Top left going clockwise: Monalisa Gonzales ‘90 with daughter Madeline, Jazlyn Gonzalez, Amber Madrid, Elizabeth Salinas ‘92 with daughter Mia, Cielo Flores, Miranda Trujillo, Veronica Rios, Katherine Clemente, Richelle Rios Huizar ‘87 with daughter Isabella, Elizabeth Ramirez Echeverri ’90 with daughter Alexis, Guadalupe Perez ’83 with daughter Elizabeth
is published twice a year by: Ramona Convent Secondary School. 1701 W. Ramona Road Alhambra, California 91803 (626) 282-4151 (626) 281-0797 (fax) www.ramonaconvent.org
In an effort to reduce printing and mailing costs, we have eliminated the multiple copies of mailed to each household. Please contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 if you would like to receive an extra copy or if you would prefer to receive your copy electronically.
Standard of Accuracy
We are committed to providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information in all of our publications. However, unintentional errors may appear. As a result, we ask you to contact the Alumnae Office at 626-282-4151 ext. 135 in the event that there are any factual errors. We will correct these errors in the next publication. We appreciate the interests and concerns of our readers and welcome any assistance toward achieving our goals.
Ramona Convent is a welcoming Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and committed to excellence in education. Ramona’s graduates are empowered, resilient, socially conscious leaders well prepared to meet the challenges of life as contributive members of the global community.
A Ramona Graduate is a
A Woman of Faith
A Critical Thinker
An Effective Communicator
A Confident Leader
A Creative Problem Solver
Committed to Personal Growth
FULL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Cultivating and respecting the talents, abilities, and potential of each person, contributing to the development of all aspects of a person’s life.
EDUCATION IN THE FAITH
Creating an atmosphere that invites people to live, develop, and express their faith.
HOSPITALITY
Being a gracious, accepting, and welcoming presence for each person.
DEDICATION TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Seeing, understanding, and responding to the needs of women and children.
DEDICATION TO JUSTICE
Committing time, energy, and resources to the pursuit of right relationships of equality, justice, and solidarity.
SERVICE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE POOR OR MARGINALIZED
Reaching out and responding to people who are impoverished, abandoned, or living at the fringes of society.
COMMITMENT TO LIBERATING ACTION
Seeking with others the freedom needed to live life fully without oppression
LOVE FOR THE NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY
Embracing as guide, inspiration, and strength the persons and names of Jesus and Mary.
A Message from the President
Dear Friends,
A phrase on the back of a recent publication caught my eye and resonated with me: Imagine Opportunity. Here at Ramona we encourage our young women to not only imagine but to seize the opportunity. So many opportunities are offered to learn, to build their confidence, to develop their skills, to serve others, and to deepen their spiritual values. An opportunity is a chance, a break or an opening – waiting to be taken advantage of. It is our hope that the girls take advantage of the opportunities, develop themselves, and carry the foundation they build into the future.
We are blessed to have an amazing faculty who care about each and every one of our young women, who encourage and challenge them to seize the moment – even if it sometimes involves a risk. Our teachers and counselors are constantly making the girls aware of opportunities outside of school whether it is an art contest or an essay contest or a service project or a science workshop. Opportunity is often a matter of timing; and Ramona has always made a great effort to make the opportunities offered relevant to the times; hence we do sometimes hear from alums: “I wish we had had that when I was here!”
For today’s young women, as in the past, it is a matter of seizing the moment, of challenging oneself to try something new, something that might be harder, something that may be more demanding. Today’s Ramona students have opportunities their Ramona sisters of the past did not have: forensics, engineering, computer programming, digital multimedia, and a Makerspace. They have technology at their fingertips in any class with phones, ipads, and laptops. They have the ability to research any topic from anywhere without going to get an encyclopedia. Yet with these opportunities come a different type of challenge – to take advantage of and use them responsibly.
Again, the times are different, the opportunities and challenges are different, but the same values underlie a Ramona education: to graduate young women who are empowered, resilient, and socially conscious leaders, well prepared to meet the challenges of life as contributive members of the global community.
Thank you for your contributions to the Ramona Fund and our various scholarship funds which make it possible for us to offer these opportunities to our Ramona Tigers!
Sincerely,
Sister Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
Patty Lepe ‘79
Chair
Arthur Dominguez Vice Chair
Janice Burrill ‘75
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM
Michelle Del Rio ‘99
Kathleen Garvey
Cynthia Jarvis
Sr. Miriam Malone, SNJM ‘63
Marla Provencio ‘74
Felix Nunez
Jennifer Siu ‘77
Linda Reilly Swick ‘76
Gordon Trask
Dennis M. Harley
Tom McKernan
Hon. Patricia Schnegg
Oppenheim ‘70
A Message from the Principal
Dear Ramona Convent Alumnae Community,
It is with great joy that I report to you that your Alma Mater, Ramona Convent, is doing incredibly well!
After a robust admissions cycle, handled beautifully by your Ramona sisters, Veronica Puente-Smith ’79 and Veronica Fernandez ’00, we feel strongly that the class of 2027 will be a good size with many wonderfully talented, kind, and motivated young women. In addition, you may have heard that Alverno Heights Academy (upper school) and Holy Family High School in Glendale are both closing at the end of this academic year. We are saddened for the students and their families, the faculty and the staff, and we continue to hold them in prayer as they traverse this difficult time. True to our core value of hospitality, Ramona has opened our heart and doors to the young women from both of these schools who seek a new school home. Your Ramona sisters have been incredibly warm and welcoming to these students. We are excited to announce we will see many of them here at Ramona in the fall.
