iLOOKING BACK LOOKING AHEAD YEARS

Transcription

iLOOKING BACK LOOKING AHEAD YEARS
BlueGold
&
For the Alumni, Parents and Friends of Waldron Mercy Academy
3LOOKING BACK
90
YEARS
Winter 2014
LOOKING AHEAD4
In This Issue
From the Principal ... ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
WMA News ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Tigers Postgame Update ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
News from Advancement.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
News from Faculty & Staff.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Farewell to Steve Stritch................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
WMA Receives $20,000 From Charitas Foundation ....................................................................................................................................................................9
All-Class Reunion Weekend .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
First Outstanding Alumnus Award ........................................................................................................................................................................................................13
Board & Volunteer Spotlights...................................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Homecoming ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Alumni Notes .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Saluting the Class of 2014 ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
In Memoriam.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
WMA is Making Headlines
City Suburban News
Main Line Times
The Philadelphia Inquirer
KYW-1060
6ABC
NBC-10
CBS-3
Visit us on Facebook!
For alumni - www.facebook.com/waldronalumni
For parents and friends www.facebook.com/waldronmercyacademy
Mission Statement:
Waldron Mercy Academy, a Catholic school sponsored by
the Sisters of Mercy, is a diverse, faith community rooted in
the gospel values of mercy and justice. We are a school
where the joy of discovery inspires serious study, social
responsibility, and strong faith.
The Cover:
(clockwise from top left) Jack Sutton ’15, Juliana Di Carlo
’16, Alexis Young ’16, Brandon Banadda ’16, and Sean
McFillin ’15 share the cover with students from 1925.
Would you like your child to appear on a cover of
Blue & Gold? Bid on this exclusive item at Tigerfest ’15!
Follow us on Twitter!
www.twitter.com/WaldronMercy
Check out our videos on SchoolTube!
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Search groups for “Waldron Mercy Alumni” or
“Waldron Mercy Academy Parents and Friends”
Production Notes
Printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper with soy ink.
Environmental Savings
3 trees preserved for the future
8 lbs. waterborne waste not created
1,178 gallons wastewater flow saved
130 lbs. solid waste not generated
257 lbs. net greenhouse gases prevented
1,963,500 BTUs energy not consumed
BlueGold
&
Volume Ten, Issue One
Blue & Gold is published twice a year, by the Marketing and
Communication Office, for the alumni, parents and friends of
Waldron Mercy Academy.
Contributors
Christine Conners
Jon Derewicz | Director of Athletics
Peg Flynn | Director of The Waldron Annual Fund and Alumni
Relations
Trish Lockett | Director of Marketing and Communication
Nell Stetser | Principal
Pam Stites | Assistant Director of Special Events and Projects
Photography
Dale Clancy Photography
Trish Lockett
Andrew McCloskey
Design
Nancy Biddle | Biddle Design (www.biddledesign.com)
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1
WMA News
Mercy from Coast to Coast and Around the World
Bradley Bennett
in Jackson Hole, WY
Luke Gallagher
in Kennebunkport, Maine
Nathan Messano,
posing as a British soldier
from 1812, at Niagara on
the Lake, Ontario
Elisa and Marisa McKinley
at the 9/11 Memorial
in New York City
Vincent Vento
and his cousins in
San Francisco
Bryce Elie
with his WMA spirit
wear in Cape May!
Gigi and Isa Monroy
saying “Hola” from
Riviera Maya in Mexico
The Sheng family at
the southernmost point
in the continental US
2 www.waldronmercy.org
Matteo Magnarelli
took his Waldron Mercy
Academy spirit along
on a submarine ride in the
Cayman Islands.
Aubrey Conners
sporting her WMA gear
in Raleigh, NC
Gavin Orapallo
giving a shout out to
Waldron Mercy Academy
from St. Martin!
We challenged our students this summer to
bring Mercy wherever they went! From east,
west, north and south, and around the world,
Mercy was there!
Here is a sampling of the photos submitted.
Alexander Wegner
in Egypt
Grade seven teacher
Sam Pierce even got into the
Mercy spirit in Agra, India!
3
WMA News
Waldron Mercy Academy Students Packaged 20,000
Meals in Less Than Two Hours for Stop Hunger Now
Eighth grader Aaron Nuble refills
the rice supply at the
Stop Hunger Now event.
Eighth grader Marla Leal and seventh grader
Dayna Thomas pack up boxes.
This fall, students in grades six, seven and eight packaged 20,000
meals in less than two hours for Stop Hunger Now, an international
hunger relief agency that has been fulfilling its commitment to end
hunger for more than 15 years.
WMA students worked assembly-line style to package meals
consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix
into small meal packets. Students measured and mixed the
ingredients and carefully weighed each package before sealing
and boxing them. For each 2,000 meals finished, a huge gong was
banged by a WMA student, much to the cheers of the middle
school.
Waldron Mercy’s Challenge 20/20 group served as the organizer
of this outreach endeavor. “I’ve been working with my fellow
Challenge 20/20 members to plan this event,” says WMA eighth
grader Anna Grace Coyne. “All of our hard work came together to
help the hungry.”
Fellow Challenge 20/20 member Hannah Pang agrees, “It was
amazing to see our work this year culminate in such a worthy event.”
Waldron Mercy Academy has a long history of reaching out to men,
4 www.waldronmercy.org
Eighth grader Scott Hibbs loads the
boxes onto a cart to be transported
onto the Stop Hunger Now truck.
women and children who find themselves vulnerable or on the
margins of society. Inspired by the spirit of Mercy, we encourage
our community to listen to the needs around it and respond.
About Challenge 20/20 at Waldron Mercy
Academy
Through a global education initiative sponsored by the National
Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Challenge 20/20
partners Waldron Mercy Academy’s middle school students with
local and international schools, to work on local solutions to global
problems. The purpose of this NAIS program is to promote critical
thinking, creative problem solving, teamwork, and international and
cross-cultural communication.
About Stop Hunger Now
Stop Hunger Now has been fulfilling its commitment to end hunger
across the globe for 15 years. Established in 1998, Stop Hunger Now
coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid to
crisis-burdened areas around the world. This is accomplished
through popular community-supported meal packaging programs
that often are part of corporate responsibility or volunteer service
projects.
Tigers Postgame
Update
Football:
Our fall season showed a strong resurgence in our football program! Our varsity team swept its home and away games
with Gwynedd-Mercy Academy and Rosemont School of the Holy Child. The team’s 4-3 record included an exciting last possession loss
to eventual undefeated champion, Norwood-Fontbonne Academy. Head varsity coach Eddie Keels ’98, used a quick strike attack that
would make the Eagles proud!
