitsche Lebron Diana Manus Sharon Jarvis Menchini Eileen Lonergan Miner Dorothy Mueller, OSF Patricia Drzewiecki Nesensohn Sharon Doyle Pasterick Patricia Hanmann Schlaerth Kathleen Snyder Slon Kathleen Metz Whistler 1961 Lala Marie DiPaolo-Placey Joyce Wagner Drzewiecki Judith Wolf Hessel Marilyn McNally Jubulis Kathleen Malach Mackenna Nancy Pohlman Mellenger Joan Buiani Resetarits Patricia Petry Ross Patricia Marino Smyton † Susan Barczak Uba 1962 Kathleen Cassiol Alfano Marsha Ponczkowski Berst Maureen McKernan Gallivan Teresa Riley Johnson Frances Lombardo Kraus Sheila Brennan McGann Suzanne Bernick Ozolins Marianne San Filippo 1963 Ann Hackford Galbo Donna Buffamanti Henning Susan Rutecki Hoehler Christine Carroll Licata Patricia McMahon, OSF 1964 Diane Bernbeck, OSF Dianne Rizzo Bloom Carolyn Kucharski Dowling Marie Blersch Hedges Elizabeth Barczak Horrigan Mary Zaepfel Huber Mary Keefe-Hinners Patricia Lesniak Krzesinski Margaret Rackl Loesch Beth Lawrence Lucia Elizabeth Byron McGowan Susan Speciale Mendel-Hausman Sharon Kwiatkowski Parkes Sandra Piech Sharon Block Roller Ruth Brummer Rossello Christine Savage Barbara McKay Sugnet Carol Kolb Wiktorski 1965 Kathryn Cuccia Alessi Therese Ambrusko Leslie Menz Ball Margaret Braun Georgia Burke-Lu Sharon Kayne Chaplock Pamela Renzoni Cummins Madeline McGrath Curran Patricia Tubridy Dasher Deborah Botorick Diebold Elaine Kotlowski Eckert Maureen Maloney Ellis Laura Evans Kathleen Finaldi Federick Christine Klumpp Fix Bernadette Corcoran Gaffney Diane Gianadda, OSF Kathleen Paige Goodwin Diane Maggioli Grossman Margaret Galley Kendron Elizabeth Kolber Mary Hornung Lyons Elaine Drabik Mahoney Barbara Stahrr Neeland Linda Decot Paolini Julie Beckinghausen Ponkow Colleen Webb Prorok Adrienne Mazikowski Saraceno Di Ann Reichlin Smith Patricia Petrina Spinelli Madonna Kissel Starr Carolyn Spath Swanson Margaret Aldrich Watkins Mary Boland Wescott 1966 Marlene Donaruma Farber Bonnie Borchard Halloran Carole Burkot Ignaszak Barbara Lata Janusz Cheryl Knox-Whitehead Toni Roth Sullivan 1967 Rose Marie Seitz Castner Eileen Tubridy Drinkwater Jo-Anne Grabowski, OSF Nancy Zaepfel Keller Teresita Schwartz LeBeau Christine Procknal 1968 Maureen Aldrich Abbett Kathryn Carroll Teresa Herrman Donner Karen Eckert Diane Boergers Justinger Kathleen Seitz Mazurek Candise Kaye Mye Karen Lee Nawrot Maureen Tubridy Ramaccia Mary Richert Suzanne Horvatis Tozer 1969 Kathleen Delaney Suzanne Group Engel Barbara Fatta-Mason Barbara Doller Huber Wendy Belter Izzo Maryann Schwab Justinger Benedetta Kissel Rosalinda Vigorito Lamberty Deborah Mancuso-Shay Marcia Spitler 1970 Nadine Feneck Case Christine Endres Cox Victoria Stockdale Defoe Marilyn Vollmer Deplato Deborah Hard Barbara Bernbeck Heine Ruth Huber Susan Krzos Carol Zimmerman LaPlante Linda Lewandowski, OSF Janet Bosack Nadolny Margaret Macey Papaj Mary Closs Radens Jane Gies Rasmussen Peggy Ann Slowinski Donna Gumulak Stempniak Madeleine Tardif 1971 Clare Buchheit-Edson Catherine Beltrami Chowaniec Patricia DeLaney Coppola Virginia Nettina Heller Geraldine Vollmer Janis Sandra Eye Sendlak Camille Turner Anita Vigorito 1972 Sheila Samer Boehm Barbara Stetter DiAngelo Bonnie Taglialegami Floyd Colleen Turner Jozwiak Susan Ciresi Kenline Edie Engler Kibler Leslie King Karen Krieger-Tober Gail Cook Lawson Judith Vollmer Lopez Wende Kowal McKenna Patricia McKernan Jeanette Piscitello Michelle Linneman Rougeux Elaine Szczepankiewicz Sattelberg Margaret Pacciotti Smith Patricia Smith Barbara Eye Stanley Roberta Konkel Thompson 1973 Mary Anastasia Kathryn Pacciotti Delaney Sharon Tenney Downey Margaret Buchanan Johnson Patricia-Anne Calvaneso Lacomb
