Alumnae eNewsletter | January 2026 | | Remembering Sister Kathleen "Kathy" Lang, CSJ | | |
Today we honor the legacy of Sister Kathy Lang who dedicated 34 years of her life to Carondelet High School, profoundly impacting nearly 7,000 graduates and their families.
A Bay Area native, Sister Kathy’s journey with Carondelet began in 1974. She served as a religion teacher, oversaw the student council, and took on the role of VP of Student Activities until 1982. After a brief four year hiatus, she returned as Principal until 2001. Following this, Sister Kathy became Carondelet’s first President—a position she held with distinction until 2012.
Sister Kathy was devoted to Carondelet, and this year was her 70th CSJ Jubilarian year. Those who were on campus during her time will remember her for her gentle spirit, faithful leadership, and deep commitment to tuition assistance. She knew every student on campus, and she always made sure to know something special about each one of them.
Sister Kathy, we will never forget your loyalty, leadership, and legacy. Your passion for Catholic education left an indelible mark on our Carondelet community. May your soul rest in peace.
| | Alumnae Spotlight:
Alyse Cronin Polman ’12 | | |
In October 2010, Alyse Cronin Polman ’12, participated in Carondelet’s four-day volunteer immersion program, Ven a Ver (“Come and See”). This program offers Carondelet and De La Salle High School students the opportunity to volunteer and live alongside families in the Salinas Valley. During those four days, Alyse was introduced to the farmworker community in Gonzales, California and it was an experience that deeply moved her. Though meaningful, those days were not enough. The firsthand exposure left a lasting impression and compelled Alyse to personally invest her time and energy toward making a lasting difference in the lives of the families she met.
Motivated by this transformative experience, Alyse founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Running With Love, expanding the spirit and mission of Ven a Ver into a sustained, long-term commitment to education and support for farmworker students and their families.
Today, Running With Love proudly highlights the leadership and service of Carondelet alumnae and students, including Alyse Cronin Polman, Founder and CEO; Briana Cronin Clifford ’05, Chief Marketing Officer; Mia Brinker ’24, Junior Board Member; and Reese Brinker ’26, Active Volunteer.
Since its founding, Running With Love has achieved a 100% high school completion rate among its students, with graduates now attending two-year and four-year universities as well as trade schools, an extraordinary testament to the power of education, mentorship, and community.
| | Power Of Her
Boscacci Performance Center Marks New Era on Carondelet’s Main Campus | | |
Something very special has unfolded at our alma mater the past few months. Our original locker room—dank, dreary, ideal for St. Marty’s Party haunted houses—has been reimagined and completely transformed into the Boscacci Performance Center. This underutilized, outdated space is now home to the Suzanne Smith Movement Studio, a state-of-the-art Locker Lounge, Powder Room, Walkout Tunnel, Sports Medicine and Training Facilities, collegiate-level branding, and an elevated environment to equal the excellence within. Our students and athletes have been enjoying this new element of their Carondelet experience since last semester. It’s been a joy to see them make the space their own and personalize it with their energy, aspirations, hard work, and gratitude.
This month we gathered with our donor community to celebrate this on time and on budget project, completed in just six short months, at a dedication ceremony. We are indebted to members of every walk of our community for coming together to recognize an opportunity, believe in its impact, and make a longstanding dream a reality for our students and generations of students to come through their philanthropic support.
One of our donors, Nicollette Guillen Mitra ’08, explains why she was compelled to be part of this effort and why her involvement was so meaningful for her and her family.
If you’re ever near campus, please come by… we’d love to show you our newest addition! And if you’re interested in supporting this effort, please visit our webpage or reach out to your Carondelet Development Team. We’d love to connect.
| | Engineering for Social Good:
Adirondack Chairs with a Purpose | | |
This year, our Engineering for Social Good students—led by Social Studies Department Chair Miranda Cozzone ’06—put their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork into action by building handcrafted Adirondack chairs, all for a meaningful cause.