Our junior varsity team remained undefeated in Catholic Academy League (CAL) play for the second season in a row. Back-to-back JV
football championships should enhance our varsity with strong teams to come. Head coach, Jon Derewicz, who also serves as WMA
athletic director, took the helm this year after Kelvin Johnson ’04 moved to New York. Coach David Brown ’08 was the team’s offensive
coordinator this season. Coach Brown did an amazing job in year one as he spearheaded the league’s most potent JV offense. Securing
a league championship was amazing and extra special for Coach Brown as he played for Waldron as a student. Back-to-back JV
championships have capped off a nice football season for the Tigers!
Our three-season
teams include:
Fall
Cross Country
Grades 1-8
Football
Grades 4-8
Intramural Field Hockey Grades 2-4
(first row, from left) Marcus Miller, Marcellus Hopkins, James Leuzzi, Aidan Fliszar,
Amir Gibson, Franco Leuzzi; (second row, from left) Jack Resnic, BJ Cummings, Shane
Mullen, Keenan Fortenberry, Jimmy King, Jaiden Vargas, Stephen Bennett, Jake Villari;
(third row, from left) Coach David Brown ’08, Max Coyne, Coach Jon Derewicz,
Jack Gorman, Sahmir Hagans, Coach Todd Childs ’11
(Missing: Tony Madsen, Philip Mahoney, and PJ Doyle)
Soccer:
Our soccer program remains strong as well. After four consecutive varsity
CAL championships, our varsity lost a heartbreaking semi-final match this year in which the
varsity lost after two overtime periods and eventually succumbed on penalty kicks. Our JV
soccer team finished second in league play, which will feed our varsity with plans of continued
strong varsity teams.
Field Hockey
Grades 5-8
Volleyball
Grades 6-8
Soccer
Grades 5-8
Boys Basketball
Grades 5-8
Girls Basketball
Grades 5-8
Winter
Intramural Basketball
Grades 3-4
Swimming
Grades 4-8
Baseball
Grades 5-8
Softball
Grades 5-8
Girls Lacrosse
Grades 5-8
Track
Grades 4-8
Spring
From the Office of Admission
We know you know someone, ages three months to eighth grade, who
would benefit from a Mercy education. Please consider inviting him or her
to visit one of our Open
Houses in 2015, on Wednesday, January 14,
at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at 9 a.m., or Tuesday, April 14 at 9 a.m.
Can’t make one of these dates? Contact Joellen McDonnell, RSM, at
jmcdonnell@waldronmercy.org, or at 484-420-2706.
5
News from
Advancement
STEM Gets Big Boost from Golf and Tennis Classic
More than 150 members of the WMA community turned out on September 22, 2014, for the 21st Annual Golf and Tennis Classic at Llanerch
Country Club. Many golf and tennis awards were given out, and raffles and live auction items won at the near-capacity event. The highlight
of the evening was the presentation of the Mother Patricia Waldron Award honoring Sheila and Mike ’70 Lynch, who are parents of Katie ’11.
The Golf and Tennis Classic raised more than $40,000 for our technology program. Many thanks to Williamson Hospitality, our title sponsor;
the Perry family and D & D Securities, our platinum sponsor, and the many other corporate and personal sponsors and underwriters; and
all who attended, donated money, bought golf ball chances and raffles, and volunteered.
Special thanks to the Golf and Tennis Committee, which spent six months planning this fun event for the benefit of WMA students. The
committee was: Lou Marchese (golf chair), Suzanne Mullen (tennis chair), Stephen and Evelyn Bennett, Michael Collinelli ’04, Chris Coyne,
Beth Delaney, Bill Frio ’84, Jeff Mullen, Judy Rizzo, Jim Shaud, and Pam Stites. Thanks also to Ian Glatts ’06, who produced the video
honoring the Lynches.
(from left) Gene Bernicker ’70, Rob D’Anjolell ’76, Joe Frio ’11, Bill Frio ’84, Ed Chermol ’78, Jim Bracken ’75, Brendan Burns ’11,
James Gleason ’11, Matt Devine ’76, Mike Lynch ’70, Connor Mullen ’11, Albert Perry ’94, Michael Collinelli ’04, Ian Glatts ’06,
Katie Lynch ’11, Jack O’Brien ’76, Matt McCloskey’55, Bill O’Brien ’68, and Andrew McCloskey ’84
Bill O’Brien ’68 stops to chat with
Mary Christella Mitchell, RSM.
(from left) Bum Kim, Blake Cooper,
Mark Ciochetto and Phil Braun
6 www.waldronmercy.org
Current parent Katie Wex
on the court
Recipients of the Mother Patricia
Waldron Award Sheila and Mike ’70
Lynch, with daughter, Katie ’11
News from
Faculty & Staff
Lydia Brennan, kindergarten
Liz Meyer, science specialist, spent
teacher, attended a workshop, “Smart
but Scattered,” based on the book of the
same name by Peg Dawson and Richard
Guare, at the Montgomery County
Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Course
content emphasized executive function
skills, those “fundamental habits of mind
required for getting organized, staying
focused, and controlling impulses and
emotions.”
some of the summer enjoying
technology classes offered by the MCIU.
She attended “Make Your Presentations
Zoom with Prezi,” “Connect with Your
Students Using Edmodo,” and “Capture
and Share Instruction with Screencasts.”
Margie Winters, director of religious
education, Trish Lockett, director of
marketing and communication,
Barbara Scott, director of
technology, Kristen Romano, lower
school director, Theresa Gannon,
middle school director, Joan Barone,
director of finance and operations, and
Nell Stetser, principal, attended the
Leadership Boot Camp, at Philadelphia
University. The two-day conference,
sponsored by the Association of
Delaware Valley Independent Schools
(ADVIS), discussed the “why” of
innovation and provided school leaders
with the practical skills, habits and
mindsets to be positioned for successful
and relevant change to take shape in
their schools.
Maria Leuzzi, pre-k teacher,
attended “Simply Smart Board,”
presented by the MCIU.
The Waldron Mercy Child Care
staff attended a workshop at the center
titled “Block Play and the Developing
Child.” The facilitator spoke about the
many ways that blocks can be used to
meet the Early Learning Standards, and
can be integrated into all the skills that
we are teaching children, like STEM
lessons. Blocks are fun and bring out the
creativity and resourcefulness of the
children.
Eileen Aurand, grade one teacher,
served as part of the visiting team for the
Middle States Accreditation of Our
Mother of Perpetual Help in Ephrata,
Lancaster County, in October.
Mary Augustine, Montessori
teacher, and assistant teachers Marti
Bondelid and Marilyn Adomanis
attended “Mind, Music and Neuro” at
Chestnut Hill College. The workshop
focused on the link between music and
brain development as well as how
biological and neurodevelopmental
factors affect emotions and behaviors in
the young child.
Catherine Rissover, grade two
teacher, served as part of the visiting
team for the Middle States Accreditation
of St. Christopher School, in Philadelphia.
