Alumnae Come Home to Regina Dominican

Regina Dominican alumnae traveled from all across the country to “come home” for the all-school Reunion on November 8, 2014. More than 300 alumnae and 40 faculty gathered for the Reunion Mass and Reception held on campus in Wilmette.

It was a special banner year for the Class of 1964 celebrating their 50th Reunion with over 100 classmates attending. Other milestone reunion years were the Classes of 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009. Alumnae remarked how although many changes had occurred in the school since they graduated, the spirit and heritage were still very much the same.

$20,000 was raised in Class Reunion gifts, with close to $15,000 coming from the Class of 1964. These funds will directly benefit the education of current Regina students and marks the “pay it forward” spirit of the Reunion.

The Reunion Mass began the event in the school’s O’Shaughnessy Theater. During the Mass, Sister Donna Markham OP and member of the Class of 1964 gave a powerful reflection on the spirituality and faith of the Regina community. She said the physical buildings of a place are not nearly as important as the spirit of “the thousands of young women who shared life together [at Regina] with marvelous teachers”. A spirited rendition of the school’s Loyalty Song ended the Mass in an enthusiastic manner.

After the Mass, the President of Regina, Sister Mary Margaret Pachucki OP presented Denise Baran Nemeth ‘75 with the 2015 Alumna Medal. An example of living out faith-based principles and values, Denise gave a charismatic speech about the lessons she learned at Regina and carrying them forward. An owner of four businesses outside Sacramento, California,

Denise credits her time at Regina with building a good foundation for life. She said, “I give Regina credit for teaching me to be a strong female leader. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for all the teachers past and present here at Regina. We are so thankful for them molding our lives.”

The evening also included many activities that brought back fond memories of the alumnae’s Regina days including class photos, school tours, a reception, and reunion class dinners at different restaurant locations.

This well-attended event was a great opportunity for classmates to reconnect and learn about the exciting future projects happening at Regina Dominican.