Alumnae E-Newsletter | September 2025 | | ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT: MADDY DUNCAN | | |
Maddy Duncan ’16 is making an impact in her hometown, where she now serves the community as a chiropractor. At Carondelet, Maddy served as ASB President, led Kairos, and played four years of varsity soccer. She went on to Purdue University, graduating with honors in 2020 with a degree in management while competing as a scholarship student-athlete and two-time captain of the women’s varsity soccer team.
After earning her doctorate and graduating with highest honors from Life Chiropractic College West in 2024, Maddy founded the Madeline Duncan Chiropractic Corporation and now practices in Danville as an associate at Chiropractic by Design, where she cares for patients of all ages. She is especially passionate about helping people feel and perform their best, with a focus on supporting young athletes to reach their goals.
In addition to her practice, Maddy serves as the NorCal representative for NeuroSync, providing testing and therapies for individuals affected by concussions and other minor brain injuries. She hopes to partner with local athletes and clubs to expand concussion prevention and treatment within the community.
Carondelet holds a special place for Maddy, not only as her alma mater, but also as part of her family legacy. Her mother, Julie Reid Duncan, is a Carondelet alumna from the Class of 1987. Maddy looks forward to continuing to give back to the community that shaped her and provided her with countless experiences and opportunities.
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INSPIRED TO GIVE BACK:
LOREEN KUBICEK-JACKSON ’81
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Dear members of Carondelet’s Class of 1981 and fellow esteemed Alumnae,
The fondness and gratitude I have for my experience at Carondelet—and the opportunities and life it’s afforded me—have only grown throughout my time as an alumna.
I transferred into Carondelet halfway through our freshman year in search of something more in my educational experience and environment. I had a beloved babysitter when I was young who was a Carondelet student, and I always thought so highly of her confidence and kindness. While private school wasn’t on my parents’ radar, nor in their budget, they recognized my passion for Carondelet and sacrificed much to help make it happen.
While at Carondelet, I lived a bit of a double life. I was an engaged student, loved the friendships I was forming and nurturing, and felt like a valued member of this very special community. I also worked diligently as a fashion model. This dual endeavor required a great deal of support, flexibility, and discretion from the dear Sisters of St. Joseph who served as our educators, mentors, and friends. Their efforts to ensure I continued to be successful in school and their championing of my professional life combined to provide what felt like an unconquerable cheerleading force behind me. My post-Carondelet career took me across the globe and included a lifetime of fascinating adventures and relationships. None of it would have been possible without Carondelet’s strong foundation and the loving guidance of the Sisters. They made my aspirations their own and were personally committed to helping me thrive.
Twenty-two years ago, I gave birth to twins—Sophia and Seth. Unfortunately, Sophia lived for only 11 days, and she remains in my heart forever. Hers is a loss I carry with me—at times more acutely than others—and she’s a constant source of inspiration and gratitude. I believe she would have attended a place like Carondelet. A place where everyone has the opportunity to be lifted up, nurtured, and loved.
I want that possibility for every deserving student, regardless of her family’s economic background or means. It’s in that spirit and with Sophia’s inspiration that I’m giving to Carondelet’s Tuition Assistance Fund in her honor. This effort will enable more students to access the wonderful opportunity that is our alma mater. I’ve worked with the Development Team to create a matching initiative and will humbly triple every donation you make to Tuition Assistance up to $10,000. If access and opportunity are important to you and if you’re so inclined, I invite you to join me and give.
I deeply appreciate you allowing me to share my story and goals. Thank you for being a part of our shared history and for considering paying it forward to the young women after us.
With love and thanks,
Loreen Kubicek-Jackson ’81
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POWER OF HER
CARONDELET'S CAMPUS PLAN EVOLVES
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Dear Fellow Alumnae,
As your journey as a Carondelet alumna continues, please know how grateful we are to have you as part of our community. The sisterhood you’re in has been inspiring and empowering young women for 60 years—and you are part of the legacy.
We’re excited to share an important update on a transformational project: the Power of Her Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our alumnae, families, and friends, we have raised over $2.6 million of our $3.5 million goal. Construction is already underway on the Boscacci Performance Center, and by November 2025, our current and future students will have new learning, training, and wellness spaces that reflect their capacity and aspirations.
This new facility will feature a movement studio, state-of-the-art training room, and a team locker lounge—spaces that will finally provide equity in facilities for our young women, ensuring they have the same opportunities, support, and resources as their peers.