Margie Winters, director of religious
education and Mercy associate,
attended the Collaborative Leadership
Development Program hosted by the
Leadership Conference of Women
Religious. It was held in St. Louis in
August, and continues until December
2015. The Collaborative Leadership
Development Program is a forwardthinking integrative process with a multicultural perspective, designed to
prepare women religious, associates,
and co-members with the skills,
knowledge and confidence to assume
leadership positions in community and
ministry.
Theresa Gannon, middle school
director, attended a course on
Curriculum Design at Cabrini College
this fall.
Barbara Baldwin, music teacher,
attended the Pennsylvania Music
Education Association District 11/12
Music Conference at Valley Forge
Christian College in November. The
conference focuses on early childhood,
elementary, middle school or high
school music technology, orchestral,
band, choral and general music.
Eileen Flanagan, grades seven and
eight social studies teacher, attended
“Freedom of Speech: the Changing
Landscape in Schools” at the National
Constitution Center. Judge Midge
Rendell was one of the speakers. The
program gave a review of First
Amendment court cases with analysis.
She also attended “Perk Up Your Project
with Web 2.0” at the MCIU.
Sandy Evans, pre-k teacher,
participated in the following webinars:
“Preparing Children for Kindergarten and
Beyond,” “Ok to Play: How Tablets,
Smartphones, Computers and Other
Devices Can Be an Important Part of a
Child’s Development,” “Early Childhood
Learning: Dr. Jean’s Back to School
Strategies for Success,” and “Make
Literacy Learning Fun with Storytelling
and Puppetry.”
Joan Barone attended the
Philadelphia Area Independent School
Business Officers Association (PAISBOA)
Strategic Planning Session at the
Villanova Conference Center in June to
help plan for the future of this
organization of nearly 200 independent
schools and colleges. She attended the
Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community
Annual Insurance and Risk Management
Meeting at the Cranaleith Spiritual
Center in October. Joan also participated
in the following webinars: “Energy
Management – It Makes Good Cents”
hosted by SchoolDude.com, and “School
Finances 101: Data – It’s a Game Changer”
hosted by School Office Services.
Barbara Scott attended “Using
Airplay and Chromecast,” presented by
the MCIU. She also attended “Managing
Technology in the Classroom,” presented
by the Philadelphia Area Independent
School Business Officers Association. In
October, Barb attended “Online and
Blended Learning,” presented by ADVIS.
7
WMA News
Farewell to Steve Stritch
This past summer, after 30 years of dedicated service to Waldron
Mercy Academy, Steve Stritch extended his Mercy roots to another
sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. In August, Steve joined
the Mercy Center in the Bronx, New York, as executive director. The
Mercy Center serves women and their families by empowering
them to reach their full potential and become agents of change in
their families and communities.
With his love of learning and children, Steve began his teaching
career in 1977 at St. Francis Xavier School in Fairmount. He began
his journey at Waldron Academy for Boys, as a first grade teacher
in 1984.
In 1987, Waldron Academy for Boys merged with the elementary
division of Merion Mercy Academy. That September, Waldron
Mercy Academy reopened as a co-educational school. During this
time, Steve served as part of the Steering Committee and helped
coordinate the transfer of all materials from Merion Mercy Academy
to Waldron Mercy. His patience and attention to detail were crucial
in making sure preparations were completed for a smooth
transition.
Beginning in 1987, Steve served in a dual role as a part-time
Montessori teacher and as Waldron Mercy’s first admissions
director. In the fall of 1990, under the leadership of Sister Patricia
Smith, he became vice principal for academic affairs.
According to Sr. Patricia, “We really were a team. Steve would say
he did everything I didn’t want to do!”
Actually, Sr. Patricia says, “Steve related well to the younger kids
and I had more experience with the older students. He always read
to the kids. He was a teacher at heart. He wanted to have that
connection. In fact, he even liked working in car line!
One of Steve’s greatest qualities is that he “is very thoughtful,” Sr.
Patricia says. “He remembers peoples’ birthdays, is conscious of when
people have an illness or a loss in the family. He has that personal
touch. And then when he got into baking and cooking, it was an even
nicer way of gathering people together.”
Steve’s role evolved over the years, says Sr. Patricia, “as we began
to grow the school through the introduction of technology, group
projects, expanding teacher education, teachers working as teams,
increasing parents’ involvement, and working with the Advisory
Board.” Steve became the vice principal for advancement in 2002,
where he oversaw academics as well as development. After Sister
Patricia was elected to the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy
8 www.waldronmercy.org
Mid-Atlantic, Steve served as
acting principal in the 2011-2012
academic year, while he
continued to lead advancement
efforts.
As WMA’s executive director of advancement, Steve oversaw The
Waldron Annual Fund, capital giving, major and planned gifts, grant
acquisition, and special events. Steve also cultivated long-lasting
relationships with alumni, parents of alumni, donors and various
constituents that have thrived throughout the years.
During the many construction projects over the years, Steve served
as project manager. He oversaw the renovation of the “Little Gym”
into the Music Suite; the addition of the elevator; the third floor
renovation into The Albert T. Perry Memorial Library; and the
garden-level renovation into The Edgar ’35 and Mary Griffiths Early
Learning Center.
One of the most special things about Steve, says Sr. Patricia, is that
“he will give 150 percent, and I could always depend on him, which was
very fortunate for me and Waldron.”
WMA parents agree. “Steve Stritch embodied the true spirit of
Mercy,” says John Holstein, father of Natalie ’14. “Whether a kind
word to a new kindergartener, or a strong pitch to a potential donor,
Steve always had Mother McAuley’s mission at heart.”
The mission of Waldron has always been close to Steve’s heart. He
served on WMA’s Advisory Board and as an officer of the
corporation of WMA’s Board of Trustees. As a mercy associate, he
has brought his Mercy spirit to the Mission and Board Affairs
Committee of HOPE Partnership for Education, and the Board of
Directors of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. Steve was also a
founding member of the Sponsor Council of the Sisters of Mercy
Mid-Atlantic Community, and visits schools in New Jersey and New
York several times a year.
Steve’s dedication to WMA has been a family affair. His wife,
Debbie, has attended innumerable Waldron functions over the
years, and all four of his sons, Jim ’94, Patrick ’95, Stephen ’00 and
John Thomas ’11 attended our Montessori program and graduated
from Waldron.
“Steve’s passion and dedication to Waldron Mercy have inspired all
of us who work with him,” says WMA principal Nell Stetser. “We will
work to ensure that his tireless efforts to develop and sustain
relationships in our school community continue.”
Waldron Mercy Academy Receives $20,000 from the
Charitas Foundation
Waldron Mercy Academy has been awarded $20,000 from the
Charitas Foundation, a philanthropic family foundation which seeks
to positively impact the lives of individuals through sowing financial
seeds into organizations that have life-changing missions. These
monies are restricted to Waldron’s Financial Aid Fund.
Charitas was founded in
2011 by the Waller family,
who are no strangers
to
Waldron
Mercy
Academy. Rev. Dr. Alyn
Waller, and Dr. Ellyn Jo
Waller were fixtures at
WMA for many years
when their daughters,
Morgan ’05, and Eryka
’06 attended.
