On Tuesday, October 8, The Academy of the Holy Cross celebrated a remarkable group of alumnae who attended our Upton Street campus, which served as The Academy’s main location from 1910 to 1959 and is now home to the Howard University School of Law. Alumnae from the classes of 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, and 1959 gathered to reconnect, hear from current LOTAs, and meet our President and CEO, Emily Kasof.

AHC was so excited to host Elizabeth Cole Bauman '54, Joan Horrocks Rosenthal '55, Nancy Wright Greene '56, Barbara Heister Swope '56, Lucy Policelli Willging '56, Natalie LaCrosse DeVol '58, Mary Kernan Hummel '58, Bobbie Lavelle Foster '59, Sylvia Cole Mackey '59 and Martha Murphy Schwieters '59. 

The day started with greeting friends from long ago and looking through yearbooks from days gone by. The group was treated to a Mass celebrated by Monsignor John Enzler, coordinated by Linda Ruszkowski, Director of Campus Ministry. During the Mass, the Holy Cross Madrigal's voices rang through the chapel, ending with the Upton Street alma mater, ‘Fair Are Thy Towers’. Three LOTAS guided the ladies back to the dining room and joined them for a lovely lunch accompanied by lots of conversation, stories and laughter.

“Just when you think you might forget the names of the incredible teachers here, they come flooding back as soon as you walk through the doors,” said Sylvia Cole Mackey '59. “For me, it was my French teacher, Madame Fine, who truly made an impact on my life. Studying French gave me my career. It opened doors for me to travel and work internationally—as a bilingual secretary for the World Bank, a linguist for the Defense Department, a flight attendant, and as a top fashion model.”

This annual event serves as a wonderful reminder of the legacy and lasting impact of the AHC community. Events like the Upton Street Reunion celebrate The Academy’s shared history, and drives to inspire the next wave of women leaders.

“It was so great to meet all the girls behind us,” said Martha Murphy Schwieters '59. “I always appreciate the staff's efforts in putting this on. I always love visiting.”

If you would like to support current and future generations of LOTAs and help ensure that traditions like these continue, please consider making a donation to The Holy Cross Fund today. Your generosity will provide vital resources and opportunities for our students. For questions regarding the Holy Cross Fund, please contact Cassandra Hoye, Director of Advancement at choye@academyoftheholycross.org.