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 10 1979 Marybeth Flanagan Doherty Patricia Geesey Jean Schneggenburger Maslona 1980 Elizabeth Grimaldi Aichinger Linda Leisner Birkinbine Janice Cheney Donna Baszak Cianci Cheryl Baty Divita Patricia Haberman Christine Haidon Karen Jones-Thomas Mary McCabe Klute Marnie LaVigne Mary Herbach Lawhon Elizabeth Crangle Leberer Paula Grasso Licata Ann Fanara Michotek Paula LaNasa Monaco Ann Morris Mary Beth Karalus Mulder Amy Windringer Murphy Mary Beth Phelan Lynnette Battista Poitras Janet Scharlock Salamone Nancy Anders Salen Mary Summers Scamacca Patricia Heupel Sims Sheila Phillips Sokach Eileen Turner Warner 1981 Mary Clare Fahey Deborah Laux Roberta Rizzo Nueschel Lynn Forster Patterson Suzanne Russo Sandra Suffoletto Ryan 1982 Paula Bilski Rosanne Dziekan Losardo Laurie Hess Sperry Jeanne Vezina Vinal 1983 Nancy Przybyl Brown Christine Campagna Dehond Kristin Fries Laura Bradley Galvin Barbara Gemerek Maureen Piazza Lopez Alicia Cummings McGlinchey Kathleen Reilly Kathleen Laurich Sullivan 1984 Kimberly Kader Korzelius 1985 Valerie Casimino Anderson Marybeth McCarthy Basil Kristen Killeen Bray Catherine Harrington Donnelly Patricia Hannigan Gina Guzman McGraw Andrea Barbarossa Pohle Claire Radice-McNamara Kathleen Galley Ransbury Brenda Schutz Pamela Knapp Simmons 1986 Dawn Spiess Cannon Karen Kiener Conway Camille McNamara Harrington Karen Kukoda Karen Mlodozeniec Claire Stahl Wright Deborah Ledwin Napierala Patricia Braun Rackl Cherrie Majkowski Solomon Linda Lalli Stark Marie Ernst Vito M. Susan Kreher Wantuck 1974 Madonna Walter Brennan Kim Casey Callahan Kathleen Albrecht Fasanella Sandra Gasiewicz Alexandra Gibas Barbara Herbach Gravelle Mary Eder Hurley Sharlon Christopher Kinnear Barbara Staebell Rooney Sharon Egloff Wilcott 1975 Mary Ann Bald Lucie Anne Bellittiere Suzanne Jolls Bilson Margaret Brown Brodnicki Nancy Miller Brynteson Maureen Calby Coppola Patricia Gentile Esposito Nancy Horrigan Fredericks Sheila Gervase-Cain Kim Sanfilippo Gipp Elizabeth Beltrami Herdzik Susan Mastrangelo Ippolito Shannon Howell Kanaley Deborah Rinaldo Krystofik Cynthia Drzewiecki Krysztof Alexandra Hluchyj Lovejoy Sandra Nold Mathisen Claudia Leone Murphy Susan Fuest Nissan Denise Clark Ortiz Ann Fremming Pankow Barbara Worley Ratka Cynthia Cieri Reinhart Deborah Faltyn Renczkowski Michele Braun Rizzo Mary Group Smith Patricia Smith Anne Stepien Carol Gelia Tuzzolino Victoria Vigorito Christine Zinter-Chahin 1976 Teresa Buchanan Carol Cicatello-Sibick Ann Marie Kardas Gaik Elizabeth Galbo Valerie Frank Haarmeyer Gail Hunter Patricia Matisz Mary Schneggenburger Voglmayr Ann Smits Wegrzyn 1977 Mary Kenrick Foy Kathleen Romano Gabryel Jennifer Smith Hogan Jean Gallagher Huebsch Joan Horrigan Maira Deirdre Haley O’Connell Patricia Wopperer Olin Mary Jay Reistetter Patti Leveille Snow Kate Wolf Vasilius Lynn Riso Wright 1978 Cheryl Marciszewski Elias Suzanne Liberti Gaskill Mary Anne Kreher Peer Carol Schneggenburger Starr Mary Romano Vaughan Jennifer Walters
11 1987 Leah Cunningham Maureen Forrester Finney Lynn Nycel Gozdziak Michele Laux Nixon Mary Riley-Metcalf Senta Barry Siuda 1988 Sandra Ernst Cohen Nancy Zahm Hejaily Natalie Slawson Hubert 1989 Ursula Szczesny Eddy Laura Casimino Grable Karen Erdman Halsdorfer Maria Cardillo Jackson Denise Juron-Borgese Jennifer Gennuso Piwko 1990 Moira Archer-Soriano Amy Csizmar Dalal Monica Headd Anne Marie Reynolds Lyndaker Laurie Gemerek Shanahan 1991 Teresa Hanny Gerbec Karen Graci Heide Herrmann Mary Walters Kvetkosky Sara Ponkow Falvo Michelle Reynolds Webb Julie Ehrman Whalen 