If you remember, last fall I introduced you to a wonderful new course that we were offering to Ramona’s sophomores. The course, entitled Cultural Studies, has been an overwhelming success! In studying the contributions of strong women in each culture (Latinx, Indigenous, African-American, Asian-American), we have been blessed to welcome many Ramona Alums back to class as they share their own experiences of being women within these cultural groups. To find out more about this class, and who among the Ramona alumnae participated, please read the course update on pages 6 - 7.
In the spirit of always moving forward and developing relevant courses and experiences for our students, next year we will introduce January Term! Some of you may remember enjoying Mid-session when you were at Ramona and J-Term is not too different. I am sure you will hear more about this exciting educational opportunity in the coming months.
Lastly, I want to take a moment to share some personal news with you. This academic year will be my last here at Ramona. My husband has taken on a new role at his company and so, we are relocating to Santa Barbara. I have been blessed to have been your principal for the past three years. As always, the Ramona community will remain in good hands with Sister Kathleen at the helm and your new principal in place.
Please know that the Ramona community will remain in my prayers, and will live on it my heart. Many blessings to you all.
In His Peace,
Jacqueline Quiñones Sienkowski, JD Principal
Sr. Kathleen Callaway, SNJM President
Jacqueline Quiñones Sienkowski, JD Principal
Alberto Chavarria Associate Principal for Academic and Student Services
Halina Szymanski Associate Principal for Curriculum and Faculty Development
Elena Margallo Director of Business Office
Cultural Studies Class Provides Insight and Revelation
In the Spring 2022 issue of Ramona magazine, Social Studies teacher, Mr. Matt Marshall introduced a new class concept for the 2022-2023 school year. In the following article, he shares its progress and successes.
More than a year ago I wrote a description of our new Cultural Studies class for this magazine that was mostly theoretical. The original premise was a college-style seminar class that focused on the history and experiences of the underrepresented history of different cultural
provide powerful educational experiences, but in order to facilitate these visits and maximize the impact, students would be lumped together as a whole grade level in one class.
Throughout the implementation of the class this year, there have been challenges as a result of the class size, the
and the Holy Family Room), a daunting stack of papers to grade, and countless re-grouping requests.
Instrumental to the success of the class this year has been my collaboration with faculty members Ms. Channel Rich and Mr. Eddie Cortez. In the process of creating an engaging curriculum, we have had many invaluable opportunities to learn from a diverse range of voices and perspectives.
By focusing learning through real-world guest teachers, the content of the course became more practical, powerful, and valuable. An early victory for this course was finding Dr. Kyle Mays from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and convincing him to lead five lectures on Native American history, culture, and experience. Our mutual appreciation led him to recommend his colleague Dr. Evyn Le Espiritu Gandhi to join us as a speaker during
Rapper Propaganda
Jennifer Redondo-Marquez ‘99 (far right) with the Asian-American panel
Other off-campus guests have yielded powerful experiences. Michal Connor, a singer who has performed for two U.S. Presidents, performed a collection of slave narrative readings and negro spirituals that left our class in awe. During the same quarter, we were joined by Propaganda, a spoken word poet and rapper, who performed and answered questions about his process, inspiration, and the music industry. Anthony Estrada, a former student of Mr. Cortez, spoke about his experiences in the film industry and the history of Latinx representation in Hollywood. Finally, we were been lucky to have visits by two published authors. Kathryn Ross, who has
Reaching out to our alumnae has been a source of great inspiration as well. Jessica Leuvano ’09 spoke to the students about succeeding as a Latina chef in a maledominated industry. Jennifer Redondo-Marquez ’99 brought five Asian American women for a question and answer panel based on her book In Her Purpose: 40
Principles of Asian American Women Redefining Success on Their Own Terms.
We are already developing new connections to expand the opportunities and experiences for next year. It has been a really powerful experience for me to reach out to people and request that they share their brilliance with our students. Many of our guests are encouraged to know that students and teachers value the stories and experiences of Latinx Americans, Indigenous People, Black Americans, and Asian Americans. It has also been common to hear praise from our guests about our engaged, inquisitive, and passionate Ramona students. It makes me feel hopeful and encouraged that a class such as this can continue to develop and evolve for years to come.
If you would like to be a guest speaker for the Cultural Studies class, please contact Mr. Matt Marshall at mmarshall@ramonaconvent.org
Cultural Exploration through Food
The African American history and culture component was full of hard truths and powerful learning experiences. The students final task was to investigate the origins and importance of Soul Food in the Black community and its influence on American cuisine, by researching and preparing a dish with an assigned ingredient. The groups produced delicious samples and engaging presentations that left both minds and tummies satisfied.
Jessica Luevano ‘09
Wearing her Ramona sweatshirt, Jennifer Redondo-Marquez ‘99 poses with fellow speakers
Honors Biology Gel Electrophoresis Lab
(It’s all about the DNA)
The students in Honors Biology practiced biotechnology techniques by completing a gel electrophoresis lab. The purpose of this technique in the real world is to compare different DNA samples. The process works by placing the DNA samples into wells in a gel made out of agarose. A current runs through the gel and because DNA has a negative charge, the fragments from the DNA sample travel to the positive end of the gel. The fragments are different sizes and the smaller fragments travel further towards the positive ends. The fragments we see are called bands. The sizes and distance of each band are unique to the DNA sample. You can think of it as a unique pattern and those patterns are what scientists compare. If the suspect’s DNA bands match that of the DNA from the crime scene, it can help confirm the suspect is guilty. Biology teacher, Mrs. Rich, shared how excited she was for the students to participate in the lab because they were being introduced to college level labs. This is something most students will not get to do until their sophomore year in college as a science major!
