Alumni Cameos

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Cameos of Molloy’s History: Reflections a half century later


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The Pioneer Class of 1959, the very first group of students at Molloy College, has begun to write the history of the college through the eyes of its first students. Called Cameos, these essays are reflections and recollections of their days at Molloy and the impact that the College had on their life all these years later. We invited alumnae from the first classes to submit a Cameo and be a part of this wonderful gift to the College.

Why did those earliest students choose to attend a college that had just opened? For the first students the college existed as they arrived that first September day for the Grand Opening... What was their experience at 915 North Village Avenue in the mansion that represented the first college building? How were the first traditions set?

Read these wonderful stories written by the Pioneers of Molloy College below. The history of the school comes alive in the words of its first students. In the coming years, we know that additional alumni will add their stories to these to give us a rich, on-going history of the college from the eyes of our former students.

Pioneers


  • Class of 1959

    Joan Frances (Adams) Batjiaka,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    SACRED HEART, MERRICK

    Class Secretary 3; Committees: Religious 3,4; Social 1,3,4, Co-Chairman 1; Athletic Association 2,3,4, Secretary 3; Riding 1; Glee Club 1; Career Angels 1; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Little Girl" ... pixie with a flair for fashion ... ingenuity is the forerunner of an aspiring teacher of the "little ones" ... infectious laughter and vitality.

    Clare Marie (Barry) Stile,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    SAINT IGNATIUS MARTYR, LONG BEACH

    Class Treasurer 3; Committees: Social 4; Special Events 3; N.F.C.C.S. 4; Athletic Association 2,3,4; Riding Chairman 1,2; Varsity Basketball 1; Glee Club 1,2,3; Career Angels 1; Fleur de Lis Photography Editor 4; La Penaforte 3 Debating 1.

    "Lady of Spain" ... unmasked mastermind behind many strange events ... caricaturist of Molloy life ... lonely equestrian ... improvisatore of a rhythm band.

    Remember the SPIRIT of ... Patricia Ruth (Blatz) Muldowney,'59 ... LIFE is a celebration of the SOUL (2012)
    B.A. IN FRENCH
    OUR LADY OF PEACE, LYNBROOK

    Committees: Religious 1,3; Riding 1; Glee Club 1,2,3, President 3; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Uninterrupted Melody" ... straings of Chopin and Debussy ... "une nature sensitive" ... Jussi Boerling's greatest admirer ... spirit of determination.

    Remember the SPIRIT of ... Mary Jane (Callahan) O'Hehir,'59 ... LIFE is a celebration of the SOUL (2004)
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. CHRISTOPHER, BALDWIN

    Athletic Association 2,3,4; Bowling 1; Glee Club 1,2,3,4; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Breezing Along with the Breeze" ... perpetual celebrator of St. Patrick's Day ... "Sweetie Died" ... bubbling laughter conceals a thoughtful spirit.

    Geraldine (Burchell) Dwyer-Riveiro,'59
    QUEEN OF THE ROSARY ACADEMY, AMITYVILLE

    Spent two years at Molloy and participated in the Glee Club, and was Treasurer for Student Council. Graduated from Adelphi with her four year degree.

    Marjorie (Burns) King,'59
    A.A. DEGREE, HONORARY
    ST. AGNES SEMINARY, BROOKLYN

    Spent two years at Molloy and participated in the Glee Club.

    Anne Catherine (Cassidy) Klueg,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, SYOSSET

    Class Vice President 4; Committees; Social 4; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Stairway to the Stars" ... versatile conversationalist ... from gaiety to gravity in a flash ... charming emigree from Queens College.

    Mary Celine (Crotty) Crowley,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. AGNES, ROCKVILLE CENTRE

    Class Treasurer 2; Committees: Religious 3; Special Events 2,3; N.F.C.C.S. 2,3; Athletic Association 2,3,4; Riding 1; Bowling 1; Glee Club 1,2,3; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Sophisticated Swing" ... presence of polish and agreeableness ... "P.S." ... serenity stemming from an earnest enjoyment of life ... the Muse of Song.

    Remember the SPIRIT of... Anne Marie Crowley,'59 ...LIFE is a celebration of the SOUL! (2012)
    B.A. IN HISTORY
    ST. RAYMOND, EAST ROCKAWAY

    M.S.A President 1,4; Council Representative 2; Class President 3; Committees: Religious 2; Social 1; Athletic Association 1,2,3,4; Varsity Basketball 1,2,3,4; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Getting to Know You" ... One look says more than a thousand words ... dry humor ... genuine sportsmanship ... a hand to execute what head resolves.

    Susan Terese (Donahue) Landi,'59
    B.A. IN HISTORY
    ST. ROSE OF LIMA, MASSAPEQUA

    M.S.A. Vice President 2; Committees; Religious 3; Bowling 1; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1, Crosier 2,3; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Sweet Sue" ... joie de vivre ... patroness of the arts ... indefatigable indulgence in tete-a-tete ... a nature reflecting her true altruism ... uncommon wit.