1992 Cara Henning Camardo Susan Reiser Daniels Lori Bell Hurley Kathleen King-Thorius Catherine Baumann Kipp Michelle Ignaszak Lichtenthal Marypatricia Hebeler Lohse Lisa Palladino Chelsey Keem Smith Janet Kuntz Stachura Texlin Usher-Quinney 1993 Kimberlee Myszka Hubbard Jennifer Pelosi Noah Karen Zahm Wilkie 1994 Sara Boyd Falk Theresa Lehner Fox Mary Clare Kukoda Reilley Joanna Tuk Riley Caitlin McKendry Schneid Megan Tracy 1995 Melanie Barnas-Simmons Amanda Horn Ciccarella Maria Michalek Clare Diana Jarosz Joyner Gina LaPlante Jennifer Korzen O’Toole Colleen Pazderski O’Neill Jennifer Sheldon Heather Thompson Katherine Wahl 1996 Sheelah Brennan Nicole Aquino Gothgen Rebecca Haslinger-Desiderio Courtney Timms Maloney Melanie Marczak Whitney 1997 Elizabeth Guancial Amy Niederpruem Moody
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 12 2010 Sara Schoonmaker Mary Kate Taggart Suchyna Wendy Wojcik 2011 Morgan Schaefer Kimmerle Kristen Russo Sultana 2012 Shannon Finucane-Cesar 2015 Sydney Schmidt Chambrone Elizabeth Ferrara Catherine Galbo Emily Hurley Jazzlyn Igiel Alessia Randazzo Marissa Schneggenburger 2016 Alexis Arth Maura Tomm 2017 Lauren Schepperly Baumgartner 2018 Aoife Scannell Sarah Wack 2019 Maeve Finney Britney Upshaw 2020 Catherine Grable 2021 Hanna Murphy Demi Riegel 1998 Kristen Lysiak Drzewiecki Sarah Guancial Kauppinen Kimberly Sheldon O’Brien Lauren Koppmann Streit Karen Valint Terech 1999 Sarah Connolly Kristin Grimaldi Coppola 2000 Jennifer Powalski Alavathil Elizabeth Donner Chelsea Howard Katherine Jablonski Izzo Margaret Beltrami Moberg Kyla Smith 2001 Kristen Arling Burwick Kristen Makey Russo Erin Grimaldi Zablocki 2002 Aimee Bowerman Bell Beverly Schaefer Curtiss Samantha Campanella Farley Kathleen Feroleto Chetta Carly Siters Dombkowski Kathryn Belliotti Hammer Elyse Maloni Christine Karl Potratz Laura Schoenle Catherine Vivacqua 2003 Shannon Groebe Cristie Christine Fanning Rebecca Justinger Sarah Van Domelen 2004 Augusta Arling Jessie Cunningham Lindsay Delmont Gallson Erica Pascale Greene Jennifer Feary Guida 2005 Sarah Belliotti Norelle Merlo Christiani Molly Stamp Holcombe Kathryn Gravelle Kittleson Alisha Olejniczak Janicki Lauren Shields Lysiak Katie Weppner Matthews Rachel Mathews McCarthy Martha Baker Melaro Amanda Moses Meyers Laura Bender Pozzuto Anna Sponaugle Alexandria Sullivan-Alterio Julia Kuczmarski Thomson 2006 Alexandra Leberer Asis 2008 Victoria Gajewski Kucinski Megan Ziemianski O’Brien Jessica Yox 2009 Jodie Antoniadis Jenna Wegrzyn Bizovi Robyn Stanley Dhand Danielle Arthur Hennessey Stephanie McGrath Kearns Kelley Finucane Molina Kathryn Ostrander Zitnik
Heart of SHA Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart is thrilled to recognize those classes that have earned the Heart of SHA designation for the 2024-25 school year. Heart of SHA classes have 10 or more contributors to the Annual Loyalty Fund or an endowed scholarship sponsored in the name of their class. Thank you to the generous women who have earned this designation for their class. Class of 1956, 10 Donors Class of 1960, 19 Donors Class of 1961, 12 Donors Class of 1964, 19 Donors Class of 1965, 34 Donors Class of 1968, 11 Donors Class of 1969, 12 Donors Class of 1970, 18 Donors Class of 1972, 19 Donors Class of 1973, 11 Donors Class of 1974, 10 Donors Class of 1975, 30 Donors Class of 1977, 12 Donors Class of 1979, 12 Donors Class of 1980, 26 Donors Class of 1983, 10 Donors Class of 1985, 11 Donors Class of 1992, 11 Donors Class of 1995, 10 Donors Class of 2002, 10 Donors Class of 2005, 14 Donors As Sacred Heart’s Class of 1979 prepared