AP Environmental Science Visits Water Reclamation Plant
Students in the AP Environmental Science class have been learning about water for quite some time. Their first introduction was when they made their Eco-columns at the beginning of the school year. This is a four month project that students work on concurrently with their other assignments. Eco-columns include three chambers, and one of which is an aquatic chamber that is filled with aquatic plants and a single mosquito fish. Each week students were responsible for testing the water quality. This included testing the dissolved oxygen, pH, and nitrates. Fast forward to Unit 8 during the spring of second semester and students were, once again, looking at water quality when studying different sources for water pollution. During this unit, students were tasked with going out during the weekend to collect a water sample to bringing to class. Students went around their local communities and even took a sample of water from the Pavilion fountain at Ramona. They used their skills, tested the water and compared their samples. They even found a water flea in a sample that everyone looked at in the microscope. To close out this unit, the class visited the San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant in Whittier, California. A female civil engineer led the tour and explained the process on how sewage is treated at the plant to become usable water. Although it is not given to the community to drink, it is cleaned to a drinkable level. Students were excited and amazed at the process in which water is taken and treated. AP Environmental Science student, Monse Medina ‘23 shared her experience: “It was cool to see how the vocabulary we were learning in class was applied in real life and that people actually have professions in this field.”
Ramona Earns College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
Ramona Convent has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses.
More than 1,100 institutions achieved either 50% or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science exam takers meeting or exceeding that of the school’s female population during the 2021-22 school year. In 2022, Ramona Convent was one of 832 recognized in the category of AP Computer Science Principles (CSP).
“Computer science is the source code of our economy and so much of our daily lives,” said Trevor Packer, College Board Head of the AP Program. “In the five years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Ramona Convent welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”
The first year of AP Computer Science Principles in 2016-17 attracted more students than any other AP course debut, and participation is on the rise. In 2022, the number of exam takers had more than tripled. This includes the
44,811 women who took the exam, which was more than three times the number who tested in 2017.
Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to driving innovation, creativity, and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $97,430 in May 2021. However, women represent just 24% of the five million people in computing occupations.
That’s why College Board research about AP CSP is so encouraging. According to the data, female students who take AP CSP in high school are more than five times as likely to major in computer science in college, compared to female students of similar background and academic preparation who did not take CSP. The study also finds that for most students, AP CSP serves as a stepping stone to other advanced AP STEM coursework.
Advancing Appreciation for STEM through Robotics
Ramona's Robotics team, the Ramona Rampage, battled it out against 44 other teams from around the world in the LA Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. The Los Angeles Regional is a high-energy, high-tech spectator sporting event where teams, professionals and young people together solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The program is life-changing, career-molding and a lot of fun. Under strict rules and limited time and resources, our students were challenged to build industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game in alliance with other teams, while also fundraising to meet their goals, designing a team "brand," and advancing respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community. We're so proud of what our team accomplished and learned throughout the season and we're excited to continue to advance appreciation for STEM in the off season.
Earlier in the month, Ramona Rampage competed at the FIRST Robotics Competition in Port Hueneme where they were able to fine tune the robot and develop their strategies to meet the competition course objectives.
Archdiocesan Christian Service Award
On March 28, Sister Kathleen, Mrs. Sienkowski, Mr. Chavarria, and Mr. Laborie joined representatives from the other fifty Catholic high schools throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to honor seniors from our respective schools who have been outstanding in their commitment to Christian Service. Senior, Leann Kraft, with more than 700 hours of service, is a wonderful example of Ramona's commitment to make the lives of others better. Congratulations, Leann! The medal she received from Archbishop Gomez will be worn with pride at graduation in May.
Social Studies Students Honor Those Who Have Served Their Countries
Ms. Valerie Green's Modern World History students embarked on a three-week study of individuals who served in various capacities for different countries during World War II. Students were encouraged to find brave and courageous women who served their countries. Under Mrs. Aulikki Flagan's brilliant vision and guidance, the students used the tools and equipment in our amazing Makerspace to fabricate honorary memorial wreaths. Using metal, wood, and fabric, students created a wonderful tribute to those who served and died in the war. Ramona will have a formal tribute on the anniversary of VE Day in May.
Ramona Athletes Finish Strong
This year the Athletics Department made a shift to the Camino Del Rey Association. In this association there are four girls leagues based on competitive equity. We are represented in three of the four leagues.
Fall Updates
All three levels of volleyball had great seasons in the Soledad League. Our varsity team ended the season with a 10-0 league record which makes them the first champions in the new league. This is the first time our athletes have been league champions since 1995.
Our cross country team finished in 2nd place in the Santa Fe league. They ran a great season under the leadership of Coach Ramiro Virgen. With a 2nd place win, our team was able to make it to the CIF Prelims where they raced against hundreds of girls in the small school division.
Winter Updates
Congratulations to our basketball team who went 10-0 in league this year. They have been crowned the first Soledad Basketball league champions. This the first time our athletes have been league champions since 1999! They made it to the quarterfinals this year! Coach TC is excited to see what happens in the future. Also, this year we brought back JV Basketball who had a good season under Coach Sanchez.
