Fall 2015

seasonal newsletter for for the alumnae, friends, parents, and students of Buffalo SeminarySNippetsSNippets

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Contributors

EditorialErin St. John Kelly

EditorSusan BeichMonique Brannon

Lucy B. Coburn ‘73Gaby DeRose ‘74Jody DouglassNancy MillerKacie MillsGary Sutton

In Memoriam & Class Notes

PhotographyMurray CovelloAmy DoyleMichele GoldfarbErin St. John KellyTessa Pszonak ‘17Kim Trow

DesignerCassandra Ott

What a wonderful fall ! We are celebrating 100 yearsof the Hornet/Jacket competition and all of the events seem to take on a special joy this year. Certainly they do for me. It is hard to believe I will retire in June. I have had my last first day of school! Every day this year, I am trying to appreciate the distinctive qualities of SEM.

The weather has been glorious as we finish the first trimester and the fall sports season. The academic progress of our students is remarkable. More than 65 colleges will visit SEM this year to talk with our seniors. Courses in coding and beginning engineering for freshmen have many of our students thinking seriously about careers in STEAM related fields. Electives in Modern Poetry or Urban Studies stimulate great thinking. We have had dynamic speakers this fall. We didn’t just teach female leadership, we invited in women who embody it. Trustee Michael Perley introduced us to Mary Beth Tinker, whose Supreme Court case established First Amendment rights for public school students. Barbara French Pace ‘61, the 2015 Colby Artist, oldest living collegiate hockey player, and government foreign affairs analyst gave a moving talk about life and art. Jenna Ricker, co-writer and director of “The American Side,” a major movie filmed in Buffalo (and at SEM!), talked to students about the unique challenges of being a woman director.

The Red-Tailed Hawks have done well. Our soccer team lost a tough semifinal game in the Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association (MMHSAA) tournament after a terrific season. Our small, tough, and talented cross country team produced runners who finished 4th (Zoe Knauss ‘19) and 7th (Sam Burlow ‘17) in the MMHSAA, overall, and our swim team competed in the All-Catholics.

I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year ahead. Thank you for making a difference for SEM!

Letter from the Head of School

Filmmakers of “The American Side,” shot partly at SEM, spoke at the school on Oct. 27, 2015. (L-R) Co-writer, co-producer and lead actor Greg Stuhr, SEM theatre teacher Susan Drozd, Head of School Jody Douglass, co-writer, co-producer and director Jenna Ricker, and Erin St. John Kelly, Director of Communications.

Jody welcomes students on the first day of school

I am delighted to share that our Remarkable Opportunities – Campaign for SEM has surpassed $5.5 million. SEM is strengthened by your dedication and generous gifts. I want to remind everyone that any gift this year to the Annual Fund also counts toward the campaign.

The year- long celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of legendary head L. Gertrude Angell’s brainchild Hornet/Jacket was launched September 25, 2015, with 219 students and faculty parading, singing and dancing, and finding out just who would be what for the rest of their lives. Hornets won the day, but there’s a whole year of skits, games, community service, and events to earn points underway... Post pictures and memories of Hornet/Jacket from the last 100 years here: BuffaloSeminary.org/HJblog

Hornet/Jacket Day Begins Its Centennial Celebration

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Fall WeekendSENIOR GAMES (below) Soccer seniors Anna Fretz, Danielle Little and Natalie Rice (pictured) had a victorious final game against Niagara Catholic on Oct. 15. Anna’s grandmother, Janice Fretz ‘49 was given roses with the students, for this unflagging fan has not missed one of Anna’s soccer games in four years. Varsity field hockey played Royhart to a close loss (2-1) on Oct. 16, and the players celebrated the season in high spirits.

HAWK WALK (right) Oct. 18, the cross country team led the Hawk Walk 5K through the tape at the starting line at Larkin Field, followed by parents, students, faculty and friends on a gorgeous fall Saturday. After it was run, course marshalls, runners and fans gathered on Larkin Field for touch football (warming up for PowderPuff ) and a BBQ lunch.

See you here next year!

