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FALL 2019 ISSUE
Advent by Candlelight
Join us for Advent by Candlelight, with special guest speaker, Bridget Bearss, RSCJ on Wednesday, December 4 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Your event chairs, parents of graduates Michelle Jonna and Dalia Kejbou, have a truly memorable evening planned. Treat yourself to this evening of friendship and reflection! This promises to be a joyful and hope-filled evening of restoration and inspiration. You are welcome to host a table, or attend as an individual. Click here for details or call Carolynn Krause in the Alum Office at 248-646-8900 x171. All are welcome to attend this community event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Blessing of the Babies & Celebrating the Feast of Mater Admirabilis
In celebration of the Feast of Mater Admirabilis, the Alum Association once again hosted Blessing of the Babies, and we were overjoyed to see so many beautiful Children of the Sacred Heart for this joyous annual event. During this cherished Sacred Heart tradition, Monsignor John Zenz blessed each baby, and then we pinned each with a Mater medal. After the Blessing, guests were welcomed to the Parlor on behalf of the Alumnae and Alumni Association by Erin Reynolds Skorupski '97 and Carolynn Kinzey Krause '88. Special thanks to all who attended! View more photos on Facebook.
Help Wanted - Focus: HOPE Saturdays
Would you like a chance to revisit your high school service experience? Students in our Upper School carry on the 30-plus-year tradition of volunteering at Focus: HOPE. One Saturday a month, students gather to help pack and deliver food to those in need. We need adult chaperones to accompany our students in this rewarding work. If you would like to help, please click here to sign up, we will fill you in on all the details - no experience necessary! Special thanks to Shannon Lewry Duggan '07 who accompanied our young ladies in September. Of her experience she writes:
"It was amazing to return to Focus:HOPE and feel like nothing has changed since I last volunteered there with ASH in 2010. The ASH girls I met on Saturday, who dedicate their early Saturday mornings to serve low income seniors, were so impressive and enthusiastic. The whole morning made me very proud to be an alumna!" Thank you, Shannon!
Alum Highlight
Liesl Eschbach '16 was in the building in August presenting her Master's Thesis Culminating Experience from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Liesl has been researching and writing about the under-representation of women in the music industry. Dr. Korin Visocchi served as a mentor to Liesl for her final research thesis paper and presentation.
We wish Liesl the best as she begins law school at Michigan State University. She plans to continue her focus on women in the music industry.
Alums Come Home to the Heart
We are always very happy when alums find themselves in the area and stop in for a visit. We agree that coming back to Sacred Heart feels great and does wonders for the soul! Memories abound when alums walk the hallowed halls and visit our Chapel. Witnessing our growth and the transformation that has occurred is invigorating and inspiring. We need your support and involvement to continue to be the school you cherished as a student. Please know you are always welcome to visit! We are ready to receive you with open arms, tour together and catch up on all things ASH.
In the photo above, Carolyn Kroha Harley '59 is pictured during her visit from California. We had a great afternoon catching up with this wonderful alumna and her husband Edward. Carolyn is also a graduate of Barat College and the daughter of Virginia Bender, graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart from 1928.
Jay and Leslie Carron Fishman '76 (below) visited on a trip home from California; they are pictured here in front of our Mater Admirabilis painting at the entrance to the Chapel. Leslie and Jay toured with Carolynn Krause '88 and especially enjoyed our historical wall in the Field House, spending time in the Chapel, and capping off the day with a visit to our ASH Spirit Store. Thank you for visiting, Leslie and Jay!
An Invitation to Children of Mary
The Children of Mary Sodality is looking forward to both the Advent Retreat on December 12 at Manresa, and the next regular meeting on January 9, 2020. You are welcome to join this devoted group for monthly meetings in the Parlor led by Fr. Paul Chateau, who guides the group to deepen their faith through discussion and prayer. The meeting is followed by liturgy and then goûter in the Parlor Dining Room. The Children of Mary Sodality was founded by St. Madeleine Sophie, and these gatherings remain an important point of connection for those who have learned of her vision and believe in her mission of education. Please feel free to contact Barbara Brown Lopiccolo '62 with any questions at 248-505-2334 or jandblop@gmail.com.