    Teresa (Egan) Kneuer,'59
    B.A. IN ENGLISH
    ST. ROSE OF LIMA, MASSAPEQUA

    Class Historian 2; N.F.C.C.S. Junior Delegate 2, Senior Delegate 3; Glee Club 1; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "My Ideal" ... feast of reason, flow of soul ... analytical, articulate, apologist ... homespun humorist ... innate hibernianism ... a walk in friendship's garden.

    Bernadette Marie (Fitzgerald) Burroughs,'59
    B.A. IN MATHEMATICS
    ST. TERESA OF AVILA, RICHMOND HILL

    M.S.A. Treasurer 3; Committees: Religious 3; Special Events 3,4; Athletic Association Treasurer 2; Cheering 1; Glee Club 1,2,3,4; Career Angels 1,2,3,4 President 4; Fleur de Lis General Business Manager 4; Debating 2.

    "Because You're You" ... the observant mind grasps every detail ... "Hansel and Gretel" ... nimble needle ... blushes are the rainbows of modesty.

    Margot Almeda (Footer) Lafferty,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. ROSE OF LIMA, MASSAPEQUA

    Committees: Religious 2; Social 2,4; Athletic Association 2; Riding 1; Bowling 1; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis 4; Debating 1,2.

    "My Little Angel" ... versatile dramatic talent ... a voice as warm as the nature it reflects ... violet by a mossy stone ... potpourri of domestic abilities.

    Kathryn Elizabeth (Gearin) Razza,'59
    B.A. IN FRENCH
    ST. CHRISTOPHER, BALDWIN

    Class Historian 3,4; Committees: Religious 1,3; Athletic Association 1; Varsity Basketball 1, Riding 1; Glee Club 1,2,3; Crosier 3 Fleur de Lis Literary Editor 4; La Penaforte Vice-President 3,4; Orchestra 2,3, President 3.

    "Hills of Home" ... Loyal in friendship, noble in truth ... Savoir-faire with a Massachusetts accent ... Mauriac devotee ... a mind emersed in a love for learning. "

    Antonina Theresa Giordano,'59
    B.A. IN ENGLISH
    CORPUS CHRISTI, MINEOLA

    Committees: Social 3; Athletic Association 1; Riding 1; Glee Club 1; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis 4; Orchestra 2.

    "Speak Low" ... tweeds and cashmeres ... lively looks disclose a sprightly mind ... a touch of a the poet ... meeting of the ideal, real and romantic.

    Dolores (Gohery) Golder,'59
    B.A. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    OUR HOLY REDEEMER, FREEPORT

    Athletic Association 1,2,3,4; Riding 1; Bowling 1; Glee Club 1,2,3,4; Career Angels 1,2,3; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Moonlight in Vermont" ... natural amiability ... whispered conferences ... the dream of thousands of little boys and girls raising their innocent hands ... modest pink glow.

    Joan Mercedes Heide,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
    WEST HEMPSTEAD

    Committees: Religious 1,3,4; Social 3,4, Chairman 3; Junior Prom 3; Athletic Association 2,3,4; Riding 1,2; Glee Club 1; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Shall We Dance'...a dash of casualness ...social adeptness ...enthusiastic collegiate ...schooled in the art of invention & innovation.

    Leone Mary (Helm) Perez,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    OUR HOLY REDEEMER, FREEPORT

    M.S.A. President 2; Class Vice-President 1; Treasurer 4; Ring Committee 2,3; Committees: Religious 3,4, Chairman; Social 4; Chairman Junior Prom 3; Athletic Association 1,2,3; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1; Crosier 2,4; Fleur de Lis Publicity Manager 4.

    " S'Posin' " ... admirable concept of duty ... synthesis of all that's best of dark and bright ... study in neatness ... community consciousness.

    Patricia Joan (Hewitt) Harter,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. FRANCIS de SALES, BELLE HARBOR

    Committees: Religious 3,4; N.F.C.C.S. 3,4, Senior Delegate 4; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Stay As Sweet As You Are"... habit of perfection ... curiosity of an honorable mind ... smiling delegate ... eyes that reflect a tender soul.

    Loretta Kathryn (Karcher) McGlone,'59
    B.A. IN HISTORY
    ST. BERNARD, LEVITTOWN

    Class Secretary 2; Ring Committee 2,3; Chairman Investiture 1; Committees: Religious 3,4; Social 3,4, Tresurer 3, Chairman 4 Athletic Association 2,3,4; Bowling 2,3,4; Softball 2; Spectator Club 3,4; Glee Club 1.