Anabel Cornacchio Abby Hopkins

Olivia ColonGabriella Augello

Megan Maxwelland their parents

First Days of SchoolIn a recently established tradition, before school started freshmen met each other at a BBQ on Larkin Field to play field games and meet team coaches. Freshmen returned to school before the first day for orientation, where they were introduced to their

sponsors, who as new sophomores were having their first chance to mentor. On the first day of school, Sept. 8, Tori Brooks ‘94 gave the convocation address, welcoming 219 students to the school year, and a lifetime of connection to SEM. Students and faculty then spent the first day in group activities based in the summer reading “The Best American Science and Nature Writing, 2014.”

The looming rain held off for the All-School Picnic on Sept. 11 - a great sign for the coming year!

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Cross CountryTop left: Sihao Sheng, Jiani Lu, Tessa Covello, Ava Lucinski, Lena Beyer, Zeyun Liu, Coach Steve MikosBottom left: Mary Leslie, Samantha Burlow, Maia Gallagher, Amanda Lee, Zoe Knauss, Lioba SpangemacherCoach: Steve MikosCaptains: Lena Beyer ‘16 and Maia Gallagher ‘16

JV Field HockeyTop left: Coach Jill Tokarczyk, Qingrong Tang, Zoe Galarneau, Kai Ellis, Charlotte Long, Marion Rose McDonnell, Bridget Conboy, Nia Ellis, Cara DeRoseBottom left: Anna Brach, Kailyn Lane, Ciara Lambert, Olivya Hogan, Janiah Smith, Mary Curtin, Lydia Abbott, Thea OverdorfCoach: Jill Tokarczyk

SailingLeft to Right: Kyra Fogg, Caroline Smith, Grace Cannon, Jacqueline Schanzlin, Sydney Adams, Katie McClenahanAdvisor: Kim Trow

Soccer Top left: Sophia Vaquero, Danielle Little, Aurora Kraus, Jade Johnson Middle left: Alicia Land, Rory Hannon, Erin Griffis, Grace Obletz, Anna Fretz, Grace Cloherty, Coach Jill Sanford Bottom left: Nicole Nobrega, Leah Kramer, Natalie Rice, Sophie Mielnicki, Clare von Simson, Natalia VaqueroCoaches: Jill Sanford and Elisabeth BeccueCaptains: Natalie Rice ‘16 and Sophie Mielnicki ‘17

#GoSEM Go Red -Tailed Hawks!

FAll 2015 teams

Crew Top left: Emma Brentjens, Brooke Gannon, Fatima Siddiqui, Anya Roy, Christina Siragusa, Brook Sillart, Alexis Kowalak, Azia ParrisBottom left: Maggie Rose Bontempo, Krissy Borowiak, Carolina Hannon, Athena Mathews, Isabel Finkbeiner, Julia Esters, Anya Casey, Katie KraftCoaches: Peggy McKendry and Kaitlyn McCleary

GolfTop left: Coach Edi Dref, Mengcheng Yu, Yixuan Lu, Cienna Certo, Chelsea Anderson, Ella Tolomeo, Shangqi Lyu, Coach Jim DrefBottom left: Yicen Liu, Morgan Brown, Alexia Pezzino, Shelby Kmidowski, Casey BallCoaches: Jim and Edi Dref Captain: Shelby Kmidowski ‘18

Swimming Top left w/ flag: Emily Broxup, Coach Amanda Gareis, Coach Glenna Leous Second row: Elizaveta Nedkova, Emily Felong, Olivia Miller Third row: Theresa Pszonak, Lauren Phillips, Alison Gareis, Madeline Love Bottom left: Brigid Navagh, Katherine Nebbia, Sarah HamdanCoaches: Glenna Leous and Amanda Gareis ‘14Captains: Alison Gareis ‘17 and Lauren Phillips ‘16

Varsity Field HockeyTop left: Lauren Pollina, Caroline Dunbar, Grace Gallagher, Sara Caywood, Hannah Garis, Bridget Ewing, Ellie Cleary, Tess Rine, Ziqing WangMiddle left: Emily Bulan, Emily Marie Jimenez, Coach Leigh Przepiora, Lysette Vasquez, Dabin HanBottom left: Olivia Colon, Gabriella Augello, Anabel Cornacchio, Megan Maxwell, Abigail HopkinsCoach: Leigh PrzepioraCaptains: Anabel Cornacchio ‘16 and Gabriella Augello ‘16

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On the Way Up!The 2016 Annual Fund is underway, with a lofty goal this year of $506,000. To participate this fall, you’ll find an envelope tucked into this issue of Snippets. To reach our goal, we rely on a generous team of alumnae, trustees, parents, grandparents and friends who join forces to support this wonderful school.

