Reunion 2025 Transcends Generations

The friendships rekindled and the stories shared transcended generations as 650 alumnae and guests from classes ending in zero and five returned to campus for Reunion 2025 this spring. The golden anniversary Class of 1975 began their weekend with a cookout on Haggar Terrace and enjoyed exclusive presentations, like Philosophy Professor Dan Horan’s “Seeking Hope in a Time of Fear,” which explored how fear manifests itself in uncertain times, and how faith restores hope.   In another exclusive for the golden anniversary class, Christine Broderick Emmanual ’75 shared the journey of writing her debut book, The Wescott Story: The Enduring Spirit of an American Family Spanning 400 Years, in which she traces back her family through 14 generations of meticulous genealogical research and lively storytelling. Alumnae also enjoyed myriad activities, open houses, and tours including Queen of Peace cemetery—led by Kristen Sullivan Lynch ’91 and Toni Marsteller ’13—highlighting the dedication of the Holy Cross Sisters, who served   as nurses during the Civil War. Sarah Jannings ’25 presented stories and led a walking tour based on her senior comprehensive project, the Dedicated Tree Program, while Director of Grounds Mark Kubiak shared his botanical insights in Sister Madeleva’s Garden Walking Tour.

Sister M. Veronique Wiedower ’70, CSC  was presented with the Distinguished Alumna Award for her life-long dedication to the College, especially through her gift of music. She taught at Holy Cross schools across the country before returning to Saint Mary’s, where she served in numerous roles: she also served two terms as president of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Students remember her love of music and her saying, “those who sing pray twice!”  Colleen Carey Passolt ’01 received the Alumna Achievement Award for streamlining the commissions processes in the voice and data industries by founding her company, TelePass. A strong believer in the value of a Saint Mary’s education, Passolt employs four fellow alumnae.  The Humanitas Award winner, Kathleen Curran ’85, advocates for Christ’s most vulnerable by volunteering with formerly incarcerated women. She is also the executive director of Healing WELL, a San Francisco-based non-profit that serves the unhoused and those struggling with addiction, mental illness, and chronic health problems by meeting their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.  

Another highlight was the return of Anne Reynolds Pyron ’50 to Saint Mary’s to celebrate her 75th reunion. A STEM pioneer, Anne developed popular remedies that kept mid-century families safe and healthy through her work as a chemist with the Plough Corporation. The College also added Pyron’s name to a tree dedicated to those returning for their 75th reunion, located on Le Mans green.