Every gift to this campaign is meaningful. Families who give $1,000 or more will be recognized on the Power of Her Donor Wall in the new Gym Lobby, and there are also opportunities for named spaces to leave a lasting legacy:
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Performance Center
Locker Lounge - $250,000
Gym Lobby - $150,000
Gym Scoreboard Set - $125,000
Training Room/Sports Med - $125,000
Individual Lockers - $5,000
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Carondelet Athletics Complex (CAC)
Student/Athlete Center - $200,000
Cougar Lounge (Courtyard) - $150,000
Softball Field - $100,000
Tennis Courts - $100,000
Pathway - $50,000
Grass Slope - $50,000
Athletics Office - $50,000
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As standard-bearers of the Carondelet community, you have the unique opportunity to help chart the path for generations of women to come. Together, we are not just building facilities—we’re building futures.
We had a powerful moment of community celebration during our assembly this past May. We shared the Power of Her campaign video with students in grades 9–11, along with our faculty and staff. The energy in the room was palpable. Students received t-shirts, stickers, and refreshments—and, more importantly, they received the message that they are deeply seen, supported, and empowered. Their enthusiasm reminds us why this project matters so much.
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and excitement for your continuing influence on our students, school, identity, and community.
Blessings,
Jessica Mix ’99
President
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ALUMNAE UPDATE:
ALUMNA EMMA MOORE ’24 AND HER TEAM USA OLYMPIC DREAMS
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Emma Moore ’24 is breaking barriers in the world of artistic swimming. In 2025, she helped Team USA win Gold at the Paris World Cup, the first major competition since the U.S. earned its first Olympic medal in 20 years at the 2024 Games.
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Legacy Social
We had a fantastic turnout welcoming our newest legacy students and reconnecting with upperclassmen legacy students, mothers, and even grandmothers! This year, we’re proud to have 66 legacy students—a true testament to the strength of our community.
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Bay FC Game at Oracle Park
Many in our community enjoyed attending the Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit match at Oracle Park. The teams played in front of a packed stadium, where Bay FC thrilled fans with an exciting comeback attempt before ultimately falling short in a hard-fought 3–2 defeat.
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Cross Country Alumnae Run
The new cross country coach and alumna Jennifer Ricketts ’91 led our alumnae in a 2-mile Fun Run starting at the Carondelet Athletic Center (CAC), celebrating fitness, friendship, and community. Alumna and former coach MaryAnn Grubb ’90 made a quick stop on patrol to say hello, while Gretchen Yakaitis, our current top runner, was joined by her mom, Amy Yakaitis ’94—making it a truly special multigenerational Carondelet moment.
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1965 Society Reception
In early September, we celebrated members of Carondelet’s 1965 Society at a reception in their honor. This special group of donors makes annual gifts of $1,965 or more in commemoration of our founding year. Among them are many alumnae, whom we thank for their inspiring vote of confidence in the mission and vision of Carondelet.
Click here for more information on on the 1965 Society!
Thank you to our Alumnae 1965 Society Members:
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Jennifer Bennett ’81
Julia Boen ’70
Annemarie Carpenter ’91
Jennifer De Smedt ’85
Mary Beth Dittrich ’79
Nicole Field ’98
Amy Flicker ’88
Tammy Freeman ’86
Julie Gonzalez ’99
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Holly Higgins ’96
Loreen Jackson ’81
Sara Larose ’84
Christine Logan ’73
Allison Mein ’88
Jessica Mix ’99
Nancy O'Malley ’71
Carol Padilla ’82
Wendy Pauli ’83
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Debra Santos ’96
Stephanie Seeno-Miles ’80
Rosanne Siino ’80
Jeanine Smalley ’95
Susan Solger ’73
Emily St. Jean Duggan ’05
Cary Tschann ’94
Lisa Winter ’85
Amy Yakaitis ’94
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Spike Out Cancer: Thursday, October 2
Join us for the Support Our Sisters (SOS) and Homecoming Volleyball Game on Thursday, October 2. We'll have an alumnae tailgate party in the Carondelet Amp at 6:00 PM, followed by the game at 6:30 PM.
With your $5 ticket purchase, Carondelet will make a donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and Education.
Come cheer on the Cougars and support a great cause!
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Alum Family Tailgate & DLS Football Game
Thursday, October 30 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Carondelet's Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation - front lawn
Food & drinks (beer and wine for the adults), games and lawn fun, special Halloween activities for our Little Cougars and Spartans—costumes encouraged!
After the tailgate, we’ll head over together to cheer on the Spartans at DLS!
Cost: $20 per person | Kids under 12 are free
*Does not include ticket to the football game
RSVP by Thursday, October 23
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ALUMNAE VISIONS OF CHRISTMAS TREE
60 YEARS OF SISTERHOOD
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One of the most meaningful traditions at Visions, the Gift of Tuition Tree, stands as a lasting symbol of generosity and commitment. Year after year, this tree exists through the collective support of our alumnae, family, and friends who come together to ensure its impact.