to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their graduation, they began to view the milestone as the perfect kickoff to an even bigger celebration—their 50th reunion. Inspired by this moment, Sue Fortunato ’79 and Kathleen Tenney Willis ’79 set an ambitious goal unlike anything a SHA class had attempted before: to establish a $100,000 endowed Class of 1979 Memorial Scholarship and present it to SHA during the weekend of their 50th reunion in 2029. Despite the boldness of the vision, or perhaps because of it, they were quickly joined by classmates Cindy Stone Atkison, Carla Ianni Ferrugio, Barb Dombrowski Hauck, Mary Schaefer Smith, and Jackie Wopperer Stoj. Together, they used their 45th reunion as an opportunity to spark enthusiasm and engage their classmates in the effort. It didn’t take long to get others on board. Throughout Alumnae Weekend, they shared the significance of the initiative—helping their classmates recognize that this scholarship is not only a way to honor their shared history, but also a chance to expand the sense of what is possible. The Class of 1979 has always been deeply aware of the sacrifices their parents made to give them a Sacred Heart education. With tuition rising and the level of sacrifice increasing for today’s families, the class chose to create a scholarship that memorializes the parents who made their own SHA experience possible, as well as their classmates who have passed away. After two years of active outreach, Sue and Kathy are proud to announce that the committee has secured financial commitments for nearly 60% of their goal. They are confident they will reach the $100,000 mark by their 50th reunion in 2029—and they cannot wait to begin awarding life-changing scholarships to the next generation of SHA students. The Class of 1979 reunites enthusiastically every five years (and sometimes more frequently!) By establishing a $100,000 endowed scholarship fund, they will ensure that their SHA spirit continues to support students into the future. The Class of 1979 – Committed to Changing the Future
14 Faculty and Staff The Faculty and Staff of Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart give their wisdom, compassion, and energy to our students each day. In addition, they choose to invest in the young women they teach by supporting the Annual Loyalty Fund. Mark Ayers Michele Calandra Sydney Schmidt Chambrone ’15 Maria Michalek Clare ’95 Jane Coughlin Susan Reiser Daniels ’92 Jennifer Demert Robyn Stanley Dhand ’09 Ruth Donner Jennifer Egan Tiffany Fanning Mary Ganey Michelle Georger Kathy Grieco Martha Horohoe Lori Bell Hurley ’92 Lori Kiefer Kathryn Gravelle Kittleson ’05 Brenda Kohl Ashley Lanfear Peter Liberti Mary Marciniak Sr. Connie Marlowe, OSF Bridget McGuinness Kenneth McKinnon Grace ModicaAmore Tamara Mugel Nicole Polino Katelyn Posenjak Barbara Staebell Rooney ’74 Ronald Stepien Mara Walton ’59 Melanie Marczak Whitney ’96 Shannon Yeager In late August 2021, Amadi “Obi” Obiamaka realized that her daughter, Chukwubiankem Alaku (known to friends and family as Favour), would benefit from a high school experience that would truly help her flourish. Her pastor at Ss. Columba-Brigid, Father Jud Weiksnar, OFM, recommended she consider Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart. Obi looked into the possibility of sending Favour to SHA, but cost was a barrier, particularly because at this late point in the admissions process, scholarships and financial aid had already been allocated for the incoming Class of 2025. However, with prayer and persistence, Obi continued the application process. A scholarship became available, and additionally, several SHA