    "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?" ... ray of femininity ... the echo of a soft chime stroking the air ... the historic mind is a product of objective inquiry ... our official hostess.

    Remember the SPIRIT of ... Anne Maureen (Leibmann) Bielaus,'59 ...LIFE is a celebration of the SOUL (2012)
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    OUR LADY OF LOURDES, QUEENS VILLAGE

    M.S.A. Vice-President 3; Class Vice-President 2, President 4; Ring Committee Chairman 2,3; Committees: Social 4, N.F.C.C.S. 3,4; Athletic Association 1,2,3; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Mamselle" ... nameless grace ... first lady of the class of '59 ... quiet assurance and artless diplomacy ... "Age of afternoon jazz concerts."

    Maura Eileen (Madigan) Kennedy,'59
    QUEEN OF THE ROSARY ACADEMY, AMITYVILLE

    Spent two years at Molloy and participated in the Glee Club, Jazz Club and Basketball.
    Graduated from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ with a four year degree.

    Remember the SPIRIT of ... Eva Mary (Megna) Moses,'59 ... LIFE is a celebration of the SOUL (1991)
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION, COPAIGUE

    Committees: Social 3,4; N.F.C.C.S. 3,4; Glee Club 1,2; Debating 1.

    "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella" ... reticent but not unapproachable ... skilled in the art of Italian cuisine ... portrait of a lady ... such stuff as dreams are made of.

    Rita (O'Rourke) Walling,'59
    ST. AGNES HIGH SCHOOL., ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY

    Spent two years at Molloy.

    Angela Violet (Pizza) Malyk,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. WILLIAM THE ABBOT, SEAFORD

    Council Representative 3; Committees: Religious 4; Social 4; Junior Prom 3; Athletic Association 1,2,3,4, Secretary 2, Treasurer 3; Cheering 1,2,3 Captain 2,3; Bowling 2,3,4; Varsity Basketball 2; Softball 2,3; Glee Club 1; Career Angels 1; Fleur de Lis 4.

    " 'S Wonderful" ... time stands still ... perennial good humor ... palatably outspoken ... each experience a challenge to be met.

    Mary Ann (Priore) Francis,'59
    B.S. IN SPANISH
    ST. FIDELIS, COLLEGE POINT

    Committees; Religious 3; Special Events 3; Athletic Association 3; Spectator Club 3 Glee Club 2; Fleur de Lis 4; La Penaforte 3,4, President 3, 4.

    "Sky Lark" ... a candle of understanding ... impromptu vocal renditions ... index of Spanish culture ... thoughtful analyst of everyday life.

    Remember the SPIRIT of ... Mary Ellen Risch,'59 ...LIFE is a celebration of the SOUL (2016)
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. JOSEPH, GARDEN CITY

    Class Secretary 4; Athletic Association 1,2; Riding 1; Glee Club 1; Career Angels 1; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Let's Get Away From It All" ... continental air ... paragon of good taste ... fresh -blown rose washed in dew ... gladly does she learn and teach.

    Barbara Ann (Rooney) Stevens,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. RAYMOND, EAST ROCKAWAY

    MSA Secretary 2; Council Representative 4; Class Vice-President 3; Ring Committee 2,3; Committees: Religious 2; Social 3,4; N.F.C.C.S. 4; Glee Club 1; Career Angels 1; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder" ... neat package of efficiency ... "and all that jazz" ... future lies in the classroom.

    Joyce Ann (Ruhoy) Finn,'59
    B.A. MATHEMATICS
    ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA, HICKSVILLE

    Class President 2; Class Historian 1; Ring Committee 2,3; Committees: Social 3; Glee Club 1,2,3; Fleur de Lis Art Editor 4.

    "Blue Skies" ... stimulating mathematical mind ... willing tutor ... ambition without arrogance ... Fleur de Lis' artist.

    Anna Marie (Selva) Koppinger,'59
    B.A. IN HISTORY
    ST. MARY MAGDALINE,
    SPRINGFIELD GARDENS

    Athletic Association 1; Cheering 1; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1; Fleur de Lis 4; La Penaforte 4.

    "Dance Ballerina Dance" ... cameo of delicate tints ... flying feet ... considerate friend ... meditative historian ... memory of Malaguena.

    Patricia Ann (Seward) Dierker,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. BARTHOLOMEW , ELMHURST

    Committees: Social 4; Athletic Association 1,2,4, Representative 2; Varsity Basketball 1,2; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" ... our beauty consultant ... "Hey Kids" ... warm-hearted practicality ... spirit enchanted by vacation thoughts ... the case of the vanishing voice.

    Kathleen Anne (Sherry) Kolensky,'59
    B.A. IN SPEECH
    ST. GERARD MAJELLA, HOLLIS

    MSA Secretary 1; President 3; Committees; Special Events 4; Chairman 4; N.F.C.C.S. 1,2; Senior Delegate 1,2; Athletic Association 1,2,3, Varsity Basketball 1,2,3; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis Layout Editor 4; Debating 1,2.

