Alum Authors Now Have Place of Honor

Alumnae authors now have a place of honor in the Academy of the Holy Angels Learning Commons. The newly-dedicated bookshelf is emblazoned with the words of Blessed Mother Theresa Gerhardinger, who established the School Sisters of Notre Dame, AHA’s foundresses and sponsors.

“All the works of God proceed slowly and in pain; but then their roots are the sturdier and their flowering the lovelier,” the plaque states.

AHA English Department Chair Emeritus Nancy Schneberger, who developed the concept for this celebration with support from AHA Principal Jean Miller, explained the rationale for choosing this quote: “It seemed to capture the writing process, and it embraces the process of living and becoming who we are meant to be.”

Alumnae Association President Geraldine Wacker (AHA ’88) was on hand at the March 5 event, and led the ribbon cutting.

The Alumnae Association placed each signed book into bookcase in alphabetical order, announcing the author and title as they did so. Those whose works are enshrined in the AHA Learning Commons include Stacey Antine (’88), Mary Jo Armen (’88), Alessa Caridi (’04), Donna Tozzi Cavanaugh (’79), Jane McGlew Collen (’75), Sharon Discorfano (’88), Tara Greaney (’70), Joan Smith Grey (’75), Joan Infosino Johnson (’86), Maverick McCarthy (’16) illustrator, Nora Neus (‘12), Donna Pucciani (’66), Leslie Rohrbacker (’86), Deirdre Doyle Tollhurst (’74), and Sandra Gioia Treadway (’67).

Their works include historical fiction, a micro memoir, a guide to teaching students about poetry, an examination of how feminist movements have been funded, a pathway to a healthy lifestyle, a history of Richmond, Virginia’s Woman’s Club, and more.

The dedication included in-person readings by several authors, including Stacey Antine, Mary Jo Armen, Jane McGlew Collen, and Leslie Roherbacker. Karen Neus also read work by her daughter, Nora. Alumnae who participated in the reading via Zoom included Joan Infosino Johnson, Donna Pucciani, and Tara Greaney.

“One of my goals for the evening was to honor our alumnae who have published their work,” Schneberger explained. “I taught English and creative writing and served as AHA English Department chair during my 35-year career at Holy Angels, and I wanted to celebrate our writers and help inspire current and future writers in our community. This celebration brought past, current, and future members of our community together in a unique way.

“For me, this is personal. I have held public readings with my creative writing classes over the years, and I know the importance of sharing work publicly. The alumnae writers have a permanent home in our community, not just in memory, but in the physical presence of their books that can enrich our community in many ways.”

Schneberger extended her thanks to AHA President Melinda Hanlon and the administration, Principal Miller, Advancement/Alumnae Relations Director Patricia Brussel, Assistant Director of Advancement Lori Sillari, the AHA Technology Department, and the maintenance staff.

“To all of the alumnae who sent their books to us, and those who read this evening: We are so glad you have shared your work with our community, where it will remain in a place of honor and continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for us for years to come,” Schneberger concluded.