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NEWSLETTER • FALL 2009

Notre Notes596 S. Second St.

San Jose, CA 95112

ph: 408.294.1113

fax: 408.293.9779

www.ndsj.org

Notre Dame introduced the new Women of Impact luncheon to the resounding approval of all that attended.

The setting could not have been more perfect. The luncheon was held at the historic San Jose Woman’s Club—a location that for many of the Notre Dame alumnae brought back fond memories of winter balls and father-daughter dances. Lining the entrance hall and displayed on every table were beautifully designed place settings from last year’s freshman class’s Woman’s Place Project. The Woman’s Place Project, introduced in 1994 by Sister Maureen

Hilliard, SND, encourages freshman students to learn about women of impact by designing place settings that celebrate their heroines. This rite of passage at Notre Dame prepares students for their senior service project, which sends girls out to work in the local community to help meet its many urgent needs.

Speakers took turns honoring two remarkable women, Notre Dame’s own distinguished alumna Ann “Rooney” Pfaff ’56 Blach and U.S. Undersecretary of Education Martha Kanter, Ed. D. Students Roshni Desai ’12 and Jennifer Padilla ’10 toasted this year’s honorees, citing each woman’s impact on education and on her community.

Martha inspired the students, faculty and community by sharing her personal story of being called by the Obama administration to take the leap and answer “yes” to the call of service.

Rooney spoke directly to her sister alumna and the students to remember what they learned at Notre Dame and to put into action what they were taught: “responsibility, intelligence, and poise.”

Students Molly Cashman ’12 and Hannah Nguyen ’12 toasted the women they selected for the Woman’s Place Project – Alice Paul, Suffragist and Amelia Earhart, Aviatrix – and spoke on behalf of the student body, challenging the audience to further the call of our honored guests by having the courage not only to face what’s before them, but to ask, “What’s missing?”

First of Many Women of Impact Luncheons

Meet the AuthorBy Jan Tupaj-Farthing

At this year’s ND Reads evening Bo Caldwell, author of The Distant Land of My Father, described her experiences and the inspirations that contribute to her success as a writer. She shared the plot of the first short story she wrote in her high school creative writing class, a story which some people would describe as dark and a little twisted. That short story was well received by her teacher, a teacher who continues to be

a presence and mentor.

The ND Reads program selects a community read every year that highlights an issue connected to the school’s mission and programs.

The Distant Land of My Father spoke strongly to interpersonal relationships, reconciliation and understanding life from the perspective of two different cultures.

The Distant Land of My Father was inspired by

Caldwell’s uncle, who shared his experiences with her. Caldwell’s uncle lived most of his life in China, made and lost a fortune, abandoned his family and returned to California after being imprisoned in Communist China. Upon his return to California, she helped her uncle to reconnect with his family. “We all write from our own experience; our experiences are what make our characters real,” stated Ms. Caldwell.

With Gratitude from the President

Notre Dame’s inaugural Women of Impact luncheon was a wonderful event. Two remarkable

women were honored: Undersecretary of Education Martha Kanter, Ed. D. and one of our most distinguished alumnae, Rooney Blach.

In designing the event, the committee chaired by Bev Dunn (mother of Georgie ’11) and co-chaired by Sue Pyne (mother of Katie ’12) and Sue Foltz (mother of Katherine ’12) did a beautiful job of embracing the essence of the program we offer our Notre Dame students. The committee highlighted our connection to our downtown setting and other women of distinction beyond the Notre Dame community; showcased our incredible alumnae and their accomplishments; and featured our students and their work.

Notre Dame’s signature Woman’s Place Project, created each year by the freshman class, received rave reviews from everyone in attendance. Thanks again to our outstanding religious studies teachers, Ellie Collins, Rita Cortez Ellen Donlin and Susana Garcia, for sharing with the community these wonderful place settings.

A special thanks to all those in attendance for supporting the event and for providing seed funding for the Professional and Curriculum Development Fund for our outstanding faculty and staff.