“We have been blessed
to fund our daughters’
education without outside
assistance. However, we recognize there are countless others who
do not have such a luxury,” says Ellyn Jo Waller. “Our decision to
make our 2014 donation to WMA was simple. We wanted to ensure
that other children could continue to benefit from the excellence of
a WMA education.”
Nell Stetser embracing
Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller
“In 1996, we chose to trust WMA with the education of our
daughters, Morgan and Eryka. We were impressed with the
academic excellence of the school but did not realize how
impressed we would become with the ’family’ we were joining,” says
Ellyn Jo. “Our girls thrived at WMA and received an exemplary
educational foundation which has formed their academic success
through high school, their undergraduate programs and as
graduate students [Morgan at Johns Hopkins University and Eryka
at Bryn Mawr College]. Many of the relationships formed during our
years at WMA remain vibrant parts of our extended family.”
“I’m honored that the Charitas Foundation, and the Waller family
thought of Waldron Mercy Academy as a recipient of their
generosity,” says Nell Stetser, principal. “We instill in our students
a sense of giving back, and we are so pleased that our graduates,
Morgan and Eryka, have made this their mission.”
As a means of broadening their existing charitable giving, the
Charitas Foundation seeks to change lives through extending the
love and blessings the Waller family freely received, believing that
everyone deserves excellent educational experiences,
opportunities for personal growth and the pursuit of their dreams
and goals. The Charitas Foundation has supported anti-human
trafficking efforts, educational scholarships, and organizations
addressing homelessness as well as theater arts programs for
youth.
Waldron Mercy Academy has a long history of reaching out to men,
women and children who find themselves vulnerable or on the
margins of society. Inspired by the spirit of Mercy, we encourage
our community to listen to the needs around it and respond.
Waldron Mercy Academy Diversity Committee
The Waldron Mercy Academy Diversity Committee continues to develop practices and programs that support WMA’s
commitment to diversity and inclusivity as expressed within its Mission Statement. We seek to assure the establishment and
growth of harmonious and equitable relationships with and among all individuals in the Waldron community.
In addition to continued review of our strategies and hiring practices for faculty and staff, we are working with the school
leadership in recommending cultural sensitivity workshops for faculty, staff and students. This year we will begin to partner with
the Parents Association for various events as we explore opportunities for diverse and cultural sensitivity workshops and
seminars for parents. We are a community of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, abilities, values
beliefs, and behaviors as assets to Waldron and seek to ensure that the voices of all are heard.
We look forward to a great and productive year ahead!
9
All-Class Reunion Weekend
Principal Nell Stetser welcomes alums and parents of
alums to the All-Class Reunion Weekend Reception,
Liturgy, and Award Ceremony Brunch held the
weekend of October 18 - 19, 2014.
Current Board Member and parent of alumni, Beth
Delaney, and her husband John pose with Patrick
O’Brien ’89 and his wife Amy at the All-Class Reunion
Cocktail Reception held on Saturday, October 18.
Parents of alum, Michele and Allen Davis, and daughter Caroline ’05
at the Award Ceremony Brunch honoring Michael Guzzardi ’64 with
the Outstanding Alumnus Award
Parent of Alum, JoAnn McGovern, Board Member
Jim ’85, and Jim’s children, Jimmy ’16, and
Mason ’24, at the Award Ceremony Brunch
Barry McKeown ’60, Maria McKeown, Ned Bartlett ’60, Cindy
Maier, Lawrence Guzzardi ’60, and Angie Guzzardi reconnect
with classmates during the October All-Class Reunion
Weekend.
10 www.waldronmercy.org
Sr. Elizabeth Ann Kelly
and Board Chair Andrew
McCloskey ’84 talk
about Waldron in the
’80s when Sister was a
teacher at Waldron.
Parents of Alum, Gigi and Lee Tassoni, with fellow
parent, Pam Stites at the Brunch on Sunday
Maria Brinkmann ’96 serves as cantor at
the beautiful liturgy performed in the
Sisters of Mercy Convent Chapel during
Alumni Weekend.
Board Member Jack Zeller ’68
participates in the Reunion
Weekend Liturgy.
Check our website
for future alumni
gatherings!
Chrissy Lindelow Klinedinst ’91, Nicole Potnick ’91, Joe Canuso ’88,
and Nick Canuso ’91 have stayed friends through the years.
Charlie Riale ’68 with Sr. Mary Christella in the
Perry Memorial Library for the All-Class
Reunion Reception
Alysa Suero Zirilli ’89, Michael Zirilli ’89 and Liz
Rissover ’89 catch up at the Reception held in the
Perry Memorial Library.
11
All-Class Reunion Weekend
David DeAngelis ’91, Nicole Fenlon McKeown ’91, Chrissy Lindelow
Klinedinst ’91 and Regina McGinley Wintz ’91 renew their friendships at
the Reception on Saturday.
Rusty Miller ’57 and Christine Spalding pose with Ed Magil ’57
during All-Class Reunion Weekend.
Honoree Michael
Guzzardi ’64 and
Jim Ivers ’64 catch
up on the “glory”
days of Waldron.
Dave Chermol ’84,
Sr. Kathleen Anne
McKee, and Ed
Chermol ’78
reminisce at the
All-Class Reunion
Cocktail
Reception.
12 www.waldronmercy.org
Life-long friends and fellow classmates Barkley Sample
’77 and Derek Redcross ’77 celebrate at the Reception.
Barkley flew in from Wisconsin for the event.
Joe Leonard ’93, cousin Tony Leonard ’94, and sister
Elizabeth Leonard ’99 talk about their involvement in the
old Talent Shows.
d
r
a
w
A
s
Alumnu
Michael Guzzardi ’64 Receives
First Outstanding
As he celebrated the 50th Anniversary of
his graduation, Michael Guzzardi from
the Class of 1964 was awarded the first
Outstanding Alumnus Award at the AllClass Reunion on Sunday, October 19.
Michael’s devotion to Waldron and his
exemplary leadership have spanned
several decades and taken many forms.
Board Chair Andrew McCloskey ’84 presents
Michael Guzzardi ’64 with the first Outstanding
Alumnus Award.
After graduating, Michael made his way
back to Waldron when his daughter,
Jennifer ’06, enrolled as a Montessori
student in 1995. Upon returning to
campus, he immediately began
volunteering on the Development Committee, participating in
and donating items for the annual Tigerfest auction, and
supporting the Golf and Tennis Classic.
Always eager to help those in need, Michael provided the funding
to initiate Waldron’s Endowment for Financial Aid – a program he
has faithfully supported over the years. He has also underwritten
numerous scholarships and offered matching challenge gifts for
The Waldron Annual Giving campaign. When planning to
transform our third floor attic into the beautiful Perry Memorial
Library, Michael and his brothers, Lawrence and Robert, helped
to make it a reality. Michael has supported numerous mercysponsored organizations throughout the area – always willing to
spread the Mercy mission.
