ALLVERNO VERNO ALLUMNUMNAE

CARMEN LUEGE ‘77 - CANDIDATE FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

PICTURED WITH HER FAMILY LEFT TO RIGHT: DAUGHTER SOFIA, HUSBAND NICELIO SANCHEZ, AND SONS NICELIO JR. AND SEBASTIAN

SEE STORY ON PAGE 7

ALVERNO LVERNO ALUMNAELUMNAEMARCH 2014

ALVERNO MISSION: TO EMPOWER EACH YOUNG WOMAN TO BE EXACTLY THE PERSON SHE WANTS TO BE.

Page 2 Alumnae Magazine

CONTENTS Alverno Today 3By: Wendy Finch-Burk, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations

Candlelight Celebration Gets Alverno into the Christmas Spirit 4

Save the Date! Decade of the 2000’s Reunion 5

“Adopt-a-Student Campaign” Update 6

A True Story of Courage and Determination 7Carmen Luege ‘77 By: Summer Douglass Williams ‘95, Associate Director of Alumnae Relations

College Panel Q&A 8

Alumnae Offer Career Advice at 8-Minute Mentoring Program 8

Get in the Jaguar Spirit and Join Us 9

Save the Dates! 40th and 50th Class Reunions 10

Class of 1976 Celebrates the Holiday Season 11

In Loving Memory 12

Class Notes 13

Athletic Accolades - Eryn Blakely and Katherine Haysbert 14Class of 2013

In Memoriam - Sharon Ann Warden ‘78 15

Alumnae Business Directory/Villa del Sol d’ Oro Rental 16-17

PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE ALUMNAE MAGAZINE COURTESY OF ALVERNO ALUMNAE OFFICE AND BELLE ‘N BEAU PHOTOGRAPHY.

Inquiries should be directed to: Offi ce of Alumnae Relations

Summer Douglass Williams ‘95200 N. Michillinda Avenue

Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Phone: (626) 355-3463 ext. 232

Email: [email protected]

The Alverno Alumnae Magazine is published three times per year in March (sent via email), July (in print) and

November (sent via email).

ADMINISTRATION Ann Gillick, Head of School Julia Fanara, Head of School - ElectCameron Gonzales, Dean of Students/Director of Activities

ALUMNAE COMMITTEEBridget Marshall ‘64Terry Merlo Traver ‘65Carol Winkler Handley ‘67Ellen Behrens Hoffman ‘74Sue Behrens ‘78Jennifer Tweddle Jesser ‘81Elizabeth Oberreiter ‘84Maria Ioele ‘88Raina Martinez ‘88Monica Taft ‘88Evie Vasquez Gallardo ‘90, Alumnae Association PresidentAndrea Bertollini ‘91Summer Douglass Williams ‘95Lauren Capoccia ‘01Susana Capra ‘04Sara McCarthy ‘05

EDITOR/ART DIRECTORWendy Finch-Burk, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations

CONTENT EDITOR Summer Douglass Williams ‘95, Associate Director of Alumnae Relations