Soccer was placed in the Camino League which is one of the most competitive leagues in the Association. We finished third this year. The season ended with a 13-11-2 record and secured a 1st round playoff. Although they finished their season after the first round, this young team has a bright future ahead of them.
~Rebecca Lamas ‘06, Athletic Director
Junior Varsity Cross Country
Arts Night
Arts Night is a celebration of Ramona’s Visual and Performing Arts. The Art Gallery in the Library displayed our students work in Visual Arts, Multimedia Design and Ceramics classes. In the lower library, our guests were treated to performances by choir, drama, musical revue, improv, and dance.
Musical Review
The musical revue featuring ten of our young women as actors, singers, and dancers was absolutely spectacular. Their teamwork was amazing. Each student had her solo moments and all of them were part of the ensemble. Quotations from women who inspire, to "My Shot" from Hamilton, to "It's a Hard-Knock Life" from Annie, to "I have Confidence" from The Sound of Music, and much more, our own Holy Family Room became a black box theater where our young women thrilled their appreciative audience. Congratulations to our students and stage crew!
Ramona Hospitality Shines at Annual Applicants Tea
On Sunday, February 26, the rain subsided and a little sun came out above campus just in time to celebrate our 10th annual Applicants Tea. Applicants and their moms, grandmas, alumnae sisters, and/or other special friends arrived at Ramona and brought with them their laughter and energy in celebration of "Remarkable Women."
Each year this memorable event proves to be a fununique, and creative way to share what Ramona's community is all about. The theme this year was "Decades come and go...but Ramona is here FOR LIFE." The event was planned as a self-guided stroll through the decades featuring beautifully decorated tables where guests met Ramona Ambassadors and their moms, all of whom were creatively dressed in the attire of their favorite decade. Each table gifted guests with delicious wrapped edibles such as freshly baked scones, uniquely decorated cookies, cupcakes shaped like ice cream cones, candy, and more. Guests were also offered themed gifts such as stickers, perfume, hair ties, compact mirrors, and other accessories in the spirit of enjoying an amazing journey throughout Ramona. Mrs. Veronica Fernandez ‘00, Director of Marketing Communications remarked “This is such a wonderful opportunity for us to share our true Ramona hospitality and spirit with future Tigers. It’s always so exciting to watch our guests stroll through campus, envisioning the next four years of their journey, listening to the wonderful stories that our current families have to share, and not only leave with smiles on their faces and swag bags over their shoulders, but also walk away with true love in their hearts for a place they’ll soon call home.”
Special thanks to Veronica Puente-Smith '79 and Veronica Fernandez '00 for planning and preparing this event along with student ambassadors and their “remarkable” moms, Mrs. Jackie Quiñones-Sienkowski, Sister Kathleen, Mrs. Halina Szymanski, Chef Francois Laborie, and student and parent volunteers who eloquently shared their love for Ramona and helped make this day a huge success!
The excitement that carries over from this event always grows until the moment future students receive their decision letter, golden acceptance tube, and celebratory email. Congratulations to the Class of 2027! We look forward to welcoming new Tigers and their families back on campus in May for an Ice Cream Social hosted by our Administrators and student Ambassadors.
Holy Names University to Close
Holy Names University has provided postsecondary education to many of our Ramona alums and Sisters of the Holy Names. Founded 154 years ago in 1868 the university has transformed the lives of countless students and their families. Despite the consistent efforts on the part of the Board of Trustees to explore all possible alternatives, it has become necessary for the University to close at the end of this spring semester. Operational costs, declining enrollment and an increased need for tuition assistance have combined to bring the historic institution to this point. This unfortunate situation is occurring at small colleges through the country. Needless to say Covid-19 also impacted the students and the school itself, exacerbating an already challenging situation. Fortunately, agreements have been made with a number of local universities to welcome HNU students who are not ready to graduate this June, making it possible for them to continue their course work and complete their degree requirement on schedule.
Our Leadership Team has made the following statement: “The Sisters of the Holy Names are immensely proud of the 154-year history and legacy of Holy Names University. We are deeply saddened that the university will need to cease operations and that future generations will not experience its inspiring mission and values. Our hearts and prayers are with the current HNU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all who are a part of this beloved institution.
This is a painful moment for all of us, including the University’s Board of Trustees, who have been entrusted with leadership and fiduciary responsibility. We know that they have worked tirelessly and with the integrity, loyalty, expertise and commitment to the HNU mission. They have done their due diligence and explored every other alternative available. In the name of the Sisters, we thank them for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of Holy Names University.”
We were very excited to bring our annual auction dinner dance back to Ramona’s campus for a distinctive and fun event! Guests were amazed at the transformation of the pavilion and surrounding areas as we created the perfect environment for our largest fundraiser of the year! A carefully curated selection of items to bid on (both online and in person), opportunity baskets, and a signed Kobe Bryant jersey, provided our guests with plenty of choices. The spacious and airy setting encouraged lots of interaction as attendees easily moved through the food stations and tables. We are grateful for all the support from our sponsors, underwriters, alumnae, parents and friends who helped make this year’s La Fête a huge success!
To see all the pictures from La Fête, visit LaFete23.GiveSmart.com
As is true with many of our alumnae, Fatima’s original choice of career changed. Moving away from life as an academic to a more hands on involvement with local communities, she has worked with non-profits that have had significant impact on those they serve. In 2022, she was promoted to CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. She shares her journey with us below.
What educational direction did you pursue after graduating from Ramona?