He is a devoted father to Jennifer, instilling her with core values of
faith, service to others, and the importance of a quality education.
Michael is a trusted and loyal friend to many. In fact, several of his
friendships began in the school yard at Waldron and continue
today.
With Michael Guzzardi at Alumni All-Class Reunion
Brunch are his daughter, Jennifer Guzzardi ’06, and his
brothers, Robert ’58, and Lawrence ’60.
As a current Waldron Mercy Academy Board Trustee, Michael
continues to give back to his alma mater. When Michael is asked
for help with a project that will benefit our students, you can be
assured the response will be a resounding “Yes.”
In recognition of his exemplary leadership, his continued
dedication, and his ongoing service to the Waldron Mercy
community, we were thrilled to honor Michael Guzzardi with the
first Outstanding Alumnus Award.
To nominate a candidate for the 2015 Outstanding Alumnus Award, contact Peg Flynn,
director of The Waldron Annual Fund and alumni relations, at mflynn@waldronmercy.org.
13
Spotlight On...
Volunteer Spotlight
...WMA’s New Trustees
Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM
Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM, is currently an instructor in religious studies at Gwynedd-Mercy College and
serves as co-director of Mercy Spiritual Ministries, through which she provides preached retreats for parishes,
school faculties, ministry groups, ecumenical groups, and religious communities.
“As a Sister of Mercy who has been engaged in educational ministry for over 50 years, I am delighted to serve
on Waldron Mercy’s Board. It is another opportunity to advance the mission of Mercy and the academic
excellence of a school of which I have always been proud,” says Sister Marie Michele. “Since I have served on
the boards of several other Mercy institutions, I have the advantage of bringing my experiences to bear on the
tasks of insuring that Waldron continues to grow as an exciting learning environment.”
Sr. Marie Michele is committed to ensuring that strong Mercy values of service, competence and compassion
characterize every aspect of Waldron Mercy’s educational community as we all strive together to empower
future women and men for others.
Marianna Walsh, RSM
Marianna Walsh, RSM, serves as the administrative assistant at Mercy Vocational High School, the only Catholic
co-educational vocational school in the United States.
“I am very happy to serve as a member of Waldron Mercy Academy’s Board of Trustees,” says Sr. Marianna. “It
gives me an opportunity to support the vibrant Mercy education that is offered and helps me to assure the
continuation of the Mercy story.”
...Christine Conners—Volunteer
Since my family came to Waldron during the
2011-12 school year, I have been quite
fortunate to have the opportunity to
volunteer at Waldron Mercy on events large
and small. Make no mistake, I have enjoyed
every minute of it! Volunteering at Waldron
allows me to be a part of and contribute to
the vibrant and exciting environment our
children get to experience every day.
Association
Waldron.
Board
since
coming
to
Serving on the Hospitality Committee during
the 2013-14 school year was my first position
and was such a joy for me. To meet new
families during Open Houses and current
families at events like Back to School Nights
and Coffee Grab ‘n’ Go’s has been such a
pleasure. I shared with others all that Waldron
has to offer every chance I got! To be that
face of hospitality we recite in the Mission
Statement every week at Community
Gathering was a gift and a privilege.
One of my favorite memories here at
Waldron was creating and running a movie
Christine with Aubrey ’17, Maddie
night for the WMA students in support of a
’15, and husband, Tim
New York preschool that had lost a great deal
during Hurricane Sandy. Our sixth, seventh
and eighth graders provided babysitting
Currently, I serve as vice president of our
services to their younger classmates. I got to see firsthand the Parents Association which allows me to assist the parents of our
patience, compassion and mentorship our older students give to community in countless ways for the next two years. I am truly
our little ones.
humbled by this responsibility.
Through volunteering, I have gotten the chance to know the staff,
my children’s friends and other parents. Selfishly, these events
have allowed me to enjoy the people that make up our wonderful
community.
Aside from getting to know and spend time with everyone here at
Waldron, volunteering gives me the chance to give something back
to the institution and people that have given my family so much.
I have been fortunate to hold two different positions on the Parents
14 www.waldronmercy.org
I have also had the chance to work on Tigerfest for the past three
years, first as a committee member and now as the parent chair.
Being a part of the operations that give back to our school in
tangible ways makes me proud that I can make a difference in our
kids’ everyday lives.
Having been educated for 13 years by the Sisters of Mercy, I have
to say the service of others has always played an important role in
my life. Service to the WMA community has provided me and our
family with far more than I can ever repay with my time.
Homecoming
er 4, 2014
b
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c
O
,
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a
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Sa
Nearly 100 young alums returned to campus for Homecoming. While the fields were a bit soggy, the
spirits were in no way dampened as alums cheered on WMA sports teams and re-connected with
classmates.
The Class of 2012 (from left) AJ Battaglia, Chris Cahill, Mark Centrella, Will Esposto,
Miles Maesaka, Michael Pakuris, Oliver Cataldi, Bobby Cade Mornhinweg,
Brittany Ott, and Sadie Coyne
(from left) Julian Johnson ’11, and Justin Montague ’11
stop by to say hello to Catherine Rissover ’92.
(from left) Ellie Romano, Nile Harris, Sierra Corbett,
and Kyra Hopkins, from the Class of 2011
Michaela Leuzzi ’10 attended
Homecoming to cheer on her sister,
Olivia ’15.
(from left) Julian Johnson ’11, Billy Santora ’11, David Williams ’14,
Luciano Manzo ’11, Dominic Hardaway, and Pierce Hodges ’11
Class of 2014 (from left) Abby Fisher,
Lauren Starker, Aniyah Branch and
Nora Pergolini sporting spiritwear
Kelsey Mullen ’12 worked the
chains at the football game.
15
Alumni Notes
Write to us! Contact us if you’ve gotten married, had a baby, moved, retired, or if you just want to keep in touch with your fellow
Waldron alumni. Email Peg Flynn, director of The Waldron Annual Fund and alumni relations, at mflynn@waldronmercy.org.
WMA Alums Awarded Ph.D.s
About Our Recent Graduates
It is so inspiring to see many of our grads pursuing advanced
degrees and putting them into practice. We applaud their efforts
and congratulate them for their drive and their determination.
This fall, members of the WMA Class of 2010 entered
many of the top colleges and universities in the country.
Jonathan Paras, who has
talked about M.I.T. since he was a
young student at Waldron,
graduated from The Haverford
School and is now enrolled at M.I.T.
Jonathan was honored as the first
Hephaestus Society megistos for his
Jonathan Paras and
"significant contributions to the
Matthew Tucker
intellectual life at Haverford." After
being accepted to M.I.T., Jonathan came back to Waldron to
thank his former science teacher, Mrs. Liz Meyer, and is pictured
on the left along with classmate Matthew Tucker who is
now at Penn State. Matthew was awarded a silver medal for
Greek at his commencement from St. Joe's Prep.