March 2014 Page 3

ALVERNO TODAY

Dear Friends of Alverno, It’s hard to believe that we are more than halfway through another school year … time goes by so quickly! I remember being told that when I was young and now I fi nd myself repeating that same phrase to our students at Alverno … “enjoy this time of your life and all the wonder and excitement and possibilities it has to offer because time goes by so quickly!” I had the pleasure recently of hosting Board Members and program offi cers on our campus from two of our supporting foundations– the Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation and the George H. Mayr Foundation. Our guests had the opportunity to tour the campus and visit with some of the young women who have benefi tted from the scholarships that these foundations support at Alverno. During these meetings with the students, I was overwhelmed by the amazing accomplishments that each of them shared with our visitors. Most students participate in extracurricular sports and clubs, in addition to maintaining high grades in very challenging classes including Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. They have completed Christian Service hours that far exceed the required number of hours for their grade level and the seniors shared their service projects that address their concernsand passions for the world around them, including literacy, animal rights, organ donor awareness, art therapy for the mentally ill, and early childhood education. They actively participate in and have a strong commitment to Alverno’s student government, which is modeled after the U.S. Government. A number of them discussed their individual fi elds of interest, including one student who was invited to be a student speaker at a recent conference at Cal Tech based on her involvement in scientifi c research on their campus and another student who is currently taking classes at the Art Center College of Design in preparation for her future in the area of video game design. Several of these young women also hold down jobs, in addition to all their school and community commitments. Witnessing these wonderful accomplishments is an important reminder of what a vital role Alverno plays in the lives of our students. The academic, spiritual, philanthropic and social foundation they receive as students here is something that affects their entire future, and knowing that we have the opportunity to provide that foundation for so many deserving young women is truly a privilege. The entire Alverno community recognizes the privilege of supporting these young women during their formative high school years, especially our alumnae. Whether they are making donations to our “Adopt-a-Classroom” and “Adopt-a-Pillar” campaigns or they are coming back on campus to share their time and experience with our students through the College Panel or 8-Minute Mentoring programs, our alumnae are particularly dedicated to giving back to their Alma Mater … and for that, we are extremely grateful! As we move forward with our “Adopt-a-Student Campaign”, we are again blessed to fi nd our alumnae giving back with the hope that other young women will have the same opportunities they had as students at Alverno. It’s a joy to see this type of sisterhood between our alumnae and current students and we hope that the generosity of our alumnae is something that these students will recognize and appreciate and, in turn, they will take out with them into the world. Because, as we know, time goes by so quickly and before we know it, these young women will be graduating from Alverno and making their mark on the world!

Kindest Regards,

Wendy Finch-BurkDirector of Development and Alumnae Relations

Kindest Regards,

Wendy Finch-hhh-h-h-hhhhhh-hhh-hhhh-hhhh-hhhh-------BuBBB rk


CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATION GETS ALVERNO IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Diane Eckels Johnson ‘86, Alexia Prokop Madigan ‘86, and Barbara Thurn Tamayo ‘86 enjoy the holiday festivities.

and community members. “It was a night that felt like a homecoming to me,” said Alexia Prokop Madigan ‘86. “Being able to celebrate with both my daughter and friends from high school was a tad surreal. And to see the size of the alumnae choir made me fi ll with pride!” Scenes from the story of Christmas were re-enacted by current Alverno students and narration was provided by students, faculty, and alumnae. The crowd joined in sing-ing Christmas carols as they traveled around the outside of the Villa. Later, guests gath-ered inside the Villa for more Christmas music provided by the Alverno student choirs as well as the very popular Alumnae Choir who sang “Jingle Bell Rock” and “A Holly, Jolly Christmas”. Warm refreshments were provided and everyone left the Villa ready to celebrate Christmas. “The Alumnae Choir always amazes me! We never practice and it sounds like we have been singing together for years,” said Summer Douglass Williams ‘95, Associate Director of Alumnae Relations. “It is a festive time of year and sharing it with so many other people who share the same love for Alverno is very special to me as an alumna.”

Left to Right: (Top Row) Heather Tweddle Banis ‘78, Jennifer Tweddle Jesser ‘81, Ileana Vior ‘13, Serena Santamaria ‘12, Shasta Cales ‘12 (Middle Row) Monica Tinker Shima ‘82, Ariel Cristi ‘13, Alexia Prokop Madigan ‘86, Diane Eckels Johnson ‘86, Barbara Thurn Tamayo ‘86,

Holly Coates ‘12 (Bottom Row) Theresa Burghardt Cristi ‘83, Lisa Edwards (Music Director), Evie Vasquez Gallardo ‘90, Summer Douglass Williams ‘95, Sara McCarthy ‘05, Annela Flores ‘12, and Alora Barrera ‘12

T he Alverno community celebrated the holiday season with the Candlelight Celebration on December 18, 2013 in and around the Villa. The time-honored tradition was enjoyed by current students and their families, friends, alumnae,

ATTENTION PARENTS OF ALUMNAE:

If your daughter no longer lives at your address, please contact the Alumnae Offi ce so we can update her

mailing address and phone number.

Email: [email protected] Phone: (626) 355-3463 ext. 232

LOOKING FOR YOUR CLASS REPRESENTATIVE?

If you would like to contact your class representative, the list is now online!