Ann Skeet President

Bo Caldwell and Annie Kaufman, President of Notre Dame Book Club

Top: Fr. Peter Pabst, Rooney Blach, Fr. Jerry Wade. Middle: Martha Kanter, Becky Morgan. Bottom: Jennifer Padilla

’10, Roshni Desai ’11, Molly Cashman ’12, Hannah Nguyen ’12

U.S. Undersecretary of Education Martha Kanter, Ed. D. and Ann

“Rooney” Pfaff ’56 Blach

By Anna Quinones

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Class of 2009 Awards & HonorsThe Class of 2009 is truly missed at Notre Dame. This group of compassionate and service-minded young women made a huge impact on the Notre Dame community. One student in particular, Sejal Hathi, received two of the nation’s highest honors.

Presidential Scholar Award: Sejal Hathi was the female recipient from California for her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, citizenship and community service.

Principal’s Leadership Award: Sejal was the national winner from over 3,100 students who were nominated by their high school principals for their leadership, participation, achievements and academic record.

The following students were recognized for their outstanding achievements:

2009’s Highest Academic Honors Michelle DeRienzo, Sejal Hathi, Victoria Johnson & Nayha Zubair

2009’s Julie Billiart Award went to: Ayaka Dohi

2009’s Faculty-Staff Senior Scholarships Candianne David Ayaka Dohi Hoang-Anh Khong TiTi Le Sara Zuniga

2009’s Margaret Hoffman, SND Woman of Service Awards Beth Keenan Amelia Karren

2009’s Citti’s Florist Family Scholarship Lisette Abad Diana Dinh

2009’s California Mathematics Council Award Shiva Barforoshi

2009’s Catholic Charities Community Service Awards Gold Award Meaghan Amarillas Silver Award Connie Chen

2009’s ND Scholar Athlete Award Vicky Nguyen

2009’s ND Most Valuable Athlete Award Tammy Castillo

2009’s Notre Dame Academic and Co-Curricular Program Medals Campus Ministry Ayaka Dohi

English Shiva Barforoshi

English, Literary Magazine Stephanie Rodriguez

Fine Arts, Performing Arts Stephanie Rodriguez

Mathematics Sejal Hathi

Modern Language Matilde Miranda Dalia Khattab Annie Burson-Ryan

Religious Studies Maria Elena de Leon

Science Michelle DeRienzo

Social Studies Sejal Hathi

2009’s Mathematics Honor Society Natasha Asar Shiva Barforoshi Petra Barton Candianne David Marichrisse Gabon

2009’s National Merit Scholarships

National Merit Scholarship: Sejal HathiCertificate of Merit Finalist: Sejal Hathi Victoria Johnson Sandal Khandoker

2009’s National Merit Letter of Commendation Christina Assi Connie Chen Michelle DeRienzo Michelle Leberknight Elena Livak Florence Loi Elizabeth Luttrell Geena Ng Vicky Nguyen Angeles Oviedo Alexa Paynter Rica Santos

2009’s National Hispanic Recognition Scholarships

Scholars: Daniela Mercado Angeles Oviedo2009’s Julie Billiart Scholars were: Sandal Khandoker Florence Loi Geena Ng Stephanie Rodriguez Rica Santos Angelica Teng

2009’s President’s Volunteer Service Awards

President’s Call to Service Award (the highest honor in the Presidential Service Award series, for an outstanding commitment to service, including over 4,000 hours of volunteering):Sejal HathiGold (250+ hours of service during the 2008-09 school year):Hanna Kim Angelica Teng

Sejal Hathi, Ruth Burson

Beth Keenan, Sydney Mimeles, Sruthi Kumar, Abbie Reichner

Ayaka Dohi, Salutatory Speaker

Michelle DeRienzo (Valedictory Speaker), Katelyn Freund, Florence Loi

“Notre Dame has prepared me well for college academically. At Notre Dame I was able to challenge myself with a rigorous yet balanced schedule I created from the diverse courses it offers. My Notre Dame courses were taught by incredible teachers who pushed me to become a more critical thinker both inside and outside of the classroom. Furthermore, the nurturing environment Notre Dame fostered gave me room to grow both as a student and as an active member of the Notre Dame community.”

—Florence Loi, currently attending Yale University

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Consider joining the

group whose focus is to

keep NDSJ “near and

dear” to the hearts

of our alumnae parents.