After graduating from Ramona, I continued my academic journey at the University of Southern California to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Communication. Following my undergraduate studies, I took a gap year to prepare for my graduate school applications and eventually enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin for my Masters of Arts degree in Radio, Television and Film.
What motivated you to pursue fundraising and community outreach? How did you select the organizations/causes you represent?
While pursuing my advanced degree, I had initially planned to become a professor in academia, focusing on youth development and exploring the influence of media on children's identity formation. However, as I progressed through my studies, I began to feel a stronger desire to work more directly with communities, rather than in an academic setting. My goal was to find a non-profit organization that prioritized a community-centric, grassroots approach to social justice and change. After an extensive search, I came across Proyecto Pastoral, a community-based non-profit located in Boyle Heights, which is also the birthplace of Homeboy Industries.
I applied for the position of Development Associate at Proyecto Pastoral with the intention of eventually transitioning to the program side of the organization. However, I was soon promoted to the role of Development Director within just six months of joining the organization. Over the course of my seven and a half years at Proyecto Pastoral, I was proud to be part of a team that achieved unprecedented stability and growth for the organization.
As a new mother, I felt the need for a better work-life balance, and began exploring new opportunities. This led me to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a year-round recreational camp for children with cancer and their families. I was immediately drawn to the mission and impact of the camp, as well as the larger Ronald McDonald House Charities. I started as the Development Director for Camp, and was later promoted to the role of Executive Director, and eventually CEO of the larger charity. I am proud to have contributed to the success of both Proyecto Pastoral and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California and continue to be committed to making a positive impact in the non-profit sector.
You were promoted to CEO of Ronald McDonald House in January 2022 and are the first Latina to assume this position. What are some of the challenges you encounter? What are some of the joys?
As with many leadership roles, managing the numerous priorities and needs of the organization is one of the greatest challenges I face in my current position. Fortunately, I have had 16 years of leadership experience that has helped prepare me for this role, particularly my previous position as the Executive Director of Camp. In that role, my focus was solely on the camp, but now I oversee seven Ronald McDonald Houses, the camp, and three family rooms throughout Southern California. This means there is a lot for me to juggle both professionally and personally, as a wife and mother.
However, despite the challenges, the greatest joy of my decade-long tenure with RMHCSC has been the relationships I have developed with the children and families we serve. Witnessing the children we support flourish and grow has been incredibly rewarding. Additionally, it has been an honor to support the families of children whose lives are tragically cut short, and to be able to offer them a shoulder to lean on during such a difficult time.
Equally important to me is the support and development of our staff. It brings me great pleasure to ensure that they have everything they need to thrive in their roles and to deliver our mission with joy and enthusiasm.
What did the “Ramona experience” teach you that has influenced your life?
I attribute my passion for service to both my upbringing and my experience at Ramona. It was at Ramona that I became strongly connected to my faith and felt called to reflect on how my life’s work could be a testament and reflection of how Jesus lived his life. I also made lifelong friends at Ramona who have been by my side through thick and thin, cheerleading me in my professional and personal life. Ramona completely changed my perspective on life and was the Launchpad for where I’m at today.
You are an inspiration to our students! What insights would you share with them?
There’s so much I’ve learned in my 43 years of life! I would say the greatest lessons is the importance of nourishing my core group of girlfriends, many of whom are my Ramona sisters. When faced with an ambitious goal or problem, I turn to individuals who have achieved similar feats and seek their guidance and insight. This process of learning from others is a continuous journey that spans a lifetime. Lastly, I believe in taking risks and starting before feeling fully ready to take the leap. We’re often afraid to take risks because we don’t want to fail or make mistakes. I’ve learned that failures and mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and they offer the best opportunities for growth, development, and personal evolution.
RC Connect & Alumnifire
Join the RC Connect Challenge!
From The Alumnifire Team - Why They Started!
Alumni networks may be the most valuable things we have that we don't use. In fact, 9 our of 10 alumni tell us that they prefer to hire a fellow alum if given the choice, but this happens less that 4% of the time. That's a lot of doors nobody's opening.
Alumni networks surround us - from college and high school networks to employer and volunteer networks. Members of these networks want to help each but 99% of them are strangers. They're not connected to each other on social media or anywhere else. Reaching out shouldn't be a cold call.
Alumnifire is the first independent and organic digital networking platform powered directly by alumni. It engages members to open doors and create opportunities for one another in the real world and on their own terms.
At Ramona - Our Alumnae Challenge!
Ramona has partnered with Alumnifire to create RC Connect, a social media platform that is ONLY for members of the Ramona Alumnae community. RC Connect gives you the opportunity to personally connect with Ramona grads from all over the world. Ramona has just launched RC Connect as a way for alumnae to connect with other alumnae about jobs, careers, stories, and life. It is a safe and secure way to keep in touch with all generations of Ramona Tigers!
Through the generosity of a Ramona alumna we are offering a $100 Amazon gift card to a member of the RC Connect community each time we hit a 100 member milestone, up to 1,000 members! To be eligible all you have to do is register on RC Connect. So, join RC Connect today It's easy, fun, and the best way to stay connected with the Ramona Community.
To register for RC Connect, scan the QR Code above or visit RamonaConvent.alumnifire.com
We were happy to welcome our alums back to our kick off event of Alumnae Weekend 2023! The lively group, representing the Classes of 2019 through 1962, filled the Junior Living Room with cheerful sounds as they greeted classmates and enjoyed each others company.