Go to myalverno.org and click on the “Alumnae” tab. Click on “Alumnae Association” and the new tab entitled “Class Representatives” for a current list!

March 2014 Page 5


ALVERNO LEGACY CIRCLE

Take a leap of faith that including Alverno in your estate plans will have a signifi cant impact on the future of

students who attend your Alma Mater!

Create your legacy today!Include Alverno High School in your

estate plans with a bequest.Secure the future of Alverno High School!

Current Members of the Alverno Legacy Circle: Anita Eberlen Cruver ‘69

Summer Douglass Williams ‘95Associate Director of Alumnae Relations

Julia Fanara P’01, ‘03, ‘05Head of School - Elect

If you have questions about including Alverno in your estate plans, please contact Wendy Finch-Burk in the Development Offi ce at (626) 355-3463 ext. 227 or at wfi [email protected].

CHANGE A STUDENT’S LIFE FOREVER! PARTICIPATE IN THE “ADOPT-A-STUDENT CAMPAIGN”

So far, Alverno has raised over $8,000 in the “Adopt-a-Student Campaign” and we are very excited to be supporting students with a campaign that is specifi c to fi nancial aid. With your gift, you will be helping an Alverno student receive the same education you enjoyed while you were in high school.

If you would like to participate in the “Adopt-a-Student Campaign”, you can mail your check to Alverno High School, Attn: Business Offi ce at 200 N. Michillinda Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 or you can log on to Alverno’s website at myalverno.org and click on the secure link on the homepage.

The campaign ends on June 30, 2014, so make your gift today and support students at Alverno!

March 2014 Page 7

ALUMNAE PROFILE The Importance of Believing in Yourself:A True Story of Courage and DeterminationCarmen Luege ‘77

obstacles, but through it all has demonstrated that hard work, faith, and dedication to family is a way to accomplish amazing things. Carmen was born in Havana, Cuba in 1959 during a volatile time just weeks after the Cuban Revolution. Her family was granted authorization to leave the country in 1970 when she was 11 years old and spent the next two years in Spain. Two years later, Carmen’s family was given permission to enter the United States. Carmen and her sister were able to attend Catholic schools with scholarships. When she entered Alverno Heights Academy in 1974, Carmen did not know how to speak, read, or write in English. “Alverno students and teachers made me feel like a part of their community, giving me space to learn the English language comfortably without the fear of being ridiculed,” she said. “The teachers were incredibly patient in helping me develop writing and reading skills and the students welcomed me despite the fact that early on I could not communicate

T here are challenges in life that we overcome, just as there are many things we are thankful for. Carmen Luege ‘77 is a perfect example of an Alverno alumna who has overcome

with them as clearly as their other peers.” Carmen graduated from Alverno as the Valedictorian of her class and went on to attend Loyola Marymount University where she graduated cum laude in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Sociology. “The education I received at Alverno was superb and set me up for success in my future,” Carmen added. “The day I found out I was going to speak at graduation on behalf of my class was one of the happiest moments in my life. It meant that I had overcome incredible challenges to create a new life in America and that my community of friends and teachers recognized the effort. What more could anyone ask for?” One month after Carmen graduated from college she was married to Nicelio Sanchez. “Nicelio is my life partner; we have been inseparable since the day we met,” she said. Nicelio supported Carmern while she attended law school at UCLA School of Law where she graduated in 1984. Carmen went on to begin a successful career as a litigation associate for O’Melveny and Myers Law Firm where she represented private companies in breach of contract cases, she handled all phases of civil discovery in various cases, and appeared in state and federal courts to present oral arguments in connection with her cases. In 1999, Carmen was promoted to Senior Litigation Counsel. She trained prosecutors and law enforcement agents on successful investigation and prosecution of illegal drug traffi cking and money laundering offenses. “Early on I gave up a very lucrative civil practice position at O’Melveny and Myers to become a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce in Orange County,” she said. For 17 years she led hundreds of investigations and worked with the FBI, DEA, and ICE agencies to prosecute federal crimes in Orange County. Carmen and Nicelio have three children – Nicelio Jr., Sebastian, and Sofi a. When Sebastian was six years old, Carmen and her family’s lives changed forever when they found out that he had lymphoma; a very aggressive form of cancer in the lymph nodes. “In an instant I was no longer a federal prosecutor, I was the panicked mother of a very ill child whose survival was in question.” Carmen spent a year asking questions and working with doctors to fi nd the best treatment for her son. In October of 2002, Sebastian received a bone marrow transplant at City of Hope Medical Center that saved his life and he has been in remission ever since. In 2009, Carmen was appointed to the Superior Court as a Commissioner. Since that time she has gained the experience to qualify her as a candidate for Superior Court Judge in Orange County. Her name will appear on the ballot in the June 3, 2014 election and she is optimistic that she can make a positive difference for the people of Orange County in this position. “The integrity, knowledge, and experience I bring to my current judicial assignment uniquely qualify me for the position of Orange County Superior Court Judge,” she said. Kristine Martin ‘06 is the niece of Carmen and she is very proud of her aunt’s accomplishments. “I have always been amazed by how she can balance her career and family life,” said Kristine. “She is such an inspiration to young women everywhere. She came to this country with nothing and look at everything she has accomplished. Nothing but hard work and determination could have gotten her to where she is today, and I strive to be like her every day.”