We provide you with the

opportunity to continue

your Notre Dame

friendships while meeting

other alumnae parents

through activities and

interest groups. Contact

us for more information:

Debra Weed (Rachel ’08)

debra.weed@gmail.com

2009’s Bank of America Certificates:

English Victoria Johnson, Stephanie Rodriguez & Angelica Teng

Fine Arts, Drama Deanna McGill

Fine Arts, Visual Arts Connie Chen & Carly Hudson

History Christina Assi

Journalism Aviva Jacobstein

Mathematics Florence Loi & Trang Ngo

Modern Language, French Pauline Chu

Modern Language, Spanish Maria Elena de Leon

Religious Studies Annie Burson-Ryan & Leanna Gicale

Science Sejal Hathi

Social Studies Tiffany Truong

Yearbook TiTi Le & Rica Santos

2009’s National Honor Society:

Ava Bambico Shiva Barforoshi Petra Barton Connie Chen Rosa Contreras Candianne David Maria Elena de Leon Michelle DeRienzo Ayaka Dohi Sejal Hathi Jessica Hua Aviva Jacobstein Dalia Khattab Hoang-Anh Khong Hanna Kim TiTi Le Angelica Mata Geena Ng Athena Rutherford Rica Santos Melanie Schmuck Sherie Tan Angelica Teng

Yvonne Tram Vi Tran Tiffany Truong Marian Tsai Alexis Vargas Sara Zuniga

2009’s California Scholarship Federation:

Rochelle Ata Ava Bambico Shiva Barforoshi Petra Barton Annie Burson-Ryan Connie Chen Aniya Chowdhury Pauline Chu Alexandra Cooperman Emily Crotty Candianne David Maria Elena de Leon Michelle DeRienzo Tara Harris Sejal Hathi Morgan Huber Aviva Jacobstein Victoria Johnson Pavani Karempudi Hira Khanzada Dalia Khattab TiTi Le Michelle Leberknight Florence Loi Deanna McGill Daniela Mercado Fatima Nepacena Geena Ng Trang Ngo Tricia Nguyen Vicky Nguyen Angeles Oviedo Stephanie Rodriguez Athena Rutherford Rica Santos Melanie Schmuck Ashley Sipos-Phelan Sherie Tan Angelica Teng Emily Thai Yvonne Tram Marian Tsai Caitlin Vellequette

2009’s Advanced Placement Scholars:

Scholar:

Shiva Barforoshi Karyn Crawford Saba Hamid Tara Harris Victoria Johnson Sandal Khandoker Michelle Leberknight Geena Ng Alexa Paynter Stephanie Rodriguez Sarah Ruiz Rica Santos Sherie Tan Angelica Teng Emily Thai Scholar with Honor: Connie Chen Pauline Chu Pavani Karempudi Dalia Khattab Hanna Kim Elena Livak Florence Loi Trang Ngo Vicky Nguyen Angeles Oviedo

Scholar with Distinction:

Sejal Hathi

2009’s Academic Honor Roll:

First Honors: (3.70 or higher each semester through the 7th semester report)

Christina Assi Shiva Barforoshi Annie Burson-Ryan Connie Chen Pauline Chu Emily Crotty Maria Elena de Leon Michelle DeRienzo Marichrisse Gabon Tara Harris Sejal Hathi Aviva Jacobstein Victoria Johnson Pavani Karempudi Hira Khanzada Hoang-Anh Khong Hanna Kim TiTi Le Michelle Leberknight Elena Livak Florence Loi Daniela Mercado Matilde Miranda Fatima Nepacena Geena Ng Trang Ngo Vicky Nguyen Stephanie Rodriguez Sarah Ruiz Rica Santos Melanie Schmuck Angelica Teng Emily Thai Nayha Zubair

Left: Fatima Mirza, Caren Balance, Rochelle Ata

Far Left: Tammy Castillo, Annie Burson-RyanTara Harris, recipient of

the Falcon Foundation Scholarship from the United States Air Force Academy

Alexa Paynter, Marian Tsai, Melissa Castro, Deanna McGill, Pamela Trimberger

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Theater and Social JusticeBy Derek McCaw

Can theater change the world? Maybe not, but it can change a few minds and strengthen some convictions.

So Notre Dame finds itself with a theater season that pays more than usual attention to the Catholic ideal of social justice. Though two major productions this year are heavier fare than usually associated with high schools, the timing just seemed right to bring these to local audiences.