What began as a hands-on design challenge quickly grew into a project rooted in purpose. Under Miranda’s guidance, students collaborated on measurements, materials, ergonomics, and construction techniques, learning valuable engineering principles as they brought each chair from concept to completion.
But the true heart of the project was the “social good” component. The completed Adirondack chairs were donated to support Carondelet’s Visions of Christmas online auction, where they helped raise funds to support the Carondelet Fund.
The Engineering for Social Good class continues to inspire by showing how innovation, mentorship, and service go hand-in-hand. Read more on our website.
| | Remembering Kathleen Marie Gannon Briggs P’93, ’94, ’95, ’97, G’24, ’26
A Life of Faith, Service, and Leadership | | |
Kathleen Marie Gannon Briggs, affectionately known as “KGB,” was welcomed home to heaven on September 22, 2025, at the age of 82. A beloved member of the Carondelet community, Kathy served as a teacher at Carondelet High School from 1986 to 1988, where she was known for her deep faith, strong moral conviction, and unwavering commitment to educating young women with purpose and compassion.
Kathy was also a devoted mother to Carondelet alumnae Liz Briggs Farrell ’93, Eileen Briggs Brinker ’94, Jen Briggs Fisher ’95, and Julie Briggs Dunn ’97, and a loving grandmother to 12 grandchildren, including Mia Brinker ’24 and Reese Brinker ’26. She was an extraordinary role model who led by example, instilling in her daughters and grandchildren the values of leadership, service, and love. Kathy will be remembered for her lifelong acts of generosity, her steady leadership, and the lasting impact she made on her family, her students, and the Carondelet community.
| | Alumnae Awards
Young Alumna of the Year & Alumna of the Year Nominations | |
Now Accepting Nominations!
The Carondelet Alumnae Association is proud to open nominations for our Young Alumna of the Year and Alumna of the Year awards. These honors celebrate exceptional women who live out Carondelet’s mission through leadership, service, professional achievement, and a lasting commitment to our community.
Young Alumna of the Year
This award recognizes a graduate from the past 10 years who exemplifies leadership, compassion, and excellence. The honoree serves as a role model whose accomplishments inspire current Carondelet students and reflect exceptional promise, initiative, and engagement in her career or community.
Alumna of the Year
Presented to an alumna whose life and work reflect the mission, core values, and ideals of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. This honoree is making a meaningful impact through her profession, service, or vocation and embodies Carondelet’s enduring legacy of heart, faith, courage, and excellence.
Carondelet’s greatest strength is its people. Help us recognize the remarkable alumnae who continue to shape our world and inspire the next generation.
Nominations are due Sunday, March 1. Please use this form for submissions.
Honorees will be recognized at the Senior Lunch in May, where we joyfully welcome our newest graduates into the Carondelet Alumnae Association.
Visit our website for more information and to see former Award recipients.
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Dear Carondelet Sisters,
As proud members of the Carondelet Board of Trustees, we are thrilled to be part of Carondelet's Giving Day on March 11 & 12. Our theme this year is "Believe in Her"—a call to action that celebrates the strength, potential, and future of every student at Carondelet.
This Giving Day, we invite you to stand with us in support of our school, just as Carondelet has supported and shaped each of us. Carondelet Giving Day is more than a fundraiser—it's an opportunity to demonstrate our belief in the power of women and to create lasting change for the next generation of students. Your participation helps us show the world the deep engagement of our alumnae community and strengthens our mission.
There are many ways to get involved this year:
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Make a Gift: whether $10, $20, or more, every contribution counts. Early bird donors receive special incentives!
- Share our Campaign on Social Media: spread the word and inspire others to get involved.
- Encourage friends and family to join in: your support and advocacy create a ripple effect that touches more hearts.
Our goal is not just about reaching a monetary target but about showing the depth of our collective support. Whether you’re able to give, advocate, or share, your participation sends a powerful message to our community and beyond.
Let’s come together and Believe in Her—in the heart of Carondelet and in the future we are shaping together.