Homecoming 2023
Saturday, March 7, 2020
We were delighted to welcome our Ramona alumnae back to campus to celebrate their Ramona sisterhood at Homecoming 2023. The attendees, who represented classes ranging from 1951 to 2022, filled the Holy Family Room with joy and laughter as they shared their life stories with each other. The day began with a Prayer Service that included a remembrance of our recently deceased alumnae, followed by the program and a delicious lunch. The Class of 1973, celebrating their 50th reunion, and the Class of 1998, celebrating their 25th reunion, were awarded pins commemorating this significant milestone. Guided tours of the school followed the luncheon.
Several classes have begun to use the Homecoming luncheon as an easy and enjoyable way to get together on a yearly basis. We invite you to do the same!
To see all the pictures from Alumnae Weekend, visit RCAlum23.GiveSmart.com Alumnae Weekend always occurs
All Ramona Alumnae are welcome!
Class reunions are as diverse as the classes themselves! Many classes celebrate at a private home or local restaurant the weekend of Ramona's annual Alumnae Weekend celebration which is held the first weekend in March. Whatever your class chooses to do, it's a great way to reconnect with old friends!
If you need to stick to a budget or just want to take a walk down memory lane, consider having your reunion here at Ramona. The Holy Family Room, Junior Living Room, Pavilion/Fountain area or tent can accommodate different size groups. You will not have the time constraints or expense that renting a banquet room does. Some classes have celebrated by having a family picnic in Rose Heath.
In today’s busy world, it’s difficult to find the time to organize a reunion. We recommend using the Homecoming Luncheon as your reunion celebration day. Individual classes are seated together so you can just sit back and enjoy each other’s company! Organizing your reunion is the responsibility of the class itself. The Alumnae Office provides information, answers questions, makes catering recommendations, and happily connects you with other alumnae who have recently organized their own reunions.
This is how we can help your reunion be a successful one:
Provide the class list for your invitation outreach.
Advertise the date in Ramona Magazine, the alumnae e-newsletter, and on our website.
If you are having your reunion here on campus, we will do the room set-up and arrange for access to the campus.
For more information, please contact:
Kelsey Davidson ‘02, Alumnae & Special Events Manager (626) 282-4151 ext. 130 or kdavidson@ramonaconvent.org
Class of 1973 Celebrates 50 Years!
It was with much anticipation that 25 members of the Class of ‘73 gathered for our 50th Reunion at our beloved Ramona. We were so delighted to see so many classmates, quite a few that had traveled long distances to attend. With the years melting away, a few grey hairs and wrinkles couldn’t hide the familiar smiles as we reminisced about school days, friends and family.
Thank you so very much to Sr. Kathleen, Julie Huntley, Kelsey Davidson and all the wonderful staff and volunteers for the delicious luncheon, memorable program and beautiful gifts!
And yes, once again we left our mark! Only this time it was with a fluttering of bright gold feathers left from the glitzy boas we each received as a gift from Roberta Pape! In remembrance of our classmates who are no longer with us, we created The Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund, in hopes of providing the excellent opportunities, education and friendships that we have all enjoyed to be available to many young women in the years to come.
And as a gentle reminder, please take time to update your contact information with Kelsey at kdavidson@ramonaconvent.org as our next reunion is right around the corner and we hope to see everybody there!
~ Mary Sue Irwin Davis and Roberta Pape
Editor’s note: We would like to thank the Class of 1973 for their generous gifts to the Class of 1973 Scholarship.
Elizabeth Colonna Noriega ‘82 shared that she and her husband, James have become grandparents for the second time. Their daughter Christina had a beautiful baby girl, Isabel, on June 27, 2022.
Amber Calderon Blanco ’89 is celebrating the graduations of her sons: Lorenzo from Polytechnic School, Class of 2023 and Diego from Cornell University, Class of 2022.
Class of 1967 Reunion March 5, 2023
We had a great time with each other reconnecting and sharing stories about high school, college, careers, former teachers and nuns, current hobbies, grandchildren and, of course, COVID, surgeries, hearing aids, etc!
We hope to continue this tradition (God willing) the first Sunday of March, so save the date: Sunday, March 3, 2024!
~Susan Schiffhauer De Pietro
Editor’s note: We would like to thank the Class of 1967 for their generous gifts to the Class of 1967 Scholarship.
Front Row: Rosa Cumare, Susan Bergeron, Mary Maraldo D’Anna, Alice Miller Ryan
Back row: Mary Ann Willenborg Gruber, Denise Fuller Lennox, Margaret Tobin Fullinwider, Margaret Ayes Stayman, Susan Schiffhauer De Pietro
Barbara Mich Reardon, Alice Miller Ryan, Stephanie Jenal, Susan Schiffhauer De Pietro
MARRIAGES
Rebecca Lamas ’06 to Mark Bermudez
Danielle Gutierrez ’16 to Joshua Elsen
Vanessa Zamalloa ‘16 to Jerry Rivas
Rebecca & Mark Danielle & Joshua
Vanessa & Jerry
BIRTHS
Julian, son of Larry and Dr. Sandra Espinoza ‘02 River, son of Omir and Vanessa Ayala Garcia ‘02
Genevieve, daughter of Patrick and Laura Torres Gumm ‘02
Thiago, son of Anthony Estrada and Gabrielle Aguilar ‘09
Evelyn, daughter of Erik and Tiffany Horiguchi-Hayes ’09
Audra, daughter of Dennis Ramos and Aiuyana Martin ‘11
Flashback to the Early ‘70’s
Ramona alums attending the Marie-Rose Guild Luncheon on April 29 enjoyed visiting with Sr. Kathryn Ondreyco who was our Dean of Students from 1970 through 1973.
