The Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) class of 1964 will hold a gathering from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 19 in the Sister Tarcisia Roths, ASC, Alumni Center at Newman University to celebrate 55 years after their graduation.
From 1945 to 1966, SHA, a four-year high school for girls, was housed on the Newman University campus in the building now known as Sacred Heart Hall.
Karen (Chippeaux) Flanigan and Susan (Bakel) Cohn are two of the committee members planning the event. The other members are Connie (Voegeli) Hotze, Patricia (Ast) Lies and Perrine (Corliss) Patrick.
More than 70 invitations were sent to the class of ’64 and Flanigan said she’s looking forward to seeing as many ladies there as possible.
“Now that most of us are retired, I’m really hoping more can come to this reunion,” Flanigan said. “Currently, we have a monthly get-together and we have people even coming from Oklahoma for that event.”
She added that since their 50th reunion, the class has also held an annual birthday celebration, which about 20-25 people attend.
Flanigan is not only a graduate of SHA, but also is an alumna of Newman University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business in 1985. She returned to Newman between 1990 to 2004 as an adjunct professor teaching classes in the business program while she worked full-time at Boeing.
“I just have a very strong affiliation here — I’m so proud of the fact that I went to the academy and graduated from Newman and then taught here. I have a lot of friends from Newman and I love coming back. I love advocating for Newman.”
Cohn received her bachelor’s degree in communication at Dominican University after graduating from the academy. She also holds a master’s degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in Montessori education from the Maria Montessori Teachers Education Program extension of Berkeley, University of California.
She just recently moved back to Kansas after teaching for more than 50 years at a Montessori school she started in northern California.
Cohn said she’s always considered herself a social advocate and loves volunteering. Coming back to help prepare for the reunion and other SHA volunteer efforts is something she looks forward to, she said.
“I think the class of ’64 was pretty dynamic. We went out and did things and we have a large number of graduates who hold master’s degrees.”
Cohn added, “Going to a girls school, which was the norm at the time, was a benefit to all of us. The individual attention we received by the Sisters created an environment that was non-competitive.
“We learned respect and the importance of truth, which inspired integrity and purpose toward a social mission in life. Just being with other women inspires you to join in and keep going.”
The committee is busy putting together bios for each class member who responds to the survey sent out either by email or by mail.
“All the people we called that didn’t have emails were very excited,” explained Cohn. “They all talked about their grandchildren and what they’re up to. We’re just so excited to hear back from everyone.”
The reunion will include fun events such as a white elephant gift exchange, contests to determine the longest marriage, most states lived in and most traveled.
Lunch is $15 and will be provided by Great Western Dining. Those who wish to attend should RSVP on or before June 12 to Perrine (Corlis) Patrick at 316-425-3903 or [email protected].
For more information about the reunion, contact Susan (Bakel) Cohn at [email protected] or Karen (Chippeaux) Flanigan at [email protected] or 316-250-1489.
