On Thursday night, May 17th, the entire Sacred Heart, Bryn Mawr, community gathered to celebrate Sister Matthew Anita MacDonald’s 15th anniversary as Head of School.  What made the evening even more special was that it was a complete surprise to her!  After presiding at the Board of Trustees’ annual State of the School Address, Sister came out of the gym to find hundreds of past and present faculty, students, trustees, parents, alumnae and friends lining the driveway and walkways to extend congratulations and hugs to Sister.  Madeleine Ortman, Executive Director of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, traveled all the way from Washington D.C. bearing best wishes for Sister Matthew and wanting to share in the celebration.  A wonderful array of hors d’oeuvres and beverages were served on the patio and sun porch, followed by a delicious dinner and desserts in the dining room.  The hit of the evening, especially for the younger girls in party dresses, was the chocolate fountain.

All the guests gathered in the dining room so that Sister could be officially toasted by Mike Rufo, current Chair of the Board of Trustees, followed by former Board Chairs Laurie Nowlan (1991-1996), Helen Horstmann (1996-1999), and Anne Castellan (1999-2005).  Alumnae from the last 15 graduating classes presented Sister with roses representing each of her years.  Students from the Lower and Middle Schools gave Sister adorable scrapbooks, while Upper School students offered a beautiful framed and autographed class picture collage.  The Board of Trustees has ordered a brick engraved with Sister’s name to be placed at the entrance to the walkway of the Fatima Garden.  Helene Regetta, Director of Studies, presented the faculty gift, a stunning statue of Mater Admirabilis. 

The highlight of the celebration was thennouncement of the Sister Matthew Anita MacDonald Scholarship Fund.  Trustees Tara Guido and Mimi Heany and Mothers’ and Fathers’ Associations Presidents, Cathy Ciccarelli and Bob Grajewski presented Sister with a check for over $110,000!  Although Sister closed the program with her many thanks, it is obvious from the outpouring of love and appreciation that the entire Sacred Heart family wanted to show their heartfelt gratitude for her hard work and tireless dedication during her amazing 15 year tenure! 

The Chairs of the Board of Trustees for the past 15 years attended the celebration. L to r: Laurie Nowlan of Villanova (1991 – 1996), Mike Rufo of Broomall (1995 – present), honoree Sr. Matthew Anita MacDonald, Helen Horstmann of Rosemont (1996 – 1999) and Anne Castellan of Bryn Mawr (1999 – 2005).

Madeleine Ortman (Executive Director of the Network), Sister Elaine Cullen, SSJ (Director of Finance at Bryn Mawr), Sister Matthew Anita MacDonald, SSJ, and Sister Elizabeth Brinkman, RSCJ (Trustee at Bryn Mawr)

L to r: Fathers’ Association representative Bob Grajewski of Newtown Square, Mothers’ Association representative Cathy Ciccarelli of Broomall, Sr. Matthew Anita MacDonald, Development Committee members Tara Guido of Villanova and Mimi Heany of Villanova, and Chair of the Board Mike Rufo of Broomall.