l-r: Julie Huntley ‘72, Terri Cardinali ‘70, Sr. Kate Ondreyco, Mary Graham Morgan ‘71, Theresa Doran ‘71, and Alexia Sokol ‘71
If you are interested in continuing contact with the Sisters and/or you are interested in attending a future luncheon, please contact Sr. Daleen Larkin at dlarkin@ramonaconvent.org
Audra
Evelyn
Thiago with big brother Zachary
New Alumnae Induction Luncheon
April 26, 2023
Every year we celebrate our seniors with the Alumnae Induction Luncheon. Marie Yeseta ‘05 is a member of Ramona’s Alumnae Advisory Board and shared her thoughts with our soon to be newest alums.
I am here today with several others to help officially welcome you all into the alumnae community of Ramona. We welcome you to be a part of a tradition that includes more than 7300 alums over more than 130 years. While we may all have had different experiences as Ramona students in different decades, we are all part of this shared Ramona mission, history, and legacy.
In the near future, you may find you have an experience similar to mine as a new alum. In the first few years after graduating I would often find myself involved in a new activity or taking on a new challenge with a skill set or confidence I didn't realize I had. When I would take a moment to think about it, I would realize that there was something I learned at Ramona that had stuck with me that I could attribute to my success. I also had several instances where I would notice a unique bond with someone I just met; for whatever reason we "clicked" in the moment. I work in the healthcare field and had this experience with both patients I treat and other staff members. As we continued to work together, somehow it would come out in conversation that we were both Ramona alums or that they had family ties to Ramona.
Throughout the year alumnae, have a variety of opportunities for engagement that focus on Fun, Service, and Support. The alumnae community has a chance to learn from our older graduates and support our current students to ensure that the legacy of Ramona
continues. You can always stay connected with Ramona through emails, Ramona magazine, and social media. When you need someone with an expertise in a specific area or support in a personal endeavor, you can turn to Ramona and find other alums that can help. RC Connect is our new platform that will make this even easier and more accessible to all alums. Some of my favorite things within the Ramona Alumnae community are the events we can participate in during the year. My classmates and I use these events as a chance to reconnect and hang out. For the past several years we have attended the Ramona Auction and bid on items that we could use together......I won a National Parks pass and just went on a trip to the Grand Canyon with a classmate of mine, and a group of us shared an afternoon in the parlor with our moms for a tea party. There is something for everyone and we are always looking for more ideas!
As you look forward to graduation in just a few weeks, this is a time where you are celebrating your accomplishments together, reminiscing about your favorite high school memories, and planning for the future with maybe some nervousness and excitement. Through Ramona you have started your journey, in the words of Maya Angelou, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive with passion, compassion, humor and style, generosity and kindness."
Your experiences here at Ramona will stick with you and we look forward to making more memories with you in the future as our newest alumnae. Ramona is a community and family.....for life.
For more Luncheon photos, see the front cover.
Back row: Sr. Kathleen, Laura Dumas ‘89
Front row: Karina Rivanis ‘16, Marie Yeseta ‘05, Sindie Dear ‘05
Marie Yeseta ‘05
Join Us…
for a few minutes of reflection and thoughtfulness. In February we initiated our Monthly Moment of Prayer. It’s only ten minutes out of your day and it’s a good way to break up your week and begin again refreshed. Add us to your calendar...the last Wednesday of every month...we’re looking forward to seeing you!
Watch for reminders in your email and social media.
Ramona Goes to Work
Ramona Goes to Work is our monthly Alumnae Speaker Series in which a Ramona Convent graduate shares her journey from high school graduation to her current profession. The students gather to listen to an informal presentation that occurs during lunch. The alumna speaker shares the path or paths that led her to her choice of careers and the joys and challenges that she is experiencing working in her chosen field.
We are always looking for alumnae with non–traditional careers or traditional careers with a unique 21st century spin. If you are interested in being a speaker for Ramona Goes to Work, please contact Julie Huntley Director of Institutional Advancement at jhuntley@ramonaconvent.org
One of our speakers this school year was Veterinarian Jessica Edmeier ‘12
Catherine Schaub Jennison 35
Jeanne Vicenti Guichard ‘41
Sheila Morrison Murphy ‘45
Joanne Tunney Hawkins ‘49
Clare Kalthoff ‘58
Linda Lowry Emery ‘60
Eileen Murphy Bigelow ‘61
Diana Brodt Platis ‘61
Veda DeSalvatore Tronske ‘69
Michelle Fareshetian ‘73
Loretta Le Sage ‘73
Ramona Alumnae who have gone before us.