Margaret Tarampi ’92 earned a bachelor
of architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon
and her Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the
University of Utah. She is a junior research fellow
in the SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind at
the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her
interdisciplinary research investigates the
cognitive and neural mechanisms that underlie spatial
perception and cognition in special populations including
individuals with visual impairments and spatial experts such as
dancers and architects.
Kara Devers ’94 earned her Bachelor of Arts
in Psychology from Wake Forest University, her
M.S.Ed. in Psychological Services from the
University of Pennsylvania, and her Ph.D. from
James Madison University. Kara is a clinical
specialist at Astor Services for Children and
Families.
Lisa Larrimore Ouellette ’94 earned a Bachelor of Arts
in Physics from Swarthmore College, a Ph.D. in physics from
Cornell University, and a JD from Yale Law
School. While at Yale, Lisa was named a 20122013 Thomson Reuters Fellow at the Law
School’s Information Society Project. Thomson
Reuters Fellows work closely with Yale faculty
and staff studying cutting-edge issues at the
intersection of law, technology and media. Lisa
recently joined the faculty at Stanford Law School specializing in
intellectual property law.
Natalie Hansell Sheridan ’95 earned
her Ph.D. from Temple University after studying
at Immaculata and Bryn Mawr College. Natalie is
a psychologist at Temple University.
Mallory Meyer ’00 was awarded her
doctorate in physical therapy from Widener
University. Mallory is a physical therapist at
Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and
is the daughter of WMA science specialist Liz
Meyer.
16 www.waldronmercy.org
Jim McManus and Luke Bushner
are now freshmen at Cornell University after
graduating from Malvern Prep. At Malvern,
Luke was the captain of the Varsity Water
Polo and Swim teams, served as president
of the National Honor Society, and received
the highest cumulative average for all four
Luke Bushner and
years. Pictured with Luke is Jordana Jordana Pungitore
Pungitore, who chose the prestigious
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles to
pursue her dream.
Christian Turzo-Egan and Danny Onorato are now
at the University of Pennsylvania after leaving the Prep. At the
Prep's commencement, Christian was awarded a gold medal for
English. Fellow alum David Azizi was awarded a gold medal for
AP English, and Robert Jankiewicz was recognized with a gold
medal for AP Spanish. Emily O’Brien and Michaela
Leuzzi, both graduates of Baldwin, chose Bucknell and
Franklin & Marshall respectively for their studies.
Fordham, Marquette, the University of Pittsburgh, the University
of Denver, St. Joe’s, Lafayette, LaSalle, Bennington College,
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Temple, Ursinus, Penn State,
the University of Delaware, and Catholic University are among
the schools our Class of 2010 will claim as their future alma
maters. We are proud of their many accomplishments and wish
them continued success at their chosen colleges.
Adriana Arcamone ’96 married Andre
Taylor in Philadelphia at the chapel of
Saint Joseph on June 21, 2014. In the
wedding party were Christopher
DiLella ’02, Julia Arcamone ’00,
Adriana Arcamone ’96, Frank DiLella
’98 and Jamie Benson ’96. Adriana is
the assistant principal of specialized
services at the Hardy Williams High Mastery Charter School.
Genét DeFazio ’98 was married to Kevin Finnegan on March 8, 2014 in
Philadelphia. Genét graduated magna cum laude from Loyola
University in Maryland with a bachelor degree in biology before moving
on to complete her physician assistant training. She earned her master’s
degree in health science from the Drexel University Hahnemann
Physician Assistant Program, where she graduated at the top of her
class, receiving the Elizabeth Peabody Stolberg award for academic
excellence. She is a member of both the Pi Alpha National Honor
Society for physician assistants and the Alpha Eta National Honor
Society for Allied Health Professions. Genét is licensed by the New York
State Board of Education and is an active member of The American
Academy of Physician Assistants and The Society of Dermatology
Physician Assistants. She has been practicing in Manhattan since 2009.
Carolyn Tascione ’93
was wed to Keith
McCollum on October 11,
2014. A graduate of
Lycoming College,
Carolyn is an account
manager at ERMI Inc., an
orthopedic medical sales
company.
Michael Zirilli and Alysa Suero, who
reconnected at the Class of 1989 20-year
reunion, were married in Philadelphia on July 3,
2014. They were thrilled to share their special day
with fellow alumni Michael Abate ’89, Stephen
Behrle ’89, Matthew Greim ’89, David Zirilli ’92,
as well as Alysa’s mother, Anita, a Spanish teacher
at WMA. Michael, a pricing manager with USM,
and Alysa, a geologist with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, reside in Devon.
On May 23, 2014, Conor Corcoran ’91 married a fellow
Vassar graduate, Elizabeth Little, from Cambridge, Mass.
Conor has a boutique civil and criminal litigation firm in
Philadelphia with particular interest in the fields of
copyright infringement, medical malpractice, civil rights, all
aspects of the entertainment industry, and more. Conor
and Liz spent their honeymoon in France, and the very
happy couple now resides in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
Kristy Constantino ’00 and Mark Pagano exchanged vows at the Epiphany of the Lord Church in Philadelphia on
June 20, 2014. Kristy’s sister Alexa Rae Constantino ’07 was maid of honor and Danielle Zamorano Irwin ’00 was
a bridesmaid in her wedding party. Other Waldron classmates from the class of 2000 who attended were David
Suro, Maddie Boucas-Neto, Amanda Bennett and Amy Cedrone Cymerman. Kristy graduated from Merion
Mercy Academy in 2004 and St. Joseph’s University in 2008. Kristy is territory manager at eLab Solutions. Kristy
and Mark spent their honeymoon traveling in cities throughout Italy, and they now reside in Havertown, Pa.
Lindsay Docherty Photography
Megan Roe ’97 married Will Hummel on
October 4, 2014, in Philadelphia. Fittingly
pictured on Boathouse Row, Megan
coaches both boys and girls crew at
Friends Select. Her boys’ junior double
team won the Stotesbury Cup this year,
the first Americans to do so in three years.
The double then went on to win
Scholastic National Championship.
Caroline Gallagher ’02 wed Kevin Finnegan
in Cape May, N.J., at Our Lady of the Angels
Church on October 4, 2014. In the wedding
party were six Waldron Mercy alumni,
including Caroline’s and Kevin’s siblings
Lizann McLaughlin ’94, Christine Gallagher
’00, Charlie Gallagher ’05, and Dan Finnegan
’06; along with close family friends Leah Berry
’02 and Mark D’Eramo ’00. The couple spent
their honeymoon traveling throughout cities in
Italy and now resides in Philadelphia, Pa.
