Dear Alumnae,

The Sisters of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary included a World Kindness Day article with their Upcoming Events section on their website. The simplest of gestures can make a lasting impact on others, and in turn provides us with a greater sense of connection and purpose with our community and ourselves. We are Created with Purpose, and Called to Belong! We all remember how these teachings were very much a part of our AHN curriculum and senior service projects when we were students. I am sure you still include in your daily reflections, how personal, interpersonal, and transpersonal gratitude allows you to focus on what you value most and how you give back to your community.

I hope you will join us this holiday season, as we focus on simple gestures, that make a lasting impact at AHN. Join one of our committees, be a judge for either our Thanksgiving or Christmas Song Contests, join our weekly Divine Mercy Prayer group, decorate a Christmas tree for our students, sing some carols at Lighting the Bell Tower as you honor your loved ones and make a wish for the new year, join our upcoming Boutique Noel meeting, join our upcoming meeting to discuss Legacy Luncheon, Decade and Co-Class Ambassador open positions, or volunteer your time to be a mentor to our seniors.

We treasure your time and talents in our community and every act of kindness is invaluable!

God bless,

Katie Ann McDermott ’98

Director of Alumnae Engagement

Office: (518) 282-4911

Email: KAMcDermott@ahns.org

Alicia McAuliffe, Ph.D. ’95 and Aaren Harris '95

If you would like to join as a panelist for Career Day next year, please sign up on AHNConnect.

Thank you to our Career Day panelists who joined us on November 4 to meet with our high school students!

Click here to read Alicia McAuliffe, Ph.D. ’95's keynote address to our students.

Click here to view the panelists that joined us and thank you to Cindy Pettit '78, P'08 for volunteering her time to support our efforts during the day.

Following the panel Q&A's, our seniors joined our panelists for their first networking event so they could gain an understanding of the importance of attending these events when they are alumnae. The luncheon was graciously hosted by Catherine Hedgeman, Esq. ’92.

Congratulations to Rachel Barranca Powell '97! She was elected to the Common Council 12th Ward in Albany! For more information about Rachel's new position, click here.

Congratulations to Sara Fedele '97! She was elected as Town Justice in the Town of Colonie! For more information about Sara's new position, click here.

Our prayer group will meet online/via phone every Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. for 15 minutes of prayer. This is an opportunity to connect with various types of prayer with our AHN community.

Our first session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3 to launch the celebration of our advent season. The link to join will be included in our next issue.

If you want to include yourself or a loved one to our prayer list, please email prayerlist@ahns.org.

The holiday season will be in full swing and we hope you will consider celebrating with one of following events. Click here to RSVP!

• Tuesday, November 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Four Thanksgiving Song Contest judges needed.

• Monday, December 8 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Trimming the Christmas Tree. Enjoy some holiday treats as we decorate a tree for our students to enjoy this advent season that includes decorations from our archives!

• Monday, December 8 from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Immaculate Conception Liturgy.



• Friday, December 19 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am: Advent Liturgy.

• Friday, December 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Four Christmas Song Contest Judges needed. Come be a part of this special tradition and see the painted windows!

We are looking for some of the following types of pictures to include in an upcoming Giving Tuesday campaign: pictures with Mr. Anastasio (Mr. A) pictures with Julie "Coachie" Foley, and pictures from Pep Rallies.

If you have any you'd be willing to share, please email them to ahnadvancement@ahns.org no later than Friday, November 28.

Please include names and class years of others in the pictures if possible.

Celebrate the Season. Honor a Loved One. Share the Light.

Each year, the lighting of the Holy Names’ Bell Tower marks the beginning of the Christmas season on campus — a cherished tradition that fills our community with warmth, reflection, and hope.

The Bell Tower, shining brightly through the winter nights, is more than a beautiful symbol. It represents all the goodness, faith, and light our community brings into the world — and each light tells a story.

Be Part of the Tradition

This season, you are invited to sponsor a light on the bell tower in honor or in memory of someone special — a loved one, classmate, teacher, or friend whose light continues to shine.

Your tribute helps illuminate our campus and supports Holy Names’ mission to nurture faith, community, and compassion in every student.

Each dedication will be recognized in our Bell Tower Tribute Listing and during our annual Lighting Ceremony, as we come together to celebrate the true spirit of the season.

On Thursday, December 11, we will be holding the Lighting of the Bell Tower.



There will be a brief opening prayer, followed by the reading aloud of the names the lights are in memory or in honor of, and concluded with a Christmas song, performed by our AHN Choral Ensemble.