2002 Reunion
2002
The
2002 EOCH All-Class
2001
Reunion
2001
Reunion Honors Sr. Anne Guinee and Sr. Virginia Thomas
It’s often said that people
don’t like change, but the 4th annual reunion indicates that EOCH alumnae
may dispute that adage. The 4th annual EOCH all class reunion, held on
Our celebration of the Mass at this reunion was held in a chandelier and mirror
adorned ballroom, not the quiet and soothing chapel at St. Elizabeth’s
College. We met in the light of day, as opposed to our evening reunions
over the last two years. We honored the women who started the work of
EOCH and who concluded its existence as an educational institution, twenty-two
change-filled years later.
But far more important than what has changed is that which remains constant
– the deep appreciation we have for Sr. Anne Guinee, EOCH’s first
principal, Sr. Virginia Thomas, EOCH’s last principal, and all of the the
other teachers and staff members who gave EOCH students their best, and who
have earned respect and affection that has lived in all of our hearts for so
many years.
Mass at the 2001 reunion was celebrated by Fr. Eugene Marcone. Former
"Guitar Mass" stars Charlotte Cikowski, ’64, Jeremy Fields
Fieseler, ’70 and Sr. Maryanne Campeoto, ’70, led us in song, and
Fr. Marcone provided us with his warm memories of teaching at EOCH, and his
ever-vital lessons on living as a Christian (including baking zucchini bread
for neighbors).
The brunch and program filled the afternoon, as many recently-reconnected
former students joined the ranks of the Alumnae Association this year.
Sales of EOCH sweatshirts and mugs were brisk, helping fund the publication of
the newsletter.
Debbie Greh. ’66, led a chorus through a musical audio-visual review of
popular culture in the years when EOCH was open, featuring the female role
models (?icons?) of the era, such as June Cleaver, Lucy Ricardo, Mary Tyler
Moore and Ginger from Gilligan’s
Sr. Anne received her award from all the attendees from the Class of 1962,
EOCH’s first graduating class. Anne Marie Freda, ’80,
presented Sr. Virginia’s award, and provided a spirited account of
EOCH’s last year. The highlight of Anne Marie’s presentation
came when she ripped off her suit jacket to reveal her basketball uniform,
which – to the amazement and envy of everyone else – still fit perfectly.
Sr. Anne and Sr. Virginia provided us with brief insights into their turns at
the helm of EOCH, which were times of great challenge, and great
accomplishment. They both regard their time at the school as a highlight
of their careers, and they were clearly moved that the EOCH AA honored them at
the reunion.
Perhaps the one change most present in the minds of all who attended the
reunion was the change in our lives since the tragedy of September 11,
2001. In addition to the many family members and friends who were lost as
a result of that day’s attacks, we mourn the passing of Susan Dominick
Murray, who taught history at EOCH from 1968 until 1974 and was an active
member of the EOCH/AA, and who died in the attack on the World Trade Center.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all from our EOCH family who have suffered
losses in this past year. Some changes are hard to accept, but as St.
Francis reminds us, we can pray for the serenity to accept that which we cannot
change.
So even if it is true that "people don’t like change,"
reviewing things that have changed provides us with the opportunity to
appreciate that which remain constant – our faith, our family and
friends, our opportunities and experiences to learn, and our desire to enjoy
life fully. After all, it is said that the more things change, the more
they stay the same.
Join us next year as we celebrate that which remains constant, and find out how
things have changed in 2002 for your old classmates and teachers!
Special thanks to Lucille Chericello Ferrante, ’79, Chair of the 2001
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