First came Eve Ensler’s Necessary Targets, a moving drama about a New York psychiatrist learning to connect with humanity by working with Bosnian war refugees. A very intense play, it’s in alignment with Notre Dame’s principles of social justice. Two years ago, Notre Dame piloted the Facing History And Ourselves cross-curricular program, in which sophomores study individual and collective responsibilities in the face of ethnic and racial intolerance throughout history. In light of those studies, Ensler’s play is a perfect fit.

Cast members spent the summer with the script, creating their characters and studying about the Bosnian conflict. All of them understand the impact of the material and have seen firsthand its effect on audiences.

Now work begins on the most ambitious project the Notre Dame

theater has attempted—co-producing

Dead Man Walking in conjunction with City Lights Theater Company, which normally hosts our fall play.

Last spring City Lights Artistic Director, Lisa Mallette, approached Derek McCaw, Notre Dame’s Director of Preforming Arts, with what she called “… a crazy idea.” When Tim Robbins first adapted his award-winning film to the stage, he decreed it limited to schools for performance, not allowing professionals to participate. But Mallette had an idea that perhaps a professional company could co-produce with a school, allowing students to work alongside professionals and get a better taste of what theater work requires.

Thankfully, Robbins agreed, and Notre Dame will be piloting a new phase of his “Dead Man Walking Project.” Established to facilitate discussion about the death penalty, it fits right in with Notre Dame’s junior year curriculum, which was already

using the film in Religious Studies

and discussing the death penalty throughout the year in English and Social Studies.

Teen actors from Notre Dame and Bellarmine will be playing age-appropriate roles in the six-week run that is part of City Lights’ regular season, and Notre Dame theater students will apprentice in technical theater roles under professional designers and techs.

In addition, the woman whose work inspired the play, Sister Helen Prejean, will visit Notre Dame in January to meet with the cast and crew and address the student body.

Don’t worry; Notre Dame Theater will also offset these works with a light frothy show for young children in December, a student-penned adaptation of Cinderella, and another exciting piece—the Northern California premiere of Earth Sucks: A Cosmic Rock Musical in the spring.

Sports UpdatesBy Devin Engebretsen

GOLF: Golf saw much improvement from last year, with six solid players composing our Varsity team. The team has collectively come together and almost hit their team goal of breaking 200 twice: 208 and 211.

Individually, Cati Munic ’10, Ravina Saini ’11, and Rachel Hendricks-Key ’11 all broke the 50 shot mark at least once this season. The same three players also qualified for the WBAL Championship, with Cati narrowly missing qualifying for the CCS with a score of 95 (90 needed to qualify). Cati also received 2nd Team all WBAL honors.

CROSS COUNTRY: Both Varsity and JV Cross Country got off to a blazing start, finishing 5th and 1st in the North Tahoe Invitational, respectively.

Our Varsity team had many personal records set this season, as well as individual finishes as high as 2nd and 4th in our first league meet. Varsity took 3rd Place in the WBAL this year, and our JV team took First Place! Varsity also ran in 8th Place at the post-season CCS playoff meet. In addition, sophomore Laura Pandori received First Team all WBAL honors.

More Fun than You Could Swing a Club AtThis year’s annual Notre Dame Golf Tournament exceeded attendance projections and received rave reviews for the course itself and the food. The Notre Dame Golf Tournament has always been known as one of the Valley’s most entertaining golf games with holes that include the margarita hole, the shrimp-on-the-barbie hole, and the black jack hole. This year the much-talked- about Pie Hole and paella lunch were wonderful additions.

By popular demand, Notre Dame will return to the Almaden Golf and Country Club next year. Save the date for September 27, 2010. If you would like to help with

next year’s tournament, contact Anna Quinones at aquinones@ndsj.org or (408) 294-1113 ext. 2158.

A special thank you goes to the 2009 Notre Dame Golf Tournament Committee:

Greg Scileppi, Chair (Katie ’07) Harrison Paist (Jillian ’13) Mark Plungy (Julia ’12) Kevin Mitchell (Christine ’12) Walt Tersigni (Marissa ’13) John Hopkins (Elizabeth ’13) Bev Dunn (Georgina ’11) Anne Cashman (Molly ’12)

Check out the Notre Dame website at www.ndsj.org for a list of sponsors and more photos.