    "Friendly Persuasion" ... black no sugar ... proponent of Jesuit thought ... breakfast parties after the Cotillion ... poise on a podium.

    Rosemarie (Sileo) Erskine,'59
    B.A. IN HISTORY
    IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, JAMAICA

    Committees: Social 4; Athletic Association 3, Spectator Club 3; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1,2; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Honeysuckle Rose" ... artiste par excellence ... Little Ro ... natural sweetness of disposition ... de Marillac debut ... glowing eyes of an elf.

    Felicia Ann (Smith) McDuffie,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    OUR HOLY REDEEMER, FREEPORT

    Committees: Religious 4; Social 1,2,3,4; Athletic Association 1,2,3,4; Varsity Basketball 1,2; Spectator Club 4; Glee Club 1,2,3; Career Angels 3; Fleur de Lis 4.

    "Them There Eyes" ... life is a "wunderbar" ... weaver of dreams ... "We went dancing" ... observation is the product of independent thought.

    Eileen Mary (Tarpey) Chesnut,'59
    B.S. IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
    ST. BARNABAS, BELLMORE

    Committees: Social 3; Junior Prom 3; Athletic Association 2,3,4; Glee Club 1; Career Angels 1,2,3; Fleur de Lis 4; Debating 2.

    "Happy Days" ... eagerness to learn ... avid reader ... wonder is the feeling of a philosopher and philosophy begins in wonder ... dramatic forte.

    Judith Ann (Waring) Elia,'59
    B.A. IN HISTORY
    IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, JAMAICA

    Committees: Social 1,2; Chairman 1; Athletic Association 1,2; Representative 2, Varsity Basketball 1; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1,2; Secretary 2; Fleur de Lis Co-editor 4; Orchestra 2.

    "Moonglow" ... thoughtful speculations ... "our philosophy for the day is" ... champion of liberal arts ... subsidizes New Haven R.R. ... modern jazz.

    Rosemary Therese (Waring) Kotula,'59
    B.A. IN HISTORY
    IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, JAMAICA

    M.S.A. Treasurer 1; Committees: Social 1,2; Chairman 2; Athletic Association 1,2; Varsity Basketball 1; Glee Club 1,2; Career Angels 1,2, President 2; Fleur de Lis Co-editor 4; Orchestra 2.

    "I Like New York in June" ... the first by whom the new is tried ... discriminating taste ... experiments in cookery ... dabbler in expensive arts.

  • Class of 1960

    Irene Mary (Aker) Miller,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Dorothy Rose (Ayers) De Pace,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Arlene Marie (Becker) Trautz ,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Carol Ann (Biondi) Schepers,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Dr. Barbara Ellen Black,'60
    B.A. History

    Grace Ann (Bradley) Chapple,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Maria Annuziata (Cinque) Biondo,'60
    B.A. Spanish

    Mary Ellen (Condon) Rall,'60
    B.A. History

    Kathleen Dolores (Davies) McCarthy,'60
    B.A. History

    Susan Therese Donohue,'60
    B.A. History

    Lorraine Helen (Dooley) Rooney,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Georgeann Mary (Eckhoff) MacDonald,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Barbara Noreen (Fitzgerald) Andrews,'60
    B.A. Mathematics

    Carole Marie Gerrity,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Marilyn Anne Harris,'60
    B.A. History

    Maureen Cecilia Ihnken,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Dorothy Theresa (Kaiser) Bausch,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Sandra Mary Jane (Karaus) Wertis,'60
    B.A. Latin

    Susan (Kissam) Liddell,'60
    B.A. English

    Dorothy Ann (Kunkel) Buhrer,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Nancy Anne (La Montagne) Daly,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Loretta Agnes (Levins) Tracy,'60
    B.A. English

    Joan Theresa (Liddell) Molloy,'60
    B.A. English

    Helen Carol (Martin) Somers,'60
    B.S. Nursing

    Jeanne Therese McGuirk,'60
    B.A. History

    Mary (McGunnigle) Specht,'60
    Nursing

    Ruth Lorelle (McSweeney) Schaefer,'60
    B.S. Nursing

    Kathleen Clare (Mehrman) Finnegan,'60
    B.A. History

    Carol Dorothy (Michaud) Grathwol,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Patricia Elizabeth (Nostrand) Stevens,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Joann Lena (Palumbo) Okey,'60
    B.S. Nursing

    Mary Frances (Rourke) Zargo,'60
    B.S. Nursing

    Eugenia Mary Rudmann,'60
    B.A. History

    Martha Elizabeth (Sites) Hauhuth,'60
    B.S. Elementary Education

    Patricia Anne (Skahill) Whithead,'60
    B.A. History