With gratitude for our Sisterhood,
Dr. Rosanne Siino ’80, Board Chair
Jennifer Ghelfi De Smedt ’85
Nancy O'Malley ’71
Carondelet Board of Trustees
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Crab Feed:
Saturday, February 21
Ticket Registration Open Now – Secure Your Seat Here $125/person
Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight with delicious crab and tri-tip and support a meaningful cause through the Fund-the-Need auction benefiting Carondelet’s Sisterhood Fund. Enjoy live music and dance the night away to the beats of Fast Times.
The evening will also feature a decadent dessert auction, a silent auction with exciting prizes, an array of fine wines, a signature cocktail that's a sip of perfection, and—most importantly—time together as a community.
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Easter Egg Hunt:
Saturday, March 28
Hop on over to the Carondelet Athletics Complex (CAC) on Saturday, March 28, for mid-morning fun with family and friends! Doors open and festivities begin at 10:00 AM. This family-friendly event includes face painting, Easter-themed activities, coloring, and more. Carrie the Cougar and the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance for fun and photo ops.
We’ll have light snacks and drinks to enjoy on-site, and we invite families to bring a picnic and enjoy the facilities in tandem with the Easter fun.
If you would like to attend, please register here. Feel free to invite friends, neighbors, and non-alum guests—everyone is welcome!
If you aren’t attending but want to help support the event, please visit our Amazon registry to purchase eggs and egg fillers. To help with the planning, please contact us.
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Alum Company Social: Little Shop of Horrors
Saturday, April 18, 5:30-7:00 PM
Reunite with fellow alum at a fun social before the Carondelet and De La Salle production of Little Shop of Horrors. Light bites and drinks will be served. To RSVP reach out to Lea Harrington '90 or Mandy Sullivan.
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Cougar Classic Golf Tournament:
Monday, April 27
Get your alumnae foursome together and join us for a day of fun at the Round Hill Country Club golf course at the Cougar Classic! Tickets and foursomes go on sale Monday, March 30. Visit our website for details and the most current information.
Not a golfer? Not a problem! Volunteer with fellow Alumnae, where we’ll serve up Cougaritas to our thirsty golfers. Reach out to Toni Garcia ’11 to join her at the Alumnae sponsored tee box.
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Virtual Book Club
Alumnae, parents, and friends are invited to join our book discussion group! We’re currently reading The Paris Wife. Contact Candi Manonni for the Zoom link for the next meeting on Monday, February 2.
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Reunion Update:
2026 is Your Year to Celebrate!
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We’re thrilled to share that Carondelet is once again preparing to host our marquee reunions and announce reunion plans for our milestone classes, signature celebrations that bring our community together in meaningful and memorable ways.
Class of 2021 – 5-year Reunion, Wed, Nov 25, 2026
Class of 2016 – 10-Year Reunion
Class of 2001 – 25-Year Reunion
Class of 1976 – 50-Year Reunion
Dates to be determined, stay tuned to the website for more details!
For alumnae from other class years, we’re here for you, too! If your class is hoping to gather, reconnect, or host a special event, we’re happy to support you with marketing, outreach, and contact-list coordination.
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Your Class Needs You!
Be the reason your class reconnects! Join us as a Class Representative and help turn upcoming reunions into something special.
Class Reps play an important role in spreading the word, sharing ideas, and being part of the reunion planning process alongside the Alumnae team. If you’re interested in getting involved as a lead for your class reunions, as well as other Carondelet Alumnae initiatives, please reach out to us or fill out this form.
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Soccer Alumnae Game
On Tuesday, December 23, we cheered on our incredible Carondelet alumnae and our current team at the Allie Macaulay Alumnae Soccer Game! It was wonderful to see Cougars from different class years come together, reconnect, and show that Cougar spirit never fades. Thank you to everyone who played, cheered, and supported. What a fun and inspiring day!