Dead Man Walking—The Journey Continues Benefit with Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ

Friday, January 29, 2010 Notre Dame Julie Billiart Hall

Visit NDSJ.org for more information

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VOLLEYBALL: Varsity Volleyball got off to a sizzling 12-5 start, including taking First Place in the Silver Division of the Del Mar Invitational. Varsity finished the year at 19-14 overall, and 4-6 in the WBAL. We qualified as an 11 seed in the CCS, and took on Burlingame HS in the first round of the playoffs. Although we lost to BHS, we played with pride and energy and gave them a great game!

Individually, Nicole Richards ’12 received 2nd Team all WBAL honors as well.

TENNIS: Varsity Tennis had a great season going 8-9 overall and 4-6 in the WBAL.

Individually, Nancy Nguyen ’10 took Second Place in the Singles Division at the Santa Catalina Tournament, one of the biggest tennis tournaments in Northern California. Nancy also received First Team all WBAL honors, while Adrienne Harris took home 2nd Team all WBAL honors.

Notre Dame also took Third Place in the Battle of Notre Dame Supremacy. This “battle” pits four Notre Dame schools (Notre Dame San Jose, Notre Dame Belmont, Notre Dame Salinas and St. Joseph Notre Dame) against each other to decide who takes home the Notre Dame Supremacy Trophy. We had a lot of youth on the Varsity team this year, so the future looks bright!

By Mary Beth Riley

Rebecca Gill, an adventurous and very independent Notre Dame San Jose junior, is spending half of her junior year at Seishin Senior High School in Kurashiki, Japan. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame, Seishin Junior and Senior High School is a sister school to Notre Dame San Jose.

“Since she was in the 8th grade, Rebecca had her sights set on studying in Japan during high school. She proposed a study program to Jan Tupaj-Farthing, Vice Principal for Academic Affairs, as soon as she arrived on campus as a freshman. She is a very focused and determined young woman!” says Mary Beth Riley, Principal.

When asked if she were nervous about being the first foreign exchange student from Notre Dame San Jose to go to Japan, Rebecca simply said, “I like adventure and challenge.” She also said that she wants “to learn more about Japanese history

and culture” and hopes to “make lifelong friends and build relationships between Notre Dame San Jose and Seishin Gakuen.”

Rebecca started her research into a foreign exchange trip to Japan in the fall of 2008 by exploring Seishin Gakuen’s school website, hunting for contacts and school information. “I already knew that they were a sister school of ours and all I had to do was ask if they were interested in a foreign exchange program,” says Rebecca. Mary Beth Riley contacted the school in Japan on Rebecca’s behalf and found that the Japanese school was quite interested in hosting an exchange student from Notre Dame San Jose. Rebecca said, “I was fortunate to have the help of Ms. Riley and Ms. Tupaj-Farthing to help me correspond with Seishin’s faculty about homestays, school schedules, etc.”

Rebecca reports that “life in Japan is busy but fun. There’s so much to tell and I don’t think that I could

squeeze it all into one email.” She sent the above photo of herself with her class. Rebecca is in the front row holding a cutout of a baby polar bear, part of an environmental display she did with her class. Her teachers there report that her Japanese is getting very good!

In the spring of 2009 Amy Huang, Notre Dame San Jose’s Librarian, visited Seishin Junior and Senior High School in Kurashiki, Japan as part of the City of San Jose’s Sister City Program. While in Japan Ms. Huang

discussed establishing an ongoing student exchange program. “Notre Dame San Jose will be taking a group of students to Kurashiki, Japan in June 2010 for a visit (possibly 2 weeks). Students will stay with host families and attend classes at Notre Dame Seishin Senior High School where they will learn Japanese language and culture. Notre Dame San Jose is also looking at hosting students from our sister school in Japan, starting in June 2011.” Amy Huang will accompany interested exchange students this summer.

Spending Junior Year in Japan

Seishin Senior High School, Japan. Rebecca Gill front row 4th from left

Donna and Pat: Keeping Classmates ConnectedBy Leslie Arioto

For the second year, the Alumnae Luncheons for graduation years 1940-1960 have flourished under the volunteer guidance of Donna McGann ’55 Romano and Pat Maher ’55 Filice.

Two to three times a year these luncheons are held in different geographical areas of California.

With over 2,000 alumnae living in Santa Clara County alone, there have been many requests for gatherings in addition to milestone reunions. Pat and Donna answered the call. To date, the gatherings have been held in San Jose, Campbell, and most recently Gilroy, which included the South County and Monterey Bay area alumnae.