alumnae and friends contributed restricted financial aid gifts to help offset the cost of tuition. Obi shares: “Honestly, I lack words to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sacred Heart Academy for all you people did for my daughter, Chukwubiankem Favour Alaku. I cannot forget the financial support during her time at Sacred Heart Academy. Your kindness has not only lifted a significant financial burden on me but also given my daughter a valuable opportunity to pursue her educational dreams without hindrance. Apart from providing a serene environment for learning and exposing her to top-notch learning tools, Sacred Heart Academy has helped to inculcate in her good character and virtue to become a responsible young woman. SHA gave my daughter, Favour, the foundation and perfect training that she needed to excel in her chosen profession. Sacred Heart Academy doesn’t segregate or discriminate, but rather gives all a level playing field to be a better version of themselves, no matter their race or origin. There are so many good things about Sacred Heart that I couldn’t capture them all. Thank you for believing in my daughter’s potential. Thank you for your show of love and care for my daughter. Thank you for life-changing support. Thank you for your commitment towards bringing the girls to Jesus.” Favour’s journey is a powerful example of how donor generosity can open doors, transform lives, and nurture young women to reach their full potential.. “Thank you for believing in my daughter’s potential. Thank you for your show of love and care for my daughter. Thank you for life-changing support.” YOUR IMPACT Favour Alaku ’25 developed her interest in math and science while at Sacred Heart and is now majoring in chemistry at the University at Buffalo. A Mother’s Gratitude, A Daughter’s Future: Thank You
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 Alicia Saviola Hermsen ’95 Memorial Scholarship Gerard and Kelly Fenzel Bernadette Smith Butler ’42 Scholarship Ms. Ruth H. Smith, CDR USN NC Retired Beverly A. Eckert Memorial Scholarship Carol Bauda ’69 Karen M. Eckert ’68 Christine Procknal ’67 Maureen Tubridy Ramaccia ’68 Burger Family Community Service Award Horace and Mary Lou Burger Class of 1973 Scholarship Sharon Tenney Downey ’73 Patricia Braun Rackl ’73 Class of 1977 Scholarship Judith Grzywa Clontz ’77 Class of 1979 Memorial Scholarship Cynthia Stone Atkison ’79 Ginny McWilliams Conway ’79 Marybeth Flanagan Doherty ’79 Linda Nasca Eshaya ’79 Carla Ianni Ferrugio ’79 Susan Fortunato ’79 Patricia Geesey ’79 Barbara Lamparelli Gregory ’79 Francine Jaroszewski Kane ’79 Patricia Carocci Kowalski ’79 Cristina Vigorito Mahoney ’79 Christine Kalinowski Schafer ’79 Mary Schaefer Smith ’79 Jacqueline Wopperer Stoj ’79 Kathleen Tenney Willis ’79 Scholarship Giving Many donors establish scholarships in memory of a loved one, to create a legacy, or to recognize distinguished academic performance and/or service contributions by our students. These scholarships are a tremendous resource for deserving young women to attend SHA. We thank all of those who contributed to the following scholarships this past fiscal year. LaFave, Wein & Frament Law Office of Clayton & Bergevin Lewis & Lewis Attorneys and Counselors Alec MacLeod Melissa Meyer Nicole Mihara Wendy Morcio Maggie Musgrave Christine Karl Potratz ’02 JaHarr Pridgen Andrew Ray Cheryl Robinson Michael Rotella Lisa Salvadore Schnitter Ciccarelli Mills PPLC Laura Schoenle ’02 Robert Shaw Ira Slavit Arnold Soeder Karen Stifter Snow Sharon Townsend Josie Tropea Donna Turoldo Maryan Valaik Laurel Voigt Debbie Waitkus James and Anne White Lisa