COLLEGE PANEL Q&A

W hat is the best part about college? What is it like living in a dorm? Is it hard living on the other side of the country?

Left to Right: (Back Row) Mimi Capra ‘11 (California State University, Fullerton), Karisha Quiogue ‘11 (Pratt Institute), Arriel Sanchez ‘10 (California State University, Northridge), and Brianna Berlen ‘09 (Loyola Marymount University), (Front Row) Jessica Unamuno ‘09 (FIDM), Maryanne Householder ‘11 (University of La Verne), Katie Howard ‘10 (California State University, Channel Islands), and Hanna Storlie ‘09 (Cal Poly Pomona)

Questions like these were asked of the eight alumnae who returned to campus on Monday, January 13, 2014 to share with the Junior and Senior classes their college experiences thus far. “The college panel is a great way for students to get a glimpse of what they will be experiencing while in college,” said Katie Howard ‘10, who is currently attending California State University, Channel Islands with a major in Business. “It’s amazing to think that I was in the audience not so long ago. Time fl ies!” Alverno was pleased to welcome the alumnae back to campus as a valuable resource for the Juniors and Seniors as they prepare for college. “I always fi nd this event so informative for our students and I was especially impressed with this group of alumnae who were part of this panel,” said Eileen Garabedian, College Counselor. “They were so articulate with what they shared with current students and their words of wisdom seem to resonate so well with the girls. They beautifully epitomize our mission of ‘Empowering each young woman to be exactly the person she wants to be.’”

Alumnae Offer Career Advice at 8-Minute Mentoring Program

lumnae involved in a variety of different careers attended the A

8-Minute Mentoring program on Monday, February 10, 2014. Students attended the event and heard about experiences these alumnae have every day in their jobs. The careers that were represented at the event included dentist, attorney, mediation judge, clothing buyer, communications coach/instructor, police offi cer, veterinarian, behavior specialist, and clinical laboratory scientist. The junior and senior

Alumnae Mentors pictured left to right: Deborah Ballins Schwarz ‘71, Ellen Driscoll ‘72, Gaby Galgoul Fisher ‘01, Monique Perez ‘90, Sandi Neff Bowerman ‘79, Kim Baecker Henry ‘91, Lesley Bautista ‘96, Vanessa Gonzalez ‘05, and Lynne Velling ‘67classes were invited to the event which was set up in a “speed dating” fashion with each alumna seated at a different table. Students listened to advice from the alumna at their table and after 8 minutes, a bell rang and the students moved to the next table to hear about a different career. “This program gives students an idea of what it is like working in different fi elds and what they need to do in college to get into these fi elds. We hope it helps them as they prepare to make choices about what their college and intended major will be,” said Summer Douglass Williams ‘95, Associate Director of Alumnae Relations. “It is a fun way for alumnae to give back to their Alma Mater and return to campus to spend time with current students.”

GET IN THE JAGUAR SPIRIT AND JOIN US!