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Cougars in Arizona
Back in October, a group of Carondelet Alumnae from the Class of 2020 reconnected in Arizona for a brunch filled with laughter, memories, and plenty of catching up. It was so special to see these Cougars reconnect and celebrate the lasting friendships formed during their high school years, proof that Cougar connections last a lifetime.
Clockwise starting bottom left: Mary Bridget Gallagher, Julia Bingham, Reese Mein, Olivia Bruzzone, Gabi Scheibley, Megan Anton, Katie Harney, Gabby Riva, Kelly Kearn, Caroline Quinn, Ashima Dhwan, Emma Chappell, and Kiki Mein.
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Help guide the next generation of Carondelet women by presenting at our Career Fair in October 2026 or be available for career advice when our students reach out.
Complete this form and make your career experience and educational path available to students and alumnae who are eager to learn from you. Your insight can provide inspiration, advice, and real-world perspective and help them make informed decisions about their futures. You may be contacted by students or fellow alumnae seeking mentorship, guidance, or a deeper understanding of your field. Thank you for your support of our community and empowerment of the next generation of Carondelet leaders!
| | A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Generous Carondelet Alumnae | | |
As we reflect on this past year, one thing remains abundantly clear: the strength of the Carondelet community comes from the incredible women who continue to support, uplift, and invest in the generations that follow. Our Alumnae Association is deeply grateful for every alumna who generously contributed time, talent, or financial support to our mission this year.
Your donations, whether big or small, directly impact the programs, traditions, and opportunities that help keep the spirit of Carondelet alive. Because of your generosity, we are able to offer meaningful alumnae programming, support student initiatives, create networking and mentorship opportunities, and preserve the values of Sisterhood that shaped each of us.
Every gift represents more than a donation; it is a testament to your belief in Carondelet’s future. It reflects the kindness, leadership, and compassion that define our alumnae community. Your dedication ensures that today’s students can experience the same transformative education and connection that you once did.
From all of us at the Carondelet Alumnae Association: Thank You. Thank you for continuing to show up. Thank you for giving back. Thank you for helping us grow a legacy that will empower young women for decades to come.
We are proud of you. We are grateful for you. And we look forward to another year of celebrating the amazing women who make Carondelet the extraordinary community it is.
With gratitude and Cougar pride,
The Carondelet Alumnae Association
| | Fiscal Year 2025–26 Alumnae Donors | | |
Kristie Abbott-Walker ’75
Heather Alumbaugh ’91
Heather Gargaro Anton ’88
Bettina Bautista ’06
Alida Boscacci Beilke ’94
Jennifer Bennett ’81
Kendall Bercaw ’00
Sarah Long Bergler ’90
Clarissa Chihak Bergmann ’94
Julia Robinson Boen ’70
Meghan McCormick Bolger ’04
Erica Love Bonacci ’04
Eileen Briggs Brinker ’94
Barbara Britto-Tang ’77
Wendy Lutkus Brown ’92
Carol Bussey Esq. ’77
Janel Bustamante ’97
Micaela Camozzi ’16
Andrea Carlos ’06
Annemarie Boscacci Carpenter ’91
Cynthia Nagy Clapp ’88
Courtney Kermeen Corda ’87
Kirsten Curtis Crum ’89