and Harris Witkin Margery Zeckhauser and Frans de Waal Crony Scholarship Award by Patty Smith ’75 & Tina Zinter-Chahin ’75 Patricia Smith ’75 Christine Zinter-Chahin ’75 Helen J. Weiksnar ’41 Memorial Scholarship Melissa Weiksnar James P. and Dolores Mahoney Scanlon Memorial Scholarship Marian Cadwallader Katherine Juhasz Louise Kreiner Michael and Maureen Lankes David and Nancy Lee Alfred Luhr III Val Macer Fred and Marcia Machemer Tom and Maureen Maguire Marino Family Mary Anne Marino Armand and Janet Mazzaroppi David McNamara Personius Melber LLP Anu Menon & Akash Garg Kathleen Wick Michels ’61 Patricia Obstarczyk Barbara Eckert Ochterski ’61 Thecly Ortolani Dean Phelps Thomas and Nancy Poettinger Phillips Lytle LLP Elinor Posey Diane Redding Richard and Joan Schanley James Smyton Peter and Debbie Smyton Scott and Susan Solar Francine Sullivan Stephen C. Townsend Sally Vastola Fred Wetzel Paul and Shirley Hess Memorial Scholarship Laurie Hess Sperry ’82 Rensa Gianadda Scholarship Denise Gianadda Mills, PhD ’70 Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Megan Tracy ’94 Patricia Tracy Taylor-Byrd Family Scholarship Lauren Byrd ’03 Nevin Byrdowski ’06 Denice Taylor Sumlin Vincent and Harriet Palisano Scholarship The Vincent and Harriet Palisano Foundation Class of 1982 Scholarship Jeanne M. Vinal ’82 Class of 2002 Scholarship (These gifts to the Class of 2002 Scholarship were made in memory of John Feroleto, father of Kate Feroleto Chetta ‘02.) Kathleen Aguglia Joseph Awad Aimee Bowerman Bell ’02 Thomas Brown Casey Chamra Linda Carr Alan S. Carrel Josann Caserta Patrice Castanzza Jill and Allie Chetta Melanie Chiarmonte Kyle Ciminelli Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo Beverly Schaefer Curtiss ’02 Dan Chiacchia Attorneys, PLLC Jennifer M. Demert Carly Siters Dombkowski ’02 Barry Donohue Maggie Dorn John Elmore Charlie and Terry Emma Christine Farrow Rochelle Farruggia Angelo and Cindy Feroleto John† and Paula Feroleto Matthew Fery Kathleen Finnerty Michael and Patricia Griffith Michael Guppenberger Michael and Rose Marie Hangen Ann Hayden Delores Hazelton Randah Hazzan Timothy Hoover Michael Kooshoian Lala Marie DiPaolo-Placey ’61 Joanne Scanlon Prestia ’69 Kathleen Scanlon ’67 Dolores Ann Scanlon ’58 Joanne Rackl Fleischauer Scholarship Margaret Rackl Loesch ’64 Dennis Fleischauer John and Maureen O’Brien Judith Ferraro Marcella ’60 Scholarship Richard Ferraro and Ann Choi Gabriel Marcella Phillip Marcella Kimberly Drzewiecki Vincent ’84 Memorial Scholarship Anonymous Michele Drzewiecki Dreyer ’86 Nancy Wagner Lazarski ’60 Margaret Mandell Walter ’45 Scholarship The Walter Family Patricia Marino Smyton ’61 Scholarship Anonymous (2) Jim and Linda Beardi Erin Borek Buffalo Heritage Carousel Buffalo Sailing Marina, Inc. Michael and Barbara Coleman Kathleen Wolf Cox ’61 Jennifer M. Demert Michele Drzewiecki Dreyer ’86 Michele Ebert Family of Richard and Marilyn Neil Robert and Eileen Fine Michael and Eileen Fitzgibbons Mary Pat Furey Nickole Garrison Bob and Kathy Hallborg C. Mark Hanna Maureen Harris, OSF ’61 Mary Beth Napierala Herberger ’83 Judith Wolf Hessel ’61 Ruth and Kim Houserman Martin and Patricia Idzik Joan Lawler Johnston ’61 Marilyn McNally Jubulis ’61 15
BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 In Memory of Carl Albert Jeffrey and Kristen McCabe In Memory of Florence Maes Anastasia ’51 Mary I. Anastasia ’73 Patricia Maes Gemerek ’53 In Memory of Nicolas Ayoub Ann Morris ’80 In Memory of Mary Lou Savage Beane ’61 Christine Savage ’64 In Memory of Rita Papadowski Sheedy Bell ’35 Michael Sheedy In Memory of Joan Smith Bermeitinger ’43 Ms. Ruth H. Smith, CDR USN NC Retired In Memory of Michael Budowski Lorraine Matuszewski Budowski ’46 In Memory of Emily Borkowicz Burkot ’41 Carole Burkot Ignaszak ’66 In Memory of Bernadette Smith Butler ’42 Ms. Ruth H. Smith, CDR USN NC Retired Tributes Donations in memory and in honor are designated for loved ones in our SHA community. We remember these individuals in our Masses, daily prayers, and intentions. In Memory of Mary Lou Lembicz Butler ’66 Barbara Lata Janusz ’66 In Memory of Karen Carlson ’63 Patricia Carlson Smith ’72 In Memory of Mary Ann Wurstner Cheney ’57 Janice Cheney ’80 In Honor of the Class of 1951 Patricia Ahern Hain ’51 In Honor of the Class of 1955 Helen Kardysauskas Sanders ’55 In Memory of the Deceased Members of the Class of 1980 Janice Cheney ‘80 In Honor of the Class of 1979 Barbara Lamparelli Gregory ’79 In Memory of Suzanne Cummings ’71 Patricia DeLaney Coppola ’71 In Memory of Kathleen Malone DeVine ’53 Susan Wisniewski In Memory of John Feroleto *see Class of 2002 Scholarship In Memory of Mary Maes Fitzgerald ’40 Patricia Maes Gemerek ’53 In Memory of Sr. M. Paula Fox, OSF ’39 Patricia Corcoran Schmidt ’52 In Honor of Erika Fraas ’07 Richard and Karen Fraas Judith Ferraro Marcella ’60 lived a life enriched by international adventure, a love of music, and deep devotion to family and learning. The oldest of eight children, she was a dedicated student whose curiosity led her first to the University of Puerto Rico before completing her undergraduate studies at Rosary Hill College (now Daemen University). After graduating from Sacred Heart, Judy went on to earn a master’s degree in Latin American Literature from Syracuse University and was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship to study at the Central University of Ecuador, where she focused on social protest literature. During her time in Ecuador, she met fellow Fulbright Scholar—and her future husband—Gabriel Marcella. Together, they made their home in Pennsylvania, where they raised four children. Judy taught Spanish at Syracuse University, Dickinson College, and Messiah College, sharing her love of language and culture. A true citizen of the world, Judy championed meaningful engagement between the United States and Latin America. Her life’s work reflected the power of a strong liberal arts education, the importance of communicating across cultures, and a deep commitment to social justice at home and abroad. A gifted and accomplished writer, Judy authored an unpublished historical novel on 17th-century Lima, Peru. The Judith Ferraro Marcella ’60 Scholarship, established by her husband, Gabriel, and their family, honors her legacy and her passion for opening doors of opportunity. Gabriel hopes that through this scholarship, students will be inspired to broaden their horizons and contribute to a more peaceful, connected world. Scholarships like the Judith Ferraro Marcella ’60 Scholarship ensure that the memory of one who has gone before continues to inspire future generations. Judy’s husband, Gabriel, honored her love of learning by establishing the Judith Ferraro Marcella ’60 scholarship at Sacred Heart. As an endowed scholarship, this gift will enrich the SHA community in perpetuity. A Scholar’s Journey: The Enduring Impact of Judy Ferraro Marcella ’60 16
17 MOLLY ODOJEWSKI ’24