Alumnae Book ClubWednesday - March 5, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pmOff campus locationContact Alumnae Offi ce

Annual Gala“Passport to Paris”Saturday - March 22, 2014 6:00pm - 11:00pmPasadena Hilton

Alumnae Committee MeetingTuesday - April 8, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm Alverno Campus: Faculty Lounge

Mother-Daughter BrunchSaturday - May 10, 2014 12:00pmVilla del Sol d’ Oro

Alumna of the YearSenior FarewellFriday - May 30, 2014 8:00amAlverno Terrace

Alumnae Committee MeetingTuesday - June 17, 20146:00pm - 8:00pmAlverno Campus: Faculty Lounge

March 2014 Page 9

Alumnae Book ClubWednesday - June 25, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pmLocation TBA

Alumnae Decade Reunion Celebrating 2000 - 2010Saturday - June 28, 2104 5:30pm - 9:30pm Villa del Sol d’ Oro

Class of 1973 - 1974 - 40 Year Reunion Saturday - September 13, 2014 4:00pmMatt Denny’s Alehouse Restaurant

Alumnae Book Club Wednesday - September 17, 20146:00pm - 8:00pmVilla del Sol d’ Oro Library

Class of 1964 - 50 Year ReunionSaturday - September 20, 20145:00pm - 9:00pmAlverno Terrace and Villa del Sol d’ Oro


SAVE THE DATESClasses of 1973 and 1974 - 40 Year Reunion Celebration

The Class of 1974 is teaming up with the Class of 1973 for a 40-year and belated 40-year reunion!

Date: Saturday - September 13, 2014

Location: Matt Denny’s Ale House Restauarnt 145 E. Huntington Drive Arcadia, CA 91006

Time: 4:00pm

More Details Coming Soon!

Please send your current email address for an e-vite to: Ellen Behrens Hoffman ‘74 at [email protected], Jackie Linden Whitenack ‘73 at [email protected], or Debbie McSweeny Polchow ‘73 at [email protected]

Class of 1964 - 50 Year Reunion CelebrationCelebrating the Class of 1964

Date: Saturday - September 20, 2014

Location: Alverno Terrace and Villa del Sol d’ Oro 200 N. Michillinda Avenue Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Time: 5:00pm - Mass and Ceremony 6:00pm - Villa Celebration

More Details Coming Soon!

Have questions or want more information? Contact Bridget Marshall ‘64 at [email protected].

March 2014 Page 11

SCLASS OF 1976 CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON

(Left to Right): Helen Simmons, Jeanette Sermak Proulx, Brigitte Gault Forrey, Joan Germain Prechtl, and Melody Colbert take a moment for a picture during the party.

(Left to Right) Back Row: Eileen Martin Roe, Lisa Patt Whan, Janice Bent Ryan, Julie Best Ickes, Jeannette Sermak Proulx, Joan Germain Prechtl (tall in back), Essie Palmer Yera, Jeanne DiFronzo, and Ellie Tesoro. Front row: Donna Starkey Rueda, Brigitte Gault Forrey, DiAnn Munoz Ardessi, and Cindy Turrietta.

everal members of the Class of 1976 have stayed in touch over the years. The holiday season was the perfect time to plan a gathering and everone was happy to share the festive season with their Alverno sisters at a brunch on December 15, 2013. “It was great! It was very informal which made it so easy,” said Jan Bent Ryan. “It was friends getting together to relive the hilarity

“We had a super day! We planned it just a few weeks ahead and it worked out beautifully,” said Julie Best Ickes. “I made sangria and everyone brought potluck dishes for brunch. It was really magical how everyone feels so comfortable when we get together after all these years! My home is always open to my Alverno friends.” If you missed this gathering and would like more information, con-tact Class Representatives Brigitte Gault Forrey at [email protected] or Jan Bent Ryan at [email protected]. Or you can always connect on the “Class of 1976” group on Facebook.

we enjoyed at a magical place called Alverno.” Facebook has been more than a way to keep in touch for this class. The Class of 1976 has used it to plan get-togethers and this one was enjoyed by all who attended. “I had created a group on Facebook to pull us all together in one place and we’ve used it to communicate,” said Cindy Turrietta. “Early in November I reached out to see if there was any interest in doing a holiday get-together. Julie volunteered her home and it was tastefully decorated for the holidays. Thirteen Alverno girls were able to make it, including Essie Palmer-Yera all the way from Miami, Florida!”