Alice Shea Knapp ‘62
Sharon McDonough Searle ‘62
Theo Kuys Roche ‘66
Carol Bush Russell ‘66
Audry Heath Lopiano ‘49
Marie Kronheimer, SNJM ‘51
Patricia Kinney Prince ‘52
Patricia Cronin, SNJM ‘54
Catherine Carras Swick ‘74
Mary Sciarra Chavez ‘81
Kathleen Lyons ‘79
Catherine Schaub Jennison ‘35
Jeanne Vicenti Guichard ‘41
Sheila Morrison Murphy ‘45
Joanne Tunney Hawkins ’49, sister of Loretta Tunney Holstein ’58; mother of Katherine Hawkins Berger ‘73
Audry Heath Lopiano ’49, sister of Mary Heath Costa ’48 (RIP)
Sister Marie Kronheimer, SNJM ’51 (Sr. M. Joseph Louis), sister of Anne Kronheimer Dark ’57; aunt of Lisa Kronheimer Rodriguez ‘82
Patricia Kinney Prince ’52, sister of Marciela Kinney Baldwin ’49 and Andrea Kinney Vavruska ‘50
Clare Kalthoff ’58, sister of Judith Kalthoss Bruckman ’45 (RIP) Barbara Kalthoff Raymond ’49, sister of Margaret Kalthoff ’52 (RIP),
Linda Lowry Emery ‘60
Eileen Murphy Bigelow ‘61
Diana Brodt Platis ’61, sister of Jacqueline Brodt McLaughlin ’58 and Cynthia Brodt Grissom ‘65
Alice Shea Knapp ’62, sister of Patricia Shea Cummings ’57, Evelyn Shea ’61 and Margaret Shea ‘69
Sharon McDonough Searle ‘62
Carol Bush Russell ‘66, sister of Susan Bush Edwards ‘63, Linda Bush Mitchell ‘65, Joanne Bush
Giugni and George D. Bush
Theo Kuys Roche ‘66, sister of Nancy Kuys Beaver ‘64 (RIP)
Veda Ann DeSalvatore Tronske ’69, sister of Susan DeSalvatore Noyes ’70 and Sandra DeSalvatore Miller ‘73
Michelle Fareshetian ’73, sister of Marie Ann Fareshetian ’69 and Linda Fareshetian Hendrich ‘71
Loretta Le Sage ‘73
Catherine Carras Swick ’74, sister of Diane Carras Price ’64, Linda Carras Pitman ’68 and Judith Carras Hansen ‘71
Kathleen Lyons ’79, sister of Mary Ellen Lyons ‘76
Mary Sciarra Chavez ‘81
Robert Joseph Adanto, father of Rozanne Adanto ’79 and Catherine Adanto ’81; grandfather of Angela Barron ’02, Mara Adanto-Keledei ’12 and Anna Keledei ’15; uncle of Sylvia Correa Vega ‘83 and Christine Correa Grebel ‘88
Marisela Bahena, wife of Salomon Bahena (staff)
Jeffrey Ballard, son of Claire Beebe Ballard ’50; brother of Lisa Ballard Rozok ’78 and Deanna Ballard ‘79
Anita Bizzari, mother of Janine Bizzari Hatten ’74 and Jolina Bizzari Holmes ‘75
Frances G. Brown, mother of Barbara Brown ‘99
Graciella Jayme Castillo, mother of Grace Castillo Johnson ‘85
Laura Chalker, mother-in-law of Ashton Wolffe-Chalker ‘14
Robert Christansen, father of Ann Christansen ’84 and Mary Beth Christansen Rupp ’85; grandfather of Nina Christansen ‘20
Cathleen Mary Cremins, mother of Maureen Cremins Incontro ‘77
Helen Kiernan Dougherty, mother of Mary Dougherty Cosgriff ’62 and Pattie Dougherty Bishop ‘68
Durant Emery, husband of Linda Lowry Emery ’60 (RIP)
Arlene Frias, mother of Jezebel Chavez Navarro ‘12 and Emma Frias ‘17
Michael Grego, brother of Gina Grego Saieva ‘77
Thomas Hedrick, husband of Barbara Anable ‘58
Jose Lara Hernandez, father of Dorothy Hernandez ‘98
Orlando Martinez, father of Vanessa Martinez ’11 and Victoria Martinez ‘16
Edna Mondaca, mother of Julie Mondaca ‘76
Penny Mulligan (former faculty)
Mary Ann Parada, mother of Judy Parada Gutierrez ’75 and Joan Parada ‘76
Kay Paietta (former Board member)
Beatriz Perez, mother of Rachel Perez Castro ‘79
Rose Ponce, mother of Anna Ortiz Colon ‘77
Carlos A. Rodriguez, grandfather of Marianna Rodriguez ‘23
John Rojas, father of Britney Hermosillo-Rojas ‘08
Gordon Schumacher, husband of Carla Piacentini Schumacher ’69; brother-in-law of Ann Piacentini Yee ’68 and Lisa Piacentini Peltier ’72 (RIP)
Dorothy Sokol, mother of Alexia Sokol ‘71
Maura Q. Torres, grandmother of Desiree Torres Clark ‘95, Celeste Torres Escalante ‘98 and Kristin Torres ‘04
Dorothy Van Gorden, mother of Claudia Van Gorden ’74 and Anne Marie Van Gorden McCoy ‘84
Maria Castula Garcia Villar, great grandmother of Janelle Zacarias ’24 and Jayleen Zacarias ‘26
Octavio Villasenor, grandfather of Melissa Villasenor ’05 and Allison Villasenor ‘09
Erin Marie Walsh, sister of Sheila Walsh Gomez ‘68 and Colleen Walsh Emery ‘73
Alumnae, family, and friends are included in our daily prayers and our Book of Intentions in the Chapel.
Please note: There is an amendment to the article on page 13 of Ramona Magazine, Fall 2022 Vol. 20. The post-Ramona educational information for Brenda Marrero ’94 is incorrect. The article should read: After graduating from Ramona, Brenda attended Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. She then moved to Philadelphia to attend law school at Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law. It was there she met her husband, who is also an attorney.