18 BUFFALO ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Annual Report 2024-2025 In Memory of Marie Vollmer Kochmanski ’82 Marilyn Vollmer Deplato ’70 In Honor of Nicholas and Donna Koppmann Lauren Koppmann Streit ’98 In Memory of Sr. Marcyann Kowalczyk, OSF Augusta Arling ’04 In Memory of Anne Schneggenburger LaVigne ’80 Jean Schneggenburger Maslona ’79 Carol Schneggenburger Starr ’78 Mary Schneggenburger Voglmayr ’76 In Memory of Kathleen DiPaolo Lazar ’70 Donna Gumulak Stempniak ’70 In Memory of Arlene Christiano Liberti Peter F. Liberti, Sr. In Memory of Mary Anne Licker James Biddle, Jr. In Memory of Suzanne Franz Love ’66 Toni Roth Sullivan ’66 In Memory of Mary Agnes Scanlon Marabella ’65 BRTA Monday Golfers Buffalo Retired Teachers Association Marian Cadwallader Patricia Tubridy Dasher ’65 Roberta DiRamio Kathleen Krickovich Margaret LoBene Sharon Lomison Joanne Scanlon Prestia ’69 Kenneth Short James Yuhnke In Memory of Benedetta LaChiusa Frachella ’32 Madonna Kissel Starr ’65 In Memory of Sr. Jeanne Frank, OSF ’47 Paul Frank In Honor of Kimberly Galley Frankowski ’93 Anthony Galley In Memory of Eleanor Steffan Galley ’31 Anthony Galley In Honor of Patricia Maes Gemerek ’53 Barbara Gemerek ’83 In Memory Margaret Nelson Gioeli ’28 Fr. Leonard Gioeli In Memory of Joann Kowalski Grzechowiak ’58 Joan Groff Seifert ’58 In Memory of Kathleen Hannigan Patricia Hannigan ’85 In Memory of Ruth Haffner Huber ’34 Barbara Doller Huber ’69 Ruth Huber ’70 In Honor of the Huntress Family Nicholas Tzetzo In Honor of Lois Jehle Juron ’64 Denise Juron-Borgese ’89 In Honor of Margaret Galley Kendron ’65 Anthony Galley In Memory of Sharon Carroll Martin ’63 Carolyn Kucharski Dowling ’64 In Memory of Margaret Turner McCormick ’79 Eileen Turner Warner ’80 In Memory of Ethel Cook McKernan ’37 Patricia McKernan ’72 In Memory of Veronica McPhee McKernan ’33 Maureen McKernan Gallivan ’62 In Memory of Lynne Hebeler Menzies ’85 Kathleen Hebeler In Honor of Trista Hangen Mincey ’02 Michael and Rose Marie Hangen In Memory of Suzanne Haefele Myers ’58 Margaret Pacciotti Smith ’72 In Memory of Norma Pirie Maureen McNally Weber ’58 In Memory of Marie Piscitello Jeanette Piscitello ’72 In Honor of Kathleen Galley Ransbury ’85 Anthony Galley In Memory of Carolyn Fahey Rivera ’83 Mary Clare Fahey ’81 In Memory of Betty Maes Robson ’42 Patricia Maes Gemerek ’53 In Honor of Audrey M. Ross-Klein ’51 Lenore Belzer ’51 In Memory of Mary Yungbluth Ryan ’69 Deborah Mancuso-Shay ’69 In Memory of Sr. Francesca Schlamg Leona Povinelli Prinzbach ’51 In Memory of Sr. Agnes Lucile Schubert, OSF ’40 Frances Schubert Poorman ’47 In Memory of Doris Maes Schuster ’44 Patricia Maes Gemerek ’53 In Honor of the Sisters of St. Francis Caroline Dotterweich Leighton ’59 In Honor of Chelsey Keem Smith ’92 Michael D. Keem, DVM In Memory of Patricia Marino Smyton ’61 *see Patricia Marino Smyton ’61 Scholarship In Memory of Deborah Sorbini-Barnes ’73 Sharon Tenney Downey ’73 Personius Family In Memory of Cynthia Suffoletto ’80 Marlene Donaruma Farber ’66 In Memory of Mary Fox Sullivan ’55 Jane Wolf In Memory of Rita Gradwohl Sweeney ’48 Christopher Sweeney In Memory of Sr. M. Catherine Tronolone, OSF ’42 Christine Savage ’64 In Memory of Dorothy Cook Trum ’40 Patricia McKernan ’72 In Memory of John and Marion Tubridy Eileen Tubridy Drinkwater ’67 In Memory of Veronica Turner Camille Turner ’71 In Memory of Barbara Bosack Wagner ’56 Retirees Club of WNY DDSO In Honor of Mara Walton, OSF ’59 Bonnie Taglialegami Floyd ’72 Ann Hackford Galbo ’63 In Memory of Patricia Goral Ward ’77 Russell Ward In Memory of Alice M. Fassel WebbOxenford ’42 Laura J. Evans, EdD In Honor of Melissa Weiksnar Marianne Kozlowski In Memory of Jacqueline Shea Wopperer ’52 Jacqueline Wopperer Stoj ’79 Patricia Wopperer-Olin ’77 In Memory of Judith Michalski Zombron ’63 Robert Zombron In Memory of Jennifer Zoratti ’92 Lori Bell Hurley ’92
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