Eddie Keels ’98 was married to Elise Ehrenreich, a Maryland native, on October 19, 2014, in Cape Cod. Eddie’s
wedding party included other WMA alums: his sister, Lisa Lowenstein ’95, Matt Lancaster ’98, Tim Mahoney
’98, Jamie O’Neill ’98, and Dana Cairone ’98. Eddie graduated from Georgetown University, majoring in
theology and music theory. Since then, he has started two successful businesses in Philadelphia. Loose Leaf
Concepts LLC (www.looseleafconcepts.com) is his branding and web agency, providing everything from
custom logo creations and marketing materials, to bespoke websites and event signage/consulting. He just
finished up a project with clients: Mountain Dew, Doritos, GameStop, and Call of Duty. He also founded Philly
Current magazine (www.phillycurrent.com) two years ago and has featured personalities Maria Bello, Boyz II
Men, celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Lauren Hart, Todd Carmichael, Mayor Nutter, and The Phillie Phanatic. Aside
from business, Eddie is also the head varsity football coach at Waldron. He just led them to their best season in
the past eight years. Newlyweds Eddie and Elise currently reside in Philadelphia.
17
Class of 2014
Volunteer Spotlight
Aja Naima Adson
Annina Sophia Baccile
Alexandra Nicole Biddison
Isabel M. Bielli
Morgan Taylor Blackmon
Aniyah Niré Branch
Emma Braun
Riley Burns
Andreea Luanne Canuso
James Clayton Childs
Raymond Brennan Ford Cobb
Marc Anthony Colavita
Emma Jean Davis
Gabrielle Jeannette DeStefon
Anne Michelle Doyle
Abrielle Elizabeth Fafara
Abigail Rose Fisher
Jameson Wallace Fogarty
Jared Stephen Gentile
Grant Patrick Hadden
Katelin Ann Hamilton
Natalie Grace Holstein
Jade Victoria Killion
Kelly Anne King
Victoria A. Knight
Megan Alayne Leahy
Blaise Leuzzi
Dominick Leuzzi
Lifers!
Many of our students have been with us for
most of their formative years on Waldron’s
campus. We present the 2014 Waldron
18 www.waldronmercy.org
Ian Alexander MacGilvray
Kyle Kwitai Masai
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
Sean Patrick Maximus McGarrity
Ciara Rose McGee
Margaret Rose McGrath
Mark Anthony Miller
Michael Andrew Miller
Khyree Bruce Samuel Monroe
Touré Mosley Banks
Zenia Larissa Nasevich
Avery Joan Parker
Mary Elizabeth Passarella
Nora Maeve Pergolini
Matthew Collin Phillips
Declan Flaherty Quinn
Conor Matthew Ryan
Myles Mason Scott
Lauren Rose Starker
Madelyn C. Strohm
Savanna Marie Urban
Owen Francis Verzella
Alister Chapman Virkler
Duncan Alexander Waite
Andrew Scott Walsh
T. David Williams III
Waldron Mercy
Child Care
Alister Virkler and Ian MacGilvray
Awards and Scholarships
General Excellence Award
Alexandra Nicole Biddison
Megan Alayne Leahy
For Excellence in the study
of Advanced Spanish
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
For Excellence in the study
of Religion
Natalie Grace Holstein
Honorable Mention
Emma Jean Davis
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
For Excellence in the study
of Spanish
Kelly Anne King
For Excellence in the study
of Advanced Mathematics
Alister Chapman Virkler
Honorable Mention
Jameson Wallace Fogarty
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
For Excellence in the study
of Music
Alister Chapman Virkler
For Excellence in the study
of Mathematics
Emma Braun
Honorable Mention
Kyle Kwitai Masai
Nora Maeve Pergolini
T. David Williams III
For Excellence in the study
of English
Kelly Anne King
For Excellence in the study
of Writing
Kelly Anne King
Honorable Mention
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
Alister Chapman Virkler
For Excellence in the study
Social Studies
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
Honorable Mention
Sean Patrick Maximus McGarrity
Margaret Rose McGrath
Madelyn C. Strohm
For Excellence in the study
of Science
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
Honorable Mention
Kelly Anne King
For Excellence in the study
of Art
Emma Jean Davis
Outstanding Achievement
Alexandra Nicole Biddison
James Clayton Childs
Marc Anthony Colavita
Emma Jean Davis
Jameson Wallace Fogarty
Grant Patrick Hadden
Jared Stephen Gentile
Natalie Grace Holstein
Kelly Anne King
Megan Alayne Leahy
Hugo-James Olivier McCarthy
Sean Patrick Maximus McGarrity
Mary Elizabeth Passarella
Nora Maeve Pergolini
Matthew Collin Phillips
Alister Chapman Virkler
Duncan Alexander Waite
Effort Awards
Grant Patrick Hadden
Natalie Grace Holstein
Nora Maeve Pergolini
Mercy Awards are presented to
the students who exhibit the
Mercy philosophy of trust,
hospitality, openness, and
outreach.
Emma Jean Davis
Ian Alexander MacGilvray
Madelyn C. Strohm
Pre-K
(from left) Grant Hadden, Gabrielle DeStefon,
Abby Fisher, Dominick Leuzzi and Blaise Leuzzi
Service Awards are presented to the students who have
consistently given their time to assist others.
Emma Jean Davis | Kelly Anne King | Margaret Rose McGrath
The Leadership Award is presented to two students who
exemplify the qualities of mercy, service, effort, and the ability
to influence others to do the same.
Jameson Wallace Fogarty | Alister Chapman Virkler
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO THE CLASS OF 2014
Emma Braun
Academic Scholarship to
Hallahan Catholic Girls High
School
Raymond Cobb
Scholarship to Salesianum
Academy
Scholarship to Archmere
Academy
Jameson Fogarty
Principal Scholarship to St.
Joseph’s Preparatory School
Jared Gentile
Trustees’ Scholarship to
Roman Catholic High School
Grant Hadden
Principal Scholarship to St.
Joseph’s Preparatory School
Katelin Hamilton
Academic Scholarship to
Academy of Notre Dame
Kelly King
Alumnae Scholarship to
Merion Mercy Academy
Margaret McGrath
Founders Academic
Scholarship to Mount St.
Joseph’s Academy
Montessori
(from left) Lauren Starker, Mary Elizabeth
Passarella, Zenia Nasevich and James Childs
Mary Passerella
Academic Scholarship to
Merion Mercy Academy
Founders Academic
Scholarship to Mount St.
Joseph’s Academy
Nora Pergolini
Academic Scholarship to
Country Day School of the
Sacred Heart
Mercy Scholar Scholarship to
Merion Mercy Academy
Matthew Phillips
Academic Scholarship to
Devon Preparatory School
Presidential Scholarship to
Malvern Preparatory School
Ignatian Scholarship to St.
