During the weekend of Sept. 14-16, the SSMO campus was alive with the events held for alumni of Valley Catholic High School, St. Mary of the Valley High School and St. Mary of the Valley Academy. Mother Nature cooperated, providing a beautiful, warm weekend, and Dennis Uniform provided the “Rampart Plaid” tablecloths that set the stage for many of the events. On Friday, alumni were among the 91 golfers who teed off at Ghost Creek at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course for the “Whole in One” golf tournament held by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation. For the full story on the golf tournament, click here.

On Saturday alumni went “back to class” in the high school and enjoyed and hour and a half with three teachers who have been perennial favorites of students: Ed Braun (religion), Phil McQueen history) and Kipp Johnson (math). Alumni enjoyed seeing themselves among the hundreds of photographs plastered on Mr. Braun’s classroom walls, and listened to the teachers talk about what’s new
on campus and relate some of their best memories from years past. Mr. Braun also spoke on a more serious note about the transcendental aspects of sports such as reinforcing our values and romoting community.

Next up was the tailgate party before the football game. The tailgater was held at the “Villa” on campus, where about 85 people gathered to enjoy a barbeque of sausages donated by Zenner’s and tasting 16 varieties of beer donated through Lexi Harris Megenat ’93 and Widmer Brothers Brewing. The kids enjoyed playing a game called cornhole and the “Mr. Valiant” ball toss. The tailgater was followed by the football game, Valley Catholic vs. Sheridan, which enjoyed the highest attendance of perhaps any home game since the team premiered in 2009. Although the Valiants did not come out on top, the game was a nail-biter until the very end. During half-time, alumni, current students and children took the field for a football toss. After the game, campus tours were given to about 30 alumni, focusing on the Convent, the new Elementary & Middle School, and the High School. The alumni especially enjoyed seeing the newest displays of the graduating classes that have been framed and hung on the second floor of the high school. The former students were also permitted to take a peek into the teacher’s lounge, a forbidden area as a student. That evening, two classes had reunions: the Class of 1992 had their 20-year reunion at Caldera Public House; and the class of 1977 had their 35-year reunion at the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse.

The festivities continued through Sunday, when alumni gathered at the Convent chapel for Mass, followed by a reception. Alumni participated in the Mass, attended by about 60 people, both as lectors and in the choir. Those who read were Sr. Catherine Hertel ’59, Tara Bassett ’77, and Sr. Barbara Rose Sohler ’62. In the choir loft, singers from class of 1977 joined the Sisters. The reception that followed was in honor of Sr. M. Juliana Monti, who retired earlier this year after devoting 41 years to the fine arts—and the choir program in particular—at the high school. Alumni who had traveled from as far away as the East Coast—and from classes ranging from 1976 to 1992—sang for Sr. Juliana and told stories of their days in choir, and at one point, Sr. Juliana and Sr. M. John Therese Miller joined in song with them. The weekend was full of laughter, reconnection and fun! Looking forward to the next Alumni Weekend in September 2013!

Click here to see the photo gallery.

Submitted by Alumni and Donor Relations Associate Grace Le Chevallier

Seven alumnae gathered for the class of 1952 60th reunion on July 15, 2012. Alumnae came from states as far as Montana, Arizona and California. Mary Vinyard Sample and Barbara Senko Beaulieu planned this year’s reunion. The class joined the Sisters for Mass and then gathered for a brunch in the Villa for several hours. The class of 1952 has gathered at least every five years since graduation. They remain very close. Our own Sr. Lawdean Lamberger is a member of that class as well (pictured at far right, above). A few alumnae were unable to attend due to distance and health. Sadly, Marcella O’Meara Olson ’52 passed the day of the reunion, July 15, 2012.

 You are invited to join us for Sr. Juliana Monti’s Retirement Party!

The school community, Sisters, alumni and friends are invited to celebrate Sr. M. Juliana Monti and her 41 years of service bringing music to our campus community.

Join us for an open house Sunday, May 20, from 2-4 p.m. in the Valley Catholic Elementary & Middle School Cafeteria located in the center of campus at 4420 SW St. Mary’s Dr. Beaverton, OR 97007.

This celebration will include performances from current students and alumni from the following choirs:

• Large Choir: He Never Failed Me Yet
• Kingsmen: Kiss the Girl
• Woman’s Chorale: Away from the Roll of the Sea

Alumni, please email Grace LeChevallier at glechevallier@ssmoministries.org if you are interested in singing with these groups. Refreshments will be served.

If you are interested in contributing pictures of Sr. Juliana to add to our slideshow, please email Sharla Tinsen at stinsen@ssmoministries.org.

Please note: An additional celebration for Sister will be held on Sunday, Sept. 16 during Alumni Weekend after 10 a.m. Mass.

Submitted by Development Assistant Grace Le Chevallier

Nearly 75 guests gathered at Valley Catholic Elementary/Middle School for “Valley Vintage” the first annual alumni wine tasting. Alumni and Sisters from all generations enjoyed wine, music, food and conversation. Guests tasted wines from four local vineyards: Bjornson, Cooper Mountain, Garden Vineyard and Provincial. The jazz music of Scot Crandal  set the ambiance while a variety of meats and cheeses complimented the fine wines. 

 Moments of sunshine illuminated the lobby of the new building and glistened off the wine glasses. 

Christine Wilson Goodner ’95 and Julie Fahey ’91 each won a bottle of wine donated by Hawks View Cellars and Anuva Wines (owned by Daniel Karlin, son of High School English and Art Teacher Marty Karlin).

It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon–renewing old friendships, making new friends, and of course tasting wine!

[Show as slideshow]

Alumni (21+) are invited to Valley Vintage: An Alumni Wine Tasting.

Alumni are like fine wines, aged to perfection. 

On Sunday, February 26th from 2-5 p.m. alumni and a guest are invited to a complimentary wine tasting. This event will be held at our beautiful, new Elementary and Middle School (4420 SW Mary’s Dr. Beaverton, OR 97007).

This first annual alumni wine tasting will feature small, local, up-and-coming vineyards. At this social event, each guest will enjoy wine tastings, a complimentary glass of wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

This is a free event and there will be an opportunity to purchase bottles of wine from the wineries.  

Over 100 Alumni gathered back on campus for Varsity Basketball vs. Warrenton. As Alumni entered the new Valiants gym many were greeted by old friend, Grandpa Jake. Grandpa Jake was thrilled to see old faces and tell stories of days gone by. The Patron Store t-shirt cannon was a huge hit.  Many alumni tried their best as the Alumni Free Throw Completion, but only Sam Bethel made the swoosh. Both the Boys and Girls teams beat Warrenton. After the games many stayed to honor the 2007 teams on their 5 year Anniversary of their state victories (Boys- 1^st place and Girls-2^nd place).

Adria Gredvig was the lucky recipient of the Raccoon Lodge gift certificate. Thank you to Raccoon Lodge for their generosity and hosting our after party. We filled the Raccoon Lodge pub with Valiant spirit and plenty of good cheer. Once a Valiant, Always a Valiant!

Thank you to all our young alumni for sharing their college wisdom with our current seniors. As always Mr. Bernard and eager seniors were full of questions for our alumni panel. Valley Catholic Alumni from a variety of universities ranging from OSU to Johns Hopkins shared their college advice. After the panel discussion our young alumni reconnected with old friends and teachers over subway sandwiches and Christmas cookies.