At the South County luncheon, alumnae from that geographical area enjoyed each other’s company and reminisced about their days at Notre Dame.

The Alumnae Relations office would like to thank Pat and Donna for their dedication to their alma mater and for answering the call to keep alumnae connected.

Pat and Donna will be hitting the road in April to the Sacramento area. Look for your invitation soon.

If you would like to help coordinate Alumnae Luncheons in your geographical area, please contact Leslie Arioto, Associate Director of Alumnae Relations, at (408) 294-1113 ext. 2157 or larioto@ndsj.org

Donna McGann ’55 Romano and Pat Maher ’55 Filice

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Renewing Old FriendshipsBy Leslie Arioto Associate Director, Alumnae Relations

June Reunion: Classes of 2004, 1999 and 1994

Former classmates gathered to celebrate their milestone reunion on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Class representatives planned the event for their own class. The Class of 1999 held their gathering in St. Julie Billiart Hall, while the other classes enjoyed visiting over appetizers and drinks in the Manley Hall Alumnae room and the Library. Tours of the campus were given throughout the evening. The Class of 1999 was treated to a beautiful rendition of the alma mater by classmate Shelene Huey-Booker. Faculty, staff and alumnae re-connected, reminisced and caught up on each other’s lives.

Class of 1994: L-R, Standing: Saundra McClendon Riley, Dalia Mohamed, Ariana Bennett, Malisha Kumar-Maupin, Jennifer Fanucchi

Class of 2004: L-R, Back Row: Laura Quan, Gemma Escobar, Abby Zamora, Aalia Maan, Artemisa Bobst, L-R Front Row: Annie Mugnolo, Jocelyn Barker, Brittany Johnson, Kavita Joshi, Rebecca Rodriquez

Mary Beth Riley, Principal, visits with members from the Class of 2004.

Attendees from the Class of 1999-The Party Bombs

Class of 1999 L-R: Mayra Flores De Marcotte & Kimberly Boynton, Class Reps

Class of 1999: L-R: Gemma Escobar, Nachelle Steffenson, Melanie Veloria, Mayra Flores De Marcotte, Josie Lai, Kristen Corbel Giangregorio, Heather Gianoli Hinkley, Erica Henry

Class of 1994: L-R: Ellen Cohen, Dean of Students, Megan Mullaly Davies, Michelle Mullaly Hughes, Barbara Brown, retired, English Department

Class of 1994: L-R: Michele Hatfield, Marrissa Ortiz Lucketti, Suzanna Huerta, Susan Shelton, Tara Duquette Bejines

Don’t Miss Your Reunion Is your milestone reunion approaching? Notre Dame alumnae are invited to come home to their alma mater and celebrate their milestone reunions. Reunions are a great op-portunity to reconnect with classmates, renew friend-ships, visit campus and strengthen ties with Notre Dame. You never know who you might see!

Is this your year to celebrate your reunion?

If so, would you like to be a part of the plan-ning committee? Please contact Leslie Arioto at 408.294.1113 x2157 or reunions@ndsj.org.

. Celebrating 5, 10, 15 or 20 Years?Classes of 2005, 2000, 1995 & 1990 Save this date: Saturday, June 12, 2010

Celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 or 70 Years?Classes of 1985, 1980, 1975, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1955, 1950, 1945 & 1940

Save the date:

Friday, September 17, 2010 ND Back to School Experience

Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 Mass and Luncheon

NDSJ Alumnae on FacebookJoin now at:Notre Dame High School Alumnae - San Jose

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October Reunion: Milestone Classes of 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1974, 1979 and 1984

Alumnae celebrating their milestone reunions celebrated with a “back to school experience” on Friday, September 18, 2009. They joined current students in class as they experienced an ND education in 2009. Students, faculty and staff joined the alumnae for lunch in the Alumnae Room following class.

“Jennifer Padilla and the other students did a wonderful job escorting us to our classes and giving us tours of the new campus. Thank you for all the fond memories, gracious welcomes and smiles galore!” —Gerry Herzog Pappas, Class of 1949

What have you been up to? We want to know. Please go online to www.ndsj.org/alumnae to update your information—or fill out the form below and mail back to: Notre Dame High School, 596 S. Second Street, San Jose, CA 95112, Attention: Alumnae Relations

FIRST NAME MAIDEN NAME L AST NAME YE AR GR ADUATED

ADDRESS C IT Y STATE Z IP COUNTRY

EMAIL PHONE OCCUPATION

What have you been up to?