IN LOVING MEMORYCrystal Rodriguez ‘06

Sunrise: June 29, 1988Sunset: November 28, 2013

Mary ConnorMother of Maureen Connor Carlson ‘73

and Michael Connor (St. Francis, Class of ‘76)

Sunrise: July 26, 1930Sunset: November 28, 2013

Colonel James A. Wasil Grandfather of Kelsie Savage ‘11

Sunrise: January 24, 1927 Sunset: January 29, 2014

Wendy Wolf Fadel ‘87 Sunrise: November 9, 1969 Sunset: February 7, 2014

CLASS REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED! Are you usually on Facebook chatting with friends?

Do you look forward to seeing everyone at your reunion? We are looking for Class Representatives for the following years to spread the word when their reunion year comes around through emails, social media and

any other handy form of communication... sky writing anyone?

1971 198519962006

Class Representatives serve a very important role in alumnae relations at Alverno and are a vital component to a successful reunion.

They assist during reunion years with getting the word out to classmates about the date, time, and ticket sale information. If you graduated in

one of the years listed above, or any other year and you want to get involved, please contact Summer Douglass Williams ‘95 in the Alumnae

Offi ce at (626) 355-3463 ext. 232 or at [email protected].

Thank you for being a volunteer!

the Los Angeles Area. She later discovered a knack for marketing and fi nance where she had the privilege to organize and design “fi nancial road maps” for her clients. Destined to be an entrepreneur, she devel-oped a multitude of business and personal relationships that helped her provide clients with the best design resources. [email protected]

2013Ariel Cristi:Ariel was welcomed as a lifetime member into the Alpha Lambda Delta society which is a national honor society. She is pleased to share that she is in the top 20% of her college class and her GPA is currently 3.75. Ariel is also on the Dean’s list and participates as a student athlete on the Women’s Basketball team, the Prevet Club, Lambing Club, and Blue Crew Leadership Club. [email protected]

March 2014 Page 13

CLASS NOTES

SHOW YOUR JAGUAR PRIDE!Alverno Hooded Sweatshirt $25Alverno Sweatshirt $20 Alverno T-Shirt (Navy) $10 Alverno Tank Top (Large and XL) $10 Alverno Silver License Plate Frame $10Alverno Travel Mug $8“Future Alverno Alumna” Bib $5Alverno Aluminum Water Bottle $5 Alverno Ceramic Mug $5 Alverno Reusable Plastic Cup $5Alverno Mouse Pad $5 Alverno Picture Frame $3 Alverno Beach Bag Cooler $3 Alverno Mirror/Brush Combo $3Alverno Lanyard $3Alverno Water Bottle Holder $1Alverno Car Decal $1

Contact Summer Douglass Williams ‘95, Associate Director of Alumnae Relations at (626) 355-3463 ext. 232

or by email at [email protected] to order your Alverno gear today!

1998Jennifer Encinas: Jennifer works at USC and got married on October 20, 2012 to Ryan Talbot. She and her husband welcomed a baby girl, Charlotte Rebecca Talbot, on March 22, 2013. Jennifer is slated to graduate from USC with a Masters in Academic Medicine this year. [email protected]

2002Virginia Flores: Virginia is a Pasadena native who lived and studied in the architecturally handsome, culturally rich city of San Francisco. There, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Interior Design from San Francisco State University in 2007. She also honed her genuine passion for design. Upon graduating, she developed her expertise working with corporate, commercial, design-build, and high-end residential fi rms in


ATHLETIC ACCOLADES

Eryn Blakely ‘13 and Katherine Haysbert ‘13 Making Strides

attending the University of Colorado, Boulder and is majoring in Integrative Physiology. She trained by herself during the fall. She tried out for the Colorado team on January 18, 2014 at an indoor track invitational. “The next day, I received an email from the coach saying that they would like to add me to the team,” she said. “I am now working on adapting to the higher intensity training; especially at altitude.” As of now, Eryn is planning on competing in the 3000m Steeplechase for upcoming events. “Eryn was an integral part of both the Alverno Cross Country Team and the Track Team for the four years she attended Alverno,” said Coach Ken Berry. “She was always a top runner on these teams from the time she was a freshman. Eryn could compete in any distance race from 100 meters to 3 miles and if she wasn’t fi rst she would always place in the top three.” Katherine Haysbert attends UC Berkeley and is majoring in Public Health. She has been training with the Cross Country team and is looking forward to participating on the