Joseph’s Preparatory School
Myles Scott
Scholarship to The Haverford
School
Owen Verzella
Scholarship to The Shipley
School
Alister Virkler
Principal Scholarship to die is
alsSt. Joseph’s Preparatory
School
Kindergarten
(from left) Matthew Phillips, Morgan Blackmon,
Jared Gentile, Emma Davis, Alexandra Biddison,
and Megan Leahy
19
In Memoriam
Volunteer Spotlight
Louis Agnes
Father of Jay Agnes
Grandfather of Gabriella Agnes ’11
Thomas Aner
Chuck Kelly
Step-grandfather of Quinn ’24 and Oliver ’26 O’Regan
Leo Kulp
Grandfather of Jonathan Aner ’15
Father of Carey Kulp Cheney ’92, Benjamin ’99, and
Joseph ’02 Kulp
Mark Baniewicz
Joseph Kuzan
Concetta Dolce
Peggy Luckhard
Brother of Debbi Della Porta, former WMA Faculty
Uncle of John Michael ’01 and Aimee ’02 Della Porta
Mother of Josephine DiGiambattista, WMA Faculty
Grandmother of Nicole DiGiambattista ’03
Thomas F. Donatucci
Brother of Ronald Donatucci
Uncle of Ronald ’97 Michael ’99, and
Ava Marie ’15 Donatucci
Yolanda Donatucci
Brother-in-law of Mary Ann Kuzan, WMA Faculty
Uncle of Liam Kuzan ’18
Sister of Bob Gallagher, WMA Faculty
J. Victor Mahoney ’65
Brother of Kevin Mahoney ’69
Cousin of PJ Leisenring ’09
Barbara McCabe
Former WMA Faculty
Mother of Ronald Donatucci
Grandmother of Ronald ’97 Michael ’99, and
Ava Marie ’15 Donatucci
Thomas McClure
Meg Esposto
Wife of Frank Esposto
Mother of Francesco ’10 and William ’13 Esposto
Mother of Pat McFillin
Grandmother of Renee ’10, Patrick ’12, and Sean ’15 McFillin
Sister of Betsy Bracken, parent of alumni
F. Emmett Fitzpatrick
Helen Prince
William Fry
Anthony Saia
Paul Gray
Lena Stimmler
Father of F. Emmett ’70 and James Fitzpatrick ’71
Grandfather of Chloe Fry ’21
Husband of Lauren Powe ’94
Elizabeth Kelley
Aunt of Theresa Gannon, WMA Faculty
Grandfather of Timothy ’18 and Liam ’21 McClure
Patricia McFillin
Grandmother of Nick Prince, WMA Faculty
Father of Marc Saia ’85
Grandmother of Liz ’89 and Catherine ’02 Rissover,
WMA Faculty
Bette Walsh
Mother of Liz Meyer, WMA Faculty
Grandmother of Mallory Meyer ’00
20 www.waldronmercy.org
Ways to Give
For further information about any of the following, please
contact Sylvia Bastani, interim director of advancement, at
610-664-9847, ext. 114, or sbastani@waldronmercy.org
The Waldron Annual Fund
Our annual campaign helps provide support for general operating
expenses such as student and faculty programs, curriculum,
technology, and building and grounds enhancement. The
campaign runs from July 1 through June 30 of each year.
Matching Gifts
You can double your support by designating Waldron Mercy
Academy as the recipient of matching funds if your employer has
a matching gift program. Each year the number of companies that
provide matching gifts increases. Please check with your
employer to see whether they have a matching gift program in
place.
Gifts of Stock
You can give appreciated stock, which is easily transferable and
provides special tax benefits.
The United Way
WMA is approved to receive donations through the United Way’s
Giving Program. If you already use this as a way to give, please
consider naming WMA as a recipient. Our designation is: Waldron
Mercy Academy #14245.
EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and OSTC
(Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit)
If your company pays state tax in Pennsylvania, it may be
possible to distribute the funds to WMA instead. Through the
EITC and OSTC programs, your company can receive a
substantial tax credit - as much as 90 percent of the value of the
gift - while supporting Waldron Mercy Academy’s Student Aid
Fund. The program allows C-Corps, S-Corps, Partnerships, and
LLCs to contribute. Over 50 of our students have benefited from
these funds.
The Edgar H. Griffiths ’35 Planned Giving Society
One of the simplest ways to give a planned gift is through a
bequest in your will. After providing for your heirs, you may wish
to include Waldron Mercy in your estate plans. We hope that you
will be inspired to follow Edgar and Mary Griffiths’ example and
join the Edgar H. Griffiths ’35 Planned Giving Society.
Foundation Support
If you or a family member has established a foundation, if you
serve on the board of a foundation, or if your employer has a
foundation, please let us know if we can apply for a grant. This
year, for example, Keith and Lisa Leaphart donated to WMA
through their charitable fund with The Philadelphia Foundation.
For more information, please contact Pam Stites, assistant director
of special events and projects, at pstites@waldronmercy.org.
Events
Each year we hold a Golf and Tennis Classic in the fall and our
Tigerfest Auction in the spring. These are great opportunities to
meet parents or connect with fellow alumni while supporting
WMA. There are also opportunities to donate gifts or provide
sponsorship to help make these events successful fundraising
endeavors for Waldron. For further information, contact Alison
Nolan, director of special events, at anolan@waldronmercy.org
or 484-420-2716.
Advancing the Mission of WMA…
Have you made your gift to The ’14-’15 Waldron Annual Fund?
You can support us today by returning the enclosed envelope or giving online at
waldronmercy.org/support-wma/annual-giving
Thank you for helping to advance the mission of Waldron Mercy!
For More Information
On ways to give, contact Sylvia Bastani, interim director of advancement, at 610-664-9847, ext. 114,
or sbastani@waldronmercy.org or Peg Flynn, director of The Waldron Annual Fund and alumni
relations at 610-664-9847, ext. 131 or mflynn@waldronmercy.org.
On how to get involved in Waldron events planned throughout the year, contact Alison Nolan, director
of special events, at 484-420-2716, or anolan@waldronmercy.org.
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Upper Darby, PA
Permit No. 85
A Twice-Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
513 Montgomery Avenue
Merion Station, PA 19066
Address Service Requested
Attention Alumni:
Please check out our website to:
• Connect with fellow alums
• Share your news for Blue & Gold
• Learn about upcoming events
Log in at:
https://www.waldronmercy.org/AlumniSignUp
If you prefer not to share your contact information
in our online Alumni Directory, please email Peg
Flynn at mflynn@waldronmercy.org. You can also
choose that option when you log on to our website.
Save the Date
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Note New Location This Year!
Philadelphia Marriott West in Conshohocken
Support this major WMA Fundraiser
• Underwrite an auction expense
• Advertise in our ad book
• Donate an auction item
• Attend and have fun!
Proceeds benefit capital improvements, financial aid,
Mercy outreach, and faculty and staff benefits.
To plan or attend alumni gatherings, please
contact the Institutional Advancement
Office. An NYC Alumni gathering is
scheduled for January 2015. If you live
or work in the NYC area, please make sure
we have your correct information.