Josephine Pisturino Bertaccini and Amelia Catalano, Class of 1949.

Valerie Belli Long and Louise Ferrari Watkins, Class of 1959.

Members from the Class of 1949 looking over their class graduation picture.

Members from the Class of 1959 celebrate 50 years.

Lee Ann Pasquinelli ’74 Raftopoulos & Melanie Renner ’74 Troini stand next the old phone booth with the form of communication they use today.

Jennifer Padilla, ASB President, escorts Diane Teilh ’64 Eichhorn and Gerry Herzog ’49 Pappas to class.

The Alumnae Council Needs You! Alumnae Council members are needed to help further the mission of the school. The Alumnae Council helps in putting together events and assists the Advancement Department in fundraising efforts, archiving, volunteering for Immersion Trips and finding speakers for Career Week. If you would like to get involved and be a member of the Council, please contact Leslie Arioto at (408) 294-1113 ext. 2157 or alumnae@ndsj.org.

Do You Have an Interesting Career? The Notre Dame Career Exploration Program would love to have your assistance in educating Notre Dame students about the many career opportunities available to them and the sharing of your own career journey. The opportunities range from hosting job shadows on Friday afternoons to working with a student intern, to being available for guest speaker presentations on different career options. We are also looking for speakers for Career Awareness Week, which will take place in April 2010. If you are interested in any of these opportunities and/or know of a fellow alumna who would be, please contact Michelle Stewart, Career Exploration Program Coordinator at 408-294-1113 ext. 2114 or email mstewart@ndsj.org.

Calling All Former ND Soccer Players If you are interested in playing in the alumnae soccer game in December, please email Jenny Guadanolo, Varsity Soccer Coach, at jennylynnenolo@yahoo.com for more information.

Side Notes:

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596 S. Second St.San Jose, CA 95112Address service requested

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What’s Happening at ND2009 President’s Holiday Donor Party December 3 Winter Ball December 5 Advent Liturgy, Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 82010 Dead Man Walking at City Lights Theater January 21 – February 21Dead Man Walking— The Journey Continues Benefit with Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ January 29 Crab Fest February 6Ash Wednesday Prayer Service February 17Family Mass/Multicultural Event February 21Solidarity Dinner February 28Spirit Week March 8-12 Regent Rampage Rally March 12 Father Daughter Dinner March 20 Woman’s Place Presentation March 24Senior Service Learning Presentations March 26Holy Week Liturgy March 30 Immersion Trip Tenderloin Immersion April 9 – April 11 Earth Sucks - A Cosmic Rock Musical April 29, 30 & May 1, 2Auction Friday, May 7 - New Date Junior/Senior Prom May 15Sophomore/Senior Brunch May 26Baccalaureate Mass June 3Graduation June 5Help us save money and the environment by allowing us to email you the next issue of Notre Notes. Register your email address at: ndsj.org/alumnae/reconnect

Freshman Class Welcomed with Lilies and BlessingBy Kathleen Quiazon

On a beautiful Saturday morning in October, the Freshman Class of 2013 and their families celebrated mass together in Notre Dame’s Pardini Park with Reverend Monsignor Francis Cilia presiding.

Ann Skeet, President, and Mary Beth Riley, Principal, along with faculty and students, shared the story of Notre Dame’s legacy: Saint Julie Billiart’s strong relationship with God, her founding of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur with the help of her dear friend, Françoise Blin de Bourdon, and the eventual 1851 arrival of the sisters in the Santa Clara Valley.

Each freshman was presented a lily to mark the beginning of her high school experience at Notre Dame. One of two flowers found on the original Notre Dame shield, the lily is a symbol of goodness and virtue. The rose, the other flower on the shield, signifies hope and love. Each graduating senior receives a rose as she nears graduation.

Monsignor Cilia offered reflection on the spirit of a Notre Dame education and the special community to which one belongs. Sister Yvonne Bondi ’53, SND, led the students and families present in a blessing that echoed the words of Mary’s Magnificat.

With the singing of Notre Dame’s alma mater ringing in their ears and hearts, the freshman class and their parents took a few more steps into the history, mission and rich traditions that are part of Notre Dame San Jose, a heritage which they now call their own.