What does the Annual Fund do for SEM? Tuition alone never covers the full cost of educating a SEM student. Year in and year out the school relies on the Annual Fund to do the rest, to ensure that our 219 students enjoy the benefits of a fine faculty, varied curriculum, up-to-date classrooms, a comfortable school building, a variety of sports and clubs and plenty of extra-curricular experiences like class trips. Both large and small gifts are important parts of this effort.

JOIN THE FUN WITH BONUS POINTS: This year, your gift to SEM adds up in unexpected ways! In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Hornet/Jacket rivalry, the number of participating SEM alumnae and family members from those teams will be counted toward the final scores for the coveted Hornet/Jacket Cup. Thank you for your support!

GO HORNETS! GO JACKETS! & GO ANNUAL FUND!

is Dec. 1, 2015. You can be part of the worldwide celebration

by giving back to the SEM community. We’ll share a count on Facebook/BuffaloSeminary all day.

Join fellow parents, faculty, trustees Lalumnae for an evening of great fun!

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Save the Date:January 29, 2016

Time: 7 – 10pm

Place: Here at SEM!

Casual Attire

Games, Music, Dancing & Silent Auction

Your support helps us bridge the tuition gap - the additional cost of a SEM education beyond what tuition covers. Attend SEMquest!

Mary Szvoren ‘03 was known at SEM for her personality, wit, and unique view of the world.

She was a talented writer, athlete, and loyal friend. Sadly, at the age of 27, Mary passed away. This was

a tragedy that was hard to believe.

At a recent alumnae event, many friends of Mary described a deep sense of loss because we hadn’t

the opportunity to say good-bye to our dear friend. That evening, we decided to plan an event to honor

Mary, as well as to give her friends from SEM an opportunity to gather to remember her.

Mary would have turned 30 in October. We felt this milestone was a great opportunity that we couldn’t

pass up. Our small committee: Catherine (Klass) Robson ‘03, Lauren Kreiner ‘03, Erin (Sozanaki) Goubiere ‘03, Andrea Gioia ‘02, Ann Klass ‘04,

and Erin Klass ‘01 hosted a memorial gathering on Friday, October 1, 2015, at The Sidebar in Buffalo.

Many alumnae including Caitlin DeTine-Brash, Leah Bouquard, Rachel Bouquard, Carrie Dealtry,

Courtney Hunter, and parents from the early 2000’s joined for a lovely celebration that raised over $1,100 donated to SEM in honor of Mary. Although she was not with us physically, it was clear that Mary’s spirit

was felt among all who were present.

Memorial for Mary SzvorenMarks Her 30th Birthday and Raises $1,100 for SEM

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Buffalo Seminary Alumnae Association NewsBuffalo Seminary Alumnae Association News

SEM Pendants Are Here!In conjunction with Erik Jewelers, the BSAA has made the Buffalo Seminary pendant – our venerable seal in silver ($125), 14K gold or 14K white gold (both $650). To purchase, call BSAA corresponding secretary Lucy Butterbaugh Coburn ‘73 at (716) 783-4257. Approximately 3-4 weeks for delivery.

How can you resist?

TLC. Of particular interest is Hornet/Jacket memorabilia to celebrate the 100th anniversary. Check out the new Hornet/Jacket blog: BuffaloSeminary.org/HJblog

MISS ANGELL WANTS YOU Have SEM trinkets or documents been taking up space in your drawers? Considerdonating to the school archive. Your items underscore the rich history and tradition of the school and will be treated with

COCO EVENT SEM Alum Networking & Social Hour. The Alumnae Association held its second happy hour for WNYalums at Coco Bar & Bistro in downtown Buffalo. We had another well attended, fun event with Amy Hayes Atkinson ’ 84, winning the door prize of SEM merchandise.