Carla Gibbons Cullerton ’74
Kathleen Steiner Cutright ’93
Ashley Chavez Czyz ’08
Jennifer Ghelfi De Smedt ’85
Olivia del Barco ’08
Courtney Dellinger-Porter ’04
Stephanie Dennler ’94
Veronica Valdez Dickerson ’93
Mary Beth Kulawiec Dittrich ’79
Maureen Dobrich ’81
Nadine Draper ’84
Michele Dunleavy ’85
Jesslyn Farros ’07
Julie Serke Fead ’75
Susanne Fenstermacher ’72
Suzanne Hendershot Fisi ’85
Mary Roll Fliss ’81
Monica DeLucia Fonesca ’90
Denise Martin Freeman ’79
Tammy Anderson Freeman ’86
Michelle Mahrous Garcia ’97
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Tracy Gleason Geddis ’90
Louise Rousseau Gee ’73
Julie Gonzalez ’99
Rachel Guidi ’18
Sarah Guzzaldo ’08
Chris Mahrous Hansen ’99
Lea DeBernardi Harrington ’90
Erin Herlihy Harris ’07
Holly Oneto Higgins ’96
Courtney Barrilleaux Hood ’96
Erin Galloway Hopcus ’97
Ingeborg Sorensen Houston ’82
Sarah Hultman-Alpert ’92
Jacquelynne Jennings ’77
Miranda Oneto Jernigan ’98
Shannon Johnson ’01
Catherine Lambert Jurkiewicz ’73
Michelle Koski ’98
Bronwyn Tullus Kresse ’89
Amanda Negherbon Kuiper ’95
Sara Fichtenkort Larose ’84
Margaret Lettire ’13
Barbara Hockel Lopez ’81
Malissa Marsh Lucas ’85
Paulina Lucas ’18
Stacey Morano Mahoney ’88
Caitlin Main ’05
Morgan March ’11
Patricia Barboza McDonald ’93
Jenifer O’Neill McDonald ’76
Suzy McLaughlin-Grimmer ’91
Ashley McNulty ’15
Allison Boscacci Mein ’88
Viviana Zapata Meyer ’89
Erica Meyers ’21
Kaitlyn Meyers ’24
Nicollette Guillen Mitra ’08
Jessica Smith Mix ’99
Maureen Monahan ’81
Marelise Navarro Velasco ’98
Nancy O’Malley ’71
Janine Toomey Orr ’89
Carol Pueringer Padilla ’82
Mary Pueringer ’88
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Elizabeth McGervey Pursley ’75
Alison Russello Rago ’96
Elisabeth Renner ’78
Amanda Restani ’15
Jennifer Reid Ricketts ’91
Miranda Ripoli Cozzone ’06
Kelly Ruff ’18
Lily Ruiz ’86
Mary Laurel Trenbath Rutledge ’73
Denise Gopaul Santos ’89
Kirsten Palmer Sawyer ’99
Bernadette Schild ’77
Nancy Schild ’73
Lesley Burke Schooler ’96
Stephanie Seeno-Miles ’80
Anne Wadsworth Seiler ’86
Krista Breuker Sheldon ’96
Rosanne Siino ’80
Merrilee Gutierrez Silveira ’88
Brianna Simonich ’17
Amy Slavin ’91
Jeanine Mizera Smalley ’95
Jennifer Asuncion Smith ’04
Jennifer Emerzian Snapp ’89
Susan Solger ’73
Jennifer Garcia Spangler ’96
Emily St. Jean Duggan ’05
Jennifer Burke Steinmo ’03
Suzanne Prout Stone ’88
Karen Quick Suryan ’89
Gaeby Todesco ’07
Kathleen Cannon Trilevsky ’83
Mary Tschann ’01
Cary Emerzian Tschann ’94
Colleen Marseille Tullus ’96
Heidi Schaumburg Vaccarello ’92
Francella Valera ’20
Kimberly LaRossa Vernon ’88
Jennifer Duldulao Villena ’94
Katherine Von Magnus-Bjork ’70
Laurie Dickson Williams ’90
Amy Helmer Yakaitis ’94
Stephanie Zimmerman ’86
| | Update and Share Your Information | | |
Please keep us updated with your current contact information, it helps us stay in touch.
If you would like to share the loss of a loved one, please use this link.
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Share YOUR Story with Carondelet and your fellow alumnae!
We’d love to hear from you, update your contact information, and learn about your life, work, family, accomplishments, travel, hobbies, and more! Whether in our quarterly Alumnae eNews, the Carondeletter, or our alum website, we're excited to showcase our amazing alumnae community. Use this link to help us celebrate you!
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Thank You to Our Annual Event Sponsors!
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