A lverno alumnae from the Class of 2013 are proud new members of their college running teams this year and are doing an amazing job. Eryn Blakely is

Track and Field team which starts their season in the Spring. “Running at the collegiate level has been a goal of mine since my freshman year of high school. I wanted the opportunity to continue with something I truly enjoy, while also attending a great university,” she said. “Running at Berkeley inspires me to give as much effort to my academics as I do with my effort in reaching my personal goals as an athlete.” She was recently involved in the Junior Olympics in Baltimore, Maryland, where she came in with the top six runners and is the Horizon League record holder and champion in the 800m. At Berkeley, she will be competing in the 800m and 1500m race. “Katherine participated in both the Cross Country and Track teams during her Junior and Senior years and was a top competitor,” said Coach Berry. “In both sports she ran at the CIF prelims and fi nals. When Katherine ran the 800 meter event, her smooth, seemingly effortless form was always amazing to watch.” Coach Berry went on to say that he wishes both of these alumnae well in their collegiate endeavors. “They have left a running standard that will be tough to beat here at Alverno!”

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March 2014 Page 15

IN MEMORIAMSharon Ann Warden 12/9/1959 – 2/14/197935 Years Later

was an inspiration to everyone – her schoolmates, teachers, friends, family, and even her doctors and caregivers. After being diagnosed with bone cancer in March of our freshman year, Sharon’s leg was soon amputated in hopes that it would prevent the disease from spreading to the rest of her body. The prosthetic leg she was fi tted with was heavy and awkward for her, so she usually opted to not wear it and just used her crutches. She still rode her beloved horse Goby, and gave rides to blind children at a nearby facility. Sharon’s parents took her to New York for the latest experimental treatments to help her beat the cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation took her beautiful brown, below-the-waist hair and she had a hard time keeping weight

By: Sue Behrens ‘78, Alumnae Committee Member Alverno Administrative Assistant

T his Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2014 marks the 35th

anniversary of my friend and classmate Sharon Warden’s passing. Our class planted this fl owering plum tree (pictured right) on the Alverno Terrace in her memory, and this year’s bloom is especially spectacular! The recent rain sent a shower of blossoms to the ground like snowfl akes and I couldn’t resist sharing the photo with you. Long before Alverno adopted the mission statement of empowering each young woman to be exactly the person she wants to be, Sharon lived it every day of her life, up until the day she died of cancer. She

on. Her mom told me that Sharon was drinking healthy smoothies long before they were fashionable! Despite the fact that she missed so much school during those three-and-a-half years, she still kept up with her homework and studies, and was our class Valedictorian at graduation on the Terrace in June, 1978. As the saying goes, there was not a dry eye in the house when she made her way to the podium and gave her moving speech. Sharon never felt sorry for herself and never gave up, and she implored all of her classmates to do the same, quoting from Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata”:

Among the extra-curricular accomplishments listed on her permanent record are: Freshman Class Secretary, Sophomore Homeroom President, Equestrian Club President, NHS member, CSF member, Art Award, Junior Arabian Horse Association Member, and my personal favorite: The Freak of the Week Award (Freshman year)! Positive proof that Sharon Warden was truly a well-rounded, empowered Alverno girl! Sharon, you are forever in our hearts!

“You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep the peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”


VILLA DEL SOL D’ ORO ALUMNAE WEDDINGS

The Villa on Alverno’s campus is a timeless setting for weddings and special events.

Overlooking acres of beautiful landscaping, the Villa offers a festive atmosphere

with a picturesque setting for your event.

Alumnae receive a substantial discount on the rental fee when booking the Villa for

their own wedding.

For more information, please contact Summer Douglass Williams ‘95

in the Alumnae Offi ce at [email protected]

or call (626) 355-3463 ext. 232.

Wendy Jansky Deneen, DDSFamily Dentistry

468 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Telephone (626) 355-0467

March 2014 Page 17

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