Alum Spotlight: Alumna Starts Female Empowerment Makeup Company
By Isabella Shaya '11
Natural, organic, Michigan-made, handmade, woman-operated, cruelty-free, black-owned business—these are just a few of the words that can be used to describe Alyssa Space's '11 company, ForHerCosmetics.
From lipstick to eyeshadow to body shimmer, Alyssa (pictured above, center) creates a range of quality beauty care products, backed by a mission to promote women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). ForHerCosmetics is working to increase the retention of young women in STEM through Chemistry in Cosmetics—an enrichment program to show young people, and girls especially, that they too can be a scientist and fashionista at the same time!
"In the realm of beauty, expression is something we can all learn—you can express yourself through cosmetics. FOR HER—it is for me! I understood that I wasn't the only woman not represented in the beauty industry nor the standard, so I wanted to create a brand where all backgrounds and all shades are represented, as all women should be," she says.
Alyssa officially launched ForHerCosmetics December 2017, and dove into the business full time in November 2018. However, ForHerCosmetics has been a growing idea long before that. "I always loved science as a kid, so I knew that I had to become a chemist. I wanted it and knew I had something to prove. I always wanted to start a business, but I didn't know what business I wanted to go into."
At Sacred Heart, Alyssa gained a solid foundation in many aspects that lead to her journey today. Alyssa said that Mr. Baran believed in her abilities as a student, helping her garner the confidence and strong background in chemistry she has today. And, from Dr. Meyer, Alyssa gained a spiritual connection that has grown stronger over the years and has ultimately shaped her powerful mindset and belief system. Lastly, Mr. Eidelman had an important influence in her decision to always follow her heart no matter what others thought of her.
"Sacred Heart gave me the courage to really be bold and step out of my comfort zone," Alyssa says.
After ASH, Alyssa received a B.S. in Chemistry from Michigan State University, and worked as a Quality Assurance Chemist at Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company. Leaving Pfizer to start her own company was a big risk that she took with the support of her family.
The vision and the mission for the company has evolved over the last year. "When I started back in 2016 post-graduation, I didn't have the STEM part connected, I just had a background in chemistry. But, working with nonprofits, it kind of came naturally to me later, when the Boll Family YMCA downtown asked me to speak to their kids last summer."
Alyssa has spoken to more than 1,000 youth in the past year and she has hosted various programs at schools and nonprofits including the Canadian nonprofit Build A Dream, NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), Downtown Boxing Youth Program, The Michigan Science Center: STEMinista Program, and more with her chemistry-based hands-on demonstrations for kids. The program promotes an interest in STEM through alternative exploration while teaching children self-esteem, suicide prevention, team building, and college prep exercises.
"[The theme of the company] came about from experiences I had working in a corporate, male-dominated field, and on top of that being a minority in STEM. It sometimes made me feel like I was isolated—everyone doesn't relate, and doesn't understand my background. I wanted to create an open space for others to be able to explore and express themselves."
Alyssa will be opening a lab in downtown Detroit at Ponyride this month, and plans to open a storefront in the heart of Detroit. After going to school in Detroit for most of her life, Alyssa knows that building her business in Detroit is what the city needs. "I really want to bring business to Detroit. Detroit is in a renaissance era right now. I have been here forever, and to see its resurgence is amazing. To live through this transformation, I want to be a part of it."
Alyssa plans to make ForHerCosmetics a global brand, educate more women and children on skincare, and be a retailer in large cosmetics stores. Beauty is Universal. Beauty is HER.
AASH - Coming to Detroit in 2021!
Pictured are (left to right): AASH Central Regional Director Andrea Briefs-Ferris '75, Past AASH President Barbara Lopiccolo '62, Carolynn Kinzey Krause '88, AASH Recording Secretary Stephanie Chaczyk '07, AASH President Roselie Bellanca Posselius (Grosse Pointe 1973, Bloomfield Hills 1977), Cor Unum 2019 Awardee Virginia Kratage Antakli (Bloomfield Hills 1956, Manhattanville 1960), Gabrielle Antakli '16, John Antakli, Barbara Silverman '77, Carolyn Price '60 and Patricia Kolojeski (Grosse Pointe 1962).