This year, as part of Carondelet’s 60th anniversary, the Alumnae Association will sponsor the beloved Tuition Tree tradition. With more than 14,000 alumnae, we know our goal of $10,000 is achievable, if not surmountable!
We’re off to an exciting start thanks to the incredible generosity of the Class of 1990, who kicked things off with a $1,000 gift! Their leadership sets the tone, and we know that with broad participation from our full alumnae community, we can reach—and even surpass—our goal. How about a little friendly competition between classes to keep the momentum going?
For more information and how you can help support this effort, please reach out to us at alumnae@carondeleths.org.
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Save the Date!
Our Visions of Christmas ParTea & Holiday Market is happening on Wednesday, November 19, and we’d love for all alumnae to join in the fun. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 8, at 10:00 AM—be sure to grab yours early! For full details, visit our Visions of Christmas website.
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Peyton Hunziker ’13
Peyton Hunziker ’13 graduated from the University of Alabama in 2017 with a degree in marketing, where she enjoyed the traditions of Greek life and the excitement of Alabama football. After college, she met her fiancé, Cameron Marek, while working at Southern Wine & Spirits. A Bay Area native, Cameron earned his degree in viticulture at Central Washington University, where he also played Division I Rugby.
Together for six years, Peyton and Cameron will celebrate their wedding this November in Tulum, Mexico. They currently live in San Francisco with their two cats, Tucker and Bam Bam. Peyton credits her time at Carondelet for giving her the confidence to embrace new opportunities and build lifelong connections.
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Katelyn Rodde ’23
Katelyn Rodde ’23 and Dylan Greeson (DLS ’23) are engaged! Dylan proposed in June while they were visiting Yellowstone National Park. It was a wonderful surprise.
Outside of wedding planning, Katelyn has been busy as a junior nursing student at the University of Alabama! She is actively involved on campus as the Delta Gamma UA Miracle Network Hospital Team Captain and as a Student Admissions Ambassador.
Katelyn and Dylan are excited for this new chapter and thankful for the support of friends, family, and the Carondelet and De La Salle community!
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Brianna Wolfe ’18
High school sweethearts Brianna Wolfe ’18 and Brian Nimr (DLS ’18) first met in Jenny Lambert’s theater class their sophomore year. From dances, proms, and graduation, their love grew throughout high school.
Brianna went on to Santa Clara University and then earned her doctor of dental surgery at UOP in 2025, while Brian studied at Saint Mary’s, earning both his bachelor's and master's in finance.
This summer, Brian proposed in Maui, and the couple has since moved to Arizona as Brianna begins an orthodontics research fellowship. They’re forever grateful for the foundation built at Carondelet and De La Salle.
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Maddie Johansen ’20
After graduating high school in 2020, Maddie moved to Nebraska to attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL). She graduated early in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family science before deciding to pursue an accelerated nursing program. While considering her options, she worked full-time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Omaha, where she discovered a passion for the field.
Motivated by her experience, she enrolled at Creighton University in Omaha to earn her nursing degree. Beginning in August 2024, she committed herself to intensive classroom and clinical training, ultimately graduating in August 2025. She is now preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and looks forward to starting her nursing career at the end of September.
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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 alum community. Use this link to help us celebrate you!
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Class of 1970:
55th Reunion Celebration
The Carondelet Class of 1970 will be celebrating their 55th Reunion the weekend of October 17–18. We look forward to honoring this special milestone and bringing classmates together to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate sisterhood. RSVP by Friday, October 10.
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Class of 2000:
25 Year Celebration is Here!
Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria in Walnut Creek
- Friday, October 17
- 6:00–8:00 PM
- $25 per person
Please RSVP by Friday, October 10.
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Class of 2020:
It’s Been Five Years!
Primo’s Pizzeria and Pub in Danville
- Wednesday, November 26
- 7:00–9:00 PM
- $25 per person
Please RSVP by Friday, November 20.
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Join Our Book Club!
Alumnae, parents, and grandparents of the Carondelet community are welcome to connect with fellow book lovers from the comfort of your home. The next meeting is on Monday, December 1, at 5:00 PM. Contact Engagement Manager Candi Mannoni for more information or just jump on the Zoom call to discuss James by Percival Everett.
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Become a Class Ambassador
Love staying connected? We’re looking for alumnae to serve as Class Ambassadors—leaders who help keep the Cougar community strong. As a Class Ambassador, you’ll help share news about upcoming events and reunions, assist with contact updates, and keep your classmates
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Thank You to Our Annual Event Sponsors!
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