ANNUAL FALL LUNCHEON On Saturday, October 17, alumnae and their guests were privileged to listen to Donna Fernandes, President of the Buffalo Zoo, discuss the zoo’s growth. Donna stirred the crowd with her passion and dedication to the renaissance of our zoo over the last 15 years and, more recently, of our city.

Do you have a speaker or suggestion for the Fall Luncheon? Share your thoughts at semalum@gmail.com.

(left to right) Alison Johansson ‘44 and Cindy Pope ‘78 | SEM Trustee Gaby DeRose ‘74, Donna Fernandes, BSAA President Tara A. Ellis ‘88 | SEM former Trustee & BSAA Treasurer Mary Ross Rice ‘52, SEM Trustee Linda Robertson Magavern ‘73 | Sarah Heavey ‘03 and her mother Lynn Cercone, and Gigi Pooley Helliwell ‘76

HOLIDAY BAZAAR Saturday, December 12 from10am - 2pm. Gift items from local merchants, artists, and craftspeople will be available throughout the school. Expect to find SEM gear, artwork, note cards, jewelry, accessories, exotic imports, hand painted and etched glassware, candles, and tasty treats. Don’t miss our celebrated raffle of unique, themed gift baskets. Free and open to the public. Proceeds benefit the BSAA Scholarship Fund.

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Class notesOur alumnae are confident, driven, capable and accomplished women - and deserve to be applauded. The BSAA wants to hear about your milestones and accomplishments, so please, keep sending Class Notes. Your success is SEM’s best tool for success!

You can now also read and submit Class Notes online at BuffaloSeminary.org/classnotes. Submissions can be designated for print or online or both.

1949Jane Speicher Jordan: Moved to Goodwin House, Alexandria, VA. According to Goodwin House, she chose it because of the beautiful paintings on its walls. The former picture editorat Time-Life Books studied watercolor at The Art Students League School in Alexandria. She sells her paintings at the Alexandra Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

1960Judy Hansen Benson: 60th is only 5 years away. Hope that is enough time to make a plan to come and celebrate being the old girls.

1961Barbara French Pace: Was the Colby-Oishei visiting artist. (see below)

1964Josephine “Josie” Townsend Kaestner: I met up with Debbie Williams in Florida in March. Both of us were trying to escape winter - she from Buffalo and I from Vermont.

1972Elizabeth “Betsy” Linder: Life in San Francisco is great—selling real estate. I see Nancy Eslick often.

1992Jessie Schnell Fisher: Is the new Executive Director of Preservation BuffaloNiagara. Said PBN: Jessie most recently served as Director of Planning at Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. She brings a depth of knowledge in historic preservation, urban design, planning, and community development to PBN. We think you’ll agree these skills are critical to advancing our organization and that Jessie will “man the helm” with aplomb.

1994Dr. Victoria Brooks: The director of the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program at ECMC, opened the SEM school year with the convocation address. Future Jacket, daughter Tess, Class of 2031, was comfortable in Chapel. A great sign for the future.

Nicole C. Lee: Was honored with the SUNY Buffalo Law Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumna Award for public service. She is a member of the Law School’s Dean’s Advisory Council and a human rights lawyer with Lee Bayard Group in Washington, where she resides.

1995Mara Hoffman: Unveiled a Resort Swim 2016 collection inspired by her recent travels through Morocco during Swim Week in Miami, Fla., last summer. According to The Buffalo News: “From wandering through the incredible Jardin Majorelle, visiting the souks and their abundance of beautiful ceramic pottery and rugs, to seeing and smelling the stalls of spices, and tasting the tagines and mint leaf teas, the experience had an impact on all of Hoffman’s senses. As a result, this collection is infused with new color palettes, silhouettes and floral prints.”

Jane Speicher Jordan and one of her paintings

Convocation Speaker Tori Brooks ‘94, daughter Tess, and Jody

Colby ArtistOn Oct. 16, 2015, Barbara French Pace visited classes, gave an all-school presentation in the Chapel, and had a show in the catwalks. The oldest living female collegiate hockey player, foreign affairs analyst, photographer, and artist told the girls, “There are always opportunities no matter what happens in your life.”

Barbara with art teacher Caitlin Cass and her painting Maison au Rive.

2001Lauren McHugh Herr: Earned her doctorate in education from George Washington University in July 2015.

2006Veronica Couzo: Recently married Nicholas Kamenjarin. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and a JD from the University of Notre Dame Law School, and is an appellate law clerk at Sixth Circuit Court. The couple will make their home in Chicago.

Mildred Bleylegrandmother of SEM Assistant Athletic

Director Kacie Mills

Valerie Caprio ’92sister of Cheryl Caprio ‘94

Kenneth Cohn, M.D.son of former Trustee Ann H. Cohn,

brother of Martha Cohn Claussen ’72 and Erica Cohn ‘75

Silvia de Rosasmother of Adriana de Rosas Zalocha ‘93

Leta DentanMath teacher at SEM 2001-2011

Ellen Duryea-Shoupe ‘75sister of Elizabeth Duryea Maloney ’74 and

Katharine Duryea Pike ‘84,niece of Anne Duryea Astmann ’40,

cousin of Katharine Scherer Hacker ’67, Peggy Wattles Dryden ’70, and

Katharine Dryden ‘07

Janet S. Erenstoftgrandmother of Rachel Erenstoft ‘90

Lewis G. Harrimanfather of Raimonde Harriman Manch ‘70

Jane Hopkinsmother of Robin Hopkins Amper ’65 and

SEM Trustee Jane Hopkins Carey ’75, mother-in-law of Ann “Bonnie” Adam

Hopkins ‘61

Betty Duthie Kittinger ’30Honorary Trustee, mother of Pamela Kittinger Fuller ’54,

Linda Kittinger Wadsworth ’56, and Karen Kittinger Rumsey ’62, grandmother of

Rebecca Nichols ’78, Pamela Nichols Marcucci ’81,

Katurah “Kate” Nichols Cramer ’88, Robin Rumsey Solboe ’89, and Heather Rumsey Gibson ’91,

aunt of Gail Alford Gundlah ‘57

Fannie M. McDuffiemother of Cheryl McDuffie ‘74

Peter R. Munsonbrother of SEM Director of Admissions

Laura Munson ’79, uncle of Isabel Finkbeiner ‘19

Richard B. Narins, M.D.husband of Ellen Brock Narins ‘57

Audrey Hoover Noble ‘47

George H. Ostendorffather-in-law of Kelly Chambers Ostendorf

‘83

Mark F. Rittlingfather-in-law of former Chair of the Board

of Trustees Amy Habib Rittling ’86, Esq.

Nancy Wilkes Rutter ‘40

Henry S. Wickfather of Vivian A. Wick ‘76

Cynthia Williams ‘69

In MemoriamLauren McHugh Herr

(L-R): Sarah Franjoine Salamon ‘06, Carlee Taggart ‘06, Veronica Couzo Kamenjarin ‘06, Rachel Engl Taggart ‘06

For daily SEM news and pictures, find us on social media

205 Bidwell ParkwayBuffalo, NY 14222-1295

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDBUFFALO, NY

PERMIT NO. 3426

Reunion 2016 - June 3-4

WELCOME BACK - WE HAVE SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE!Especially honoring class years ending in 1 and 6

Go to buffaloseminary.org/reunion for activities and accommodations and to get inspired; see pictures of the 2015 reunion there.

Mark your calendars

Friday, June 3rd

SEM’s annual reunion dinner and program. Join us in our recognition of the 100th year of the Hornet/Jacket rivalry - participation contributes points for the 2015-16 Cup.

Saturday, June 4th

School and city tours. ~ Luncheons for 50th Reunion & 50th+ Reunions. ~ Individual class Reunion events. ~ Groundbreaking for the Magavern-Sutton Courtyard. ~ Party to honor retiring Head of School Jody Douglass.

For more information, contact Director of Advancement Monique Brannon - mebrannon@buffaloseminary.org or 716-885-6780 x205