We are so proud that Roselie Bellanca Posselius '77 is the President of AASH (Associated Alumni of the Sacred Heart) and excited to host the national AASH conference here in Detroit in April 2021. Planning is starting for a fabulous experience that will feature both Bloomfield Hills and Grosse Pointe. Even if you haven't been to a national conference, we hope that your Sacred Heart experience, pride in our city and spirit of adventure will inspire you to get involved in the planning of this exciting Conference. Feel free to contact Carolynn Krause in the Alum Office for more details and information!
Giving Tuesday
Please consider making a gift to Annual Giving this holiday season. Not only do we hope for your support, we count on it! Our alumnae, alumni and parents of graduates are some of our very best supporters, giving in gratitude to ensure our bright future. Annual Giving is a critical part of our annual budget. Your generosity makes the difference here at ASH!
#GivingTuesday is this Tuesday, December 3! We are excited to announce that Board Member and President of the Alumnae and Alumni Association, Emily Mayer '05, has generously committed to match Alum donations made from today through Giving Tuesday up to $2,500. Thank you for this commitment, Emily! Help us raise these much needed funds by contributing today!
Get Your ASH Spirit Wear Today!
All-new Sacred Heart spirit wear is available NOW, including new Gazelles and Knights logos showcasing the synergy between our schools! There is something for everyone to stay warm in the winter and look cool all year round! The store will be open only through December 2, so don't wait! This is a great opportunity to do a bit of holiday shopping, as orders will ship directly to your home by December 17.
This and That...
Chicago Alum Gathering
You are invited to save the date for Sacred Heart in Chicago on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at Swissotel Chicago (323 East Wacker Drive). Join Damian Hermann, Head of School at Academy of the Sacred Heart Bloomfield Hills, for conversation and updates regarding our school. This will be a great chance to connect with Sacred Heart alums in the Chicago area, see friends old and new and share in the community we are so lucky to be a part of. Being a Sacred Heart alum is a unique and special gift. We will be so happy to see you! An invitation will be forthcoming, but please know that all Sacred Heart alums, parents and friends are welcome. If you are in the Chicago area but unsure if we have your current address, please be in touch so we may send you an invitation!
Interested in the All-School eNews?
Every other Friday throughout the school year, ASH publishes an all-school eNewsletter for current parents, faculty and staff. If you would like to opt in and receive additional updates about current happenings within the learning communities, we would love to add you to our list! Simply email Carolynn Krause '88 at cakrause@ashmi.org and we will make sure you start receiving the All-School eNews.
Keep Us Informed
Academy of the Sacred Heart alumnae and alumni stay connected through the eNewsletters by contributing any newsworthy events that are happening in your life. If you have any news about weddings, births, careers, awards, travels, etc., submit the updates so your news can appear as part of the online Alumnae and Alumni eNewsletter. You can submit the news by clicking here. Be sure to become a member of the Alumnae/i Portal (www.ashmi.org/alumportal) to share even more news with your classmates.
Remember to stay connected through the ASH Alums (Bloomfield Hills, MI) Facebook page. Like us on Facebook and visit this site frequently to keep in touch with the school and your fellow alumnae and alumni.
In Memoriam
Condolences we sent on behalf of the Alumnae and Alumni Association to:
- Erin Costello Bowman '03 on the death of her mother, Luann Costello
- Grace Perrotta Byrnes '93 on the death of her father, Dr. Augustine Perrotta
- Anne Mack Creamer '74 on the death of her mother, Patricia Maher Mack '51
- Sheila Szczepaniak '78 and Adrienne Szczepaniak King '65 on the death of their sister, Diane Szczepaniak '74
- Susan Burkhardt Telford '64 on the death of her mother, Maureen Ryan Burkhardt '41
- Sandra Parsons Weir '65 on the death of her husband, Ray Weir
Please e-mail Carolynn Kinzey Krause '88 at alumoffice@ashmi.org to inform the Academy of the Sacred Heart of a death in the family. We will share that information immediately with your classmates and pay our respects in the eNewsletter.
Future Events
Great Gift Ideas
Please visit our Alumnae/i Store page to see beads, bracelets, charms, key rings, and paperweights that make great gifts. For more information please contact Carolynn Krause '88 at cakrause@ashmi.org.
Are You Registered?
Alumnae/i who register to become part of our Alumnae/i Portal automatically receive the eNewsletter via email. In addition, registered alums have access to the Alumnae Directory and past eNewsletters. To request your login information, complete the form at www.ashmi.org/alumid.
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ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART